Bridge Camera or D3400?
Dec 30, 2017 11:14:36 #
SteveTog
Loc: Philly
I have a friend who just landed in Argentina without his camera. He wants to purchase a camera that will get the job done for his two weeks down there.
His price range is $300-400 USD.
I was going to recommend a Nikon D3400 with a kit lens, but then I realized he might be better off with a lower priced bridge camera. He is not a very experienced photographer, just a novice.
Any recommendations that would work for a novice photographer in that price range?
Thanks!
His price range is $300-400 USD.
I was going to recommend a Nikon D3400 with a kit lens, but then I realized he might be better off with a lower priced bridge camera. He is not a very experienced photographer, just a novice.
Any recommendations that would work for a novice photographer in that price range?
Thanks!
Dec 30, 2017 11:24:52 #
SteveTog wrote:
I have a friend who just landed in Argentina witho... (show quote)
A point/shoot or bridge camera would be a more realistic choice given his budget; I don't think he could buy even a D3400 body, let alone a kit, for 400 dollars. Of course, I could be wrong (and often am).
Dec 30, 2017 11:33:56 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
SteveTog wrote:
I have a friend who just landed in Argentina witho... (show quote)
His best bet is to go to any camera store in Argentina and buy what he can get. Something that will take photos. I've heard stories of travelers forgetting camera batteries, SD cards etc. Never forgetting the entire camera. I hope he at least took his smartphone.
Dec 30, 2017 11:39:16 #
SteveTog wrote:
I have a friend who just landed in Argentina witho... (show quote)
He may want to look into just renting the equipment. Buying anything outside of the United States would be considered grey market and any warranty would not be recognized when he returns.
Dec 30, 2017 11:43:28 #
I don't know if cameras are more or less expensive where he landed, he can probably pick a bridge camera in that price range.
Dec 30, 2017 11:49:04 #
IDguy
Loc: Idaho
SteveTog wrote:
I have a friend who just landed in Argentina witho... (show quote)
I would not consider a D3400 because Nikon took off the sensor cleaner. D3300 better choice...and cheaper.
Dec 30, 2017 12:00:20 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
If he buys a Canon camera in Argentina, he won't have to worry about Canon repairing it in the USA. Unlike Nikon's Grey Market USA repair policy.
Dec 30, 2017 18:02:41 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
IDguy wrote:
I would not consider a D3400 because Nikon took off the sensor cleaner. D3300 better choice...and cheaper.
I agree. Not only did they remove the sensor vibration cleaner. They diminished the light intensity on the pop up flash. And it has no capability for Wi-Fi. But, despite that. The D3400 is selling well as a bundle 2 lens kit. For $497. A friend bought his 21 year old son one for Christmas. And the son loves it. That's all that matters.
Dec 30, 2017 20:05:18 #
SteveTog
Loc: Philly
I have to agree about older Nikons, as well. I still like the D7200 and I prefer the 5500 for when I'm in a rough neighborhood. So I'm keeping that one even though I have the D500 and a D800. I'd tell him to go with a Sony RX100iii, but that is out of his budget. I keep one of them on hand when I shouldn't be carrying a camera.
After some great advice (thanks all), I told him to rent a camera or use his phone. No sense him having two cameras at home that he doesn't use enough.
After some great advice (thanks all), I told him to rent a camera or use his phone. No sense him having two cameras at home that he doesn't use enough.
Dec 30, 2017 21:28:34 #
I would opt for a Bridge camera. I use a Canon SX50. It has wide to long zoom (24-1200MM) built in. Sealed camera so there is no need to clean a sensor. All in one zoom so you don't miss any animal shots fumbling around changing lenses. The SX50 has been replaced bu the SX60. Go on the Canon web site and they offer Factory refurbished SX60 in your price range. Buy an extra battery. Don't forget to get a charger adapter just in case Argentina is not on 115 volt AC like the USA. Happy Shooting
Dec 31, 2017 09:11:05 #
photoman022
Loc: Manchester CT USA
Considering his circumstance (especially that he is novice) I would go with the bridge camera; I assume that he will shoot straight out of the camera, which makes shooting in RAW unnecessary (for him); the bridge camera will give him more versatility zoom-wise, instead of a single 18-50 mm lens.
Dec 31, 2017 11:06:16 #
Dec 31, 2017 11:09:20 #
Dec 31, 2017 11:58:11 #
Bridge camera. I would opt for one with a viewfinder as people complain about the poor visibility of the LCD screen in bright sunlight..
Dec 31, 2017 12:05:58 #
SteveTog wrote:
I have a friend who just landed in Argentina witho... (show quote)
A D3300 or 3400 with a kit lens will offer him advancement and expansion opportunities that would be more limited on a point and shoot or bridge camera. However, if his only concern is to grab shots while he's there, then a good p&s like a Coolpix s9700 should be a good option within his budget.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.