D3000 or D3100 which is better?

[KMT]

Hi, I want to purchase my first ever DSLR and am torn between the D3000 or the D3100.
The D3000 is cheaper, but the D3100 is lighter and has video recording. I've heard that the D3000 is a great camera and am getting conflicting opinions about which is better.

Does the D3100 have auto focus?

Does anyone have any suggestions? Or recommendations. I really have no idea :-D

Thanks for your help <><

[veritasimagery]

Not a Nikon person, but yes, the D3100 has auto focus. Do some research here and online. A simple Google of "Nikon D3100" will give you more information than you could possibly need.

[Gaurav Prabhu]

Between the two, no doubt you should go for the D3100. If you can, find the old workhorse, the D90 which is also a fantastic camera.

[KMT]

Thanks veritasimagery and Gaurav Prabhu. I really aprreciate your responses :-D

[Tinderbox UK]

I had an D3100 and it is a very nice camera, I much preferred the control layout to the more expensive D5100.

The D90 does not have autofocus in video recording, though autofocus on a nikon dslr it is very hit and miss compared to a dedicated camcorder.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Tinderbox (UK)

The D90 does not have autofocus in video recording, though autofocus on a nikon dslr it is very hit and miss compared to a dedicated camcorder.

Not quite: Autofocus during video on ANY dSLR can be hit-and-miss compared to a digital camcorder.

[Jonbar18]

1) the 3100 (and 3000) has auto focus on AFS lenses ONLY. These lenses are usually more expensive and with less selection. If you absolutely need autofocus on all lenses, your best bet is a used D70. If you want new, you MIGHT be able to find a D90, but the D7000 is your best choice. If your on a budget and can't afford any of these, it might be a good time to learn to focus manually (or hunt for AFS lenses)
2) 3100 is better. The grip/layout is better, video, improved ISO and resolution, and all for a great price-not much more than the older D3000
3) the 3100 is lacking a lot of basic stuff. No auto bracketing (have to do it yourself), no IR receiver (can't use wireless remote triggers), no batter grip (have to use a 3rd party one with an annoying cable along the side to make the shutter release work). You might be better off with a D5100, which while more expensive, has (i believe) all of those, is larger (the 3100 is uncomfortable if you have big hands), improved performance, and more. Still no AF other than with AFS lenses.

[Tinderbox UK]

I have only ever had Nikon Dslr`s so cannot comment on other makes.

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Not quite: Autofocus during video on ANY dSLR can be hit-and-miss compared to a digital camcorder.

[KMT]

Hey Thanks everyone!!

I ended up getting the D3100. From what I've read it should be good for my 1st DSLR. If I end up really enjoying it and get better at using DSLRs then I might upgrade.
Your advise has been really vaulable so Thanks once again

[ccting]

Originally Posted by KMT

Hey Thanks everyone!!

I ended up getting the D3100. From what I've read it should be good for my 1st DSLR. If I end up really enjoying it and get better at using DSLRs then I might upgrade.
Your advise has been really vaulable so Thanks once again

I owns D5100, and my brother owns D3000. Try get the great offer D90 instead. It has flash commander which is expensive item that D3100 does not have. And it has motor which you can use triple cheaper lenses. If you can, get D7000. Otherwise D90. Never go for D3100 or D5100. So i recommend
a) D7000
b) D90 if same price as D5100
c) D3000 if much cheaper than D3100.

D3100 is useless. Many upgrade to D7000 after a few months usage in my country. If you will be serius about photography, get either D7000 or D90. D3100 and D5100 will be more expensive than D90 or D7000, when you wish to expend your photography skillset. Don't look at tangle cost, but also intangle cost / future costs.

Remember downgrade your kit len to 50mm or 35mm f/1.8 len, which can last you more than 10 years. In future you could buy 24-70 f/2.8, and 70-200 VR II len.

Try to see complaint about video capturing by D3100/D5100.

Sometimes what you see (the price) does not reflect the total costs in near future.