Question about
What are the biggest shortfalls of the D3100 when it goes up against higher end DSLRs like the T2i or D90?
top answers
bthockey's pick
For a beginner, honestly, I don't think there are many. The first one that pops to my mind is that Nikon has two "sets" of cameras those that have an internal focusing motor and those that require the lens to have its own focusing motor (this is all for autofocus to be clear).
The d3100/5100 do not have their own motor, require the lens to have the motor inside it, so there are some lenses which won't have autofocus. Whereas the likes of the d90/d7000 have autofocus with all the nikon autofocus lenses.
Another big difference that people like to tout is that the d90/7000 will have better control schemes and feel more solid than the d3100/t2i. (Second control wheel, better/more buttons in the general layout)
Finally we could get into the nitty gritty specs. The higher end ones will have better low light, faster shooting speeds, larger buffers, etc etc. T2i will be more similar to the d3100 in those respects though.
All that is great, but if you're a beginner there is still SO MUCH camera to grow into with the d3100. If after a few years you do out grow it, then yeah, upgrading to the d90/7000 would be your best bet.
I hope that touches on a little of what you needed. Feel free to follow up with more specific questions that we can help you with :)
The d3100/5100 do not have their own motor, require the lens to have the motor inside it, so there are some lenses which won't have autofocus. Whereas the likes of the d90/d7000 have autofocus with all the nikon autofocus lenses.
Another big difference that people like to tout is that the d90/7000 will have better control schemes and feel more solid than the d3100/t2i. (Second control wheel, better/more buttons in the general layout)
Finally we could get into the nitty gritty specs. The higher end ones will have better low light, faster shooting speeds, larger buffers, etc etc. T2i will be more similar to the d3100 in those respects though.
All that is great, but if you're a beginner there is still SO MUCH camera to grow into with the d3100. If after a few years you do out grow it, then yeah, upgrading to the d90/7000 would be your best bet.
I hope that touches on a little of what you needed. Feel free to follow up with more specific questions that we can help you with :)
mark as good answer
3 people like this answer
Clicking the mark as good answer button helps us highlight the best answers.
I think it's this simple. It's a DX camera not an FX.
It doesn't get that wildly surreal / full of intense clarity like the FX's do.
This camera can do anything if you know how to use it.
I used a Nikon D40, and was shooting skateboarding photography with it.
As long as you know how to play with light, you don't need to spend thousands on a DSLR.
It doesn't get that wildly surreal / full of intense clarity like the FX's do.
This camera can do anything if you know how to use it.
I used a Nikon D40, and was shooting skateboarding photography with it.
As long as you know how to play with light, you don't need to spend thousands on a DSLR.
mark as good answer
0 people like this answer
Not sure if this is a big issue, however the D3100 doesn't have auto bracketing, you have to do it manually. So if you're into HDR, it would be nice to just have the camera take all 3 shots etc, for you.
mark as good answer
0 people like this answer
follow this question
share:
Related questions
5 users following this question:
This question has been viewed 165 times.
Last activity .
Tips for giving the best answers
Sometimes it's just little details that separates a great and not so great answer! Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
- 1
- Be complete and thorough. Don't skimp on the details!
- 2
- Try not to answer with a question. Because that's not really an answer, right?
- 3
- A little research goes a long way. Back up your claims and assumptions!
- 4
- Try to be patient, tech questions can be complicated.
- 5
- You are awesome for both reading this and answering questions.