cbarnard7
No longer a newbie, moving up!
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2013
- Messages
- 587
- Reaction score
- 211
- Location
- Denver, Colorado
- Can others edit my Photos
- Photos NOT OK to edit
Hi Everyone,
I'm new to this site and figured I could rely on you all for some good advice!
I just recently purchased my first DSLR after using high-end point-and-shoot's for years. I decided to upgrade to a dslr after realizing photography wasn't just a fad, but something I truly enjoy and will for years.
Anyway, I purchased a D3100 (refurbished from adorama) a couple weeks ago and am pretty happy with it. I had heard great reviews about it being "the perfect entry-level dslr." I have a 18-55mm VR kit lens (which I love) and was looking to get a 55-200mm VR zoom lens for wildlife and soccer photography.
I am fairly competent with all the controls and usually shoot in manual mode while hiking here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado (which is my main usage-wildlife/landscape/sports). I keep seeing that the D5100 supposedly has significantly better image quality (similar to D7000) and I have found one online for less than $500 with the VR kit lens. I understand that the D7000 is better than both (with the 39 AF points and other things), but it's not in my budget. However, I am still in the 30-day return window and was wondering if you all think I should trade my 3100 for the 5100 or just spend it on better glass?
I am looking to possibly trade for the better sensor and higher ISO. Do you all think it's worth it, or should I just wait a couple years and upgrade to a semi-pro kit like the D7000?
I'm going on a road-trip to Arches/Canyonlands/Grand Canyon and want to make a decision (or no decision) soon!
Thanks everyone for your input! You are all awesome!
(Here are two images I took yesterday while hiking)
I'm new to this site and figured I could rely on you all for some good advice!
I just recently purchased my first DSLR after using high-end point-and-shoot's for years. I decided to upgrade to a dslr after realizing photography wasn't just a fad, but something I truly enjoy and will for years.
Anyway, I purchased a D3100 (refurbished from adorama) a couple weeks ago and am pretty happy with it. I had heard great reviews about it being "the perfect entry-level dslr." I have a 18-55mm VR kit lens (which I love) and was looking to get a 55-200mm VR zoom lens for wildlife and soccer photography.
I am fairly competent with all the controls and usually shoot in manual mode while hiking here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado (which is my main usage-wildlife/landscape/sports). I keep seeing that the D5100 supposedly has significantly better image quality (similar to D7000) and I have found one online for less than $500 with the VR kit lens. I understand that the D7000 is better than both (with the 39 AF points and other things), but it's not in my budget. However, I am still in the 30-day return window and was wondering if you all think I should trade my 3100 for the 5100 or just spend it on better glass?
I am looking to possibly trade for the better sensor and higher ISO. Do you all think it's worth it, or should I just wait a couple years and upgrade to a semi-pro kit like the D7000?
I'm going on a road-trip to Arches/Canyonlands/Grand Canyon and want to make a decision (or no decision) soon!
Thanks everyone for your input! You are all awesome!
(Here are two images I took yesterday while hiking)