Did I Buy the Right Camera?

Posted by Ed Wetschler on September 21, 2012 at 9:54pm

This morning in Costco I saw a Nikon DSLR kit -- body + two lenses -- that was on sale, and needing a new camera and lens for my work (travel stories for the internet, plus occasional photos for a magazine, I bought. Helping my decision was the fact that Costco gives me 90 days to return it. 

Here's what I bought:

http://www.costco.com/Nikon-D5100-DSLR-Camera-2-Lens-Bundle.product.11659644.html

And here are a few questions:

1. Any comments about the camera? The lenses?

2. I'd much prefer to be using just one lens, so I had my eye on a different kit that included a Nikon 18-200, but someone told me that wouldn't be sharp enough. Your thoughts? 

3. If you disapprove of both my choices -- the kit I bought and the one I was looking at -- do you want to suggest something else? 

Many thanks. 

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Replies

  • Ed Wetschler September 22, 2012 at 3:57am

    All interesting comments. Debbra, our experiences are proof positive that once again, the price of technology keeps going down. Anil, that link you posted below was a real eye-opener. I mean, getting this kit for $899 looked great enough; now I'm looking at a $799 deal. Note this one difference: The Costco deal includes a 55-300, but this one is a 55-200.

    Does that mean I should hang onto what I've got, or should I save $100 and trade down to the $799 package? I was worried about the sharpness of the 18-300 lens; would the 18-200 lens be more accurate? If so, I'm happy to do without the extra zoom-ability. What do you think? 

  • Anil September 22, 2012 at 1:36am

    Nikon, Canon, Sony... they all are fine cameras. Evaluating superior one over the other is like a religious debate - It never ends. I have used two of the three mentioned DSLRs. No complaints. They all require occasional maintenance. 

    Or to use a airplane food phrase - Chicken or Pasta ?  :) Similar quality.

    BTW BHPhoto seems to be cheaper (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/836592-REG/Nikon_D5100_Digita...) I really did not read the T&Cs of Costco. 

  • Debbra Dunning Brouillette September 21, 2012 at 10:03pm

    Ed,

    This a fantastic deal! I bought the Nikon D-3000 with two kit lenses, 18-55mm and 55-200mm, a couple of years ago and now would love to have the lens that zooms up to 300mm as you got in this kit. I think I paid around $700 for mine at Wolf Camera, but it was up to $800 with U/V filters, etc. I love that the camera and lenses are so lightweight and am overall very pleased with my purchase. I'd say, keep it and enjoy!

  • John Lamkin September 21, 2012 at 10:02pm

    Ed, Being a Nikon person, I'd say you made the right purchase. I haven't checked the reviews on that particular model, but I've had good luck with all the Nikons I've owned.  Cheers,   John

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