Upgrade

[amk1977]

I'm still in two minds with regards the articulated screens. I can definitely see the benefits in using them. There have been a few times when I'd like to have been able to see the screen without lying in the dirt myself or craning my neck lol.

The only thing I'd be concerned about is that its something that moves and if it moves, its liable to break, or at least the wires connected to it fail over time. You could guarantee this would happen just outside of warranty too! It wouldn't be a major selling point for me personally. I'd be more interested in the camera's low light/noise/iso ability, max shutter speed, etc.

Nikon make the better sensors, in terms of noise/iso performance and the D3s still holds the title after a couple of years now. Canon are currently beating the pants off Nikon in the HD video side of things though. In fact many advertisers and film makers are switching to the Canon 5D MKII precisely because of it video prowess. If memory serves, they shot the season finale of House MD on that camera. That's qutie something. You literally have to spend the best part of £10k more for professional equipment that will rival what the 5D MKII is capable of. We have one here, together with the 16-35mm f/2.8L USM. All I can say is the results are stunning!

It will be interesting to see what Nikon comes back with in the form of the D800. I hope they have overhauled their video mode to rival, if not exceed the 5DMKII. But then, what will the MKIII offer lol?? Its endless.

[Paulson]

I, too, would like to know your views on the OP's question.

I have got a D3100 and it was my entry into DSLR photography; it is a fantastic machine. However some things, such as the lack of auto exposure bracketing, frustrate me; I guess we need to ask why do we want to upgrade?

In many ways, it will be a long time before I truly outgrow what the D3100 is capable of - and for example, manual bracketing, while a pain, is not THAT hard. So I guess I'd like to turn the question around, and ask the more experienced among you, why, or at what point, SHOULD I consider upgrading, assuming I stick with a Nikon due to lenses already owned.

Thanks!

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by Paulson

I, too, would like to know your views on the OP's question.

I have got a D3100 and it was my entry into DSLR photography; it is a fantastic machine. However some things, such as the lack of auto exposure bracketing, frustrate me; I guess we need to ask why do we want to upgrade?

In many ways, it will be a long time before I truly outgrow what the D3100 is capable of - and for example, manual bracketing, while a pain, is not THAT hard. So I guess I'd like to turn the question around, and ask the more experienced among you, why, or at what point, SHOULD I consider upgrading, assuming I stick with a Nikon due to lenses already owned.

Thanks!

You only need to upgrade if your current camera doesn't meet all your requirements. Only you can decide that, and if the cost of doing so is a worthwhile investment. Noticed what you said about bracketing, but I hardly use this, so it wouldn't be a reason for me to upgrade.

[ian clark]

Looks like this thread is being overtaken by "whats new from Nikon".As I said I am thinking of going towards the D700O mainly for the 6fps and faster shutter as I find I am doing a fair bit of motorsport photos.
Howard09 have your photography skills past the abilities of the D3100, and have you exhausted all it has to offer.
If the answers are yes then upgrade to a camera body that offers what you want it to do if not stick with the D3100 and spend the money on better glass

[MattUK]

Originally Posted by amk1977

I'm still in two minds with regards the articulated screens. I can definitely see the benefits in using them. There have been a few times when I'd like to have been able to see the screen without lying in the dirt myself or craning my neck lol.

I went from the D5000 to the D7000, and can honestly say I don't miss the articulated screen at all. An LCD screen is way too temperamental with the light, and on a sunny day you can basically forget it.

[jet_kit]

Originally Posted by MattUK

I went from the D5000 to the D7000, and can honestly say I don't miss the articulated screen at all. An LCD screen is way too temperamental with the light, and on a sunny day you can basically forget it.

Hi Matt,

Can I guess you're under retirement age and don't shoot from ground level much? When you're knees start to give out you welcome any little aid like an articulated LCD.