p.1 #1 · Is a Nikon D5100 a good starter camera for someone with a low budget?
I've been looking into picking up a DSLR for the last couple of weeks and since my budget is a little on the low end, I'm thinking of picking up a kit with another lens for hopefully $600-$700.
The 5100 seems like my best bet, as I want a 35mm f1.8 to go along with it, and that would most likely put me right in the middle of my budget range. Which is nice.
Yet, I still keep looking at the D90 because people keep telling me and I keep reading that it might be a good idea to upgrade to FX. But I'm not sure if I really want to shell out another hundred or so for the upgrade when I'm not 100% sure if I'll ever want to upgrade. The 5100 seems like something that will let me see if I enjoy the medium without going over my budget.
Is it a good idea to get a 5100 kit with an extra lens, or is there a better option?
p.1 #5 · Is a Nikon D5100 a good starter camera for someone with a low budget?
If you take landscape, the D5100 will be great. Good dynamic range, articulating screen, ISO100 base, decent resolution.
However, the D5100 has shutter lag. If you're taking pictures of fast moving stuff, kids, animals, etc., the shutter lag might be irritating. A D90 might be preferable in this situation. It has ISO200 base however, which can be annoying depending on what you do for landscape.
p.1 #7 · Is a Nikon D5100 a good starter camera for someone with a low budget?
I just bought a refurb D5100 from Cameta Camera for around $500. It's a back up camera to my D300, and I wanted something to shoot video. I like the camera. Image quality is good, it's compact & light, and I like the flip out screen. The lack of a second dial is sometimes a nuisance to me as I often am changing between ISO, f-stop, and shutter speed. All in all, for the money I'm happy.
p.1 #8 · Is a Nikon D5100 a good starter camera for someone with a low budget?
D5100 is the best option, refurbs go for cheap. If you can swing it I'd drop the 18-5mm kit and opt for the 18-105mm instead. Add some 35mm f/1.8 goodness in there as well for your low-light shooting.
p.1 #10 · Is a Nikon D5100 a good starter camera for someone with a low budget?
I am Canon shooter but I bought D5100 with kit lens to get myself familiarize with Nikon ergonomics. So far I am loving it. I can't wait to get my hands on D800. It was easy enough for me to figure out without even reading the manual.
p.1 #11 · Is a Nikon D5100 a good starter camera for someone with a low budget?
okafoja wrote:
I am Canon shooter but I bought D5100 with kit lens to get myself familiarize with Nikon ergonomics. So far I am loving it. I can't wait to get my hands on D800. I don't shoot BIF nor Landscape but I managed to pull them off with D5100. It was easy enough for me to figure out without even reading the manual.
p.1 #13 · Is a Nikon D5100 a good starter camera for someone with a low budget?
I took a D700 and D5100 to Hawaii a while back and really enjoyed the D5100's light weight and compact body for carrying. It's a great choice and a nice complement to a heavy FX body if you ever want to invest in FX. I see D5100's going for $500-600 used, and nothing wrong with a cheap, light VR kit lens either if it doesn't add much to the price. Would def pick the 5100 over the 90.
p.1 #15 · Is a Nikon D5100 a good starter camera for someone with a low budget?
YES!
I have owned a Canon Rebel XT, Canon 40D, Canon 5D, Nikon D200/D300 and now the D5100.
And IMO, this camera is SO MUCH better than the previously mentioned. IQ is amazing, and low low noise at high ISO as well, I cannot say the same about the other ones.
p.1 #16 · Is a Nikon D5100 a good starter camera for someone with a low budget?
I've got a D5100 and some first rate 3rd party lenses. It's a fantastic little camera. I use it for vacations and casual shooting, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it to shoot a wedding or other paid gig.
I see people dismissing the camera for its lack of controls and screw-drive motor (as compared to the D7000) but I see this as a good thing. It sets me free to shoot and enjoy. Get one...you'll love it.
