tandemrider

Having just joined this group very recently, I notice that so many of the questions and much of the talk seem to revolve around Nikon. I was a Nikon shooter for many years, my last one was a D750 which was great. But I have now changed over to Fujifilm. I can honestly say that for 90+% of pictures, I can't tell the difference between the two systems. For BIF, they are close but the Nikon probably is easier to get better pics with.

I went with Fujifilm because I do believe that mirrorless will take over the flapping mirror cameras. And with Fujifilm, their lenses are specifically made for their APC sensors and are generally not quite as large or heavy as with other mirrorless systems. The lenses are also made of metal (like Leica) and not plastic like Canon, Nikon, and Sony. Fuji is also special in so far as they continue to provide firmware updates even for some of their cameras and lenses that have long been discontinued. When was the last time Nikon did that? They just want to sell you their latest model.

I am in no way trying to push any particular brand of equipment but I think people might be doing themselves a disservice by not checking out this system. Cameras can last for years so the small difference in price you might pay originally (within your budget) will be insignificant in a year or two. Just my two cents. Good luck with your choice.

Selene03

The advice to check out cameras in the store is good! There is nothing wrong with the Nikon d3400--it could be a great camera to get you started. It is capable of producing great pictures. The same is true of the Canon sl2, which I use as my kayak camera.

It is true that sometimes, slightly more expensive models can make getting shots easier--the focus systems are better, the buffer clears faster, etc. But the entry level cameras are very simple to use. I like the sl2 for my kayak because of its simplicity and the quality of images I can get quickly while managing a boat. The fact that it is not a $3000.00 camera lets me take some risks with it. The Nikon d3400 would probably be what I was using if I still had Nikon lenses.

Features are great to have, but the image quality from all cameras these days makes just about any camera good to get started with! The big danger is that photography can be addictive!

papaluv4gd Loc: durham,ct

I'm 66.just did the micro 4/3 olympus e-m1,e-m5. purchased used on ebay.low shutter counts.even with the battery grips,they are comfortable to handle.give em a look see.did the nikon thing for a while.too big,bulky.Was in the camera repair,buying/selling refurbished equipment.Nothing wrong with the big boys(canikon),some what overrated.Some people darn near worship these things.Have friends who think their Nk or Cn are the pinnacle of photo equip.Lots of fullfilling shots to be had with other choices.

papaluv4gd Loc: durham,ct

I'm 66.just did the micro 4/3 olympus e-m1,e-m5. purchased used on ebay.low shutter counts.even with the battery grips,they are comfortable to handle.give em a look see.did the nikon thing for a while.too big,bulky.Was in the camera repair,buying/selling refurbished equipment.Nothing wrong with the big boys(canikon),some what overrated.Some people darn near worship these things.Have friends who think their Nk or Cn are the pinnacle of photo equip.Lots of fullfilling shots to be had with other choices.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

It’s fine. Knowledge, experience, education, instruction, training, and your own passion are far more important than the camera you start with. Once you learn your way around ‘a’ camera, you’ll have a better perspective on what you need.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I wouldn’t recommend a DSLR unless you already have a stock of existing lenses. The reason is DSLRs are on their way out. The future is in mirrorless cameras. Sony, Fuji, Olympus and Panasonic make modern camera systems. They are smaller, lighter and cheaper and have modern features not available on a DSLR.

sv3noKin51E

frjeff, Hello fellow golden-year shooter. You're on the right track for a starter camera. We're now able shoot for fun not profit so no pressure. We have Nikon and Canon DSLRs; personal favorites are the D300, D7000 and D7200. We picked up a D3100 for $100, and usually buy our gear from Adorama and B&H. Whether you buy a new, refurbished or used D3400, it's your research, budget, decision, that's what counts. We've never received a lemon or had to return a camera to these shops, every unit is always in great shape.. All the items they offer are thoroughly tested, photographed/videoed while they're in-house, so you should never worry about receiving anything less than your salesman describes. Our's has always given us honest assessments of every item, sometimes suggesting better, slightly higher-priced units, but that's part of the job description; he's never been pushy.

Lately, Adorama seems to have lowest prices, and that's comparing all the other shop's daily prices. It's always fun to peruse the deals in the used department. Their VIP member program is a good deal if you buy refurbished or new; we bought into it (less than $50 a year).

This isn't a shop promo (as good as they've been for us), and the D3400 is a great camera to start with. It will take you as far as you want, then make a great gift or backup if/when you decide to upgrade. We love the D7000 and D7200 and purchased both as factory refurbs; all other cameras are pre-owned; it that isn't unappealing, or if you don't need the limited video the 3000 bodies provide, you can pickup pre-owned medium-pro-level body for a tenth of what they sold for a few years ago, in top. We've never bought a body with more than 3-4K count. Our D300 body was less than $150.

A month ago we snagged a pre-owned D40 as a starter camera for a granddaughter to teach her photos don't grow in iPhones. We picked up an (AIS) 18-135mm Nikkor AF-S/DX lens, and when she stuck with her phone, we've happy to keep it. The body and lens was less than $125.00 total, plus $7.00 for UPS shipping from Adorama. (Sometimes EOS bodies and lenses have
popped up for even less than the D40 kit we bought). The Nikkor AIS 18-135mm is similar to our trusty Nikon 24-120mm street-sweeper but newer, lighter, and works great on the D7200. The D40 and is 6 megapixels, compared to the D3400;s 24. It also doesn't have a lens motor. We've picked up so many great used/refurbished Nikon lenses of all types and vintage, we're a bit spoiled, and don't miss purchasing new. This D4 combo came with a Nikon battery, charger, and new caps on the body and lens. The SD card door was a tinyy bit loose, so we bought a replacement door for $6 on Amazon. If you're undecided on lenses, Kenrockwell's Nikon lens cross-reference chart is a great read.

Digikam is an an easy to use multi-purpose, open-source program (among others) to learn post-processing your shots. When you want to move up, the D3400 will make a great backup camera or gift. Remember, your camera isn't able to do anything without you behind it and ou can make great photos, no matter what you spend. If your 6th sense nags you about the price, try renting or borrowing a camera for the weekend, then you'll have a good idea of what will work best for you. Then you can learn at your own pace. Good luck and enjoy. sv

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Good advice, too. I’m sure there’s an equivalent plan in Canonland.

Andy

Kuzano

Get a new or factory refurbished D3300. Better $ value.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Andy, there is indeed!!!
If you’re gonna be a pro, get a Canon.
If you’re just gonna be good, get a Nikon.
If you’re just shooting grandkids, get a 4:3!!!!!
SS





PS: this was getting boring!!! LoL

jburlinson Loc: Austin, TX

If I were in your shoes, I'd seriously look at the Canon EOS M100, Canon's entry-level mirrorless camera. Canon was late to the mirrorless game, but their M series has some very nice features, including Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Phase-detection, tilting lcd with touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi*, NFC** and Bluetooth, and a 24.2 APS-C sensor. And that's the "entry" level M100!

Price is just about the same as a new D3400 -- maybe $50 more. Shoot, the touch screen is worth that.

As you grow into your system, the system itself will grow, assuming Canon continues to develop its mirrorless line -- and why the heck wouldn't they?

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

That might be taken two different ways!

Andy

GWR100 Loc: England

I have always use Canon and my 5D3 is an outstanding camera, but if i was starting out I would tale serious look at the Pentax K-1 Kk2, I gets rave reviews. Or if not that try the Fiji X-T2?