Camera Labs

So i just recently went and bought a Brand new D3100 w/ regular lens, and the 55-200MM lens... after I got home and got down playing with the extra lens I wondered if I should have just went for the D5100 without an extra lens (its about an even trade) and just save up for a little while while learning the camera to buy another lens is the D5100 worth trading in that extra lens? keep in mind I am new to photography. I appretiate your input!

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“ Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow. – Imogen Cunningham
Gear:
Nikon D3100 DSLR
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens
Nikon 55-200mm F/4 5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor Lens w/ Vibration Reduction

If you do a lot of shooting from a distance then maybe it was worth getting the 55-200mm lens over paying the extra for the D5100. However, if you require the D5100's specific benefits over the D3100 rather than the greater reach offered by the 55-200mm lens then perhaps it wouldn't have been worth it.

Plenty of people would content themselves with the D3100 for many years and only invest in lenses whereas others may upgrade their bodies and/or lenses.

Sorry to sit on the fence but given your limited input on what you shoot and how no size fits all when it comes to buying a camera, I'm not sure anybody can give a definitive answer.

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Bodies: Canon EOS 550D w/ Magic Lantern
Lenses: Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX f/2.8, Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II, Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Accessories: YongNuo Speedlite YN-468 Flash, Neewer Macro LED Ring Light, Meike Battery Grip, YongNuo RF-602 Wireless Flash Trigger & Receiver YongNuo WR-128 Wireless Remote Control

If I were you I'd prefer the cheaper body and two lenses solution you already have.

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Canon EOS 500D + Canon EOS 5D Mark III + Canon EOS 33v
Canon EF 24-105mm 4L IS USM + EF 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L IS USM + EF 100mm 2.8L Macro IS USM + Sigma 12-24mm 4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM + Canon Speedlite 580 EX II + Nissin Speedlite Di 466

Lenses rarely get replaced - Bodies get upgraded. Keep the lens - if you upgrade to say, a D7000 or such, you can still use your lenses.

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1) Olympus OM1 [Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.8]
2) Pentax MZ-60 [Sigma 28-90 & 100-300]
3) Canon 7D [EF-S 15-85 & 70-200mm f/4 IS]

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