Camera Labs

You're jealous of the 60D?

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- Wout -
Lowepro Nova 200 AW filled with Nikon D90 + MB-D80
18-70 DX, 70-300 VR, 35 1.8 DX, SB-700

I am looking to buy a DSLR and can't decide between a new D3100 for $700 or a used D200 for $500-600 (body only as I have a lens). If I went with the D200, I would probably be able to outfit it with a better lens in the next year. Which would be preferable? I probably wouldn't get either until December. BTW what lens would be best for each on a $500 budget?

35mm f1.8 DX, + save up for something more like the 70-300VR if it's besides the kit lens of course.
Depending on what your needs are, what you want to take pictures of.

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- Wout -
Lowepro Nova 200 AW filled with Nikon D90 + MB-D80
18-70 DX, 70-300 VR, 35 1.8 DX, SB-700

I will be buying a standard zoom for walk-around purposes, I was considering the 16-85mm, but it's expensive. There doesn't seem to be a lot of standard lenses in the $400-500 category. I am 14, so my income is somewhat limited. I am considering an 18-105mm.

Buying the D3100 + 18-105VR + 35/1.8 should give you a very decent start for a low budget. I would recommend the D200 only if you want to buy the older non AF-s lenses when starting with photography, have you considered the D90 too (not knowing $ price now)?

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- Wout -
Lowepro Nova 200 AW filled with Nikon D90 + MB-D80
18-70 DX, 70-300 VR, 35 1.8 DX, SB-700

I have looked into the D90, and I would prefer it. The problem is that the D90 used runs at least $150 more than a used D200. I have held a D3000 and the grip is very small, they did improve the grip on the D3100, but I don't know how much beter it would feel to me. BTW will the 18-105mm resolve 14 megapixels?
I am also considering the Tamron 18-2XX lenses.

If you are worried about resolving power (optical image quality), then I can most certainly say the 18-2xx from Tamron wont easily satisfy. The 18-105VR is considered however a decent performer, as the "D90's kit lens". You can not expect miracles at consumer level, but the kit lenses will do a lot already. The 35/1.8 lens is a no-brainer for quality/price/usability But this thread is for the D3100, so if you want more info on lenses and bodies, I would recommend you to use a new topic.

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- Wout -
Lowepro Nova 200 AW filled with Nikon D90 + MB-D80
18-70 DX, 70-300 VR, 35 1.8 DX, SB-700

The D3000 grip is way too small. I am also considering the D90 new. I am in the US so there are major sales after thanksgiving and if the D90 gets into the $600-700 range I might get it. If a D400 comes out, there may be many people upgrading from the D300 or D200 and selling. If so, I might get that.

After much consideration & advice on other threads about buying better lenses rather than the camera body, I think i've decided on the D3100 (subject to actually handling it) & was wondering whether to initially purchase the AF-S DX VR II 18-200mm f3.5/5.6G IF ED zoom, which will cover most needs for now, then add possibly the AF-D 24MM F2.8 in a couple of months, or is there a better combination of 2, or possibly 3 lenses to consider initially so as not make my 18-300 zoom redundant/wasted money.

like I said before, the 35mm 1.8 Dx nikkor. On a D3100 this lens will autofocus and has more low ligt capability than the 24/2.8 nikkor! The 24 isnt a stellar performer and more expensive than 35/1.8

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- Wout -
Lowepro Nova 200 AW filled with Nikon D90 + MB-D80
18-70 DX, 70-300 VR, 35 1.8 DX, SB-700

Yeah, thanks for that.

Has an official release date been given yet? (thought it was supposed to be about now)
I rang my nearest dealer & he said it COULD still be a couple of weeks.

I was hoping to purchase a camera before going on holiday next Tues morning, but not going to make a rash/hasty decision, so will probably have to wait.

Official release date: 27th of September 2010, as far I know.

Placed an order already. Can't wait tho'

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...passion beyond reason...

I have a question: how many shots would 3100 take with a full battery? I can't find this info anywhere.

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...passion beyond reason...

Have you checked Nikon's website? It may be on there. If not, check the manual, which should be available to download as a PDF soon.

Just did Gordon and it says : up to 550. I would expect 450 in real life .

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...passion beyond reason...