First DSLR. Buy the bargain or spend more?

adox

Guys I am seriously thinking of taking up photography as a hobby and am undecided whether to go for the D3100 or not, now that it is available again in Argos.

Since its been out of stock in the last few days Ive been looking into the Nikon D3200 instead. Seems to be much better speced and has the VR stock lense as well(as opposed to the non VR on the D3100 in Argos).

Now I am a complete novice when it comes to DSLRs and photography and to be honest I`m not sure if it will be a hobby that I will definitely keep up in the future but I want to buy a DSLR to give it a go and find out.

The D3200 is approx €200 more expensive than the D3100(non VR lense). My question is, should i dip my toe in with the D3100 and see how I get on or should i spend more and get a better speced model? €200 is quite a big difference and my first instinct is to go with the D3100 but my head is also telling me it may be a bit of a false economy and if I get the bug I will end up spending more replacing the body in a short time.

I`d really welcome any advice from anyone who was in a similar position or anyone who, with hindsight, can offer an opinion on what they would have done if they could go back again to the start and chose how they spent their money.

Thanks in advance.:)

muppetkiller

Buy the Pentax K-01 ON AMAZON.CO.UK
Same quality as the K5 and also only £299

You can use all the K-mount lenses and would be a fantastic camera to start with.

adox

Just looking some more and the d5100 can be got for slightly less money than the d3200.

Any opinions?:)

brokenarms

There is another thread about it here
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056917609

The d3100 is my second dslr and im very happy with it. If you are a beginner then it will take you a while before you start getting the best of it no matter what you pick. You may as well start with the cheapest. The d3100 has a fairly good spec and does nearly everything a camera twice its price does. If I remember right the d5100 is very similar to the 3100 apart from a pop out screen.

But if ya do have money to burn

Corkbah

first off..... save money and buy elsewhere.

Argos will be overpriced compared to elsewhere (either online or actual shops) ... go into a dedicated camera shop and see if you can get something extra added or something knocked off the price.

you can get a refurbished unit for €299.95 at hall cameras ! (including lens)

b318isp

Don't be afraid of buying second hand either, you can get some really good gear for the same money (remembering that bodies depreciate quickly, while good lenses don't)

As you get further into the hobby, you will find that quality lenses are where the money is at. By the best body for the cheapest price and the save the rest for the lenses. Something like a Canon 40D can be got for small money these days and is a cracking camera.

brokenarms

Corkbah wrote: »

first off..... save money and buy elsewhere.

Argos will be overpriced compared to elsewhere (either online or actual shops) ... go into a dedicated camera shop and see if you can get something extra added or something knocked off the price.

you can get a refurbished unit for €299.95 at hall cameras ! (including lens)

You will be a long time looking if ya want to find a d3100 cheaper than Argos at the moment. They seem to be the cheapest by far on budget DSLRs.
I was looking for months and they are cheaper than anyone. Under 300 for a new Nikon is quite amazing to be fair.
Plus you can use the price matching promise of the other big stores like Curry's to get another 10% off.

McMenny

Hi Guys
I am also thinking about taking up photography as a hobby but I am clueless with everything DSLR related.. I've been wanting the Canon EOS 1100d for a good while now but parting with the money is the biggest problem as I don't know much about the camera and don't want to spend so much and realize it was a big mistake! Would this camera be suitable for a beginner? Or would you recommend something different?
I am also wondering if you's know any shop that would sell previously used DSLR's

Thanks

b318isp

McMenny wrote: »

Hi Guys
I am also thinking about taking up photography as a hobby but I am clueless with everything DSLR related.. I've been wanting the Canon EOS 1100d for a good while now but parting with the money is the biggest problem as I don't know much about the camera and don't want to spend so much and realize it was a big mistake! Would this camera be suitable for a beginner? Or would you recommend something different?
I am also wondering if you's know any shop that would sell previously used DSLR's

Thanks

Yes, the 1100D is a good starter. If you want to save money - consider a secondhand 400/450D with a decent lens. Try adverts.ie, www.photographyireland.net, Conn's Cameras or Berminghams.

McMenny

Thanks!

adox

Ended up ordering the D3200 this morning.

Hootanany

All the best with it.

cocococo

Adox i bought one about 2 weeks ago and i love it. I am the same as you and starting this up as a hobby.I bought the book 'Nikon D3200 for Dummies' and would recommend it. Now all i want is advice as to what zoom lens to buy next as i like taking landscape shots. Best of luck with your new hobbie.

adox

Just got a dispatch email from Amazon for the 3200 and Lowepro Slingshot 102aw. Very excited now.

Card and a UV filter already on they way. Next purchases will be a tripod and another lens.

I would really appreciate some advice on a lens(considering I really am a noob). I've been leaning towards getting a prime lens rather than a zoom. I reckon I will get better bang for buck with it at my upcoming budget(€200).
Been looking at the AFS-DX 35mm 1.8 lens as an "everyday" lens. My main use of the camera will be for portraits/landscapes and wildlife.

Would this lens be a good addition at this early stage with the limited budget or are there zoom options that would be a better choice?(in that price bracket)

adox

Just a quick update. Camera and bag arrived yesterday and the lens filter and SD card arrived this morning, so I`ll be out at the weekend trying out my new camera for the first time.:)

I`ve loads to learn but I`m really excited to have the camera and am so looking forward to learning and using it.

mayo.mick

adox wrote: »

Just a quick update. Camera and bag arrived yesterday and the lens filter and SD card arrived this morning, so I`ll be out at the weekend trying out my new camera for the first time.:)

I`ve loads to learn but I`m really excited to have the camera and am so looking forward to learning and using it.

Best of luck with it, happy shooting:) Make sure to post some photos up here!

adox

Picked up a 35mm prime lens at the weekend and although Ive only used it a couple of times, am loving it so far, much more so than the stock lens.

I`m actually enjoying the fact that its a prime and that I have to frame and zoom with my feet, much more so than having the zoom option on the stock lens. The lower f stop as well is making my shots look so much nicer too.

I only have the camera a couple of weeks and as stated previously, its my first DSLR and its a steep learning curve but, I am enjoying every second of it so far.

pedatron

adox wrote: »

Picked up a 35mm prime lens at the weekend and although Ive only used it a couple of times, am loving it so far, much more so than the stock lens.

I`m actually enjoying the fact that its a prime and that I have to frame and zoom with my feet, much more so than having the zoom option on the stock lens. The lower f stop as well is making my shots look so much nicer too.

I only have the camera a couple of weeks and as stated previously, its my first DSLR and its a steep learning curve but, I am enjoying every second of it so far.

Looking for a 35mm Prime myself. Where'd you pick it up? I've a nikon d3200.

adox

pedatron wrote: »

Looking for a 35mm Prime myself. Where'd you pick it up? I've a nikon d3200.

I actually picked it up in Argos would you believe. It was the cheapest i could find it in a bricks and mortar @€;199.99. Elsewhere seemed to be €220 upwards.

Amazon were around £150 sterling which is slightly cheaper but I couldnt wait.

Its the Nikkor F1.8:

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5695984/Trail/searchtext%3ENIKON+35MM.htm

pedatron

adox wrote: »

I actually picked it up in Argos would you believe. It was the cheapest i could find it in a bricks and mortar @€;199.99. Elsewhere seemed to be €220 upwards.

Amazon were around £150 sterling which is slightly cheaper but I couldnt wait.

Its the Nikkor F1.8:

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5695984/Trail/searchtext%3ENIKON+35MM.htm

Very nice. Thanks for that. Pay day on Thursday and I'm due a treat!

Ben D Bus

adox wrote: »

I actually picked it up in Argos would you believe. It was the cheapest i could find it in a bricks and mortar @€;199.99. Elsewhere seemed to be €220 upwards.

Amazon were around £150 sterling which is slightly cheaper but I couldnt wait.

Its the Nikkor F1.8:

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5695984/Trail/searchtext%3ENIKON+35MM.htm

€189 in Berminghams at the moment it seems. They're offering their Photofest prices in-store for the rest of the week.

http://berminghamcameras.ie/pf-pricelist-2013.pdf

www.facebook.com/berminghamcameras

adox

Ben D Bus wrote: »

€189 in Berminghams at the moment it seems. They're offering their Photofest prices in-store for the rest of the week.

http://berminghamcameras.ie/pf-pricelist-2013.pdf

www.facebook.com/berminghamcameras

Good on them. That's more or less matching Amazon.

adox

Just thought i`d keep this thread updated, I`ve joined the local camera club and am attending my first meeting tonight. They will be organising a day trip somewhere for this Sunday or Monday so looking forward to that.

danthefan

Also got myself a D3200 just today, my first ever DSLR, pretty intimidating at first but going to spend a bit of time getting used to it now.

Pretty happy overall though, have been thinking of getting a DSLR for ages and ages and have finally gone for it.

Are there any accessories that are particularly useful?

Kenny Logins

danthefan wrote: »

Also got myself a D3200 just today, my first ever DSLR, pretty intimidating at first but going to spend a bit of time getting used to it now.

Pretty happy overall though, have been thinking of getting a DSLR for ages and ages and have finally gone for it.

Are there any accessories that are particularly useful?

Apart from the 35mm lens mentioned above, a Yongnuo flash unit (with TTL) is a great buy for around €75 (bounce it).

adox

danthefan wrote: »

Also got myself a D3200 just today, my first ever DSLR, pretty intimidating at first but going to spend a bit of time getting used to it now.

Pretty happy overall though, have been thinking of getting a DSLR for ages and ages and have finally gone for it.

Are there any accessories that are particularly useful?

The 35mm lens is the only extra lens I have bought so far. Other than that I bought a bag, a decent sized memory card, a UV lens filter, an extra battery, a tripod, an IR remote and have a 10 stop ND filter on the way.

Best of luck with it. Im still in the early stages of learning but am having fantastic fun with it.

adox

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Apart from the 35mm lens mentioned above, a Yongnuo flash unit (with TTL) is a great buy for around €75 (bounce it).

Could you give some more information/links on this?

Kenny Logins

adox wrote: »

Could you give some more information/links on this?

Yup, this is a good starter model.

http://speedlights.net/2010/09/10/yongnuo-yn-467-speedlite-review/

Have a look on Youtube for 'bounce flash' tutorials or demos, 'fill flash' too.

pedatron

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Apart from the 35mm lens mentioned above, a Yongnuo flash unit (with TTL) is a great buy for around €75 (bounce it).

Any links to where you pick one up Kenny?

Kenny Logins

pedatron wrote: »

Any links to where you pick one up Kenny?

This is the manufacturer's own store on ebay, but you might prefer to buy locally (UK) in case of warranty or returns.

http://stores.ebay.com/hkyongnuophotoequipment

pedatron

thanks a million! i'll work from there!

dharn

I would recommend a gorrilapod very handy as a tripod ,and you can mount the camera anywhere with them ,set it on self timer and use your remote brilliant for long exposures etc

danthefan

dharn wrote: »

I would recommend a gorrilapod very handy as a tripod ,and you can mount the camera anywhere with them ,set it on self timer and use your remote brilliant for long exposures etc

Looks awesome, thanks.

danthefan

As I'm new to all this can I ask a stupid question:

What is so good about the 35mm prime lens? It's very expensive, and what is the difference between it and just setting my 18-55mm to 35mm?

If I wanted a lens with a decent zoom is there one in particular that's the best? Any recommendations? Thanks.

Kenny Logins

danthefan wrote: »

As I'm new to all this can I ask a stupid question:

What is so good about the 35mm prime lens? It's very expensive, and what is the difference between it and just setting my 18-55mm to 35mm?

If I wanted a lens with a decent zoom is there one in particular that's the best? Any recommendations? Thanks.

Not a stupid question at all.

The aperture is much wider (f1.8), this allows more light in resulting in faster shutter speeds, this also gives a shallower depth of field, and nice 'bokeh'.

Prime lenses (non-zooming) also generally have better optical quality than zooms.

BTW, it's also relatively cheap at around €200 in shops and €180 online (can't think of any cheaper lens apart from the 'kit'...).

dharn

Not an expert here but I think a prime 35 mm will have a greater range of aperture settings more light, therefore faster, less elements therefore less edge distortion etc ,but I would say for the average punter prime lens are not necessary, I have the 18- 105 , and it gets great photos in most situations, I would like more zoom but to get a 300 with any aperture range would cost a fortune

dharn

Kenny posted before me, but looks like I was right in what I said:)