CindyJ Loc: Silver Cliff, Wisconsin

Happy Holidays first of all. I've been reading all of your responces and it seems that the majority suggestions for me to update my camera per your advise (now have Nikon Coolpix L110) is either the Coolpix P500 or the camera I was initially considering the Nikon D3100. I'm no camera expert, took one class just to touch base on functions, which I understood somewhat. Still confused on RAW which the instructor explained as essential, and ISO is still confusing to me. I'm looking to get better pics when taking photos of things moving, like a eagle taking flight, or a flower blowing ever so slightly in the wind, and not get a blurred image. Not sure what settings to use on my L110. Anyway, I need help on what the pros and cons are of the Coolpix P500 versus the D3100, or is there yet another camera that does the thinking for you. And yes I realize the person taking the pics is responsible for the outcome, not the camera. Just getting too many pics that I'm not happy with and missing some great shots. Thanks for everybodies comments, I do appreciate them.

nyweb2001

I'm not familiar with any of those cameras but looking at the reviews you should be able to get the shots you want with the D3100. I must say though, the shots you're aiming for.....an eagle in flight, a flower blowing in the wind, have to be some of the toughest shots there are !!! for the eagle, you need a fast shutter...maybe 1/250 at least ! Same for a moving flower ! Both very tough !!!

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

You're at an interesting crossroad in your photographic experience, Cindy. Between the two cameras you're choosing from, the big decision for you is: the D3100 can take interchangeable lenses, and the P500 cannot. So, all you need to do is look into the future! Will you want to add other specialized lenses to your camera, or not?
The P500 will take the pictures you refer to, using a "Sports" mode of auto-exposure, you just won't be able to add other lenses later (you may never want to...?).
Most people who are taking the "easy pictures" (little Billy busting balloons on his birthday) do not post on this forum. Keep fighting the good fight! And good luck!

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Depending on where you want to go in the world of photography, I think the D3100 will give you a lot more room to grow. JMHO of course.

Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

There are a few differences between the P500 and the D3100. First off the 3100 is a dslr and so you will be able to change lenses. The P500 however has a 36X zoom on it which is quite a lot. It can supposedly replace 2 or 3 lenses on a dslr. I wouldn't know about that, but I know I have gotten some amazing shots on my P500. The 500 also does not have RAW. This doesn't really bother me I set it to fine image quality and I think they come out great. If you are worried that you can't stop motion of a flower with the P500 don't worry about it. What do you think of my avatar? I too that pic with the zoom extended mostly out and used a fast shutter speed because the wind was blowing pretty good that day. Really you decision is going to come down to where you want to go in the future. If you think you are ready go for the D3100. (I wasn't so I went for the P500) Good luck with whatever you decide.

CindyJ Loc: Silver Cliff, Wisconsin

Can you explain to me what I can do with the interchangeable lenses?

CindyJ Loc: Silver Cliff, Wisconsin

Thanks for the info. Do you know where I can get a comparison between my L110 and the P500?

CindyJ Loc: Silver Cliff, Wisconsin

Can you give me the low down on specialized, interchangeable lenses, and what you can do with them.

CindyJ Loc: Silver Cliff, Wisconsin

Here's one pic I took of bird leaving water and heading on the bank. I don't think that is too bad of a pic, just my opinion.

catcher T Loc: Detroit

did you post the pic? my suggestion is research online about lens, there is alot to learn. its a litterally books to explain.

CindyJ Loc: Silver Cliff, Wisconsin

Sorry, for some reason Avatar not working for me...I'll keep trying. It had no problem deleting my profile page calla lily pic, go figure. Time to call it a day, getting frustrated.

catcher T Loc: Detroit

to my understanding if you hit preview your post you lose your photo

Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

dpreview is a good site to look at reviews on cameras.
Here's the link: http://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon

Since you were looking at Nikons this should take you to their Nikon gallery and then you can click on the cameras you have been looking at.

Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

Interchangeable lenses will allow you to get from extremely wide angle shots all the way up to telephoto shots like paparazzi take. Most photographers do not need that much of course. Each lens has a certain range that it covers. Most dslr kits that people buy come with an 18 -55 mm lens. If you can find a really good deal you might find a kit that also includes something like a 70 - 300 mm lens. The kind of lens you need depends upon the kind of photography you want to do.

Mike75 Loc: Millinocket,Me.

an eagle withwith my 70 to300 ona nikon d 70s


this one is a 16 85 while kayaking


and this is with my16to 85 this why I like DSLRs