Nikon D3100 14 MP DSLR Camera (refurbished body-only) $280 + Free Shipping

I have a d40 that has a sticky shutter button, and is basically falling apart will my stock lens and zoom lens work with this body? Also is this a grey item, with a murky warranty?

Quote from nick05 : Really? Why do you think you will not grow with a D3100? For a person just getting into photography, I think this should be good to learn the basics and should be good for atleast 2 years If a beginner finds he has outgrown this camera, it will be easier to upgrade (considering its cost). Else if you decide not to pursue this hobby further, you will be left with a great camera compared to similarly prices P&S cameras.

I see the ceiling for the D3100 to be much lower than the D5xxx line (especially given the price difference), almost to the point where you really are just learning the basics. Once you've "mastered" the basics, you will need a new body to go any further. With just a slight bit more investment, the 5xxx line has all the same basic features of the 3xxx and the step up features that someone would grow into. Once you go higher than that, the cameras start getting more complicated and some of the basic "easy" functionality is lost.

Also, I would not really want to pair a 3xxx camera with anything beyond just the standard kit lenses or lower end consumer grade lenses. Anything more than that and you're getting into the realm where the camera body is limiting the lens.

To be honest though, someone who is just getting into photography should look into getting either an inexpensive used body (can go much higher end for little money) or any of the higher end point and shoots that feature a lot of manual control. I started out with a Canon SX10, moved to a D50 (which was an entry level Nikon that had some carry over "pro" features from the D70), and now a D7000. The SX taught me all of the things I needed to learn about manual adjustments without having to worry about changing lenses, the D50 introduced me a wide range of lenses (it could also AF more lenses than the 3xxx/5xxx can), and the D7000 is what I use on a regular basis.

The D3xxx camera is a good buy for anyone who wants a good entry level DSLR for taking casual pictures. However, if you are getting into photography and are serious about it, I'd start one step up. You'll likely wind up there anyway, so grab a mid-range consumer body, stay with it for longer, and use it to work towards the more expensive (and higher end) bodies.

Quote from Gonzo122 : I have a d40 that has a sticky shutter button, and is basically falling apart will my stock lens and zoom lens work with this body? Also is this a grey item, with a murky warranty?

Yes, all NIkon lenses are forward compatible at this point. The beauty of the Nikon mount is that current camera bodies will work with almost all lenses that have been made in the last 30+ years. The kit lens from your D40 will work just fine on anything newer, auto focus will work just fine, and you won't miss anything.

Cameta is also a reputable retailer, so you should be just fine.

Quote from pet1700 : I would not recommend the D3100...the small increase in price to get the D5100 is well worth it. The main reason is the sensor in the D5100 is the same as the D7000. Thus, you will have significantly better photos will much less noise at higher ISO, and as a beginner, you will probably shoot at higher F-stops (unless you go start out with a prime lens or much more expensive zoom lens) which you will benefit much more from having one of the best sensors on the market for a fraction of the cost of the D7000. Trust me, invest a little more now, than regret it a couple years from now that you bought a camera soccer moms buy at Target or Walmart with a kit lens expecting professional results. At least with a D5100 and a good lens like the 35mm, you will get results that will make you look like a pro and you will not want to sell this body for a new one for years to come. Just my 2c.

Awesome advice, what I am going to try to do now is try to find a deal on a 5100. Thanks a lot for all the guys that chimed in too.

In for one...D80 shutter broke at 12,000 actuations, plus I like the 1080p video capabilities of this camera.

Quote from genericasian : Also, I would not really want to pair a 3xxx camera with anything beyond just the standard kit lenses or lower end consumer grade lenses. Anything more than that and you're getting into the realm where the camera body is limiting the lens.

I disagree with this statement. Better glass has never been limited by the body. It doesn't matter if you have an older SLR with 6MP, or the newest models with 36MP. In all cases better glass will produce better images. If I had to choose, I would much rather have a D3100 (or a D40 even) with a nice lens compared to a D5100 with the kit lens. Also, while the 16MP sensor is great, the 14MP sensor in the D3100 is no slouch. Either sensor will produce high quality 20x30 prints - provided you have nice glass, solid support, and good technique.

Here's a useful tip that is never mentioned in a spec sheet - go to a store and hold one. The D3100 is a small body, and not very comfortable for people with big hands. You may want to buy a larger body (D5100, D7000, or a used older body) on comfort and handling alone.

Quote from edl415 : I disagree with this statement. Better glass has never been limited by the body. It doesn't matter if you have an older SLR with 6MP, or the newest models with 36MP. In all cases better glass will produce better images. If I had to choose, I would much rather have a D3100 (or a D40 even) with a nice lens compared to a D5100 with the kit lens. Also, while the 16MP sensor is great, the 14MP sensor in the D3100 is no slouch. Either sensor will produce high quality 20x30 prints - provided you have nice glass, solid support, and good technique. Here's a useful tip that is never mentioned in a spec sheet - go to a store and hold one. The D3100 is a small body, and not very comfortable for people with big hands. You may want to buy a larger body (D5100, D7000, or a used older body) on comfort and handling alone.

Good tip about the ergonomics. Before buying any camera (especially your first) go to a store and pick up a bunch of different ones. Most Nikons feel about the same and most Canons feel about the same. See how they fit in your hand, whether the shutter feels nice to you and the buttons are laid out in a logical manner.

The body can absolutely limit the potential of the glass. In the general consumer lens range, you may not see the limitation. As you go up the range, the same lens will not give you the same image as on a higher end body. Granted, entry level cameras have gotten a lot better over the years and the difference is less noticeable and the gap is smaller, but the issue will still remain. You can take an extreme example like grabbing a high end Nikkor and slapping it on a D3xxx and on a D300. That picture won't look the same in terms of the details captured.

That being said, it's not that the 3xxx series are bad cameras, but I would recommend spending a little extra in getting a 5xxx series for the extra features to grow into, especially if that price difference is small. It's still a fairly new-user friendly camera and gets you in the mode of preparing for something a bit higher end. The 3xxx line will probably do a good job at getting the basics down, however doesn't do much to prepare you for that next body.

The kit 18-55mm is not a low quality lens in IQ. It is very inexpensive with plastic mount and build, but its IQ ranks among Nikon's best. The Nikon Dxxxx line are all "entry level" cameras, get the D7000 it has the most advanced features to grow with in the Nikon entry level camera body lineup.

Man this seems like a good deal, with a year warranty what risks does 1 take buying a refurbished body? Would the warrant come from Nikon or Cameta?

LOL @ camera snobs...this will be perfect for someone looking to get into the photography game. I downgraded from a D80 and look forward to the 1080p video recording and improved features.

Had this ordered, but then saw a refurb 5100 for around $150 - $200 more (came with lens as well)..This should be a nice upgrade to my d50.

Thanks!

Quote from sde780 : LOL @ camera snobs...this will be perfect for someone looking to get into the photography game. I downgraded from a D80 and look forward to the 1080p video recording and improved features.

If you are looking for 1080p and basics, the d3100 is not what you want. Get a mirrorless camera from either Sony, Pentax, or Nikon and enjoy all the features of the d3100 in a tiny body and probably better results (especially with the Pentax with a 40mm)...

Quote from genericasian : The body can absolutely limit the potential of the glass. In the general consumer lens range, you may not see the limitation. As you go up the range, the same lens will not give you the same image as on a higher end body. Granted, entry level cameras have gotten a lot better over the years and the difference is less noticeable and the gap is smaller, but the issue will still remain. You can take an extreme example like grabbing a high end Nikkor and slapping it on a D3xxx and on a D300. That picture won't look the same in terms of the details captured.

That's not such an extreme example, as I have used my Nikon 70-200, 85/1.4, and 50/1.2 on various bodies over the years - D700, D300, D2X, and D40. You're absolutely right that the picture won't look the same on a D3100 versus a D300. The picture will be BETTER on the D3100 because of newer sensor technology and higher resolution. Better glass will always improve your images, regardless of body - this statement has proven true since the camera was invented.

Now, I think in principle we agree more than we disagree, because as you alluded to there are benefits to higher end bodies that even newbies should consider. I think the D5100 is a more versatile body than the D3100 mainly due to the swivel screen, which allows you to shoot video or stills high in crowds or close to the ground with a monopod + remote release. But otherwise besides the slightly better sensor and processing ability (14-bit versus 12-bit) there's not much to talk about.

In any case, it's amazing what a $280 body can do nowadays. If you can't get a good image with the D3100, just remember, it's not the camera's fault.

Quote from edl415 : That's not such an extreme example, as I have used my Nikon 70-200, 85/1.4, and 50/1.2 on various bodies over the years - D700, D300, D2X, and D40. You're absolutely right that the picture won't look the same on a D3100 versus a D300. The picture will be BETTER on the D3100 because of newer sensor technology and higher resolution. Better glass will always improve your images, regardless of body - this statement has proven true since the camera was invented. Now, I think in principle we agree more than we disagree, because as you alluded to there are benefits to higher end bodies that even newbies should consider. I think the D5100 is a more versatile body than the D3100 mainly due to the swivel screen, which allows you to shoot video or stills high in crowds or close to the ground with a monopod + remote release. But otherwise besides the slightly better sensor and processing ability (14-bit versus 12-bit) there's not much to talk about. In any case, it's amazing what a $280 body can do nowadays. If you can't get a good image with the D3100, just remember, it's not the camera's fault.

The D3100 is not in the same league as the much more advanced D300 or S, and to say the D3100 takes "better" pictures because it has more MPs and a newer sensor with "higher resolution" is a falsehood camera companies continue to count on to sell more new cameras.