jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Cause and effect?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That's a very good price. You just have to decide if the D3500 is the right camera for you. Read all the reviews and comparisons you can find.

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D3500-NIKKOR-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G/dp/B07GW23M7T?th=1

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Good idea!
Sounds like a great price and if you need more camera you can move up with two good lenses and a working knowledge of the Nikon system
Have fun!

miklj

There are entry level photographers, but there really are no entry level cameras. Ansel Adams said that the most important part of a camera is the 12 inches behind it. You may "take" pictures, but you "make" photographs. Spend your money on education--join a camera club, find a mentor--and get good glass. "Kit" lenses have a bad rap that should have been discarded a long time ago. I've sold over 100 photos shot with kit lenses. None of the recognizable names--Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, etc.--make junk these days. Your photos will get better when you learn a very few basics, and learn to enjoy what you're doing. Go for it.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

The D3500 with two lenses MIGHT be a good deal for you.

Things you need to know, to help decide...

All Nikon D3000 and D5000-series DSLRs use a "penta-mirror" to save cost and weight. D7000-series and above use a true pentaprism which makes for a bigger, brighter viewfinder. (Note: Canon does the same with their entry-level "Rebel"-series models vs their mid-grade 80D and above).

These more "consumer grade" models also have less sealing for weather resistance, use smaller batteries which give fewer shots per charge, as well as having lower specification shutters. Their top speed is 1/4000, flash sync 1/200 and they are typically rated for a 100,000 "shutter actuation" life span. The more upscale models have 1/8000 top speed, 1/250 flash sync and are rated for 150,000 or more "clicks".

Yes, those are "plasticky" kit lenses. The 18-55mm is okay and has VR (image stabilization). Nikon really "cheaps out" on the 70-300, though... it lacks VR, even though image stabilization if far more helpful on longer focal length lenses. They have a VR version of that lens which costs $50 more, but isn't offered in kit with the cameras. (Note: Canon does the same with their more entry-level model/two-lens kits... bundling them with their cheapest EF 75-300mm "III" lens, which lacks image stabilization among other short-comings. For $100 more, Canon's EF-S 55-250mm IS STM is a much better lens in virtually every way.)

Personally, if it were me I'd buy the camera with only the 18-55mm lens, then buy a better quality telephoto zoom separately. In fact, it's only $100 more right now to buy the D5600 w/18-55mm, versus the D3500 with two lenses. The primary differences between the D3500 and D5600 is that the latter has a considerably more advanced autofocus system and a slightly larger, articulated rear LCD monitor. Another alternative with some Nikon models is one lens kit including the 18-140mm Nikkor, their best kit lens for the DX cameras.

D3000/D5000-series Nikons lack an in-camera focusing motor. This limits their usefulness with a number of Nikkor lenses. There is a good selection of AF-S an AF-P lenses that will autofocus on these cameras just fine. However, there are both legacy and even currently produced "AF" lenses that rely upon a focus drive motor built into the camera body to autofocus, which is only found on the D7000-series and higher models. The Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4 and Tokina 100mm Macro lenses are two examples of this type of lens that are current. You need to be aware of this and before purchasing additional lenses, it would be wise to check lens/camera compatibility charts that are available on the Nikon website and other places online.

The reason the D3500 is so heavily discounted is the D3600. Incidentally, the D3600 is also on sale with the same two lenses, for even larger discount (so I'd guess maybe there's a D3700 coming soon).

Overall, I've noticed that Nikon camera and lens kits seem to be a good value. They're typically a bit lower priced than comparable Canon kits. But after the initial purchase, Nikon lenses and accessories tend to be a little to a lot more expensive than comparable items from Canon.

dick ranez

My daughter teaches an "imagination" session for her students using a half dozen Nikon 3200s with the 18-55 kit lens. They hold up well with the second graders and the kids produce some interesting (and good) images. I think I would not have a problem travelling with the Nikon but might prefer a bridge camera of some brand or another.

User ID

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Trudat. Can't tell from the thread, but if the
current gear lacks image stabilization, that
would be an upgrade that very likely would
result in sharper pix. I just don't know if old
Sony kit lenses had OIS.

Also, in terms of steadiness, a camera with
an EVF will be steadier than holding up that
a5000 out in front of your face, phone style.

Perznally, the cheap Nikon strikes me as a
false step, really swimming against the tide,
switching from live view to SLR in 2019 :-(
There's good reason Nikon is giving it away.

.

WayneL Loc: Baltimore Md

VR is not needed, just raise the shutter speed. How do you think they did it in the film days. I have plenty of old sharp photos taken with a telephoto lens with no VR

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Wrong. When in bright light - OK, but NOT in lower light.

donrosshill Loc: Delaware & Florida

You have posed a good question with lots of various answers. Think of what type of Photography you want to do, There are lots of alternatives. A good Kit Camera line is available thru Canon, Sony Nikon. For the most part you will not need to spend big bucks on a Fast Lens. Todays Cameras with the advance increase in ASA values up to 3000 and the sharpness of the lenses combined with the various software programs will be perfectly fine.
I am a retired 84 year young photographer that made my living for over 65 years with film work. when I went digital I purchased the Canon T2i with kit lenses. I find it to be more than adequate. What ever you do, take the time to learn all the features of your camera so that it becomes second nature.
Take photos and enjoy your self.
Don

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

Actually most Nikon lenses made in the past 30 years will auto focus along with most 3rd Party lenses. I have a D3400 and have a huge selection of lenses to choose from. AF-S and AF-P lenses work fine. Just need a built in lens motor.

Bill P

I believe you have made a misstatement. While it is nice to have VR and it will give you more keepers, it is hardly essential. I think most of us on this forum are old enough to have shot telephotos over 200mm handheld and got some nice shots. Sure, it required more study, skill, practice and experience, but I guess those are things that are sadly missing in today's culture.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

I have that lens with my D3400 kit. Very nice and sharp used with a fast shutter speed. I have shot auto races with excellent results. The only problem is low light with slower shutter speeds.

WayneL Loc: Baltimore Md

Wrong, the poster said VR is needed to get sharp photos. There are other ways and I think most people use telephoto lenses in good light.

WayneL Loc: Baltimore Md

That was my point. If you know what you are doing you can get by without VR