Beginner camera - Nikon 3300? What package?

[Eddw86]

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!

[Eddw86]

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.

[Eddw86]

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.

Edited by Eddw86 on Saturday 27th August 11:49

[Eddw86]

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!

[Eddw86]

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!