Qt Loc: Michigan

30 Years ago I used Olympus om-1 and was a decent outdoors photographer. Now that I am about to retire, I am looking to go digital. I am thinking about the nikon 3000 or 5000 series. Any thoughts or recommendations? Thx

DRG777 Loc: Metro Detroit

We went with a D5300 for my wife. I have a D7200.

Qt Loc: Michigan

Thx

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Kind of like asking "looking for an automobile, any good choices out there?" After using Canon with L glass for decades, I finally switched to Sony A7rII and a used A6000 and have rediscovered the thrill of making really nice images. Sony is expensive, but their line of primes and a couple of zooms are superb. Worth a look. If interchangeable lenses is not important at this time, then I would suggest looking at a used, (around $400) Sony RX10 first version with a great Zeiss zoom and constant 2.8 aperture.

AK Grandpa Loc: Anchorage, AK

I had a D3300 then upgraded to the D5500 . . . the best part about the upgrade is the built in WIFI and a articulating touch screen. For just a little more . . . i'd go with the D5500/5600 over the D3300/3400 . . . .

Qt Loc: Michigan

Thx, I realize that I will get all kinds of different suggestions, and I have been doing some reading online but nothing beats recommendations from others....

SteveR Loc: Michigan

It depends on how much equipment you want to get into. If you want simplicity I would suggest a bridge camera like one of the Panasonic Lumix fx series. The fz2500 is fairly expensive at $1100, but there are less expensive models as well. The fz1000 runs $699, and there are less expensive models as well. The advantage of a bridge camera is that it gives you the control of a traditional dslr but with just one permanently attached lens.

http://shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/lumix-point-and-shoot-cameras/DMC-FZ2500.html

http://shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/lumix-point-and-shoot-cameras/DMC-FZ1000.html

If you decide to go with a traditional DSLR, I would suggest a two lens combination that would cover all of your needs: a Nikon 28-300mm (these can be found used in excellent condition for a decent price on B&H), and a Tamron 10-24mm wide angle lens. Those of us on UHH who use the 28-300 both on our dx and fx cameras for general purpose photography sing its praises. Professionals not so much, but they're another breed. I have the Tamron and find it sharp enough for my purposes. Nikon has a 10-24mm as well which is sharper, but I don't know that the difference in price is worth the difference in sharpness unless you feel that you would use it more than I do. You might also consider a 20mm prime as your wide angle. I found that I used 24mm more than any other focal length when shooting wide angle landscapes. The width of the 10-24mm is nice, however.

Qt Loc: Michigan

Thx, I realize that I will get all kinds of different suggestions, and I have been doing some reading online but nothing beats recommendations from others.... Thx for the advice l am learning towards the D 5500.

HOT Texas Loc: From the Heart of Texas

SONY!!!!!!

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Welcome to the forum...

Here are some links to help you get started
Tips on posting a reply

The Forum page is a guide to using the forum and The Resource Page is loaded with links for learning, tips & tricks, and purchasing equipment...

With that said, I shoot outdoors a lot and use Nikon weather-sealed models (D610 and D7000) - something to think about if the majority of your work will be in the elements...

My lens choices for landscape are the 16-35 or the 24-85 -
For general walkaround I use the 28-300, the 24-85 or the 50 depending on where I am walking around (large city with sky scrapers - suberbs - parks - zoos - beaches -
For birding or wildlife I use either the 300 or the Tamron 150-600

Lots of choices...

With gear - Some items to consider:
*What is your budget?
*What is your focus (landscape, nature, sports, stars, water, people, etc...)?
*What is your goal (just to enjoy and share, learn more, get critiques, become a professional)?
*How does it fit you hands?
*How much weight do you want to carry?

Questions on Pixel count - lots of info out there on this subject... Basically, the higher the pixel count, the larger the print you can produce.
Image Size Calculator A quick explanation of Pixels and Dots...
Digital Image Size in Pixels and Photo Print Size A pixel to print calculator

A quick review and comparison of cameras (not by any means the final word - just a quick overview of the technical differences):

Alternative buying options are refurbished and used. I buy refurbished/used and have been very pleased with the equipment. Other members buy refurbished/used and the comments have been very positive.

Top recommended sites for photo gear (all authorized dealers):
Adorama
B&H Photo & Video
Cameta Camera
KEH Camera

Good luck in your search and looking forward to seeing your photos...

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Since you had a positive experience with an Olympus OM-1, why are you changing horses now? Olympus OM-D E-M1ii or OM-D E-M5ii or OM-D E-M10ii are all great cameras.

Qt Loc: Michigan

Awesome help, thanks. Lots to think about.

Qt Loc: Michigan

Budget - under $1,000 all in. Nature photos, some people/family shots. Not sports so much. I don't plan on being professional, but I do plan on printing 16x20 or possibly larger at times. I don't mind the weight of multiple lenses and backpacked for years with a full complement of equipment just for the right shots... Now I have to convince the boss it is time to jump in :-).

erinjay64

I use a Nikon D3300, and a Nikon 1 S1. Both are good. I have heard good things about the Nikon D7000, D7200, and others. The D5600 seems good. Any brand name item-Canon, Nikon, Fuji, etc-should be fine. It is a matter of personal preference, and whether the system has the lenses, etc, you want. I prefer the controls (aperture, shutter speed, etc) on Nikons over those on Canons. They just feel more intuitive to me. You may feel otherwise. There is no one always best for everything under all circumstances item-camera, lens, etc-and never will be. Whether you need faster shutter speeds for sports photos, or wider apertures for low light photos, or whatever, only you can say. Figure out what you want to shoot, what features you need to shoot it, and find a make / model system which offers what you need. You may like a mirrorless system-such as the Nikon 1-or you may not. If you shoot videos, a high frame rate-such as the Nikon 1 system offers-might be useful. Fuji, and other, lines are good enough, but Canon, and Nikon, have the wider range of accessory (lens, flash, etc) selections. If money is no object, get a Nikon D810, or such. If cost will be a consideration, then stick with a DX model, such as the D3300, D7200, etc. Consider buying used, and even refurbished. I get my refurbs from nikonusa.com mostly. I have had good luck getting such from adorama.com, and bhphotovideo.com, too. Let us know what you decide on.

CO

The Nikon D3xxx and D5xxx series cameras have a pentamirror viewfinder. If you can go with a D7200 you'll get a superior pentaprism viewfinder. The glass prism inside gives a larger, slightly brighter view through the viewfinder. You'll also get the U1 and U2 settings on the mode dial. You can save frequently used settings and activate them right away. The built-in flash can act as a commander for off-camera flash. The D3xxx and D5xxx series cameras can't do that. There's an instant rebate right now that brings the price to $996.95 at B & H.