Nikon D3300, D5300 #, ?

[Weslake-Monza]

Thanks to advice provided here I'm going to get my younger daughter a Nikon D3300 for Christmas. However, I've watched prices steadily fall to the point where I can now get one for £319. So, my first questions are why is the price falling, is it likely to go back up before Christmas, is the price falling because something better is on the way?

I thought about getting myself a D3300 or maybe a D5300 but given prices have fallen can afford to spend at bit more. So, what Nikon DSLR to buy instead of a D3300 or D5300 or don't bother and spend extra money on lenses?

Thanks

[ExPat2B]

The D3300 is falling in price due to competition from mirrorless cameras.

The next big update to the D3xxx or D5xxx will be the move to the new Sony backlit sensors, but that is not expected until next year.

IMHO, don't bother with the D5xxx range, if you want to spend more go straight to the D7100/d7200. The D7xxx range is a BIG jump, better viewfinder, autofocus, flash management, in body motor for full lens compatibility, two command wheels. It is a pro bit of kit.

If you want a bargain go for the D3300 and another lens.

[Weslake-Monza]

Many thanks. So, has the D3300 price bottomed out or will it drop further before Christmas?

[ExPat2B]

Typically, Nikon UK do a cashback deal before xmas, along with a lens bundle deal and this is the best time to buy. However they extended the cashback deal from november to march this year. I guess they will do another later this year but who knows when !

[SL22]

Last year I got my first DSLR. I paid just over £100 for a second hand D5000 (which was about 5 years old) with the 18-55mm lens from a friend. I've been really pleased with it and have learnt a lot, though I was starting from scratch. It's allowed me to work out what I wanted the camera for and what to do with it.

I've not long bought a D7200 and 70-200mm lens (to add to a 35mm I got a while ago...) and it's amazing just how much better it is, including things like mentioned above having two wheels etc. However, the point is that until I got this I was quite pleased with what I was getting from the D5000 with a decent 35mm prime lens attached. Now I'm 'in' for about 10times the cost. On that basis don't rule out 2nd hand. I've used and have heard good things about MPB. I'm not saying I'm very good...definitely need more practice...and I'm not an expert, but I've certainly enjoyed the process.