sbesaw Loc: Boston

Would like to get some input from anyone who has shooting experience with both these camera

They are now both available for $ 599.99

3200 is one year newer and has Nikon's latest processor, the expeed 3, same as D600 & D800. Also has 24MP but that is not a gating factor as the 5100's 16MP are more than enough.

Other than an articulating LCD, something I don't want, the 5100 on spec appears to have no advantage and it appears that the 3200 with newer processor would be the way to go.

Thoughts???????

Dadyassa Loc: Spain

I have a D5100 and don`t think you will need any more than that, but maybe they said that about the Brownie. lol
Any angle screen is brilliant on it.

MtnMan Loc: ID

First, if you had the articulated screen and used it you'd change your view. I didn't think I wanted it either but now I really don't want another camera without one.

The processors have about the same low light capability and of course the D3200 has 24MP vs. 16MP. That only matters if you do massive crops...i.e. to less than a quarter or so of the frame.

The D5100 has other features like bracketing and HDR that I am pretty sure the D3200 does not. Check the comparison at snapsort.com:

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D3200-vs-Nikon-D5100

I don't know if the D3200 has a programmable function key. I also like it on the D5100 because neither have an ISO button. I have migrated to having my function button programmed to ISO.

I usually shoot in P mode which lets you use the thumbwheel to toggle through the combinations of shutter speed and f-stop that satisfy the light meter. If I don't get what I want I then press the function button and use the thumbwheel to adjust the ISO. Then release it and try again on f-stop and shutter speed if needed.

My daughter-in-law bought a D3100 when I bought my D5100 about a year ago. She doesn't know the technical stuff I know. She takes better pictures than I do because she has a natural talent for composition. Both are great cameras.

PS: The snapsort link suggests that the D5100 is actually now $100 less than the D3200.

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

I'm going to echo MtnMan concerning the articulated screen. If you ever work on a tripod it can be very helpful. If you need to get a real low angle shot, you can do so without laying your head on the ground. If you need a high angle shot, you can hold the camera over your head, and still be able to frame your picture rather then "shooting in the dark".
Just sayin'....

MtnMan Loc: ID

In addition to those reasons I use it when taking self portraits, travel portraits with myself and companions, and on my telescope. I never imagined those uses before I had it.

Oh, almost forgot. It turns over to completely protect the LCD when you aren't using it including in a camera bag.

Try this without one...

sbesaw Loc: Boston

Thank you all for your replies. I will revisit the screen

knightmarian

MtnMan...that is a stunning shot!

knightmarian

I just put a d5100 on layaway as my d3100 is still in the shop. I will probably have it off layaway before the other one comes back. After reading this initial post I began wondering the same thing about price and whether I should put the d3200 on layaway instead (I know they would trade) however, that shot made my mind up for me. Thanks!

MtnMan Loc: ID

Thanks! I put the D5100 right on the ground and angled the camera up and the screen up so I could look down at it. Easy to do with the articulated screen but you'd have to use mirrors or depend on luck trying to use viewfinder or standard LCD.

picpiper Loc: California

I agree. Nice sky saturation - did you use a CP filter?

MtnMan Loc: ID

I don't think so. I didn't have a good one in the spring.

That's the color of the sky in Idaho.

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

AWESOME photo on the flowers

MtnMan Loc: ID

Thanks.

Here's one from Monday with a Polarizing filter. It is also with a different lens.

I think I used my 35mm f1.8 on the tulips. It is my sharpest lens. The trees are with my Nikon 10-24...my second sharpest. The latter cost three times the former...and I bought it used at a good price.

I must like yellow and blue...

bogeyeliot Loc: Signal Hill, CA

Wow, the air is so clean you can't even see it! (Croc. Dundee in a commercial for tourism Australia)

shooter88 Loc: Leo IN

Hi,I'm shooter88 ican't much for the 3200,I do own a 5100,it's taken some getting use to.It has every thing I could ask for.I'm really new at the forum world,I've been looking at some of the activity here and I enjoy reading everything I've seen.
Thank You!