Advice (Page 2): Good Luck with the new camera and welcome to the Hogg.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Good Luck with the new camera and welcome to the Hogg.

wisner Loc: The planet Twylo

RKL349 wrote:

Great choice to begin with. As a beginner, I would suggest finding a photography night class perhaps at an adult education center. It will make it easier to get familiar with some of the more unique camera features.

RKL, great advice; 1020, I started in 1977 in just this way. The class was called 'No Nothing Photography' and was just the kind of class I needed.
You will be confused at first but keep at it!
Keep shooting!

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

1020ok1 wrote:

I just purchased a Nikon D5200 DSLR Camera with 1855mm and 55200mm Lenses will be in on Monday and have 15 days to return. Is this a good camera? I am a beginner.
Lori

I hate to burst your bubble but would return it.

The camera is not the issue. The lenses are. Since you may find yourself switching lenses a lot, having the popular 18-200 zoom will be a welcome alternative. Unfortunately, you may not realize this until later.

If you can, exchange this for a bundle with the 18-200 or just buy the body. Nikon, Sigma and Tamron have 18-200's and some even have 18-250's. Sigma has a new 18-300 worth considering. This sounds like pretty complicated advice but with the 18-200 or more, you will grow to appreciate it. With the 18-55/55-200, all you will do is grow out of them.

I looked at B&H and the body is $470 and the Sigma 18-200 is $300. Even though this is more than the two-lens bundle at $697, consider what you lose if you buy a 18-200 later and have to take a loss on those two kit lenses.

Good luck and enjoy your new camera.

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

jerryc41 wrote:

Good choice, and you have a nice combination of lenses. Start on Auto and gradually move to Aperture. That camera can keep you learning for years. There is a lot of online info and tutorials available.

Take a look at CreativeLive. They have very good courses, which are free to watch. Here's one on the D5200.

http://www.creativelive.com/courses/nikon-d5100-d5200-dslr-fast-start

I'm not familiar with CreativeLive. I looked on its website, and it appears to me that there is a price for each video. Am I missing something?

Jeep for Larry Loc: Grapevine, Texas

abc1234 wrote:

I hate to burst your bubble but would return it. b... (show quote)

I did get the D5200 with the 18-200mm VR II lens and agree with abc1234. I have many many times been shooting in the 18-25mm range and then out to 200 and then back to 18 right after that. I didn't want to be switching lens and am really glad I don't have to. It was a little more than the kit but well worth it IMHO. I did go with refurbished for both camera and lens. Have fun with your new toy/tool.

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

Jeep for Larry wrote:

I did get the D5200 with the 18-200mm VR II lens and agree with abc1234. I have many many times been shooting in the 18-25mm range and then out to 200 and then back to 18 right after that. I didn't want to be switching lens and am really glad I don't have to. It was a little more than the kit but well worth it IMHO. I did go with refurbished for both camera and lens. Have fun with your new toy/tool.

It all makes sense to me, and much good advice was given to you. What's really great for the forum, is that you took the advice and acted on/with the advice and ended up many jumps ahead of the USUAL new-B. kudos to you and your ADVISORS!!! RJM

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Absolutely, I know a guy who shoots weddings with a D-5200. He has access to other bodies, but always goes for the 5200, and he does an outstanding job. Don't let anyone tell you that you "should have" purchased _____ It will take you a VERY long time (if ever) to outgrow your camera. Eventually, you may want to consider swapping out for faster lenses, but that should be way down the road. There is a lot to learn, and the Nikon kit lenses are very capable.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

uh you should return it to me..... :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

[quote=abc1234]I hate to burst your bubble but would return it.

The camera is not the issue. The lenses are. Since you may find yourself switching lenses a lot, having the popular 18-200 zoom will be a welcome alternative. Unfortunately, you may not realize this until later.

This was absolutely, great advice, I'm impressed that the guy took the advice and ran with it. But not everyone would agree,,,,, Most would,.. You did the guy a great favor,... and he recognized it.. Merry Christmas to ALL. RJM