D5000 or D3100

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

I'm looking at these two SLRs. They're very close in price and I was wondering which one you guys would purchase.

 

[Kanalua]

There are plenty of discussion on this very topic on other boards. Really depends on what you are planning on using your camera for. For video, probably the 3100, for just photos, either one.

 

[twistedlogic]

The D3100.

It has more pixels, he he.

Nah, I'd get the D3100 cause it does slightly better at higher ISOs, native ISO 100, AF during video mode, 3" screen vs 2.7 LCD, and is slightly smaller and lighter.

The only reason I see for going with the D5000 is if the articulating screen is a must.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

The lens is better in the D3100 correct?

 

[Scooby Doo]

Too bad the D3100 doesn't have autobracketing :-\

 

[Smoove910]

I thought there was a replacement for the D5000 that is coming out soon?

D3100 vs. D5000

D3100 has a better sensor (Same as D7000)
No Autobracketing although you could do that manually, D5000 has bracketing
Autofocus during video
No swivel screen
Very lightweight and small

 

[AkumaX]

D3100!!! For the love of jeebus d3100!!!

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

There are plenty of discussion on this very topic on other boards. Really depends on what you are planning on using your camera for. For video, probably the 3100, for just photos, either one.

Googling didn't really help much. I've read through a couple forums and reviews but I wanted to get a take from those here at AT because I value everyone's opinion.

 

[shortylickens]

Googling didn't really help much. I've read through a couple forums and reviews but I wanted to get a take from those here at AT because I value everyone's opinion.

Our opinion is you should read professional reviews.

Need help?
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/

 

[twistedlogic]

The lens on both kits should be the exact same one. The 18-55mm VR.

While its a great lens its not very "fast", limiting its uses, especially indoors w/moving subject. If you can afford, I'd also pick up the 35 1.8 ($200) and/or an SB-600 (flash).

Oh yeah, and better start reading some books, your best images come when you take control of your camera. Its very overwhelming at first.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Our opinion is you should read professional reviews.

Need help?
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/

Already read the reviews there. That was the first place I went.

 

[aphex]

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon_D3100-vs-Nikon_D5000

 

[Munky]

No, the D3100 does not have the same sensor as the D7000. According to dxomark, the D5000 has better dynamic range at low ISO, while the D3100 has slightly cleaner image at high ISO. Forget the AF during movies, because it's still slow and noisy compared to a camcorder of even a Panasonic GH1.

My main concern with the D3100 is that you can no longer use the cheap wireless remote with it, which is a gross omission IMO.

*Edit: I would rather pick up a D90 because they have come down in price, and offer substantially more capabilities.