Nikon d3100 or Canon Sx40 HS?

Question

In a couple weeks I'll be traveling to Dubai and I'm looking for a good camera I can use to take pictures of the skyscrapers. I am 14 years old and I'm thinking of purchasing the Nikon d3100 DSLR mostly because my parents have Nikon lenses from the 1990's that I could use with the camera. So I think it makes some sense to purchase the Nikon.

I know I'm a little young to be purchasing such an expensive camera. So would it be better to settle with the Canon Sx40?

I am also very interested in photography and feel as if I'll use these cameras for a long time.

Thank you!

Answer 1

The Nikon is the better camera and would serve you better if you get serious. The 90's lenses will have limited compatibility , although they will fit, the autofocus will not work, neither will, probably, the metering.



So you are likely to be using the camera in manual mode. No bad thing for a learner. I'm sure you will get expert guidance from your parents, as well as some superb lenses.

Answer 2

For me the Canon Sx40 HS is better and you can buy it here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MTMFHU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=acomprar-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005MTMFHU



This camera is simply amazing. I've been looking to upgrade from our original point and shoot to something a little more robust. You know, those dang slim models just didn't seem to have the oomph to produce high quality indoor pictures from any distance other than about 10 feet.



Enter the Canon Powershot SX40 HS. This is your all in one camera. No where will you find a camera short of a full on DSLR that can go 35x optical. I've seen 24, but not 35x. How sweet is being able to zoom in at 35x? Watch my video to see. Did you hear the lens zooming in during the video? Nope. It is whisper quiet.



The battery took just over 1.5 hours to charge and we were off to a Homecoming football game on rather cool, crisp night (45-50 degrees). I was worried, because my other point shoot really seemed to be bothered by the cold weather and would not zoom well and started to lose battery life. The Canon performed beautifully after nearly 100 shots and upwards of 10 minutes of video. I came back home, downloaded the pictures and the camera is still reported 100% battery level.



There are many, many options that I can't even begin to discuss, much less have tried yet. All I can tell you is if you want an upgrade and don't want to go full on DSLR for $600 basic model upwards to $2000, you should not hesitate to purchase this camera.

Answer 3

Those Nikon lenses that belong to your parents are more than likely AF lenses and those will not autofocus with the 3100 or 3200.