Just making sure Nikon D3100? Right?

[Brandon Singleton]

For those who didnt see my last post I asked if I should by a D3000 and everyone but a select few said no and suggested a D3100. Before I buy this camera is everyone sure this is the best buy?

Again I'm an ameteur photographer and I'm new to dsrl so I dont need a expensive camera.

[Robert Timmons]

If you go to www.dpreview.com, you can compare cameras side-by-side. It looks like the D3100 is nearly the same as the D3000, with these differences:

Higher resolution sensor (14.2MP vs. 10MP)
Ability to shoot Raw + Fine JPEG
Socket for connecting Nikon GP1 GPS unit
Optional wired remote via GPS socket
No wireless remote option
Live view
1080p HD movies
HDMI output
Wider ISO range

Plus I'd guess that they're no longer making the D3000. You might be able to get the D3000 for less, but the improvements above would lead me to go with the D3100 over the D3000.

EDIT: looks like they still sell the D3000. Not sure what the price difference is, but the D31000 looks like the better camera.

[Christopher Byrd]

The olny difference in the two is that the D3100 has video capabilities. Save the cash and get the 3000

[Brandon Singleton]

@bobtimmons thank you for your help!

[Brandon Singleton]

@meshinka I need the video though lol

[Christopher Byrd]

Hmmm what review did I read??? D3000 shoots Raw and Fine also

[Brandon Singleton]

@meshinka lol ok

[Robert Timmons]

Yeah, weird, looks like the D3000 does indeed shoot RAW (from the Nikon site). Not sure why dpreview lists RAW as a differentiating feature. Unless, perhaps, it allows RAW + JPEG on the D3100 whereas you can only choose one or the other on the D3000? Either way, if you can shoot RAW, shoot RAW (in my opinion).

[Josh Sudweeks]

The D3100 is significantly cleaner at high ISO than the D3000 even with the higher pixel count. So for that alone, I'd say the D3100 is the way to go.

[Barbara Lamacki]

@bsingleton0010

Brandon - I got the D3100 for Christmas and I love it. I can't tell you if it's 'better' than the D3000 but I can tell you that as an amateur I've had a great time with it - learning and getting some great shots. I don't think you'll be unhappy. I guess from what I've read (reviews, etc) that the only thing it lacks that I might have wanted was a depth of field preview button, but hey - this is a great camera for the price.

@bobtimmons The D3100 does allow either raw or jpeg or raw + jpeg.

[bekah bell]

I have the D3000, got it last year. I like it, but it seems pretty limited. I wish I had something better. maybe I'll get to upgrade someday! you can check out my shots to see what it can do.

[chris chambers]

here is a pdf that lists all kinds of info for nikon bodies http://www.nikonusa.com/en_INC/IMG/Assets/Common-Assets/PDF/DSLR_Compare.pdf

it might help ya. good luck.

[Brandon Singleton]

@bobtimmons @sudweeks thanks =)

[Brandon Singleton]

@nanascraps thanks for youre advice Barbara @bekahbell thanks I will @cchambers thank you!

[Melanie P]

I have the D3000.. the only thing that's missing is the exposure bracketing.... everything else is fine as the list above..no live view but you can view your pic after it's been taken, and I do use a wireless remote.

[Brandon Singleton]

@melaniep I wonder if the D3100 can use a wireless remote

[chris chambers]

@bsingleton0010 they make several different off brands of wireless remotes for them, which would be much cheaper then a nikon brand

[Brandon Singleton]

@cchambers thanks for the info