I was recently asked by a nephew who would like a good camera to photograph family events which camera is better, I am sure either would be great but can someone give me a recommendation between these 2 cameras.
thanks
The articulated screen of the D5100 is enough for me to prefer it (I've tried both but own neither). The image quality of the D3200 also degrades rather quickly from ISO 800 and up, even when scaled down to 16MP and compared to the D5100. That won't be visible if one doesn't print large, but then, what's the point with 24MP anyway?
My choice would be: Large prints shot at ISO 100-200, the D3200. Anything else, the D5100.
Without actually trying either camera, I chose the D5100 mostly based on the price and articulated screen. If I could've gotten the D3200 without a lens for a good price, I might've gone for it, but the $200 D5100 rebate right now sealed the deal for me. Neither fulfills my needs for a full-on pro camera anyway, so I figured I'd save some money.
I had both and decided towards D5100 for many reasons (more controls, screen, etc.,)
The main reason was the final result - in most cases D5100 produce better pictures (I know, I know...)
Just took mine to Paris as a light travel combo with Nikon 16-85 lens and was vey pleased with results.
I used the D5100 as my main camera in Iceland for the past three weeks. I really like the video option, and the folding screen is quite useful. It does well at ISO 1600 and even 3200.
1) IQ of the 5100 better than 3200 - the only way to compare IQ is at the same size DPI, printed or viewed. All published sensor measurements suggest that the D3200 will win, hands down. It should, it is a 3 year newer sensor, read noise will be notably lower. And in the ISO 100-800 range it will smoke the 5100 on DR and shadow noise and detail *at equivalent DPI*. Don't tell me that at 100% pixel view the 5100 looks better than the 3200. Blow up the 5100 to 200% and the 3200 to 100% and let's talk then. Or print them both 12x16... or 4x3. In the absolute worst of circumstances the 5100 and 3200 will be tied.
2) More controls on the 5100 - marginally so, but are they required for the intended purpose? Pictures of the family sure does not sound like it. Yeah, someday the user may learn enough and need them, but by then the 5100 is unlikely to satisfy the need either.
3) Articulating screen - about the only easily quantifiable advantage for the 5100
Nick wrote: I had both and decided towards D5100 for many reasons (more controls, screen, etc.,)
Can someone tell me what are the better controls aside from tilting screen. I have a D800 and want a cheap extra body to use for a few months till hopefully a D400 comes out. The D7000 is too much to spend so it will be a d3200 or a new d5200 or a d5100.
Looks like they bumped the 5100's instant rebate up to $220. The body down to $477 (and 2% credit if you have Amazon Prime). I really want a 7000 but the 5100 is becoming harder and harder to resist.
Something that has not been mentioned is the rumor that a D5200 using the same 24MP sensor as the D3200 will be announced tomorrow. Given how quickly the D600 became available after release, I'd certainly wait a couple of days to find out whether this rumor is accurate.
