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 b plus
Registered: 10/13/12
Posts: 928
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 Nikon DSLR decision 
#18436455 - 06/18/13 11:34 AM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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I'd like to purchase my first DSLR. Basically I want something that will shoot nice macro's, landscapes, and everything in between. I'd also like to have the option of recording video.
Within these parameters I've been looking at both Nikon D3200 and D5100, but am worried about a couple things. So far I've read a lot of reports about a D5100 shutter issue. Apparently the camera has a fairly frequent malfunction (sometimes after only a couple hundred shots) and only produce black images because of a shutter problem. Another thing I've noticed is that the internal mic picks up the lens AF noise while recording video. You can literally hear ever adjustment the lense makes while reviewing the video. This is an issue on the 3200 as well. (Although can be fixed by purchasing an external mic)
I've decided I like the 5100 better, but I'm terribly worried that I will receive one of the defected "black image" camera's that will have a shutter malfunction after 10 pictures. This is one of my biggest concerns.
My main questions:
Does the D5100 shutter issue occur regularly enough that it should be a worry of mine/deciding factor when purchasing a DSLR? IF SO- Would another brand like canon be a more reliable choice?
Has anyone used either the D3200, or D5100 before? Would you recommend either or a different brand/model and why?
Are there better options (price/quality) than either the D3200 or d5100?
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 Tmethyl
Smear in the shale
Registered: 07/16/12
Posts: 16,431
Loc: Florida
Last seen: 1 year, 6 months
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Re: Nikon DSLR decision [Re: b plus]
#18436534 - 06/18/13 11:57 AM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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I would buy the cheaper body and focus more on lenses.
Its all about the lenses. They make all the difference. My Nikon has proven its self o'er 10k shots, abuse from dropping and bad weather. It still performs optimally.
Remember when you're using a pro camera you have to change lenses. You'll need a macro lenses for sure, that and the lenses the Nikon comes with will be all you need for landscapes plus macro.. Later on you can get a zoom lenses for wildlife shots etc, and a wide angle lense for amazing landscape shots.
Just focus on the lenses and practice. Good luck B.
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¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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b plus
Registered: 10/13/12
Posts: 928
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Re: Nikon DSLR decision [Re: Tmethyl]
#18436672 - 06/18/13 12:21 PM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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Would you spend the extra money to get a 3200/5100 body instead of a 3100? If a slightly older model will perform nearly as well than I think that would be my best bet. As a beginner, I'm not sure there would be a noticeable difference either way. If I were to spend less on a older model than I'd be able to pick up additional lenses.
Edited by b plus (06/18/13 12:22 PM)
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Tmethyl
Smear in the shale
Registered: 07/16/12
Posts: 16,431
Loc: Florida
Last seen: 1 year, 6 months
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Re: Nikon DSLR decision [Re: b plus]
#18436698 - 06/18/13 12:29 PM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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I would buy the cheapest D series body with 12mp or better then spend more on lenses.
If you buy a defective camera they will replace it free of charge.
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¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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b plus
Registered: 10/13/12
Posts: 928
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Re: Nikon DSLR decision [Re: Tmethyl]
#18436774 - 06/18/13 12:44 PM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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Thank you, seriously, your advice is very meaningful to me. I was really caught up in all the reviews and advertisements that influence viewers to purchase the newest most updated model available. I'm going to look around for a cheaper D series to see what I can find.
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koraks
Registered: 06/02/03
Posts: 26,703
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Re: Nikon DSLR decision [Re: b plus]
#18436892 - 06/18/13 01:06 PM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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Don't get hung up on scary stories about defective bodies. These devices are manufactured in huge volumes and as a result, there will be the odd malfunction (either or not due to equipment abuse). And like Tmethyl said, Nikon, like any reputable brand, has a good warranty system.
Otherwise, the D3200 and the D5100 seem to be nearly identical, except for the newer sensor (and later introduction date) of the D3200. They are virtually at the same price level too. Given the choice between these two bodies, I'd go for the newer D3200. Unless you really really like the D5100's built-in HDR functionality.
And, as Tmethyl implied: neither of these bodies is going to let you take the images you want without the necessary glassware. That's a much more interesting topic than the body with the single digit lifespan you put behind that lens which may last for decades.
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b plus
Registered: 10/13/12
Posts: 928
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Re: Nikon DSLR decision [Re: koraks]
#18437556 - 06/18/13 03:13 PM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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Thanks koraks- I figured it was only happening to a small percentage of the actual camera's. A little reassurance is nice though, especially when I'm about to make a big decision like this. Based on your and Tmethyl's advice about lenses, I'm going to back away from the D3200/5100 for now and look for a less expensive model.
What do you guys think about "manufacturer refurbished" cameras? My understanding is they are literally "good as new". There's a few decent deals floating around, but a new camera would be ideal. Looks like I can get a 3100 (manufacturer refurb) with a 18-55 VR lens for a little over $300. 'New' is sitting around $50 more.
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Tmethyl
Smear in the shale
Registered: 07/16/12
Posts: 16,431
Loc: Florida
Last seen: 1 year, 6 months
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Re: Nikon DSLR decision [Re: b plus]
#18437780 - 06/18/13 03:55 PM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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I've had really good luck with refurbished top end Fujifilm cameras actually, but never tried with Nikon.
I say find a good deal from a reputable seller, they will still work with you if something is wrong, the last thing an eBay or Amazon seller want is negative feedback from their products.
Go for refurbished if you see a deal on them, in my experience they are just like brand new.
Remember if it looks to good to be true it probably is.
Always Google your sellers name and do research
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¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Edited by Tmethyl (06/18/13 03:59 PM)
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Tmethyl
Smear in the shale
Registered: 07/16/12
Posts: 16,431
Loc: Florida
Last seen: 1 year, 6 months
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Re: Nikon DSLR decision [Re: Tmethyl]
#18437818 - 06/18/13 04:04 PM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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Only buy lenses with optical zoom.
If it says digital zoom it is garbage.
No macro lenses will be cheap (like under $100
The macro lenses they sell for that cheap are crappy attachments that clip onto a real lense
Don't fall for that.
Watch out for knock offs.
If a lenses says "Nylon" r something similar instead of "Nikon or nikor"
Its garbage.
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¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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koraks
Registered: 06/02/03
Posts: 26,703
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Re: Nikon DSLR decision [Re: Tmethyl]
#18440550 - 06/19/13 01:11 AM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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Quote:
Tmethyl said:
No macro lenses will be cheap (like under $100
The macro lenses they sell for that cheap are crappy attachments that clip onto a real lense
Don't fall for that.
Well, if OP's on a budget, extension tubes can be a good way to enter the macro field.
I personally have no experience with manufacturer refurbished cameras but I would assume they are as good as new and a viable option if they come with decent warranty.
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daussaulit
Forgetful
Registered: 08/06/02
Posts: 2,894
Loc: Earth
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Re: Nikon DSLR decision [Re: koraks]
#18481593 - 06/27/13 09:09 PM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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I just bought refurbished Nikon D3200 from Adorama last week for $405. Came with the standard 18-55mm lens. It was in excellent condition and looked pretty much new. This is my first DSLR, so pretty much any DSLR is going to be a huge upgrade from my point and shoots. I decided to get the D3200 because it was cheaper and it seems to be more about the quality of the lens to really get the best quality. A lot of awesome pictures are a result of post-processing. Just trying to teach myself Lightroom and Photoshop instead of spending the big bucks on the camera.
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badchad
Mad Scientist
Registered: 03/02/05
Posts: 13,379
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Re: Nikon DSLR decision [Re: b plus]
#18482846 - 06/28/13 06:11 AM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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If you're seriously concerned about the camera malfunctioning, consider buying from an "authorized" dealer so you get a warranty.
Like many other electronics, you'll get deep discounts by buying used. Photography seems like a hobby TONS of people start, and then a year later their camera is collecting dust on a shelf. For this reason, you can usually find plenty of higher end cameras 1-3 years old for up to 50-60% off.
In a way, buying used might help your concerns about malfunctioning units. If the camera is still working after a year or two, I'd guess its unlikely to break.
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...the whole experience is (and is as) a profound piece of knowledge. It is an indellible experience; it is forever known. I have known myself in a way I doubt I would have ever occurred except as it did.
Smith, P. Bull. Menninger Clinic (1959) 23:20-27; p. 27.
...most subjects find the experience valuable, some find it frightening, and many say that is it uniquely lovely.
Osmond, H. Annals, NY Acad Science (1957) 66:418-434; p.436
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Guy1980
Registered: 09/11/12
Posts: 723
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Re: Nikon DSLR decision [Re: badchad]
#18483350 - 06/28/13 10:11 AM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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Just to chip in my 2p, I got the lowest Nikon SLR money could buy (a D40) about 6 years ago. I've not really looked after it, yet it still performs flawlessly and produces great images (far better than 12MP+ PnS cameras).
In my limited experience, Nikon are great cameras - the sensor is superb, it's rugged enough to still work after 5 years of neglect and it's "Auto" mode produces fantastic shots in 99% of cases.
Good luck OP - I hope your new hobby is rewarding 
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grayrey
Registered: 03/21/13
Posts: 335
Last seen: 10 years, 8 months
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Re: Nikon DSLR decision [Re: b plus]
#18499269 - 07/01/13 08:53 PM (10 years, 9 months ago) |
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You don't need nice equipment for Macro.
Id get a used DSLR and shoot the hell out of it so you know what you want in a camera before you invest..
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