Nikon SLR Cameras

Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D5100?

Guest
19.01.2018
Guest

I'm just a beginner and I'm looking for a decent camera to use. At first I was looking at the D3200 and found some but I came across the D5100 and I thought it was a newer camera but it came out before the D3200. The D5100 has lower megapixels so the pictures won't come out as clear I think or sharp enough? I was planning on getting the D5100 but I'm not so sure because it has lower megapixels. The higher the megapixels the better the picture will come out, so should I get the D3200 or just stick with the D5100?

Gwyn
19.01.2018
Gwyn

D3300 is excellent!

Andrew
19.01.2018
Andrew

So why are you only looking at Nikon? The Pentax K-70 will blow either out of the water.

Land-shark
19.01.2018
Land-shark

Megapixels crammed too tightly together actually makes for worse image quality as a result of more digital noise that needs to be processed out. Pro cameras use the bigger 35mm sensor on which there's space to spread the individual light sensors out.
The main difference between the Nikon 3**** and 5**** series is that the later has an articulating LCD panel on the back which is useful for video blogging use and taking still photos at interesting angles. You also get longer battery life. Time-lapse, a wider pixel area (as mentioned) and bracketing. If you went for the 5300 you'd get an additional 3 years tech advances including built in wi-fi and GPS.

Iridflare
19.01.2018
Iridflare

"The D5100 has lower megapixels so the pictures won't come out as clear I think or sharp enough?"
Not true - the idea that more pixels = better images is just a marketing ply to dupe people into constantly looking for a newer / better camera. To be fair, newer cameras may have technical improvements like more accurate and quicker focussing, and more sensitive / less noisy sensors, but it's harder to express those as a single number that the buyer can play top trumps with.

Vinegar Taster
19.01.2018
Vinegar Taster

Both are nice cameras.
I can get magazine quality photos with my Nikon D80.
If you don't have a clue what you're doing, a 25 MP camera won't do any good.

Long Tooth
19.01.2018
Long Tooth

Have you considered other features and functions besides megapixels. Does the D3200 have a tilting display, and what does this do for the way you use the camera?

letmepicyou
20.01.2018
letmepicyou

Is there a reason you're considering only Nikon? Not that they aren't fine cameras, but Canon has their fair share of good stuff, too. The T6s and T7i are great beginner cameras, the 77D and 80D are great "pro-sumer" level cameras, and of course there are all of Canon's full-sensor cameras like the 5D MkIV, the 5DS, the 5DR, the list goes on.

keerok
20.01.2018
keerok

"The higher the megapixels, the better the picture." Haha!

Megapixels only tell picture size. It has nothing to do with picture quality. For that, you skill counts most.

The D5100 may be older than the D3200 but it certainly has other features you may want like the articulated rear LCD. Then again, both do not autofocus with all AF Nikon-F mount lenses and knowing that you will get the same picture anyway whatever dSLR you choose, that rotating LCD may not be as important as it seems especially if the difference in price is a deal-breaker.

Kalico
20.01.2018
Kalico

Instead of those nice cameras, look at the nicer Nikon D5300. If you can't afford to buy it new, look into a USED or refurbished D5300 and save money. It has Autofocus, 24-MP sensor and an articulating rear monitor plus many other features, functions and options you'll enjoy using. Go into a camera shop and hold it in your hands, peer through the viewfinder, turn it on and try the Autofocus function and you're sure to be pleased with it. The real trick is to buy only from well-known reputable places like B&H or Adorama in NYC or KEH.com on the Internet… Places that stand by their sales and honor warranties. Let me give you something to think about, it's better to pay a few extra dollars and not have to worry about your purchase.