What SLR would you recommend? Nikon D3100?

I have been using Nikon SLR's and lenses for over 40 years, in film and digital cameras. You can't go wrong with the quality. You basically have the choice of Nikon or Canon. Either system should suit your purpose, and the D3100 should do everything you need for an advanced amateur. Look at the offerings for lenses and accessories for both Nikon and Canon as once you get a system you will want to expand it,

I disagree that you only have Nikon or Canon to choose from. That's as silly as saying you can only choose a car from Ford or Chevrolet. Overlooking Sony, Pentax, Olympus and Panasonic is as foolish as overlooking Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Hyundai.

I suggest comparing the new Sony A33 to the Nikon D3100.

The A33 offers full-time continuous auto focus using Sony's Translucent Mirror technology. With its EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) and stationary mirror you can view the scene even as you make the exposure - no mirror blackout.

The D3100 does allow auto focus while shooting video but only then.

The A33 has a maximum 7fps (frames per second) shooting rate while the D3100 has a maximum 3fps.

The A33 can use every Minolta Maxxum AF lens made since 1985 and due to its in-body focusing motor they will auto focus as they should. Only Nikon AF-S lenses will auto focus on the D3100 since it doesn't have an in-camera focusing motor.

The A33 has Sony's version of image stabilization - SuperSteady Shot Inside - is in the camera body so any lens used becomes an image stabilized lens. The D3100 requires Nikon's VR technology in the lens for image stabilization and not every Nikon lens has VR.

The A33 has Sweep Panorama available in 2D or 3D. The D3100 doesn't.

Here is a review of the A33:

http://www.alphamountworld.com/reviews/sony-alpha-...

There are more lenses available for the A33 than you'll ever want or need. Here is the lens compatibility chart: http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/index.asp

The 2010 "Best DSLR Entry Level" as chosen by the Technical Image Press Association was the Pentax K-x. Here is a review:

http://www.shutterbug.net/equipmentreviews/amateur...

The double/multiple exposure capability of from 2 to 9 images on a single frame with Auto EV Compensation makes the Pentax K-x unique in its price range. It also shoots HD Video, has a focusing motor in the camera body and Pentax's version of image stabilization is in the camera body. Every Pentax "K" mount lens ever made can be used on the K-x.

Do a search for reviews of the Micro 4/3 cameras from Olympus and Panasonic and see why photographers rave about them. Read reviews of the Olympus traditional 4/3 DSLR cameras.

So take off the blinders and avoid the Nikon/Canon tunnel vision so common on here and expand your search.

Always remember this: "It isn't the camera its the photographer." That is, was and always will be true. "It isn't the camera its the photographer."

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/4032748624...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/3006737314...