Wanting to upgrade slightly

Oldbones

Oldbones

Messages
422
Edit My Images
Yes
I have a Nikon D3100 which I have used for almost 18months, its done me proud and I have learned so much with it.
Now I am looking at getting the Nikon D3200 and it has some better specs and my lenses would fit and work with the body.
I am doing fine with the D3100 and I do think it is a bit of GAS going on but it would not be wasted as it would be used.
Question is would it be worthwhile to just go up one step from the 3100 to the 3200, or should I look into getting a greater divide between the D3100 and a new to me camera.
I want to stay with Nikon F mount D prefix for obvious reasons, what would be a sensible step up from the D3100.
Or should I just keep on going with what I have, and learn to make better photographs with an already capable camera although it is dated somewhat.
Thanks in advance
 
Oldbones said:
Question is would it be worthwhile to just go up one step from the 3100 to the 3200
Click to expand...

No, I don't think it's worthwhile - not to any of the 3XXX series. I would look for a used D7XXX series with separate control wheels for aperture and shutter speed, which will make controlling the camera quicker and easier.
 
Get what you want. The 5000 series are better and can do more in about the same size package. The 7000 series are much better but a bit bigger. The older D90 (there is one in the sales section) would be easier to use with the extra front dial and has nice colours but you won't gain much apart from that.

All the lenses that work with your camera will be fine with any F mount DX camera so you could get any DX DSLR.
 
Get either the D5600 or D7*00 series camera. Tiny incremental upgrades bring tiny benefits for disproportionate amounts of money. I would go for something like a D7100 if money is tight as there are more possibilities (such as using older lenses) than with the D3*00 or D5*00 series cameras.
 
If you are thinking about the 5600, the 5500 is almost identical and might be cheaper. The cheap end of Nikon DSLRs didn't really develop after the D3300 and D5500, if anything the 3400 and 3500 can do less.

D7200 is a nice camera with one of the best crop sensors ever made.
 
Possibly a bit more than you'd want to spend, but have you considered going mirrorless to a Nikon z50ii with 16-50? The prices secondhand else new from Cotswold/grey market would be more but much newer tech and specs.
 
Personally, I'd make a real upgrade rather than (basically) a sidegrade. 5*** or 7*** at least. If budget is a concern, just stick with what you've got and if/when you run up against performance or feature barriers, make a note of them and see what body removes the barriers while saving for the upgrade.
 
Stick with what you’ve got till you realise what it is you want to do better, then you’ll know what direction you want to move.

Basically you’ve got a feeling you’d like a better camera, but you need to wait till you know that you need a better camera to…
 
ancient_mariner said:
No, I don't think it's worthwhile - not to any of the 3XXX series. I would look for a used D7XXX series with separate control wheels for aperture and shutter speed, which will make controlling the camera quicker and easier.
Click to expand...
another vote for this

my first dslr was the d3100 in 2011 , i upgraded to a d7100 a couple of years later and the dual control wheels made a massive difference to my shooting just through handling improvements

i wouldnt see a d3xxx or d5xxx series as an upgrade but if you're not sure why you want to upgrade stick with the d3100 for now, its a competent camera, might be dated but it does what it says itt will do
 
The question would be why do you want to upgrade, what is it you're after? The D3200 does have a couple of key areas where it's an improvement over the D3100 in that it has 24mp vs 14mp, and has a better LCD screen and 2 stops better dynamic range, which is significant.

Is it worthwhile? I think it could be false economy, for the price of used DSLRs these days I think you'd be much better off jumping straight up to the D7200 as others have suggested, there's a good chance that you'll never need anything else.
 
Morning, thank you for the advise and questions concerning my thoughts on upgrading my D3100.
When I got the D3100 I really knew noting about photography or how to use a DSLR.
Time passed and I very slowly managed to figure some of it out, with may failures along the way and a few surprising outcomes.
Joining a club has really helped me, especially when watching the judging in the open comps, that gave me great insight into what was what, which was reinforced by the fact that the judge has no idea that it was I who took the photograph.
Quite encouraging when I get nice comments or commended for my efforts..
Upgrade, well what can I say about that and why., its just a feeling more than a want. The D3100 works fine and as I learn the ins and outs of it I push myself to try new things.
I would say that over 95% of the images I put on here are taken with the D3100 and a 35mm prime.
My shutter count on trips has gone down considerably but the quality of images has gone up.
Then I think, if I had more mega pixels would that improve my results, contrast and richness of colours.
I watch YouTube and get ideas from there, but I also am impressed with what some people do with older cameras.
There are people with thousands of pounds worth of gear at the club, some stunning examples of tech and some fantastic photographs.
Keeping up with the Jones is not what I am going to do, been there and done that with other hobbies, it was nice to own lovely stuff but it never improved my results.
I do have another camera, Nikon D70s which works fine but I have not really used it much, lenses I have some, the kit and a few primes, couple of 50mm and a 35 mm, and a Tamron 18/200, which I haven't tried with any real purpose.
I like the idea of the D5xxx as they have the articulated screen, the D7200, yes it look like I would never need another.
Time has come to explore with the D70s and the 18/200 lens, during which time I will save up and get a D7200
Thank you all for comments and advise, I know it takes time out of your day and such.
Thank you.
 
D70s is a great little camera. If you want bright colours, set it for colour mode 3. Use mode 1 for people . You might want to get a flash as it is not great in low light. The SB-800 flash is probably best value used.
 
I do have a flash for it but its the SB-600, I tried it today and yip its great for indoors.
Just been playing with the D70s, relearning the controls etc.
Still thinking about upgrading, but the D70s will be getting used in the near future
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top