Decisions, Decisions (DSLR - Nikon D3100)

C

CKealy

Suspended / Banned
Messages
6
Name
Chris
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi all,

I'm thinking of getting my first DSLR and am looking for a little bit of advice (I realise this is a common topic, apologies). I mostly take landscape shots and street photography, including street art/graffiti (if you want a better idea see my flickr in sig). I don't do portraits as I'm far too shy to actually ask someone if I could take their picture. So if you have any hints on how to get over this they'd be very welcome too!

I've narrowed my choice down to the Nikon D3100 as it seems to be the best recommended starter DSLR from what I've found. I know it's a slightly older model but I'm a bit strapped for cash (about to finish my postgrad, funds very low) and I've read that the newer model isn't significantly clearer/better/what have you. Does this seem ok in your opinion, or should I not waste my money, wait longer and get the D3200?

I've read that on the D3100 you can't adjust exposure (ISO?) manually, that you can only change it by changing the presets, or by loading it as a setting on the function (Fn) button, which is apparently annoying/niggly? That was one of my biggest grievances with my point and shoot, which has since died on me. Is it true that you can't adjust ISO independently on the D3100? I've also read that above a certain ISO (possibly 1600?) that the D3100 starts to get a lot of noise. In your experience would this be a big problem, or would it be rare to shoot at that level of ISO? Sorry, I'm pretty much the definition of a noob when it comes to gear.

Regarding lenses I was wondering if getting the standard lens is worth it or should I go for body only and a good lens? I know next to nothing about lenses but I'd imagine they normally give jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none lenses with the beginner models. Is it worth getting it (it's the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens)? And if not what lens would you recommend? I believe the D3100 requires AF-S lenses, does this limitation get annoying once you're experienced with the camera/DSLR and want to start expanding, or is the range extensive enough to suit most requirements?

Also while on lenses, f/# means aperture I know, but I was wondering when looking at lenses to buy, if there's only one f/# does that mean you can't change the aperture? Also what does f/#G mean?

tl;dr
Basically, would you guys recommend the Nikon D3100 as a starter DSLR, and would you get the standard lens, or go for a better, more expensive one? My budget is not very high, about €500. I've found the D3100 with the 18-55mm lens online for around €400. Seems like a good deal?

Thanks in advance!

Chris.
 
Don't be afraid to look at used equipment to make your funds go further. MPB is very popular and you could get a D90 and a lens for your budget.
 
If there is only one F/n that means that aperture is available throughout the zoom (or it is a prime lens and fixed length, i.e. non zoom) If you see f/3.5-5.6 on a 18 - 55 for example it means it will be minimum of f/3.5 at 18 and f/5.6 at 55 and in between that accordingly.
 
You can change the ISO at any time, it just doesnt have a dedicated button, so you either have to go into the menu to change it, or assign it to the function button.

Most cameras at ISO 1600 show noise, the D3100 is actually very good this high, far better than say the D90.

The G in the prefix is just Nikons lastest range of lenses, can be ignored. Almost all lenses made since 1998 are AF-S, and there are very few that arent, or havent been upgraded. They can be a bit more expensive, but the are generally better specced than the older lenses, with better coatings and stuff, so its really not an issue.

The 18-55 is ok, as you say, jack of all trades. Its certainly good enough to get started with. maybe when funds allow, add a 35mm f/1.8 in too, and you'll have a nice little setup.
 
I bought the D3100 last year with the kit lens (18-55mm) and have not regretted it. The lens can take cracking pictures and the only thing that holds me back is my ability. Go for it if you want to buy new. If you are happy with buying second hand then you could get the D90 as suggested above.
 
The D3100 is a cracking bit of kit, as said above the Fn button can be allocated for iso ,so changing iso takes no time to adjust and i don't find it fiddly to change at all, I bought mine with the 18-55 which gives good results but rarely goes on since i got myself the 35mm 1.8 and the 50mm 1.4g
 
I've had a D3000 for a few years now and it's been an excellent starter camera and still exceeds my abilities! I've expanded my lens collection but the kit lens did me fine for a good while.
As others have said you do need to go into the menu to change the ISO but its easy enough to navigate to.
If I had any complaints it would be that the body is a little small for people with larger hands so you might want to try one before you buy...my Dads D90 on the other hand is much more comfortable.
 
Thanks guys for all the helpful comments!

@foggy4ever: Cheers for the website, although to be honest I'm quite drawn to the D3100 partly for the advice it offers on various settings and adjustments, as it'll be my first DSLR I'm quite attracted by the idea of having a portable coach. I feel it might help me on my journey into the world of proper photography! But I do reckon I may purchase from this site, thanks very much for the link!

@ernesto: Thanks for clearing up my lens question, as I've only used point and shoots before the big thing that has confused me is the range of lenses available and their various functions. Thanks for helping me with my understanding of the f/#!

@TCR4x4: That's good to know, I read in a review that it was annoying not to have a dedicated control but it doesn't sound too bad from your description. Good to know it handles noise at high ISO too, I'm quite a night owl but have never had a camera that can capture some of my ramblings well, hopefully soon I will!

@Scots_equine & Yuri F: Cheers guys, good to know that the D3100 is a decent piece of kit according to some people who actually know about it. Have been checking out its specifications and it seems good, but to a certain extent its just a bunch of numbers to me!

@Tunbridge: Thanks great to know that the range in general is pretty good, I'm sure it'll well exceed my own abilities for a good while too, but it's always good to push oneself! I'm not a big guy at all so I can't see the size being too much of a problem but that bodes well that it isn't an enormous camera, one of my major reservations about purchasing a DSLR was the size in comparison to my rather compact one now which can fit easily into a jeans pocket.
 
There is some great advice on here. I have been looking for negative comments about this model and haven't found any real negatives. I'm going to the states and will be looking for one whilst there. :-)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top