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+--- Thread: Camera recommendation to replace/upgrade Nikon D3100 (/showthread.php?tid=243606)
Camera recommendation to replace/upgrade Nikon D3100 - Randalls - 07-12-2020
A friend is trying to upgrade and was wondering if photogs on the forum could help out. She is trying for a PRO quality at a budget of around $2K if this is possible. Please see the following-
“ Looking for recommendations for a new camera. Currently have a Nikon D3100 - open to staying with Nikon or exploring other brands. Have browsed Fujifilm. Thoughts? I’ve done so much research at this point I feel lost in my decision and would like some opinions from those who own and regularly use their cameras. Would primarily be used for landscape, architecture, people, art/murals. Current most used lenses AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm and NIKKOR 50mm“
Any help appreciated
Re: Camera recommendation to replace/upgrade Nikon D3100 - vision63 - 07-12-2020
I'd recommend the Nikon Z50 since you have Nikon glass. You'd need the FTZ adapter to use your existing F'Mount lenses. Adorama's kits https://www.adorama.com/l/?searchinfo=nikon%20z50%20value%20kit&sel=Item-Condition_New-Items
I really enjoy my Z6, which is full frame. I do recommend the kit lens + FTZ adapter. It's a bit beyond your budget though: Adorama's wares: https://www.adorama.com/l/?searchinfo=nikon%20z6%20value%20kit&br=1
Re: Camera recommendation to replace/upgrade Nikon D3100 - AllGold - 07-12-2020
I would stick to Nikon, Canon or Sony. I don't know enough about Fujifilm to really say, but I don't know any pros who use it.
Sony is probably beyond the budget. I shoot Canon and probably should defer the Nikon advice to someone else.
Re: Camera recommendation to replace/upgrade Nikon D3100 - macphanatic - 07-13-2020
IIRC, the D3100 is an APS-C sensor camera. Are the lenses full frame or APS-C? If the former, she could go with a full frame camera or crop sensor. If the later, she's pretty much stuck with a crop sensor unless she's upgrading lenses as well.
Then the question is, what is the quality of her lenses? If they're good or better glass, then probably stick with Nikon. If they're kit lenses, she'll probably need to upgrade those in order to get the benefit of a better camera. Cost goes up, but then she should consider Sony or Canon.
I would avoid Olympus (future unknown) and Pentax may face a similar fate soon. There's also some concern about the longterm viability of Nikon.
Re: Camera recommendation to replace/upgrade Nikon D3100 - AllGold - 07-13-2020
macphanatic wrote:
IIRC, the D3100 is an APS-C sensor camera. Are the lenses full frame or APS-C? If the former, she could go with a full frame camera or crop sensor. If the later, she's pretty much stuck with a crop sensor unless she's upgrading lenses as well.
The lenses listed in the O.P. are full frame.
Re: Camera recommendation to replace/upgrade Nikon D3100 - Ombligo - 07-13-2020
What makes the pro-camera "better" is reliability under the worse of conditions. Few amateurs will ever face those conditions on a regular basis (if ever). So I suggest she save her money on the body and spend it for good quality glass. The last generation (or even two generations back) mid-range body with good glass will outperform a top-level body with mediocre glass.
A talented photographer with an entry-level body and a kit lens will outproduce both. It is the eye, not the equipment.
Re: Camera recommendation to replace/upgrade Nikon D3100 - Randalls - 07-13-2020
OK. Thanks for the advice everyone.
Re: Camera recommendation to replace/upgrade Nikon D3100 - vision63 - 07-13-2020
Ombligo wrote:
What makes the pro-camera "better" is reliability under the worse of conditions. Few amateurs will ever face those conditions on a regular basis (if ever). So I suggest she save her money on the body and spend it for good quality glass. The last generation (or even two generations back) mid-range body with good glass will outperform a top-level body with mediocre glass.
A talented photographer with an entry-level body and a kit lens will outproduce both. It is the eye, not the equipment.
This is true. All of these modern cameras are really good.
Re: Camera recommendation to replace/upgrade Nikon D3100 - pRICE cUBE - 07-13-2020
Many directions on could go. Since the two lenses mentioned are full frame, one could get into a used D800 for about $500-600. The sensors is a few years old but still one of the top performing sensors out there. The 36mp sensor should give plenty of resolution for landscapes and have overhead for cropping. That leaves plenty of money left for an ultra wide zooms or a Tamron 150-600mm for nature close ups.
Re: Camera recommendation to replace/upgrade Nikon D3100 - macphanatic - 07-13-2020
pRICE cUBE wrote:
Many directions on could go. Since the two lenses mentioned are full frame, one could get into a used D800 for about $500-600. The sensors is a few years old but still one of the top performing sensors out there. The 36mp sensor should give plenty of resolution for landscapes and have overhead for cropping. That leaves plenty of money left for an ultra wide zooms or a Tamron 150-600mm for nature close ups.
That Tamron has gotten really good reviews.