Entry DSLR vs High End Compact Camera

sony is good. you dont need a high end DSLR as its the skills that matter. so are the lenses. proud owner of a sony A500

No point getting a high end compact camera. Still DSLR best. Compact only get those waterproof to 3meters type for underwater or sports purpose.

Hi all,

i'm considering getting the new Nikon D3100 cuz i heard of its great freeze shot modes

anyone got comments on this?

sorry i'm new to photography and this will be my first time buying a dslr

the other one i'm comparing the D3100 to is the D5000 (as these two are within my budget range)

what i can tell from first glance of the two is that D3100 doesnt have flexi lcd screen like the D5000 but i've been told likewise that function is like nobody cares lol, not sure :S

[fireblade]

flexi lcd is good if you take very low or very high object..
but I think the poition of the opening is no good for D5000, preferred those that can flip by the side..think Canon got one that can open by the side..

[EvolutionZ]

if you want flexi LCD and prefer to shoot in live view mode. Sony a33/a55 is your choice.. sony is well known for its quick AF in live view. the LCD can flip around also..

but what about the d3100 for low light settings like our fish shots?

do we need to get some other lens apart for the standard 18-55 starter kit lens that comes with it?

[EvolutionZ]

Originally Posted by Tiggy

but what about the d3100 for low light settings like our fish shots?

do we need to get some other lens apart for the standard 18-55 starter kit lens that comes with it?

i dunno about nikon but a33/a55 also have very fast AF. able to AF accurately in low light settings.. if its your first DSLR, get the kit lens. a very standard all-rounder lens.. when you start to shoot more and find out more about photography then you will be able to ask yourself what type of lens you need and prefer.. for me, i like to use prime to shoot fish(e.g. sony 50mm/f1.8 lens) reason being, AF is fast and sharp.

[vaynard]

Originally Posted by Tiggy

but what about the d3100 for low light settings like our fish shots?

do we need to get some other lens apart for the standard 18-55 starter kit lens that comes with it?

Get yourself familiar with shooting with DSLR using kit lens first. Don't underestimate the capabilities of the kit lens. Then as per bro evo said, after getting a hang of it, then decide which genre you going in and get the required lens for that genre.

[tridentdiscus]

Originally Posted by Tiggy

but what about the d3100 for low light settings like our fish shots?

do we need to get some other lens apart for the standard 18-55 starter kit lens that comes with it?

Depends on what fish you want to shoot. The kit lens is a bit short for small fishes but bigger fish shd be no problem. Maybe you want to invest in a flash unit, more light is always better.

[amiidae]

Going back to the topic. "Entry DSLR vs High End Compact Camera"

DSLR is always better especially on Aquatic photography.

1) faster focusing speed.
2) generally give better image quality.
3) greater flexibility for expansion.
4) better noise control under low lighting.

However, if you are just going to shoot with no extra lighting or remote flashes etc.. both types can deliver equally crappy shots.