Starter Nikon Dslr Camera From Argos

[balliali]

Opinions appreciated from anyone who has knowledge of cameras and photography. I am interested in upgrading to DSLR and I am looking at these Nikon D3100 cameras from Argos. Could anyone please give me a bit of advice on which is the best of them, as they look quite similar and as it's a fairly big spend what is the difference. Any good advice on similar alternatives also welcome, don't want to buy a "pig in a poke" and budget is important. Please

[balliali]

Oops forgot to provide the weblink: http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ArgosComparison?storeId=10152&catalogId=14551&categoryId=&langId=111&returnToURL=%2Fwebapp%2Fwcs%2Fstores%2Fservlet%2FSearch%3FstoreId%3D10152%26langId%3D111%26q%3DGREAT%2BSAVINGS%2BON%2BNIKON%2BCAMERAS%26pp%3D20%26s%3DPrice%253A%2BLow%2B-%2BHigh%26canned_results_trigger%3D%2528free_text%253D%253D%2528%2BGREAT_x20_SAVINGS_x20_ON_x20_NIKON_x20_CAMERAS%2529%2529%26p%3D21&compIds=401018&compIds=102278&authToken=&;orderedIds=401018_102278_

[vulcan42]

The two cameras are the same model, the difference in price relates to the lens. On the left it has the non VR(Vibration reduction)lens and the one on the right has the VR lens.The VR is designed to counteract camera shake and can be useful,for example you can hand hold at slower shutter speeds. I have used Nikon for many years and they are extremely good and reliable. I would suggest if you intend to buy Nikon, check Grays of Westminster website.They are the foremost Nikon dealers in the UK. Also I have just checked them and they are selling the one on the right(with VR) for £299-00

[balliali]

thank you for your intelligent answer, are you suggesting the camera on the right is what I should go for. thanks also for recommendation on website, much appreciated

[sunny-dave]

I'd always fork out a few £ (or €) extra for the VR lens - they make a significant difference to image quality in lower light level shots.

Amazon are selling the VR model for £289 - even if you decide to buy elsewhere there is some good information in reviews on the Amazon page

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[balliali]

I'm fortunate that I live in a border hinterland where Euro and Sterling are equally accessible options when shopping i.e Sterling shops are only 20 mins away, so will look for best value with whatever currency I spend. Thanks for your valuable feedback

[jomifl]

If you get a camera with the anti-camera shake system built into the camera body you can use any lens that fits the camera.

[sunny-dave]

That's true jomifl - but the VR built into the Nikon lenses is significantly better than many 'in camera' systems.

[society]

Very good point / advice, Jomifl.

[snags]

''anti-camera shake system''

Aren't 'anti-shake' cameras a bit of a cheat: working by stepping up the ISO to get faster shutter speeds (which you can do yourself anyway) rather than actually counteracting any camera motion.

[Richard1966]

I have a Nikon DSLR with a VR lens. Different, older model to the one you are looking at, so these are slightly better spec -ed (not sure if that s real word or if i have just made it up), anyway the VR lenses do make a difference especially at maximum zoom. I have a 70 - 300mm lense and the images are much clearer with it activated. Nikons are great cameras. One tip. get a good quality blower brush, so you can clean any dust out without having to touch anything.

[balliali]

Thanks for that Richard 1966, as I'm new to this, and do appreciate your advice, could you please post a link to the product on argos, amazon, ebay etc. Thanks for your input

[Richard1966]

Sorry, I don't pop in here all that often, so rarely check back on old posts. Having some difficulty sleeping tonight so having a trawl.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation