Worth swapping the Nikon D3200 for the D5100?

Thrash

Thrash

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Hi guys,

I currently have the D3200 but I have spoke to the retailer and have been told I can return it, before I go past that cooling-off period I just wanted peoples views on whether I should exchange it for the D5100 or just hold onto it? Or whether there are any other contenders within the price range? I.e. D90 or similar.

I suppose I want to get the best value for money, the D3200 seems like a good camera but I dont want to outgrow it too quickly as has been mentioned on various websites so I am a bit wary about it being the beginner line but as far as I can see, at the minute at least, that doesnt make a difference. Ive noticed the D3200 images look very good with much better glass but the unfortunate reality is im not going to have the money to be buying pro range lenses within the next few years until I have a good income (student at the minute).

Ive read countless web articles and threads on forums but there doesnt really seem to be a firm decision on which is better, I think the screen on the D5100 would be good but its certainly not a deal breaker. I also have absolutely no use for videos at all (so the video recording of each makes no difference at all to me).

Just wondered what peoples thoughts were?

Thanks in advance, its appreciated.

Oh yeah and I forgot to add, im also potentially looking at the D7000 but the price difference is quite a lot, do you think it would be worth stretching that far for someone who is relatively new/not making money from photography?
 
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D7000, yes. D5100? I don't think so.
 
As you've no commitment to any brand as far as existing lenses go, I'm going to throw in a left field option - Pentax K-30 with £50 back making it £400 for the 18-55 kit.
If the seller can't offer Pentax, or that price, then stroll along to your nearest Jessop's for a look and play, after you've got your refund.

If it's still a Nikon you must have, then consider a pre-owned 5100 and a nice bit of glass or some combination thereof that falls into the budget you have to play with.
If it's not 2 years old, you should have the remainder of the warranty for peace of mind.

As for the stretching yourself financially - no!
Play the long game - pre-owned and decent lenses so that you're near the bottom of the depreciation curve.
Time enough in the future to splurge hard earned on a newer toy, if required.
 
PJ S said:
As you've no commitment to any brand as far as existing lenses go, I'm going to throw in a left field option - Pentax K-30 with £50 back making it £400 for the 18-55 kit.
If the seller can't offer Pentax, or that price, then stroll along to your nearest Jessop's for a look and play, after you've got your refund.

If it's still a Nikon you must have, then consider a pre-owned 5100 and a nice bit of glass or some combination thereof that falls into the budget you have to play with.
If it's not 2 years old, you should have the remainder of the warranty for peace of mind.

As for the stretching yourself financially - no!
Play the long game - pre-owned and decent lenses so that you're near the bottom of the depreciation curve.
Time enough in the future to splurge hard earned on a newer toy, if required.
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Well I have a few Nikon lenses so I would prefer to stick to them (35mm f1.8, Helios 58mm f2 and a pretty rare Kiron 80-200mm f4) so I would like to stick with Nikon as opposed to selling all of those. I think really my choices are keep the D3200 or go for; D5100, D200/300 maybe? D90 or anything older then those.
It also seems like its not even worth buying the D3200, D5100 or D3100 used with the cashback offers on at the moment, you can get £55 off a brand new D5100 which probably makes it almost cheaper then any used ones!
 
What change it at all? A camera is a camera. The 3200 is higher resolution than the 5100, has a great sensor, and performs well. The 5100 isn't a great step up. Your photography will not improve by upgrading your camera.
 
Pookeyhead said:
What change it at all? A camera is a camera. The 3200 is higher resolution than the 5100, has a great sensor, and performs well. The 5100 isn't a great step up. Your photography will not improve by upgrading your camera.
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Says the chap with a £2K body!
I love sages with their pearls of wisdom, who have the best toys telling those who don't, they don't need them.
Oxy and moronic doesn't even begin to cover it.

I agree Dave, that the camera is a tool, but only in the right hands.
For some people, a better tool might be the answer to encouraging a user to continue to persevere and pick up the camera, rather than become disheartened and leave it in a corner, to gather dust.

We don't know what photography the OP is into - but lower noise high ISO images, or faster burst rate could make enough of a difference to keep the OP's interest and spur him on to refine his techniques.
 
If I were buying new I wouldn't bother swapping to a D5100. My main camera is a D700 but I really like the D3100 I have at work, it's a cracking camera.

Personally I'd buy a 2nd hand D90 (which I had before getting the D700), that way most of the depreciation has already gone and you can sell on for little loss if/when the time comes. Also it will likely come with the 18-105 lens which is really good for the cash and has a very useful range.
 
Thrash said:
Well I have a few Nikon lenses so I would prefer to stick to them (35mm f1.8, Helios 58mm f2 and a pretty rare Kiron 80-200mm f4) so I would like to stick with Nikon as opposed to selling all of those. I think really my choices are keep the D3200 or go for; D5100, D200/300 maybe? D90 or anything older then those.
It also seems like its not even worth buying the D3200, D5100 or D3100 used with the cashback offers on at the moment, you can get £55 off a brand new D5100 which probably makes it almost cheaper then any used ones!
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Ah, I presumed you'd no commitment to the brand.
That being the case, and you mentioned the D7000 (mag alloy body, weather resistant with the appropriate lenses, no doubt), the usual pre-owned source shows a few sitting with 0 bids at £400 and a couple of days to go.

Assuming your D3200 is a kit version rather than body, that puts the price at circa £470.
I'll give you the joy of checking prices of the 18-55 and 18-105 kit lenses, and seeing how much extra you'll need to spend to have the better camera long term.

Sometimes it's often better to spend more initially, and reap the rewards for many a year, than to buy cheaper, and always be wishing you had something better or replacing more often as it wasn't built to last as long.
 
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Cheers for the replies guys, I appreciate it.

Im not 100% sure on getting rid of the D3200, I just thought id see what others thought before the end of the returns period so I can rest knowing ive made the right decision.

I was tempted by the D90 originally but its age put me off, I quite like the way the D3200 handles 800 ISO pretty well but my Canon would start going to pieces at that stage despite it being newer than the D90. I do like the idea of the in-body lens motor though!

The refund id get from the retailer would be £410 (although with the cash back and another discount I only really spent £320), I know somewhere selling a refurbished D7000 for £540, I have the 35mm prime which id be happy to use as a main lens for a while. Im finding it hard to justify spending that much more...
 
I wouldn't go from D3200 to D5100, as it's only a little step, and I feel I'd be wanting to upgrade again at some point.

The D7000 is a significant jump, and short of going full frame, it's not really upgradable (at least, not yet).
 
Im sure I will want to upgrade again at some point whether I stick with the D3200 or go for the D5100 but at least it will tide me over til ive finished uni and will feel less guilty at spending well over £500 on a camera :p
All the reviews for the D3200 say how great it is and I have no issues with it at all, I like it being small and light (although really it makes no difference at all to me if it doesnt fit in your pocket you still need to carry it in a bag thus unlikely to bring it everywhere) and the detail in the photos is superb (although only with the 35mm, the kit lens seems to be limiting it somewhat).
 
If you don't know why you want to change, don't change. Only upgrade when you have a real need, something holding you back. Go on to Flickr and search for d3100 or d3200 to see what the cameras are capable of.

To upgrade you need the d7000
 
PJ S said:
Says the chap with a £2K body!
I love sages with their pearls of wisdom, who have the best toys telling those who don't, they don't need them.
Oxy and moronic doesn't even begin to cover it.

I agree Dave, that the camera is a tool, but only in the right hands.
For some people, a better tool might be the answer to encouraging a user to continue to persevere and pick up the camera, rather than become disheartened and leave it in a corner, to gather dust.

We don't know what photography the OP is into - but lower noise high ISO images, or faster burst rate could make enough of a difference to keep the OP's interest and spur him on to refine his techniques.
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I really fail to see why, the fact that Dave has a D800, somehow makes his advice irrelevent and makes him a target for this snidey post. He has given his opinion on what would be best for the OP, he is entitled to give that advice no matter what he uses,as are you.

IMO you are both correct to a certain degree. We don`t know what the OP wants to shoot, if he needs to shoot black cats in a crypt, then a 5100 ain`t gonna cut the mustard, however, if he wants some nice landscapes or pics of his kids then it will.

This section, especially recent Nikon threads, should be renamed to "Bitch about Equipment".......:)
 
D7000 is well worth it. you mentioned in-body motor, the D5100 doesn't have it either.

D7000 has top screen, in body AF motor, larger body, much better AF system and better shutter button. everything a pro-level camera should have, a massive upgrade over D5100 and D3200.
 
Hmm....

If you said you'd had it a while and was thinking of selling it then I'd say it's not worth it. Given you can return it within the cooling off period and get a full refund, the cost to change is in reality very small to you.

In reality there's very little difference between the two other than the MP count and higher ISO capability on the 5100.

So I'd say if you find yourself cropping a lot then the D3200 may be better for you. If you are often taking photos in low light then the 16MP sensor combined with higher ISO settings may tip it in favour for the D5100.

Personally I'd say go for a used D7k.
 
I wouldn't either unless someone wanted to do a straight swap. They are pretty much the same camera.

What is it you don't like about the d3200? As i imagine the d5100 will have the same annoyances.

As for lenses, you don't need to spend thousands on improving your glass. £250 as much as you would have wasted swapping a d3200 for a d5100 would get you a tamron 17-50 f2.8 or less still buy a 35mm f1.8 prime lens for £130.
 
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Does the D5100 bring anything better to the table????

I've thought about buying the D3200 great resolution, good video options and ISO almost identical top the D7000....unless you're needing more dials and controls I don't see the need to change.
 
gadgeteer said:
Hmm....

If you said you'd had it a while and was thinking of selling it then I'd say it's not worth it. Given you can return it within the cooling off period and get a full refund, the cost to change is in reality very small to you.

In reality there's very little difference between the two other than the MP count and higher ISO capability on the 5100.

So I'd say if you find yourself cropping a lot then the D3200 may be better for you. If you are often taking photos in low light then the 16MP sensor combined with higher ISO settings may tip it in favour for the D5100.

Personally I'd say go for a used D7k.
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I wouldnt be selling it, just returning it for a exchange and paying the extra cash needed (if any) so I wouldnt be selling it. Hence why I need to come to some sort of quick decision, if money wasnt an object id go for the D7000 right now but its just that extra ~£200 thats putting me off

rjbell said:
I wouldn't either unless someone wanted to do a straight swap. They are pretty much the same camera.

What is it you don't like about the d3200? As i imagine the d5100 will have the same annoyances.

As for lenses, you don't need to spend thousands on improving your glass. £250 as much as you would have wasted swapping a d3200 for a d5100 would get you a tamron 17-50 f2.8 or less still buy a 35mm f1.8 prime lens for £130.
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I can exchange it for the D5100 and I think at the moment from Amazon it wouldnt cost me anymore so it would be a straight exchange. Once ive sold my iPhone (advertised on here) I will be able to afford a good lens or put it towards the D7000.

Phil Young said:
Does the D5100 bring anything better to the table????

I've thought about buying the D3200 great resolution, good video options and ISO almost identical top the D7000....unless you're needing more dials and controls I don't see the need to change.
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I dont know much about the D5100 and after research theres too many split decisions about whether the D3200 is better or not, I simply dont know. I just want to make sure I make the right decision and dont regret it in the long term. I dont need more dials or controls but obviously want the best value for money and the best camera I can afford.
 
If your camera is essential to your studies somehow stretch to the D7000. If it isn't stick with what you've got
 
If you don't want the dials, don't change.


3200 is a slightly lower model, but slightly newer, so it has pros and cons. They would of made improvements compared to the d3100, so will be similar to the d5100.

Stick with what you have, learn and see where you are in a years time.

I had a choice between a d3100 and d90, I sacrificed controls and AF motor for a newer model, higher resolution sensor and some other improvements. It was swings and roundabouts, I went for the d3100 and I definitely don't regret it.
 
Thanks for the input guys, I think I will hold onto it and see what happens in the future, in a years time the D7000 will probably be significantly cheaper anyway plus ill have the money then (or I hope!) so ill just focus on technique and glass for the time being :)
Thanks again for the help!
 
I thought I could ask in here as I dont want to create a new thread.
Is the Nikon SB-22s flash compatible with the D3200? Ive seen it at a good price and would like a flash to mess around with.

EDIT - Found out it is compatible but non-TTL auto but no idea what this means, is it a big deal?
 
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TTL means the flash will work out what power it needs by using the camera's metering system by looking 'Through The Lens'.

Non-TTL means it doesn't do this. Not familiar with the SB22's but chances are you will have to choose the power manually which probably isn't a good idea for a starter flash.

From the looks of the photos it doesn't allow you to move the head either meaning you'll always have to fire it straight at people. Incredibly annoying and you may as well just use the onboard flash which is TTL.

My advice for a good starter flash is the Jessops 360AFD which is TTL and rotates so you can bounce the flash off ceilings and stuff.
 
gadgeteer said:
TTL means the flash will work out what power it needs by using the camera's metering system by looking 'Through The Lens'.

Non-TTL means it doesn't do this. Not familiar with the SB22's but chances are you will have to choose the power manually which probably isn't a good idea for a starter flash.

From the looks of the photos it doesn't allow you to move the head either meaning you'll always have to fire it straight at people. Incredibly annoying and you may as well just use the onboard flash which is TTL.

My advice for a good starter flash is the Jessops 360AFD which is TTL and rotates so you can bounce the flash off ceilings and stuff.
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The jessops isn't 100% TTL, only when aiming directly forward. It sucks IMO

As soon as it is angled, it is in manual mode. I have a thread with pics somewhere.

Very annoying. I've got the Nikon sb400 and a recently purchased sb600
 
What do you think of the sb400, Dale ? I keep looking...
 
damianmkv said:
What do you think of the sb400, Dale ? I keep looking...
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Even though I have the sb600, I will use the sb400 more as it is so small it is always in my camera bag. It lacks being able to rotate for portrait, but this isn't a major issue on days out with the family.
 
PJ S said:
Says the chap with a £2K body!..... blah blah.. cynicism... BS..... other nonsense
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What does that matter? Can only someone with a low end camera help someone with a low end camera? Having a pro body means I can't give advice?



Just... LOL
 
My advise is simple, you've not had the camera long, go out use it learn about how to get the most from it, and the once you find the the camera is limiting what you can achieve then and realistically only then it the time that you NEED to upgrade

And by that time you should have saved some money, and crucially have enough photographic knowledge to make an informed/educated decision on what camera you need to buy :thumbs:

Matt
MWHCVT
 
Pookeyhead said:
What does that matter? Can only someone with a low end camera help someone with a low end camera? Having a pro body means I can't give advice?
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Not getting into a war of words with you Dave, but suffice it to say I thought your "advice" was a tad hypocritical/do as I say, not as I do.
No addressing the long term and ignored the D7000 (even as a pre-owned device) element.

No matter, it's a moot point now as the member has (I suspect reluctantly) decided to stick with it and hope for the best.
 
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PJ S said:
Not getting into a war of words with you Dave, but suffice it to say I thought you "advice" was a tad hypocritical/do as I say, not as I do.
No addressing the long term and ignored the D7000 (even as a pre-owned device) element.

No matter, it's a moot point now as the member has (I suspect reluctantly) decided to stick with it and hope for the best.
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Even after editing it looks a bit unfair to Dave.

Have you two had words in another thread and are you bringing some of that to this table???

I have re-read the thread and apart from Dave being a little light with a reply, cannot see a need for any sparks to fly.

If that's his reply then let it be - it wasn't wrong it was just short...

Just saying.
 
Nope, Dave and I haven't any baggage, and whilst my remark had an element of tongue-in-cheek, it's obvious we see his reply from differing viewpoints.

As said above, it's all done & dusted now, given the decision the OP has come to after reading the various inputs, so no further dissection is required.
 
Sorry to kick this back up!

Ive been reading that with the D3200 you need to have top quality lenses to get the most out of the camera, im a student so at no point in the next few years will I have top glass, which is a bit concerning. I have the 35mm f1.8 and the photos are brilliant, with the kit lens not so much, I had read how good the kit lens was but it seems a bit disappointing given how highly rated it is (especially the latest version of it).
I was just wondering if people think its true? Id much rather a D5100 or any other model if it is great with any lens including the kit and is even better with the pro level glass, as it should be. I just dont see the point having a camera which is only great when you can afford the lenses which cost a few times the amount of the body.
 
Thrash said:
Sorry to kick this back up!

Ive been reading that with the D3200 you need to have top quality lenses to get the most out of the camera, im a student so at no point in the next few years will I have top glass, which is a bit concerning. I have the 35mm f1.8 and the photos are brilliant, with the kit lens not so much, I had read how good the kit lens was but it seems a bit disappointing given how highly rated it is (especially the latest version of it).
I was just wondering if people think its true? Id much rather a D5100 or any other model if it is great with any lens including the kit and is even better with the pro level glass, as it should be. I just dont see the point having a camera which is only great when you can afford the lenses which cost a few times the amount of the body.
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It's a case of a kit lens on a D3200 and D5100 will probably produce similar images as the sensor on the D3200 and D5100 is much better than the lens. However the D3200 will probably produce better IQ with higher end lenses. If you have the D3200 stick with it, if not either will suffice
 
All cameras need great lenses :)

By saying you need a good lens with the D3200 means that the camera isn't going to cause quality issues, the lens will.

Keep the D3200 until you find something it is lacking or something you think is missing. You will then find the D5100 doesn't have this either.
 
Cheers for the replies, if I could afford the best lenses I wouldn't even be considering the D3200 or 5100 :P I was just think more about the lower end lenses but if the sensor on both is too good for the kit lens I suppose there's no point changing!
 
The kit lens is fine, but you will see an improvement if you change.


If the kit lens was up to the job, upgrading wouldn't see benefits.

Keep the d3200, upgrade your lenses when you can and just try different things :)
 
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