Nikon D3200, D5200, D7100. Which is best for me?

Question

I'm willing to spend around $1,000. Taking a cross country trip, specifically to Yellowstone, basically all over from there. I plan on shooting anything and everything I can, Mainly Wildlife, from a distance if necessary, and landscapes. in all kinds of lighting, want to be able to take moving photos, such as running animals or birds. I Want a good camera, I am however a novice, so a ''Professional' Setup is most likely out of the question. I may do this as a career if it works out in my favor.

Went to a few shops including specific photography shops, and Best Buy, talked to many people and read online reviews, and watched videos for countless hours. I have no problem spending the extra $$$ for the better camera, but really want to keep it at the $1000 range. i'm also interested in the proper lens, for distance,( Best buy is having a $100 off select lens'), and also a Fixed Focal Lens, the right (necessary?) tripod, and the obvious camera and lens bag, extra batteries and the right memory card. My concern: is the few hundred dollar jump justify for the few hundred dollar difference. which can be used on the accessories.

best prices ive seen are at Best Buy. D3200=$549, D5200=$799. add in factor of tax, lens(s), Bag, and tripod, the total off the top of my head, would be around $950, compared to $1200. If the D7000 is a much better choice, I will have to go someplace other than Best Buy. And take into consideration of the upwards of another $400-500 difference.

Pretty much, what would you best recommend for me. Looking forward to what you all have to say! thank you

Answer 1

One you can afford. Remember, if you want distance, you'll need to factor in a 55-200mm or a 55-300mm. The 18-55mm is a decent lens for general use, but reach is not one of its virtues.



Don't just look at Nikon, and see if you can find a package with both lenses - you'll have your work cut out if you're trying to learn how to use your new kit and record the trip at the same time.

Answer 2

A few things to know that I'm sure you didn't uncover in your research.



You are comparing three of the latest cameras from Nikon that all share one thing that's not good. All have worse image quality (in low light/high ISO) than the last generation.



How did that happen? Nikon added a bunch of megapixels nobody was asking for. It looks good on paper, and the average Joe thinks more is better so, here we are.



they bring no real innovation, there is no big improvement, it's the same old thing Nikon has been putting out there for years. Some so called photographers will post links to DxOmark.com, a site that tests image sensors, and tell you that these three cameras are the best. But if you don't know how to read the data, that's what it looks like. I know how to read it, Nikon went backwards.



Next up, you are a novice, so spending money on a nice dSLR might not get you much. I didn't start getting good with a dSLR until I had been shooting for two years. And I was shooting all the time.



Are you really ready to lug around a dSLR, extra lenses and a bag? Do you understand that kit lenses like the 18-55 and the 55-200 are mediocre lenses at best? A really good zoom can run 1,000 dollars. A prime lens is always better, for less money, but you have no zoom.



Of all the current dSLRs that are new models, and in your price range, the best one isn't a Canon or a Nikon. It's the Pentax K5 II. The image sensor is the best, and the feature set is good enough to run with anything in its price range. A weather sealed lens like the 18-135mm should cover most needs. It's not long enough for wildlife, but it should do for most everything else.



It might be better to get something like a Sony NEX 3N or 5T and just forget the big zoom. save some money, get something smaller and lighter, with a dSLR quality image sensor. A micro four thirds camera from Panasonic or Olympus, and even a Fuji X series camera would work too. You have more research to do.

Answer 3

You can check out this package Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR and 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor Lenses

Answer 4

You might want to check out the reviews on http://www.kgreviews.com/ . This might help you. I really like my D7100.