Investigating a new camera purchase...

FSU3NOLES28

FSU3NOLES28

New member
Hey guys,

It's bonus time at my work and I'm treating myself to a Dslr.

I've always been into photography, whether it be sunset pics, nature pics, or taking pics of my tank.

I'm going to be doing this mostly as a hobby but could lead into other things down the road depending on how things go. I'm definitely interested in enlarging pics to display as art for myself and as presents.

I'm probably able to spend around $1000-$1500 with hoping to get some kind of small package out of that.

The one I was looking at was the new Nikon D3200. Does anyone have one of these?

Does anyone have any feedback on why this camera will or will not be good for me?

Also suggestions on others available will be great.

Thanks in advance!
 
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I have never had any problems with a y nikons that I have owned but never had that one? Look into buying used if you don't mind used things because you will save a bunch of money. The last thing I would do is once you ind one you like make sure you go somewhere that sells it or a friend and hold the camera and make sure it feels comfortable for you.
 
D3200 will be an awesome starter dslr. I started with an older version (d40), moved up to d90, now just got a d600. Start low and slow, its cheaper and your images will look crazy good. The mirror-less cameras are not up to quality yet on performance, and a 3200 is small enough not to bother anyone. Don't think, just get it. Good luck!

www.flickr.com/photos/hind_327
 
That would be a good starter kit, I started with something like that as well and although those lenses aren't the best someone just starting out can learn alot from them and you will still get great images from them.
 
Im really considering the 5100. The flip out screen is key and im not sure the difference in mp would really mean that much to me.
 
If you might want to buy used, take a look at the used departments for B&H Photo and Adorama Photo online. It's more expensive then buying from some random guy on Ebay, but you'll have the security of knowing you can return it if there are any issues. They also have a very good rating system so you know the condition of the camera you're buying.

Don't forget about the lens, though. Most people put most of their research into the camera, which seems logical, but I'd much rather have a mediocre camera than a mediocre lens. For example, I still shoot my action photography with a Canon 40D which is a 5 year old camera (ancient in digital years), but you put a $1-2K lens in front of it, and it performs far better than the newest cameras with a cheaper lenses.

Now, I'm not saying you need to spend a grand or more on your first lens, but make an informed decision. A lens can last you decades, whereas you'll probably end up buying a new camera in the next 3-5 years. Here's a great resource for lens (and camera) reviews: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/
 
FSU3NOLES28 said:
Im really considering the 5100. The flip out screen is key and im not sure the difference in mp would really mean that much to me.
Click to expand...

If you are going to get serious with your photography as a hobby, I think you will soon find that you don't use the flip out screen for taking pictures - you might for video. When I got my first DSLR, I thought the LCD display was broken, as it wouldn't project a "live view" in all settings when attempting to shoot. Since I've learned more, I never shoot live, becuase you are looking through the viewfinder and metering, adjusting shutter, iso, aperture, composition, etc.

Also, Mp's may matter, if one of your stated objective is to make enlargements - if you crop a shot, and then try and enlarge it, the more MP's you have, the bigger and better you can go.

IslandCrow said:
If you might want to buy used, take a look at the used departments for B&H Photo and Adorama Photo online. It's more expensive then buying from some random guy on Ebay, but you'll have the security of knowing you can return it if there are any issues. They also have a very good rating system so you know the condition of the camera you're buying.

Don't forget about the lens, though. Most people put most of their research into the camera, which seems logical, but I'd much rather have a mediocre camera than a mediocre lens. For example, I still shoot my action photography with a Canon 40D which is a 5 year old camera (ancient in digital years), but you put a $1-2K lens in front of it, and it performs far better than the newest cameras with a cheaper lenses.

Now, I'm not saying you need to spend a grand or more on your first lens, but make an informed decision. A lens can last you decades, whereas you'll probably end up buying a new camera in the next 3-5 years. Here's a great resource for lens (and camera) reviews: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/
Click to expand...

This is good advice. A lot of the "kit" lenses aren't all that great (well they are good but there are much better options). There is no harm though in buying a kit type package with a solid body, then upgrading your glass, either through new or used purchases. I can tell you my best shots come with my prime lenes (lenses that are of fixed focal length - no zoom), which includ my Sigma 30mm 1.4 and my Canon 400mm 5.6. I guess my Tamron 90mm macro falls in that category too.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys. I went ahead and purchased the d5100 for a few reasons.

A. I got a fantastic deal on one.
B. I love being able to rotate the screen to take odd angled shots.

I purchased the additional nikkor 55-300 lens to go with it.

Man there is alot to these things :)

Any pointer sites would be helpful!
 
There are a ton of tutorials out there, but personally I prefer books for anything other than very specific questions, so I don't think I have any good suggestions for general knowledge sites. One of the forums I visit regularly, though, is called "Photography on the Net" ([http]http://photography-on-the.net/forum/[/http]). It's technically a Canon forum, but except for the equipment sections, most of what is discussed is applicable to any SLR. As a matter of fact, there are quite a few Nikon users who frequent the site.
 
I've always had Nikons, I've had the D70S, D5100 and now D7000. I'm going full frame next year. One thing to consider with the low end Nikon cameras is there is no AF motor built in so you'll be restricted on the lenses you can use, ie the newer AF-S ones have to be used as AF-D won't fully function. D7000 is worth considering and if you can't stretch to that a D90. I bought the D5100 and outgrew it in 9 months, if you're gonna be serious about it then it'd be worth investing in a slightly better body IMO.
 
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