Looking for help with Nikon

[Hackney]

I've been asked for advice on cameras by my sister in law. Seems she's looking at Nikon, but I have a Canon and don't consider myself an expert.

She's looking at Nikon 3100 deals in Jessops.
It looks like a Nikon just launched the 3200 which has much higher resolution (24MP vs 15MP) although there are no lens deals yet as it's so new. There's also the 5100

3100 = £362.50
3100 + 55-200 lens = £499.95
3200 = £514.08
5100 = £499

Prices are all from Jessops. Appreciate there may be better deals out there but for the moment it's the model that's important.

I think she's fairly new to photography and this would be first DSLR, my recommendation would be go for the 3100 bundle as it would be better to get that extra lens and learn the ins and outs before deciding to spend more. And the 3200 may be higher MP but would you really recognise the difference?

Any recommendations are advice I can pass on?
Thanks

[andy-xr]

That 55-200 gives weird colours, have a look at the 18-200 instead and check it'll work with the focus on the D3100/3200 (I cant remember if the lens is AF-S)

[ian in lancs]

What will she be shooting?

[Simpo Two]

15Mp should be more than enough so my thought is to save the money for better lenses.

You'll need another lens anyway as 55-200mm isn't going to give any wide angle or even 'standard' view.

[GetCarter]

Simpo Two said:

15Mp should be more than enough so my thought is to save the money for better lenses.

You'll need another lens anyway as 55-200mm isn't going to give any wide angle or even 'standard' view.

This.

[Gad-Westy]

andy-xr said:

That 55-200 gives weird colours, have a look at the 18-200 instead and check it'll work with the focus on the D3100/3200 (I cant remember if the lens is AF-S)

The Nikon 18-200? It is AF-S but it's £600 on its own.

I'd vote for the D3100. Personally I'd probably buy body only and look for something like a used 18-70 but I would understand anybody who would prefer to buy a brand new kit for a bit of peace of mind. Surely they do one with a 18-55?

ETA, just found this.

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/81730...

Deal is for two lenses. Looks very good value.

[eltawater]

Bought a D3100 earlier in the year so will write a longer reply from home tonight.

Any reason why she wouldn't buy a Canon so she can share your lenses?

[NiceCupOfTea]

I agree that that bundle with the 55-200 seems odd if that is the only lens included.

My D70s came with an 18-70 AF-S kit lens which got reasonable reviews and it is my standard go-to lens on my D200 now. It's a great catch all. Maybe get the body and a s/h 18-70. If she wants a zoom later, the Nikkor 70-200 VR is a decent enough lens and I think mine only cost £150 or so.

[eltawater]

The 362.50 base bundle quoted by the OP includes the 18-55 kit lens.

This though:
> 3100 + 55-200 lens = £499.95
This 55-200 lens is the NON VR version in the jessops bundle.

[NiceCupOfTea]

eltawater said:

The 362.50 base bundle quoted by the OP includes the 18-55 kit lens.

This though:
> 3100 + 55-200 lens = £499.95
This 55-200 lens is the NON VR version in the jessops bundle.

£140 seems a lot for the non-VR version, I'm sure my VR wasn't much more than that. Mind you, it was at Adorama (NY) about 5 years ago...

[eltawater]

Well, this *is* jessops we're talking about...

Deal quoted:
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/81730...


Lens VR version:
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/50317...

[Hackney]

eltawater said:

Bought a D3100 earlier in the year so will write a longer reply from home tonight.

Any reason why she wouldn't buy a Canon so she can share your lenses?

Thanks for the help.
I would recommend the Canon myself but she had been looking at Nikon and asked about 3100 vs 5100 specifically. And she's in Belfast, I'm in London so lens sharing isn't an option.

Thanks
Gareth

[eltawater]

Ok,
The D3100 is a fine camera for a starter, but make sure she's wandered into a shop and got her hands on one as it must "feel" right. The body is really light and easy to hold, but some of the placements of the buttons (most notably the F lock near the shutter) can be really fiddly and annoying.

To me, it's not got the fastest reacting shutter button in the world which can get a little frustrating as you realise it's re-focussed instead of taking that snap you wanted.

Some gotchas to be aware of:

1) The batteries must be genuine nikon, the camera is coded to only recognise those which means you're out of luck with cheap third party batteries

2) There's no lens motor in the body, which means that all the lovely cheap older Nikon / compatible lenses on ebay are useless unless you like manually focussing. Nikkor and compatible lenses must be AF-S or similar, and even then there's no guarantee that they'll fully work, as some of the Tamrons won't autofocus in live view for example.

3) As a beginner, don't bother with the 55-200 as she'll soon get bored of constantly switching between this lens and the kit lens, especially the bundle 55-200 as that comes without vibration reduction. Better to save the cash and buy a prime 35/50mm and a decent telephoto.

4) Megapixel count is fine for a beginner, the important thing is to save the cash and invest in some really decent lenses. Some stunning shots can be had with 14MPx without cropping if coupled with some really good quality glass.

Do I regret not waiting out for the D3200? Nope, I've invested the savings in some great lenses instead

[Simpo Two]

eltawater said:

she'll soon get bored of constantly switching between this lens and the kit lens... buy a prime 35/50mm and a decent telephoto.

Which would equally require switching!




My other point is don't obsess over VR. None of my 'business' lenses are VR. Only on something like a 70-300mm does it start to be useful IMHO.

[Ali Chappussy]

eltawater said:

Ok,
The D3100 is a fine camera for a starter, but make sure she's wandered into a shop and got her hands on one as it must "feel" right. The body is really light

I've just bought a grip for my 3100 and I've got to say it has improved the feel and balance of the camera with a zoom lens on, considerably.

Got it for £22 off EBay.