gfinlayson

The D7000 gives me full control over Aperture, Shutter speed, ISO, WB, Focus mode, number of focus points in use, exposure compensation and metering mode without having to go near the info screen or menu. I can adjust all of the above with the exception of white balance and metering mode without even taking my eye off the viewfinder.

11 point AF may be enough for you, but it's not for me. I make use of all 39 AF points and regularly use D9 and sometimes D21 modes for photographing birds in flight.

gfinlayson

You don't need to buy FX lenses to be a pro. I know a number of pros who make very good money shooting with DX.

Being a pro isn't about owning fancy kit, it's about been a very good photographer.

Perry Loc: Washington Michigan

Another thing to consider if you're looking at a 3100 vs 3200, the d3100 (I have the 3100) doesn't have wireless shutter capabilities. The 3200 does. I understand it has a larger sensor as well. I will never get a d3200, but rather I will set my sights on a camera that is at least several steps up from mine now if I were to upgrade. I can't see moving up one or two models after my initial investment which was pretty substantial.

Canikon Guy Loc: Baltimore, MD

Get the D5100, great little camera! :thumbup:

Small, light, takes great pictures. It is the baby brother of the D7000.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Both the 3100 and 5100 have a "life expectancy" estimate of 100,000 clicks for the mechanical parts. Just saw one for sale on Craigslist with 98,500 actuations. :shock: :shock:

http://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/16492

hrlygrl798 Loc: New York

I have a D3100 while I love the camera the add on options such as lens, flash, and other things aren't great for it, they are very specific and very costly. What they don't tell you is that with the D3100 and from my understanding the D5100 too you have to have AF-S lens for them. You can use AF lenses but you have no use of auto focus, motor zoom and other various in camera settings.

Because of this finding used lens or lenses at a great price is hard and if you purhcase AF-S lenses they won't work on cameras that require Regular Nikon AF lens because of the motor position. I actually found out this bit of information from talking with a worker at B&H photo. Had I known this I possibly would have looked into a different camera.

Another issue is the Flash If you are looking to use an automatic flash your only option is to purchase the "official" flash for this camera from nikon which costs upwards of $250. However If you are manually programing your flash (which I often do) you can look into using other more budget friendly flashes, just make sure you do your research well on what is compatible.

However aside from this flaw, the camera does work very well and has some great basic features. Currently right now this is my everyday camera and I haven't really had any mechanical issues or anything else. I would say it's a great starter camera especially if you're on a budget but if you're looking for something a little more sophisticated (which i currently am, because I have outgrown this camera, though it will make a great back-up) maybe look for something else.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I have no idea who fed you this line of crap, but thats exactly what it is....CRAP!
Nikons AF-S lenses WILL work on ALL Nikon DSLRs, as well as most later model film SLR's. They do not work on many earlier film SLRs only because many of them needed the aperture ring on the lens and most AF-S lenses are also "G" lenses that have no physical aperture ring.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Thanks. I guess I'm going to like the D7100 more that I thought!

As I noted with the programmable function key set to ISO on the D5100, and using P mode, I can do all of the above listed before WB through the viewfinder. I don't care about WB since I am shooting RAW.

Of course I can also adjust focus point with the arrow keys while looking through the viewfinder...I don't think that is any different except the 39 vs. 11 points. I find the 11 points more than satisfactory as I use the shutter focus lock if I want a point not quite there and need to recompose after locking...and I always use spot focus. In fact probably better so I don't have to toggle through as many to get where I'd like it to be.

I don't use exposure compensation...but if I did it would require looking at the LCD anyway to cause me to do it. However there is indeed a button for that on the D5100. It shows up in the viewfinder and you use the thumbwheel to adjust it as you do for the exposure time and f-stop with no other buttons pushed or the ISO with the function button pushed. That's already too many buttons for me to keep track of.

If I had an exposure issue I'd more likely bracket, pump up active D-lighting, or take an HDR. Oh, I guess the D7000 doesn't have HDR. Well I'm hoping the D7100 has it...a better one that uses at least three shots.

gfinlayson

Lack of HDR isnt an issue for me as it only works in JPEG. For the occasional shot that needs it I bracket as many shots as I need in RAW and process with Photomatix Pro/Lightroom.

MtnMan Loc: ID

I agree for another reason: it just isn't very good. I find the Active D-lighting does as good or better job than the two-shot HDR in the D5100 and you only need one shot so do better with handheld. But the competitors have moved ahead on this so I expect a better rendition with the newer Nikons.

The D600 may have it but I haven't heard any reports on it.

Pentony Loc: Earth Traveller

Why have 3 bodies with completely different controls???[/quote]

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Why not? I have the d90 and 3100. I'm planing on acquiring the d5100. Just waiting to see if there will be a d5200 because I purchased the d3100 three months unknown (before) the d3200 came out.

Anyway, I'm retired. All my children are adults with their immediate families and all are doing well. So to spend my money my choice is to either frequent bars, chase women and have nothing to show for my expense or spend my money on photography, travelling and volunteering which gives me pleasure and something to show for my time and expense.

Your opinion on how I or anyone else spends money and a dollar will buy me a cup of coffee. 8-)

AND I choose to no longer have a wife to drive me further into unnecessary debt.

"Why have 3 bodies with completely different controls?"

Each body is unique for different photographic situations. Having different controls challenges my mind. Keeping my mind active reduces the possibility of Alzheimer.

So I'll buy as many cameras bodies as I want. It's my money and is not to be questioned. :lol:

The original question was choosing between the d3100 vs the d5100 not "why a third body." :twisted:

In answer to the original question, d3100 vs d5100? I recommend the d5100. Even with the higher mpx's of the d3200, I still recommend the d5100.

With hind sight, knowing what I know now, I would have purchased the d5100 with two kit lens, then the d90 with two kit lens, then the d3200 body, then the Coolpix p510, and then some prime lens like the 85mm, the 50mm, the 105mm and the 24mm. See I have lots of equipment to buy. :-P :-P

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

I agree with MT Shooter. Two cameras the same makes it a lot easer than trying to remember what camera you are useing at the time. And all your lens can be used on both. If your shooting a job where you need two differant lens each camera would have the lens you need without having to change. Thats what I used to do when I was a in the busness of photography. When useing the camera you dont have to waste time thinking what camera your using. Every thing comes like second nature. Cheers.

golf96 Loc: Milton, Massachusetts

How many clicks is a D7000 good for? Or any good DSLR? If you were to buy a used one ...well would you and if so how mank clicks is to many? ....thanks

Photography2 Loc: Wi.

I have a D7000 and my daughter has a D5100. We had a photo shoot scheduled and my daughter was going to do most of the work but I helped out with setting up the lights and getting started, but found it very difficult with the D5100 because the controls are so different. Frustrated with the difference, I had to switch to the D7000 to ensure good pictures. While my daughter loves the D5100 and would prefer to use that. It all depends on how versatile you are for learning two cameras. I'm a one camera-body person. If you're young and learn fast, go for it but old geazers like me have to stay with what they know lol

pugfan Loc: Carlsbad CA

Hey Wabbit, I already admitted I couldn't count....I should have said to EITHER my 7000 or 300s.
:)