Is there any cameras that are just as good as the Nikon D3100?

I'm really thinking about purchasing this camera. But the only thing I don't like about it is, is that it's 2 years old. Is there any cameras that are just as good as the Nikon D3100 that are maybe at least a year newer?

Added (1). & does that camera have a good zoom? I need one with a pretty good zoom for close up pictures.

There aren't any that are "just as good" there are better cameras and worse cameras, look into the d5100 but really you shouldn't have any issues with the d3100 no matter how old it is (as long as you buy a new one).

Read Ken Rockwell's site.

He clears this up on the first page under "Recommended Cameras."

Answer appears to be, "D5100." But, "why" since the D3100 is almost as good, for less money.

The 3100 is still a good camera. I regularly use a 6 year old D200 and it does everything I need it to… The D3200 will probably be announced within a few months and will likely be on store shelves by mid summer.

We'd sort of expected the Nikon D3200 to be announced a couple of days back. It's spec should be very similar to Sony's SLT-A57 only with a pentaprism (optical) viewfinder.

When it comes to DSLR type cameras, it's not the camera that is responsible for "zoom" but the lens. There's also the issue here that you are talking about zoom, and then close-up which could mean you are actually looking for a "macro" lens which is slightly different.

The D3100, just like any other DSLR, doesn't have zoom at all. The part that actually zooms is the lens. You buy different lenses to get different zoom ranges. For example telephoto lenses for stuff that's far away or macro lenses for close up shots. E. G. The 105mm f/2.8 Micro lens from Nikon is about $800-900 new, but there are cheaper alternatives like the 40mm for about $250.

There should be an announcement for a D3200 pretty soon, so if you can wait a couple of months it will replace the D3100 and you can buy a brand new camera that just came out.

Just because it's 2 years old doesn't make any difference. My D200 was discontinued in 2007; I bought one in 2009.

One of these days you kids will realize it's not the camera…

There are better cameras, but they cost more. That is not to suggest the D3100 is not a good camera in it's price range.

But rumor has it that Nikon will be announcing the D3200 soon - perhaps as early as this month. As is typical, I would give it 3 months or so after the announcement of the replacement before it actually hits the dealer shelves.

If you can wait, you might want to see what the D3200 has to offer, as well as whether the D3100 will be discounted upon it's replacement by the D3200.

I purchased Canon EOS Rebel T3 camera a few days ago and I've had nothing but FUN with it! Aside from my simple Kodak Easyshare point and shoot, I had a Canon EOS Elan 7 (35mm) and had wanted to switch it over to Digital for several years. I decided on the Canon T3 mostly because of the affordable price. I felt like I was getting a very good value for my money. I was right! This camera takes amazing photos! Clear, crisp, true colour. It's very easy to use, right out of the box.