Nikon D3200 or 5100

[flippant]

I thought it was about time I picked up a DSLR, and I'm leaning towards the two mentioned.

Years ago I did quite a lot of photography, and still have my trusty OM2 and darkroom tucked away in the attic, but haven't used them in years.

The plan is to pop along to the local shop and have a play, and see which I prefer but I wondered if anybody could give me an opinion.

I'm not looking for a pro level camera, but lately I've needed something with interchangeable lenses when my G9 doesn't cut it, and it will be nice to have a little more control over the manual exposure settings.

I have no loyalty to any particular brand, but Nikon seem to come out ahead with their lower level models in reviews right now, and I don't really want to go second hand.

So OcUK, what say you?

Thanks in advance.....

 

[James J]

I owned the D5100 and its a great little piece of kit. Its rarely small (for a DSLR) and fits in the hands nicely. I really liked the tilt and swivel screen and wish it was on more DSLR camera's as it makes tripod based live view work (macro mainly) MUCH easier, especially in bright light. It struggled a bit with the ISO though which was its only downfall really as 1000+ was pretty damn noisy on the camera I had. The dynamic range was great as it uses the same sensor as the D7000 which allows you to save more of the RAW files that really went wrong on the day of shooting in post (lol).

I wouldn't get a D3100 now as the D3200 just replaced it, which has some rather nice features, including a massive mp count if that floats your boat. Not sure how good the sensor is compared to the D5100 but it gets the same score as the sensor used in the 5D mk iii in the DxOmark which measures sensor performance. Make of that what you will, but could be useful looking at the website and comparing the D3100, 3200 and 5100 sensors to see which suits the types of photography you wish to get into again.

 

[flippant]

It was the D3200 I was looking at, the pixel count is impressive, but I'm not sure how much difference that will make, my little canon is 12.1 and it's been fine.

That's why I'm interested in the D5100, It seems like a better all rounder than the D3200, but I'd quite like to use it in low light without flash (back to my TMAX 3200 days!) so if the D5100 falls down there, I might swing back to the D3200, how was the build quality James?

 

[Something Else]

i have the d3200 and its awesome, im an amateur photographer and ive had it for a couple days now, its a great cam to learn with as it has guide modes to explain what settings do and how the values of those settings affect the picture, it also includes pics on screen that change to represent what the picture will look like

you wont go wrong with either tbh

 

[James J]

It was the D3200 I was looking at, the pixel count is impressive, but I'm not sure how much difference that will make, my little canon is 12.1 and it's been fine.

That's why I'm interested in the D5100, It seems like a better all rounder than the D3200, but I'd quite like to use it in low light without flash (back to my TMAX 3200 days!) so if the D5100 falls down there, I might swing back to the D3200, how was the build quality James?

Build quality is very solid, including the swivel and tilt screen. Its also a very light camera which is ideal if you intend on using it for long periods of time. My Canon 5D mk ii is vastly heavier, larger and bulkier than the D5100!

 

[flippant]

Having had a quick google at both cameras' low light capability, it looks like the D5100 wins out if you pull the raw images, and the swivel screen is defiantly a point in it's favor plus the in camera HDRI looks useful.

Being cheaper doesn't hurt either....

 

[Something Else]

you wont be disappointed with either so just go for which ever one is the better price for you.

jessops are doing 10 months 0%apr on certain cameras atm

my d3200 from them cost about £550 and included a free jessops camera rucksack