Shooting Tom Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 I am looking for my first dslr camera, i am looking at the Nikon D3100 and the D5000. which of these would be the best one for a total beginner. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbo1 Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 be the d3100 for me.....got last years model d3000....easy to use and quality photos.couple it up with a good length zoom lens later off ebay or somewhere....and you`ll have a half decent camera. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashgun Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 I have got a d3100 and its a brilliant camera very easy to use i got mine from the london camera exchange in norwich they are very good and helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcusSmart Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 For me its not all about the camera, buy the best lenses you can afford! Nikon for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 Both will have more bell and whistles than you will ever use,as marcus says the smart money goes on the glass http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/ a mine of info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloke Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 (edited) Both great cameras, but yes, the all important lenses. If you are seriously intending to get into photography and Nikon is your preference, consider the D90 - more money yes, but higher spec and halfway to a full pro-spec. It still has full auto function so you can use it "point and shoot", and the kit lens isn't half bad. There are some bargains to be had whatever you choose. Big retailers like currys/PCworld won't drop the price, but will often throw in a few extras (Case, SD card, extra warranty etc) Also, if you use these retailers and they offer you their extended warranty - check with Nikon, I got their own extended warranty for significantly less than with Currys! Good luck whatever you do. Edited September 4, 2011 by Bloke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docholiday Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 Spend as much as you can on fast glass, makes all the difference. Nikon or Canon ?? dont think it matters the pros are split 50 / 50, but for me Canon has the best glass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casts_by_fly Posted September 5, 2011 Report Share Posted September 5, 2011 Between the d3100 and D5k, pick whichever one you can get at the best price. Both are very good cameras. The sensor in the d5k is the same as the D90 which is fantastic. The D3100 is a newer generation, but lower spec, so not terribly different. Neither has a built in focus motor (so you'll need af-s lenses for both) so no difference there. They are nearly the same size and weight, so no difference there. The D5k has the flip out screen and I think better resolution which is kinda nice. Both will have the same modes and consumer features. Both should have the same 18-55VR lens. It is a coin flip at that point, so keep an eye on camera price buster for specials and deals. The D5k should be clearing out still as the D5100 has been announced, and the D3100 should see some rebates coming in because of Christmas. Thanks, Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B525 Sporter Posted September 5, 2011 Report Share Posted September 5, 2011 (edited) D90 all the way, if you can squeeze out the extra cash, great camera. Never regretted getting it for a minute, good lense quality is essential of course, but you can't beat the d90 for that money I don't think personally. Put a sigma (bigma) 500mm on mine and it's the business if a bit heavy, but I use it for everything. Built in focus motor was a big deal for me. My dads got the d60 and it's great camera just a pain when you want to buy a cheaper lense. He just bought a nikor macro lense and it's very tricky to focus without the internal motor, especially as his hands not as steady as it used to be. Manual focus is a pain at best on fast moving subjects I find. Edited September 5, 2011 by B525 Sporter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinny v Posted September 5, 2011 Report Share Posted September 5, 2011 +1 For Nikon I have the D 5100 and bought it from best buy as they will price match and then minus 10%. Shop about first to get the best possible price on the model you are looking for then go to best buy. Got mine with additional 55 - 300 lens for under £600 V Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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