first SLR Nikon D3100 worth having?

Associate
Joined
2 Oct 2008
Posts
379
Hi, I am thinking about getting the Nikon D3100 and basically I am wondering
if there is any reasons why not to go down the route before I actually part with cash


http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-1100D-vs-Nikon_D3100

according to the link above this beats the entry level Canon but the one thing
I am concerned about is the camera not having a built in auto focus motor
and being a new to SLR I really don't know how much of a issue this could be


any advice would be welcome :)
 
Soldato
Joined
5 Jun 2003
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8,733
Location
sawley/ long eaton
Hi, I am thinking about getting the Nikon D3100 and basically I am wondering
if there is any reasons why not to go down the route before I actually part with cash


http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-1100D-vs-Nikon_D3100

according to the link above this beats the entry level Canon but the one thing
I am concerned about is the camera not having a built in auto focus motor
and being a new to SLR I really don't know how much of a issue this could be


any advice would be welcome :)

wont be an issue as there are lots of lens with the motor in
i have its big brother the D5100 and that too doesnt have a motor and it never been an issue
 

ARD

ARD

Associate
Joined
27 Dec 2011
Posts
125
Hi, I am thinking about getting the Nikon D3100 and basically I am wondering
if there is any reasons why not to go down the route before I actually part with cash


http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-1100D-vs-Nikon_D3100

according to the link above this beats the entry level Canon but the one thing
I am concerned about is the camera not having a built in auto focus motor
and being a new to SLR I really don't know how much of a issue this could be


any advice would be welcome :)

Don't worry about it. On a DSLR there never is any motor in the actual camera body, all focusing is done by the lens itself.
 
Caporegime
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
32,615
Hi, I am thinking about getting the Nikon D3100 and basically I am wondering
if there is any reasons why not to go down the route before I actually part with cash


http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-1100D-vs-Nikon_D3100

according to the link above this beats the entry level Canon but the one thing
I am concerned about is the camera not having a built in auto focus motor
and being a new to SLR I really don't know how much of a issue this could be


any advice would be welcome :)


I can't think if a single lens a beginner or intermediate would ever want that doesn't have a motor in the lens. Even for pros thee aren't that many, and AF is the least of the problems with these lenses.
 
Associate
OP
Joined
2 Oct 2008
Posts
379
cheers guys

I actually have a new toy now, I just picked up the Nikon D3100
from Argos worked out a decent deal

cam is £420 there had a voucher for £20 off and Nikon give £35 cash back
and I got the lot buy now pay in 9 months interest free

I say "I" but actually my GF is paying :D
 
Soldato
Joined
5 Jun 2003
Posts
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Location
sawley/ long eaton
Don't worry about it. On a DSLR there never is any motor in the actual camera body, all focusing is done by the lens itself.

not so
lots of DSLR`s and all the pro DSLR`s have the motor in the body not the lens
so they can use any lens without the motor built in and still auto focus.
on a DSLR body with no motor you can still use the motor less lens but you don't have auto focus only manual
 
Last edited:

ARD

ARD

Associate
Joined
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Posts
125
not so
lots of DSLR`s and all the pro DSLR`s have the motor in the body not the lens
so they can use any lens without the motor built in and still auto focus.
on a DSLR body with no motor you can still use the motor less lens but you don't have auto focus only manual

Never knew that, can you provide examples please
 
Associate
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Glasgow
For Canon, the AF motor resides within the lens (part of the spec of the EOS mount). As stated above, Nikon has lens with/without focus motors (50mm 1.8D/G - G being the one with the motor) as well as bodies (D3x00, D5x00, D40/D50 I think all come without body motors, D90/D7000/D700/D300/etc. all come with focus motors in the body).

Just one further comment regarding Nikon lens - just remember that there is a price difference between lens with and without a focus motor in them. 50mm is double the price the last time I checked and 85mm is an extra £100/£150. So just something to bare in mind.
 
Last edited:
Caporegime
Joined
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Posts
32,615
For Canon, the AF motor resides within the lens (part of the spec of the EOS mount). As stated above, Nikon has lens with/without focus motors (50mm 1.8D/G - G being the one with the motor) as well as bodies (D3x00, D5x00, D40/D50 I think all come without body motors, D90/D7000/D700/D300/etc. all come with focus motors in the body).

Just one further comment regarding Nikon lens - just remember that there is a price difference between lens with and without a focus motor in them. 50mm is double the price the last time I checked and 85mm is an extra £100/£150. So just something to bare in mind.

The increased cost has nothing to do with the focus motor though.
 
Associate
OP
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I think the kit lens will do for now as I have to build up other areas of my kit before I worry about a additional lens.



I need some filters case and a tripod next any suggestions guys?
 
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