Nikon D3100

[MCFADDEN5]

I am looking at buying the new Nikon d3100. We have never used a dslr camera, but are tired of getting lack luster photos from our point and shoot, but we are a little afraid of getting into a camera that is over our head.
We are not looking to set the photo world on fire, just looking for a camera with a great zoom and some easy to use options for some creative photos. I have read that the new guide on the D3100 can give you just that.
Does anyoe have an opion of the new Nikon D3100.
Thanks.

 

[ukcatfan]

It is a good camera, but I would not buy it for a built in guide. A good book like Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson will only set you back $20 and teach you a lot more. As for which camera, you should compare the specs of all in your price range to see which might be the best for you. Then try to get out and handle them in person. Also be aware that DSLR's do not have a zoom. The lens has it. The typical included lens is 18-55mm or 3x, so is not much zoom. You will probably want another telephoto lens to go with it or upgrade to a lens that covers more like an 18-200mm

 

[MCFADDEN5]

Thanks. The we are looking at a bundle that also comes with a 55-200mm telephoto lens. So lost when it comes to cameras!

 

[divabydisney]

I have the Nikon DSLR 3000 ( nto sure if they sell that anymore). I got it at best buy and it also came as a bundle with an adl lens. My sister has the 5000? We both totally love it. I wish now, I would've got the 5000 or the one that has video in it. Not sure if the 3100 does or not. It would be nice to take video and pics without the extra video camera. I agree though that the point and shoot just aren't worth it. I've heard good things about the Sony Nex. It just came out and is a bit lighter than the DSLRs but has same photo quality. It also comes with adl lens.

 

[Romero]

My experience with Nikon is not that good. Try switching to Canon, They are very good in dslr technology.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

 

[mom2rtk]

Gosh..... not too much popcorn gets eaten over here! Pass me some, will you?

 

[zackiedawg]

Ooh, that's rare...a Nikon smackdown from Canon. Usually it's both of those two talking smack on Pentax and Sony...what a nice change to be sitting on the sidelines eating popcorn for this one!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Gosh..... not too much popcorn gets eaten over here! Pass me some, will you?

Here you go...

what a nice change to be sitting on the sidelines eating popcorn for this one!

And for you... (Don't forget Olympus!)

 

[Skatermom23]

I just spent the last week comparing the Nikon D3100 and the new D5100. I finally settled on the D5100 even though I am also a newbie to this game. It was a tough decision, especially since Costco just reduced the bundle pack on the D3100. I think it is down to $779 plus tax for the two lens, camera bag and video! That is an amazing price.

 

[DVC Mike]

I just spent the last week comparing the Nikon D3100 and the new D5100. I finally settled on the D5100 even though I am also a newbie to this game. It was a tough decision, especially since Costco just reduced the bundle pack on the D3100. I think it is down to $779 plus tax for the two lens, camera bag and video! That is an amazing price.

Congrats on your Nikon D5100.

 

[MCFADDEN5]

Well, I went with the Nikon 3100. Will i need to purchase an extra battery? How long does the charge typically last?

 

[mom2rtk]

Well, I went with the Nikon 3100. Will i need to purchase an extra battery? How long does the charge typically last?

I can't imagine NOT having an extra batter, even if it's just as backup.

 

[TC09]

Well, I went with the Nikon 3100. Will i need to purchase an extra battery? How long does the charge typically last?

I've read you'll get 550 shots per charge... I'm assuming that's without using the video feature. I agree with the above post. You should pick up an extra battery, especially for trips.

Btw, congrats on picking up the D3100!

 

[photo_chick]

Well, I went with the Nikon 3100. Will i need to purchase an extra battery? How long does the charge typically last?

Get one even if you don't think you'll need it because there will be a day when you go to grab that camera and your battery dies. You'll be glad you have a second one ready to go.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Get one even if you don't think you'll need it because there will be a day when you go to grab that camera and your battery dies. You'll be glad you have a second one ready to go.

Take a sharpie and mark the batteries. Make sure you rotate them through the camera every time one runs dry and you want to charge the old one.

When I got my Canon, I immidiately bought a second battery. And because I was getting several HUNDRED shots per charge, I never popped the second battery in. Now adays that second battery barely holds a charge because it sat unused for so long.

 

[Wadecool]

Take a sharpie and mark the batteries. Make sure you rotate them through the camera every time one runs dry and you want to charge the old one.

When I got my Canon, I immidiately bought a second battery. And because I was getting several HUNDRED shots per charge, I never popped the second battery in. Now adays that second battery barely holds a charge because it sat unused for so long.

Totally agree with the idea of marking both batteries so that you can rotate them and keep them from going bad. I did this as soon as I purchased my second battery.

 

[mom2rtk]

Totally agree with the idea of marking both batteries so that you can rotate them and keep them from going bad. I did this as soon as I purchased my second battery.

And thanks fo ChiSoxKeith for the reminder on this. I've been pretty careless about it of late.

 

[MCFADDEN5]

Thanks so much for all you advice! I did go ahead and order an extra battery. I agree, it's nice to have a back up!
We will spending the summer learning how to use it before our September trip! Hope to come home with some beautiful shots of Disney!

 

[Wadecool]

Thanks so much for all you advice! I did go ahead and order an extra battery. I agree, it's nice to have a back up!
We will spending the summer learning how to use it before our September trip! Hope to come home with some beautiful shots of Disney!

You are very smart to purchase camera well in advance of your big trip. I bought ours in January prior to our trip in May and was able to take it on a bunch of day trips and tinker around with the settings. I'm nowhere near an expert, but I know how to use several of the settings for various shooting opportunities. I met a guy on the Monorail on our first day heading to MK and he had the same camera (D3100) and he literally bought it the day before he left home. I told him good luck!