A bit more advice needed folks...

DaveW

Senior Member
Hi all,
I am in the market for a new camera and have been concentrating on the D3100. Before I ask a bit of advice I will tell you where I am in photography and what I want to do with the new camera.

I have been using a Nikon D50 which came with the 18-70 lens. I have had this camera for a few years now but only use it for special events when I want a guaranteed good photo – party shots, informal shots at friends weddings etc, and recently at a friend’s 50th birthday. There have been many of these things over the last few years and as the camera is very easy to use, and because in a small way am relied upon to take some good photo’s, I have been getting more keen the more I do it.

I would now like to expand myself and try my hand at portraits with off camera flash, either with speedlite and softbox/umbrella, or strobe etc.
Now I know I could do that with the camera I already have but I feel it’s time to move on, and get a couple of much better lenses, etc. One thing about the D50 I don’t like is the 100,000 mega pixel 2 inch screen which although ok ish is nowhere near the quality of the modern one’s.

I wouldn’t say money is no object, but am willing to go the extra mile on expense if I need to, to get a better camera than the D3100, but don’t want to overkill either.

Lenses and equipment aside, do you think a D3100 is a good move forward to do what I want to do, or do you think I should be looking at a higher model like the D5100 or D90? If I was a pro or semi pro I would leapfrog these and get the D7000 but I’m not and just a hobbyist. And when I say hobbyist, I still consider myself a beginner.

I know I started another thread recently asking sort of a similar thing but didn’t explain myself enough to get a valid opinion. I haven’t set my heart on the D3100 or any model yet, but am swaying towards it because of simplicity.
So basically I’m asking advice on which way to proceed. Go for the D3100 or forget it and head for a higher model?
 

Joseph Bautsch

New member
If you are really getting into photography as a hobby, then you will probably out grow the D3100 very quickly. If you just want to take better pictures than you are currently then the D3100 is a good choice. Where you want to go with your photography is a question you will need answer for yourself. If you want to go to the advanced amateur level then you should consider the D7000. (The D7000 is not a pro level camera). Going to the D7000 is a big step but you have been using the D50 for some time and are familiar with the Nikon features and functions system. With the D7000 you can start out using easy features and grow into the rest of them over time. If you do decide to go to the advanced amateur level, buy the best body you can afford with a kit lens, learn to use the Nikon digital functions and features and then go for the glass.
 

Rick M

Senior Member
I have had the D3100 for about 6 months and agree completely with Joseph. The best features to me are it's size and sensor. It is a fantastic, powerful and compact unit. As much as I love it, I see myself outgrowing it sooner than latter. The more I get into photograhy, even as a hobbyist, I'm looking for more features. If I were shopping now I would go right to the D7000. The D90 is a great choice also, but personally I would want the newer sensor of the D7000.
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
From the D50, I would recommend the D90. It's a great camera with the screw focus (so you can use other lenses than AF-S) and the files are not too big. If what you are after is large prints or very high quality files, than the D7000 would be great.
I have both D90 and 7000 and when I first got the 7000 I found that the shooting technique was more demanding than the D90. There is also the lens thing. You might be better investing in the D90 and getting a top notch lens than getting the 7000 with the kit lens (which is fine but not as good as the 17-55 2.8). Also, there are new camera models that come out every 2-3 years where the lenses are there to stay much longer and keep their value.

But both would take you along fine and would make you want to shoot more.

Best of luck with your decision.
 

nickt

Senior Member
Hi, I bought a d3100 early this year. Its a great camera. I originally got it for reasons of light-weight/size and cost. I wasn't sure that I was fully committed to getting back in the hobby and the d3100 kit was at a good price for me. As it turns out, I am enjoying photography as a hobby again.
I still like the 3100 for its lightness and size. With a kit lens installed, its nothing to carry around. However, as I got some heavier lenses, it felt a little unbalanced in my hand. No room for the pinky finger to share the weight.
I also re-found my interest in low light and macro photography. Although I picked up an inexpensive wired release for the 3100, it is awkward to use and carry around for when I might need a slow shutter speed.
Also, while its very easy to find your way through the d3100 menus, it can take some time if you want to change metering and focusing from shot to shot. They can be hard (but not impossible) to see in bright sunlight and also too bright if you are lurking around in the dark.
With these items in mind I went ahead and got a d7000 last month. I totally love it so far. Although its heavier, its easier to grip so it feels lighter and more balanced. I like that I can use the tiny ML-L3 wireless remote. I like that the d7k has more direct buttons so I can quickly change settings. The top lcd is easy to see in bright sun and less blinding in the dark. These were my my key sway points.
You might want to try various cameras at a local shop. Try them with a heavier lens if possible. Download and thoroughly read the manuals of models you are considering. While you may not need extra features, see if they will help you grow as a photographer and provide some fun and inspiration.
 

Sambr

Senior Member
D3100 is an excellent choice, however from what you have indicated you will outgrow it quickly. I would recommend the D7000 first - simply because it is outstanding in IQ and feature, also it being Nikon's latest offering. The second choice would be the D300s again a great camera that would allow you to expand your creativity.
 

Curt

Senior Member
I agree, I have a D7000 and it is a fantastic camera body. Double card slots, high ISO, great new sensor.
The tech on this camera you will not out grow for many years. So many features over the D3100, just do a bit of reading and you will see that it is a very good choice. Sure it is more money, but in the long run you will be really happy with the D7000 and won't have to up grade in a year or two and lose money on the D3100. Just my 2 cents...lol.
 
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