Need advise on Nikon: D3200. Thinking of getting my daughter this camera. I'm Nikon dumb, so anyone that has one or knows about it...I welcome your thoughts on a 'starter' camera. She...

texasdan78070 Loc: Texas Hill Country

D3200. Thinking of getting my daughter this camera. I'm Nikon dumb, so anyone that has one or knows about it...I welcome your thoughts on a 'starter' camera. She takes great photos with her iPhone, but she needs a DSLR to enter the real photography world. Many thanks. BTW..it refurbished (which doesn't bother me) and is selling for $369 with an 18-55mm VR lens and Lightroom 5.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

texasdan78070 wrote:

D3200. Thinking of getting my daughter this camera. I'm Nikon dumb, so anyone that has one or knows about it...I welcome your thoughts on a 'starter' camera. She takes great photos with her iPhone, but she needs a DSLR to enter the real photography world. Many thanks. BTW..it refurbished (which doesn't bother me) and is selling for $369 with an 18-55mm VR lens and Lightroom 5.

There's no reason not to get it, and getting a refurb is a good way to go, especially with the lens and LR5. She'll enjoy learning all its features - lots of info available online.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

People that I have talked with that have the D3200 love it. If you are in Austin, you might go to Precision Camera on Anderson Lane off MoPac and speak with them. They are very good and quite knowledgeable. Good luck.

texasdan78070 wrote:

D3200. Thinking of getting my daughter this camera. I'm Nikon dumb, so anyone that has one or knows about it...I welcome your thoughts on a 'starter' camera. She takes great photos with her iPhone, but she needs a DSLR to enter the real photography world. Many thanks. BTW..it refurbished (which doesn't bother me) and is selling for $369 with an 18-55mm VR lens and Lightroom 5.

ROCKY JA Loc: Living in Burnsville, Minnesota

texasdan78070 wrote:

D3200. Thinking of getting my daughter this camera. I'm Nikon dumb, so anyone that has one or knows about it...I welcome your thoughts on a 'starter' camera. She takes great photos with her iPhone, but she needs a DSLR to enter the real photography world. Many thanks. BTW..it refurbished (which doesn't bother me) and is selling for $369 with an 18-55mm VR lens and Lightroom 5.

That sounds like a good choice. If she likes doing still life, close up of flower, and landscapes, then the 18-55mm is perfect. For portraits, I'd recommend a 105mm f2.8 lens.
Happy shooting. :)
Rocky

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Does she want to carry around a dslr?

deej

I own and use Nikon but why Nikon. There are many other good choices available. If you also own Nikon I understand. Have her handle and try other brands to see what she likes would be better. How a camera feels and operates is as important as anything.

texasdan78070 Loc: Texas Hill Country

Cdouthitt wrote:

Does she want to carry around a dslr?

Yes. She just can't afford one at the present. I have a bit of extra money, so thought I'd surprise her since the camera is priced so reasonable.

texasdan78070 Loc: Texas Hill Country

deej wrote:

I own and use Nikon but why Nikon. There are many other good choices available. If you also own Nikon I understand. Have her handle and try other brands to see what she likes would be better. How a camera feels and operates is as important as anything.

She lives in CA and me in TX. And if I know her, the one she likes best will be one I can't afford. With this on, she can get the feel of a DSLR and if she decides she's rather have a different one, maybe she can afford it when that time comes. Just trying to be a good Dad to my baby girl!!

Ambrose Loc: North America

texasdan78070 wrote:

D3200. Thinking of getting my daughter this camera. I'm Nikon dumb, so anyone that has one or knows about it...I welcome your thoughts on a 'starter' camera. She takes great photos with her iPhone, but she needs a DSLR to enter the real photography world. Many thanks. BTW..it refurbished (which doesn't bother me) and is selling for $369 with an 18-55mm VR lens and Lightroom 5.

Go for it. It's a perfect starter SLR. And with Lightroom, she'll have plenty to keep her occupied. It sounds like a nice deal.

texasdan78070 Loc: Texas Hill Country

Thanks to everyone that has chimed in so far. I'm a Canon guy, but I think Nikon is just as good. I got mine on sale in a bundle. Had it been Nikon, I'd have owned that one instead. I appreciate all thoughts from the good people that have more knowledge than myself. Much obliged.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

texasdan78070 wrote:

D3200. Thinking of getting my daughter this camera. I'm Nikon dumb, so anyone that has one or knows about it...I welcome your thoughts on a 'starter' camera. She takes great photos with her iPhone, but she needs a DSLR to enter the real photography world. Many thanks. BTW..it refurbished (which doesn't bother me) and is selling for $369 with an 18-55mm VR lens and Lightroom 5.

I assume since you say you are Nikon dumb, that you don't shoot Nikon. I would suggest you purchase whatever you or someone else i the family or friends use. That way she might be able to share lens. Ay least get a chance to use one before purchasing one.

If nobody fits that bill, Nikon is a great brand. I'm biased as I shoot NIkon

texasdan78070 Loc: Texas Hill Country

Capture48 wrote:

I assume since you say you are Nikon dumb, that you don't shoot Nikon. I would suggest you purchase whatever you or someone else i the family or friends use. That way she might be able to share lens. Ay least get a chance to use one before purchasing one.

If nobody fits that bill, Nikon is a great brand. I'm biased as I shoot NIkon

Her and myself are the only 2 people in the family that likes photography. She's a fast learner and will pick up on any brand she gets. I shot with a friends Nikon and found it to be similar to my Canon. I don't know what model he had and I only shot a few photos, but felt comfortable with it for using one for the first time.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

texasdan78070 wrote:

Her and myself are the only 2 people in the family that likes photography. She's a fast learner and will pick up on any brand she gets. I shot with a friends Nikon and found it to be similar to my Canon. I don't know what model he had and I only shot a few photos, but felt comfortable with it for using one for the first time.

Then stay with Nikon if there is any chance she can borrow your friends lenses. That camera is a great choice for beginners.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

I would say very good choice!! And are you adopting??? I love Nikons Dad!!!!
Erv:)

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

texasdan78070 wrote:

Yes. She just can't afford one at the present. I have a bit of extra money, so thought I'd surprise her since the camera is priced so reasonable.

Then I'd say go for it!