Considering a D5100

Posted by cocheseuga on November 16, 2012 10:28 am 13

My wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas, and it was hard to answer since I mostly buy everything I want anyway. However, I had been wanting a nicer camera for us for awhile. We've slowly matriculated from a Sony Mavica FD5 to a Sony DSC-T5 over the last ten years or so. While the T5 still takes decent pictures, our phones now typically outshine it and are routinely what we use for taking pictures.

I have a Nikon FM2 that was given to me by my father several years ago, but I've used it rather sparingly. I do know roughly how to use it, but never used it extensively because I didn't feel like paying for film or having it developed. It has a Tokina AT-X 35-200 lens and I have a couple of filters.

My kids are starting to be involved in more school and sports activities, plus we're going to be taking our first trip to Disney possibly next year. I want something that will document these formative years in still (because I'd probably still use my GS3 for video). I also want something I can take great landscape photography, as that kind of thing really appeals to me visually and artistically.

I was comparing the D3200 and the D5100, and the impression I got is that the 5100 is still the slightly better camera. I don't intend to sink a lot of money in lenses, as I already have one expensive hobby (woodworking - yeah, this camera would be used to shoot projects as well).

I am wondering if it's perhaps overkill though. That something like a Coolpix (smaller) would entice me to carry it around more often. I know what the saying is about the best camera... I want something that I'd reach for beyond normal daily life. I don't want to be afraid I'll break it and not use it as much.