Does anyone use the Nikon d3100 for their photos? This will be my first digital SLR and it fits my budget. I’d be using it for both model railroading and general photography.
I have a D100 and I love it…you should be alright with the D3100
The D3100 is a new release and is aimed at the Canon T2i which was recently released. I have the T2i and love it. Most reviews I’ve seen so far lean to the T2i but say if you have Nikon lenses already to go with the 3100. You won’t go wrong with either choice. And it has video like the canon.
I am familiar with the Nikon brand having a D40x but not the new 3100 so my remarks will be somewhat generic in tone.
First, there is no “best camera” since that depends on what you plan to do with it, how much you want to learn about it/grow with it and how much you want to spend on it. If your only interest is to take a few photos of the old pike and a few while on vacation, then you are probably going to be satisfied with a less expensive “point & shoot.” If you feel that this might be the first step in having photography as a second hobby (heaven forbid that it would get in the way of real model railroading), then you are probably going to want a camera like the 3100. And, if you KNOW that you will want to do more, then I’d say save your nickels & dimes and get something that you can grow into. Even the high end models have a “point & shoot” mode for those who are just starting out.
OK, make a list of the things that you want to photograph. On your layout, will you want to take extremely close-up photos? If so, make sure that the camera you choose either has a macro lens (for close-up work) or that there is a macro lens available for it. Are you going to be content with the built-in flash or do you want to get more elaborate with the lighting of your photos? If you want to go the more elaborate route, then you may well want to look for a camera that will accommodate or trigger extra flash units. I’m not trying to confuse you but rather point out to you that there are a lot of variables to consider.
Buying a camera today is like buying a computer… be prepared to upgrade in about 3-4 years since the technology will continue to be changing rapidly.
Do your research online as well as in person. Head to a c
I haven’t had the opportunity to read any reviews of these new models but I have been drawn towards Nikon–I have had either a D90 or D5000 on my oneofthesedays list; however I am currently showing interest in Canon’s new T2i; not only because of its great reviews but because I can get an adaptor that will permit me use of my old 35mm FD lenses eventually saving me beaucoup bucks.
I’d give up on that thought if I were you. Yes there are adapters so FD lenses will fit on modern EOS bodies, but in doing so you use autofocus, metering, and they won’t focus to infinity. They would need to be focused manually, and the exposure set manually too.
Best to stick to modern EOS compatible lenses.
As for the Nikon D3100, any recent DSLR by any manufacturer will do just great for model and personal photography. I’m a long time Canon user but would not hesitate to recommend this or any other camera.
At one time Nikon lens could not be beat. I do not know if that is true any longer, Cannon and others manufactures have come along. I have a Sony A100 that works great for me. It had a great review when I wanted to buy. But like computers, what you buy today will be old technology in a very short time.
Whatever brand I decided to get I would make sure there was a good selection of lens to pick. The lens quality and selection is what makes a camara.
There are a lot of good comparisons and reviews here; http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/