frjeff Loc: Mid-Michigan

Looking to get away from iPhone and point & shoot cameras. Old guy (soon to be 74). Have upcoming Alaska and Australia trips to capture.

Have been studying and most seriously considering the Nikon D3400 as a decent starter camera.

Ought I be looking at something else, or will this make a good “starter” camera. Figuring I can always upgrade later if I find my “starter” unit to be lacking some essential.

linsee69

I would do a d7xxx plus. possibly referbed for the focus motor

frjeff Loc: Mid-Michigan

Whew! Those run a whole lot more $$ than I was hoping to spend on a “starter” unit. However, I appreciate the tip and will do a study/compare to see what I would be missing on the lower end unit. Thanks.

sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD

A d3400 is a great camera and does not lack any thing "essential" go for it.

whwiden

It is a good starter camera. The d5600 is better but more money. The d7200 is the best current deal. You can still get the d3300, which has a sensor cleaner eliminated from the d3400. If you get a bundle, make sure it has the new 18-55 afp lens. The d3400 should come with this by default. Some online deals with the d3300 now have this model. The kits with a second 70-300mm lens do not have VR. However, the up charge is usually $100. A good deal but a long lens really should have VR. Look to get that second lens with VR refurbished if cost is an issue.

For Alaska you will want a long lens. Some rave about the Tamron 18-400mm.

The Nikon 18-140mm is the best Nikon do everything lens, but a little short for wildlife.

On a budget, Nikon d3300 with afp 18-55 afp $400. Add a 70-300mm dx with VR ($400, $180 refurbished ). 35mm Nikon F/1.8 $200. Optional, Nikon 10-20mm, $309.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You've posted the same question in multiple posts ... No worries. Just don't let other people spend your money as if it was theirs ... They always consider you have more of it. Visit a big box store like Best Buy, Costco and handle the candidate bodies so you have a "feel" for their size and weight.

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

The D3400 certainly is a good starter camera. I also would look at mirrorless cameras, like the Sony 6xxx series or the Olympus Micro Four Thirds system. They are generally smaller yet have good image quality. I agree with the advice by CHG CANON: go to a camera store or big box store to get a feel for the cameras you are considering.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Do take a look at a micro 4/3 camera, Olympus OMD Mark 5 II or a Panasonic. I'm 70 and switched because the size and weight of my Nikon gear was too much and I didn't use the camera as often. You won't mind the price as much either.

repleo Loc: Boston

Hunt's Photo in Melrose MA do some amazing sales in Nikon and Canon starter and next-step-up packages. They just finished a special last weekend. I don't see it on their web site now. I would expect they will have another one coming up to Fathers Day. Very reputable company to deal with.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

The only drawback for the d3400 is that there is no internal focus motor so some lenses won't work with it.

CO

It was already mentioned that the ultrasonic sensor cleaner was eliminated in the D3400. All of Nikon's recent DSLR cameras have had that feature. Its built-in flash has only one-half the power of the flash in the D3300. Amazon still has brand new D3300 cameras. I would get one of those.

Purchase a filtered blower. I have the Koh Global Hepa Jet Air II blower. It has a large hepa filter, an anti-static filter, a one-way check valve, and a medical grade PVC bulb. Most blowers have a rubber bulb that can shed fine particles. The PVC bulb won't do that. You can not only get dust on the sensor but also on the focusing screen at the top of the mirror box. If there's dust on the focusing screen, you will often see it when looking through the viewfinder. Some puffs of air from a blower will take care of it. Adorama Camera has it or you can order it directly from Koh Global.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Jeff, welcome to the Hog!
Here’s what I think. First, don’t be talked out of your financial zone.
Just like cars, expensive cars are better but they all get you to the store and back the same.
If you don’t already have a stock of old Nikon lenses, I wouldn’t worry about what does and doesn’t have a focus motor.
Go to a place like Costco and get a starter kit with a couple lenses. Look also at the offerings from Canon in the same price range. They are as good, the same or better.
Ergonomics is way overstated. You’ll get used to any camera. Maybe if you have a physical limitation then one might be better than another.
Keep in mind that with mirrorless, the bodies are smaller but in some cases the lenses are bigger, so there are trade-offs.
Also 4:3 is pretty new so you’ll always be going new all the way for a while as there is little used stuff around yet. Lots of used Nikon and Canon year around once you know what you’re looking at.
Also I wouldn’t put a lot of importance on the self cleaning sensors. You can have it cleaned once a year or learn to clean the sensor yourself. Enjoy the journey!!!
SS

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

A used D7000, D7100, D7200 would be less than a Nikon Factory Refurbished one, but there is some risk. I have bought a lot of used (Pentax) cameras and lenses with no problems, but then I'm an experienced used purchaser.

The D7xxx line will allow you to use a wider selection of used lenses.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Let me start by saying that the camera you have in mind has very good reviews. I do not own one but it is small and capable. With 24 Mp. it has more pixels than many photographers need. Being small and light it should be a breeze traveling with it.
This type of camera is usually sold with a kit lens. The kit lens is a good performer to start with. Any camera is as good as the operator. Do your part and camera and lens will do their part.
It has all the bells and whistles you need and it could take some time before you will need to upgrade it to a superior model which usually happens when its features do not satisfy your needs any longer.
I like architects than begin to build a building from the ground up and not the other way around.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'm not going to recommend any particular camera. What I will recommend is looking at the most advanced camera you can afford. That way you'll be able to "grow" into it, rather than quickly surpass its capabilities and need to upgrade. Additionally, I'd look at used/refurbished cameras. Purchased from a reputable source, they will be more camera for less money.
--Bob