D3100 or D3200

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IzZzy

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Hello hello

I have never ventured into this part of the forum because it scares me a little.

I have been wanting to get a proper camera for a while (and not use the camera on my Note) and considering that I have just booked a skiing trip in Dec to the Alps, now is the best time.

I am a complete beginner at this, but generally understand the concepts etc as I have been on a photography course before a while ago.

I have been browsing around and kind of settled on getting a D3100 kit (http://www.sacamera.co.za/product/1017429/Nikon_D3100_Body_with_1855VR_and_55200VR/) or the D3200 kit (http://www.makro.co.za/p/26981/nikon-d3200-twin-lens-bundle/)

Is the D3200 worth it for the extra bucks? I kind of feel like Jeremy Clarkson, but instead of shouting "power!", I shout "pixels!"
(and this is probably their selling point).

In addition, will I get the most bang for my buck with those two lenses, considering that I would be taking pics of the Alps and some indoors at brauhauses and other low light conditions.

I am keen to test out the camera at the Man Utd game in a few weeks :D

The makro special ends tomorrow, so any urgent comments would be appreciated :)

Thanks!
 
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Both are great entry level cameras. If your budget permits, get the D3200. If you want to do some low light indoor photography, consider getting a 35mm f/1.8 lens too.
 
D3200.

BTW they don't allow SLR cameras into sporting events and concerts :( For this reason you have to have a good P&S as well.
 
Good point, I have no idea. Damnit that sucks if they won't.

Just checked the price on that Nikon 35mm F1.8 DX AF-S lens. That certainly sets the budget back a bit!
 
Dec is still a long time away and there will be specials during that time so don't rush.

My one mate got a D5100 kit from Game for R7999, kit included:
Nikon D5100 body
Nikkor 18-55mm VR
Nikkor 55-200mm VR
Lexar 4gb SD card
Adobe Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements v10
Shoulder bag
 
Woah that is an awesome bargain. Yeah I generally get headstrong about things and make quick decisions.

I'll sit on this one until a proper special comes around better than Makro's current one. Definately would be nice if a SD card and a bag was thrown in.
 
For travel, I prefer a single lens (for example 18-200) rather than a two lens kit (18-55 and 55-200). It makes it much more convenient for walking around and taking photos on impulse. It may be a bit of a shlep to change lenses in the snow and with gloves on and then having to carry the other lens around.

On a recent trip to europe I used a D7000 with a Sigma 18-250 lens 95% of the time and a 35/f1.8 the remaining 5% (mostly evening shots). Most days I just had the camera over my shoulder (and a spare battery in my pocket, the D7000 has two memory card slots so that took care of an extra sd card). It's so much easier not having to carry another lens or backpack also.

On a side note, and I'm no expert in snow photography, but you may need one or two filters as well.


EDIT: typo
 
Nikon D3200 is better choice than Nikon D3100. It shoots faster and offers higher resolution screen 921k dots whereas n3100 offers 230k dots. D3200 provides higher true resolution and the maximum light sensitivity (6,400 ISO)that is 2 times better than the 3100.
 
Thanks JossM10 for the advice. I think I have definately settled on a D3200 - now just to find a special!

Mier, would you suggest a Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PIEZO DRIVE? Seems to be best value for (a lot of) money.

Would love to get it before the trip, but don't think I could afford it. Would have to settle for a backpack + changing lenses.

Assuming I get 3 lenses, the standard 18-55mm, 55-200mm and a 35mm f1.8, would I be missing much by leaving the 55-200mm at home?
 
IzZzy said:
Thanks JossM10 for the advice. I think I have definately settled on a D3200 - now just to find a special!

Mier, would you suggest a Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PIEZO DRIVE? Seems to be best value for (a lot of) money.

Would love to get it before the trip, but don't think I could afford it. Would have to settle for a backpack + changing lenses.

Assuming I get 3 lenses, the standard 18-55mm, 55-200mm and a 35mm f1.8, would I be missing much by leaving the 55-200mm at home?
Click to expand...

In terms of a "super-zoom" I would def have a look at the Nikon 18-200 VRII. Have been using it as my main lens since I got my D300s, and all I can say is that it is one of the most amazing zoom lenses I have ever used. Sharp at all apertures and focal lengths (After a slight adjustment of +4). Works wonderfully, and does everything I need it to do...

Besides the zoom, I have a nikon 50mm f/1.4 and am looking at getting myself a nikon 10.5mm fisheye in the near future
 
Okay so I got a quote for a D3200 "starter kit" for R7,900, and it includes:

(1) Nikon D3200;
(2) 18-55mm 1:3.5 - 5.6G VR;
(3) 55-200mm f4-5.6G AF-S IF-ED VR DX;
(4) 35mm f1.8 DX AF-S;
(5) 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G AF-S D;
(6) Lowepro Adventura TLZ top loading bag;
(7) Tiffen 52mm UV filter and 52mm polarizing filter;
(8) LCD screen protector;
(9) Pearstone 2 lens cap holder;
(10) Vello freewave wireless remote shutter release;
(11) Sandisk 16GB SDHC;
(12) Nikon SB-700 Speedlight flash.

Does this sound "too good to be true"? It is from a small retailer in, uhm, Kimberley.
 
IzZzy said:
Okay so I got a quote for a D3200 "starter kit" for R7,900, and it includes:

(1) Nikon D3200;
(2) 18-55mm 1:3.5 - 5.6G VR;
(3) 55-200mm f4-5.6G AF-S IF-ED VR DX;
(4) 35mm f1.8 DX AF-S;
(5) 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G AF-S D;
(6) Lowepro Adventura TLZ top loading bag;
(7) Tiffen 52mm UV filter and 52mm polarizing filter;
(8) LCD screen protector;
(9) Pearstone 2 lens cap holder;
(10) Vello freewave wireless remote shutter release;
(11) Sandisk 16GB SDHC;
(12) Nikon SB-700 Speedlight flash.

Does this sound "too good to be true"? It is from a small retailer in, uhm, Kimberley.
Click to expand...

Lol, got a link to their 'site'?
 
Their throwing in an additional SB-700 and 35mm lens etc, yet their still able to undercut Makro's special by R1000... Dude??
 
I know I know. Wish it were true! At the very least this might be pirate/grey goods.
 
lol, these scams are as old as the internet... and why are there 2 18-55 lenses in the bundle?
 
BTW. what's your budget and are you planning on taking photography more serious in future ? Perhaps a good bridge camera is an option ?
 
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