Question for the Nikonphiles
Oct 10, 2015 20:50:17 #
I have come to a crossroads and am thinking about giving up riding and selling my motorcycle. If I do that, I will have a few extra $$$$$ for upgrading to a new DSLR. I am partial to Nikon and have just started looking. My here's lots to choose from, but I don't want or need to spend a couple thousand bucks for a camera. The one I am interested in is the D5500.
I'm not a pro or even an advanced amateur photographer, but I do enjoy taking good pictures. So my goal would be to not break the bank, but to have a camera that is a good all-rounder, easy to use and versatile. I like taking pictures of birds and scenery and my grandson is trying to get me into Astro photography. So I am looking to your collective expertise, experience and knowledge.
My other choice in a camera would be another A6000, having had one before. My only complaint with it is the relatively limited supply of dedicated E-mount lenses for it. A DSLR opens up a much greater availability for glass.
I'm not a pro or even an advanced amateur photographer, but I do enjoy taking good pictures. So my goal would be to not break the bank, but to have a camera that is a good all-rounder, easy to use and versatile. I like taking pictures of birds and scenery and my grandson is trying to get me into Astro photography. So I am looking to your collective expertise, experience and knowledge.
My other choice in a camera would be another A6000, having had one before. My only complaint with it is the relatively limited supply of dedicated E-mount lenses for it. A DSLR opens up a much greater availability for glass.
Oct 10, 2015 21:08:45 #
Having owned a D5200, I'm well aware of how good they are. However, give some thought to a Nikon D7200 and the best glass you can afford. The older D7100 and D7000 are not slouches either. A Nikon D7xxx-series camera might take you further in the long run than a D5xxx-series.
Oct 10, 2015 21:14:15 #
rjaywallace wrote:
Give some thought to a Nikon D7200 and the best glass you can afford. The older D7100 and D7000 are not slouches either.
Indeed and you can get either factory reconditioned and save $$$ for lenses. ;)
Oct 10, 2015 21:41:32 #
I would also vote the D7xxx as they all will use the older af lenses. They will also use the manual focus lenses as well giving you some really good manual glass for cheap.
Oct 10, 2015 23:19:22 #
Far North wrote:
I have come to a crossroads and am thinking about ... (show quote)
I have a D5100 which I really like. If I purchased a new Nikon (crop sensor) I would probably go for the 7200.
Having said that, I have been interested in photography for about 6 decades. My first real camera was a Petri 1.9 rangefinder. I have also had my own darkroom. I just mention this to emphasize that I am not a beginner.
My D5100 is an excellent camera and after almost three years, I am still learning it's capabilities. I would love to have a D7200 but, with what I currently have, why spend the money. I plan to just enjoy the capability that I currently have and explore the capabilities of my DSLR (which just happen to be amazing)!
Oct 11, 2015 00:19:00 #
My D5500 does everything I need to do with a camera. It is much lighter than the D7200. I am getting old and do not like carrying extra weight.
Far North wrote:
I have come to a crossroads and am thinking about ... (show quote)
Oct 11, 2015 01:54:47 #
Sounds like the D7200 is a great serious camera but the D5500 is a more affordable yet very capable.
Good info coming in. Thanx.
Good info coming in. Thanx.
Oct 11, 2015 02:29:18 #
Far North wrote:
I have come to a crossroads and am thinking about ... (show quote)
NO! NO! NO! Live to Ride; Ride to Live. There must be some way you can get a camera without having to give up your ride!
Oct 11, 2015 03:13:01 #
I shot a D5200 specifically because it light weight, with an excellent 24Mp APS-C sensor. I hand-hold camera with Nikkor 105mm macro lens, and a good-size speedlight. I very rarely change lenses.
If I ever decide to buy another camera body for other lenses, it will be a D7200.
If I ever decide to buy another camera body for other lenses, it will be a D7200.
Oct 11, 2015 05:51:41 #
IF by chance you decide on an A6000, check into the Sigma "Art" lenses. They are very good.
--Beagleman
--Beagleman
Oct 11, 2015 07:10:15 #
Oct 11, 2015 07:24:52 #
One thing to consider is the viewfinder. The Nikon D3xxx and D5xxx series cameras have a pentamirror viewfinder. If you go up to the D7xxx series cameras you get a superior pentaprism viewfinder. The glass prism inside gives a larger, slightly brighter view. It helps with composition. Another great feature of the D7xxx and higher cameras is the Fn (function) button on the front of the camera. There are about 20 different functions you can assign to that button. You can activate the function quickly at the touch of a fingertip. The depth-of-field preview button can also be re-programmed to those functions. The U1 and U2 positions on the mode dial allow you to save frequently used settings and quickly retrieve them.
Oct 11, 2015 07:25:27 #
As I always say, read comparisons. I recently got a refurb D5300 as a spare, and I like it, so the D5500 should be even better. My primary camera is the D750, and there was a recent price drop.
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu
http://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/compare/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu
http://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/compare/
Oct 11, 2015 07:28:03 #
About 18 months ago I was contemplating replacing my old D50. I found this site on line and started asking questions. I ended up buying the D7000, based on recommendations I received from those here at UHH. The price was right, and the weather sealed body and build quality are first rate. I highly recommend the D7... series of bodies. After acquiring this, other suggested looking at Nikon factory refurbished equipment and now I always look there first when considering an acquisition since you can save a nice amount of cash and have comfort that a factory trained technician has completely examined the camera and restored it to factory settings. I have had absolutely no problems with any of this refurbished equipment I have purchased from Nikon or Cameta Camera. If and when I decide to upgrade the D7000, I will probably look for a refurbished D7200, or it's successor.
Oct 11, 2015 07:29:34 #
Mogul wrote:
Live to Ride; Ride to Live.
That's the slogan for Aerostitch. Great riding gear.
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