Thx. I appreciate your comments and am factoring them into my decision. Yes, I guess you could consider this as an xmas present to myself - although it's actually more coincidental to having a bit of cash available to spend.

And Merry Christmas to you, as well as to the other responders here.

-jim

It's weird, I know, to agonize so much over what should seemingly be a fairly simple decision. I've had expensive cameras in the past with a bagful of lenses and flashes - but currently, finances keep me from purchasing a high end body and all of the lenses I'd need to equal what I can get with a bridge. So my goal has been to find that single, camera/lens combo that can meet all of my needs at my very low price point. That's why I'm looking at a bridge with a long lens - it can replace multiple lenses. Of course, the downside is giving up image quality, which is where my hesitation arises.

I've lost count on how many reviews I've read or how many youtube videos I've watched. And, although I appreciate the alternative suggestions that have been made, I think I'm down to deciding on either the FZ300 or FZ1000. On a 1:1 comparison, I've found that on paper the FZ300 beats all of the competition feature-to-feature at my price point (with the exception of MP). I particularly like the idea of the 4k photo mode, and the ability to alter the focus point after taking a photo. I'm just not sure, though, how much I'm giving up in terms of image quality with the small sensor. Which is why I'm still struggling with whether I should opt for the FZ1000 which lacks a few features the FZ300 has that I like, but has the larger sensor.

I suspect I'll end up biting the bullet and going for the FZ300.

Thx,
-jim

Thanks to everyone for your comments and suggestions. I appreciate your input.

-jim

Hi All,

After being away from the hobby for awhile, I want to get back to it. Unfortunately, I don't have the room or budget to get what I'd really like. So at this time, I want to get back into it with a bridge camera. Unfortunately, I am nowhere near a store where I can check cameras out in person, so I'm relying on reading spec's and reviews. I'd prefer to get something with a decent zoom, but don't need to go crazy with that as I probably wouldn't be able to hold a camera steady at a crazy long zoom. With a budget maxing out around $500, I'm leaning towards a Panasonic Lumix FZ300 - but I've read a couple reviews that mentioned it was kind of loud when zooming, and although my primary focus is to get the best photos possible in this price range, I would prefer to do that with a camera that's quiet. I'd appreciate any relevant comments you might have regarding the FZ300, but would also be interested in any alternative suggestions you might have.

Thanks!
-jim

Although I'm not familiar with the D3100, I just searched on Google and found that the D3100 apparently does accept this lens and supports all of its functionality. I know from personal experience that it works great with my D7100, and would assume it would work just as well on the D3100.

If you are interested in purchasing, or have any further questions, please PM me and we can exchange info.

Thx,
-jim

Selling my AF-S Nikkor DX 55-300mm 4.5-5.6 ED (w/XIT Pro Series Multi-coated 67mm UV). It's in Like New condition, with no scratches or smudges.

Price: $175 (includes shipping to lower 48)

Will accept check or PayPal.

Thx,
-jim

(Download)

Wan't able to sell my like-new D7100 with accessories, so am offering it for sale individually. I'm offering the body only, which is in like new condition - it only has 806 shutter clicks, and has no scratches or smudges.

Price: $575 (includes shipping to lower 48).

Included with the body:
- manuals
- software
- USB
- eyepiece
- Nikon strap
- battery
- charger
- box

Will accept check or PayPal.

Thx,
-jim

(Download)


(Download)

Currently all items are sold except the D7100 and the 55-300mm lens.

Thx,
-jim

How embarrassing. You're absolutely correct. Guess I've had that lens longer than I thought. Thanks very much for pointing that out for me.

-jim

Flash, 70-210 lens, and wireless adapter are pending ...

Since I haven't found a buyer for the complete package, I've created a new post with separate pricing.

Since I couldn't find a buyer for the complete package I'm now offering my D7100 and accessories separately. Everything works perfectly and is like new/never used. The prices shown include shipping to lower 48. PayPal or checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before shipping.

$625 - Nikon D7100 w/only 806 Shutter Count - includes body, manuals, software, USB, eyepiece, Nikon strap, battery, and charger - Like New.
$200 - AF-S Nikkor DX 55-300mm 4.5-5.6 ED (w/XIT Pro Series Multi-coated 67mm UV) - Like New
$75 - AF-S Nikkor 70-210mm 1:4-5.6D (w/Quantaray 62mm 1A Filter) - Like New
$275 - Nikon SB-700 Speedlight (w/Case, Stand, Multiple Diffusers) - Never Used
$25 - WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adaptor - Never Used

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

I'm not yet ready to separate. If/when I decide to price and sell separately, I will get in touch.

Thanks,
-jim

Still available ...

Ah. Got you. Yeah, I've already researched the individual items - I pretty much know what I'd ask for each. Just would be so much easier to sell as a package. Was hoping I could catch someone just getting in, or looking for equipment for someone else, that would like to get a complete setup practically new for a discount. Fingers crossed.

Thanks for your input!
-jim