What do Y'all think of this camera?

As a birthday gift from my parents they want to get me a camera.
I've been in need of a camera for a long time. While I am good at taking pictures, I've reached just about full potential of the point and shoot camera that I have.
My "budget" won't allow for anything more than $800.

I have searched through the forums and looked at a few threads, I've found some cameras that of course would be nice, but they exceed my budget greatly.

The link below is a camera that I found that looks nice and is high rated. It is the Nikon D3100.

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25472/D3100.html

I'd like to know your thoughts on this camera. Also, if you know me, and how I take pictures, and you also are knowledgeable when it comes to cameras/pictures, do you think this will help my pictures get to that next level?

I also don't mind hearing recommendations of cameras.

Thank you!

 

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I know little to nothing about coin photography. I have been reading about cameras and the D3100 you mention seems to be the best bet from all comments I have read.

 

You can't go wrong with a Nikon. When shooting coins, its always important to have sufficient lighting as well as a good, sturdy camera stand.

 

the lens is the most important factor

 

If you dont mind not having HD (I wish I did on mine since I enjoy taking pictures) then go with the Canon Xsi http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012403canoneos450d.asp (which is what I have, with the 18-55 I.S. Lens and the 75 -250 I.S. Lenses). they have a newer model called T1i which is about 2 years old and the brand new one is the T2i. You really dont need 14 megapixel camera unless you plan on printing your pictures. Like Rawbuyer said its the lens that is the important factor!

Me personally, I would go with an older model with the better lens.
The T1i is $50 cheaper and looks like a better camera overall http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/613613-REG/Canon_3818B002_EOS_Rebel_T1i_500D.html
(I am not giving a plug to BHphotovideo however I have to say they are really good with their prices and shipping. I probably ordered a least a grand from them with great service and shipping..) Oh if any company offers a "bundle" or "package deal" don't always take it..not always worth the addtional cost. Just my 2 cents.

 

Thus begins

Hello T$.
Thus begins the long slippery slope of a new "Hobby" for you.

All info so far is mostly spot on. But be-forewarned~

Taking good (useful) photos is MUCH less expensive than taking GREAT photos.

Yep. That looks like a good deal and I have loved the products of Many Major camera makers through the years for different reasons.. But have you considered taking a class?

It's a chance to use various "Things" to achieve different effects.

Lights, cameras action. Stuff like that.

 

I will consider it. :yes:
Thank you!

Yes, I know. Up to this point I've been taking good, useful photos. It is getting the job done, but I do desire more. It just feels like settling, and I'm through with that. I'd like to get a great camera to take great photos. I've learned much from this forum on the subject of photography, and have gotten many photos near perfect, but I can't get to that next step. I've used the point and shoot camera I have to it's full potential, this camera will not further help me in progressing with my photos' appearance.

 

I've used Canon SLRs for years and love them. I've never heard anything but great things when the subject is Nikon. One thing I have found out is not to skimp on the lens. I've tried lower quality lenses trying to save money, but don't do it. For me anyway, Canon glass works better on Canon cameras than off brand glass. I'm sure the same is true for Nikon.

It can definitely turn into an expensive hobby, both in terms of money and time. It can be satisfying and rewarding....... and at the same time can be aggravating as well. Sounds almost like coin collecting doesn't it.

Anyway, it sounds like a great camera. Have fun with your new hobby.

 

That camera will do a great job.

 

T,

You should also consider getting a macro lens. You will need it more than you think.

Chris

 

Having been a photographer as long as I have been a coin collector, I can give you some advice. I have used Nikons almost exclusively for the last 40 years. Their optics are superior and yes, a macro lens is important for coin photography. However, you can spend tens of thousands of dollars on cameras, lenses and lighting and it wont necessarily produce better pictures. The most important part of photography is what's behind the camera-that's YOU. Learn as much as you can about lighting techniques especially for macro photos before investing in additional equipment and then experiment with what you've learned. Searching the web will give you some info from people who have figured out what works best. There's even info on proper lighting techniques for coin photos.

 

Well there you have it. Like T$ , I'm probably going to give myself a XMAS gift. I have to set space aside in my bedroom to properly setup a corner for stand and booth lighting.

 

Maybe consider a second hand "high end" camera with a low shutter count to get your photography "education" with? Lots of camera people out there are always buying whats new and dumping their old stuff. I got an EOS Canon 40D for $500 with 35-105mm lens.

 

I was under the assumption that along with the lens and the macro setting the camera has would be enough. What can I expect to pay for a compatible macro lens for this camera?

I've been studying lighting techniques, a lot.
Over a year ago I was using the flash, then one light, then one light and a halogen light, and now I am at two halogen lights along with the same light as before. I shoot it underneath a white surface, and I do use a "hover" method, although a copy stand/tripod would be nice, although not necessarily a necessity, I can get the job done, but it would take longer with my "hovering" method.

You see, I would, but financially I'm just not willing to do that. I could get some nice practice with a $500 camera, but you have to see that I do want a higher end camera that is in my budget range, because I do want my photos to get to the next level. I take damn good photos, but they are just that, good. I'd rather struggle with an expensive camera, and experiment more with lighting and photo editing techniques, then buy cheaper, and then buy more expensive. In this sense, I'd want to skip that step.

Here are some examples of some of my better photos:

(Not any particular order, some I own, some I used to own.)











Once again those are examples of my better photos, and while I do not have the original shots, I can assure you they didn't look like this.
My point and shoot camera is terrible with colors and details, which is expected, I don't expect it to make my photos any better than they already are.

 

I own 5 Nikons all take great pictures. But the camera you buy if you are shooting coins should have a macro len. with out it you might as well buy a point and shoot camera. Macro lens are not cheap. I paid less for my D40 and got a 55mm and a 200 mm lens pkg with it, then the macro len would cost. The D40 Nikon takes great pictures but I can't use it for coins. I use another Nikon point and shoot cam thats is a 10 meg camera. I will agree with all the Cannon lovers is another great choice for a camera. Again make sure you can get a macro lens to fit . I find that buydig.com has great prices and also bundles the cam,bag, SD card , and lens kit. A word to the wise unless you are going to learn how to use a high dollar camera don't buy it ...I have taken pictures of coins as well as vacations ,holidays etc ...on a point and shoot that have turned out just as good as my high dollar investment.I will also share pictures that you are really trying to get somehow seems never to turn out as well as the ones just taken... have fun and enjoy your new hobby. Sam

 

I didnt read all the posts to which someone may already have said..but you said you want a good camera to take great pictures. Well my friend, I hate tell you this but you can have the best camerain the world though if you dont have the experience, knowledge, and the know how to work the camera then your pictures will still not be as good or only has good as the cheapest camera.

its the person behind the camera that makes the pictures great, the camera only is the tool that helps make their job easier.

 

Solid advice from the guys who know. It really boils down to you, the picture taker.....

 

The software with the camera is one other thing to keep in mind. It's really cool to adjust the camera and take the shot on the PC with the mouse. The Nikon body is a nice choice. At some point you will probably want a fixed macro lens. Lots of folks go with 100, 105 or 150mm. That gets you lots of room between the coin and the camera. Sure helps in getting the light at a better angle. For me a heavy copy stand was a must. I can't hold a camera still enough to get it right.

 

Like I have said earlier, I've reached the capabilities of what my camera can do. I have a plan with what to do with the new camera, but all I wanted to know was which one to get. I'm already a very good photographer, I know I am, not going to downplay that. Although that does not mean that I am done learning.
I'm full aware that you could give anybody a $7000 camera and say go, and if they don't know what they are doing, the results won't be as good as somebody does know what they are doing with a point and shoot.

I've learned what to do with and how to take photos and make them look as accurate as possible. I'm missing a piece to the puzzle, and that is a better camera. A couple of years ago, if you would've given me a camera like the one I posted in this thread, I wouldn't have known what to do, and the results would've been the same as they would be with the camera I currently own. As time went on, I got better with my camera taking skills, and knowledge of lighting setups. The pictures from day one, to now are of course, amazingly better.

Now, I'd like to learn about everything I could do with photography of coins, but when I am stuck with a camera that won't take me any further than I already am, it does me no good to continuously learn about the hobby and things I could do, and not be able to apply them to the camera I have.

The topic is simple really. Will this camera further aide me in taking photos, and with the knowledge I have of photography and setups will this camera make the photos better than they already are?

 

T-

I can tell you that I shoot with a DSLR and I'm a decent photog. I own all the lighting; AB Flashes, softboxes, reflectors, etc...but I was used to shooting models. When I started trying to shoot coins, the frustrations set in. IMO, you'd be better off spending half that amount on a decent camera body(if coin photography is your primary goal) and then spend the money on the glass. You can get a great 50mm macro for under $300, but realistically you should be looking at and considering a $300-$1000 price range and looking in the 100mm range. The lens that comes standard with that camera you are looking at isn't going to do anything for you when you want to shoot a coin. As a matter of fact, a mid range Nikon compact digital would shoot a better coin photo than that lens.