13 replies to this topic

[Duke1017]

Hi all

I am interested in getting a camera for my girlfriend for Christmas and was wondering what was a good place to start for someone who's never used one before.

A few things she will be basically be shooting at family events,sporting events and mostly her dog.

Budget isn't an issue but I would like her to know what she's doing before going out and getting a expensive camera

Thanks

[dcbear78]

Budget being no issue there is only one choice.... D850 

 

But really a D5600 might be a better option as it still has some of the basic scene options the professional cameras omit. Actually a D7500 would be better because I don't know how anyone uses a camera with only one control wheel.

But if budget really is an issue you can't really go wrong with the D3400 either.

Now, is there any models left I didn't recommend? lol 

[Merco_61]

Darryl, you forgot the D7200...   It isn't as dumbed-down to keep from cannibalizing sales from the D500 as the D7500 and there are great black Friday deals on them in the US right now.

[Tony]

I believe for a beginner, some good options are:  Nikon D200, D300 and D300s.  Hope this helps.

 

TT

[TBonz]

Budget being no issue there is only one choice.... D850 

 

.......

Now, is there any models left I didn't recommend? lol 

 

No budget and something missing?  D5...

 

But I agree with you and Peter in terms of recommendations...

[Ron]

I don't want to start an argument and I don't know that it matters as much anymore but there used to be an axiom about starting small and working up when it came to photography.

 

In terms of complexity, a D5 is far and away more complicated than D3xxx, D5xxx, or D7xxx cameras. And being a professional camera, it's packed with things a budding photographer will probably never use... or even figure out HOW to use. This very forum is often visited by neophytes who've gone out and bought top of the line cameras and even with manual in hand, can't figure out how to use them. Scene modes were made for these people. 

 

There's also ergonomics to consider. Back in the manual focus days for example, lots of people were turned off by the fact that the focus rings on Nikon lenses turned in a different direction from other cameras. Again, this doesn't make much difference anymore but there are ergonomic issues to consider when purchasing a camera. Remember, it's not just the camera, it's the system. When you choose an interchangeable lens camera you're buying into their system. It's a like a marriage, for better or worse. And, we've all heard stories of people jumping ship each time x brand camera comes out with a new (or shinier) widget that they perceive as being better than the shiny widget they already own. I guess if you've got the bucks this isn't a big deal. For the rest of us though, it might be.

 

So, I guess the point of all this philosophizing is that even if you can afford the shiniest object, it's not necessarily the best object for your purposes. Based on the OP's comments, I would suggest one of the inexpensive Black Friday Nikon deals. Personally, I would be attracted to the D7200 deal but then I've been shooting SLR's since 1975. However, both the D5600 and D3400 deals also look good (even if they are slightly less capable than previous models) and would probably be good for someone starting out in DSLR photography. With the two included lenses, most casual photographers will be more than satisfied. And all three cameras offer exceptional image quality. 

 

--Ron

[Duke1017]

THanks for all the replys
Ron summed up what I was trying to say about starting smaller and working your way up

[Merco_61]

The D7200 has two really big advantages over the D3xxx or D5xxx cameras, and that is the dual control wheels and the much better viewfinder. One control wheel works, but having two makes getting creative with the camera much easier. A real pentaprism instead of the pentamirror in the cheaper models makes it easier to see how you compose the shot and where the focus plane is. The other refinements, like more focus points, faster AF, longer, faster bursts and compatibility with wired remotes are nice to have and will make it take longer to outgrow the camera but they aren't such fundamental differences.

[TBonz]

Ron - the D5 was strictly a joke...magnificent camera, but certainly not a beginner's camera...it does, however, meet the no budget test and was a body that Darryl hadn't mentioned and that was the only reason it was brought up...Technically I don't think the D500 or D850 would be any better or worse for a new photographer...

 

All that said, I agree with the D7xxx above the D3xxx or D5xxx as they will offer more room for growth...

[Ron]

Ron - the D5 was strictly a joke...magnificent camera, but certainly not a beginner's camera...it does, however, meet the no budget test and was a body that Darryl hadn't mentioned and that was the only reason it was brought up...Technically I don't think the D500 or D850 would be any better or worse for a new photographer...

 

All that said, I agree with the D7xxx above the D3xxx or D5xxx as they will offer more room for growth...

 

I wasn't poking my stick specifically at you. I apologize if you got that impression although, in retrospect, I can see how you did. Just the whole, 'well, if we can afford it, let's get it!' mentality. I actually meant to include the D500, D810 and D850 in my post but had to take a phone call in the middle of composing my post and sorta lost my train of thought after that. I guess what I should have said, was 'Pro body'.

 

I was also going to mention under ergonomics about the size and weight differences between 'pro' bodies and the semi-pro or amateur cameras. Just go to Best Buy and pick up a D810 with (or without) lens. It's like picking up a brick! It's heavy. It's huge! Then go down the line and pick up a D3400! Woah, what a difference!

 

--Ron

[TBonz]

  All good 

 

There definitely is more to the pro bodies!  I just wanted to make sure I didn't imply it would be a good choice either...A great choice for the right people, but not the right choice for others...

[fallout666]

he looking for good start camera body does not want to break the bank and have to spend a lot to get started. so i with most you guys on 5600, 7200, 7500. also we do not know how many lens he wants too. since not sure if wants camera body with basic lens kits. or is going to get body only and pick lens he wants. to me with black Friday sells could get camera body with lens kit that has 18-55mm with 70-300 or get body only and pick the lens he wants. to me if starting out do not break the bank since not sure how she will like it or if to much for her to take in. good starter camera would be any  5600, 7200, 7500 since will not break the bank on camera body. also will leave cash to get other lenses. since not sure get camera body with lens kit. or going hand pick the lenses. 

Ron - the D5 was strictly a joke...magnificent camera, but certainly not a beginner's camera...it does, however, meet the no budget test and was a body that Darryl hadn't mentioned and that was the only reason it was brought up...Technically I don't think the D500 or D850 would be any better or worse for a new photographer...

 

All that said, I agree with the D7xxx above the D3xxx or D5xxx as they will offer more room for growth...

you also brought up good point. when i got my camera. did not know if had camera store near since one that was closed down. was not for this board and paintball board and nikon facebook pages and class it took i learn more about stuff. since she will be new to this. we need to look at this as someone that might not know much about cameras. since camera on phone make people they are great photographer. but do not know you can do more with camera then with one on phone. since get more options to do things with. also we need to look at beginner look at this. not some who tried few out or know little about cameras. 

[Steve M]

I got the 7200 and I love it. It has been easy for me to understand and use. No not my beginner which was a D40x

[Doti B]

An new to this forum so bear with me. IMO a 3xxx or 5xxx would be a good starting point for a beginners camera. In the main I believe it’s beginners that these models are aimed at.