Nikon D3100 of D5100.. What to choose...

[MacMorre]

Hey everyone.

I'm in a big dilemma here. I'm going on vacation in July for one month, and for that I would like to upgrade my camera (I have a Nikon D40). I'm selling this now and I was thinking of buying the D3100 + 18-105mm. That way I don't have to spend to much money over the selling price of my D40, and I have 14mpxl (in stead of 6) and 1080p 24fps video.
But last week the D5100 has been released, and that really got me thinking. It has 16 mpxl (same sensor as the D7000), 1080p 30fps, high def swivel screen, more pictures per second, more pictures on one battery charge, special effects,... but it's 200€ more expensive. For that 200€ extra, I could buy a Nikkor 35mm f1.8 for the D3100.

I'm not really a beginner, but I'm also a student, so I'm on a relatively small budget..

What do you think is best?

- D3100 + 18-105mm + 35mm f1.8?
- D5100 + 18-105mm?

Thank you for your opinion!!

[Almond.Butterscotch]

The 35mm f/1.8 is an absolutely friggen gem. I love that thing to death- it's my workhorse.

That said, bear in mind that both the D3100 and D5100 are a 'sideways' step from the D40- they both lack the built-in focus motor amongst other things. If that's never bothered you with the D40, then proceed by all means.

Personally, I think you can get much more out of a prime lens than the extra 2 megapixels. If you think you'll shoot lots of video, overhead/around-the-tree shooting is your style, and you oft shoot sports or fast moving things, then the D5100 might be for you.

[MacMorre]

Originally Posted by Almond.Butterscotch

Personally, I think you can get much more out of a prime lens than the extra 2 megapixels. If you think you'll shoot lots of video, overhead/around-the-tree shooting is your style, and you oft shoot sports or fast moving things, then the D5100 might be for you.

That's awesome, thank you for your opinion!! Much appreciated. Do you think the size of the D5100-sensor will be a big difference to the D3100? This might be a vague question since it's not out yet, but I've read this here and there...
It's also HD-screen which intrigues me, not per say the swivel of it..
And yes, i like to take some video, but it's not necessarily the 30fps that would convince me.. it's more the audio-in which is nice..

I'm going to buy the 35mm f1.8 for sure, i've only heard good comments about this and it's relatively cheap.. Now rests the question if the D5100 is worth the 200€ more...

Thank you very much!!

[Shokinen]

To me, lenses will always be a better investement. Even if you get Nikon's latest sensor, it won't help you if you want a very narrow depth of field.

What I don't like with the D5000 series is they are missing just a few little things to be a "real upgrade" but that's only my opinion. When I upgrated from my D60, of course I wanted the better sensor. But I was also looking for better ergonomic, pentaprism viewfinder, wireless flash, better focus system.

So if you are on a restricted buget (like I am right now lol), I would invest in the glass.

Check Almond's Flickr. Most of the pictures are taking with his D40 + 35f/1.8 if you are looking for examples.

[MacMorre]

Originally Posted by Shokinen

To me, lenses will always be a better investement. Even if you get Nikon's latest sensor, it won't help you if you want a very narrow depth of field.

What I don't like with the D5000 series is they are missing just a few little things to be a "real upgrade" but that's only my opinion. When I upgrated from my D60, of course I wanted the better sensor. But I was also looking for better ergonomic, pentaprism viewfinder, wireless flash, better focus system.

So if you are on a restricted buget (like I am right now lol), I would invest in the glass.

Okay, that's great! Thanks for your opinion! This is really helping a lot!

[OsmosisStudios]

The difference between the two bodies isn't just 2mp, it's the sensor and processor. They're about the same size, but the 16mp sensor is a known beauty (in the D7000). We don't yet really have many reviews on the 14mp sensor in the D3100.

That being said, you likely wont see a huge difference unless you're really pushing your luck and are trying to get the absolute, positive, last drop of goodness out of them.

The D3100 with the prime will likely be a better bet. Have you also considered selling the D40 as a body only and buying the D3100 as a body only and keeping your lens?

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by Shokinen

Check Almond's Flickr. Most of the pictures are taking with his D40 + 35f/1.8 if you are looking for examples.

Thanks for the plug; now for the viewwhoring: Nikon 35mm f/1.8 - a set on Flickr

[Shokinen]

We 35mm f/1.8 DX lovers have to stand together against the OS of the world who hates that lens hahahaha

[MacMorre]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

The D3100 with the prime will likely be a better bet. Have you also considered selling the D40 as a body only and buying the D3100 as a body only and keeping your lens?

Thanks again for the info!
Yes i have indeed considered it, but I only have the 18-55 now and i'm sick of switching lenses constantly if I want to zoom a little bit more.. That's why I'm considering the 18-105.

Thank you for all your opinions!! really appreciate it! :-)

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by Shokinen

We 35mm f/1.8 DX lovers have to stand together against the OS of the world who hates that lens hahahaha

Hear, hear!