Not Another Camera Purchasing Thread

dfaktz on 21/07/2017 - 18:54
Last edited 22/07/2017 - 20:05

Have worked out most of this with the help of you guys, now its just a question of ..
A D3300 w/ the stock 50mm lens for $380 / $390 (1630 shutter count)
Or a D5200 w/ stock 50mm lens for $300! (6011 shutter count)

..Now, I'll do my best to keep things simple as 1) I have a habit for walls of text 2) I'm sure the photography pro's here get the question so much it hurts.
My only question is now the one at the top, above this text.

I'm looking to start photography as a hobby, I know little to nothing about it - I really enjoy taking photos on my phone (Nexus 6P) but am starting to have an urge for some crispness in my photos.. or even just being able to take long-shots and not have the sky a big noisy blue area.
I want to turn this into a hobby because.. well.. enjoying life.. and I always "see scenes" when im out and about, just waiting to be shot in that moment.

I've done a few hours of reading through the threads but I decided to make my own just to make sure I know what I'm in for.
I understand the rule of thumb being 2/3 of my budget should be for lens's, sadly after EOFY and all else, my budget is extremely low, in the $450 range~ max.

..So, my conclusion is I'm going to have to max out my budget either way as $450 doesn't really get you many places in this area. The Nikon D3400 comes highly recommended around here as far as I can tell and I like the sounds/look of it aswell, I can find them on ebay for ~$500 that come with a 18-55mm lens and then use the weekend 10% discount code to bring it to $450.
The upside I saw to this is that I would be able to use that lens until I save up some more and get a proper lens.

On the choice of a Nikon D3400 w/ 18-55mm lens as a noob hobbyist ->
Should I go ahead? Have I missed anything? $500~ sounds about right or do much better bargains come? Should I stop and wait for a better deal or a different camera?

Thanks a bunch, as normal, OZB!

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • apple2016 on 21/07/2017 - 22:40
    +2

    Should I go ahead?

    Yes. For a hobby with limited budget it's good.

    Have I missed anything?

    Have you thought about going used DSLR?

    • dfaktz on 21/07/2017 - 22:52

      Thanks for some confirmation! Yeah, I checked gumtree and so many of the DSLR/DSLM cameras are so close to retail price I feel as a camera nooby that I should be valuing the warranty more-so?

      Or are you suggesting can I get away with that and just make sure my lenses are in warranty?
      If so I might explore longer(watch the category) on gumtree..

      • apple2016 on 21/07/2017 - 22:54

        Try Facebook Nikon buy/sell groups.

        • dfaktz on 21/07/2017 - 23:52

          Mmh, might have to create an account for this, cheers for the further advice but not on FB anymore, made the conscious decision to stop and just stick to twitter and skype mainly. It's actually strengthened many relationships having people forced to go back to using a mobile txt/call to talk.
          … anddd that's a subject for another day :P

  • outlander on 21/07/2017 - 23:19
    +1

    Depends what you want. I thought I wanted to get into photography because of two things.
    1) Exploring old buildings and capturing the dark, claustrophobic atmosphere to share with friends
    2) Documented family gatherings and capture those unique moments that get lost in memory.

    Now, in retrospect neither of those are ideal reasons for getting a DSLR. The old buildings I don't feel comfortable standing around, fiddling with settings to get the perfect shot, and with family, there's no time. I used to see photography as a skill that let people get really good photos, but now I see photography as more the ability to optimizing a photo under relatively static conditions.

    My camera is the D3300, so the model before yours. It's a good one. Thing is, even without a focus in photography I don't regret buying it because it has so many useful features. The shutter speed alone is very impressive, and the night time abilities are amazing. I probably didn't need to buy a DSLR to get that, but it still beats out what I had by miles.

    edit: don't forget a tripod. More useful than additional lenses at this point imo

    • dfaktz on 21/07/2017 - 23:50

      It seems we would have somewhat close reasons to each other, though I do definitely want to be able to capture "moments" that I see and almost take my own 'brain picture' (rofl) without a camera atm. I also am the type to definitely feel comfortable playing with settings for shots of a cave adventure.

      Yeah, most of what you're saying is just heavily reinforcing that I haven't overshot my mark and I'm on the right path. I think the D3400 is definitely going to be my choice.

      Last of all, yep, tripod 1000%, I don't exactly have parkinsons but my hands certainly aren't rock solid stabilizers like some others. (I'm looking at about $100 for a tripod yeah?)
      Thanks for your time

      • alvian on 22/07/2017 - 09:33
        +1

        Consider a monopod instead of a tripod, especially if you enjoy taking quick snaps. Monopods are much more portable and easier to set up and take down than tripods.

        • dfaktz on 22/07/2017 - 11:06

          Information registered, thanks :P Any input on the other stuff mentioned? Getting a new nikon D3400 would be the best for the situation?

        • alvian on 22/07/2017 - 11:28
          +2

          @dfaktz: Go in store and try your hand on the camera. Is it a good size and weight for your hands? Try out the dials, buttons, the viewfinder and the screen. Do they look and feel okay to you?

          Decide whether you are more a snappy or a compositional type of photographer. If the former then learn to use shutter priority mode and train yourself to "spot the moment". If the latter then learn to use fully manual exposure control and familiarise yourself with composition techniques.

          In both cases stop worrying about how good are the equipment but concentrate on capturing the photo. The best camera is the one you have on hand when you wish to take a photo.

        • dfaktz on 22/07/2017 - 11:34

          @alvian: I'm not sure if this effects your advice but its definitely the former, I am not really the type to set a shot up. This is actually the exact reason why I want to try it as a hobby because my brain see's scenes(or moments) when im out and about and I think "what a great picture that would be".

          I guess I just wish $500~ wasn't the cheapest for an entry level DSLR/M but then again, I don't want to re-buy in the foreseeable future so it makes sense, I'll just save my money until I have some more. Looks like I really should have thought about this in the EOFY sales just past :P

          Thanks again for your help.
          Edit.. Commented below, found a second hand very interesting but would love some feedback.

        • alvian on 22/07/2017 - 11:47
          +1

          @dfaktz: There is an opinion amongst "candid/street photographers" that SLR isn't a good type of camera for them due to its size and use of large lens. They found that as soon as the subjects (being people) spot a big camera pointed at them, the subjects start to pose or become camera shy, and you lose all naturalness. They advocate the use of small all-in-one compact cameras.

          I need to point out that I am more a compositional type of photographer and I don't have a lot of experience of street photography. The above is simply what I'd read in forums and articles.

        • dfaktz on 22/07/2017 - 11:57

          @alvian: Ah, well that makes sense and is good to know. I think through my research though I'll be happy to take abuse using an SLR for street shots ;)

      • outlander on 22/07/2017 - 11:52
        +1

        I think the D3400 is definitely going to be my choice.

        From my experience and everything I've heard, its a good starter camera. It's not particularly strong in anything, but it does everything well enough, and I think you need to start off with a camera that has some limitations to work out whats important to you. Certainly you won't feel that way when you first get it though. If it's anything like the previous model, its got a premium feel to it.

        Tripod, depends who you are. Any stable tripod will improve the quality of your photos 1000%. Cannot emphasize their worth enough. I have a cheap one, a Sirix 3550 I picked up from the goodguys. They're $50 but I think I used a coupon to get it for half that.

        The more expensive ones have a more premium feel to them, are easier to lock and keep centred, and don't break as easily. It only has to save you an extra minute each shot before the extra money becomes a trivial amount.

        Here's some gear I have or plan to buy for my camera
        Infrared remote - useful for taking multiple "selfies"
        Articulated arm - Mount camera to tables, or above doors, place that area hard to get photos from otherwise
        Time lapse tool - Used this to make a fast motion development of a wild bee hive last year
        Camera bag - because walking around with a DSLR makes me feel like I have a dildo stuck to my chest. Plus it's good to keep that expensive gear safe

        • dfaktz on 22/07/2017 - 12:00

          Really helpful and informative, I think if i add lenses to your list I get to see why this is such an expensive hobby haha.
          Saved though!

          ..And yeah, im just tossing up between monopod and tripod now, I guess I'll go instore and see for myself.

        • outlander on 22/07/2017 - 13:11

          expensive hobby

          Ha, not even. All the stuff listed is less than $100, tripod included. But it's all cheap gear. It gets the job done, but none of it lasts.
          Still better than nothing

        • dfaktz on 22/07/2017 - 20:02

          @outlander: Oh no, I definitely didn't mean expensive now, just in the future, as I build a lens collection etc

  • dfaktz on 22/07/2017 - 11:42

    This is literally streets away and seems to be a really good deal in my price range but the need for it to be serviced scares me, should I leave this as a nooby or is the offer too good to pass up and just service it when I can afford to?

    Would really love some feedback even if its just a yes no.

    https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/bicton/digital-slr/nikon-d51…

    Edit: Oh, not such a good deal as I thought, the D5100 seems to sell for less than the D3400
    So many lenses and extra gear though (like tripod) Ugh.. is a service ALL they would need? Could he hide other problems quite well?

    • outlander on 22/07/2017 - 13:16
      +1

      Looking at ebay prices
      Camera - $300 - $400 minus service costs
      Lens - $150 - $200
      Tripod - $50
      Bag - $10 or so
      Mem card - worthless

      Could be a good deal, but depends on the work that needs to be done. I wouldn't take it myself at that price if I wasn't certain I could fix it.

      • dfaktz on 22/07/2017 - 20:01

        Yep, not going with that one, confirmed now with your advice.

        Luckily I found some other good ones, a D3300 w/ the stock 50mm lens for $380 / $390..
        Or a D5200 w/ stock 50mm lens for just $300!

        I hate to ask, but if you had to choose, or suggest, what would you go for?

        .. It's good to hear a tripod is only $50 as I will probably need one as soon as I start shooting, Also, thought the lens was worth more - I'm learning alot today! :P

        • outlander on 22/07/2017 - 21:06
          +1

          I think no matter what you get you're going to be happy with it, and if you do really get into photography you'll end up selling it and buying something better once you know what you want, so don't stress too much about it.

          Something to keep in mind, Nikon have cashback towards the end of the year. Potentially you get a new D3400 for $400 or less.

        • dfaktz on 22/07/2017 - 21:57
          +1

          @outlander: Is this where you can trade in your old body for discounts on a new one?

          Looks like ill go with the cheaper and (higher model?) D5200! :) Yay!

          Thanks again for your time, I give you.. one I owe U ..token… usable for the next 12 months, best redeemed in IT services or advice..

          EDIT: Since this will be the end of the thread I should get this out of the way.. tripod? (I definitely need one) Just go to any retailer and get any old one for now? (What should I look to pay? $50~?)

        • outlander on 22/07/2017 - 22:29

          @dfaktz:

          Yeah go the D5200. At that price if you end up not liking it, sell it on ebay and get your money back (or even make a profit! lol)

          Tripod, trust your instincts. Not a lot to them. If it feels flimsy, don't get it, but keep in mind every bit of extra weight makes you that much less likely to carry it.

  • jones1337 on 10/08/2017 - 23:02

    I am an amateur-photographer too and i started doing it only 3-4 months ago. There are lots of different articles about cameras for beginners and this one helped me http://fixthephoto.com/blog/tech-tips/best-camera-for-amateu… Some cameras and lenses for them are well-described there so i hope it'll help you :) By the way i've got Nikon D700 and it's super

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