Nikon DSLR vs compact DSLR cameras?

[Jase]

I've been looking at Nikon D5100 vs. say a Nikon 1 J1, and I can't decide.

Looks like the image quality of a D5100 will be so much better, but the portability of a compact dslr is so appealing to me.

Mostly I want to take pictures of my kids, usually indoors in low-light situations, but would love to take it on outings as well.

Are the J1 cameras just toys? Do half of the proceeds go to ashton kutcher?

Help me decide plz.

Kisses,

Jase

[Darth Biscuit]

We just got one of these Jase...

http://www.microsoft.com/ultracam/en-us/UltraCamLp.aspx

Might be a little overkill for you though... ;)

[Jase]

your need to photograph titties from a mile away is getting out of control.

[Zod]

If you are interested in low light I would go with the 5100 and get the 50mm 1.8 lens with it. That should keep you busy for a decade or so.

Smaller cameras = smaller sensors = less low light ability

[Panthro]

I need to find a class....I just got a Nikon DLSR and it intimidates me

[Darth Biscuit]

your need to photograph titties from a mile away is getting out of control.

lol

This is the first job we just did with it... pretty impressed with it.

This is 1200' AGL

[Guest]

I would like to shove a Nikon up Ashton Kuchners ass.

[mmmbeans]

We just got one of these Jase...

http://www.microsoft...UltraCamLp.aspx

Might be a little overkill for you though... ;)

that's really cool.

[Darth Biscuit]

that's really cool.

Yeah, we love it so far. Now if we can just keep the plane in the air... Tis currently broken. Instrument failure and those scared ass pilots don't want to fly it. Pussies.

[brian032]

If you're looking at one of those compact interchangeable-lens cameras, I would probably look at NEX or Micro-Four-Thirds. Smaller sensors typically mean more noise in darker scenes and sometimes lower dynamic-range.

Personally, after looking at the price of the D5100 and J1, I would check out the new Sony NEX-3N or Panasonic GX1. (The GX1 is dirt cheap through Amazon Warehouse.) For outings and kids, I would go with the smaller camera. Sony makes APSC sensors for the D5100, so you should be getting same or better image quality. Panasonic/Olympus have the best lens line-up in the compact industry if you're looking to add something beyond the kit lens. My favorite is the 20mm for speed, quality and size.

Though, if you're not too picky with getting the latest gear and want to save some money, I would take a look at the Panasonic GF3. You can grab them all day under $200 with a kit lens' or $300 with the power zoom. The extra money can go towards lenses like the 20mm and whatnot.

[mmmbeans]

Yeah, we love it so far. Now if we can just keep the plane in the air... Tis currently broken. Instrument failure and those scared ass pilots don't want to fly it. Pussies.

you could probably just fly it and lean out the window with that thing, snapping away. really, who needs instruments? I'm on the gound, i'm not on the ground... what else do you need to know?

[Darth Biscuit]

you could probably just fly it and lean out the window with that thing, snapping away. really, who needs instruments? I'm on the gound, i'm not on the ground... what else do you need to know?

That was almost word for word what I told him. He was not amused. Something about FAA, crash, and dead was all I caught.

[mmmbeans]

That was almost word for word what I told him. He was not amused. Something about FAA, crash, and dead was all I caught.

maybe getting him drunk would help.

[Darth Biscuit]

maybe getting him drunk would help.

Drunk then give him cocaine?