New SLR camera? Body or lens?
I have a sony a200 with the 18 - 70 lens, it was my dads and he gave it to me when he no longer wanted it.
As my birthdays coming up I thought I should ask for a newer one, like the nikon d3100 or a canon camera. As they'll record (the a200 doesn't) and have higher megapixles/do different effects and such?
But I heard a lot of people say its not about the body, its about the lens?
I'm not sure whether to ask for a new dslr, or just get another lens?
As i would rather spend £150 on a lens that will be the same as buying a £400 new DSLR?
What should I do?
Get the new camera. The choice of lenses for the sony will be limited
Not a popular suggestion with the Nikon and Canon fanboys who make up much of the forum (but a sensible one to actual photographers) - get a longer zoom. The choice is limited to Sony, Minolta, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina.
The ONLY reason to buy a new camera is if the old one doesn't cut it - and video in SLRs is more of a selling-point than an actual capability. You'd be sorely disappointed.
You may well have to replace your existing body at some point - but if you've lenses and flash to fit a Sony, there's no crime in buying a more modern one when the time comes.
It is about both and Nikon has over double the number of available lenses as does Sony
The Nikon system, unlike Sony, includes professional level cameras.
There are many reasons to switch to Nikon.
* Sony uses a proprietary flash hot shoe
* Sony has only been in the still camera business since 2005 when they bought the camera division of Minolta
* Nikon has been making professional SLR's since the introduction of the Nikon F in 1959
* As you can see, the sensor in the D3100 out performs the A200
http://www.dxomark.com/...and2)/Sony
IF the only reason you are wanting to buy the D3100 is because of its video "feature", don't do it.
Here is why
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/camcorders/cam-cam.shtml
You already have a great dSLR. You can ask for a fast lens like a 50mm f/1.4 for low-light shooting and easily blurring backgrounds or a long lens like a 70-300mm for getting near that tiger at the zoo. If you want to have video capability, ask for a digital camcorder instead.