Best entry-level D-SLR

[sic.zero]

Which would be the best choice D-SLR for a starter? I'm planning to buy Nikon D5100. Any thoughts regarding it? Budget should be around P30K or $650. Any other options? I think its rivals are either more expensive or a little lower on D5100's specs and performance...

[Coffee]

Go with Canon's entry level cams for the in-body motor--- this makes you use a wider variety of lenses. Nikon's entry level offerings lack the in-body motor (like the D5100)

But wait there's more... Canon entry level offerings all have a helpful feature called "real time exposure simulation through live view"  Try to look into the Canon 600D and 650D.

But the Nikon D5100 is still a good buy for the sensor (which is the same as the one on the D7000)  and specs. Just stick with AF-S, G, VR lenses.

I'm a Nikonian by the way

[DTNS]

I suggest the D3100 or the D3200.  :thumbsup:

[sic.zero]

I've tried comparing D5100 vs 600D, 650D, D3200 & D3100. D5100 came out as a real winner on snapsort.com. Anybody tried out that site? Are their recommendations good enough?

I'm really eyeing on Nikon these days, their entry-level and advanced D-SLRs are quite good and a lot cheaper than their Canon equivalent, based on what I saw on snapsort.com. The specs are a lot better on Nikon as well but I don't know about the choice of lenses.

Coffee, and other guys here as well, how did you start on your photography? Which model did you start with?

[DTNS]

Coffee, and other guys here as well, how did you start on your photography? Which model did you start with?

I started with a D40X, switched to a Coolpix P300 (point & shoot). unfortunately, my P300 got stolen. so I'm in the market again for a new camera. the D3100 seems like the best match for me based on my needs, skill level, and budget.



if you could stretch your budget to 35k, you could already get a D7000 (body)!  :evil5:

[Dj]

Started with a D60 and is still using it up until now. I'm planning to upgrade to a D7000 body as soon as I can afford one.

Anyways, if you're only planning to use your DSLR for leisure, I suggest you get a good point and shoot instead for its portability, quality nowadays isn't much of an issue anyways, just look at the photos that the latest smartphones take, it's more than enough for sharing it online.  :read2:

[Coffee]

@sic.zero
I started with a D60. I'm now using a D90 and an LX5.

+1 on Dj's comment below

Anyways, if you're only planning to use your DSLR for leisure, I suggest you get a good point and shoot instead for its portability, quality nowadays isn't much of an issue anyways, just look at the photos that the latest smartphones take, it's more than enough for sharing it online.  :read2:

[Leo C.]

Camera gurus, what can you say about the new Olympus Pen Series cameras?

[Dj]

Camera gurus, what can you say about the new Olympus Pen Series cameras?

good output. expensive as hell.

[sic.zero]

Great! Thanks for the inputs. I already got a Canon Ixus 210 though. Its a good point and shoot camera but I still wanted more quality. Seeing those bokeh on the final shots is a really cool thing. I also wanted to try out panning on moving subjects, drifting events and other races. Plus be able to get quality picture even on low light conditions specially on concerts and other events. And I got a few friends who's into photography and modeling although they're still getting started like me.

I'd really like to have D7000 as a start but its really expensive and way out of my budget. Should I wait and save funds till I get my hands on a D7000 or should I go ahead with the D5100? I'm starting from scratch btw. I still don't have any lenses so opting for just the body is not an option.

Many people are recommending D90 as well but I find it a little old and snapsort.com says D5100 is a lot better. And they say its also a lot better than D3200 and D3100. So I really got myself aiming for D5100. Somebody enlighten me, do you think it'll be a good choice? I also got the new D5200 on my choices although it'll be again out of my budget.

[DTNS]

Great! Thanks for the inputs. I already got a Canon Ixus 210 though. Its a good point and shoot camera but I still wanted more quality. Seeing those bokeh on the final shots is a really cool thing. I also wanted to try out panning on moving subjects, drifting events and other races. Plus be able to get quality picture even on low light conditions specially on concerts and other events. And I got a few friends who's into photography and modeling although they're still getting started like me.

I'd really like to have D7000 as a start but its really expensive and way out of my budget. Should I wait and save funds till I get my hands on a D7000 or should I go ahead with the D5100? I'm starting from scratch btw. I still don't have any lenses so opting for just the body is not an option.

Many people are recommending D90 as well but I find it a little old and snapsort.com says D5100 is a lot better. And they say its also a lot better than D3200 and D3100. So I really got myself aiming for D5100. Somebody enlighten me, do you think it'll be a good choice? I also got the new D5200 on my choices although it'll be again out of my budget.

weigh your budget, needs, and options.

regarding your choices:

D90 - relatively cheap (can be bought for 25k/ body only), compatible with AF lenses, somewhat outdated already.
D3100 - very affordable (can be found for 18k/ kit), only compatible with AF-S lenses, very good high ISO performance
D5100 - essentially a D3100 with a fancy flip-screen
D3200 - essentially a more expensive D3100 with a 24MP sensor
D5200 - essentially a more expensive D3200 with a fancy flip-screen

choose your poison!

[Dj]

Go with the 5100 so that you'll be able to learn the basics first(controls, proper care, etc.), you might get overwhelmed by the features/controls of the D7000 if you buy it right away.

[aylaisabelle]

Might I suggest that you purchase a previous generation body then use the savings to get a better lens.