Nikon D5100 (18-55mm + 55-200mm) - User Review


Thread Starter #1
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
2,924
Likes
2,199
Location
Madras
Background:
After using Nikon P500 for about 3 years, heart started bugging an SLR. There was a big Heart vs Mind debate where heart wanted an upgrade and mind said "You aren't an professional photographer. All that you need is to capture the moments which your current camera does pretty well". Whenever I browse "Your best photographs" thread or some beautiful snaps from Facebook I used to call my wife to show some snaps which I like and start praising the photographic gear used.

Me: See this snap, only a DSLR could give this output
Wife: Why don't you buy one?
Me: ???
Wife: When you are so interested on photography go get one DSLR.
Me: It's not that cheaper
Wife: You aren't buying one every month
Me: Yes, but..!
Wife: What but?
Me: Ok, lets get one soon.

Days passed, a week before our wedding anniversary wife gave me a surprise. I was at office and I got a call from her
Wife: Come home early, lets go out for shopping
Me: Why today? Lets go this weekend
Wife: No, it has to be today
Me: Ok, where and for what?
Wife: You have to decide the shop to get a DSLR
Me: What?
Wife: Either of your ear or earpiece is faulty, go & consult a doctor now and come home soon
Me: Hey, why DSLR now?
Wife: To use it during our Hyderabad trip
Me: Let's use P500 for this trip and get an DSLR later
Wife: What's wrong if we get it today?
Me: Let me check

Requirement:
- Type: Entry level DSLR
- Brand: It has to be either Nikon or Canon
- Budget: less than 30k
- Spec: Anything above 10MP with a decent sensor + HD Recording + better battery life

After speaking to few of my friends who were using SLRs for years, almost everyone suggested to go for Nikon for various reasons. And finally narrowed down to Nikon D3200 or D5100.

Product decision:
After comparing both the products, I selected D5100 for some reasons and below 2 are the major non-technical reasons
- Flip screen (which I got used with P500 and don't want to miss it)
- Longer battery life
Comparison here Nikon D3200 vs D5100 - Our Analysis

D5100 spec here Nikon India Private Limited - DSLR D5100 -

Called few stores at Chennai to check the availability and price. After comparing with Flipkart / Amazon / eBay I found the price at local stores are costlier by atleast 1.7k. After a long debate got Nikon D5100 on the same day from Smart Shoppers - Egmore (Their online storeBest online shopping sites in india Cameras,Accessories smartshoppers)

Price / Discount / Offers:
Price: 28k/- (31k on their website, upon calling I was quoted 29k and F2F negotiation got down to 28k)
Offers: D5100 + 18-55mm Kit lens + 8GB Class 10 card + DSLR Bag + UV Filter

Upgrades:
Got 55-200mm Nikkor VR Lens from Flipkart (Paid 7.5k)

Planned upgrade:
- 50mm prime lens
- 18-200/18-270 Tamron lens (bit confused)

Experience so far
Likes:
- Satisfies my need pretty well
- Flip screen is useful to click snaps at low / high angles
- 1080p HD recording
- Effects mode
- Battery life (managed to click 620+ snaps)

Dislikes:
- No inbuilt focus motor (makes lens expensive)
- Slightly heavier (when compared with D3200)
- Continuous shoot could have been even better (higher fps)

Will add more details and keep this thread updated.

Cheers.
 
Joined
Mar 23, 2012
Messages
714
Likes
165
Location
Kannur
But D5200 is only like 33-34K, you could've got that. But anyway congrats!

Some pics please (taken with the camera).
 
Thread Starter #3
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
2,924
Likes
2,199
Location
Madras
But D5200 is only like 33-34K, you could've got that. But anyway congrats!

Some pics please (taken with the camera).
Thanks dude.
D5200 was much costlier here at stores (compared with online stores) and I don't get enough time to order online (Next day I have to travel and wanted the camera immediately) that's why settled for this model. D5200 is a brilliant choice.

Will post the snaps taken ASAP.
 
Thread Starter #6
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
2,924
Likes
2,199
Location
Madras
^^^ Thanks Bro, will consider this suggestion while getting my next lens.

BTW can you please share your experience with third party lenses? That should be more helpful for fellow members who is looking to buy a similar one.
 
Joined
Nov 29, 2012
Messages
1,642
Likes
2,089
Location
K L-9
BTW can you please share your experience with third party lenses? That should be more helpful for fellow members who is looking to buy a similar one.
I own two Sigma lenses currently. Sigma along with Tamron does make a lot of sense in terms of VFM. Only that you will need to do a thorough research and examination/test on the copy you are going to buy. If you get a good one, they definitely offer great value for your money.

Sigma 10 - 20 mm F/4-5.6 DC:

Bought it for exactly half the price of the Nikkor 10-24 AF-S. It’s a wide angle lens and I have no complaints against it, as of now. In fact, I haven’t had any serious exercise with it until now. As of now, no complaints.

An evening shot with this lens : Can you identify the location ?[:)]

DSC_1126.jpg


My experience with my second Sigma lens has been posted in the DSLR thread
 
Joined
Jul 2, 2014
Messages
330
Likes
226
Location
Where friends are
Planned upgrade:
- 50mm prime lens
- 18-200/18-270 Tamron lens (bit confused)
confused between prime lens & zoom lens or between two zoom lens ???

Basically prime lens is important when you do photography at fixed focal length (e.g. model photography), but otherwise zoom lens with required range will suit most situations. However, more are the chances of aberrations when you select very long range in zoom lens - better to have 18-55 & 50-250 lenses rather than 18-270 lens.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Jan 13, 2014
Messages
208
Likes
339
Location
Mumbai
Mr.Boss

What's your suggestion for user of an entry level DSLR ?

Which one to go for ?

Untill now have used only Sony Cybershot, Samsung & Cannon Digicams upto 12 mp only.
 

Top Bottom