Nikon Upgrade !
Discussion
Looking to buy a DSLR & after doing some reserch went into my local Jessops with the intention of buying a D7000 & using my current Nikon AF-D lens's, I have a 35-80 & a 70-210 from the mid 90's off my D50 SLR which have had very little use. However of the two guys in the shop one said for less money I would be better buying their D3100 package with 2 lens's, as this would give better results due to new glass etc & the other said I shoul buy a Sony.
Camera use will be straight forwad family use with a bit of sport's, MX racing etc.
Came away more confused, What do you think, Stick with plan A ?
Camera use will be straight forwad family use with a bit of sport's, MX racing etc.
Came away more confused, What do you think, Stick with plan A ?
Whether the D3100 or D7000 is right for you, is all down to what you want it for and how much you want to spend. However my personal opinion is :
1. Jessops is quite possibly the worst place to go for Photography advice as they will generally try and steer you into buying whatever helps them make their current Sales target. The D3200 was recently released so demand for the D3100 has fallen dramatically.
2. Jessops customer service is utterly appalling in my experience. Don't expect any support from them whatsoever once they have your money. Other places like Amazon are much better (and cheaper) for DSLR - and they sort problems out fast. If you are OK putting up with carp customer service, you may as well buy from someone like PixMania - they are just as bad as Jessops but at least they are significantly cheaper!
3. The D3100 is a great 'entry level' starter camera. The D7000 is a great 'top end Amateur' camera. Two completely different beasts at opposite ends of the scale. Which is best for you depends on what you want to do with it.
4. Jessops are correct in that your older AF lenses won't autofocus on a D3100 as (along with all the lower end Nikons) it doesn't have an in-built motor. The lenses will focus on a D7000.
5. Mainstream AF-S lenses are generally no better or worse than older AF lenses for IQ (Image Quality) unless you're into specific applications. However they are more likely to have things like VR (Vibration Reduction) so are worth having on a zoom lens.
6. D7000 Image Quality is better than D3100. So unless your old AF lenses are damaged, the blanket statement that a D3100 with AF-S lenses will be better than a D7000 with AF lenses is not valid.
All IMHO of course. Others may disagree :-)
1. Jessops is quite possibly the worst place to go for Photography advice as they will generally try and steer you into buying whatever helps them make their current Sales target. The D3200 was recently released so demand for the D3100 has fallen dramatically.
2. Jessops customer service is utterly appalling in my experience. Don't expect any support from them whatsoever once they have your money. Other places like Amazon are much better (and cheaper) for DSLR - and they sort problems out fast. If you are OK putting up with carp customer service, you may as well buy from someone like PixMania - they are just as bad as Jessops but at least they are significantly cheaper!
3. The D3100 is a great 'entry level' starter camera. The D7000 is a great 'top end Amateur' camera. Two completely different beasts at opposite ends of the scale. Which is best for you depends on what you want to do with it.
4. Jessops are correct in that your older AF lenses won't autofocus on a D3100 as (along with all the lower end Nikons) it doesn't have an in-built motor. The lenses will focus on a D7000.
5. Mainstream AF-S lenses are generally no better or worse than older AF lenses for IQ (Image Quality) unless you're into specific applications. However they are more likely to have things like VR (Vibration Reduction) so are worth having on a zoom lens.
6. D7000 Image Quality is better than D3100. So unless your old AF lenses are damaged, the blanket statement that a D3100 with AF-S lenses will be better than a D7000 with AF lenses is not valid.
All IMHO of course. Others may disagree :-)
Ah the other thing I just spotted is your 35-80 lens isn't very wide when used on an APS-C (which both the 3100 and 7000 are, along with pretty much all non-pro DSLRs).
Apols if you already know but you need to multiply the focal length by x1.5 if you're using a Nikon APS-C to get the 35mm equivalent. So your 35-80 will be 53mm-120mm. Which doesn't give you any wide angle.
The twin lens package will likely be an 18-55 (which is equivalent to 27-83) and a 55-200 (which is 83-300mm).
Apols if you already know but you need to multiply the focal length by x1.5 if you're using a Nikon APS-C to get the 35mm equivalent. So your 35-80 will be 53mm-120mm. Which doesn't give you any wide angle.
The twin lens package will likely be an 18-55 (which is equivalent to 27-83) and a 55-200 (which is 83-300mm).
You are so right about Jessops, went to two of their stores today. First one a complete waste of time, second was a little better & gave the advice in 1st post.
Thanks for advice & I am going to go with the D7000 & try my lens's, I can then always buy new lens at a later date & have a body that will do everything I need.
Looking on line for best deals now, Its a shame about Jessops, if they had a bit more about them I would have bought one there today.
Thanks for advice & I am going to go with the D7000 & try my lens's, I can then always buy new lens at a later date & have a body that will do everything I need.
Looking on line for best deals now, Its a shame about Jessops, if they had a bit more about them I would have bought one there today.
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