StanRP wrote:
New to the Hog and am in awe of the knowledge being shared here. I am newly retired and am returning to a hobby/interest and would just like an honest opinion. Is the Nikon 5500 a good starter camera....pictures will be mainly animals, flowers, sunsets and people. Thanks
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Hi,
Like some others, I do not like the term “Starter Camera”. Think of it this way, a person starting an apprenticeship as a car mechanic does not go to the dollar store to get some “Starter Tools”. They buy quality tools for the work they will be doing.
You have shown a preference for Nikon. Lens (Glass) is normally camera make specific and if you get a Nikon Camera, you will probably stay with it.
There are other cameras. As you will read here on the Hog, there is also the Canon camera - and a lot of semi-serious leg pulling about which is the better. Both make good cameras so it is more a personal choice based on feel and how it handles.
Just coming on the market are the new “Mirrorless Cameras”. It would be wise to take a look at those Go to a camera store and try some out.
We are coming up to Spring and camera clubs will be going out on “photo-shoots” Join a club. Most members will be pleased to show you their camera and let you try it out. (Take your own memory card ). While you can get a lot of good advice here on the Hog, one of the best ways to learn is to take a photography course. Check your local school board or college. Some camera stores - such as HENRYS in Canada - run courses.
An important factor is “how much do you want to spend”? Getting a cheap so-called “starter camera” then later getting another can easily go over your budget.
Points to consider: Using Nikon as example but look for these points in any DSLR.
The D5xxx series use a mirror system for the viewfinder. It only gives you ~ 95% of the picture.
The D7xxx series use a pentaprism. It gives you the full picture and is brighter than the mirror system.
The early D5xxx series used an antialiasing filter in front of the sensor (the recent ones do not). Check._
The D7100 - series do not have an antialiasing filter (Gives a sharper picture)
Current lens have focussing motors built into the lens. Older ones do not so need the camera body to have a motor.
The D5xxx series do not have a focus motor:
The D7xxx series have a focus motor.
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StanRP
New to the Hog and am in awe of the knowledge bein... (
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Some sound advice overall but the mechanic's tool analogy is a bit flawed. Buying the 5500 more like buying a set of Craftsman tools which will serve him well for years to come rather than spending twice as much for Snap On tools that won't do the job any better for the intended purpose. I don't think the OP is going into professional photography so the 5500 will take excellent pictures for any hobbyist and even in some professional settings. Certainly an FX body is better than the DX but the average hobbyist and even occasional professional can produce stunning photos with the 5500 and some quality glass.