Which gadget should I buy??

[djkms]

I am coming up on my "playcheck". This is a check which happens to be the third one in a month which mean, play money!!!

So I need your help in deciding between getting a Asus tablet or Nikon DSLR camera.

A little history first. I do have a point and shoot camera. Its nice but doesn't photograph the tank well. It does however take good "normal" pictures. I also have a nice dual core laptop which I use daily however I do love the tablets coming out. I am looking to get a windows tablet. I dont want to be limited by a app store's programs. I would use the tablet for music production and watching movies mostly. I also have a little one on the way so a good camera would be nice that can also do video.

Anyways, here are the contenders!

ASUS Eee Slate EP121 64 GB $1099.99

Specifications
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium
Display 12.1" LED backlight WXGA (1280x800) Screen
Capacitive and Electromagnetic Panel with AFFS
CPU Intel Dual-Core i5 470um
Memory DDR3, 1 x SO-DIMM, 2GB/4GB
Storage 32GB/64GB SSD
Wireless Data Network WLAN 802.11 b/g/n@2.4GHz
Bluetooth V3.0
Camera 2.0 M Pixel Camera
Audio Hi-Definition Audio CODEC
Stereo Speakers
Digital Array Mic
Interface 1 x Digitizer pen
2 x USB 2.0 port
1 x 2-in-1 Audio Jack (Head Phone /Mic-in)
1 x mini HDMI port
1 x Card Reader: MMC/ SD(SDHC/SDXC)
1 x DC-IN
Battery Battery Life: 4.5hrs
Play 1080p video: 2.4hrs
34W/hr Polymer Battery
Power Adapter Output: 19.5V 60W with USB charging port
Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
Dimensions 312 x 207.2 x 16.95 mm (WxDxH)
Weight 1.16 kg
Accessories 1 x User Manual
1 x Warranty Card
1 x Support DVD
1 x Foil Case (with support function)
1 x Power Adaptor
1 x Bluetooth Keyboard
1 x Cleaning Cloth
5 x Refill Nibs
1 x Nib Remover
2 x AAA Battery for KB

Nikon D5100 DSLR Camera $899.99

Picture Angle
Effective picture angle 1.5x (Approx.) conversion factor (Nikon DX format)

Effective Pixels
16.2 million

Sensor Size
23.6 x 15.6mm

Image Sensor Format
DX

Image Sensor Type
CMOS

Total Pixels
16.9 million

Dust-reduction system
Image sensor cleaning

Image Area (pixels)
DX-format
(L) 4928 x 3264
(M) 3696 x 2448
(S) 2464 x 1632

File Format
Compressed 14-bit NEF (RAW)
JPEG (Baseline Compliant)
MOV

Storage Media
SD
SDHC
SDXC

Card Slot
1 Secure Digital (SD)

Viewfinder
Eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder

Viewfinder Frame Coverage
95% Approx.

Viewfinder Magnification
0.78x Approx.

Viewfinder Eyepoint
17.9mm

Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment
-1.7 to +0.7 m¯¹

Focusing Screen
Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VII screen

Reflex Mirror
Quick-return type

Lens Aperture
Instant-return type

Lens Compatibility at a Glance***
AF-S Lens Required for Autofocus

Compatible Lenses
AF-S, AF-I: All functions supported
AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II
IX NIKKOR lenses can not be used
Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function; Electronic Rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster
Other AF NIKKOR (Excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II
Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor: All functions supported except autofocus
Type D PC NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and some shooting modes.

Shutter type
Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane

Shutter Speed
1/4000 to 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 EV

Fastest Shutter Speed
1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3
1/2
1 EV

Slowest Shutter Speed
30 sec. in steps of 1/3
1/2
1 EV

Flash Sync Speed
Up to 1/200 sec.

Bulb Shutter Setting
Yes

Shutter Release Modes
Continuous
Delayed remote
Quick Response Remote Mode
Quiet shutter-release
Self-timer mode
Single-frame mode

Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution
4 frames per second

Self-timer
2, 5, 10, 20 sec. Timer duration electronically controlled

Exposure Metering System
TTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor

Metering Method
Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses)

Metering Range
0 to 20 EV (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)
2 to 20 EV (spot metering)

Exposure Meter Coupling
CPU

Exposure Modes
Advanced Scene Modes
Aperture-Priority (A)
Auto
Auto (flash off)
Manual (M)
Programmed Auto with flexible Program (P)
Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
Special Effects Mode

Advanced Scene Modes
Autumn Colors
Beach / Snow
Blossom
Candlelight
Child
Close-up
Dusk / Dawn
Food
Landscape
Night Landscape
Night Portrait
Party / Indoor
Pet Portrait
Portrait
Sports
Sunset

Exposure Compensation
±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV

Exposure Bracketing
3 frames ±2 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps

Exposure Lock
Yes

Mirror Lock Up
Yes (for image sensor cleaning)

ISO Sensitivity
ISO 100 - 6400
Hi-0.3
Hi-0.7
Hi-1 (ISO 12,800)
Hi-2 (ISO 25,600)

Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity
100

Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity
6400

Highest Expanded ISO Sensitivity
HI-2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent)

Long Exposure Noise Reduction
Yes

High ISO Noise Reduction
Low
Normal
High
Off

Active D-Lighting
On

D-Lighting Bracketing
2 exposures

Single-point AF Mode
Yes

Dynamic AF Mode
Number of AF points: 11 (3D-tracking)

Auto-area AF Mode
Yes

Autofocus System
Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection

Lens Servo
Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking activated automatically according to subject status

Focus Point
Can be selected from 11 focus points

Focus Lock
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF)

Focus Modes
Auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A)
Continuous-servo (AF-C)
Face-Priority AF available in Live View only and D-Movie only
Full-time Servo (AF-A) available in Live View only
Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used
Normal area
Single-servo AF (AF-S)
Wide area

Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points
11

Autofocus Sensitivity
-1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F)

Built-in Flash
Yes

Guide Number
Approx. 39/12, 43/13 with manual flash (ft/m, ISO 100, 68°F/20°C)

Flash Control
Auto aperture: Available with SB-900/SB-800 and CPU lens
Distance priority manual: Available with SB-900, SB-800 and SB-700
i-TTL Balanced fill-flash, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR
Non-TTL auto: Supported flash units include SB-900, SB-800, SB-80DX, SB-28DX, SB-28, SB-27, and SB-22S

Flash Sync Modes
Front-curtain sync (normal)
Slow sync
Rear-curtain sync
Red-eye reduction
Red-eye reduction with slow sync

Flash Compensation
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV

Accessory Shoe
Yes

Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)
CLS Supported

White Balance
Auto
Cloudy
Direct Sunlight
Flash
Fluorescent (7 types)
Incandescent
Preset Manual
Shade

White Balance Bracketing
3 exposures

Live View Shooting
Yes

Live View Lens servo
Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time-servo AF (AF-F)

Live View AF-area mode
Face-priority AF
Wide-area AF
Normal-area AF
Subject-tracking AF

Live View Scene Auto Selector
Auto mode

Movie Metering
TTL exposure metering using main image sensor

Movie Maximum recording time
20 min.

Movie File Format
MOV

Movie Video Compression
H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding

Movie Audio recording format
Linear PCM

Movie
HD 1,920x1,080 / 30 fps
HD 1,920×1,080 / 24 fps
HD 1,280×720 / 30 fps
HD 1,280×720 / 24 fps
VGA 640×424 / 30 fps

Movie Audio
Built-in microphone, monaural
Optional external stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter)

Monitor Size
3.0 in. diagonal

Monitor Resolution
921,000 Dots

Monitor Type
Wide Viewing Angle
Vari-angle TFT-LCD

Monitor Angle of View
170-degree wide-viewing angle

Monitor Adjustments
Brightness, 7 levels

Playback Functions
Auto image rotation
Calendar
Full frame
Highlight point display
Histogram display
Movie Playback
Shooting data
Slideshow
Sound playback
Thumbnail (4, 9 or 72 images)
Zoom

In-Camera Image Editing
Color Balance
Color Outline
Color Sketch
D-Lighting
Distortion Control
Edit Movie
Filter Effects
Fisheye
Image Overlay
Miniature Effect
Monochrome
NEF (RAW) Processing
Perspective Control
Quick Retouch
Red-eye Correction
Resize
Side-by-Side Comparison
Straighten
Trim

Image Comment
Yes

Interface
Audio/Video out
HDMI output: Type C mini-pin HDMI connector
Hi-speed USB
NTSC
Stereo Microphone Input

WiFi Functionality
Eye-Fi Compatible

GPS
GP-1 GPS unit

Total custom Settings
20



Date, Time and Daylight Savings Time Settings
Yes

World Time Setting
Yes

Battery / Batteries
EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery

Battery Life (shots per charge)
660 shots (CIPA)

AC Adapter
EH-5a AC Adapter

Battery Charger
MH-24 Quick Charger

Tripod Socket
1/4 in. (ISO1222)

Approx. Dimensions
Width 5.0 in. (127mm)
Height 3.8 in. (96.5mm)
Depth 3.1 in. (78.7mm)

Approx. Weight
19.7 oz. (560g)
camera body only

Supplied Software
ViewNX 2 CD-ROM

Supplied Accessories

EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
MH-24 Quick Charger
DK-20 Rubber Eyecup;
UC-E6 USB Cable
EG-CP14 Audio Video Cable
AN-DC3 Camera Strap
DK-5 Eyepiece Cap
BF-1B Body Cap
BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover
Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM

*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.

So what should I buy, the camera or the tablet pc? If you have a better camera or tablet suggestion for less than $1200 please let me know!!

 

[SAZAMA]

what about these
http://www.edwinwattsgolf.com/golf-...-710-iron-sets_10001_10001_183216_-1_1106.htm

 

[djkms]

Not really a fan of golf.

 

[dv3]

niether ...if you have a kid on the way you need a nice camcorder

 

[djkms]

niether ...if you have a kid on the way you need a nice camcorder

The Nikon D5100 has recording
HD 1,920x1,080 / 30 fps
HD 1,920×1,080 / 24 fps
HD 1,280×720 / 30 fps
HD 1,280×720 / 24 fps
VGA 640×424 / 30 fps

only drawback is 20min max recording time

 

[othercents]

I would wait for Windows 8 for a Microsoft version of the Pad. I would say get the camera and an Android 2.2 tablet like the ViewSonic ViewPad.

http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-Vie...MF6C/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1307654680&sr=8-8

David

 

[othercents]

Actually this tablet has more for the money. 10" LCD with Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 Dual Core A9 processor (1gh).

http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-gTa...V7TK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307655151&sr=8-1

 

[projectx]

Get the camera, youll then have a few bucks left over to get some other goodies for the tank or the kiddo on the way

 

[WrasseAttack]

Which will you use more? My husband has I think the same tablet and a slightly older Nikon and he still can't take decent pictures with it because he hardly uses it lol.

I would also test out the tablets first before buying them. We spent a lot of time at the Microsoft store at Park Meadows checking them out.

 

[djkms]

Which will you use more?

They would both probably get used equally I think. I am thinking I will get much more long term use out of the camera though and it won't outdate so soon. I would really like to have a gaming tablet but I think those are still a couple years out. Not that I do much gaming but would love the option. Heck I recall reading a article about quad cores coming out for the tablets later this year and nvidia has a hand in it. Would be sweet to get a nvidia driven tablet.

I'm thinking the camera is going to be the golden ticket.

With the kiddo on the way im wanting to get myself one last little gem before the fams take all my dough!

 

[rmougey]

Buy the camera. Put the difference in cost into your savings. Next year, buy the same tablet for the money in your savings account. Now you'll have both.

 

[othercents]

I would really like to have a gaming tablet but I think those are still a couple years out. Not that I do much gaming but would love the option. Heck I recall reading a article about quad cores coming out for the tablets later this year and nvidia has a hand in it. Would be sweet to get a nvidia driven tablet.

Your better gaming tablets at this time are Android or iOS (iPad) tablets. There haven't been any games created for the Windows 7 tablet platform, however you could always use the Windows 7 tablet with a joystick and play games with it. I do like the Pocket Legends game which works on both android and iOS. Small platforms like the iPhone, Android phones and Windows 7 phones are good portable gaming systems, but in reality when the little one arrives I think gaming will be the last thing you will be thinking about. I do like the ease of starting the iPad and hopping onto the internet real quick, or loading an application vs booting my pc or mac.

Keep in mind for $300 that Viewsonic gTablet 10" is one fantastic deal. Tablets with the same specifications are running twice as much. Plus once you get it you will be able to read, surf, game, and much more. I hope you have a flip camera or something to get the first steps and when the little squeaks starts to sound like daddy.

David

 

[Cherub]

camera for sure. gaming will change too much in the next year. Those pads are outdated as soon as you buy them. They don't let you enjoy what you buy.

 

[djkms]

The camera was originally what I was looking to get. I wanted something that takes amazing photos but also with the option of recording video. What really attracted me to the Nikon 5100 was the selective color feature. I was looking at getting the D3100 until I saw this
[video=youtube;vKHQzCu0RBg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKHQzCu0RBg&hd=1[/video]

I had a chance to play with it for a bit at Target today. Its freakin sweat! Basically you just point it at a color you want, press a button and bam its highlighting that color in real-time while other colors are b&w. The flipout screen was really nice as well. The camera felt nice in my hand. It can only record 20min in 1080p but thats better than nothing, camcorder will probably be in the future anyways. Obviously I have been leaning towards the Camera myself. My tank is finally starting to "grow in" and I want to take good photos of it and my p&s kinda sucks.

 

[othercents]

camera for sure. gaming will change too much in the next year. Those pads are outdated as soon as you buy them. They don't let you enjoy what you buy.

Pads are updated yearly and many people who purchased one a year ago are not planning to update. I have followed the trends in the past and upgraded computers every 3-6 month to stay up with the latest gaming trends, however that is a much smaller market than the casual gamer who won't upgrade until the performance degrades enough to make the game unplayable. I think a good dual core pad now would last quite a while and with the interactive baby applications for pads it makes a great learning tool. I think for a family purchase the pad would be more useful for the family in the long run. However the camera will allow you to take the high quality photos for both fish and family. It will be a very good tool to have for family photos, but you might find it sitting on the shelf much more often then you would like since there will be less time to take the phones and then edit the photos on your computer.

Both choices are very good ones and I think based on the comments the Camera seams to be the winner. I definitely like the selective color feature.