safeman

I am finally moving from film to digital and I need a great deal of accurate information
to give the transition every chance to succeed. Accepting that I know nothing about DSLRs here are some questions:

Nikon 3700 or 5600? Why?

Body only or Kit? (Nikkor 18-55 VR, 70-300 4.5-6.3 Zoom)?

I have three AF lens that work on my N-70 film Camera: Sigma 28-300D Aspherical IF; 60mm Micro Nikkor f2.8D; 20mm Nikkor f2.8D AF. Will these lens work on either or both of the cameras I'm considering?

What is the advantage/disadvantage of a low pass filter?

Realizing this is a dangerous, open ended question, what else do I need to know?

AndyGarcia

Well I don't know that much about your D3700(?) and D5600. I don't think that your A/F lenses will work on them. I'd go for a D7200 body. Your lenses will work on it. Both the 60mm and 20mm are lenses I'd love to have. Don't get the 18-55. I had one and hated it.

Low pass filters soften the images and were fitted to reduce moire. D7200 does not have one.

If you are staying with Nikon that's my best advice.

I shoot mainly Fuji now but still have a D300 and a D7000. Hence my GAS for your 60mm and 20mm (bonus is that I could use them, manual, via adapter on my Fujis.....

Good luck.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Impossible to answer without knowing your particular needs or budget. There are also plenty of used models to consider. And if you have high quality full frame lenses, are you sure you want to go do DX format?




See above - just can't answer from the information given. Maybe consider other lenses than the kit ones, depending on what you like to shoot, how much weight you want to carry, budget, etc. There are some great 18-300mm zooms, including Nikon, Tokina, and Sigma, if you want to go with a body and single lens to start with.




Yes, they will all work, but you are looking at the difference between a crop sensor and full 35 format - they will all give a field of view equivalet to approximately 1.5 times the focal length you're used to, using them with a film camera. I don't think any of them will autofocus with either of the models you've said you're considering.



I can't think of any advantages. Disadvantage is worse low light performance with more noise.



Think about what you want to shoot, what other equipment you'll need (flashes, etc.), and your total budget.

My wife and I made the decision and switch about two years ago, and started on a plan and budget, then followed it through. What was right for us is not necessarily right for you, but I do think it's a good idea to make a plan and try to follow it. Changing systems or gears midway when you think you're headed down the wrong path can get very expensive.


Here's a link to our plan and how we achieved it, in full acknowledgement that what was right for us may not be in your wheelhouse at all. Our next upgrades will probably be to D7200 bodies to get rid of the low pass filters, but we'll see what opportunities come along...

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-526467-1.html

Andy

BebuLamar

There is no D3700 as far as I know.

safeman

OK I missed that one. My budget is $800.00 to $900.00 max. I should have included that.

harlequin2

Nikon's E3700 doesn't have interchangeable lenses, its a nice camera in the "Coolpix" range.

To start off, you should consider an APS-C format (Nikon's DX) rather than the full frame FX format. It gives excellent results and is smaller and cheaper!
I'd go with a D3400 with the kit lens (18 - 55) which is excellent quality. Read Ken Rockwell's review here:https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3400.htm

The D5600 isn't any better, it offers a flip out LCD for the extra money. Something never used once the novelty wears off!

Once you have used it for a couple of years, you will have a better idea of your needs going forward and you won't have spent a ridiculous amount of money.
Your other lenses will fit and certainly be usable, but the Sigma may have trouble with automatic controls. But hey, that's why they have manual modes, isn't it?

safeman

sorry hit a wrong key Nikon 3400

safeman

See, lost me already. What is a DX format as compared to what ever else is out there

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I would encourage you to forge ahead and pick one of those options and give digital a try. Nikon’s D3400 and D5600 are both fine cameras. I happen to prefer the flip out LCD screen since it makes changing vantage points easier. The 18-55mm lens, tho not especially fast, has a decent reputation. You did not specify the source from which you plan to purchase the gear, but folks at Nikon, B&H or Adorama can give you advice about the 70-300mm Nikkor vs the Sigma 28-300 lenses. Your two other Nikkor lenses should work on your digital body. The arcane argument regarding “low pass or not” will not have a material effect on your photos at this stage. You can put a pin in that one until you advance to wanting a high-end full frame body. What else do you need to know? Not much at this exciting early stage - just get a camera in your hands and start learning how to use it fully. There are lots of folks here who will offer sincere, valuable help, including <grinning> one or two who, in their infinite wisdom, disagree with me. /Ralph

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Can't help you with the camera or lenses...
However, Moving to digital opens a whole raft of oddities.
You CAN shoot a whole raft of images - just to pick the best and delete the rest..
Having 'free film' means that you can explore all aspects of 'photography' without any waste.....so embrace the freedom of the experience.

You will need to post process 'for yourself' in order to create 'the image' you want.
Post Processing comes in many programmes....Everyone has a personal opinion on what is 'best'. It can be quite complicated (understatement) or a simple matter of cropping and straightening...altering RGB and sharpening. I suggest you start with the programme that comes with the camera (or from The manufacturer's website - Nikon) LR and Photoshop are large programmes and have a 'learning experience' that may get in the way of you enjoying your new camera......play awhile before jumping in and paying out more money.
Raw V jpg Your camera can do both....try it and see !
Some 'Rules' apply to both film and digital....some don't... ISO for example has sky rocketted so therefore shutter speed and noise reduction has also improved.
Most filter effects can be post processed except Polarise and Graduation filters.
On camera flash has NOT improved....
There will be more 'good advice' from others - remember to take it with a pinch of salt....

Have fun

Charlie'smom

D5600 over the D3400. If you can, go with the D7200/D7500. They have an auto focus motor. You can buy lenses with AF and not have to pay more for the AF-S/P lenses, unless you want to stay with manual. I have now gone mostly from auto focus to manual focus when shooting, so it may not matter to you.

I started off with film years ago, then went to point-and-shoot digital, and then late last year got a D5500. Earlier this month I upgraded to the D7200 and couldn’t be happier. I thought the weight would be too much at my age and strength capacity, but it’s no problem.

The lenses you have should do you well with whatever camera you go with. You will probably want a zoom lens, but I would stay away from the 18-55mm. It’s too limiting. I have an 18-140mm and find it’s my go-to lens. I have a 70-300mm and don’t really use it much. I use my 35mm a LOT, and also have a 50mm, but find it also stays home.

Let us know what you eventually do. And whatever question(s) you should ever have, always check this site. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone post a question and not get at least one or two good answers.

safeman

My decision is probably going to be made based on if the D5600 will work with the 3 lens I have. Will they?

Charlie'smom

Yes for the Nikons. Not sure about the Sigma.

BebuLamar

Deleted

Charlie'smom

He had an N-70 film camera that he used them on.