Nikon 3100

[LinkinReef]

What do you guys think about this camera? I found it on sale at Best Buy with the 18-55mm VR Lens included.

Any advice on this one? Good? Bad?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon--....p;tab=reviews?id=1218237704411&skuId=1222817

 

[Misled]

It's ok. It's more the glass and the gray matter behind the camera.

 

[JaYbIrD1969]

Its a great little camera for the price. Keep in mind it does not have an auto focus motor drive. Which means if you want auto focus, you have to have AF lenses. It just limits your choices for affordable lenses in the future. If I remember correctly, the bayonet does not accept teleconverters either.

 

[VoidRaven]

Nice camera...great start into DSLR if you are not familiar with the SLR style of camera. It will give you a great platform to learn on and when you get to the point when you can't do things you want to do with the camera it will be time to upgrade. Body is good, good glass is better, but at the end of the day it's knowing how to use the tool that makes gold.

Currently I only get burnished brass at best...I got lots of practice to go!

 

[LinkinReef]

I'm definitely a starter with DSLR so I'm looking to get started with a "starter one". What exactly is the "auto focus motor drive" and why would I need it? What's the price difference if I were to get a lens with auto focus if I were to get this camera?

 

[Misled]

Some Nikon lenses, (and some after market also), don't have a motor in the lens. These won't auto focus on that camera. Lenses without a motor are normally marked AF or AF-D.

 

[WindyCityFlyer]

Shoots very nice Video , I shot a wedding with it. Was amazed at the quality of it. Good punch for the price.

 

[Toetapper]

its a great entry into Dslr i had one and loved it , here are a couple of shots i took with it on a Tamron 90mm Macro

My Iridis Wrasse by Toetapper01, on Flickr

Ocellaris Clownfish by Toetapper01, on Flickr

Pulsing Xenia by Toetapper01, on Flickr

Tri colour Acropora by Toetapper01, on Flickr

 

[LinkinReef]

Those are some great pictures! Definitely thinking buying it this weekend.

What about a D5100? Is there any major difference between these 2?

 

[LinkinReef]

I just borrowed a Nikon D40. I think I suck at this because they come out very dark lol

 

[LinkinReef]

 

[Coddigtion]

Its a good camera for the price, I would suggest looking into Canon. Also invest in some good glass, that is where you really need to spend your money.

 

[Lucifa68]

Hi toetapper, what settings did you use as I need a starting point.
Thanks,

 

[_Aaron_]

Those are some great pictures! Definitely thinking buying it this weekend.

What about a D5100? Is there any major difference between these 2?

D5100 is slightly better specced, I had one for a while and it takes good pictures. You won't go wrong with either.


Orange Lipped Conch by --Aaron--, on Flickr


Cynarina by --Aaron--, on Flickr


Copperband Butterfly by --Aaron--, on Flickr

 

[Toetapper]

Hi toetapper, what settings did you use as I need a starting point.
Thanks,

As a rough guide don't go above ISO 800 on the 3100 as noise starts to be an issue, 800 is very useable with a little noise reduction in post edit. your aperture and shutter speed is going to be a balance depending on what your shooting,how much depth of field you want etc.

 

[VoidRaven]

The D5100 would be a much better bet than the 3100 if you can swing it. My wife has the D5100 and the higher ISO performance on it is excellent. No fear at all of putting the camera to ISO 1600. On my Nikon D200 I NEVER thought of putting the ISO above 400 if I could avoid it at all costs. I upgraded to the D7000 and just shot a series for work at ISO 1600 without skipping a beat. The same can be said for the D5100 when compared against the D3100. If you can, select the D5100 if those are your two choices.