FAQ 3: Comparisons between Nikon's 'Consumer DSLR' Models?

People ask me this question a lot: What is the difference between entry level (D3000, D3100), upper entry level (D5000, D5100) and mid-range (D7000, D90) Nikon models?

Here is my answer in four main points... (Keeping in mind that people would like to have bird's-eye view rather than going into the technicalities.

FAQ 2: What to buy? 'Point-n-shoot' vs. DSLR

It really depends upon your preferences:

1. Are you looking for a compact one which can fit in your pocket or purse? Easy to hold, carry and use... Go for Compact size 'point-n-shoot'... DSLRs are mostly bulky. 

2. Are you looking for an awesome zoom? There are big zoom 'point-n-shoot' cameras in the market which gives you enough zoom that a DSLR provides. But DSLR's clarity is of no match. If you need great zoom and are not very particular about the quality and controls then go for big zoom 'point-n-shoot'. To get all zoom levels in DSLR... you have to buy multiple lenses which will be expensive.

Case Study 4: 'Depth of Field' and Aperture Example

Depth of Field: It means that only a part of your picture will be in focus and the rest will be blurred. The example below is a very shallow depth of field and was taken with an aperture of f/4.8. Aperture number around f/22 means that most of your image will be in focus irrespective of your camera location and it's distance from the object. 

Exif Data:
For both the pics... (The only difference is that I focused on the leaves in the first one and on the backdrop in the other one)
Aperture: f/4.8
Shutter Speed: 1/125s
Focal Length: 116 mm
ISO: 200