Trying to make an informed decision...
Nov 30, 2013 09:54:55 #
I am buying my first SLR camera. I have been researching for months and have come down to two cameras. I would love some input before I make my purchase. Nikon D3200 or Nikon D5200? Help?
Nov 30, 2013 09:58:11 #
Compare the features side by side. Whatever any one can tell you will be subjective so suspect.
Read the comparisons, see the samples and decide.
"Yes! I use XYZ for a year now, I am happy" means strictly nothing.
One thing many folks forget to research on Google or whatever:
Camera troubles... camera repairs... camera failures...
Read the comparisons, see the samples and decide.
"Yes! I use XYZ for a year now, I am happy" means strictly nothing.
One thing many folks forget to research on Google or whatever:
Camera troubles... camera repairs... camera failures...
Nov 30, 2013 10:09:49 #
Pepper
Loc: Planet Earth Country USA
I'd go for a factory refurbished D7100 and be one happy camper.
Nov 30, 2013 10:19:20 #
angelab371 wrote:
I am buying my first SLR camera. I have been researching for months and have come down to two cameras. I would love some input before I make my purchase. Nikon D3200 or Nikon D5200? Help?
You are in good shape having narrowed it to those 2.
I went through almost the same choice between the D5100 and D3100 a few years back. I got the 5100 and my daughter-in-law the 3100. I found the D5100 far superior. Some of the reasons I preferred the D5100 are now fixed in the D3200...for example I believe it has the infared input which I found very useful (and really miss on my D800!).
The biggest advantage of the D5200 is the fully articulated screen. You won't appreciate that until you have had the camera a while and learned all the uses for it. Most of the reviewers don't get it.
I'd also compare the dynamic range on the sensors. I think the D5200 is significantly better.
Nov 30, 2013 10:23:57 #
The D3200 is a very good camera geared more for new DSLR users. The only real advantage it has over the D5200 is it's smaller and cheaper...go for the D5200.
Nov 30, 2013 10:38:27 #
Pepper wrote:
I'd go for a factory refurbished D7100 and be one happy camper.
I'll second that. However to answer your specific question, go for the 5200 for its advanced features over the 3200. ;)
Nov 30, 2013 10:47:17 #
Pepper wrote:
I'd go for a factory refurbished D7100 and be one happy camper.
I actually made almost that mistake and was quite sorry. In my case I went from the D5100 to the D7000.
IMHO the D7000 sucked compared to the D5100.
It is heavy, operated by buttons I couldn't get used to and an unreadable little green screen, and lacked the best feature of the D5100: the articulated screen. And it took almost the same pictures because it has the same exact sensor...but I actually it found I was able to take sharper pics with the D5100...maybe because of the all plastic body. Anyhow the D7000 has gone down the road and my wife still much enjoys the D5100...often taking better pics than I can with my D800.
I do support the refurbished recommendation.
Nov 30, 2013 21:38:56 #
If you have done all your research online, now it's time to actually try and get your hands on one or both of those cameras. Nothing beats actually handling the cameras, and finding out what works for you, and what doesn't.
Dec 1, 2013 08:22:02 #
lukan
Loc: Chicago, IL
D5200. Then get only the best Nikon glass you can afford, i.e. 24-70 f2.8 ED VR, 70-200 f2.8 ED VR.
Dec 1, 2013 08:45:31 #
ole sarg
Loc: south florida
How much do you want to spend? That seems to be the determining the factor. All the cameras mentioned a good cameras.
Dec 1, 2013 09:01:47 #
Rongnongno wrote:
Compare the features side by side. ....
A good place to do this is http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Digital-SLR-Cameras/index.page (check the tiny [] Glossary box at the top to highlight terms you can look up.)
Looks like about $150 separates the models. If the additional features don't look like they are worth the extra money, go for the less expensive model.
Rongnongno wrote:
... Whatever any one can tell you will be subjective so suspect....
Absolutely! Anecdotal evidence is not reliable. Reviews are only slightly better.
Dec 1, 2013 09:05:15 #
Dec 1, 2013 09:22:05 #
Clif
Loc: Central Ca.
Put them both in your hand and see which one feels best and which to your mind has the more logical control placements. The 5000 series offers more features, and in that line you have 3 to choose from. You should give some serious thought to referbs, they can actually be a better camera at a lower price. But these are just my thoughts, it is your money.
Dec 1, 2013 09:25:36 #
Both machines are very nice...should do well with either one. So now maybe its time to narrow it down to say....2 really really good lens. Then....off to photography bliss....lol
Dec 1, 2013 10:21:02 #
Db7423 wrote:
I'll second that. However to answer your specific question, go for the 5200 for its advanced features over the 3200. ;)
And it has a swiveling LCD, right?
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