Is This Camera Appropriate For a Beginner? My question is, would the D300 be too much camera for a beginner?
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The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode. Personally I'm glad I ended up choosing the Nikon D300, it's such an amazing camera... I hope this was helpful
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Hello Kathy I love the sony camera. It is a great value for an intro camera. The ability to interchange the lens is great and will be where a lot of the money will go in terms of accessories. Sony also offers carl zeiss lenses which is amazing. And they are very affordable at $100-300 a piece Although sony does lack a lot of the lens options that nikon and canon offers, it is more than enough for a novice like myself. If you are looking to step up, this camera will not give you that ability. You will need to change camera body and maybe lenses. I am not too familiar with the nikon but from a cursory review online it doesnt seem people are very enamored with it. But i am biased since i love my camera. I have used a wide angle lens to take pictures of nature (flowers). With blurred background as well as pictures of my newborn daughter. Blowing them up to poster size (20" x 30") the resolution is more than enough to take great photos. And the body and lenses are small enough to be travel friendly. Hope that helps. Congrats on this (future) purchase and have fun. Wil
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My first DSLR was a D3000. It actually was the perfect starter. I find the D7100 to be a little more intricate in its functions. If I were you, I would start with the 5200/5300, it will get your feet wet without overwelming you.
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Sandra, that's what I did -- went from a small Panasonic point-and-shoot to the K-30. I've had the camera for several months now and while I'm still learning, I've gotten quite comfortable with it. The manual is very good and the controls make sense. It's a very different experience, not least because of the size, but I'm glad I decided to buy it. As others noted, you can start with it on auto and experiment at your own pace. The weather sealing is very liberating, so if you decide to get it, I would recommend getting one of the weather-resistant lenses. Good luck!
582817
"best DSLR for begginers under 400$" The ONLY DSLR for beginners under $400! ;-)
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I would have considered it a starter camera possibly 2-3 years ago..but now since the firmware is at it's highest revision the camera is limited to older SD cards up to 4GB, no further. Those are becoming harder to find. I have gone from a D50 to D80 to a D7000 currently. The D80 or D90 would be good choices to learn on. I hope this helps!!
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I think so, I've had many point-and-shoot camera (mostly Nikon) and this behaves the same as other Nikons. The two lens provide an intro to beginners what different lenses can do. I've spoken with many camera enthusiasts and the second lens is considered inferior to them. In contrary to the other answers, I feel the beginner mode can shoot much better than similar point-and-shoot cameras.
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I bought Nikon D3200 for my this semester's photography class in school and it's gorgeous red color and moderate price actually attract me a lot! Although it is not as powerful as higher level's cameras, it is still suitable to a beginner.
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Yes, it is a good starter camera. It has flexible settings and options without the expense of a digital slr. The zoom is excellent (optical 20x - equivalent to a 200mm lens (old school)). It has good low light features for taking pictures which can be a mixed blessing on how not to use flash. It takes also good video as well. It has auto setting and several settings to make taking pictures easy. The only limit on the auto setting is it does not pick up fast objects in sports mode (blurred images). It changes the setting you press the button for focus (besides the picture screen).There is no view finder with the camera just the picture screen to frame the picture you want. Yes, it is a good starter camera. It has flexible settings and options without the expense of a digital slr. The zoom is excellent (optical 20x - equivalent to a 200mm lens (old school)). It has good low light features for taking pictures which can be a mixed blessing on how not to use flash. It takes also good video as well. It has auto setting and several settings to make taking pictures easy. The only limit on the auto setting is it does not pick up fast objects in sports mode (blurred images). It changes the setting you press the button for focus (besides the picture... » Read More Yes, it is a good starter camera. It has flexible settings and options without the expense of a digital slr. The zoom is excellent (optical 20x - equivalent to a 200mm lens (old school)). It has good low light features for taking pictures which can be a mixed blessing on how not to use flash. It takes also good video as well. It has auto setting and several settings to make taking pictures easy. The only limit on the auto setting is it does not pick up fast objects in sports mode (blurred images). It changes the setting you press the button for focus (besides the picture screen).There is no view finder with the camera just the picture screen to frame the picture you want. « Show Less
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Yes! All of the above...this is a great kit for the beginner. I have taken over 5000+ shots of my 10 mth old daughter and I am still amazed by the quality of this DSLR,granted I am an amateur. I would recommend it for sure!
192596
My opinion is this would be a excellent camera for a starter. It has all the features of a proffesional camera at a low price.
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The Nikon D50 would be a perfect starter camera...just don't pay too much for it(150.00 of less). Pair it with the 18-70 lens and you will be able to take outstanding photos. If you like the results, you can always upgrade later. I've had mine for years and use it as a back up, but I love the quality of the pics from the D50.
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Let me start with a few obligatory questions: how much experience do you have with photography, what do you want to photograph, and how much are you willing to spend?? The Rebel XT is a great camera. You can start learning on it, and continue with it for a long time. I currently use one. The biggest limitations this camera has are: Slow fps (3) Extremely small buffer if one shoots RAW (I shoot RAW exclusively, and the buffer only holds 4 shots) Small(ish) screen - the 2.5 on the 30d makes me drool... Rear wheel on higher canon models seems more efficient than four buttons Smallish, and plastic construction. Don't let these turn you away - I am a sports shooter, and that is very demanding on the equipment. You said you want to do a little semi-pro; for that reason, I would reccommend the canon 30d for you if you can afford it. The higher fps, bigger screen, larger buffer, better build quality, and rear wheel would all be of benefit. But if you don't want to splurge on the 30d, the rebel makes a fine choice. Don't forget that the newer 400d has come out - it is an upgraded version of this camera. And most of all, remember that the camera can only capture what a lens sees. Invest in some good glass.
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For a first DSLR, yes i'd definitely go with the d5200. Look at the specs, there's everything a beginner needs. I started with a d5000 about 3 years ago and my 11 year old daughter now knows all the ins and outs about operating a DSLR, even on full manual mode. In my opinion, d5200 would be a great start. I have a d7100 and probably gonna start looking at a full frame soon. Good luck and have fun shooting!
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I'm a beginner also but the camera I so easy, plus the manual says most of what u need to know. I also bought the book Nikon D3200 for dummies great buy.
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No way! Read some reviews on a starter DSLR. Look at this site for an example. http://entry-level-dslr-camera-review.toptenreviews.com/
508514
Not being familiar with any of the D3000 series, but since the specs claim, models 3000 and 3100 are usable, I would think your 3200 would be also. Unless there is a significant difference between the previous two models and yours.