Help a friend choose

K57XR · 09-23-2013, 02:59 PM

Greetings all,

A friend of fine is looking for a new camera to use for general photography – Landscapes, Close-Ups (macro), Moving subjects, Portraits, etc. Budget is limited to $500 no more, no less. It’s basically for a startup web developing business that is not photography in nature, but will require decent quality photos – better than a P&S.

Originally, a bridge camera (Fuji S8200) was the consideration but after realizing her future business plans I suggested that a full dSLR would be a better investment. For $500 the Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm/55-200mm non-VR lens at $496 seems to be a good startup kit. Her experience is limited to point-&-shoot however; she is willing to invest time and effort to practice her skills and understands a dSLR will be a steep learning curve.

I honestly do not have experience with the D3100 although the specs on paper are quite decent. “Used” is not an option so body plus 2-lens offerings from other brands including Pentax are out of the equation for the budget. Would anyone have experience with the D3100? Would you recommend it to a beginner?

Suggestions, opinions welcome

Cheers!

Adam · 09-23-2013, 03:32 PM

Originally posted by K57XR

Greetings all,

A friend of fine is looking for a new camera to use for general photography – Landscapes, Close-Ups (macro), Moving subjects, Portraits, etc. Budget is limited to $500 no more, no less. It’s basically for a startup web developing business that is not photography in nature, but will require decent quality photos – better than a P&S.

Originally, a bridge camera (Fuji S8200) was the consideration but after realizing her future business plans I suggested that a full dSLR would be a better investment. For $500 the Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm/55-200mm non-VR lens at $496 seems to be a good startup kit. Her experience is limited to point-&-shoot however; she is willing to invest time and effort to practice her skills and understands a dSLR will be a steep learning curve.

I honestly do not have experience with the D3100 although the specs on paper are quite decent. “Used” is not an option so body plus 2-lens offerings from other brands including Pentax are out of the equation for the budget. Would anyone have experience with the D3100? Would you recommend it to a beginner?

Suggestions, opinions welcome

Cheers!

The D3100 is fine for beginners, but the D5100 is a much better value and it has image quality that's basically on par with that of the K-30/K-5. The articulating LCD is also a nice bonus. It's $599 with the kit lens, a bit more but well worth it in the long run IMO. But if her budget is firm at $500 or less, then the D3100 is probably the way to go since you get the extra lens.

Nikon D5100 Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR 25478

pinholecam · 09-23-2013, 03:38 PM

Why not a K30?

BTW, the bridge camera is not a bad idea either.
No everyone will grow out of it into DSLRs.

calsan · 09-23-2013, 06:56 PM

For that budget, it's a shame that used is not an option.
It would be best to buy an old camera for $100 and then have $400 for a lens. In two years time you will have a camera worth $50 and a lens worth $400.

If you buy a new camera for $500, this year you will have a camera worth $400 and a lens worth $50. In two years, both will be worth $50.

Plus, the experience of using a rotten lens will put your friend off photography.

Kozlok · 09-23-2013, 07:24 PM

Just bought my daughter an Olympus PEN E-PL3 for $270 from Amazon. Leaves room in the budget for the 40-150, and change left over for Starbucks. It's a fun camera to use, much closer to the P&S experience without the small sensor of the bridge camera.

aleonx3 · 09-23-2013, 07:26 PM

Originally posted by calsan

For that budget, it's a shame that used is not an option.
It would be best to buy an old camera for $100 and then have $400 for a lens. In two years time you will have a camera worth $50 and a lens worth $400.

If you buy a new camera for $500, this year you will have a camera worth $400 and a lens worth $50. In two years, both will be worth $50.

Plus, the experience of using a rotten lens will put your friend off photography.

So true, my niece had a D3100 combo with the two kit lenses bought by her father a few years ago... she is now no longer interested in shooting with it any more (she uses iphone now).

K57XR · 09-23-2013, 09:18 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The D3100 is fine for beginners, but the D5100 is a much better value and it has image quality that's basically on par with that of the K-30/K-5. The articulating LCD is also a nice bonus. It's $599 with the kit lens, a bit more but well worth it in the long run IMO. But if her budget is firm at $500 or less, then the D3100 is probably the way to go since you get the extra lens.

Nikon D5100 Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR 25478

Thanks, Adam. I did look into the 3200, 5100 and 5200 but the budget is firm.

Originally posted by pinholecam

Why not a K30?

Budget limitation. It was actually one of my initial suggestion next to the D5100/D5200.

Originally posted by Kozlok

Just bought my daughter an Olympus PEN E-PL3 for $270 from Amazon. Leaves room in the budget for the 40-150, and change left over for Starbucks. It's a fun camera to use, much closer to the P&S experience without the small sensor of the bridge camera.

I suggested mirrorless at first - K-01 actually albeit used. Thanks for the PEN idea, I'll mention that to her. Other than Oly, any other mirrorless suggestions - Nex?

Originally posted by aleonx3

So true, my niece had a D3100 combo with the two kit lenses bought by her father a few years ago... she is now no longer interested in shooting with it any more (she uses iphone now).

My friend is going the other way around - a Samsung Galaxy S3 is currently her primary camera. Although not photography in nature but the web developing business she and her husband are starting up will need something better.

Last edited by K57XR; 09-23-2013 at 09:42 PM.

mee · 09-23-2013, 09:46 PM

As mentioned before.. nice lenses are what your friend needs more. Decent camera body, good lenses..

For macro, I'd get a true 1:1 macro.. sigma 105, pentax 100, etc.. going to run around 2-3 hundred likely
For landscape, perhaps a sigma 10-20.. going to run around 4-6 hundred likely

the bonus is, if not taking photos of skittish creatures (read: insects) then the a 50mm macro could be fine and could double as her portrait lens too.. but you're likely not taking photos of landscapes with a 50mm.. she'll want something much wider.. 18mm or less on APS-C format.. which means another lens

Likely she's looking at around 800-1000 USD for a decent setup.. not including flash(es), filters, software (RAW format images are powerful!), etc

Therefore, why NOT a bridge style that shoots in a raw mode?

Bernie_Rain · 09-24-2013, 07:17 AM

Hi,

I would recommend a bridge camera. I don't know how much a decent Panasonic bridge camera with Leica lens costs, but I think that they're good bridge cameras (Fuji also).
But a Pentax K-01 could also be a good choice.
The problem is that your friend wants to use the camera in a wide field of application (landscape, macro, portrait, action).
A DSLR excels in these fields only when used with the appropriate lens.

Regards,

Bernie

K57XR · 09-24-2013, 11:48 AM

After doing her homework and weighing her options she decided on dSLR rather than a high end bridge. Yes, lenses (with the exception of the kit) are the investment and not the body but for right now, the 2-lens D3100 kit would suffice their needs. Once they get accustomed to a dSLR down the road (long road) and find their kit lacking, they are open to lens upgrade.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

09-23-2013, 02:59 PM	#1
K57XR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 830	Help a friend choose Greetings all, A friend of fine is looking for a new camera to use for general photography – Landscapes, Close-Ups (macro), Moving subjects, Portraits, etc. Budget is limited to $500 no more, no less. It’s basically for a startup web developing business that is not photography in nature, but will require decent quality photos – better than a P&S. Originally, a bridge camera (Fuji S8200) was the consideration but after realizing her future business plans I suggested that a full dSLR would be a better investment. For $500 the Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm/55-200mm non-VR lens at $496 seems to be a good startup kit. Her experience is limited to point-&-shoot however; she is willing to invest time and effort to practice her skills and understands a dSLR will be a steep learning curve. I honestly do not have experience with the D3100 although the specs on paper are quite decent. “Used” is not an option so body plus 2-lens offerings from other brands including Pentax are out of the equation for the budget. Would anyone have experience with the D3100? Would you recommend it to a beginner? Suggestions, opinions welcome Cheers!

09-23-2013, 03:32 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by K57XR Greetings all, A friend of fine is looking for a new camera to use for general photography – Landscapes, Close-Ups (macro), Moving subjects, Portraits, etc. Budget is limited to $500 no more, no less. It’s basically for a startup web developing business that is not photography in nature, but will require decent quality photos – better than a P&S. Originally, a bridge camera (Fuji S8200) was the consideration but after realizing her future business plans I suggested that a full dSLR would be a better investment. For $500 the Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm/55-200mm non-VR lens at $496 seems to be a good startup kit. Her experience is limited to point-&-shoot however; she is willing to invest time and effort to practice her skills and understands a dSLR will be a steep learning curve. I honestly do not have experience with the D3100 although the specs on paper are quite decent. “Used” is not an option so body plus 2-lens offerings from other brands including Pentax are out of the equation for the budget. Would anyone have experience with the D3100? Would you recommend it to a beginner? Suggestions, opinions welcome Cheers! The D3100 is fine for beginners, but the D5100 is a much better value and it has image quality that's basically on par with that of the K-30/K-5. The articulating LCD is also a nice bonus. It's $599 with the kit lens, a bit more but well worth it in the long run IMO. But if her budget is firm at $500 or less, then the D3100 is probably the way to go since you get the extra lens. Nikon D5100 Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR 25478 Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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09-23-2013, 03:38 PM	#3
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,710	Why not a K30? BTW, the bridge camera is not a bad idea either. No everyone will grow out of it into DSLRs.

09-23-2013, 06:56 PM	#4
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,549	For that budget, it's a shame that used is not an option. It would be best to buy an old camera for $100 and then have $400 for a lens. In two years time you will have a camera worth $50 and a lens worth $400. If you buy a new camera for $500, this year you will have a camera worth $400 and a lens worth $50. In two years, both will be worth $50. Plus, the experience of using a rotten lens will put your friend off photography.

09-23-2013, 07:24 PM	#5
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	Just bought my daughter an Olympus PEN E-PL3 for $270 from Amazon. Leaves room in the budget for the 40-150, and change left over for Starbucks. It's a fun camera to use, much closer to the P&S experience without the small sensor of the bridge camera.

09-23-2013, 07:26 PM	#6
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by calsan For that budget, it's a shame that used is not an option. It would be best to buy an old camera for $100 and then have $400 for a lens. In two years time you will have a camera worth $50 and a lens worth $400. If you buy a new camera for $500, this year you will have a camera worth $400 and a lens worth $50. In two years, both will be worth $50. Plus, the experience of using a rotten lens will put your friend off photography. So true, my niece had a D3100 combo with the two kit lenses bought by her father a few years ago... she is now no longer interested in shooting with it any more (she uses iphone now).

09-23-2013, 09:18 PM	#7
K57XR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 830 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam The D3100 is fine for beginners, but the D5100 is a much better value and it has image quality that's basically on par with that of the K-30/K-5. The articulating LCD is also a nice bonus. It's $599 with the kit lens, a bit more but well worth it in the long run IMO. But if her budget is firm at $500 or less, then the D3100 is probably the way to go since you get the extra lens. Nikon D5100 Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR 25478 Thanks, Adam. I did look into the 3200, 5100 and 5200 but the budget is firm. Originally posted by pinholecam Why not a K30? Budget limitation. It was actually one of my initial suggestion next to the D5100/D5200. Originally posted by Kozlok Just bought my daughter an Olympus PEN E-PL3 for $270 from Amazon. Leaves room in the budget for the 40-150, and change left over for Starbucks. It's a fun camera to use, much closer to the P&S experience without the small sensor of the bridge camera. I suggested mirrorless at first - K-01 actually albeit used. Thanks for the PEN idea, I'll mention that to her. Other than Oly, any other mirrorless suggestions - Nex? Originally posted by aleonx3 So true, my niece had a D3100 combo with the two kit lenses bought by her father a few years ago... she is now no longer interested in shooting with it any more (she uses iphone now). My friend is going the other way around - a Samsung Galaxy S3 is currently her primary camera. Although not photography in nature but the web developing business she and her husband are starting up will need something better. Last edited by K57XR; 09-23-2013 at 09:42 PM.

09-23-2013, 09:46 PM	#8
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	As mentioned before.. nice lenses are what your friend needs more. Decent camera body, good lenses.. For macro, I'd get a true 1:1 macro.. sigma 105, pentax 100, etc.. going to run around 2-3 hundred likely For landscape, perhaps a sigma 10-20.. going to run around 4-6 hundred likely the bonus is, if not taking photos of skittish creatures (read: insects) then the a 50mm macro could be fine and could double as her portrait lens too.. but you're likely not taking photos of landscapes with a 50mm.. she'll want something much wider.. 18mm or less on APS-C format.. which means another lens Likely she's looking at around 800-1000 USD for a decent setup.. not including flash(es), filters, software (RAW format images are powerful!), etc Therefore, why NOT a bridge style that shoots in a raw mode?

09-24-2013, 07:17 AM	#9
Bernie_Rain Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Niedersachsen, Germany Posts: 67	Hi, I would recommend a bridge camera. I don't know how much a decent Panasonic bridge camera with Leica lens costs, but I think that they're good bridge cameras (Fuji also). But a Pentax K-01 could also be a good choice. The problem is that your friend wants to use the camera in a wide field of application (landscape, macro, portrait, action). A DSLR excels in these fields only when used with the appropriate lens. Regards, Bernie

09-24-2013, 11:48 AM	#10
K57XR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 830 Original Poster	After doing her homework and weighing her options she decided on dSLR rather than a high end bridge. Yes, lenses (with the exception of the kit) are the investment and not the body but for right now, the 2-lens D3100 kit would suffice their needs. Once they get accustomed to a dSLR down the road (long road) and find their kit lacking, they are open to lens upgrade. Thanks for all the suggestions.