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Photography Techniques and Equipment This forum is for the discussion of technical details of how to take good pictures as well as discuss the equipment used in that pursuit.

Nikon D3200
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Old 10-02-2014, 01:25 PM   #1
ructo
Question Nikon D3200

So I was thinking of getting my first dslr, and I was looking at the Nikon d3200 as stated in the title. Has anyone had experience with this camera? I know the d3300 is available, but it doesn't seem to be much better even though it is more expensive. So is the d3300 worth the extra money, or are neither of them worth buying compared to a different option such as a canon?
 
Old 10-02-2014, 01:56 PM   #2
HerpsOfNM
not sure what you've read thus far, but here are some starting points:

http://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/cu...00-review.html

http://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/cu...00-review.html

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d3200

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d3300/

Outside of reading, your best ability to compare would be to go to a Best Buy or similar electronics store and physically play with the similar models between brands (assuming they have floor models for such). That is what actually sealed the deal for me back in 2004 when I jumped from a higher-end Nikon Coolpix to DSLR. I found it much easier for me to use the back of the Nikon D70 vs Canon's Digital Rebel. The Nikon was also slightly larger IIRC and though I'm not a big guy, the larger body fit right when using it.

If you've been using a point-n-shoot for some time, I'd greatly recommend taking it as manual as possible before jumping to DSLR. Though DSLR have auto features, playing in manual should help with the learning curve of taking the next step will bring.

The other thing to not forget is investment. The camera body is but the "weak link" in the actual setup. What I mean by this is that bodies tend to be relatively inexpensive compared to fast, high quality lenses. Invest into a body you like and can afford and then invest your money into better lenses, possibly an off-camera flash or 2 and a good tripod. You invest into these things and when you feel comfortable taking the next step into a higher end camera body you'll assumingly still have great lenses and other equipment.
 
Old 10-02-2014, 06:10 PM   #3
ructo
Thanks for those websites!! I have held the d3200 at a camera store and I liked the feel of it, but I guess I need to compare with other brands to see what feels more comfortable. Thanks again for the help. Have you ever used the d3200? Do you think that it has enough settings that I wouldn't have to upgrade for a while, or is it better to save for a camera with a bunch of settings?
 
Old 10-02-2014, 07:15 PM   #4
HerpsOfNM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ructo View Post
Have you ever used the d3200? Do you think that it has enough settings that I wouldn't have to upgrade for a while, or is it better to save for a camera with a bunch of settings?
Any time!

I've not used a D3200 as I currently own a D300 (prosumer/semi-pro body). I do have an old Nikon D70, my first DSLR. Back when I got it there were the following listed from entry-level to professional:

D40, D70, D100, and D1

The D3200 and D3300 are considered entry-level DSLR cameras. These would be considered the successors to the D40/D40x if you wanted to go all the way back to Gen 1 Nikon DSLR bodies. Some D70/D70s users would probably argue it, but my old D70 would be the equivalent of the Nikon D5200 or D5300 currently. Though I don't recognize it as a replacement/upgrade, technically the D7000 and D7100 would be the successor to my current D300 or the D300s.

The flow would be:

entry-level
D40 > D40x > D50 > D60 > D3000 > D3100 > D3200 > D3300

entry level (advanced)
D70 > D70s > D80 > D90 > D5000 > D5100 > D5200 > D5300

I would consider the D3200/3300 or the D5200/5300. The 3300 and 5300 are recently released cameras and are thus a tad more pricey. You might be able to find excellent deals for the D3200 or D5200 as such. I'm not certain if there is much to gain by spending more for the newer 3300 or 5300 bodies over the predecessor.

The 2 downsides I can possibly recall are that the older D40 or D60 did NOT have an autofocus motor within their body. Thus you had to rely on newer lenses with the AF motor in the lens to have autofocus abilities. Some will turn their nose up at the notion of using autofocus and feel that manual focus is the only means to use a camera. To each their own. The other issue could be the ability to use the camera's build-in flash as a commander flash when using Nikon off-body flashes (aka speedlights) for the Nikon Creative Lighting System. My D70 had the ability to use the build-in flash, but I think the old D40 did not. This was one of those "perks" to getting a higher end body.

Rambling....basically I'd research between the 2 entry-level bodies. They'd be excellent starting points for your current position. Once familiar and comfortable with those, then I'd consider spending the money on a "camera with a bunch of settings." I think this will keep you from getting overwhelmed and then possibly disinterested. Why use a jackhammer, when a simple tack hammer will do the job just as well and for less and with less potential for damage?

I will recommend this...doing some pre-clicking Submit Reply research, both the D3200/3300 and the D5200/5300 do not have the commander mode ability with off-camera Nikon-brand flashes. You have 2 options, I think. Either get the SC-28 or SC-29 flash sync cords or SU-800 wireless speedlight commander. Either of these will give you the ability to use a Nikon-brand flash (I'd get the SB-700). These will give you the ability to do studio-type photos for any snakes you have, and then also be able to do nice, properly lit family photos, etc....all with learning and practice of course.

However, what you spend in getting those items for doing off-camera flash, you can instead opt to get a Nikon D7000 or D7100. Ignoring flash needs, and shifting to lenses I'd look into these lenses:

18-300 can be a good general walk around lens, giving both wide angle and telephoto shots. The cameras you're interested in may even come bundled with it as a kit option (looks like Costco has a kit of the D5300 with the 18-55 and 55-300 VR lenses.)
35mm 1.8 G - great "normal" lens on a crop-sensor DSLR (crop sensor is different than full-frame sensor...you'll need to read on this possibly).
Nikon 60mm micro lens OR the tamron 90mm macro lens - both are excellent macro lenses. I own the older Nikon 60mm vs the newer one released a few years ago.

These would give you good starting points and possibly have you at a decent kit setup for under $1700 if you shop around. Obviously pricing will vary depending on what camera body you choose.

And that reply was seriously long winded.
 
Old 10-02-2014, 07:42 PM   #5
ructo
So if I were to start with just the Nikon d3200 and the included 18-55 lens, what else would be essential. I am not looking for a $1700 setup, or at least not yet. The employee at the camera said that buying the d3200 with the included lens and a sd card would be all I need to at least go mess around and get some neat photos. I would prefer to keep the total under $700, and I know that isn't much for a dslr, but I want to start less expensive to see if photography is really something I am interested in. It seems to me the d3200 is right for me based on this, because I don't want to buy all sorts of equipment just to decide it's not my kind of hobby. Also, like you said, I don't want to get overwhelmed. Would you agree the d3200 sounds right for me?
 
Old 10-03-2014, 01:21 AM   #6
HerpsOfNM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ructo View Post
So if I were to start with just the Nikon d3200 and the included 18-55 lens, what else would be essential. I am not looking for a $1700 setup, or at least not yet. The employee at the camera said that buying the d3200 with the included lens and a sd card would be all I need to at least go mess around and get some neat photos. I would prefer to keep the total under $700, and I know that isn't much for a dslr, but I want to start less expensive to see if photography is really something I am interested in. It seems to me the d3200 is right for me based on this, because I don't want to buy all sorts of equipment just to decide it's not my kind of hobby. Also, like you said, I don't want to get overwhelmed. Would you agree the d3200 sounds right for me?
Assuming you choose Nikon, again play around with the Nikon and a couple other brands, then I'd suggest the following:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...mera_with.html

I'd also pick up this lens with the above:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...mm_f_1_8G.html

That will put you around $750 + shipping (unless you get free shipping?), but you get the D3200, 2 lenses, and accessories. The offer on the above kit ends Oct 4th though. The combo above covers you from 18-55 and 55-200mm and both lenses though not fast by any means do have VR (vibration reduction). The 35mm f/1.8 gives you a prime and a fast lens for lower light situations.

These were taken with the 35mm above, mounted on a D300 + SB-800 flash beyond sundown.




DEFINITELY shop around. Don't let that sale of Oct 4 expiration pressure you to make a choice prematurely.

Some other sales sites to check:
www.adorama.com (huge camera and video retailer just like B&H Photo above)
www.cameta.com (I got my 60mm micro from them while visiting their Amityville location)
www.amazon.com (love it or hate it, you can find some awesome deals sometimes)
http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Best-...ncise-overview (non-sales site, DXO Mark is a lens review website, a little over the top, but should still help)

Local camera shops might be nuts on their pricing, I know the 2 in Albuquerque, NM and the 1 in Santa Fe, NM were pretty high and even before Amazon Prime free 2day shipping existed. I like supporting local when I can, but if pricing is nuts then I'll check my options.
 
Old 10-04-2014, 05:18 PM   #7
ructo
I was looking at two kits on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-...ds=nikon+d3200

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-...ds=nikon+d3200

The $600 set looks good, but I am not sure if the included stuff will be good and if it is a good seller. They seem to have good reviews and they have the kit in red on their website which I was hoping to be able to find. Yes or No? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Here is the red one on their website.
http://www.cameta.com/Nikon-D3200-Di...-Red-66941.cfm
 
Old 10-04-2014, 05:50 PM   #8
ructo
One more question. Is this a higher price because it is better. http://www.cameta.com/Nikon-D3200-Di...-Red-66922.cfm

Or is it basically the same as this http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-...ds=nikon+d3200

but just a higher price?

I would prefer to have it in red, but for $50 more, the kit should be better than the lower price one because red is not worth $50.
 
Old 10-04-2014, 10:56 PM   #9
HerpsOfNM
While both kits aren't too bad, both are definitely riddled with cheaper filler.

The red flag for me is what appears to be a non-Nikon brand spare battery. There have been known issues with some of the higher end cameras and the use of non-Nikon batteries. I tend to only use Nikon batteries, with exception to the battery grip I have for my D300, where I use Sanyo Eneloop low discharge rechargeable batteries.

Cameta is a pretty decent store, but I'm looking around at some of the better stores to see if they offer better bundles with less fluff.
 
Old 10-05-2014, 09:41 AM   #10
ructo
Wouldn't this kit be worth it just for the camera and two lenses? Even if everything else was horrible, it doesn't seem that bad of a kit.

http://www.cameta.com/Nikon-D3200-Di...-Red-66922.cfm
 

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