Beginner Which camera?

Rhyswh

Rhyswh

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I put a post up recently asking if it would be a good idea to get a new camera to replace a sony A300 my dad gave me. I'm new to DSLR's but have a good basic understanding of the exposure triangle.

I still haven't seen the photos I've taken on the Sony yet (left the lead at my parents house 250 miles away!) but hoping to get them off tomorrow. So I might decide not to upgrade when I see the results. saying that I'm pretty set on getting a newer camera as the Sony is pretty old tech now.

So I've whittled down my choice to a Nikon D3300 or a D5200. Available second hand at roughly the same price.

The only thing swaying me towards the D5200 is the screen. I would like to use the camera for some video as well so the flip out screen would be helpful. Is there anything else I should consider that makes one or the other much better? I know the D3300 doesn't have Anti-aliasing so apparently gives sharper images. As a beginner should I just get the D3300?
 
Rhyswh said:
I put a post up recently asking if it would be a good idea to get a new camera to replace a sony A300 my dad gave me. I'm new to DSLR's but have a good basic understanding of the exposure triangle.

I still haven't seen the photos I've taken on the Sony yet (left the lead at my parents house 250 miles away!) but hoping to get them off tomorrow. So I might decide not to upgrade when I see the results. saying that I'm pretty set on getting a newer camera as the Sony is pretty old tech now.

So I've whittled down my choice to a Nikon D3300 or a D5200. Available second hand at roughly the same price.

The only thing swaying me towards the D5200 is the screen. I would like to use the camera for some video as well so the flip out screen would be helpful. Is there anything else I should consider that makes one or the other much better? I know the D3300 doesn't have Anti-aliasing so apparently gives sharper images. As a beginner should I just get the D3300?
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I have the D3300 and it is a great neat little DSLR, very good image quality. I suppose most would tell you to go for a better older body, probably something like the D7000 or D7100 etc.

PS
Better spec older camera, may not necessarily have better image quality, especially at high ISO. But may have better functions, and are able to use older lenses.
 
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You should also consider the Sony A68 which will be compatible with the lenses you have.
 
If you get the D3XXX series, the body have no internal AF motor. So any AFD lens will be manual focus. D7XXX have the focus motor. If you only planning to use AFS lens, then it doesn't matter to you.
 
badboy1984 said:
If you get the D3XXX series, the body have no internal AF motor. So any AFD lens will be manual focus. D7XXX have the focus motor. If you only planning to use AFS lens, then it doesn't matter to you.
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As a beginner I think I'm going to need AF. Is there a big difference in quality/price between AFD and AFS lenses? Or will this not be a problem as long as I make sure to buy an AFS lens?
 
Most lenses that people use is AFS lens because is newer. With a few exception alot of people still shoot with their AFD lens. i.e 50mm f1.8 or 50 f1.4 AFD and also the legendary 85mm f1.4 AFD. Alot of people will say the AFS lens is faster focus but with my personally experience it is only slightly faster. What is true is that the focus noise is quieter on the AFS lens compare to the AFD.

Price wise the AFD lens tend to be cheaper. I think most people is happy to shoot with the AFD prime lens.
 
My D3300 combined with my 50mm 1.8D, does pretty good video, as manual focus is preferential anyway. But for photos, is is a bit of a pain manual focusing.
 
Soooo......I did a buy! Found a great deal on ebay on a D3300 which includes a couple of nice accessories. Hope I made the right choice, seems to get glowing reviews everywhere, I'm sure I'll manage without the flip out screen. Will be using the kit lens for a while anyway. Will get a 50mm lens at some point though.
 
Since you got the D3300, if you do want to add a prime lens, I will suggest you get the 35mm f1.8 AFS DX instead of the 50mm. Your camera has a crop factor so the 35mm will be a more useful range then the 50mm. Unless you prefer the reach of the 50mm.
 
badboy1984 said:
Since you got the D3300, if you do want to add a prime lens, I will suggest you get the 35mm f1.8 AFS DX instead of the 50mm. Your camera has a crop factor so the 35mm will be a more useful range then the 50mm. Unless you prefer the reach of the 50mm.
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Nice neat little set up, that is what I use.
 
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