First Digital SLR

CMoore · Jan 14, 2019

I am buying a Digital SLR for school and for my wife to use when i am done with the class.
This will be my first, and probably last digital camera. It would be nice if we could get some decent years out of it.....it will be used for "General Photography".....snapshots of the Grandchildren and the occasional Pulitzer Prize opportunity that a person stumbles across in every day life.
Is there any big reason not to buy this new Nikon in the link below.?
Thank You

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1433065-REG/nikon_1588_d3500_dslr_camera_with.html?utm_medium=Email%201706478&utm_campaign=Promotion&utm_source=WeeklySpecials%20190114&utm_content=Retail&utm_term=D3500-DSLR-Camera-with&encEmail=23E9F13B63AF171DDD12AAC18053334F340F723D3646D8BFBCDFBC892353122A

mshchem · Jan 15, 2019

My recommendation is to buy a higher end used Nikon. I bought a D3, which was the top dog for 4 or 5 years. No video.
You can get a decent body only for 800 bucks. These kit zooms are very cheap. If you want to make videos and realize these are a low end consumer model, it's not rugged. I would rather have a sturdy body and a used 50mm lens.MHO
A used D800 would be a great choice too.

RalphLambrecht · Jan 15, 2019

mshchem said:
My recommendation is to buy a higher end used Nikon. I bought a D3, which was the top dog for 4 or 5 years. No video.
You can get a decent body only for 800 bucks. These kit zooms are very cheap. If you want to make videos and realize these are a low end consumer model, it's not rugged. I would rather have a sturdy body and a used 50mm lens.MHO
A used D800 would be a great choice too.

+1

phaedrus · Jan 15, 2019

The viewfinder on a D3500 is small and has a low magnification. I second the purchase of a higher-level used model. You‘ll compose better with it.

MattKing · Jan 15, 2019

Do you have lenses that you would like to be able to use on the digital body?

CMoore · Jan 15, 2019

I do not think so. I have several Nikon F-Mount lenses, but i doubt they are designed to work well on a Digital SLR.?
I am trying not to spend "A Lot" of money.
Is the Nikon D700 getting pretty old at this point, would most of those be pretty used up, or do they "go" a long time, like the Nikon F2...or Olympus OM1 does.?
Thank You

I know nothing about New/Digital cameras.
Is 38,000 a lot of clicks for a Nikon D700.?

For example.........

www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-D7000-16-2MP-DSLR-Camera-Body-Only-Very-Good-Condition-Fast-Shipping/192789994032?epid=100112575&hash=item2ce32dda30:g:cvIAAOSwoFNcO8Dz:sc:USPSPriority!94585!US!-1:rk:3f:1&frcectupt=true

Oren Grad · Jan 15, 2019

CMoore said:
Is there any big reason not to buy this new Nikon in the link below.?
Thank You

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1433065-REG/nikon_1588_d3500_dslr_camera_with.html?utm_medium=Email%201706478&utm_campaign=Promotion&utm_source=WeeklySpecials%20190114&utm_content=Retail&utm_term=D3500-DSLR-Camera-with&encEmail=23E9F13B63AF171DDD12AAC18053334F340F723D3646D8BFBCDFBC892353122A

The only reason not to buy that particular kit is that the 70-300mm lens that's included is a budget version that does not have the VR (vibration reduction) feature and at those long focal lengths is tricky to use hand-held and still get critically sharp pictures. (You can certainly use it with a tripod.) OTOH, the 18-55 zoom that's included does have the VR feature, is less challenged anyway because of its near-normal focal length range, and is optically remarkably good at the price - the compromise comes in somewhat less robust construction including plastic mount, but it's plenty adequate with reasonable care in handling.

You can get the same camera for $100 less without the 70-300. At the $397 price, that body with the 18-55 is excellent value for money. The sensor is among the best ever made in the APS-C format.

FWIW, I have one of the predecessor models, a D3200 that I bought new in 2012. I've put about 6500 captures on it in intermittent use over these years, and it's still going strong. I replaced the original 2012-vintage 18-55 kit zoom with a more recent version that's somewhat better optically but still has the lightweight plastic construction, and it's holding up fine as well.

Oren Grad · Jan 15, 2019

CMoore said:
I do not think so. I have several Nikon F-Mount lenses, but i doubt they are designed to work well on a Digital SLR.?
I am trying not to spend "A Lot" of money.
Is the Nikon D700 getting pretty old at this point, would most of those be pretty used up, or do they "go" a long time, like the Nikon F2...or Olympus OM1 does.?
Thank You

I know nothing about New/Digital cameras.
Is 38,000 a lot of clicks for a Nikon D700.?

For example.........

www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-D7000-16-2MP-DSLR-Camera-Body-Only-Very-Good-Condition-Fast-Shipping/192789994032?epid=100112575&hash=item2ce32dda30:g:cvIAAOSwoFNcO8Dz:sc:USPSPriority!94585!US!-1:rk:3f:1&frcectupt=true

I've owned plenty of full-frame cameras too, still have a Canon EOS 6D. Sure, the larger finder is wonderful. But the smaller ones work fine too. And the larger finder of a full-frame camera comes at the price of a camera that's much bigger, heavier and more expensive, even more so if you want to use a zoom of comparable range on it. The D700 in particular is a beast compared to any of the D3000 or D5000 series Nikons. Conversely, using old manual-focus lenses on DSLRs (I've done plenty of that, too) is, frankly, a nuisance if what you want is mainly a hassle-free way of taking snapshots. Given how you've defined your needs and budget, my recommendation would be to buy a new, inexpensive APS-C DSLR like the D3500 that you've pointed to rather than a well-used old full-frame camera. Any of the late-model Canon EOS Rebel cameras with Canon's latest 24MP APS-C sensor would be a good option, too.

Whichever way you go, good luck and enjoy!

BMbikerider · Jan 15, 2019

and for my wife to use! Would she be happy with carrying heavy weights for a long while, if not the likes of of a used D3 may not be for her. A heavy camera and lens can spoil the enjoyment.

This will be my first, and probably last digital camera. If I could have a sum of money for every time I have heard this said , I would be a rich man.

It would be nice if we could get some decent years out of it. Why should you not get some years out of it? Most didgital SLR's are sold on when a new 'better' version comes out with more dpi, an improved processor or they find it too heavy...Certainly they are not worn out.

it will be used for "General Photography". Almost any digital SLR will fulfill your needs for this so long as you don't wish to hang a very long telephoto on the front of it and bang away on motordrive all day and every day...

.snapshots of the Grandchildren...And why not indeed?

and the occasional Pulitzer Prize opportunity Ditto to the last comment.

Now for my personal input. I am mainly film based, but do own 2 Nikon's a D700 which I have had for around 3 years and a D300s which I have had from new. Yes they are 'only' 12mp but I can still produce an A3 print when I am asked to. Ask yourself do I need to make a print any bigger? Even in the darkroom I cannot make a print larger than 12"x16 (very close to A3)
The processors in the D700/D300s are old by modern standards, but they do the job and do it well. I do not need a tilting screen, video with sound, and a piece of jewelry to hang around my neck or have any of the other bits and pieces which I would find surplus to good photography. Going back to my 1st comment (in red) both the D700 and D300s are quite heavy beasts even without a lens, and there are times I wish there was something not 'quite' so heavy but with the build quality. My main film cameras are an F6 and F100. Body for body.

The D700 is a very capable camera and there will be a lot that have had little use so the statement by one of the contributers above may not be correct. I would not consider a D3 because of weight concerns.

In the end, it is not the camera that makes a good picture it is the person using it and if they can recognise what is good and what isn't

Jim Jones · Jan 15, 2019

A D3500 with the kit lens is capable of fine photographs. I've used similar Nikons for 8 years. The 55-300mm lens with the plastic lens mount and without image stabilization is less appealing. The tiny screws holding the mount to the lens of my older 55-300 stripped out, although after hard use. Image stabilization is valuable in such a long lens, but one can compensate for its lack by increasing ISO and shutter speeds for non-critical shots. I routinely use high ISO for indoor sports where capturing the subject is more important than fine image quality.

Like Oren (post #7) I bought a D3200 years ago. After over 40,000 exposures it was still working well when I passed it on to a budding young photographer for a starter camera.

mshchem · Jan 15, 2019

A D700 in good condition would be nice. The D700 was the compact spin off of the D3. Somewhat similar relationship of the D850/D5. Price and condition would be important. I would really try to find a full frame camera.

In the end find something that you and your wife are comfortable with. I agree that I would try to avoid the cheap long zoom. I have a older Canon G15 fixed lens compact camera that I still use occasionally, great camera. Built in Japan, super solid, build quality. You could probably find one used for 100 bucks.

I would look at every brand, if you don't have a bunch of Nikon lenses you have all sorts of choices.

CMoore · Jan 15, 2019

Thanks for all the additional replies.
Christ.........I understand WHY you are suggested looking at more than just Nikon, but.......i was trying to stick with one brand to Avoid a bunch of additional choices. I will have a hard time culling through all the options that (just) Nikon offers.

Thanks Again

removed account4 · Jan 15, 2019

hi
i can't help much but say some of the lower end nikon dslrs don't hold up as well as the higher end ones...
i use a d200 ( i know its llke 12 years old ! ) and when i replace it im going to get a d300. a workhorse of a body
so and not too expensive. if i had the $$ i'd get a leica q its like a fully manual fixed lens sweet ride..
(un)fortunately i don't have the money LOL

have fun with the new camera !
john

Mainecoonmaniac · Jan 15, 2019

Tons of used digital camera gear on Ebay sold by people that want to upgrade their old ones.

Check this article out. https://petapixel.com/2019/01/02/this-is-what-a-14-year-old-nikon-dslr-can-do/

Anon Ymous · Jan 15, 2019

Mainecoonmaniac said:
Tons of used digital camera gear on Ebay sold by people that want to upgrade their old ones...

+1 on that. You can get a low shutter count digital camera for not much money, certainly cheaper than a brand new one. No need to buy full frame if you're not very keen on digital cameras. Even somewhat dated cameras perform very well. The smaller viewfinder of an APS camera isn't IME problematic when composing a photo, but it is when focusing manually. Focus confirmation is IMHO a must if you'd like to use an older, manual lens, but things can still be tricky the longer the focal length. A kit 17-55 lens with image stabilisation can be bought together with the body, or for not much extra money and is well worth the expense.

Oren Grad · Jan 15, 2019

CMoore said:
Thanks for all the additional replies.
Christ.........I understand WHY you are suggested looking at more than just Nikon, but.......i was trying to stick with one brand to Avoid a bunch of additional choices. I will have a hard time culling through all the options that (just) Nikon offers.

Thanks Again

Your time and aggravation and worry are worth something, too. Spending long hours trying to come to grips with a complicated, unfamiliar and somewhat risky used-camera market in hopes of optimizing a $500 purchase is not necessarily a good use of your time and energy. I say that as someone who is very familiar with the market and has bought and sold quite a few used digital cameras over the years.

Given how you've described your needs, if you have a bricks-and-mortar dealer within reasonable distance, I'd recommend going there, seeing what they have for $400-500, and buying the camera that feels most comfortable in your hand and at your eye. If there isn't any dealer convenient to you, just order that D3500 from B&H and be done with it. Life is way too short - spend your time doing fun things, enjoying your family, and taking pictures as the spirit moves you.

Mainecoonmaniac · Jan 15, 2019

Here's a website where you can compare the image quality of most digital cameras on the market. As for me, I have a cheapo Sony NEX I bought 5 years ago and I'm very happy with it. No plans to upgrade soon.

https://www.dxomark.com/

CMoore · Jan 15, 2019

I really have no Cares/Concerns about image quality.
I simply want to buy a "decent" camera that will last for awhile.

Mainecoonmaniac · Jan 15, 2019

CMoore said:
I really have no Cares/Concerns about image quality.
I simply want to buy a "decent" camera that will last for awhile.

Definitely buy used!

mshchem · Jan 15, 2019

jnantz said:
hi
i can't help much but say some of the lower end nikon dslrs don't hold up as well as the higher end ones...
i use a d200 ( i know its llke 12 years old ! ) and when i replace it im going to get a d300. a workhorse of a body
so and not too expensive. if i had the $$ i'd get a leica q its like a fully manual fixed lens sweet ride..
(un)fortunately i don't have the money LOL

have fun with the new camera !
john

This is a very good point.. I bought a D200 new. I used it very little, made beautiful photos .I had my camera shop sell it, I think it sold for 200 bucks. It worked with every auto focus as Ai lens . My camera had something like 1100 clicks on the shutter. Somebody got a heck of a deal

4season · Jan 15, 2019

CMoore said:
Is there any big reason not to buy this new Nikon

Since no one else has mentioned it, I guess I will: Mirrorless cameras have made SLRs obsolete.

Otherwise, that looks like a nice outfit, but note that Nikon and Canon USA both offer refurbished items through their outlet sites, and these can be terrific deals: I have seen 2-lens Canon outfits offered for under $300. If you're thinking that I favor Canon, you're right - Canon EF mount is more readily adaptable to non-Canon lenses (M42, Leica R, Nikon F). Of course mirrorless systems like Sony E are tops in that regard.

Wallendo · Jan 15, 2019

I would go with the camera you selected, or one like it. (I personally own a Sony dSLR and NEX, but that is because I already owned a number of Minolta lenses)

Yes, there are good deals on lightly used cameras being sold by people moving up the equipment ladder, but unless you know the person you are buying from, there are risks. A new camera will have a full manufacturers warranty. Although not as sturdy as the old film cameras, a modern plastic digital camera should work for many years if cared for (my current dSLR is 8 years old and still works as well as the day I bought it).

Craig75 · Jan 15, 2019

CMoore said:
I am buying a Digital SLR for school and for my wife to use when i am done with the class.
This will be my first, and probably last digital camera. It would be nice if we could get some decent years out of it.....it will be used for "General Photography".....snapshots of the Grandchildren and the occasional Pulitzer Prize opportunity that a person stumbles across in every day life.
Is there any big reason not to buy this new Nikon in the link below.?
Thank You

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1433065-REG/nikon_1588_d3500_dslr_camera_with.html?utm_medium=Email%201706478&utm_campaign=Promotion&utm_source=WeeklySpecials%20190114&utm_content=Retail&utm_term=D3500-DSLR-Camera-with&encEmail=23E9F13B63AF171DDD12AAC18053334F340F723D3646D8BFBCDFBC892353122A

That will get the job done very nicely for $500.

Review here if you havent seen it.
https://m.dpreview.com/articles/4732570890/what-you-need-to-know-about-nikon-entry-level-d3500

MattKing · Jan 15, 2019

Buy something used that has a charger, at least one usable battery and either works with SD cards, or comes with some CF cards. Third party batteries are easy to get through the internet.
Our local Craigslist has tons of choices: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/search/pha
As of this moment, the first 358 listings have all been added today!

Ko.Fe. · Jan 15, 2019

I have small DSLR purchased in 2009. It has 200K+ clicks on it by now. Everything works.
Small size of camera and lens is the benefit. I also have full size DLSR and film era high end lenses, but no intentions to take it out with me.
Sure, full frame, big DSLR takes better pictures, but size became an issue some years ago. If it is not the issue for OP, Nikon main advantage is in compatibility of old lenses and modern full frame DSRS.
Well, small Nikon DSLR will also take them, but with crop factor. It is OK for tele, but normal and wide is the loss.

Hey, if it is last camera to purchase, why not finale grande in style?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013089-REG/nikon_1526_df_dslr_camera_silver.html

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