Thanks to all for their advice about everything - it's been great hearing from you guys, and I've considered each and every piece of advice!(Especially vis-a-vis camera straps, I would never have realized what fantastic straps are around if not for your recommendations!!)
After going to handle the cameras one last time before purchasing in the next fortnight or so, I have decided on the D5100 :-)
So...The question now is lenses!!
I'm not adverse to having kit lenses (I'd rather buy more expensive ones out of college where they wont accidentally be broken in dorm rooms etc) but the question is whether to go single or double.
I had a play with the D5100 with the 18-55mm VR today and loved it. It's a great little lens, and the auto focus isn't too bad (although I anticipate it will be on manual most of the time!)
There are pretty good deals on the D5100 with both the 55-200mm VR and the 50-300mm VR, but would any of you recommend them as a good second lens?? Or would I be better off buying a prime lens such as the 50mm f/1.8D or 50mm f/1.8 G??
Any recommendations would again be greatly appreciated :-)
Cait
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
(34 posts) (18 voices)-
Posted 1 year ago #
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I still think you would be better off with the 18-105. Then you could get the 70-300 if you felt limited on the telephoto end. It's a much better option than the 55-200 ( I can't speak for the 55-300 because I haven't used it). For now maybe the 18-105 and the 40 2.8 macro or the 50 1.8G.
Posted 1 year ago # -
lenses have been discussed many times
The general consensus is, start with the 18 -105 - Everyone seems to rate this lens
Later, once you have discovered which branch of photography you want to specialise in,
add a one or more of the followinga 70-300
an ultra wide zoom - Tokina and sigma both get good reviews
a macro
a wide aperture primethere are threads on all of the above
but I suggest you put off buying a second lens until you have a better idea of what you want to do
Posted 1 year ago # -
Hi,
The D7000 has several advantages over the D5100 that would show in time, weatherproofing, higher flash synchronization, several useful user features that would aid the functionality for picture taking to include a much longer lifespan and ruggedness that push me to recommend it over the D5100 easily.
My D7000 sees 2500 shots a day on a rough day - that's something that might not happen every week, but sometimes it does. It has over 50K actuations on it now. I doubt that a D5100 would have any trouble with that, but I also doubt that it's rated for it, or that it could shoot in rain, or the snow, or in the temperature extremes that the D7000 I've shot in has.
And if I were to take a camera on vacation, that might be something I would want to think about.
A lot also has to do with what photography means to Cait.
For a lot of people it is just a way of recording what happen here or there and putting a place in memory for recall - nothing wrong with that - but for others it's a whole other thing. It's a way we express how we see something. If we're willing to pony up to do something extra, then it might be worth it to do a little more.
My best,
Mike
Posted 1 year ago # -
For the price of the 18-105 you can get both a 18-55 and a 55-200. Then you have a wider optical range to use. Plus, I would add a f/1.8 lens, either in 35mm or 50mm to use in low light. If money runs out you can get the 18-55 and then the f/1.8 and wait on the 55-200. But I would get all three at first, if I could.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I didn't read through all the post but what I can tell your from a very amateur point of view. I picked up the D7000 last year for the wife. She uses it every week for shooting pix from our kids sports to family pix when we travel. I also have used this camera and love it big time. It was worth every penny. Now if we're going to be spending all day at Disneyland we'll take our small P&s cameras but I'd say 90% of the time we use the D7000. We have used the 18-105 it came with which has served it's purpose for the most part. However, we're picking up the Nikon 70-300 to use for our kids sports so I'll post up results. What I've heard from others is we'll be very happy. Good luck with your choice.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I realize you are choosing between D7000 and D5100. I own the D5100 and it's a great camera. I did invest in decent glass by getting the 18 - 200 VR II, which to me was more important than the camera.There are times I wish I had gotten the D7000 though. Not because I think it takes better pictures (they have pretty much same sensor, but the D7000 has more focus points), but because there are dedicated buttons the D7000 has the D5100 does not. Sometimes, changing settings that are menu driven are less intuitive, and more time consuming. Still both cameras are great.
Now, a counterpoint. You say you are small and size and weight are a major consideration. I recently bought my partner a Micro 4/3 ILC. I wound up getting the Panasonic GF3, and we've now added 3 lenses (14-42 45-300 and 45 macro). It takes fantastic pictures, is easy to use, but permits all the adjustment one might need or want from a DSLR perspective (the touch sensitive screen is actually fun). For what you're describing as issues/needs, you might find that you are just as happy (perhaps more so) with a smaller ILC.
Just a thought........
Posted 1 year ago # -
I am totally nervous at this time in deciding to purchase D5100 or D7000, Please suggest me as which camera is good to purchase.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Anurag: Both of those cameras are very good. The D7000 is a semi-professional camera. It is made more rugged to endure more adverse weather conditions, etc. The D5100 is a consumer camera. It is easier to operate (has a self help menu) and not as weather tight. But that should not be a problem for anyone who doesn't expect to spend hours photographing in the rain.
Simply, if you are not an experienced photographer I suggest getting the D5100. It will be more than enough camera for you.
If you are a very experienced photographer who owned a D70, D80, or D90 camera and wants something in that grade, get the D7000.
Posted 1 year ago #
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