Beginner camera - Nikon 3300? What package?
Discussion
Hi all,
After snapping away for too long on my phone camera and missing many opportunities for great photos and being inspired by many photos posted on this forum it's time for me to take the plunge. I'm keeping the budget relatively small for now to test the water.
After lots and lots of research and reading reviews and getting utterly confused I think I've narrowed it down to the Nikon D3300 as the entry level DSLR camera - seems to have the balance of ease of use and ability to take great photos. I know the D3400 is on its way but it seems to be £400+ and I was hoping to keep the initial spend closer to £300 after revising the budget upwards already...
Firstly, am I wrong to go for the D3300?
Secondly, what lens do I want with it? I was looking at Jessops website and they have different offers. Do I stick to the kit lens 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-P Non VR Lens for £279. Or pay the extra £20 for the VR lens? What is a VR lens?! Alternatively they also have a deal for an extra £69 to get a Tamron 70-300mm Lens as well.
Currys and Argos prices are similar, however I assumed Jessops would be a better destination given they are more specialist and they had a good reputation when I worked in consumer electronics previously.
Or should I be looking for a different lens altogether? I must admit it's the different type of lens that currently confuses me.
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Cur...
All input and advice greatly welcomed! I may even pick this up today!
After snapping away for too long on my phone camera and missing many opportunities for great photos and being inspired by many photos posted on this forum it's time for me to take the plunge. I'm keeping the budget relatively small for now to test the water.
After lots and lots of research and reading reviews and getting utterly confused I think I've narrowed it down to the Nikon D3300 as the entry level DSLR camera - seems to have the balance of ease of use and ability to take great photos. I know the D3400 is on its way but it seems to be £400+ and I was hoping to keep the initial spend closer to £300 after revising the budget upwards already...
Firstly, am I wrong to go for the D3300?
Secondly, what lens do I want with it? I was looking at Jessops website and they have different offers. Do I stick to the kit lens 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-P Non VR Lens for £279. Or pay the extra £20 for the VR lens? What is a VR lens?! Alternatively they also have a deal for an extra £69 to get a Tamron 70-300mm Lens as well.
Currys and Argos prices are similar, however I assumed Jessops would be a better destination given they are more specialist and they had a good reputation when I worked in consumer electronics previously.
Or should I be looking for a different lens altogether? I must admit it's the different type of lens that currently confuses me.
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Cur...
All input and advice greatly welcomed! I may even pick this up today!
Hmm, interesting question. At the early stage I imagine it will be 'everything', though it will most likely be for scenic shots e.g. countryside or say New York when I go in a few weeks, and possibly random shots like animals and cars.
I seldom go to say a racetrack or similar to try to take a photo of a moving object or sports.
Does that help? As time goes on I expect I will go down a clearer path but for now it is a general hobby.
I seldom go to say a racetrack or similar to try to take a photo of a moving object or sports.
Does that help? As time goes on I expect I will go down a clearer path but for now it is a general hobby.
I've also stumbled across this deal for a Nikon 5300, with a kit VR 18-55 lens for £380 +pp. The budget is creeping up (doesn't it always) but I would spend the extra if the camera was worth it - it has built in wi-fi so I wouldnt need to buy the extra wifi dingle for the 3300 possibly?
Has anyone dealt with this website before?
http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/nikon-d5300-kit-af-p-...
Edit, I've just realised its most probably an import so may be some warranty issues? Will likely stick to the 3300.
Has anyone dealt with this website before?
http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/nikon-d5300-kit-af-p-...
Edit, I've just realised its most probably an import so may be some warranty issues? Will likely stick to the 3300.
Edited by Eddw86 on Saturday 27th August 11:49
My photo buddy uses the d3200, I have the D5100. Whilst very similar a couple things have been highlighted which makes her wish she'd bought the next model up (I'd the D5200 at the time I believe), namely the ability to do back button focusing easily in the way the D5100 can, and bracketing.
Now neither of these might be important to you, especially at first, but as you progress through the skills they may become more important as time goes by. Certainly I didn't realise how much better BBF would be until I started using it and now I would not go back to the usual half press shutter release method of focusing.
As far as lens go I can recommend the Nikon 18-140 at £209 from HDEW as another poster has said. It's an excellent general use lens and very sharp and fast to focus. It's head and shoulders above the 18-55 kit lens, and I use if for landscapes, things, portraits, etc - it is such a versatile lens for the general consumer using a crop sensor camera.
Whatever you pick I wish you all the best looking and buying!
Edited to add I e used HDEW twice now and have had no problems. I intend to but my next camera from them too as they provide a three year GB warranty, (although I understand this is not with Nikon).
Now neither of these might be important to you, especially at first, but as you progress through the skills they may become more important as time goes by. Certainly I didn't realise how much better BBF would be until I started using it and now I would not go back to the usual half press shutter release method of focusing.
As far as lens go I can recommend the Nikon 18-140 at £209 from HDEW as another poster has said. It's an excellent general use lens and very sharp and fast to focus. It's head and shoulders above the 18-55 kit lens, and I use if for landscapes, things, portraits, etc - it is such a versatile lens for the general consumer using a crop sensor camera.
Whatever you pick I wish you all the best looking and buying!
Edited to add I e used HDEW twice now and have had no problems. I intend to but my next camera from them too as they provide a three year GB warranty, (although I understand this is not with Nikon).
Edited by steveatesh on Saturday 27th August 17:56
Used D300 Body
https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipment/used-phot...
Used Nikkor 18-105
https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipment/used-phot...
Job jobbed....
https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipment/used-phot...
Used Nikkor 18-105
https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipment/used-phot...
Job jobbed....
Firstly, thank you for your input and help so far. Much food for thought.
It's comforting to know HDEW are well known and puts a bit of peace of mind.
Rightly or wrongly I think I would prefer a new camera to start with, likely going to keep it a few years and is a bit of a treat to myself in the hope of sparking a new hobby or at least just some nice photos at key times.
I'm now torn between the D3300, and getting the better lens recommended on here. OR, the D5300 and kit lens and getting the better lens in the future. Whilst I could do the D5300 and lens now I originally wanted to get everything for £300 and by the time I add a memory card and bag I'll be well over £400...
I fear this trend of budget creep is only just beginning!
It's comforting to know HDEW are well known and puts a bit of peace of mind.
Rightly or wrongly I think I would prefer a new camera to start with, likely going to keep it a few years and is a bit of a treat to myself in the hope of sparking a new hobby or at least just some nice photos at key times.
I'm now torn between the D3300, and getting the better lens recommended on here. OR, the D5300 and kit lens and getting the better lens in the future. Whilst I could do the D5300 and lens now I originally wanted to get everything for £300 and by the time I add a memory card and bag I'll be well over £400...
I fear this trend of budget creep is only just beginning!
To give this thread closure, I am now the rather pleased owner of a D5300 and kit lens.
Whilst waiting for delivery I spent far too many hours when I should have been sleeping browsing this forum and trying to get my head around the jargon and what the different EXIF details of photos meant and am looking forward to slowly experimenting and getting it all horribly wrong! There's so many buttons and dials!
Really looking forward to getting a bit of time with it at the weekend to play around! Thanks to all for your help and input.
If there's any good resources to absorb, or tips to pass on to a complete beginner please throw them my way!
Whilst waiting for delivery I spent far too many hours when I should have been sleeping browsing this forum and trying to get my head around the jargon and what the different EXIF details of photos meant and am looking forward to slowly experimenting and getting it all horribly wrong! There's so many buttons and dials!
Really looking forward to getting a bit of time with it at the weekend to play around! Thanks to all for your help and input.
If there's any good resources to absorb, or tips to pass on to a complete beginner please throw them my way!
Turn7 said:
Understand the exposure triangle....
Exposure,Aperture and ISO .
Need to balance these for good results.
Experiment with large and small apertures to see and understand the effect on depth of field.
Definitely this, I would learn the camera on Auto, then on Shutter and Aperture priorities, and work out what each does for what you want to shoot.Exposure,Aperture and ISO .
Need to balance these for good results.
Experiment with large and small apertures to see and understand the effect on depth of field.
Above all, Have FUN
Eddw86 said:
To give this thread closure, I am now the rather pleased owner of a D5300 and kit lens.
Whilst waiting for delivery I spent far too many hours when I should have been sleeping browsing this forum and trying to get my head around the jargon and what the different EXIF details of photos meant and am looking forward to slowly experimenting and getting it all horribly wrong! There's so many buttons and dials!
Really looking forward to getting a bit of time with it at the weekend to play around! Thanks to all for your help and input.
If there's any good resources to absorb, or tips to pass on to a complete beginner please throw them my way!
YouTube is your friend for all things camera related. After four years I still use it an awful lot for tips and learning. In addition go to Karl Taylor Photography and sign up to gain access to his free YouTube short videos, I eventually bought his full training package, very very helpful for the beginner and more than that too. Whilst waiting for delivery I spent far too many hours when I should have been sleeping browsing this forum and trying to get my head around the jargon and what the different EXIF details of photos meant and am looking forward to slowly experimenting and getting it all horribly wrong! There's so many buttons and dials!
Really looking forward to getting a bit of time with it at the weekend to play around! Thanks to all for your help and input.
If there's any good resources to absorb, or tips to pass on to a complete beginner please throw them my way!
Enjoy
I've found this a really useful thread, I went for 3200+ kit lens over a year ago. Have since bought a Sigma 18-250 lens and looking to get the highly recommended 35mm prime (What GAS lol). I like the idea of trying bracketing, but other than that am happy with its capability and output so far. I think a full frame Nikon will be my ultimate progression.
The reason I am replying is to ask for further youtube & online recommendations? I have searched these threads and not found much - its seems to be more expert content, although very helpful all the same.
The reason I am replying is to ask for further youtube & online recommendations? I have searched these threads and not found much - its seems to be more expert content, although very helpful all the same.
If you can I'd suggest waiting for Christmas. I have a D3300 with a Nikon 18-300mm Sigma lens. The body only also came with Nikon £20 cash back, can't quite remember where I got the lens from right now
The camera is a good entry level one & is a good started in photography, I also got a bag from Amazon as well as a mono pod & filet kit. Altogether I think I got it all for around 500-550ish mark.
I was told when looking to start with a good all round lens which would suit your needs & then when you find the limits of that piece of kit look for one which will give you the missing bit & slowly build your kit up from there, it isn't cheap.
Best advice is certainly to take your camera with you as often as possible & the more you snap the more you learn about different techniques & ways of getting the shots you want.
The camera is a good entry level one & is a good started in photography, I also got a bag from Amazon as well as a mono pod & filet kit. Altogether I think I got it all for around 500-550ish mark.
I was told when looking to start with a good all round lens which would suit your needs & then when you find the limits of that piece of kit look for one which will give you the missing bit & slowly build your kit up from there, it isn't cheap.
Best advice is certainly to take your camera with you as often as possible & the more you snap the more you learn about different techniques & ways of getting the shots you want.
bony_13 said:
I've found this a really useful thread, I went for 3200+ kit lens over a year ago. Have since bought a Sigma 18-250 lens and looking to get the highly recommended 35mm prime (What GAS lol). I like the idea of trying bracketing, but other than that am happy with its capability and output so far. I think a full frame Nikon will be my ultimate progression.
The reason I am replying is to ask for further youtube & online recommendations? I have searched these threads and not found much - its seems to be more expert content, although very helpful all the same.
What is it you need the recommendations for?The reason I am replying is to ask for further youtube & online recommendations? I have searched these threads and not found much - its seems to be more expert content, although very helpful all the same.
I've built up a hefty list of subscribed channels, covering photography and post processing, for subjects such as portraits (Weekly Imogen ) landscape (Thomas Heaton) Using Lightroom (serge ramelli) off camera flash, Nik collection, general photography (Matt Granger) and many many more.
I found the best way is to put a specific search term into YouTube and look at the results. Hope that helps .
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