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Starter Camera
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Nov 2, 2017 07:34:37   #
kardazzy Loc: Currently live in Houston, TX
 
I am getting back to Photography after 6 years away and am looking for a higher end starter camera. I am a fan of Nikon and have been reading about the D3400 and D5500. A photographer friend suggested the D750, but that may be too much cost wise out the gate. She also advised that it is less about body and more about the lens.

Just looking for suggestions. Thank you, Michele

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Nov 2, 2017 07:38:40   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
kardazzy wrote:
I am getting back to Photography after 6 years away and am looking for a higher end starter camera. I am a fan of Nikon and have been reading about the D3400 and D5500. A photographer friend suggested the D750, but that may be too much cost wise out the gate. She also advised that it is less about body and more about the lens.

Just looking for suggestions. Thank you, Michele


A lens is nothing without the camera. I would start with a good camera and then select a lens or two. If the D750 (my favorite) is too much for now, look at the D5600. There should be refurbished ones available.
http://www.cameta.com/Nikon-D5600-Digital-SLR-Camera-Body-Refurbished-99285.cfm

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Nov 2, 2017 07:39:49   #
tommy2slow Loc: Drippings Springs, TX
 
How about a Nikon Big D.. can’t go wrong!

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Nov 2, 2017 07:57:40   #
jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida
 
Not sure any more I believe in starter camera. If you use it a lot you will leave the exposure triangle and take nice images. But... Sony a6000 with kit lenses is a good place to start. Takes HD video and you can be creative.

I second the Nikon D5600 or jump up to a Nikon D7200.

You will save money buying refurbished.

I use the Nikon D500 and my wife uses the Sony a6000. My son is into Video and he uses the Sony a6500 because it has image stabilization built into it and is 4k.

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Nov 2, 2017 08:01:35   #
ELNikkor
 
The D5600 has Bluetooth, NFC, and Wifi. It is lightweight, has built in flash, fully articulated screen, and a very sharp sensor. If I was you, I'd get one of these bundled with the kit lens, and the new 70-300 VR "P" lens (only 14 ounces!). You'll have an awesome range, sharp lenses and versatility, and only need to later add on the 10-20 "P" lens for around $300 to round out the system.

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Nov 2, 2017 08:41:54   #
mas24 Loc: Southern CA
 
kardazzy wrote:
I am getting back to Photography after 6 years away and am looking for a higher end starter camera. I am a fan of Nikon and have been reading about the D3400 and D5500. A photographer friend suggested the D750, but that may be too much cost wise out the gate. She also advised that it is less about body and more about the lens.

Just looking for suggestions. Thank you, Michele


The suggestions given you are good ones. I, personally would not buy the D3400. The other DX cameras are very good. I would wait until this upcoming Black Friday before buying an entry-level crop sensor camera. You can sometimes get good bundle kits at a bargain. A D5500/5600 is not entry-level, but falls in the intermediate level category. That camera has IQ equal to the D7100. It just doesn't have the internal focus motor, and dual SD card slots. Good luck in your choice.

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Nov 2, 2017 08:52:05   #
Nature_Shooter Loc: Chesterfield Missouri
 
Welcome! Looking forward to your posts and pictures. Happy shooting!

Can't go wrong with any of the suggestions above.

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Nov 2, 2017 08:53:32   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
Nikon, as well as all the major camera manufacturers, offers a wide range of camera bodies at different "tiers" that mix and match various features at various prices. If you're interested in seeing the entire product line at their relative product tiers, scroll to the graphic at the bottom of this wiki page. The individual cameras have links to body specific pages and their individual specifications.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Nikon_DSLR_cameras

Any camera purchased new now in 2017 / 2018 has a sensor and processor (the digital 'film' and computer 'developer') that is far superior to the top professional models just 5-years ago. You can spend a lot less on a body assuming you don't need high-end features that make capturing an image easier, but don't directly change the image file created by the camera.

All that said, your friend's suggestion for a D750 is a savvy recommendation. This model is a general-purpose, high-end, full frame model. The savviness of this suggestion is to buy the best camera the first time where it should be the only camera you'll need for the next 10+years, if not even longer.

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Nov 2, 2017 09:30:22   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
kardazzy wrote:
I am getting back to Photography after 6 years away and am looking for a higher end starter camera. I am a fan of Nikon and have been reading about the D3400 and D5500. A photographer friend suggested the D750, but that may be too much cost wise out the gate. She also advised that it is less about body and more about the lens.

Just looking for suggestions. Thank you, Michele

Michele, welcome to the forum. Save your money and take your friends suggestion of a D750.Body features as well as quality Nikon lenses are important. Good luck with what ever tou decide.

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Nov 2, 2017 16:07:21   #
jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida
 
You might find this helpful:

https://youtu.be/egvh1lbv12U

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Nov 2, 2017 17:17:47   #
SteveR Loc: Michigan
 
What is a starter camera anyway? My Dad had starter pistols which he used at track meets. So, does a starter camera not only make a big bang when you press the button to start the race but take a photo to show that none of the contestants started early?

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Nov 2, 2017 20:15:30   #
Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA
 
When I upgraded from my D3100 starter DSLR I bought a used D7000 on ebay. A very good camera which can be had used on ebay or the big online photo shops for around $350.

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Nov 2, 2017 20:17:59   #
SteveR Loc: Michigan
 
Bobspez wrote:
When I upgraded from my D3100 starter DSLR I bought a used D7000 on ebay. A very good camera which can be had used on ebay or the big online photo shops for around $350.



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Nov 2, 2017 20:18:08   #
jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida
 
In the comments in YouTube I suggested the D7200.

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Nov 2, 2017 20:29:16   #
crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada
 
Good suggestions by fellow hoggers.
I am in the "buy the best you can afford" camp.
D7200 is excellent advise and d750 will last you for 5-10 yrs. If you get serious, you will pine for that FF/lowlight goodness of a d750 before long.....

My 2c and my experience too.

A refurb d5300 and a GOOD lens is another option... the results you get from a good lens will hook you faster than a good body with a cheap lens...your friend is correct here IMHO.....but you will still end up with a D750 eventually...

Would NOT recommend a lower end body and cheap lens.
..and the midrange camera kit lenses are not the best IQ wise. The fact that you are on this blog would suggest you are more interested in photography than the average Joe (or Josephine)...get the best you can afford.

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