Is the Nikon D3100 worth the extra $250?

[bridgesro]

Hi all! I'm a beginner photographer looking to get my first DSLR camera by the end of the year. I've been looking at a lot of cameras and reviews for them, as well as talking to local professional photographers, and I've narrowed my choice down to either the Nikon D3000 or the Nikon D3100.

The main separation between the two for me is the price. I can find the D3000 kit for about $300, and the D3100 kit for about $550. $550 would be pushing my budget to it's very edge.

I know that the D3100 is easily the better of the two cameras, but is it better enough to warrant the extra $250, especially given that I'm a beginner? Or would the D3000 suit my needs easily enough at this level?

Right now I'm working with a Nikon S8100, which I love. So I have at least something to work with if the D3100 ends up being my choice and I have to save up the extra cash for it.

[OsmosisStudios]

See i you can't find a D5000: better than both.

[AshleyFace]

I went with the d3100 over the d3000 for two reasons: 1) I got it for $450 brand spanking new, and 2) HD video is a necessity for me. Had those not been true, I probably wouldn't have sprung for the d3000. It just wouldn't have seemed worth it.

Good luck deciding.

[bridgesro]

Originally Posted by AshleyFace

I went with the d3100 over the d3000 for two reasons: 1) I got it for $450 brand spanking new, and 2) HD video is a necessity for me. Had those not been true, I probably wouldn't have sprung for the d3000. It just wouldn't have seemed worth it.

Good luck deciding.

Where were you able to find it for $450? I haven't been able to find it anywhere near that cheap!

The video isn't important for me, since I don't record videos often enough to warrant it. But I know the picture quality is gonna be better than the 3000. $450 would be a great price if I could find it that cheap.

[Zeke Menuar]

Originally Posted by bridgesro

Hi all! I'm a beginner photographer looking to get my first DSLR camera by the end of the year. I've been looking at a lot of cameras and reviews for them, as well as talking to local professional photographers, and I've narrowed my choice down to either the Nikon D3000 or the Nikon D3100.

The main separation between the two for me is the price. I can find the D3000 kit for about $300, and the D3100 kit for about $550. $550 would be pushing my budget to it's very edge.

I know that the D3100 is easily the better of the two cameras, but is it better enough to warrant the extra $250, especially given that I'm a beginner? Or would the D3000 suit my needs easily enough at this level?

Right now I'm working with a Nikon S8100, which I love. So I have at least something to work with if the D3100 ends up being my choice and I have to save up the extra cash for it.

Yes. Get the D3100, you won't be sorry. I really like mine.

[pic_that_talks]

Hey bridgesro,
I am in the same boat...Let me know if you were able to decide.

Also, I know a couple of sites where the d3100 is cheaper than 550.. ajrichard.com is one of them, but not sure if they are authentic.

[AshleyFace]

Originally Posted by bridgesro

Where were you able to find it for $450? I haven't been able to find it anywhere near that cheap!

The video isn't important for me, since I don't record videos often enough to warrant it. But I know the picture quality is gonna be better than the 3000. $450 would be a great price if I could find it that cheap.

I have a friend who works at an office store and he price matched a random internet website.

[AlexisRhode34]

i would say by all means go with Nikon D3100 and you won't be disappointed.

[rspears]

I was looking for a backup camera (my first was a D80) and was looking at the D3100. I had a few snooty photographer friends tell me that it was a crappy low-end camera. I got it anyway, and I really enjoy shooting with it. Just be aware of the lens compatibility issues. Some auto-focus lenses won't AF if the lens doesn't have an internal focus motor. (if you've been researching it, I'm sure you already know... but I didn't. Only two of my lenses were AF-S)