Is this a good choice for my 18 yr old who wants to move into serious photography? Difference with the D3200?
1268371
If she is really serious then the 3200 is a better choice. It will give sharper pictures , especially if she crops pictures.
11398
Never had Nikon 3200. But heard from expert in the field the d5200 is better.
369535
I own the D80 with 18-135 lens and love it. Yes, you sacrifice a tad of fabulousness by picking the lens with the broader range, but I wanted bang-for-buck versatility first. I recommend getting at least *one* of the Nikon-Nikkor lenses, since they have proprietary circuitry that (I believe) the after-markets don't. The one thing you'd gain by starting with the 18-55 lens is that it *is* quite a bit smaller. I hate to mention it here, but I found - post-purchase - my local (Atlanta) membership w'house had a kit with *both* lenses for less than I paid for the body + lens.
1680732
It's OK, but you are looking at f4.5 rather than 1.4 or 1.8 with a prime. Plus, you get a sharper image with a prime. If you are a pro, stick with the prime. You will probably get fewer keepers on a camera like a D800 if you are looking for details. For casual its fine.
2016003
The D3100 is lighter and smaller-but not by much either way. The swivel screen is a big deal; it definitely increases the functionality of the camera, e.g., self-portraits, low and overhead shots, and video. Image quality is a wash. Yes, the D5100 has better dynamic range, but that will only matter if you shoot RAW and post-process. The D3100 is significantly more user friendly for noobies. Its controls are better arranged and better thought out, so it won't be hard to quickly get started. The D5100 has a few more capabilities that advanced beginners and enthusiasts on a budget will appreciate. Bracketing for HDR shooting is the feature that stands out. There are also a few more options in video including the option for an external mic on the D5100. As an enthusiast looking for a small, compact, economical camera to complement my enthusiast-level Canon cameras, I opted for the D5100 instead of one of the Canon Rebel series (I've owned three and finally concluded that the Rebel AF was inadequate for my needs). However, making a recommendation to someone who had never used a DSLR or SLR, and just wants to get better pictures of family and friends, I would unequivocally recommend the D3100. However, for someone who thought that photography might become a serious hobby, the D5100 is the obvious step-up choice to get instead of the D3100. Another consideration is how it feels in your hands. Both cameras are very small for DSLRs. Users with big hands are well-advised to try these cameras before buying. I've heard lots of complaints that these cameras are simply too small to comfortably use.
2096570
Depends on what you are planning to use the lens for. If you are into wildlife photography then you may need the 18-300.The 18-200 is a pretty compact lens while the 18-300 is huge and weighs about 10 more ounces. Check out this link to see the relative sizes..........http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/comparisons/DX-super-zooms/index.htm As far as Leon's criticism of this lens is concerned I would definitely not call this a poor lens. Just keep in mind that as with any superzoom there are compromises that have to be made. It would not be fair to compare the sharpness of this lens with a prime lens or with a pro quality zoom lens like the 24-70 f/2.8. So if you are into pixel peeping you will be disappointed. This is a good walk about lens that lets you capture a variety of scenes without having to change lens. This is not a fast lens and needs good lighting to capture good photographs. In summary if you are looking for a portrait lens look elsewhere but if you are looking for a lens that you can travel with and capture vacation memories then the flexibility that this lens provides you is excellent.
780551
I think it is ok for a beginner, because he can use it immediately, as a point and shoot camera. The difference is that this camera will permit the gradual discovery of a lot of new possibilities, to beginners really interested in photography. .
1672482
Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens?~ Dan Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6... » Read More Hi Eric,Thanks for your reply. I've already went ahead and bought the D3100 (got advice from some other people somewhere else on the internets ;)I received it yesterday and it does seem to be a very solid camera with lots of features that have me overwhelmed to say the least since I am a beginner in the world of photography.I do have one question: why is it that everyone recommends those lenses? How vastly different are they from the lens the comes with the camera? For example, what would a 35mm 1.8g do differently or better than the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens?~ Dan « Show Less
557831
I think it's great. It's made me a much better amateur photographer. As far as how current it is, this is the first DSLR I've had any experience with. I have no reference point from which to judge if it's outdate or not.
597146
The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode.Personally I'm glad I ended up choosing the Nikon D300, it's such an amazing camera...I hope this was helpful The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode.Personally... » Read More The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode.Personally I'm glad I ended up choosing the Nikon D300, it's such an amazing camera...I hope this was helpful « Show Less
1275273
Let me start with a few obligatory questions: how much experience do you have with photography, what do you want to photograph, and how much are you willing to spend?? The Rebel XT is a great camera. You can start learning on it, and continue with it for a long time. I currently use one. The biggest limitations this camera has are: Slow fps (3) Extremely small buffer if one shoots RAW (I shoot RAW exclusively, and the buffer only holds 4 shots) Small(ish) screen - the 2.5 on the 30d makes me drool... Rear wheel on higher canon models seems more efficient than four buttons Smallish, and plastic construction. Don't let these turn you away - I am a sports shooter, and that is very demanding on the equipment. You said you want to do a little semi-pro; for that reason, I would reccommend the canon 30d for you if you can afford it. The higher fps, bigger screen, larger buffer, better build quality, and rear wheel would all be of benefit. But if you don't want to splurge on the 30d, the rebel makes a fine choice. Don't forget that the newer 400d has come out - it is an upgraded version of this camera. And most of all, remember that the camera can only capture what a lens sees. Invest in some good glass.
347546
I bought the Xsi and then took it back and got the D90. All I can say is that, although I liked the Xsi, i am super happy with my decision to get the D90. I can't think of a better balance of quality and price. I shot my first wedding this weekend and the pictures were phenomenal. Good luck.
827135
it's an exceptional improvement, and it wold be good for landscapes and small venues. If you want something even better then go with nikon 17-55 f2.8 however that's around 1.4k dollars
298202
Canon, Nikon, Sony, Oly, Pentax all make good dSLRs. You just have to find the one that fits you. I think Oly probably leads the pack in features in the entry level market with the 510. Noise is not quite as good at higher ISO as Nikon (speaking of my D50) or the Canons I have seen but you only can judge if it is good enough for your use. I think the colors and metering are quite good in the Oly.
971918
I bought Nikon D3200 for my this semester's photography class in school and it's gorgeous red color and moderate price actually attract me a lot! Although it is not as powerful as higher level's cameras, it is still suitable to a beginner.
2009035
I really enjoy my D3200. It takes great pictures. I think it would take great concert pictures, but lighting could be a problem depending on your proximity to the stage. I don't think the built-in flash would work well at a distance. However, there are times when I turn the flash off for indoor photos because it takes great photos in low light. You could take pics in manual mode also. This camera takes great video, also.
1324961
The D50 was a wonderful camera in its day, and will still give beautiful photos. I still own mine as a backup camera. However, I would consider something with 12MP. The main problem I have with 6.1MP is cropping... the detail isn't there on a small-window crop. In my opinion the D50 gives a more vibrant image. So follow your budget. The D50 has an internal focus motor so it accepts older and third-party lenses. The view screen is a little smaller and the menu options aren't as great as newer cameras. By today's standards the D50 is obsolete so don't pay too much.