how important are mega pixels: I would like to upgrade my p510 at some point. If I stay with nikon I can get really good value kits for the d3100 and even the d3200. The main...

Racin17 Loc: Western Pa

I would like to upgrade my p510 at some point. If I stay with nikon I can get really good value kits for the d3100 and even the d3200. The main difference besides the cost is MP. The 3200 is 14mp I believe the 3200 is 24.?. Is the MP difference worth the extra cost. Im looking to maybe upgrade im not a pro. While im at it my 510 says telephoto of 1000mm in its configuration. How would a full size lense compare to it. Wider angle etc. Thanks....

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Hot topic with huge amounts of data and opinions...

Here is a Google link to articles on the megapixel myth...

http://www.google.com/#q=the+megapixel+myth

A wealth of info but lots of reading

Hope this helps...

Rongnongno Loc: FL

:shock: :shock: :shock:

So tell us why the medium format is still thriving toward more pixels when they already have 250mb...

Tell me why manufacturer still thrive to offer more?

In the same vein a debate was always taking place in the 'silver era'... How smaller could the grain be? Why was there a need for almost in-existent grain film?

Why are scanners also pushing toward more definition?

I am sure all of this is the figment of a few dreamer who wants something always better, both in resolution and dynamic range. Since multibillion dollars industries are known to follow dreamers that explains their constant R&D.

Yup a 1*1 pixel is still good enough for a few, that is for sure.

If you shoot for the web, you can get away with a 2mpx, no question.
If you shoot professionally for quality? 250mb is still barely enough.

Dick Z. Loc: Downers Grove IL

Racin17 wrote:

I would like to upgrade my p510 at some point. If I stay with nikon I can get really good value kits for the d3100 and even the d3200. The main difference besides the cost is MP. The 3200 is 14mp I believe the 3200 is 24.?. Is the MP difference worth the extra cost. Im looking to maybe upgrade im not a pro. While im at it my 510 says telephoto of 1000mm in its configuration. How would a full size lense compare to it. Wider angle etc. Thanks....

There is nothing wrong with 14mp unless you plan to make wall size prints, also 24mp takes up more storage space. I doubt if you could tell the difference in a 16 x 20 inch print between the two, taken with the same lens. However, newer model cameras have better sensors usually and that's debatable. You have to make your own decision though. You might look up some reviews on the two models. Dp preview and Fred Miranda are two good choices.

Dick Z. Loc: Downers Grove IL

Rongnongno wrote:

:shock: :shock: :shock: br br So tell us why t... (show quote)

The MONEY game... There's a sucker born every minuet. :lol: :wink: :wink: :wink: :cry:

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Yes, well, the money game gave us better living conditions of living so... Also if it was a $$$ not one pro would invest in better camera. They are not crazy about expenditure so $$$? A wrong argument anyway you want to look at it.

The real myth is that many confuse the issue or 'personal use', 'personal want' and reality. As long as a camera does not match the human adaptability and capability the search for will go on. Same for everything else.

This 'personal use' is the reason for 2mpx is more than good enough for most folks. How many crazies have you spotted sharing their 'creation' on the spot. looking at the ridiculous camera back? To do that you need 1mpx if you ask me and that would be way too much too.

The END product determine what is good or not. Not the 'myth busters' who obviously do not care about anything but their own 'humble opinions'.

I have opinions, I also have certitudes. I am not humble, never was even if at times I had to eat a crow or my hat.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Take a close look at both the specs. My choice would be (if that was the ONLY two cameras available), the D3200.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D3200-vs-Nikon_D3100/specs

However, I would seriously consider the D3300,
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D3200-vs-Nikon-D3300/specs

OR better yet, a new/use/reconditioned D7000
https://www.keh.com/289577/nikon-d7000-digital-camera-body-16-2-m-p

Good luck with your decision.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

To make a long story short, both the D3100 and D3200 are head and shoulders above the P510. They are excellent entry level DSLR's, don't worry too much about mega pixels unless your blowing up your shots to poster size.

Dick Z. Loc: Downers Grove IL

Rongnongno wrote:

Yes, well, the money game gave us better living co... (show quote)

I agree with what you say. My first digital camera was a Canon G1, 3mp. I have printed 8 1/2 x 11 1/2 pics. that are very sharp. Like many others as time went by I had to have a full frame 20mp. camera. Another sucker born!! But I'm happy with my latest purchase and I suppose that's all that matters. :-) :wink:

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Racin17 wrote:

I would like to upgrade my p510 at some point. If I stay with nikon I can get really good value kits for the d3100 and even the d3200. The main difference besides the cost is MP. The 3200 is 14mp I believe the 3200 is 24.?. Is the MP difference worth the extra cost. Im looking to maybe upgrade im not a pro. While im at it my 510 says telephoto of 1000mm in its configuration. How would a full size lense compare to it. Wider angle etc. Thanks....

To some it is not important because they don't take advantage of it or need it.

To others it is very important and they just can't get enough.

It all depends on your shooting preferences and what you do with the images.

Racin17 Loc: Western Pa

Thank you all for the info. I like my 510 but would like to move up one or two notches. I am not dedicated to nikon but the price range for nikon seems in my ballpark. I will keep exploring my options. Thanks again.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

You might stretch a little for a refurbed D5200 with 24MP. I'm able to crop quite a bit and effectively "zoom in" even further than my zoom lenses allow by doing so, with plenty of IQ to spare... Check KEH or Cameta, both are reputable dealers.

karlw Loc: Enfield Connecticut

Dick Z. wrote:

The MONEY game... There's a sucker born every minuet. :lol: :wink: :wink: :wink: :cry:

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I really enjoy you postings. Don't change. I don't always agree with you but I really like your candid nature.

Rongnongno wrote:

Yes, well, the money game gave us better living co... (show quote)

Peekayoh Loc: UK

Racin17 wrote:

I would like to upgrade my p510 at some point. If I stay with nikon I can get really good value kits for the d3100 and even the d3200. The main difference besides the cost is MP. The 3200 is 14mp I believe the 3200 is 24.?. Is the MP difference worth the extra cost. Im looking to maybe upgrade im not a pro. While im at it my 510 says telephoto of 1000mm in its configuration. How would a full size lense compare to it. Wider angle etc. Thanks....

It's not just about megapixels although more is better. The D3200 also has better colour depth, more dynamic range and a small but useful improvement in ISO noise.

The biggest problem you will find is in lens choice. Even if it can't compete on quality, the P510 has a zoom lens covering a 24-1000mm (equivalent) range of Focal Lengths so you will have to settle for less.