Camera talk again...UPDATED - Ducati.ms

**Rainman** · Sep 13th, 2011, 9:42 am

Guys,
I have been doing all my shots with a Nikon point and shoot.
Pretty happy with it, but I miss taking photos of lightning, where you can take a long exposure, adjust f-stop, etc...

I have Minolta SRT-1, that was my fathers.
It's like 40 years old and a flawless 35mm.
All kinds of lenses.

But alas, I miss some of the things I can do with a SLR, so I am shopping.

I am looking at the Nikon D5100.

Do any of you have experience with this model?
I am not looking for a pro setup, rather an enthusiasts setup, that can snake the occassional excellent shot.

And how hard are the lenses to get nowadays?

Any guidance would be helpful.....

Focker · Sep 13th, 2011, 10:33 am

Scott's the person to ask about camera's

**Rainman** · Sep 13th, 2011, 10:49 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Focker

Scott's the person to ask about camera's

Thanks Mrs. Scott!

DuckMan · Sep 13th, 2011, 11:02 am

I believe the D5100 is a Nikon.

And dpreview.com is s good place
to read reviews and tests.

**Rainman** · Sep 13th, 2011, 11:12 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckMan

I believe the D5100 is a Nikon.

And dpreview.com is s good place
to read reviews and tests.

Corrected.

I am looking at Nikon.
I was cutting and pasting from another forum I started this topic and missed the ctrl-c area....LOL

OOOOPPPPPPPPSSSS.

Nice catch dude!

**scott** · Sep 13th, 2011, 11:28 am

I have been a Canon person for many years but Nikons are obviously great cameras. I think the D5100 would be a great camera. Jessica has a 5D and T2i that have served her very well so far and if you are thinking about Canon I would give the T2i or T3i a serious look.
Lens production is ramping back up in Japan and I don't think you should have too much problem getting lenses. I buy all my lenses used so it is a non issue for me.

whippersnapper · Sep 13th, 2011, 11:35 am

If you are an enthusiast and it seems like you are, the D7000 would be a better choice but it is more pricey. I bought a D90 instead which is a lot more afforable but more enthusiast oriented than the D5100. For example the D90 and D7000 can use older lens that don't have auto focussing motors built in. The D5100 doesn't. Does it matter? Maybe. I bought a 50mm 1.8 lens new for $100 that wouldn't work on the D5100. Other things that I now love are the controls for iso, white balance etc.. that are all there and don't require searching through menus.

One area where the D5100 would be much better is for video but I only use my SLR for photography anyhow.

My $.02 cents worth.

Digital Camera, DSLR and Lens Reviews | Cameralabs is a good review site

**Rainman** · Sep 13th, 2011, 12:29 pm

I spent some time over at dpreview.
Good stuff.

The 5100 has the same CMOS as the 7000, just a few less features.
For basic shooting the auto focus would be good, but when I am getting artsy, I wont mind going to Manual, which I expect to do.

I will need to get used to the camera before I start getting heavy into lenses.

And Scott, I am with you.
I buy used stuff, but prices are driven by supply.
Good news they are ramping production, then by the time I am ready to pull the trigger, they should drop a bit.

I really need to learn about using the histograms.
That is one thing digital is WAY different from 35mm.

Found a lot of good info here:
How to Take Better Pictures

I am also ordering this book:

Amazon.com: Complete Digital Photography, 6th Edition eBook: Ben Long: Kindle Store

Bill_Anderson · Sep 13th, 2011, 2:02 pm

Rainman: Do you have a real camera store (not simply a mall outlet) near you where you can go in and look at/discuss cameras? I am fortunate as there one is close to me where I can go in and discuss cameras with knowlegable sales people.
Kenmore Camera

**Rainman** · Sep 13th, 2011, 2:20 pm

Hey Bill, I am living out in the country now.
But I am not opposed to go into Dallas.
Wolfe Camera is closest to what you rec.