Nikon SLR Cameras

Which SLR camera to buy?

Juan
Juan

I'm a 17 year-old boy who likes, and has as hobby, to photograph. I do like a lot to take photos because it makes me feel good, but it is not my biggest passion.
But that's not the point. What I actually want to ask is: Which SLR camera, not expensive because I won't be using it always, should I buy? Which brand as well. I saw the Nikon d3000 and the Nikon d3100, which were relatively cheap, but for what I saw they are kind off old! One I liked, which was "recent", was the Nikon d5100, and it looked interesting to me, but expensive, or are there any better/more recent cameras with the same or lower price?
I'm not an expert on the matter and don't know if Sony's or Canon's are better, but some help would be awesome.

Splodge Molly
Splodge Molly

The nikon d3100 in my opinion would be the perfect camera for you

Jim A
Jim A

Terms are important in photography and cameras. SLR refers to film cameras. What you're asking about is a DSLR camera D = digital.

I only recommend what I own and therefore know. The Rebel line from Canon are all excellent choices.

By the way depending on your definition of "expensive" they range from $600 - $950.

fhotoace
fhotoace

The D3100 should be just right for you as a beginning photographer.

It has many more features than the first dSLR that cost less than $5, 000, the D100 ($2, 000 for the body only in 2002) and that camera still performs very well when compared to any advanced P&S camera on the market today.

The deal with the about $900 D5100 is that it has a sensor that performs nearly as well as the much more expensive D7000, so in its way is a true bargain, but still expensive.

The D3100 will last you years and until you can shoot with it intuitively, the camera becoming an extension of your eye, I would suggest you spend any additional money on more lenses to expand your view of the world around you

Link to what fields of view different lenses "see"

http://imaging.nikon.com/...simulator/

keerok
keerok

Any brand is great, any model will do. All dSLR's are basically the same. The newer and more expensive the camera is, the more recent the technology, the more range of controls, the more megapixels, the larger the LCD and the more accessible the controls are. In photography, you get exactly what you paid for.

Eric Len
Eric Len

Both, Canon and Nikon are great. Skip Sony as they're quite new to this.

Nikon D3000 is 3 years old, while D3100 came out last year and is much better, with higher max ISO, less noise, live view, video, and it's fairly cheap.

Nikon D5100 has an articulating screen and that's the only difference.

Canon has EOS T3, T2i and T3i that compete with them. All will be just fine, it depends on your budget and needs.

Here's a DSLR Buying Guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/which-dslr-to-buy/

Ciprian
Ciprian

No matter what camera you decide to buy, expensive or cheaper, must be something you like.
price-quality ratio for beginners as Nikon D3000, talent and pleasure still more important than any gadget.
You can make a comparison here: http://www.what-cameras.com/

super
super

I suggest to go with Nikon D5100 The D5100 was purchased as an upgrade from the Nikon D40. I must say that it was money well spent and a great step up. As a co-worker told me about this camera, "It just takes great pictures!" It's true. With the Scenes settings, you can make things very simple and allow the camera to adjust to the type of shot you are making. It will do so very well. If you're more of a hands-on/advanced type, there are plenty of ways for the photographer to take full charge of the settings to manipulate the shot.