Your opinion is requested
Jan 19, 2017 09:23:09 #
Exacta35 wrote:
Clarification br I have not opened the D5300 box i... (show quote)
There is no better way to find out how you like a camera than to take it out and try it!
That said, it isn't all that simple. You can put it on Auto and let the camera choose the settings, and get some decent photos. This will let you know how the camera feels in your hands, and give you an example of the kinds of pictures you can get. However, you now own a DSLR and it behooves you to learn how to use more of its potential than that! If you still don't want to open the box, go to the Nikon website and download the manual. Read it at least once to start, but then you will want to get out the camera and read it again with the camera in hand.
My first DSLR was the D7000, which at the time I bought it was the best of the crop-sensor cameras. Now there are descendants of that one as well as other newer models, all excellent cameras. There is a learning curve, but having worked with a lot of other cameras, you should have an edge on where I was when I started! (My first digital was a point and shoot.) You will learn not only how the different settings work, but also the different ways you can set up your camera (assigning buttons, whether to use auto or manual ISO and WB, back-button-focusing, etc...).
Hope this helps. You can always come back to UHH for more answers.
Susan
Jan 19, 2017 09:28:50 #
fetzler
Loc: North West PA
The camera that you have chosen is quite good. I would use it. DX sensor cameras with the 24MP sensor are fabulous. The difference between the various Nikon
series for DX cameras is the menu systems. The D7200 has more stuff available on buttons and a focusing motor for older lenses. Your camera is capable of a lot.
Read the Nikon USA website. I believe that you can even read the manuals on line. I have a android app that has all the Nikon manuals available. The DX sensor is better than film. I fondly remember my old Leica M3 however.
series for DX cameras is the menu systems. The D7200 has more stuff available on buttons and a focusing motor for older lenses. Your camera is capable of a lot.
Read the Nikon USA website. I believe that you can even read the manuals on line. I have a android app that has all the Nikon manuals available. The DX sensor is better than film. I fondly remember my old Leica M3 however.
Jan 19, 2017 09:41:18 #
There is nothing pitiful about this camera. It gets great reviews and has many users. Once you get comfortable with it, I am sure you will agree it gets the job done. There is no focus motor in the body so you are limited to using AF-S and AF-P lenses, of which Nikon makes many. You may have some issues using some older Nikon lenses that do not have auto focus motors in the lenses, but you can still focus these manually. Enjoy your camera! Welcome to the forum.
Jan 19, 2017 09:54:38 #
SharpShooter wrote:
That was all fine and dandy...., but where did the Exacta fit into all of this?!?! 
SS
PS, welcome to the Hog!!!
SS
PS, welcome to the Hog!!!
I was wondering the same thing. I bought an Exakta VX IIa in 1963 and used it for 20+ years - my first SLR. That's why I use that avatar. Same model Exakta and same Carl Zeiss 58mm f2 lens. Wish I still had that camera.
Jan 19, 2017 10:03:26 #
Nikon has been in business for 100 years. Before Canon became what it is Nikon was making lenses for their cameras. I have been using Nikon cameras and lenses for over 50 years and to me the brand has been very reliable. In those 50 + years using Nikon gear I remember only three times that I had to request service to repair a lens or a body. I still have a Nikon F I bought in 1963 and it is fully operational.
The D5300 is an entry camera but it should satisfy your needs till you decide that a better camera is right for you. If you are looking for something small and easy to carry perhaps one of the mirrorless cameras is what you need. A camera, as you very well know, is a box to which you attach a lens (Clyde Butcher) and it is the lens what plays an important part in the making of a photograph.
Nikon keeps its quality but remember that you get what you pay for.
The D5300 is an entry camera but it should satisfy your needs till you decide that a better camera is right for you. If you are looking for something small and easy to carry perhaps one of the mirrorless cameras is what you need. A camera, as you very well know, is a box to which you attach a lens (Clyde Butcher) and it is the lens what plays an important part in the making of a photograph.
Nikon keeps its quality but remember that you get what you pay for.
Jan 19, 2017 11:07:34 #
Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc., etc. They all make fair, good, better, and best cameras. I shoot Sony but there's nothing wrong with your choice of Nikon. You made a smart move by going with an entry level camera. It's just like riding a bike or driving a car. Until you really learn the equipment you won't get the excellent output you're looking for. I'd suggest buying a good manual, Kelby or one of the others, scan through it, and if you like what you see crack the package and learn the camera. Go out and shoot, enjoy, and move on. Good luck.
Jan 19, 2017 11:48:24 #
Exacta35 wrote:
I request your considered input, but first a bit o... (show quote)
I am not that familiar with Nikon cameras, but I don't know where or how you got the notion that the D5300 is " such a pitifully performing" camera. If anything, it is the photographer that would be pitifully performing. The D5300 has many bells and whistles and you might not use all of them, but there there to help. Get familiar with it. Carry the instruction manual with you at all times. The camera will serve you well
Jan 19, 2017 12:07:57 #
The best camera to have is the one you are willing to take with you and the one you have in your hand. Enjoy your new gear! I had Pentax and Nikon film cameras and now have Nikon digital gear, along with a few of my lenses from those 'film' days. All major brands make fine equipment. Best of luck!
Jan 19, 2017 12:35:47 #
Ricinus
Loc: Leduc Alberta
I have a D5100 with the kit lenses. It only has a 16MP sensor and it is a fantastic camera. The lenses may not be the greatest, but they are more than adequate amateur photography. There is just no comparison between a DSLR and a modest post processing package versus film and a darkroom. If you want a camera with more bells and whistles by all means get one just bear in mind what is top pf the line today will be obsolete in a couple of years. Your choice is definitely not a pitiful performer. Cheers.
Mike
Mike
Jan 19, 2017 12:47:13 #
some kit lenses are poor performers...that sounds like the case here.
Jan 19, 2017 12:54:43 #
There seem to be Nikon-knowledgeable folk on this list; maybe someone can help me.
I just bought a used D5300; it seems great except that the autofocus on the camera doesn't work. Cleaning the contacts doesn't help, nor trying a known-good lens (my included lens works fine on another 5300). |Where can I get this repaired? Can I repair it myself - I'm pretty good with doing such. BTW, I live in Edmonton Alberta.
Problem number 2: I run Windows 7 on my computer. I tried to download Nikon ViewNX-i for Windows 7. When I got to the “View download page” the Windows icon is greyed out; only the Mac icon works. I haven’t been able to find anything on the Web; every time I find something that says ViewNX-i for Windows 7, the link takes me to the Mac download. Does Nikon not support Windows? Maybe I need to sell this camera and get a Canon. Does anyone have any suggestions?
I just bought a used D5300; it seems great except that the autofocus on the camera doesn't work. Cleaning the contacts doesn't help, nor trying a known-good lens (my included lens works fine on another 5300). |Where can I get this repaired? Can I repair it myself - I'm pretty good with doing such. BTW, I live in Edmonton Alberta.
Problem number 2: I run Windows 7 on my computer. I tried to download Nikon ViewNX-i for Windows 7. When I got to the “View download page” the Windows icon is greyed out; only the Mac icon works. I haven’t been able to find anything on the Web; every time I find something that says ViewNX-i for Windows 7, the link takes me to the Mac download. Does Nikon not support Windows? Maybe I need to sell this camera and get a Canon. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Jan 19, 2017 13:20:57 #
Waldemar Belczowski wrote:
There seem to be Nikon-knowledgeable folk on this ... (show quote)
Waldemar,
I respectfully suggest that you post these two questions as an entirely new topic. I think you will get many more views and responses as a new topic rather than having them buried deep inside this topic.
Gary
Jan 19, 2017 13:26:30 #
Exacta35 wrote:
Clarification br I have not opened the D5300 box i... (show quote)
There's nothing wrong with the camera, get it out of the boxes and get with it.
Just how good to camera is, will be dependent on your knowledge, skills and talent.
Also consider post-processing, every image can be improved.
Now watch how that statement, opens a can of worms.
Jan 19, 2017 14:01:28 #
Thanks, Gary; I just thought the same myself.
GWZ wrote:
Waldemar,
I respectfully suggest that you post these two questions as an entirely new topic. I think you will get many more views and responses as a new topic rather than having them buried deep inside this topic.
Gary
I respectfully suggest that you post these two questions as an entirely new topic. I think you will get many more views and responses as a new topic rather than having them buried deep inside this topic.
Gary
Jan 19, 2017 14:13:31 #
Exacta35 wrote:
I request your considered input, but first a bit o... (show quote)
Hell, NO!
The D5300 is all the camera that most people need. It takes great pictures--and great photographs if it has a halfway good operator. There are quite a few Hogs who use a D5300 to make wonderful, meaningful photographs.
AND, sometime take a chance and have Costco print a few 11x14s. 11x14 is a sweetspot. Costco does them for <$4.00. Big prints come alive. Your grandkids will be impressed seeing themselves in an 11x14.
The D5300 has several features that will help with "grandkid photos". First, the articulated screen will let you shoot near the ground without taking Aleve for your knees. Second, it has excellent follow-focus. Third, grandchildren move around a lot and combined with 5 frames per second, you may get some really great shots. Fourth, the Wifi connection means that you can quickly and easily share pictures with distant friends and relatives as well as put them on your cellphone to carry around.
And that's before getting into any of the technical advantages--of which there are plenty.
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