aflundi Loc: Albuquerque, NM

I wouldn't recommend an entry-level dSLR (Nikon D3x00, D5x00, Canon Rebel, Tx, etc.) as they lack some crucial features. If you really want a dSLR, then start at the mid-level (Nikon D7x00, Canon 70d or 80d). These come with things like focus fine-tune (which is important for dSLRs) and full autoISO capability. I'd much rather have a refurbished or used D7100 or 70d than a brand-new entry-level dSLR.

The mid-level dSLRs are a bit bigger and heavier than entry-level, and if that's a problem -- or maybe even if it isn't -- I'd suggest that you strongly consider a mirrorless camera. dSLRs tend to be better for things that require active tracking (wildlife, sports, etc.) and have their place, but if you will be mostly shooting more static subjects, a smaller mirrorless system may be a much better match for you. Fuji, Panasonic, Olympus, Sony, and Canon all make decent mirrorless cameras and lenses that are not terribly costly.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

The D3400 is fine.

aschweik Loc: NE Ohio

I got my daughter a refurbished 3400 with 2 lenses (18-55 and 70-300) from Adorama. I believe it was around $450. It is a very nice camera, light weight and easy to handle and learn. The missing sensor cleaner wasn't a big drawback for me but I can see where it could be. Keep it clean and take care of it, and it shouldn't be a problem. Research the 3300, too. Can't go wrong with either as being a starter camera.

dylee8 Loc: South Florida

IMHO. Depends on your plunge. Is it a toe in the water, or a dive into the deep end of the pool.
If you just want to try out and see if Photography is something you like to pursue, and know very little beyond the camera basics. Then go with a D3xxx. In a few months, if you change your mind, you will not lose much. And the D3xxx will be a high end, relatively light weight camera that you can continue to use, if you decide to keep it.
If you know more about photography beyond just automatic settings, and already decided to pursue it as a serious hobby, then I suggest you save up and purchase a D7xxx. Otherwise you will quickly determine that you outlived the limitations of a D3xxx, and develop GAS. and will acquire a much better cropped sensor camera.

ELNikkor

The fully articulated screen on the D5600 make it more versatile than any of the other Nikons

whwiden

Keep in mind that the battery life of a dslr is superior to mirrorless. The D3300 and d3400 are very light and portable. There are convenience reasons for a d7200. However your image quality will be comparable. The entry level cameras will be almost as compact as mirrorless if you get several lenses. If you use a dedicated camera bag, you may not notice the difference.

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

Welcome to the forum.
SharpShooter hit it right on the center of the target.
Excellent advise he gave and good practical sense too.
Lots of kit options for this model too.
I am left handed so I live in backwards world and have found the Nikons fit my hand well with access to the button's n bells.
Not all Nikons fit well but also Canon and other certain models in each brand fit well to me also.
As he said, you adapt to it but still find what feels good to you.

I am using an old 2006 model DSLR to get started with too.
The 3400, as you say, you can always sell when time to upgrade.
I think you will find that it will be a nice camera to work with.
Just find one and go for it. I know you will be glad you did and will enjoy the pics.
There is an abundance of help and guidance in this forum too.
Go shopping and get you the camera and let us all know how it goes.
Again, welcome to forum.
bruce.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

If you are just going to do snaps of your holidays abroad, then go with a mirrorless camera. They are fine. If you want to do some creative photography where you try to get than one picture that's really outstanding - you know, the one that you might put on exhibit somewhere? Then you might go with a DSLR with high end lenses. But nothing like that will be needed for snaps of you Alaska or Australia trips.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

You have already found lots of contrary opinions here. That's to be expected, it's kind of like asking who was the best POTUS or which religion is the "right" one.

Here's one more take.

1) If budget is a consideration, you will always be able to afford better gear if you go with the APS format, and the always-improving capabilities of the bodies and sensors will improve the results from your collection of glass over the years.

2) Buy the best and most versatile lenses you can afford, the faster the better. I'm personally fine with buying refurb or used - but I'd avoid grey market if you're going Nikon, as the company won't service them, even at a charge. Once you commit to a lens system, it's difficult to go back, as used lens prices are relatively low. This, of course, is to your advantage when buying used glass!

3) Choose your system carefully, but I wouldn't worry excessively about starting with an entry level body once you pick a system. Try out various systems in store or by renting or borrowing. You'll have more choices available in Nikon or Canon, but the other big brands also have their advantages. I do think it's important to make a commitment before you buy many lenses, but upgrading bodies is relatively easy, and if you have good glass, you'll grow your system along with your abilities.

Just my thoughts! Listen to as many different perspectives as possible before you make a commitment....

Andy

agillot

i have a D300 and a D70 , never used the sensor cleaner on the camera , am using a flawless easy method method that nobody on this group is interested , the shop vac .this will suck out the dust in the lens cavity , on the mirror , on sensor while activating shutter .you can buy a mini shop vac and use it on your photo gears .[ $ 25 ].do a lot of lens change in the field [ birds ] , so dirt is a common issue .if this method did not work , i would not push it .

agillot

according to the nikon guru on the webb [ ken ] there is nothing wrong with the 3300 or 3400 camera , very capable minus bell and whistles that you would never used , also light .

Toment Loc: FL, IL

All great advice. Start small and move up, or if already sure, then think about a slightly better camera, but most all, have fun👍

Nancysc

I just bought the Oly E5 ii and loving it.. It's the closest thing to my Oly OM2s outfit (I had two bodies and multiple lenses) in terms of size and weight and sturdy feel. I have average size (female) hands and the Oly E5 feels great. No grip probs. Love that it's lightweight,too.

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

The older D3300 and the Tamaron 18-400 would run you right around 1K....good combo.

Nancysc

Forgot to add: I have a Nikon D60 and a couple of short teles, but the whole package feels like a bag of rocks when I'm on a trip. Plus, I like to be less conspicuous if possible, and it's hard to hide a full-size DSLR. When I walk around my historic town (Savannah) people always comment on the camera: "whoa, you must be a pro, whoa, that's a big camera". Nobody said tourists were tactful. I'm glad I downsized to the Olympus OMD E5ii. Bought used at KEH.