Entry-level Nikon DSLR advice please

Yes of course he would no doubt see the difference
 
Agree not having to need the menu makes a.world of difference far more than any iq differences
 
stemll said:
This very much. I seem to spend forever in the menus on my 5100 just to change the slightest thing
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I have a D3300 and i can't remember the last time i went into the menu during shooting,the aperture, speed iso are all accessible with the dials etc.
I've found it a very capable camera for myself as a beginner.but maybe not suit all beginners,did have a play with the 7100 but didn't like feel of it as much
 
Orange Elephant said:
The button "locks" the lens closed. So to use the camera, you turn on the camera - try to take the shot - swear - think happy thoughts - press the button on the lens while turning the zoom to unlock the lens - try to take the shot - swear because you haven't turned the zoom far enough - think happy thoughts - turn the zoom a bit further - successfully take the shot of the unicorn's bottom disappearing behind a tree - throw the lens into a nearby lake & buy one without a button. Grrr.
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I never lock the lens because I'm not bothered about having a slightly shorter lens when bagged so its never a problem
 
Each to their own though not sure how the d3300 can feel better than the d7100? :-S as you get more.experience you will notice the difference more
 
ChalfontStGiles said:
As I mentioned in my intro, I've got a Panasonic micro 4/3 camera at the moment and I like this for its portability (I usually carry it with just the 14mm lens attached). Recently I borrowed a Nikon D90 and it instantly took me back to the years when I owned a 35mm film SLR and I really enjoyed the experience. I'm therefore thinking of buying a basic Nikon DSLR. Why Nikon? Well, before I bought my Panasonic I tried various cameras and I liked the feel of the Nikon but I decided at the time I wanted something more compact for traveling, hence the Panasonic. I have also become a bit used to the D90's menus etc. Another reason is I have an option on a used 18-55 zoom so I can buy the camera body only to save a bit of cash (to put towards another lens maybe).

I'm struggling a bit deciding which model so I'd welcome some assistance/advice. I had my mind on the D5300 but comparing it with the cheaper D3300 I'm having a hard time justifying the additional £150 or so. Both appear to have the same sensor and processing system and both have the same external controls. What the 5300 has over the 3300 is more AF points (possibly helpful, I don't know), a flippy screen, gps and wifi. I can live without those last 3. On this basis, is the 5300 worth the extra money? Will I "grow out" of the 3300 too quickly? Thanks everyone.
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I went through the same thought process and decided I didn't need wifi gps or a flippy screen,bracketing and HDR might have been useful and the larger number of Focus points but i just use the centre focus point as i went for the D3300 in the end and am very happy with how it performs,i bought 3 good primes the Nikon 35mm 50mm and 85 mm and find them excellent paired with the
excellent sensor,just about to get the Sigma 105 mm macro ,
whatever you decide to get have fun.
 
petert said:
Each to their own though not sure how the d3300 can feel better than the d7100? :-S as you get more.experience you will notice the difference more
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Hi pete you may well be correct and at some point I may desire the larger heavier body but I just love the lightness and it did and does feel good at the moment but we will see :)
 
SsSsSsSsSnake said:
Hi pete you may well be correct and at some point I may desire the larger heavier body but I just love the lightness and it did and does feel good at the moment but we will see :)
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Your happy with it and that's all that matters enjoy it and see where it takes you
 
I was in a similar position about a year ago, I opted for a used D7000.
Rationale:
1 - bit cheaper than a new 3300 or 5300
2 - older but features wise I saw it as a camera that I wouldn't outgrow as quickly as the 3300
3 - the money saved went towards a bargin used 50mm 1.4

I'm really happy with the choice and love the camera.

In the end though it should be about what's right for you.
Go into the shop and spend some time with each camera or try to borrow one from a friend if poss.
It's got to be the one that's right for you.
 
I will add the d7000/7100 are light compared to my d700 now that's a tank but still not heavy with a prime
 
don't think you will go far wrong with Nikon 5200, I have just picked one off ebay for under £300, with kit lens, if you look on flickr and compare IQ between upper price cameras and entry level, I think there is not a mile of difference.
the menu on entry level is not such a big deal once used to it.
 
SsSsSsSsSnake said:
which camera do you use the most Pete? do you prefer the FF?
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Love the d700 it's a pure photographic camera no bells or whistles just produces great images, the D7100 I use mainly for wildlife with crop factor but iq wise both great and in real world terms you can't see the difference, crop or FF there's little in it nowadays
 
Well, I picked up an ex-demo D3300 for just over £200. I had a feel of a D7100 (may have been a D7200, not sure) and I thought it was a bit on the heavy side. I feel (sic) the same about the D90 I've used and my concern was that I might end up not taking it out of the house, preferring instead my tiddly Panasonic GF1. The "i" button on the D3300 is similar in some ways to Panasonic's Quick Menu so it's not completely alien to me. Same with the wheel (I tend to use S or A if I'm not in auto mode so 1 wheel works OK).

I'm looking forward to taking it on a few days out to get some experience with it. If I end up growing out of it I won't lose much by flogging it on.
 
I hope you like it,i love mine,I sold my first one and missed it so much I bought another :)
 
Another vote for a used D7000 for this type of budget - great little camera.
 
I'd be looking at either a used D700, or used D7100. Both should last you a long time.
 
isn't the D700 even heavier and bulkier than the 7100 which the op found a bit heavy already,mind you both very nice cameras.

D700 4.5 ounces lighter I discovered :) then the added expense of the lenses hmm
 
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SsSsSsSsSnake said:
isn't the D700 even heavier and bulkier than the 7100 which the op found a bit heavy already,mind you both very nice cameras.

D700 4.5 ounces lighter I discovered :) then the added expense of the lenses hmm
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Well I could've gone whole hog with budget and suggested a D750 :p

TBH I didn't read every post and missed the bit about the op finding the D7100 heavy :oops: :$ I've found a good cure for a heavy camera is to use it with a very heavy lens and flash for a while, then when you go back to your usual set up it feels light :p
 
SsSsSsSsSnake said:
isn't the D700 even heavier and bulkier than the 7100 which the op found a bit heavy already,mind you both very nice cameras.

D700 4.5 ounces lighter I discovered :) then the added expense of the lenses hmm
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I have both the d7100 is light the d700 a tank no bells or whistles but a great photo machine
 
Because you're on a budget you may be considering adding older 'D' lenses. Many of these lack VR stabilisation but are of excellent quality. However these lenses also don't have the integral AF motor that later 'G' lenses provide and rely on the camera to provide it via a screw drive. through the mount. Current entry level Nikons, D3xxx and D5xxx, don't have the AF screw, which means 'D' lenses on these cameras will be manual focus only. D90 and D7xxx cameras have the drive screw.
 
SsSsSsSsSnake said:
I have a D3300 and i can't remember the last time i went into the menu during shooting,the aperture, speed iso are all accessible with the dials etc.
I've found it a very capable camera for myself as a beginner.but maybe not suit all beginners,did have a play with the 7100 but didn't like feel of it as much
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I also have a D3300, the menu system really isn't as bad as what users on here think. You just need to learn the short cuts. I also have an Olympus E3 (One time a real top end pro camera) and and Panasonic DMC-L1. I honestly hate to say it but for every day shooting and travel the D3300 wins hands down it simply takes better photos. The one wheel is enough even in full manual mode. You just need to hold other buttons down and it changes the functions of the wheel.
 
BenUK said:
I also have a D3300, the menu system really isn't as bad as what users on here think. You just need to learn the short cuts. I also have an Olympus E3 (One time a real top end pro camera) and and Panasonic DMC-L1. I honestly hate to say it but for every day shooting and travel the D3300 wins hands down it simply takes better photos. The one wheel is enough even in full manual mode. You just need to hold other buttons down and it changes the functions of the wheel.
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Exactly true
 
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