Is This Camera Appropriate For a Beginner? I'm a relative novice when it comes to SLR photography. However, I can afford the D300 with no problem. My question is, would the D300 be too much camera for a beginner? Or would it be something I could learn about in a relatively short time and use for a very long time? Is This Camera Appropriate For a Beginner? I'm a relative novice when it comes to SLR photography. However, I can afford the D300 with no problem. My question is, would the D300 be too much... » Read More Is This Camera Appropriate For a Beginner? I'm a relative novice when it comes to SLR photography. However, I can afford the D300 with no problem. My question is, would the D300 be too much camera for a beginner? Or would it be something I could learn about in a relatively short time and use for a very long time? « Show Less
597146
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 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... » Read More 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 « Show Less
597147
If you can afford it, get it. There is no such thing as "buying the crappy, just to learn" If I could I would own one.. Probably the only thing you can worry about is the size, some people don't like big cameras.
405970
I absolutely loved my 3100! The quality was amazing; the only complaint I have is that it doesn't have very many controls to mess with. It is a beginners camera, however. This battery works great as well!
96490
hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty easy to get on my hobby. Good luck with your new purchase! hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty... » Read More hello... this camera is a wonderful camera, but it's more like my pocket camera. I also own a Canon SX30IS which is a superb camera, not quite the DSLR but comes pretty close. I love Canon as a brand overall and also the fact that you can swipe memory cards and keep the same pictures regardless of which camera you took them with. Both of them are great cameras and are capable of taking wonderful pictures, it's pretty hard for me to say which one is my favorite. Again, it's a personal choice. I can't give you more advice since i'm a beginner in picture taking, but these 2 have made it pretty easy to get on my hobby. Good luck with your new purchase! « Show Less
1161574
If possible go up to the D70s. I owned one and it's a little better. Body only means just the body, and be careful, ensure the listing includes everything it originally came with, such as the battery, charger, and cords. If you're getting one to learn photography, then pick up a used Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX lens. Stay away from zooms if you're learning. Trust me on this. You will learn how to properly compose a picture with a prime. Zooms are convenient but they also make stale pictures when the photographer doesn't learn how to move. Couple it to a 2GB CompactFlash card and you can't go wrong. It ONLY accepts CompactFlash and only recognizes limited capacities; 2GB is plenty for 6MP. If possible go up to the D70s. I owned one and it's a little better. Body only means just the body, and be careful, ensure the listing includes everything it originally came with, such as the battery, charger, and cords. If you're getting one to learn photography, then pick up a used Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX lens. Stay away from zooms if you're learning. Trust me on this. You will learn how to properly compose a picture with a prime. Zooms are convenient but they also make stale pictures when the photographer doesn't learn how to move. Couple it to a 2GB CompactFlash card and you can't go wrong.... » Read More If possible go up to the D70s. I owned one and it's a little better. Body only means just the body, and be careful, ensure the listing includes everything it originally came with, such as the battery, charger, and cords. If you're getting one to learn photography, then pick up a used Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX lens. Stay away from zooms if you're learning. Trust me on this. You will learn how to properly compose a picture with a prime. Zooms are convenient but they also make stale pictures when the photographer doesn't learn how to move. Couple it to a 2GB CompactFlash card and you can't go wrong. It ONLY accepts CompactFlash and only recognizes limited capacities; 2GB is plenty for 6MP. « Show Less
1946228
Check out the D300s - if it's beyond your budget, get the D90, not the D300- It's outdated. The D90 is an awesome camera. I have it.With the extra cash left, you can buy a lens ;)
2212639
I'm thinking about buying new DSLR.. Nikon D3100 has been on top of the list and competing with Canon T3. Though, what matters to me is picture quality / colors / sharpness. I dont care much about video shooting as I can use my iphone when needed. My question is if anyone of you are professional photographer or has expirence dealing with both cameras.. which one would you buy? both are about at the same price. I need camera which can take nice outdoor pictures and perform better than point n shoot in low light (indoors).
314103
Looks like others have already answered your question...so I'll just add that I'm very happy with the camera...it's sharp and the controls are reasonably easy to use...love the 11 frames per second drive (not at the very highest resolution, but you can use a higher resolution for, I believe, 8 frames per second), the manually operated zoom, and the waist level finder...lots of capability for the price...lots of people buy dSLRs who don't need one...unless you're going to make large prints (16x20 or larger) this camera should be all you need.
1721288
I'd have to agree with J.W Kennedy, it is very quirky. I'd suggest the Fisheye or La Sardina cameras for a true beginner. Even the Holga would be a bit easier (although that uses 120 film).
1543305
Baku: I purchased a D70 s new. I purchased 2 used D 70 s cameras, one through Amazon. 1. I was pleased with the quality/condition of the unit; there was an instruction booklet, charger - the condition was more than I expected. Now let me tell you what a premier repair shop in Cleveland said. "It is everything you need" talking to me. I have a 35-70 2.8, 80 - 200 2.8 and a 85 1.8 among others. Mike's retired principal has a D 60 and he takes great photos. If you can purchase a D 70 s used ( I assume you have Nikon lenses ), it is worth purchasing. I know, I know the latest sounds like it is a great camera & some people like to take streaming video but, I am a bit of a purist. Mike
1681729
It is about as good as your are going to get without investing a huge amount of money (8-10k). Might need a monopod too. New D750 or other high performing low light DSLR is also advisable.
185426
i have the d3100 and i love it. since you're a beginner on a budget save the $ and get the cheaper d3100, and stay with the kit lens it comes with. the d3100 can take wonderful photos, and handles very well. the kit lens is a good lens, great for beginners. once you're more advanced with your skills, and you've learned some of the manual modes on the camera, then i'd recommend either the nikon 50mm 1.8g or 35mm 1.8g. one thing you might want to consider adding when you get the camera, is a telephoto lens for reach/zoom. the nikon 55-200mm af-s or 55-300mm af-s are great lenses and will give you more reach, so you can be farther away and get in close to your subjects. just something to think about. oh, another reason i like the d3100 over the d5100 for beginners, it's got a guide mode to teach you how to use the camera. very useful! good luck, let us know what you end up getting.
1003731
I do not think this is too much camera for a beginner. There are excellent tutorials available to teach you how to use the camera. It is a wonderful model and I highly recommend it. I also looked at the 5200; however, I wanted a titanium body instead of plastic. The 5200 is very light and is a great camera. I wanted a higher quality of body and decided to go with the 7100. I have not been disappointed at all. Go ahead and spend the extra. You will not regret it. You are buying the best and it will provide a lifetime of memories through pictures.
462535
Yes, this is a great camera for both a novice and a more advanced photographer. There are two different "Auto" settings. One is fully automatic, but the "Auto-Plus" gives you control over color balance, depth of field and exposure, which is a great intro into learning about camera functions. There are numerous pre-set "scene" settings too. Then there are all the manual settings for more advanced photographers. All this in a small easy to carry size, and the camera takes great shots in all kinds of conditions. Highly reccommend.
1079349
No way! Read some reviews on a starter DSLR. Look at this site for an example. http://entry-level-dslr-camera-review.toptenreviews.com/
1324960
It's a great starter camera. I bought it for my wife as she had dabbled in photography in the past and wanteed to get back into it. Has been a good camera for us as a hobby and for taking family, senior, wedding portraits, etc.
543806
I'd recommend it as a backup camera yes. It is a good starter camera for someone new to the dslr format. It has served me well over the 2 years I've had mine.
525783
If you're a beginner or novice, you need to buy a Rebel and spend all your money buying professional grade L series lenses. I would say that since this camera has NO auto mode, this is probably a very bad option for a beginner given the other options. It'll take you 2 - 3 years before you're good enough to even touch the options this camera has to offer. If you're a beginner, I don't know how the hell you're spending $7000 on a camera with no knowledge about how photography works. This isn't like buying a Lamborghini where you can just sit in the seat and show off your car by pressing the gas pedal. Photography is like painting, where buying all the horsehair brushes, oil mixtures, and professional canvas stock doesn't get you anywhere if you can't even make brush strokes properly.