Getting started

[Eric Cartman]

Hi Guys,

I just bought my first new SLR. Got myself the Nikon D3100 with some extras. I previously had the Canon 400D but felt I couldnt really learn with a camera with such little features. So hopefully I will learn with my current one.

Anyhoo...I dont plan on stealing from your time reading my story...I will post up pics soon of my work. Just started a blog / site (click) yesterday and I will be uploading photos hopefully on a daily basis.

[JandeBeer]

Canon 400D but felt I couldn't really learn with a camera with such little features.

What features were missing?

I have a Canon 5D MarkII and my 400D still my backup with all the features I might need in an emergency.

[Chris F]

What features were missing?

I have a Canon 5D MarkII and my 400D still my backup with all the features I might need in an emergency.

hahaha ....

my first thoughts as well .....

I am NOT saying one is better than the other!! Just that we all know they both have all the features - at least I thought we all did know this



that having been said - WELCOME to the forum, hope you survive this "entry post".

[Eric Cartman]

What features were missing?

I have a Canon 5D MarkII and my 400D still my backup with all the features I might need in an emergency.

It might have all the features you would need. But honestly it didnt suit what I needed.

I have always heard that the 400D is a very good camera for beginners (This i feel was good when they were launched - Time has moved on since them) but I felt that it was kinda hard and I needed something slightly more advanced than the 400D which I feel the Nikon D3100 is. I only had the 400D for a short period of time and wanted something more user friendly as I am beginner.

WRT features...If you compared the 400D with the D3100 you would not have to ask that question.

I will use this cellphone example: Samsung Jet VS Samsung Galaxy S2 - Samsung Galaxy S2 > Samsung Jet
Which would you prefer? Would you still have asked what features the Jet did not have? NO...Cos clearly improvements are made ever so often.

So to conclude my short story, I am thoroughly enjoying the Nikon D3100 and I do not feel I made a mistake with my choice at the moment.

[Eric Cartman]

hahaha ....

my first thoughts as well .....

I am NOT saying one is better than the other!! Just that we all know they both have all the features - at least I thought we all did know this



that having been said - WELCOME to the forum, hope you survive this "entry post".

Thanks for the welcome. I am not a real noob to the forums. I do know they is going to be the chief monkey who always wants to show that he knows best no matter of personal preference / requirements...what he says goes type of person.

But anyhoo...I can take a punch and dont mind being critted on what I say. But in that being said, dont think I am a monkey see monkey do type of person.

[Mike Wrankmore]

Interesting....and you have every right to your opinions and impressions about the 400D.It was my first DSLR.......and looking back i would find it incredibly hard to make a statement that my ability exceeded the camera's ability to take good photographs.I think if you made the statement that you wanted(as apposed to needed) a camera with more advanced features....people wouldn't have a problem with that....but to say you needed a better camera to learn from......Well....that might be misconstrued as a bit arrogant and ignorant!
And don't for a minute think i am calling you arrogant or ignorant.....i am sure you are not......!!!!

[Eric Cartman]

Interesting....and you have every right to your opinions and impressions about the 400D.It was my first DSLR.......and looking back i would find it incredibly hard to make a statement that my ability exceeded the camera's ability to take good photographs.I think if you made the statement that you wanted(as apposed to needed) a camera with more advanced features....people wouldn't have a problem with that....but to say you needed a better camera to learn from......Well....that might be misconstrued as a bit arrogant and ignorant!
And don't for a minute think i am calling you arrogant or ignorant.....i am sure you are not......!!!!

No problem boet. As i stated below many people have told me the 400D is good for a beginner but I just felt that time has moved on from this "beginner camera" as its 2012. The Nikon I currently have is probably just as good of a beginner camera with some extras attached as far as "modern features" are concerned.

I will make a cellphone example again...LOL. if you give a any teenager a Nokia 5110 this year and say "here is your phone"...they would not want it even thought it can sms and make phone calls.

To close off...time goes on guys...yes there are cool "analogue" products but would you want them today to use everyday?

[Henk Coetzee]

It might have all the features you would need. But honestly it didnt suit what I needed.

Then you made the correct choice. There's no point in struggling along with a camera you don't want or like because other people say you should.

I will use this cellphone example: Samsung Jet VS Samsung Galaxy S2 - Samsung Galaxy S2 > Samsung Jet
Which would you prefer? Would you still have asked what features the Jet did not have? NO...Cos clearly improvements are made ever so often.

I just looked at this and back at my post. The two cameras from my past which I mentioned long predate cellphones altogether . I still have one of them and you know what. I don't use it anymore. Times change and the newest cameras are better. As a matter of fact, they are much better. Your D3100 is a better camera than a 400D.

So to conclude my short story, I am thoroughly enjoying the Nikon D3100 and I do not feel I made a mistake with my choice at the moment.

In that case, you didn't. Get out there and take pictures.

No problem boet. As i stated below many people have told me the 400D is good for a beginner but I just felt that time has moved on from this "beginner camera" as its 2012. The Nikon I currently have is probably just as good of a beginner camera with some extras attached as far as "modern features" are concerned.

The D3100 is also an entry-level camera. Only its a 2012 entry-level camera. I see no reason why beginners should be told to buy old technology because they are beginners. As for what you need, I know at least one pro who, for very good reasons, sticks to entry level bodies with good glass.

Modern cameras are, in a sense, computers with a shutter and a lens attached. Does anyone advise you to get a 2006 model computer?

[Eric Cartman]

Thanks Henk for your words of encouragement. For a moment I felt that I was the only person who believes if time moves on, so should our equipment.