Camera Recommendations?

EightImmortals on 21/08/2018 - 14:32

Sorry if wrong forum. I've kinda got temporary work that 'might' need me having a half decent camera so I'm looking for recommendations. I was looking at the Nikon D3400, it's around 600 bucks with an 18-55mm lens or around $700 with a 2 lens kit (24.2 megapixel ccd) I'm not a camera noob but it's been a long time since I've needed a decent one that I don't know what's around these days. :)

I wouldn't want to spend more than around $700-ish as I don't think I could justify the expense after the job is done.

Any tips appreciated.

Cheers

Electrical & Electronics Camera

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2018 - 14:34
    -2

    If you don't need optical zoom then just buy yourself a pixel 2 xl

    • EightImmortals on 21/08/2018 - 14:38

      Cheers, yeah, nah I don't think that will do. I already have a Panasonic Lumix FT5 which takes decent shots but doesn't seem to have the flexibility for manual shooting that I think I am going to need. The pixel 2 xl has a 12.2 MP camera, the Lumix is 18 and my Moto G5 is 13MP. :)

      • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2018 - 14:41
        -1

        It's not all about the megapixels.

        Pixel has apps for manual mode and will take better low light shots than your lumix and g5 combined.

        • EightImmortals on 21/08/2018 - 14:44

          Yeah I figured there would be a lot of variables along those lines that would make for better pic taking. Will look into it. cheers.

        • Namesareapain on 25/08/2018 - 15:26

          Yeah, it is about the sensor size and phones have tiny sensors that will be completely humiliated by even a cheap DSLR like the D3400!

  • John Kimble on 21/08/2018 - 14:41
    +1

    Second hand?

    • EightImmortals on 21/08/2018 - 14:45

      Sure, as long as the quality is OK or it's a factory refurb. :)

      • Freitag on 21/08/2018 - 17:45

        I picked up a second hand Canon 5D for around $400 a few years ago and it's great, it's got a full frame sensor. Don't get kit lenses unless they suit what you need.

  • dust on 21/08/2018 - 15:05

    What are you shooting? People? Landscapes? Architecture?

    • dcep on 21/08/2018 - 15:18

      this !

      $700 can't excel in everything

    • EightImmortals on 21/08/2018 - 15:34

      Current job is some female models in not great indoor locations or lighting (not as seedy as it sounds :) ). Different shapes and complexions etc.

      • dcep on 21/08/2018 - 15:58
        +2

        for indoor modelling shoot with inadequate lighting, i would get fast primes 50 for body shot or long portrait

        for your budget just pick cheapo used d3300 and a 50mm f1.4g , plus diffuser for the in-built flash

      • dcep on 21/08/2018 - 16:08

        trust me you'll notice the difference between shots taken from 50mm f1.4g and kitty lens 18-55 , especially indoor low light

        • EightImmortals on 21/08/2018 - 16:09

          OK cheers, will look into it. (Just looked into the 50mm lens…budget blown. :) )

      • xaykogeki on 21/08/2018 - 17:08

        D3400 with one kit lens should suffice you. Anything extra get yongnuo flash and umbrellas which you can use afterwards.

  • Rifraf on 21/08/2018 - 15:14
    +1

    Have a look at a refurb via Ryda.com on eBay, and then look for an AF-P 18-55 VR and an AF-P 70-300 VR.

    Likely you can find them separately for a better price on eBay than together if you look hard.

    Theres also not much between a D3300 and the D3400 except the ignorable snapbridge which many have given up on.

    So don't be afraid of the D3300 as it will accept the above lenses, but don't go older if you want the above lenses and you do.

    Make sure you get the VR lens versions or don't bother.

    Make sure you get the AF-P versions and not the older AF-S versions.

    Just my opinion but you'll find its shared by various reviewers on the net.

    If you need wider, there is a new AF-P 10-20 VR though last I looked there wasn't a lot of reviews just yet.

    • EightImmortals on 21/08/2018 - 15:34

      Thanks, excellent. :)

      Yeah I wasn't interested in snapbridge at all.

      • Rifraf on 21/08/2018 - 15:45
        +1

        I just had a squiz and suggest Ryda refurb as its cheaper than most of the d3300.

        https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nikon-D3400-BODY-DSLR-Camera-REF…

        Its 20% off price is $351.08 with free postage.

        I think you'd be able to recoup this price selling secondhand if you didn't like it.

        Sorry I don't have time to search out the cheapest lenses for you but do recommend the ones I mentioned in the above post.

        • EightImmortals on 21/08/2018 - 15:48

          Thanks for your efforts. :) I was just looking at the ryda site actually, their 18=55 VR lens is about $120. Will check out the camera link you posted too.

        • Rifraf on 21/08/2018 - 15:52

          @EightImmortals: Keep a close eye on static ice.com as well as catch.com.au as their grey imports can be competitive and I've found them so far decent to deal with
          https://www.catch.com.au/product/nikon-af-p-dx-nikkor-70-300…
          but do recommend huge searching before you press anyones buy now button.

        • EightImmortals on 21/08/2018 - 15:55

          @Rifraf: They have this one for $408 with an 18-55 lens but doesn't state if it's the 'VR' lens though.

          https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nikon-D3400-18-55mm-DSLR-Camera-…

          edit, actually found the small print and it's a non VR lens.

        • Rifraf on 21/08/2018 - 15:59

          @EightImmortals:
          The more well known reviewers will suggest you get the VR lenses which is what I did.
          You have to make your own decision at the end of the day but I doubt the reviewers suggest it for nothing.
          The resale for VR lenses is also better when/if you decide to upgrade.
          I don't have the time to try to explain why VR is better to you but you can find via google.
          They don't mention VR as that sale doesn't have it.

        • EightImmortals on 21/08/2018 - 15:59

          @Rifraf: Will do, thanks. :)

        • EightImmortals on 21/08/2018 - 16:09

          @Rifraf: Thanks again, looks like the 20% off deal ends on the 30th so I'll have to make a decision by then. With an 18-55 VR lens comes out to about $450 which I can pretty much handle.

  • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2018 - 16:04
    +1

    Not sure if you’re open to canon but what about

    EOS1300d with 18-55 kit
    EF-50mm f/1.8 Lens (gives you 80mm equivalent mounted on EF-S)
    Godox TT685C flash

    The bounce flash might be needed if the lighting will be difficult, you will get good bokeh with the nifty fifty. No IS on the kit lens but if using with flash not really an issue.

    • Broke-Ken on 22/08/2018 - 09:34

      That's great advice, if OP did some hunting, they could get all that within budget.

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