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PUCampin's avatar
PUCampin
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013

Help me choose a DSLR

DW and I are looking to get our first DSLR. Completely unhappy with P&S for several reasons, turn on time, auto focus and shutter lag, poor indoor performance etc. I have some experience having previously owned a Pentax ME Super and anticipate playing with it, while DW really wants something she can point and shoot and get good pics indoors or out, action or landscape. We also want it to double as our video camera replacing an ancient SD mini DVD based camcorder.

The shear amount of choices is overwhelming! We are looking to stay $600 or less, and there are some REALLY GOOD sales right now that I do not want to miss the oppertunity.

Priority:
Good low light performance
Good action performance
video capabilities
Good outdoor landscape
Cost and availability of lenses.

Here is what we have found so far for options

Nikon d3100 with 18-55 kit lens $449 (Brick and morter)
Nikon d3100 with 18-55 and 55-200 kit lenses $499 (WOW!) (brick and morter)
Nikon d3200 with 18-55 kit lens $549 (brick and morter)
Pentax k-30 with 18-55 kit lens $500 (online only)

I did not include include Canon because everything I have read the Nikon and Pentax excel at low light vs Canon at this price point t3 t3i).

The d3100 with 2 lenses is a spectacular deal, but I am trying to decide if giving up the telephoto for the d3200 body is worth it Or give up the telephoto for the Pentax body and 1 lens for the same price.

I am really leaning torward the k-30, it is on another level than the d3100. I also like the fact it can be used with any previous pentax lens, many can be had for very reasonable money even though you would have to manually focus. It is a really good price, but I am a bit concern ordering it online.

So does anyone have personal experience with these? Any gotchas to watch for?

Thanks
  • Have you considered going with a micro 4/3 system (Olympus or Panasonic). My first venture into SLR has been with the 4/3 system (E-520) and while I've had a great time with the camera and lenses (14-54, 70-300, 35 mm., 40-150), I've found that I'm tired of carrying around so much gear, even though the 4/3 system is smaller than what you are considering.

    So, I picked up a used Olympus E-PL2 along with 14-40 kit lens, 40-150 kit lens, and Panasonic 14 mm prime. With an adapter, I still use my 70-300 and 35 mm lens. I really like having a smaller, compact system and plan to upgrade to a better body (OM-D-5 or E-PL5) with 16 megapixel sensor.

    I really suggest that you do a lot of research on www.dpreview.com and consider not only consumer SLR cameras, but smaller mirrorless cameras that offer many of the benefits of SLR cameras but with a lot less weight and bulk. Image quality can still be better on the SLR systems, but only if you're going to spend much more money on better lenses.

    Good luck on your search!

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