Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
Nephew seeking new Nikon camera
Page <prev 2 of 3 next>
Jun 11, 2021 08:07:27   #
Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
I think the Z50 would be an excellent choice for a gift, especially with kit Z mount lens.

An FTZ adaptor is bonus for using his F mount lenses. But he will probably not do that once he discovers improvement in Z lens performance.

Reply
Jun 11, 2021 08:45:27   #
SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA
 
In that price range the Z50 with the 2 kit lenses is hard to beat.

Reply
Jun 11, 2021 08:57:16   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Deciding on the type is the first step. Then he should read reviews and comparisons of models. Actually, once he decides on the type, his budget will select the camera.

Reply
 
 
Jun 11, 2021 09:06:53   #
jsfphotos Loc: New York, NY
 
My first digital camera was a Nikon D60 with 2 kit lenses from Costco. It served me well. 5 years ago I thought I wanted to go full frame and bought a Nikon 750, also a great camera but I found it a little too big and heavy for my hands—not to mention that the raw files took up so much more space on my computer. Luckily I bought from B&H, where you can return within 30 days if you’re not happy. I took back the 750 snd bought a D7200, which is perfect for me now and was a great follow up to the D60.

Reply
Jun 11, 2021 09:15:12   #
n4jee Loc: New Bern, NC
 
"So my nephew is turning 31 next month. His father will contribute to a new camera body for this occasion and is asking me for advice."

Why doesn't his father ask him what he wants. He's 31, not 13 and obviously knows how to take pictures. If he wants advice let him go to Hedgehog.com and review the hundreds of threads that ask the same question.

Reply
Jun 11, 2021 09:39:55   #
ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia
 
CHG_CANON wrote:
Rather than spending a bunch of money on a DSLR camera now 2+ years old in the market, consider an advanced-level used body and 1 or more used (or new) lenses. This is probably better than a new mirrorless body, unless he's been following UHH and some of the oddballs always talking up mirrorless.

Valid DX options: D7500, D500, D7200. Each is a substantial step-up from his D60, maintaining all his current lens(es).

Browsing his work in Flickr, he might like to expand his focal length range with a Nikon AF-S DX 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.

His screen-filling close approach might also like a wider angle such as the Nikon AF-P 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G D VR.

The EX or EX+ rated used bodies and lenses from KEH.com allows your family to stretch the budget across multiple pieces of equipment. MPB.com uses 'Like New', Excellent and Good, consider LN and EX for their ratings.
Rather than spending a bunch of money on a DSLR ca... (show quote)


I would agree D7200 with a 18-140MM f/3.5-5.6 plus a 50MM f/1.8 for creative shots with great bokeh without a flash (natural light).

Reply
Jun 11, 2021 09:53:51   #
RS Bandit
 
A very thoughtful and insightful reply.

Reply
 
 
Jun 11, 2021 10:10:12   #
larryepage Loc: North Texas area
 
Keep in mind that your nephew is 31, not 90 or 80 or 70 like many here. My guess is that he is not dealing with arthritis or other infirmities. So picking a camera that is lightweight or compact is not likely very high on his list of needs.

So yes...he should be the 0ne deciding here. He is grown. Ask him, but help him make sure he has considered the full range of options.

Reply
Jun 11, 2021 10:36:10   #
lrm Loc: Sarasota, FL
 
I have both the D500 and the Z50. The Z50 beats the D500 in everything except prerhaps birds in flight --- but even there, the Z50 produce better i=mages when the bird is far away and/or in low light. I have some 25,000 images with the D500 and some 15,000 images with the Z50 so I speak from personal experience. No question its the Z50. Plus the kit lenses are good as well. For a better lens option, If budget allows, I would get the Z24-200 as an all around lens.

Reply
Jun 11, 2021 10:36:56   #
DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
 
ladysue wrote:
So my nephew is turning 31 next month. His father will contribute to a new camera body for this occasion and is asking me for advice. I am a Canon and Fuji user so have no experience with Nikon. My nephew has been using a Nikon D60 with 18-55 kit lens, and perhaps an additional consumer telephoto. He is a very creative photographer and has taken many great pictures with this modest equipment, as evidenced in his Flickr account: (Flickr.com/photos/casualcapture) and many published photos in local newspapers.

Would appreciate any and all suggestions. Have not received feedback yet as to whether he wants to go mirrorless. If so, I suppose a Nikon Z5 with an adapter for his lenses seems the answer from my quick research. Or Z50 with new lenses. I think budget would be up to $1500 for the body. Nikon D850 is almost $3K so that seems out of reach.
So my nephew is turning 31 next month. His father... (show quote)


The Z50 with the kit lenses is probably the best buy and the quality is outstanding. Get an FTZ.

Reply
Jun 11, 2021 10:52:23   #
Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area
 
ladysue wrote:
So my nephew is turning 31 next month. His father will contribute to a new camera body for this occasion and is asking me for advice. I am a Canon and Fuji user so have no experience with Nikon. My nephew has been using a Nikon D60 with 18-55 kit lens, and perhaps an additional consumer telephoto. He is a very creative photographer and has taken many great pictures with this modest equipment, as evidenced in his Flickr account: (Flickr.com/photos/casualcapture) and many published photos in local newspapers.

Would appreciate any and all suggestions. Have not received feedback yet as to whether he wants to go mirrorless. If so, I suppose a Nikon Z5 with an adapter for his lenses seems the answer from my quick research. Or Z50 with new lenses. I think budget would be up to $1500 for the body. Nikon D850 is almost $3K so that seems out of reach.
So my nephew is turning 31 next month. His father... (show quote)

Your nephew is 31 years old, not some little kid. I would pick up the phone and ask him.

A good camera is a thoughtful/personal decision for most people. I’m sure he has some thoughts about his next camera. If it’s supposed to be a surprise, I would get past that. You want him to be happy with his new camera, not potentially upset/disappointed. Just a thought.

Reply
 
 
Jun 11, 2021 11:08:36   #
HRBIEL Loc: Rapid City, SD
 
Bill_de wrote:
In that price range I would go with the Z50 w/2 lens kit. I own it, and although I have other Nikon cameras this kit is with me quite a bit.

BTW- the FF equivalent range with these 2 lenses is 24-375mm.

---

Could save some money by trading up to the z50 with 2 Lens Kit


(Download)

Reply
Jun 11, 2021 11:12:52   #
neillaubenthal
 
david vt wrote:
..and you did not fall off your seat at Paul poking fun at himself???? I almost did!!!


I did…he is actually quite knowledgeable and has good suggestions… Ute I’m afraid that people ,plight get turned off by the mirrorless dogma or whatever you want to call it.

He is correct…mirrorless is the future and if buying new today then it is the correct choice for the vast majority of users unless their usage makes extensive use of the advantages (diminishing with each new model) that DSLRs have…the only way one will get the better AF stuff is to buy MILC as that’s where vendors are spending R&D money.

His implication that MILC will automatically improve your photography and that only MILC can make a good image is propaganda…and will lead people down a wrong path…neither is true.

Reply
Jun 11, 2021 11:15:18   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
HRBIEL wrote:
Could save some money by trading up to the z50 with 2 Lens Kit


Isn't that exactly what I recommended?

---

Reply
Jun 11, 2021 11:50:41   #
SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA
 
DavidPine wrote:
The Z50 with the kit lenses is probably the best buy and the quality is outstanding. Get an FTZ.


In general I would say get the FTZ, but if he only has the 18-55 now it doesn’t make sense.

Reply
Page <prev 2 of 3 next>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.