jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

The D5300 might be the "sweet spot" you're looking for. It's fairly new, has good specs, and it has that flippy screen.

Recent sales -
D7000 - https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=nikon+d7000&_sacat=0&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1

D7100 - https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xnikon+d7100.TRS0&_nkw=nikon+d7100&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=nikon+d7000&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1

D5500 - https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xnikon+d5500.TRS0&_nkw=nikon+d5500&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=nikon+d7100&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&LH_TitleDesc=0

D5400 - https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xnikon+d5300.TRS0&_nkw=nikon+d5300&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=nikon+d5400&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&LH_TitleDesc=0

Comparison sites -

(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

The D5300 might be the "sweet spot" you're looking for. It's fairly new, has good specs, and it has that flippy screen.

Recent sales -
D7000 - https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=nikon+d7000&_sacat=0&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1

D7100 - https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xnikon+d7100.TRS0&_nkw=nikon+d7100&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=nikon+d7000&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1

D5500 - https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xnikon+d5500.TRS0&_nkw=nikon+d5500&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=nikon+d7100&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&LH_TitleDesc=0

D5400 - https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xnikon+d5300.TRS0&_nkw=nikon+d5300&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=nikon+d5400&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&LH_TitleDesc=0

Comparison sites -

(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

My suggestion is a move to a D7200 much better camera. This camera will also accept FF lens as well as the lens you currently own. Work on technique then work up to a better lens as you can. You will now have a quality camera that will last you for a long long time

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Hello; I myself as a beginner, now 2 years, chose as my 1st DSLR camera, the Nikon D3300. I do did my research and also explored other choices in the same price range, $300-$500, I paid $375.00 for my used camera which included the Nikon 18-55 kit lens. I have really enjoyed the D3300, easy to operate, very teachable camera, produces very good images. I would "Highly" recommend the Nikon D3300 as a Excellent DSLR Camera to begin your Photographic Journey.

Jaackil Loc: Massachusetts

True story, A couple of years ago I was golfing with an old friend. On the first tee he crushed his drive with what was then the latest and greatest driver on the market. He turned to me and said “best $800 I ever spent”. I stepped up and out drove him by 20 yards, I couldn’t resist and turned to him and said “best $400 I ever spent”. He grabbed my driver and asked “You only spent $400 for this driver?” To which I was happy to reply. “No I picked this driver up at Walmart for $70. I spent $400 on lessons.” My first dslr was a D3100. It is capable of really great and sharp shots. If you can’t get great shots with it a higher end camera isn’t going to make them better, in fact it might make them look worse. More megapixels and a lack of AA filter are likely to accentuate your lack of technique. Here is what I would suggest. Buy Brian Peterson’s book on exposure and take 1 month using the chapters as lessons and go out and shoot and shoot. If at the end of a month your getting better shots review your shots and see where a different camera body will help you accomplish what you are getting easier. IMO never upgrade a body to get better shots, you upgrade a body to get the shots easier. It will also give you more time to research what would be the best body to satisfy your GAS. Oh and btw when I upgraded I went to a D7100 for a bigger body and better layout of controls absolutely love it! I have over 75000 clicks on it. My next upgrade will be to the D500 for faster speed and better low light capability as I shoot mostly sports. Best of luck!

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

Look for a refurb D5500. Great camera with more features and a much improved 24 mpx sensor. Even smaller and lighter than your 3100. I have a D750 and a D7500 yet I still use my 5600 (not much different than the 5500) often. You can find them occasionally for around $400 or so.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Gear acquisition syndrome (GAS) could be a bad thing. It is only natural that when we have a camera that is a few years old we want a new one with modern technologies but the interesting question to ask is will my images be better than they are now?
In my book "updating" means getting a new body with the features lacking in my present camera that I know I need in my photography. An example, why do I want a better AF if the majority of the subjects I shoot are not wildlife or sports. Got the idea?
Much is discussed here and at other forums about sharpness. Some people want 36 megapixels for sharper images while the truth is that 24 megapixels is more than enough for the majority of us. For heaven sake, the D700 only has 12.1 megapixels and it is one of the best full frame cameras Nikon has made. Bigger pixels to fit a sensor only means better capacity to collect light. Nobody will argue about the results, it was and still is an impressive camera in spite of its years.
Sharpness depends more on us that on the lens. I NEVER used a lens when I did my part that the lens failed to impress me with its sharpness and with a few rare exceptions lenses in general are sharp, especially Nikon lenses.
You surely can find some bargains in the used market or even refurb models. Cameras like the D7000 with 17 megapixels are more than adequate for many uses and in the second hand market they usually sell for about $300-350 in great condition and with low miles. There are many others of course and it is just a matter of looking for them.
Look at places like Cameta, B&H, Adorama, Roberts Camera and other reputable dealers. They periodically offer refurb cameras and lenses at very good prices. Cameta and Roberts offer excellent warranties on those products.
Good luck hunting.

Nikon1201

KEH and buy a Nikon D7100 or 7200 around $500 . This is the high end of crop sensor cameras and the give a 6 month warranty.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

If the 3100 is like the 3200 (and other Nikon models), there is also a "sharpening" feature within the camera menu system....usually set around "3" at default, but can be increased up to a "9" if necessary. Are your settings giving you all the camera can do?

Look at menu system; Raw (raw is best) or if jpeg - image file size - small, medium or large (file size), larger is better.

If shooting in "standard" mode, try some others like "vivid" and such.

If hand holding - and have VR or Image Stabilization, try it both on and off. Work on shutter release technique. Are you a bit "shaky" with the big lens, try to steady as best as possible.

One other item that may be a factor (it is for me - with my D3200) - the 3200 is a bit small and cramped for my old hands, and it is worse with a larger lens. I went to my older and larger D90 with the same lens set, and I shoot steadier, more comfortable, sharper on average, and my hand and fingers do not "cramp". I know it sound counterintuitive, but it was a revelation for me....smaller and lighter is not always better! The overall balance of the equipment helped me to get sharper pics - even with that old 12mp sensor - go figure! I will probably part with the 3200 as I'm not using it anymore, and my wife isn't interested in shooting again (she was excellent in her film days). When I replace the 3200, it will be a body in the size range and "ergo" of the D90, like a 7100 or 7200.

Others will give more great advice - mine is to explore your camera, and built-in capabilities, then, if you still aren't happy with it, consider moving up.

Have fun!
mike

Retina Loc: Near Charleston,SC

Just my experience here. I tend to agree. Having a D3200 and a D3300, the difference in processors is very noticeable. If you are moving up from a D3100 and the dim pentamirror, hard to read settings in the viewfinder in bright light, and mirror vibration do not bother you, then the D3300 will be a real improvement for only a small amount of money. When I upgrade to a D7500 or better, I will still keep the D3300 just to have a body for my oldest pre-AI lenses.

axiesdad Loc: Monticello, Indiana

Thanks again, Everyone. Heeding the consensus of your posts, I bought a Sigma 400 f5.6 instead of a newer camera, pre-owned so it's well within my budget. Now I just have to wait for it to arrive.

utahpete

My daughter in law has the 3100. I thought it had a pretty noticeable shutter lag. Not too great for shooting birds. Hopefully, that is peculiar to her unit.

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

Auto sharpen function? Please tell me more about it. Do you know if I have it in my Photoshop CS6?

davidb1879

One of my cameras is a Nikon d3300 that I purchased used from Adorama for $250. I am very pleased with it. I agree with those who say instead of upgrading the camera body, it is wiser to invest in quality lenses. Davidb1879

jburlinson Loc: Austin, TX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ38ociTL7sj

4 minute video