Sharon B Loc: Orlando, FL

Ok, I'm newer here but I've already seen many open ended questions about "what's the best (fill in the blank)". I'm trying to steer clear of that and not start rants or soap-box sessions. As someone who's eyeing my first DSLR purchase (previous bridge camera was a Canon PowerShot SX50), I want to take advantage of Black Friday deals to get an entry-level set. I know it won't be top of the line, but I'm looking for a decent starting point and a reasonable price until I really get some experience and figure out what's important (to me) for a bigger investment.

So...I'm looking at the Nikon D3500 with 18-55mm and 70-300mm lenses. B&H has it for $450 (down from $850) and I know there's lots of resources out there for educating myself using the Nikon system. Many UHH posts have mentioned Steve Perry and his detailed Nikon-based tutorials.

This is where I'm leaning and why. I'd appreciate it if you'd point out any flaws in my logic or share any other specific factors I should consider before pulling the trigger. Thanks for your time!

agillot

yes , go for it .good way to start .

stogieboy Loc: Marlboro, NY

If you already know what type of photography interests you (landscape, portaits, street, etc), then I would recommend searching the internet for sample photos of that/those subjects and the D3500. See what they look like, and see if you can find "reviews" that focus on that/those subjects.

From there, if you are comfortable with the operation of the camera, then I say go for it. I went with a Nikon D3200 as my first real camera, and I went with it based on my stepdad's recommendation. Really, it was nothing more than that. Could I have gotten the same results using Canon, Olympus or the like? Yes, most likely. But I had someone that I trusted give me his recommendation, and that was enough for me.

You really can't go wrong, no matter which brand you choose. They are all relatively equal, provided you compare Full-frame with other FF, APS-C with other APS-C and so on.

Lastly, I would recommend going to a store that carries this camera, and hold it. Scroll through the menus, just get a feel for the camera, rather than just order it online. This isnt necessary, but you dont want to realize after the fact that you simply don't like the way it feels in your hands.

Best of luck, it sounds like you've done some research, so you're on the right track. I'm sure others will chime in.

repleo Loc: Boston

Why do you want a DSLR? Unless you are starting out without a bag of lenses and a history of 'back in my film days' you should be going for a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Actually even if you have a bag of legacy lenses you should be going mirrorless. You can get cheap adapters to fit nearly any lens you come across on to a mirrorless. They are much easier to learn on. What-you-see-is-what-you-get.
A Sony A6000 package would be a great Beginner through Intermediate set-up.

Silverrails

If you are New to DSLR Photography, and possibly not 100% sure it is for you, may I suggest going the "Used Camera" route. After extensive research on many Cameras, I chose a used Nikon D3300 with the Nikon 18-55 kit lens for $375.00, that was almost 3 years ago on eBay, it has performed very well this far. I also have purchased a used 35mm prime, a 50mm prime, a 55-200mm zoom, a 18-140mm zoom, all very good used Nikon lens. Saved $$$$

CO

What I would be concerned about is that Nikon eliminated the ultrasonic sensor cleaner in the D3400 and D3500. I think they might be trying to reduce cost. If you get one, you might get a filtered blower to get dust off the sensor. I have a Koh Global Hepa Jet Air II filtered blower. It has a large hepa filter, an ant-static filter, and one-way check valve, and a medical grade PVC bulb. Adorama Camera carries it or you can purchased it directly from Koh Global.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Hi Sharon. This sounds like a great plan to me. The camera you are suggesting is quite capable for starting out and for learning for a while. The only big drawback is that it has only one control dial. That is going to be a little bit of a hassle once you start shooting manually, but it is not anything insurmountable.

The two lenses in that outfit give you a very wide range of available focal lengths as you investigate the types of photography that interest you. It will be easy to add lenses later if you decide you need better low light capability or other additional functionality, and if decide that you want a different camera body first, your lenses will work just fine..

I'm not a fan of starting out with used equipment, because you probably won't have the safety net that comes with new equipment if you have questions. Besides...I'm not sure that you could match the deal you describe even if you do buy used.

This is a great way to get started at a great price. Have fun.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Welcome to the forum.

Sharon B Loc: Orlando, FL

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll do some research on mirrorless. If there's an opportunity to set myself up for a longer run on the same equipment from the start, of course that would be terrific. Trying to find that balance of a good first step vs biting off too much at stage one.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

If the camera is within your budget, then it is a good one!
Photography is about YOU....what you like, the places you like to explore and what interests you. There is a lot to learn and most cameras will allow you to achieve a big percentage of the shots you want. As you advance you may need a bit of extra kit....or even a different camera: But you will understand by then Exactly why.....xxxx is needed.
You need post processing software - Stick with Nikon's....again,as you progress you will understand what 'other' programs to try. or not!
Bear in mind KISS.....Keep it simple stupid.....Use auto...learn composition....follow online tutorials step by step so that you get some 'interesting' images and learn how to use the different camera settings. Try to feel comfortable carrying a camera....and set time aside to both shoot and read about 'Photography'...online has great sites - enough to satisfy your learning niche (some high brow, some childlike and lots in the middle) Bookmark your favourite sites for easy access. (Google 'how to do XXXX type shot) will give you a range of on line sites. Once you start 'seeing as a photographer - even your local area will have some 'hidden delights' that you once walked past.
Most of all - keep it fun..... Keep it in perspective.....don't lose friends cause 'you constantly stop and take photo's' etc. Not everyone is bothered about the difference between a snap and a photographic masterpiece

Like most hobbies you think it might make you rich, but mainly you continue to learn because you enjoy doing it....enjoy the experience...listen to what people say...nod politely and then explore whether it is 'how' you want to do things. Your camera / your choice...a high % of advice consists of opinion. mine included!

have fun

Have fun

Sharon B Loc: Orlando, FL

Thanks for the suggestion about looking for examples of finished images - I hadn't considered that aspect. I'm mostly interested in landscape and architecture - if I had my way, you'd never know there was another person in Paris (or Disney or LA) when you looked at my pictures!

Sharon B Loc: Orlando, FL

Thanks for the suggestion. The price point on the B&H package seems like a decent value, considering their starting retail price. It also comes with a memory card and Corel, which are some nice extras. I'm not a tech person, so I tend to shy away from any electronics that are refurb'd or secondhand. I figure I'm enough of a variable/handicap in the mix, I don't need to add wondering if the inevitable glitch is caused by me or some problem with the equipment that slipped by.

The second hand market is a good idea to keep in mind, though, when I'm ready to expand my scope on lenses and accessories.

Sharon B Loc: Orlando, FL

Thanks for the tidbit and the direction on where to look for a blower. I'll keep that in mind if I end up going this route!

Sharon B Loc: Orlando, FL

Thank you - post processing will be a big new frontier for me. My current experience is limited to the photoshop express app on my phone. Even at that, it's a powerful little app - started me thinking about all the correction/enhancement options I have...and also what I want to change about a photo but still can't.

As a local living in a tourist area, I tend to complain a lot about the traffic, crowded venues, etc. But when I stop and think about all the opportunities I have to work on my photography, it changes my perspective. Animals, fireworks, plants and flowers...the list of images is pretty much endless. Thanks for the encouragement!

MW

That’s a good choice. However, unless have specific desire to photograph birds or other wild life I would suggest you limit yourself to toe 18-55mm.

This just from my own experience - the telephoto zoom is more interesting and cool than the photos one takes with it. That because the range of subjects it works for is more specialized than the 18-55mm. I’ve generally found that imposing limits such as having only one lens encourages me to work for solutions and work-arounds that often result in more interesting images.