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Question

Need help about camera choices/5 cameras to choose from

May 25, 2014 8:37PM PDT

HI,

I've just read your reviews and comments, and see that there are lots of thoughtful and in-depth ideas here. After reading them, I think that perhaps you can help me with a decision I'm trying to make.

I'm in the middle of trying to decide which to get: D3200, D3300, D3100, d5100 or d5200.

I can't afford to spend more than those, and I'm newer to dslrs, and here's what I am looking for:

I don't take family photos, I do mostly nature and landscape.

I love photography and am very serious about how much fun it is. I want more than just pictures, I want to learn how to take photos that make me go wow.

I like taking bird photos, and would like to be able to see detail when I zoom in (feathers, etc)

I like the size of the D3200 in my hand, weight and dimensions-wise.

I have added two lenses to my repertoire to get more of what I'm looking for: the 55 to 300 vr lens which I love for the ability to get those birds! and the 35 mm f1.8.

I have seen the results of the d3200 and would like more detail on my computer at the end of the day, and will I get more out of one of the other four than the d3200? Or do I just need to keep working on learning more about aperture, shutter speed, etc.? I am learning more each day with my reading and experimenting, but would like to have a good solid base out of the 5 cameras to start out with.

The d3200 has good colors, seems to be natural.

I've read that the d3300 has better picture quality.

I've read that the d5200 has the same sensor as the d7000 (the Exposure Metering Sensor, 2,016-pixel RGB sensor, 420-pixel RGB) and am thinking that it therefore has more potential than the d3200 as far as detail and sharpness go. Does the more-pixel sensor really make a difference or not really? Does it make for more detail and clarity ?

In descending order, how do they compare in real-life usage in terms of better picture quality/clarity/details?

The flip-out screen and bigger view-finder are not an issue for me, I'm good with any of them. I have a bridge camera with a flip-out screen and find it's not something I've used more than once or twice. A nice feature, but not a deciding factor.

I realize that much of the aspects of a camera are the skills of the photographer, but even with the little I've learned from using my first dslr so far, I'm seeing that each camera has it's own strengths and limitations. At the end of the day what matters to me are clear, detailed photos because I want to feel satisfaction in my work.
I am passionate about it and see that you all are, as well, and that's why I figured I'd throw it out at you.

I realize I have a lot of questions, and thanks in advance for your time. I'm tired of going around with myself in circles on this, I just want to make a choice and get on with taking the pictures!

Thank you for your help!

Debbie Happy

Discussion is locked

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Answer
I'll comment on lens.
May 26, 2014 12:52AM PDT

I have a DSLR and opted for the stock lens plus a 40mm and the image stabilized 55 to 250mm. While there is a 300 IS lens the price point was while inside my budget just not attractive. So far, so good. And get a tripod or monopod since at that zoom level you can't hold it steady enough.
Bob

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I'll comment on lens,
May 26, 2014 3:09AM PDT

Thank you, Bob, I appreciate your helpful comments. I want to soak up al the info I can get. I will get the tripod or monopod for sure. I've been holding it in my hand and I'm sure that's making my images not as sharp as I'd like. So much to learn! I love all this learning!
Thanks again,
Debbie

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On the cheap, to see if a monopod can help
May 26, 2014 3:38AM PDT

I used a stick at first. Later I picked out a monopod. Why? During travel I wanted less to carry. Tripods are great but take a little longer to get setup. The monopod takes just a few seconds for me.
Bob

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monopod
May 26, 2014 6:50AM PDT

yes, that's how my thinking has been going. I was all ready to get a tripod but thought of having to carry it around and I didn't want to make it a burden that I would eventually tire of.
I'll try the monopod out!
THanks Happy