Wary of D5100 because of "shutter problem" complaints

couplequestions

Hey everybody. I've been thinking about getting a D SLR for my girlfriend who's always been interested in photography. I wanna get an entry level camera mostly because of budget reasons. I've been reading a lot and asking around and I decided to get either a D5100 or a D3200. I'm tempted to get the D5100 because apparently it's the better camera. What worries me is the amount of people that are dealing with this "black image problem" caused by a malfunctioning shutter. It looks like it's quite a common problem so I don't know if it's worth the risk. I know no one can assure me that this won't happen to my camera lol, but since it's such a common problem should I just avoid this model all together? (I'm thinking about getting it from Amazon from under 500 bucks). *The D5200 is just not an option for me price wise.

Anyway thanks in advance to anyone who can offer some advice!

dissent

I've been shooting a D5100 for well over a year now with no shutter issues.

I don't know how common the "shutter problem" is on the D5100, but you won't necessarily find out from online complaints. Problems get squawked about loudly and well functioning cameras get much less press coverage, so the ratio of bad-to-good cameras can be hard to determine.

spraynpray

Plus iif there was a real problem, we would have heard of it here for sure and we haven't.

IIWY I would get her the D3200 as it has a newer generation sensor and will be all the camera a beginner will need to decide if he/she wants to go further.

Ade

It's a "real" problem that was discussed here awhile ago:

http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=4228

However, I think the problem is relatively rare. And I'd agree with @spraynpray above: the D3200 is a sweet little camera and would be my preference as well over the D5100.

Photobug

I would also recommend the D3200 over the D5100.

I am helping a friend decide on a D3200, D5200, and the new D5300 and was checking pricing at B&H. I see there is a discount on the D3200 right now bring the price to a very attractive level. The D5200 has a $150 discount to the recent introduction of the D5300.

Be nice to your sweet heart and buy her a new D3200. The image quality is excellent.

spraynpray

Plus iif there was a real problem, we would have heard of it here for sure and we haven't.

It's a "real" problem that was discussed here awhile ago:

http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=4228

I stand corrected. Well spotted Ade.

rbrylawski

I'd also get her the D3200. I'm a D7100 shooter and I bought a D3200 for my partner for Christmas. Better sensor for sure.

Photobug

Nice move. She really must be special. You two enjoy shooting together.