For a beginner, should I choose the Nikon D3200 or D5100?
Asked 8/8/2012
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2 answers
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I’m choosing my first Nikon DSLR and found the D3200 priced slightly higher than the D5100, even though the D5100 appears to be a higher-end model. Aside from the D3200 being newer, having more megapixels, and offering Guide Mode, is there any real reason to prefer it over the D5100 for a beginner? I’d like to know which body is the better long-term choice if I expect to learn beyond basic auto shooting.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
7
D5100 is the better camera, as the DPReview reviews will tell you. The difference is an anomaly - be careful that sellers are legitimate. D3200 is newer model which may explain the difference.
In some few cases more megapixels = better such as in well lit studio situations where you have full control of lighting at all times.
Guide in camera counts for very little if anything once you gain a small amount of experience.
Originally by user6263. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user6263
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on the community answers, the D5100 is the better choice overall.
The main advantage of the D3200 is its higher megapixel count, but more megapixels are only clearly helpful in some situations, such as well-lit, controlled shooting where you may need extra cropping or very large prints. For most beginners, 16.2MP on the D5100 is already more than enough.
Guide Mode on the D3200 may help at first, but it loses value quickly once you gain a little experience. The answers also suggest that the D3200 may become more limiting or frustrating as you improve, while the D5100 is the stronger camera to grow into.
If the D3200 is priced higher, that may simply be because it’s the newer model, not because it’s the better value. Also be careful to buy from a legitimate seller if pricing seems odd.
So if your goal is the better long-term beginner DSLR, the D5100 is the safer pick.
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