Which DSLR camera to choose?
It's either the Nikon D3100 from costco which comes with the standard 18-55mm VR Lens AND another 55-200mm VR Lens in addition to a bag, sd card, and guide books. Then there's the Nikon d5100 pack http://www.adorama.com/...100KA.html, it comes with the bag, sd card, and starter lens, an extra battery, but no extra lens. They are both $650ish, and I know the D5100 is better, but the D3100 comes with an extra lens. Thoughts?
I'd probably go with the D5100. What I like is the LCD screen that can be moved so it's facing inward.
This protects it from damage. More features.
Once you become a wizz with the 18-55mm, you can look for a factory demo / refurbished 55-200mm VR lens. The one I bought is in as new condition.
What kind of photographs do you want to take and what quality do you Really need? I always did far more landscape and nature shots than indoor shots. I prefer the 55-200 lens because the other one is of limited use for anything except shots in small rooms. So it depends on your budget and your lens preferences. Since I no longer make 16x22 enlargements of my photos, I can live without the 5100, especiaslly for the lens I would actually use.
Strongly recommend Sony a57 for you… 10 frames per second at 16 megapixels… Continuous phase detection accurate fast focusing during video and burst mode, 100% viewfinder… Picture effects,… Built in mic jack… Articulated 921k dot screen… Using trublack technology for the screen… Stereo mic built in… Great choice of lenses… Great accessories… Service centers everywhere… Good in low light… And the price is entry level price…