Nanaclz Loc: Mobile, Al.

I am our family's designated historian. I now finally have the time to pursue my love for photography. I would like recommendations , please of a good camera to purchase. Had Nikon D300s in the past, currently have Sony a77. I take a lot of pictures of family. Love close up showing expressions. Love nature, clouds and old buildings. Don't feel I have what I need to so what I want. Have been researching and my head is spinning, literally.
This may sound crazy, but I need my "forever camera" one I can keep forever and buy good lens to do what I need. I would like to get at least semi-pro or above. Glad to be a part of this forum. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. Hope you all are having a wonderful day. Jody C. Or known to my grand-children as Nanaclz !

Erkibler

What's wrong with the D300s?

Nanaclz Loc: Mobile, Al.

It was unfortunately stolen. So thought since I have to get a new camera I would get an updates model.

mrlaursen Loc: Bitterroot Valley, Montana

I was using a Nikon P500 (point and shoot) and just recently upgraded to a Nikon D5300. I did it because of clarity of lenses in telephoto situations (I love to photograph rodeos and wildlife). The other thing that I like about it is that the back viewing screen swivels so you can hold the camera at odd angles and still see what you are shooting. I'm still learning about DSLR photography so I can't offer comparisons to anything other than what I was using and what I am now learning about. So far, it's been easy to use, and I found a book that not only teaches about the specific camera, but at the end of each chapter has you do "assignments" so you can actually learn about what was being taught. The author has multiple books out about different cameras, but he gears the books toward each camera. The book I got is called "Nikon D5300: From Snapshots to Great Shots" by Rob Sylvan. I got the "Nikon D5300 for Dummies" but frankly the other book is (believe it or not) easier to understand and use. Let us know what camera you choose.

Kamraman Loc: Canada

You know the Nikon Camera so stick with it. I can recommend lenses. Cost wise Tamron and Sigma. Telephoto are good for the money. Non Telephoto are equal to Nikon lenses at a better price.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

Welcome aboard.

The following ideas are merely my opinions, and not the authoritative last word on anything.

Stick with Nikon since you are familiar with it (and liked it, I presume.)

I am assuming that you want to go with a DSLR and interchangeable lenses. You will probably want a 100mm lens, possibly a Macro, for nature close ups. My Canon 100mm Macro works well for portraits as well, and the Nikon users here can recommend the best choice there. I also use a 50mm for general work and a 28mm mostly for landscapes. I am not a fan of zooms, thinking that I get more bang for the buck with prime non-zoom) lens.

Some folks here are taking great nature shots, especially of birds, with the new Tamron zoom (150-600mm I think it is) and I understand that a Nikon version is planned (or it may be out by now.)

Then the choices come down to full frame or crop frame, and you can search here for the various discussions comparing those two options, and whether you want to go new or used. In any case, Nikon users here can make good recommendations.

Looking for a "forever" camera sounds good to me, and not crazy.

Some more thoughts:

Don't be intimidated by the tech talk and the wide array of cameras touting a gazillion features. The camera makers want to sell cameras and often throw way more information at us then we need all geared to get us to impulse buy their product.

There is no ultimate "best" or right way to go. What is important is what is right for you.

Don't hesitate to use UHH and ask as many questions as you need to ask. There are a couple of people who enjoy giving snarky answers. Ignore them. Everyone else here will be very helpful and supportive.

I think it is important to get the camera in your hands before you buy it and see how it feels for you.

I hope this is helpful, and again, welcome!

Mike

creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London

Welcome and enjoy

JoeB Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY

Hello and welcome to UHH.

wolfie111 Loc: colorado

Welcome to the club. I, too, have only been here a month and the people here are awesome. I have learned so much in the short length of time here..

Good luck on you're camera search. I am searching as well.

wolfie

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi Nana. Welcome to the site. Lots of great folks here to help you and to make some life long friendships. Sorry to hear your 300s got stolen. That is what is use. Take a look at the D7100 and the D610. They are the 2 I am trying to decide on. Will probably go with the D610 because it is full frame. When you get the camera you want, ask about the lenses. And do you have a budget for your self?
Erv

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

Aloha Nana and welcome to UHH. You will find that most everyone here is very friendly and willing to help. As Mike above suggests get the feel of the camera before you buy. Go to one of your local camera shops and put the camera in your hands and try to feel where the different buttons are. I have the D200 and D7100 and love both of the cameras. The D7100 blew me away with with how sharp it was compared with the other cameras I tried before purchasing it. The only downfall it has is the size of the buffer. It does slow down after taking about 4 - 5 pictures in continuous mode. Enjoy your camera search and get the camera of your dreams.

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the site Nana, seems like you already got a lot
of helpful hints.

One Camera One Lens Loc: Traveling

welcome Nana, it's to bad you got the d300s stolen, very good camera. Well I got my forever camera a Nikon D4, my last hoot but there are a lot of good nikons out there. I understand the D610 is an excellent camera, a few here have them. Well since your where a nurse......could you get me a beer while you are up.......seriously (who wants that) great people here and you will learn a ton, have fun and when you get that new camera don't be afraid to show it off............

JennT Loc: South Central PA

You can move fairly easily to the d7100 from a d300 (I did).
I bought a 600 and tried it out, hated it, and went to the D800-- a very sweet camera--got the 7100 for a walk around cam. Now i use both, each for different reasons--

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

To bad your Nikon got stolen, but your A77 is no slouch either, pretty much the most bang for the buck. Well if that's not enough for you, how about the A99, it's a (big) step above, you can still use your lenses, and the 99 is build to last!! But wait a minute, what is it that you don't like about the A77 (the A99 is very similar-to a point), maybe you don't like that one either?