Nikon SLR Cameras

Can't decide between cameras?

Hannah
Hannah

Alright so I have a problem. I've been wanting to upgrade my point and shoot camera for forever, and finally just got the okay to do so with a vacation to Canada coming up and my mom wanting some quality photos. I've done some research, and I think I've narrowed it down to two cameras: the Nikon d3100 and d3200. My problem is that I don't have much DSLR experience, so I don't know which would be more beneficial to me. I found the d3100 for $509 (I've got about $230 in gift cards-birthday and Christmas money for the past two years that I've been saving for this purpose) and it comes with the 18-55 mm lens and the 55-200 mm lens. However, the d3200 for $500 seems to be better quality overall, but only comes with the 18-55 mm lens. I'd use this camera for my upcoming trip to Canada, as well as the photography class I'm starting up next school year, and sport events (equestrian sports and swimming mainly, if it makes a difference)
I just don't know which would be better based on what I would be using the camera for, so any advice from people with DSLR experience would be much appreciated. If I got the d3200 I wouldn't be able to get a second lens for at least another year because I'm spending basically all of my money paying for a trip to Germany to visit a friend.

Awffy Huffy
Awffy Huffy

It really is difficult to point someone in the direction of their first camera without actually knowing them…

Have a look at what's on offer from Canon, Pentax and Sony too… Their cameras are great quality and definitely worth checking out.

A great affordable option worth considering is the Nikon D5100, try and find one with the 18-105mm lens it's a really decent camera and with the 18-105 gives you plenty of scope for most subjects you will come across… The 18-105 will keep you happy for a year or two until you decide whether you want to invest in some prime lenses or something with a longer reach… I use the D5100 myself and honestly it's a fantastic camera for the money…

Research what the competition are offering too though… And try handling the different cameras just to see which brand or model feels best to you… Some cameras might have great specifications, you might not be comfortable with how it feels though… And that matters… A lot.

Jim A
Jim A

An excellent learning tool among dslr models would be the Canon t3 (1100D) Currently about $450.

Evgeny
Evgeny

The sensor of D3200 is much advanced then of D3100. But for you as beginning DSLR photographer I recommend… Olympus E-PM2 mirrorless camera with 2 kit lenses: 14-42 & 40-150. It's nice small and lightweight cam that will fit woman's hand greatly. You'll be able to shoot literally in ANY genre of photography (except maybe for highly dinamic scenes).

And the price is only… 400 USD!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...av-Search=

Have a nice time in Canada!

You could find out what lenses are suitable for different genres of photography with you camera with Photo Lens Finder: https://itunes.apple.com/...d828348957