new to slr's

[bazer100]

Hi all

currently i have a fujifilm hs30, nice bridge and does take some good pictures, however i decided to move onto slr's, and my choice is Nikon, budget and experience has been pointing me to either the d3200 or d5100, i loooked in great detail at both and im kind of steering towards the d5100.. looking at it from my point of view the d3200 is maybe just a baby step up from my hs30 thats my thoughts, please tell me otherwise. seems to be alot more to learn and do on the d5100 and as i said budget in mind with the d5200 just coming out some stores have it at a nice price.. ive read all kinds of reviews online but would like to hear thoughts of people that have them! your thoughts are welcome

many thanks (sorry guys just realised probably the wrong place to post this!)

Baz

[donoreo]

This location is ok, I could move to beginning photography questions, it may get more views there.

I cannot answer to the Nikon's other than I would logically say go 5100 over 3200, but I do not know the specifics on each.

[Jediboy]

I dont use either of these cameras so can't advise I'm afraid.
What I would say though, is buy the one that suits you best, and has some longevity. If you really get into photography then you'll appreciate the 'better' camera.
Good luck.

[markgozz]

Like the others I have no first hand experience of either of these cameras but from my own experience of buying my first DSLR I would definitely think long and hard about buying the camera that allows you to grow into it as your skill levels grow rather than having a camera that you out grow in all too short a time .

Most modern cameras will give you excellent quality images but with varying amounts of artistic and photographic options .

Mark

[bazer100]

thanks for the replies, yeah kind of what i thought really. seems daft to side step to the d3200... d5100 looking good!

thanks again

baz

[John B.]

Originally Posted by bazer100

thanks for the replies, yeah kind of what i thought really. seems daft to side step to the d3200... d5100 looking good!

I have the D5100 and it's an excellent camera. It's 16.2 megapixels and has more features than I can use. The articulated screen is great for when you want to get low views of a subject but don't want to lay on the ground to compose.

It has a built-in intervalometer for time delay shots such as star trails.

If I was to try to explain all the features I'd have to write volumes. I've had mine since last Spring, and have yet to find any fault with it.

I also have a D80 which has internal focusing, but the D5100 doesn't have that, so you'll need autofocusing lenses unless you don't mind using manual focus. If a lens has the AF inscription on it, then you know it's autofocus.

Here is a recent shot taken with it, but don't buy a camera because of pretty pictures.

[wavemachine]

I would go to a camera shop and try various cameras and see which one you get on with, try and find comparible cameras in other makes such as the Canon 650D, see which one feels more comfortable and how you get on with the controls etc.

I say that because I went to buy a Nikon 40D as my first camera but tried the Canon 350D in the shop, in my case I preferred the Canon as it felt more comfortable in my hands.

Also do your homework on prices from reputable dealers on the Web (not grey imports) and see if a camera shop can match it or get close (I did that with my 7D and got it a few quid cheaper than online).

[bazer100]

thanks for both of your replies, and alot of good things been said, i agree on the last one about trying to get "a" shop to match prices if you like, much much cheapness online and if they want a sale they will need to be able to loosen up a tad.. many thanks again

baz