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| Newbie Nikon DSLR opinions for casual use | Rate Topic |
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| Posted by DaveFromRI: Thu Jan 7th, 2016 12:10 | 1st Post |
| Hello to all! I have a Nikon D40 (the low megapixel version), and although it doesn't have the quality of more recent cameras I've purchased (like the P510), a family member has asked about a good DSLR camera that might fit her needs. Essentially, she is looking for a DSLR for personal but NOT professional use. Her requirements are rather simple; the ability to interchange a readily available zoom lens (up to 200mm like mine), hot shoe mount, but that's about it. Oh yea, Nikon is an absolute requirement, which is why I'm posting here. I tried searching on the Internet but it is so convoluted, I saw no harm in asking the users here about their own first hand experience and advice. Opinions, thoughts, recommendations most welcome!
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| Posted by highlander: Thu Jan 7th, 2016 12:53 | 2nd Post |
| I recently got a D3300 and have been very impressed. Even with the kit lens, the pictures are surprisingly impressive, within reason (its not a pro camera after all). But as an ex-pro, I have to say I am quietly impressed the more I use it. Very light, very cheap, and with everything you need and some stuff you don't.
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| Posted by Eric: Thu Jan 7th, 2016 12:54 | 3rd Post |
| Hi Dave, welcome to the forum. The D40 comes from a period when digital cameras were considered inferior to film. This is not being disrespctable to the D40 as even pro bodies were also considered to be inferior. Round about 2008 we saw a step change in digital image quality in pro bodies that to some extent filtered down to the amateur models. But in recent years we have seen many amateur models surpassing the quality we remember from film...provided the lens was good quality as well. So your options are quite wide and the choice may depend more on budget, lenses, subject matter and whether progression in photographic skill is a goal. Maybe an idea of budget would be a start? Do you want to buy new? DSLRs depreciate quickly and higher spec cameras can be obtained much cheaper than their new prices...if you NEED the spec. I recently sold a D7000 to a friend who had a D40. He was blown away with the step improvement. Specifically, his ability to crop in on his bird images without loss of detail, and the ability to use higher ISOs with faster shutter speeds to freeze the action in lower light. There has since been the D7100 and D7200 to raise the bar. But he is happy with the D7000. The D5300 is the equal of the D7000 in image quality but in a slightly smaller format, arguable less robust package. So that would be another alternative. As Jan said, the D3300 is an excellent quality camera, though some of the more advanced controls are less accessible (on menus rather than external knobs) which some people have noted. I think budget (leaving money for good glass) is a key factor as is ...how and where it will be used (weatherproofing improves as you go up the price scale). The image quality of all these models will be superb....its just a case of how much the lady wants to develop as a photographer.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by jk: Thu Jan 7th, 2016 17:43 | 4th Post |
| Hello Dave, welcome to the forum. I would recommend a start with either the D3300 or the D5300. Both are very capable cameras. The old versions D3200 and D5200 are also very capable but lack some of the new and nice features.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by DaveFromRI: Fri Jan 8th, 2016 10:42 | 5th Post |
| Thank you to each of you who've guided me with your knowledge and expertise. I appreciate your input so much so, that I'm now thinking that whatever camera my family member may buy, I might do the same (meaning that I'll buy the same camera as her, based on what you folks are guiding me/us to), as if I own the same camera as my family member, it will be handy to share experiences, tips, and generally exchange knowledge. At this point the D5300 is really attractive. It's not a "starter" camera (we're both well past that stage) but it's not in the professional range, an expense that neither of us need. I've read complaints about lack of quick accessibility to critical functions for more experienced photographers (like ISO), but that's not us. I hope you understand. So, based on the input already posted (THANK YOU!!!), I've refined my questions to these three: 1. Can someone give me a reason, for the price-point of the D5300, to choose another Nikon DSLR? 2. Is the D5300 compatible with my old Speedlight SB-600? 3. Is the D5300 compatible with my old Nikon DX VR AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1.4-5.6G ED lens (AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4.5G IF-ED)? Lens box specs: No. 1223195 UPC 018208021666 You folks are great, and I'm so appreciative of your input. So if I don't go with your direction or advice, please don't think I'm ignoring you. I'm only considering my goals with what you've suggested, and based on my personal needs I'm opting for a different route. Absolutely nothing is personal, so THANK YOU!
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| Posted by amazing50: Fri Jan 8th, 2016 12:14 | 6th Post |
| Price-points etc. depend upon your country. I have a D5300, which was purchased new after the D5500 came out, and feel that it has more features/price than any other Nikon. As for compatabilities, it's best to download the manual from Nikon Service. A lot of older gear will work in manual mode, some can't use the autofocus and/or light meter.
____________________ There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept ;~) Mike Grace |
| Posted by DaveFromRI: Fri Jan 8th, 2016 15:45 | 7th Post |
| Other than cost (+$200) and no GPS, the P5500 seems like a better camera, including but not limited to touch-screen and better battery life. Opinions regarding the P5300 vs the P5500? Yea, I've searched the 'net, but I'd like to hear real person perspective's and view points.
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| Posted by Eric: Sat Jan 9th, 2016 13:16 | 8th Post |
DaveFromRI wrote:Other than cost (+$200) and no GPS, the P5500 seems like a better camera, including but not limited to touch-screen and better battery life. You wouldn't see any difference in the images taken on those cameras. Buy the D5300 ...and save a few bucks for more glass.  Here's a side by side comparison.... http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=nikon_d5500&products=nikon_d5300 The only negative I see with the D5300 is the battery life...which MAY be something to do with gps drain?? But when it comes to battery life I have never had any battery issues since the D1X ! I rarely take 800 shots in a day, so there is no hardship to recharge at night....or carry a spare battery. 
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by jk: Sat Jan 9th, 2016 13:38 | 9th Post |
DaveFromRI wrote:Other than cost (+$200) and no GPS, the P5500 seems like a better camera, including but not limited to touch-screen and better battery life. I guess you mean D not P in the camera names/models.
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