Nikon D3200 or D5100

[Mickey1Fan]

I want a new Nikon DSLR and can not decide between the D3200 or D5100. Is anyone familiar with either or both?

Also, I have a D200 body and can not decide whether it is worth the $200 trade in I'm offered or if I should keep it. It is a nice camera body for sure. I'm just looking for something a little easier to use.

Thank you

 

[hakepb]

Here's an old discussion on a D200 vs the D5100:
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/38463093

The D200 is built like a tank (which could be good or bad I think it means more weather sealing) and has the internal focus motor (if you have lenses without a focus motor)
But the D5100 wins most other general comparisons in dynamic range and has video.

The d5100 has exposure bracketing (for HDR) a flip screen and argueably better high ISO performance.

The D3200's higher resolution sensor will look better....if you have pro level glass..otherwise you may not notice the difference.

In conclusion. Go to a store and handle both of them and choose the camera(s) that feel and operate best in your hands.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Just a quick question, but why not compare the current iterations of cameras? This would be the D3200 to the D5200. The D5100 little brother/sister was the D3100. It would be best to compare current technologies.

 

[hakepb]

Just a quick question, but why not compare the current iterations of cameras? This would be the D3200 to the D5200. The D5100 little brother/sister was the D3100. It would be best to compare current technologies.

Yes and no.
Last year the D3100 had an inferior sensor to the D5100, and that sensor drove many to the 5xxx level. Now, the D3200 has a version of the 24mp sensor that produces as much detail as any APSc sensor on the market...so it seems a number of D5100 owners upgraded to the D3200. It seems to be a lot more of a control issue than IQ, now.

 

[Mickey1Fan]

hakepd - To add to my confusion. My DS has suggested I get the D5200 with an 18-200 VR lens

I can get it for about $300 more than the D5100. No, I have no looked at the D5200 yet. Only the D5100. I understand the D5200 body is of better quality.

I hope to get to a camera store on Monday.

 

[hakepb]

It certainly depends on your use of the camera and your budget. The D5200 gets you the swivel screen and the more advanced AF tracking system from the more expensive D7000. (And several other improvements that users may or may not recognize like 14 bit RAW instead of 12 bit that has a hair more shadow recovery detail)

 

[Mickey1Fan]

Thank you. I am still completely confused and think I may just keep the D200 with the 18-200mm lens.

My son is talking about the D5200 with an 18-300mm lens.

Buying a camera is harder than buying a car!

 

[hakepb]

Thank you. I am still completely confused and think I may just keep the D200 with the 18-200mm lens.

My son is talking about the D5200 with an 18-300mm lens.

Buying a camera is harder than buying a car!

Sounds like a good plan to wait if you don't have a big need like better AF tracking or less noisy high ISO or you need a lighter weight body....specific requirements like that make shopping a bit easier.

If its just DS, you really need to think about how much you need more than 200mm. Although I'm not a Ken Rockwell fan, I liked this comment from a comparison test:
"This leaves us with the 18-200 and 18-300 for DX. Their similar performance makes the choice easy, since the 18-200 is smaller, lighter and less expensive, but the 18-300 goes to 300mm. Do you really want to pay the cost and and have to carry around the big 18-300 all the time just for the times you'll use 300 instead of 200mm? For me, I prefer the 18-200 , and if you really need and use 300mm, go ahead and get the 18-300 — just be forewarned that it's too big and heavy to enjoy carrying it all day."

 

[bubba's mom]

My son is talking about the D5200 with an 18-300mm lens.

Buying a camera is harder than buying a car!

I just upgraded from a p&s and got the 5100 & 18-300 lens in March. The tough part wasn't so much the camera, but the lens I wanted. (didn't want the kit lens)

If its just DS, you really need to think about how much you need more than 200mm. Although I'm not a Ken Rockwell fan, I liked this comment from a comparison test:
"This leaves us with the 18-200 and 18-300 for DX. Their similar performance makes the choice easy, since the 18-200 is smaller, lighter and less expensive, but the 18-300 goes to 300mm. Do you really want to pay the cost and and have to carry around the big 18-300 all the time just for the times you'll use 300 instead of 200mm? For me, I prefer the 18-200 , and if you really need and use 300mm, go ahead and get the 18-300 — just be forewarned that it's too big and heavy to enjoy carrying it all day."

One of MY biggest frustrations was not enough zoom on my p&s (hence the upgrade). The beginning of May, we stayed at the World Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. Our room had a view of the Swan and DTD. I was SO happy to have the 300mm zoom lens. I don't care that it's heavy, I carry it on my shoulder across the body and let it hang off the side. And, since it's the first and ONLY lens I have (so far), I don't know what it's like to carry a lighter camera. I don't mind the weight when I am so happy with the shots I can get.

Examples:

18mm from our balcony looking at the Swan (the triangle on the horizon)


52mm


and 300mm


Was a little humid and I didn't bring my filter because we were only down for the weekend for a family affair....didn't think I'd need it

I know it can be hard deciding what lens to get, so I will wish you good luck!

 

[OKW Lover]

hakepd - To add to my confusion. My DS has suggested I get the D5200 with an 18-200 VR lens

This!

I've had a 3100, a 5100 and now a 5200. Upgraded from the 3100 to the 5100 about a year ago mostly for the articulated view screen (as if we really need a excuse to upgrade our toys). Just upgraded to the 5200 for the new sensor.

I've used the 18-200 lens on all three bodies. Its a great lens for when you don't know exactly what shots you want to make. The down-side is that its heavy and the maximum f-stop of f3.8 isn't great in lower light situations. I find that most of my shots at WDW are in the 24-80 range.

 

[Mickey1Fan]

The camera purchase is complete.

I bought Nikon D200 from DS along with his 18-200 Nikkor lens.

He decided on the Nikon 5100 and the 18-300 Nikkor lens.

We are both very happy. Now all I have to do is learn how to use the D200

 

[bubba's mom]

Congrats! Best way to learn is to use!

and...your son made a wise choice too