AllenDpics Loc: Williamsburg Virginia

I’m going to take my Nikon d3400 to the back yard and burn it! JK
Quite often in threads asking for suggestions on an entry level camera, I read “I personally would not buy the D3400”. There is nothing wrong with that advice, or this camera.
I admit I would have been better off buying up at least into the 5xxx models because of the lack of features on my camera...ie, no mic jack, no WiFi, small focus point area,etc.

Aside from that, I have learned to take some really good photographs with this camera and it’s kit lenses and will continue until I outgrow it.
I jumped into DSLR earlier this year with a self imposed budget and decided to go with this camera.
For someone new to DSLR photography, they can learn a lot on ‘the cheap’ while at the same time deciding where they want to go with photography. I spent around $600 for this camera kit. Money well spent for a ‘look’ into the DSLR world. I will wait and use this camera for two years, then decide what I want to do.

Oh, one more thing, us Noobs need love too

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

That is an excellent plan. I followed the same basic outline myself. /Ralph

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Allen - this is not a level playing field for participants in this forum. You can see from some of the equipment lists, there are members with multiple full-frame bodies of various models representing $5000 to $10k investments in bodies alone. And then there's others jumping from one top-line model to the next every few years. And yet, if you look at their photo gallery contributions, you'll probably note they could do just as good with a lowly D3400...

With each iteration of the D3xxx line, reviewer Ken Rockwell identifies that model as the best choice for the overwhelming majority of photographers. The D3400 sports a 24MP sensor. This is the resolution considered as the tipping point of digital exceeding 35mm film, essentially putting even the entry-level cameras ahead of film in the 15-year debate on film v digital. This sensor captures more detail than Nikon's top professional cameras from just 4-years ago.

So, what others own really should not be an issue in your photography. What you are creating with your equipment should be all that matters. Do you shoot every day or at least some every week? Do you edit your images? Do you have the lens(es) that let you shoot effectively for the types of photography you want to pursue? In many cases, particularly with a new camera circa 2017, it's the other equipment that is more of an issue than the camera body.

Now if you keep up this worrying about your D3400, I'm going to send in Coach Gruden for the next pep talk....

d3200prime

Photography is just like many other hobbies. Anyone who jumps into photography and spends large money for equipment has more money than sense or a very large ego fooling their selves into thinking their inexperience can be countered by the latest, greatest, expensive equipment and will produce professional results. It takes many years of learning and experimenting and practice, practice, practice to reach the level of professionalism many have achieved and most noobs and amateurs desire. I had to use restraint when entering into the world of photography over a year ago and am still shooting with the Nikon D3200 and like you will stick with it for awhile. However, I have found the glass really does make a huge difference so starting out with kit lenses I have now gone to better glass. This has brought me much satisfaction and, in my opinion, was worth the expense so if you decide you want to pursue photography I would strongly encourage looking at better glass before changing cameras. Also, here is a web site that will help you in all aspects of photography www.udemy.com. I hope you great success if you stay with photography and in my opinion you have made the correct, logical and well thought out decision. Good shooting to you!

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Want a prickly hug from the Hog???

While I find $600.00 expensive to learn it certainly beats the price of other things. It might even cost less if you resell the stuff.

Your 'Wait and see' approach is good, if not admirable. Most folks would literally burn the camera and forget about it. Keep using it. It is still possible that you finally decide NOT to 'upgrade it' if does what you want after learning it well.

Do not listen to the marketing hoopla you see here (get the best) but to your real need...

Cheers.

(No hug for you)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Upgrading is a way of life for many of us.

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

And that’s why I recommend buying a used camera body like a D7000 over anything in the D3xxx or D5xxx series. The omission of a focus motor so that AF lenses can be used is also a big deal for me.

Jerry G Loc: Waterford, Michigan and Florida

Many years ago I was a Navy photographer, everything was manual. After being away from photography for many years I purchased a D3400 kit with two lenses, and because I didn't do the research I should have before buying it, I immediately hated it. After having used it for a year I find it is a fine camera and plan on keeping it until I decide I need to upgrade. By the way I have survived many GAS attacks without buying another camera, although I did buy a lens.

Steamboat

45 years in search of the perfect camera....Sadly there is no perfect camera (especially true in the digital age).
I'm still in search.....so..... suggestions welcome?
Easy to use, light weight,amazing IQ and one or two very simple menu's

Budget ......I have none and still haven't found the perfect camera.
I hate cameras ...I love photography.

I do agree the best camera is the one you have with you.

RonM12 Loc: Washington State

Your plan make sense, it’s an individual decision based upon ones budget. I might be tempted to purchase a used/refurbish 7xxx Series camera as opposed to a new 3xxx or 5xxx.

redlegfrog

Well said!!

agillot

if you want a camera just for photography , the nik 3400 is fine , if you want a camera to talk to GOD , this wont do .

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Which God? Some just want your $$$ and the poorer you look while giving it the better they feel... So if you can afford a good camera you are not paying them enough.

Steamboat

Which God?
I think in Nikons custom menu you can choose one?
....I like a good manual camera so I choose.... none ;-)

AllenDpics Loc: Williamsburg Virginia

Thanks Ralph