Thread: D3100 VS D5100

Okay so I've been doing a lot of research and reading previous threads posted on here and I'm looking to get my first DSLR. At first I was thinking of getting the D5100 comparing it to the D5000 and they're not that much different aside from the video recording and the megapixels. I started comparing the 5100 with the 3100 and I know that a lot of people would say that the 3100 is a good camera for beginners but I am looking for something that is a good beginner camera but I don't want to have to get another camera down the road when I'm progressing my shots as time goes on. This is why I'm taking the D5100 into consideration but is there really a big difference between the two besides the video recording, megapixels, and noise levels during video. Is the D3100 capable of producing HDR shots just by shooting and no editing? I read that the D5100 has a built in HDR camera so that's a plus for me since I wanted to mess around with the concept of HDR. So what I really want to know is is it better just to get the D3100 instead of the D5100 since they're not that far off from each other? I won't be using either of them for video a lot. Also as far as lenses go should I just stick with the 18-55mm and 55-200mm? I would like to be able to zoom in about 30ft and still have a crisp picture. What sort of lenses will allow me to do that?

D3200 was announced today. Might wanna check it out.

If you want an 'entry level' body, pick up the new D3200 as it offers the same great ergonomics and light weight as the D3100 with an improved sensor. If you want a mid-level body, look at the D5100 - it has the sensor straight out of the D7000 but with a few on-body controls shifted to the LCD menu. The D3100 is a stellar camera as well and it should be going on sale with its successor going to market now.

I typed 'entry level' as I did since the camera you get has little substantive influence over the shots you get since all four bodies are great performers. You can get either one and notice more appreciable gains by getting nicer lenses over what you'd see going from a D3100 to a D7000. My suggestion is to get a D3100 or D3200 with the 18-55; in using it, you'll find yourself developing a preference for certain focal lengths and only though this usage will you be able to make any sound decision for going with more glass. When you do, you'll find there are tons of great lenses to suit any preference at many price points, be it a wide prime or a telephoto zoom.

Thanks for the input. I found someone who's selling their D3100 with the 18-55mm lens, battery grip, and 2 batteries for $450. I think I'm going to jump on it.

Good deal - hope you enjoy it.

I've got the D3100, ok its entry level but if you change up the lense then your onto a winner for the price.

dooo it !!

Taken shots like this with mine

^Nice shot! What lens were you using?

I've got another question. What does it mean when the shutter is rated for a certain number of actuations? Also is having 2000 photo's taken vs 8000 photo's taken play a big factor in determining the price?

The deal I found for $450 was gone before I could get to it

Consider most Nikons are 'rated' to 200,000 actuations; 'actuations' is synonymous with shots taken. At 2,000, you have barely broken the shutter in, as it's said; you don't really break it in, but it still has TONS of life left. At 8k, you still have more than 90% of the rated life left, and most shutters exceed that life.

When time comes to replace the shutter, you usually pay about $450 on a pro body. You can either replace it or get a new body. The point here is you don't have to worry about that for a very, very long time.

Thank you for the information! That helps a lot. As soon as I get it I'll be taking many pictures to start getting the hang of things.

Finally got my D3100. Has a shutter count of 767 and I got it for $450. Did I score? Can't wait to start shooting.