Help in picking entry level dslr (Page 3): This is a specious argument. I have owned a Nikon D5100 for over five years and am still learning new things about the camera. What I did...

Edia Loc: Central New Jersey

orrie smith wrote:

I fail to understand why you want to start with a ... (show quote)

This is a specious argument. I have owned a Nikon D5100 for over five years and am still learning new things about the camera. What I did upgrade was my lenses from the kit lenses. Why shoot with a camera that is way above the ability of the OP to use it's exotic and arcane features. It's like saying that a family sedan will not go as fast as a Ferrari, so you should start off with the more exotic and expensive car. It does not make sense.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

I agree for a number of reasons. The first is economic. For the past 4 years or so, since I got into photography as a hobby again, I have bought all my cameras and lenses on ebay for a fraction of what they cost new. I never spent more than $400 for a camera or $250 for a lens. Could I spend $12,000 for a camera and lens and take better pictures? Yes, absolutely. But it's not that important for me to be the best. I'm happy being pretty good on a budget.
Secondly, no one camera or lens does it all. I have a bridge camera, 2 DX nikons, a CX Nikon, and an FX Kodak with the Nikon mount, and a slew of lenses ...telephotos, macro, portrait, wide angle, and some fast f1.2 and f1.4 lenses. I only bought equipment when I realized my existing equipment was limited for what I wanted to do. But as a newbee I had no idea what I wanted to do or what equipment was needed to do it. It took years to find out, and I am still learning.

Edia wrote:

This is a specious argument. I have owned a Nikon D5100 for over five years and am still learning new things about the camera. What I did upgrade was my lenses from the kit lenses. Why shoot with a camera that is way above the ability of the OP to use it's exotic and arcane features. It's like saying that a family sedan will not go as fast as a Ferrari, so you should start off with the more exotic and expensive car. It does not make sense.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

jrb1213 wrote:

As a Canon user I would still say the Nikon D5300 is a great choice.

eerikson

As an old film shooter myself, these suggestions may help you:

Auto ISO is a WONDERFUL thing in low-light situations. f 3.5 is not a problem in most of them.
Glass IS the key!
I have a 5200 myself, and wrecked the 18-55 mm kit lens by screwing a wide-angle lens adapter on the front. Now it wobbles. The pivoting screen is great. Reminds me of my old Topcon RE-Super. Its prism slides off.
I use a Sigma 18-250 mm lens 90% of the time now. I also have a Sigma 10-20. Excellent for interiors, landscapes & Europe.
Nikon film lenses work fine on the 5200, but ONLY in full manual! Very awkward.!
Digital cameras (at least the 5200) are HARDER to use than the old film cameras, if you need to modify ANYTHING the programmed modes want to do. But being able to see what you got instantly -- is FANTASTIC!
Buy extra batteries for the camera. They do not last for a full day of shooting. I carry an extra one in a zip-lock bag in my pocket.
NO MORE running out of film! (You did get a large memory card, didn't you?)

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

dallis8491 wrote:

Newbee here. 😊 Haven't shot with a good camera in... (show quote)

I've had Canon dslr cameras for some years now and find them just excellent so that's what I recommend. The t6i is on sale at the moment.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

dallis8491 wrote:

Newbee here. 😊 Haven't shot with a good camera in... (show quote)

My prejudices, of course. Go for a refurbished D5500 from Cameta with just the 18-55 lens. They have it listed for $596. It has several nice advantages of the D5300--you can compare for yourself. You can then, later, get a more useful and easily carried 18-300 Nikon, Tokina, Tamron, or Sigma used for <$300 from Cameta or KEH and Cameta, both are also on my personal Gold list of vendors-have treated me right on many occasions. They'll take it back if you don't like it.

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

dallis8491 wrote:

Newbee here. Ã°ÂÂÂ Haven't shot with a good cam... (show quote)

Go for the D7200. That body will serve well for any years to come.
Suggest the Nikkor 55-300 VR. I believe it is superior to the 70-300. Many reports of issues with the 70-300, too.
The 18-55 can produce very clear, sharp images!
I use the 55-300 for close-ups. Nice background and sharp!

18-55 no PP
18-55 no PP...

(Download)

rocket111

I did a little looking and I found Walmart selling the D5300 grey market. They had many different kit packages. I did post Walmart grey market on UH. You might take a look at it to see what the response is. I'm not experienced enough on the subject to make a educated answer but I would bet my mom somebody on UG is. The deals they were offering looked very temping.

rocket111

I forgot to say you might check Best Buy open box deals. I found they often give a one year extended grantee on top of Nikon's. But you got to ask. I found a open box deal on my D3300 that made me giggle like a little girl at Christmas. It wasn't my first choice but I couldn't pass it up. I'm very happy with the camera but I can say if I spent the extra money on whant I wanted would it be worth it. I have no idea…

Gerald Watson

This is a good camera. to a community college and take photography. Get the book Basic Photography by Grimes, it is a good one and explains everything.

Royce Moss Loc: Irvine, CA

When my Nikon D7100 and all my lenses were stolen last year my nephew let me have a 3200 with a 18-55mm for $100. Gotta say the little 3200 has taken some pretty good pictures.

Royce Moss Loc: Irvine, CA

When my Nikon D7100 and all my gear was stolen this year. My nephew sold me a D3200 with 18-55mm lens and I gotta say the little 3200 takes pretty good shots.

royb_36-cox.net Loc: Phoenix

For what it's worth, the Canon Electronic Focus cameras have never had the focus motor in the body. All the EF and EF-S lenses used on the full frame and crop sensor cameras have the focus motor, matched to the lense, in the lens. The focus connection between the body and lens is an electrical connection not a mechanical one. The Nikon cameras focus system is reliable. There is no cost benefit having the focus motor in the body seen at the retail level.

tcthome Loc: NJ

If u decide to go refurb from Nikon , do not hesitate when you see it. I almost purchased a refurb D7100 with only a 400 shutter count a few months back. Hesitated & called back the next day , GONE!!!

Good Luck !

kcrunchone Loc: some where out there

I think you need to research prices and camera bodies before just committing to that one body. BTW that price is to high for that particular body.... If you are sold on that body look for better pricing.