Beginner question

[Papperclippy]

I'm hoping to get some valuable insight from the current owners of the d5100. After researching the Internet and forums, I feel like I'm ready to finally purchase our first sale camera. My two options are the 5100 or newer 5200. It seems like the 5200 is not that much of an upgrade where current 5100 owners are trying to get the new one. But for a beginner, would you guys recommend spending the extra money for the newer version or buy the nicely priced tried and true 5100?

Background, extremely new to photography but eager to learn this as a new hobby. Currently use a canon sd1400 point and shoot but hate it so my iPhone captures more pictures. Mostly gonna be using it for baby pictures but will hopefully expand to other areas. At first, wasn't concerned about video, but the idea of not having to take a camera and camcorder sounds appealing.

The 5100 is nicely priced and seems rock solid performing. The 5200 seems a little nicer, but not sure if my skill level would benefit from it. I read one review about how the 5200 has an issue focusing like the 7000, but haven't seen any other posts about it. The 5200 options display seems a likes its displayed more user friendly.

Random question, is it an issue that its not weatherproof. I don't plan on using it in a downpour, but does humidity affect these cameras? Thanks for reading and replying

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

If budget is not a problem then I would go for the 5200. With a baby in the house then you might need that extra money so then buy the 5100. Or buy the 5100 and save the difference and buy more lenses or a good flash. You really can't go wrong either way.

 

[Dave_W]

I agree with Don and vote the D5200. There are plenty of technical reasons why - EXPEED 3 vs. EXPEED 2, etc, but there's a more practical reason. Remember your first attempt to ride a bike as a kid? I'm thinking it came with training wheels which your parents took off as soon as you were competent enough to ride without them. In the case of your camera, the D5100 is a little like a bike with training wheels only you can never take them off whereas the D5200 has the training wheels but you can take them off as soon as you feel comfortable.

Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little (or a lot) but my point is to buy a camera a little above your leave so you can grow into it. You will very quickly master the D5100 and after you do you'll forever be wondering if the D5200 wouldn't have been a better buy.

 

[§am]

I'd say on paper the D5200 doesn't bring too much extra to the table over the D5100, so save some money and get the D5100.
Use the saved cash for later down the line or for a prime

 

[gqtuazon]

The way I look at it, it's better to overkill since some of the features that you might not know how to use now might be beneficial in the future as your skills improve. You don't need to use all of the features of your camera just like with our cell phones and computers but its nice to know that they are there if the need arises.

Your lens purchase and a speed light (flash) will also play an important role with your decision. Better save up and get it right the first time instead of buying something mediocre and then selling it afterwards.

 

[SkvLTD]

If budget isn't an issue, I'd honestly just get a much more proper D7000. Its right up there with 5200 price wise, but 52 is really an updated 51 where as 7000 is a whole different beast.

 

[Papperclippy]

Thanks for the help everybody. After playing with them in the store, we got the d5200. Now it's onto learning about it and how to photoshop and everything else that comes with the territory

 

[Crispy]

Awesome! Welcome to the fold. I, like you, felt like I needed something a little better for shots of the kids and I've been happy with the D5100 but obviously the 5200 is a great choice which I didn't have when I bought. Not that you're asking but I'd suggest torturing yourself with shooting in manual for a while to force learning the camera and pick up something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D5200-Snapshots-Great-Shots/dp/0321913124

Work wonders for me (probably advice I got here originally too!) For me, part of the fun is figuring out the right settings and either getting it right or learning from the mistake.