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Which Camera?

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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
I've narrowed it down to either the Nikon D3100 or the Nikon D5100. There is around a 250 dollar difference between the two, and being short on cash, I'm wondering if the d5100 really has 250 dollars worth more of features/quality. Post anything about your experiences with the two camera's, I'd like to know as much as I can before I make that decision. Thanks
Dec 26 2011 10:26PM
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[evan]
Posts: 5628 - Karma: 117
What do you want a DSLR for? Video or photo?
Dec 26 2011 10:37PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
both
Dec 26 2011 10:54PM
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[evan]
Posts: 5628 - Karma: 117
Are you planning on getting a handle (dont get a handle), because if so the rotating screen on the D5100 will be SUPER helpful, if you're just using a tripod/glidecam...no problemas.

But seriously, if you want to do any serious filming, dont get either.
Dec 26 2011 10:56PM
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[evan]
Posts: 5628 - Karma: 117
I mean, i have the D3100 and love it, but have also used a D5100 and they are nearly identical. It's like the T2i and T3i, same camera, just the t3i has the fold out screen
Dec 26 2011 10:57PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
ill be using it mostly for photos because most of the filming i do is with my gopro. I think ill get the d3100 because if i were to get the d5100 i wouldnt have any money for accessories like a tripod, filters, etc.
Dec 27 2011 1:17AM
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,328
Definitely D5100. Better dynamic range, little better ISO performance, WAY better LCD screen, has a mic jack if you ever want to use it for more serious video (not a good idea), 4fps burst over 3fps.
Personally I think the D5100 is worth the extra money
Dec 27 2011 5:06AM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
Sorry I'm really new to this, what does dynamic range mean?
Dec 27 2011 12:03PM
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michael_bc
Posts: 1386 - Karma: 720
Definitely D5100:
- same size
- higher resolution, articulating screen
- better sensor (ISO & dynamic range)
- better for video

I'm not a fan of the D3100 viewfinder, and the low resolution screen makes it harder to judge wether shots were sharp or not.
Dec 27 2011 1:45PM
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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
Not really. Just use the + button to zoom into the part of the picture you want to check the focus of.

I'd honestly go with the 3100 and save money for lenses and stuff. I have a 3100 and a friend has the 5100, and the difference isn't really enough to justify the extra money. The 5100 sensor is nice, but not $250 nicer. You really won't notice a difference. Unless you really feel like you need a rotating screen, just stick with the 3100. If I was gonna buy something in Nikon's current line up over the 3100 it would have to be at least the D7000. The 7000 has the same sensor as the 5100 but has a better AF system, better build construction etc, which are things that really matter. The 2 megapixels between the 3100 and 5100 don't mean shit, so don't base your decision off of that.
Dec 27 2011 2:11PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
Alrighty I decided on the d3100, but not on a lens yet. I already have a 28-200, so I'm wondering if I should stick with the 18-55 kit lens or get something else like a 50mm 1.8 or something similar
Dec 29 2011 12:08AM
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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
The Nikon 50mm is really good for the price. How much do you have for a lens?
Dec 29 2011 2:23PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
just enough for that one at the moment but I could wait and save up for a better one
Dec 29 2011 6:37PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
I actually just found a refurbished d90 for $640. I'm considering buying that and waiting to get another lens. Is it a better camera than the d3100?
Dec 29 2011 6:52PM
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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
I'd definitely get that over the 3100. AF motor in body so you can AF with older lenses, and overall a better built body.
Dec 30 2011 3:53PM
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,328
If you don't want to do any video and don't need better ISO performance, IMO D90 is a much better camera than the D5100
Jan 1 2012 7:05AM
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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
Yep. And the ISO performance isn't THAT much worse.
Jan 1 2012 1:41PM
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