Nikon D3100 - good deal or not
This look like a good deal?
Nikon D3100
Looking to get an entry level DSLR. Reading reviews this looks like it would be a good one for me. One site said something along the lines "good entry level camera for those looking to get into DSLR, but not ever wanting to get too serious into it." That basically describes me. What say ye all?
That same setup would be $794 @ B&H Photo.
B&H dealOriginally Posted By SDMF_Rebel:
That same setup would be $794 @ B&H Photo.
B&H deal
Ah very nice. Thanks.
I guess the follow-up questions would be, would this be the right choice?
what do you want to do with it? family snaps? landscapes? night photography?
Originally Posted By renraf:
Originally Posted By SDMF_Rebel:
That same setup would be $794 @ B&H Photo.
B&H deal
Ah very nice. Thanks.
I guess the follow-up questions would be, would this be the right choice?
That really depends. If you just want to have a nice camera for snap shots, it will be great. If you want to become an amateur photographer/hobbyist, I'd recommend spending a little more up front and dive into the D7000. That's not to say the D3100 isn't a great camera, because it is.
Mostly looking to do outdoor type shots. Living in AK gives lots of opportunity to for landscapes, animals, etc. I'd like to take some action type shots of people fishing, shooting, etc. Not 100% sure how/where to start.
Better to have a cheaper body and spend your coin on lenses than a high-end body and mediocre glass.
The 3100 is a very capable camera and can take great pictures. It is NOT an ideal point and shoot camera. If you study the camera and learn how to actually USE it's features it will take as good an image as my D300. (maybe better )
I use the 3100. It's a nice entry level body. Take the time to learn how to use it and then if you want to continue to a better body go for it. I paid $700 for mine a year ago and it came with two lenses., an 18-55 and a 55-200 zoom.
It was a kit setup purchased and COSTCO.
EBR666
I have a D3100 also and love it.
If you are comfortable buying
used and/or wanted to save a little bit of money check out the
refurbished kits B&H offers as well. If you plan on doing some landscape work might i recommend a
10 stop ND filter (52mm thread size for the 18-55mm lens) and a nice tripod & head combo. This will give you the ability to do long exposures during the day to get water/clouds to streak. It adds a very dramatic feel to photos imo. The downside of using this filter is that you must take it off every time you recompose or need to focus as it will just appear black through the viewfinder. The shutter speeds with this filter might be a little much to learn just starting out but i do recommend the addition of one for anyone who enjoys landscape work. As for the 55-200 vs 55-300mm a good rule of thumb is to make sure your shutter speed is no slower your current focal length to avoid blur (while hand holding). Both lenses have VR which should give you an extra stop or 2 to work with. If it were my choice i would opt for the 200mm though as it should be plenty of reach for your intended use + save you some money to put towards a nice backpack/bag or tripod.
If you don't plan on getting sucked in to the sickness that is photography the D3100 kit would be perfect imo. If you feel like you would eventually want a "better" camera check out the D7000 as mentioned or the D300s or pick up a used D700. Good glass > expensive camera body and in the end it's all the photographer anyways. Spending $1500 on gear wont make you take better photos than a $700 kit. Certainly there are benefits to moving to the higher grades of camera and more expensive glass. Photography can be a money pit so if you think you are going to get super into it, do it right the first time and if not, go the less expensive route.
