Nikon vs. Nikon SLR?

[rocknRev4Christ]

Hey all!

I have a Nikon Coolpix L110 which I know is NOT an SLR camera. Love it alot.
COOLPIX L110 from Nikon

I think I found a Nikon D3000 which IS and SLR camera. Nikon Store - D3000 (Refurbished)

I am having an issue trying to decipher all the mumbo jumbo in specs and comparing them. Please help with opinions and also please let me know if I would be wasting my money by just buying yet another cam when I can do just about the same with my Coolpix cam. I am asking about this because I have been told about a Nikon D3000 for 200 dollars in a pawn shop. But the D3000 looks like a low end SLR. I am wanting to go to college soon to take classes and maybe get some sort of degree but need a good SLR for that. I am really new to SLRs also.

Thank you for listening to my long rant. Waiting your replies.

[Rehesan]

As you mentioned: your current camera is not an SLR so you are no able to interchange lenses which is one of the beauties of the SLR. With an SLR you virtually have an endless options to develop creativity, because you can use different lenses to achieve very creative and high quality photographs. With a DSLR you also have the option of prime lenses, so your photos will be very sharp, with a great detail, you can shot in low light conditions, create nice bokeh (DOF) etc.

With a point&shot camera your possibilities are limited because you have just one lens, which has the function of a "wideangle" and a zoom, with the option of digital zoom that is not achieved by the lens.

But the main difference between your current camera and a DSLR like the D3000 is the sensor size. There is no comparison in the image quality you can achieve with a small sensor camera vs. a bigger sensor camera. Eventhough the D3000 is not a "full frame" sensor DSLR (it has a DX sensor), will deliver better images because its sensor is quite bigger than your CCD point&shot sensor.

The D3000 is not a "low end" DSLR, it is an entry level DSLR which I think can effectively be used as a starter SLR camera if you are going to attend photography classes. In other words, you do not need a "high end" camera when starting with photography basics, even more I think you could use your Coolpix camera to start with you classes as long as it is equipped with a Manual Mode "M" or at least it has Aperture Priority and Shutter Speed Modes. If your Coolpix does not offer those modes, then you would need to get a DSLR in order to effectively understand and practice the photography basics.

Hope the info is useful.

Cheers!

[TheMoons678]

Yes, the D3000 is a consumer level DSLR.

If you don't mind buying used, wait until after christmas when everyone has upgraded cameras and are selling their old camera bodies. For the same $450 that you're spending on that refurbished D3000 you might be able to get a D200 on the used market, or for $350 you might be able to find a D80. I've seen both of those prices on my used market here, and I'd take a D80 or D200 over the D3000 any day.

The D3000, D5000, D3100, D60, D40x, D40 are all consumer level DSLR that do not have an internal motor to autofocus lenses that do not have their own motor. The 50mm f/1.8 AF is a cheap but very sharp lens that is one of my favorite lenses. Do some reading on the internet about the lens, because if you'd like one I'd stay far away from those consumer level cameras and find a used pro-sumer camera.

[rocknRev4Christ]

With just those two postings, I believe I am going to wait to buy my first DSLR camera. I am not going to start classes for at least a year so waiting would be good for me I think. I want one that is not going to be "entry level". I do however want one that will have the ability to have many different lenses to use with it. I think I would also like one that has the motor focus thingy when set to auto. So if anything, this gave me some things to think about.

$200 is a good price but the D3000 is not quite what I am looking for. Thank you.

[TheMoons678]

Originally Posted by rocknRev4Christ

With just those two postings, I believe I am going to wait to buy my first DSLR camera. I am not going to start classes for at least a year so waiting would be good for me I think. I want one that is not going to be "entry level". I do however want one that will have the ability to have many different lenses to use with it. I think I would also like one that has the motor focus thingy when set to auto. So if anything, this gave me some things to think about.

$200 is a good price but the D3000 is not quite what I am looking for. Thank you.

$200 is a great price for a D3000 and is worth it (as long as it doesn't have any major issues). I'd jump on that deal, regardless of when your photography class is. Who needs a photography class when you can learn just about everything here on DPS.

All nikon DSLR can interchange lenses, but those entry level cameras I mentioned require AF-S lenses (which are more common anyways).

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by TheMoons678

those entry level cameras I mentioned require AF-S lenses (which are more common anyways).

"require" is a harsh word. The only benefit to using AF-S lenses over any other is that it'll autofocus. A nice thing to have, certainly, but not a requisite.

[TheMoons678]

Originally Posted by Almond.Butterscotch

"require" is a harsh word. The only benefit to using AF-S lenses over any other is that it'll autofocus. A nice thing to have, certainly, but not a requisite.

True, but for the majority of buyers thinking about such cameras, they would consider it a necessity.

[rocknRev4Christ]

Thanks for your concern. I have decided against because while my point and shoot doesn't have all the manual functions of this dslr, I think it can do quite alot. If I am going to upgrade, I might as well upgrade a little bigger imho. I am also aware of the lack of interchanging lenses on my point and shoot.

As for my classes, I am going to learn a lot here but am wanting to actually start college in about a year to get "certified". Get a diploma and all that. I figure I will learn from here and things will be much easier for me when I take the college courses. I know it seems like cheating but doing it for two reasons. If I lose interest before then, I won't put money into the classes. I don't think I will lose interest though. The second reason is I plan on doing this professionally possibly. Having a diploma would look really professional I think. Sometimes there is something to be said about the certification to those future customers that will come in.

[Rehesan]

Originally Posted by rocknRev4Christ

Thanks for your concern. I have decided against because while my point and shoot doesn't have all the manual functions of this dslr, I think it can do quite alot. If I am going to upgrade, I might as well upgrade a little bigger imho. I am also aware of the lack of interchanging lenses on my point and shoot.

As for my classes, I am going to learn a lot here but am wanting to actually start college in about a year to get "certified". Get a diploma and all that. I figure I will learn from here and things will be much easier for me when I take the college courses. I know it seems like cheating but doing it for two reasons. If I lose interest before then, I won't put money into the classes. I don't think I will lose interest though. The second reason is I plan on doing this professionally possibly. Having a diploma would look really professional I think. Sometimes there is something to be said about the certification to those future customers that will come in.

Glad to hear the info was helpful for you.

Just a quick word of advice from an photography enthusiast, if you allow me:

I applaude your decision of going to school and take a formal class in photography, that talks very good about you. I am telling you this because nowadays many times anyone with a consumer DSLR and a couple of lenses think can do professional photography, and the truth is not.

Now, here is my advice: getting a diploma of succesfully completed a photography class will not mean you will be ready to open your studio and bring customers in. The real photography learning starts just after you completed the class, you will need to practice a lot and mastering your photography before jump into the market as a pro. I would suggest you to start working as an assistant photographer with a pro photographer in order for you to have the opportunity to practice and learn from him/her in the real world, because one thing is school and another way different is the real life.

A very well educated and mastered photographer is always appreciated by potential customers like myself, eventhough I love photography I know when I need a professional job done I must hire a pro to do it.

I wish you the best of luck and also a lot of success in your career.

Cheers mate!

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by TheMoons678

True, but for the majority of buyers thinking about such cameras, they would consider it a necessity.

I disagree. The majority of buyers probably won't even go beyond the kit lens. It is, after all, an entry-level camera with a price point that doesn't put it too far away from the better P&S cameras.