Marc_C
Active member
Finally, a dSLR purchase is in the cards. It will be an entry-level or upper entry-level model. I don't want or need the complexity or added weight/size of the pro models.
Which would you purchase:
a new (released late 2012) but lower end model
- vs -
a 2-year old model that is a slight step up into prosumer territory, but definitely not pro
Assuming I go with manufacturer refurbished, they are both about the same price.
The key differences (between low/mid) are:
24 M-pixel / 16 M-pixel (yes, I realize this is far more a marketing trick than anything that has real impact)
fixed LCD screen / flip-out articulated LCD
no in camera HDR / HDR
no bracketing / both exposure and white balance bracketing
max ISO 3200 (12.5K with "boost") / max ISO 6400 (25K with boost)
a few other differences..... here's a comparison of the D3100, D3200, D5100, D5200:
http://www.dpreview.com/products/co...200&products=nikon_d5100&products=nikon_d5200
For those familiar with the models, I've been debating between a Nikon D3200 and the D5100, which is the comparison above. They're ~$480 refurb'd with the standard 18mm-55mm VR kit lens. ($550 and $700 respectively for new cameras) There's also the D5200 to consider, but that's too new to have Nikon refurbished models available yet and I don't want to spend a kilobuck.
Which would you purchase:
a new (released late 2012) but lower end model
- vs -
a 2-year old model that is a slight step up into prosumer territory, but definitely not pro
Assuming I go with manufacturer refurbished, they are both about the same price.
The key differences (between low/mid) are:
24 M-pixel / 16 M-pixel (yes, I realize this is far more a marketing trick than anything that has real impact)
fixed LCD screen / flip-out articulated LCD
no in camera HDR / HDR
no bracketing / both exposure and white balance bracketing
max ISO 3200 (12.5K with "boost") / max ISO 6400 (25K with boost)
a few other differences..... here's a comparison of the D3100, D3200, D5100, D5200:
http://www.dpreview.com/products/co...200&products=nikon_d5100&products=nikon_d5200
For those familiar with the models, I've been debating between a Nikon D3200 and the D5100, which is the comparison above. They're ~$480 refurb'd with the standard 18mm-55mm VR kit lens. ($550 and $700 respectively for new cameras) There's also the D5200 to consider, but that's too new to have Nikon refurbished models available yet and I don't want to spend a kilobuck.