Thinking of buying this camera kit and a Manfrotto tripod.Budget for the entire thing will be 1K, not a dime more.
For you camera guys, is this Nikon D3400 worth it or should I look elsewhere?
Thanks fellas
Gonna buy a digital SLR. Need opinions
- Thread starter Mike Casselton
- Start date
Thinking of buying this camera kit and a Manfrotto tripod.Budget for the entire thing will be 1K, not a dime more.
For you camera guys, is this Nikon D3400 worth it or should I look elsewhere?
Thanks fellas
Thanks thumper,
that kit eats up the entire budget plus some. It doesn't leave any left to purchase the tripod.
that kit eats up the entire budget plus some. It doesn't leave any left to purchase the tripod.
Hard to say without knowing what type of shooting you're wanting to do with it. Unless you're eventually going to step up the lenses for it or shoot in a lot of low light that would need the C-MOS sensor, in that price range I'd recommend an all-in-one type unit like the Panasonic FZ-1000 or Sony RX10. They may have smaller 1" MOS sensors, but they make up for it with great video, lens coatings (Leica or Zeiss T*), and not having to switch lenses while still getting great zoom capability.
And DPReview has some of the best in depth camera reviews out there with an awesome comparison tool.
ETA, Definitely hit up Doug at CameralandNY, he will take very good care of you.
And DPReview has some of the best in depth camera reviews out there with an awesome comparison tool.
ETA, Definitely hit up Doug at CameralandNY, he will take very good care of you.
Thanks Redman,
I'll do more research of the things you mentioned.
Most of my photos will be on water (grip and grins, and scenery), the usual photos of kids, and family, and stuff like scenery, flowers, birds, etc.
I'll need the ability to play with ISO and f-stop.
I've used a 35mm SLR years ago, so I don't really need an auto setting for most of the shots. Although, I'll probably use it that way a lot.
For the tripod, I'm leaning to the Manfrotto that goes down to 3.5" up to 72"
I'll do more research of the things you mentioned.
Most of my photos will be on water (grip and grins, and scenery), the usual photos of kids, and family, and stuff like scenery, flowers, birds, etc.
I'll need the ability to play with ISO and f-stop.
I've used a 35mm SLR years ago, so I don't really need an auto setting for most of the shots. Although, I'll probably use it that way a lot.
For the tripod, I'm leaning to the Manfrotto that goes down to 3.5" up to 72"
If you are new to photography, you should try and identify as many characteristics of what and how you are going to shoot as possible, then make your decision. I shoot primarily landscape, no videos or action sports. When I started out, I did it the hard way......I bought and bought and bought stuff, a lot of which I used very little or not at all. My education cost me a lot of money, oh well. The tripod is the first item. Are you going to be shooting at night, or using high zoom lenses with no image stabilization ? You might need a tripod there, but not for shooting wider aperture smaller zooms, in daylight with image stabilization. I have a nice carbon fiber tripod and RRS ball head that I use very little. I'm going to keep them because I like nice stuff and they are paid for. And, I do a bit of shooting at night. You can't live without a tripod for that.
I went around and around with Canon, Nikon and Sony and finally ended up with a Fuji X-T1 and a Fuji 16-55mm f2.8 lens (and a 50-140mm f2.8). My Fuji gear is far and away my favorite gear and I will be staying with Fuji for a long time. The jpg images straight out of the camera are just stunning. The RAW images need very little, if any post processing work done to them. I have Iridient Developer and Adobe Lightroom software, but to be honest, they see very little use because of the Fuji IQ. RAW files can be made to look better than the jpgs out of the Fuji, but it takes a lot of work. Used X-T1's can be found on flea bay for $500 bucks all day long. The X-T2 has been out for 9 months or so and also has rave reviews. It's $1600 bucks new.
I know the above is more than you want to spend, but my experience was that I was never satisfied with CaNikon IQ and was always looking for something better. I dumped a lot of money into lesser grade equipment that I was lucky to get 50 cents on the dollar when I went to sell it/upgrade. Good glass will hold it's value much better than camera bodies. I paid about $1,000.00 for my X-T1 body and today, I may be able to get $500.00 for it. Rather than take the hit and sell the X-T1, I'm going keep it and wait another 6 to 12 months and buy a new X-T2 body. There should be some deals on them right around Thanksgiving/Black Friday.
My Fuji 16-55 lens has probably only depreciated a couple of hundred dollars. It is by far my favorite, all around lens. I have had many different great high end lenses, including Canon, Nikon and particularly Leica (superb glass). The Fuji SYSTEM works, the glass is phenomenal, is affordable and is a lot smaller than full frame offerings from Canon and Nikon. I also have a 15" MacBook Pro with Retina display and the images from the Fuji on the MacBook Pro are just piss your pants gorgeous.
I went around and around with Canon, Nikon and Sony and finally ended up with a Fuji X-T1 and a Fuji 16-55mm f2.8 lens (and a 50-140mm f2.8). My Fuji gear is far and away my favorite gear and I will be staying with Fuji for a long time. The jpg images straight out of the camera are just stunning. The RAW images need very little, if any post processing work done to them. I have Iridient Developer and Adobe Lightroom software, but to be honest, they see very little use because of the Fuji IQ. RAW files can be made to look better than the jpgs out of the Fuji, but it takes a lot of work. Used X-T1's can be found on flea bay for $500 bucks all day long. The X-T2 has been out for 9 months or so and also has rave reviews. It's $1600 bucks new.
I know the above is more than you want to spend, but my experience was that I was never satisfied with CaNikon IQ and was always looking for something better. I dumped a lot of money into lesser grade equipment that I was lucky to get 50 cents on the dollar when I went to sell it/upgrade. Good glass will hold it's value much better than camera bodies. I paid about $1,000.00 for my X-T1 body and today, I may be able to get $500.00 for it. Rather than take the hit and sell the X-T1, I'm going keep it and wait another 6 to 12 months and buy a new X-T2 body. There should be some deals on them right around Thanksgiving/Black Friday.
My Fuji 16-55 lens has probably only depreciated a couple of hundred dollars. It is by far my favorite, all around lens. I have had many different great high end lenses, including Canon, Nikon and particularly Leica (superb glass). The Fuji SYSTEM works, the glass is phenomenal, is affordable and is a lot smaller than full frame offerings from Canon and Nikon. I also have a 15" MacBook Pro with Retina display and the images from the Fuji on the MacBook Pro are just piss your pants gorgeous.
Threadcutter,
I completely agree on the glass quality thing. 20 years ago I bit the bullet and switched over from Pentax to Leica binoculars and have never regretted spending that money. Had two girls under five at the time so that bit deep into the budget.
Buying the best is an investment. I know that.
With that said, I'm now retired and my income is fixed, hence the $1K budget.
I would love to spend 3-4k on a camera, lenses and tripod, but that's not going to happen. It can't. Other things like food, the mortgage, boat payments (yeah, it's a necessity in Florida. ;^) )
That's why I set a budget of 1k for camera and tripod.
I'll look into the Fuji. I know they've always been top notch. If I go that route (used of course), I'll bend your ear some more in regards to which lenses, etc...
I really appreciate your help.
I completely agree on the glass quality thing. 20 years ago I bit the bullet and switched over from Pentax to Leica binoculars and have never regretted spending that money. Had two girls under five at the time so that bit deep into the budget.
Buying the best is an investment. I know that.
With that said, I'm now retired and my income is fixed, hence the $1K budget.
I would love to spend 3-4k on a camera, lenses and tripod, but that's not going to happen. It can't. Other things like food, the mortgage, boat payments (yeah, it's a necessity in Florida. ;^) )
That's why I set a budget of 1k for camera and tripod.
I'll look into the Fuji. I know they've always been top notch. If I go that route (used of course), I'll bend your ear some more in regards to which lenses, etc...
I really appreciate your help.
I'll deviate a bit and say that some of the more advanced point and shoot rigs are more than most folks would ever need.
The Coolpix P900 has 83X Optical zoom and ton of features and options in manual mode.
https://www.dpreview.com/sample-gall...amples-gallery
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p-0X3xJf-kg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The Coolpix P900 has 83X Optical zoom and ton of features and options in manual mode.
https://www.dpreview.com/sample-gall...amples-gallery
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p-0X3xJf-kg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I bought a Canon 2Ti a few years ago for a trip to Hawaii. At the time, the package from Best Buy was about $600 or so (if I recall correctly). I took some awesome pictures and love the camera. Easy to get started with and does everything I need. I'm not a professional so it others mentioned may be better but the Canon was a perfect fit for me.
For work, I also had a Nikon D5500 (I think) and that package was about $1000. Outstanding camera as well. I thought the Nikon was a little more user friendly but the pictures were great for what I needed.
For work, I also had a Nikon D5500 (I think) and that package was about $1000. Outstanding camera as well. I thought the Nikon was a little more user friendly but the pictures were great for what I needed.
Hi Mike,
Very happy to try and help. I'm betting you could probably pick up a good/great used Fuji 16-55 on flea bay for $750 to $800 & I already know the used X-T1 bodies are going for $500.
Anyway, you are more than welcome to bend my ear anytime. I'm not a pro, just an amateur with experience via many mistakes along the way.
All the best to you......
Very happy to try and help. I'm betting you could probably pick up a good/great used Fuji 16-55 on flea bay for $750 to $800 & I already know the used X-T1 bodies are going for $500.
Anyway, you are more than welcome to bend my ear anytime. I'm not a pro, just an amateur with experience via many mistakes along the way.
All the best to you......
Tucker,
I forgot about that video. Just showed it to Rebecca. Sure was cool seeing the look on her face
I actually am a professional photographer (newspapers and photos for a couple Gun Digest books). I'm a confirmed Canon user, but probably because I started with my dad's old Canon that he bought to take photos during the Korean War. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Canon or Nikon.
Now, here's the thing; basically, treat the body as disposable. Any digital camera is going to wear out or, if you become hooked, it will be replaced by a new model with more bells and whistles. The glass is the key. I absolutely guarantee that you can see the difference between an entry-level lens (by any company) and, for instance, the Canon L series. So, buy an inexpensive body but the best lens you can afford. Check B&H Video and Adorama (both excellent, reputable companies) for the used items.
Just FYI, my wife, who does not want to fiddle with camera settings, bought a Canon PowerShot SX610 HS from B&H for $219 (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=email&A=details&Q=&sku=1110381&is=REG). The thing takes damn good pictures. Pocket cameras have come a long way.
Cheers,
Richard
Now, here's the thing; basically, treat the body as disposable. Any digital camera is going to wear out or, if you become hooked, it will be replaced by a new model with more bells and whistles. The glass is the key. I absolutely guarantee that you can see the difference between an entry-level lens (by any company) and, for instance, the Canon L series. So, buy an inexpensive body but the best lens you can afford. Check B&H Video and Adorama (both excellent, reputable companies) for the used items.
Just FYI, my wife, who does not want to fiddle with camera settings, bought a Canon PowerShot SX610 HS from B&H for $219 (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=email&A=details&Q=&sku=1110381&is=REG). The thing takes damn good pictures. Pocket cameras have come a long way.
Cheers,
Richard
Rebecca and I did a bunch of research based on the information everyone provided.
One of the things we concluded was that if we were going to take the camera along on most if not all outings, it had to be easy to pack.
I told her how I have previously carried a SLR. The biggest complaint I had before was swapping lenses all the time. It got to the point that I left the telephoto lens on most of the time.
Carrying the other lenses and having them handy never seemed to work out.
Another big consideration is the image stabilization for Rebecca. Her hands have a tremor and that will help her tremendously.
Lastly, we will be using it on the boat around salt water and I don't want issues related to that.
With that said, we've decided to go with something like the the Panasonic fz-1000, or the Nikon D-900.
As time passes, Rebecca may want to upgrade to a full SLR, and keep the other for basic use.
Now, about the tripod.
I'm 6' and want to be able to use it standing.
Stability, overall weight, folded length and lowest useable height are factors for us to consider.
I've looked at Manfrotto tripods. Are there others I should consider at or below $300.
One of the things we concluded was that if we were going to take the camera along on most if not all outings, it had to be easy to pack.
I told her how I have previously carried a SLR. The biggest complaint I had before was swapping lenses all the time. It got to the point that I left the telephoto lens on most of the time.
Carrying the other lenses and having them handy never seemed to work out.
Another big consideration is the image stabilization for Rebecca. Her hands have a tremor and that will help her tremendously.
Lastly, we will be using it on the boat around salt water and I don't want issues related to that.
With that said, we've decided to go with something like the the Panasonic fz-1000, or the Nikon D-900.
As time passes, Rebecca may want to upgrade to a full SLR, and keep the other for basic use.
Now, about the tripod.
I'm 6' and want to be able to use it standing.
Stability, overall weight, folded length and lowest useable height are factors for us to consider.
I've looked at Manfrotto tripods. Are there others I should consider at or below $300.
Hi Mike,
Sounds like a good call. I had a Lumix (can't remember the model) and I was quite happy with it. It had Leica glass in it. Probably not real expensive Leica glass, but Leica nevertheless.
As far as a tripod, I bought a "Horusbennu" carbon fiber rig off of fleabay. It's Chinese, but it's not bad. It isn't super heavy duty, but it was $250.00 and suits my needs. I've had it for 4 or 5 years, knocked it around a bit. Nothing has broken or fallen off. It has pinned legs so that when you are tightening or loosening them, the legs don't turn (annoying). Came with a black nylon carry/protective bag too.
Either look up Horusbennu on ebay or try this link;
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...ripod&_sacat=0
edit; The hide isn't saving the entire link, so just do a search on ebay for Horusbennu tripod.
Best of luck,
Sounds like a good call. I had a Lumix (can't remember the model) and I was quite happy with it. It had Leica glass in it. Probably not real expensive Leica glass, but Leica nevertheless.
As far as a tripod, I bought a "Horusbennu" carbon fiber rig off of fleabay. It's Chinese, but it's not bad. It isn't super heavy duty, but it was $250.00 and suits my needs. I've had it for 4 or 5 years, knocked it around a bit. Nothing has broken or fallen off. It has pinned legs so that when you are tightening or loosening them, the legs don't turn (annoying). Came with a black nylon carry/protective bag too.
Either look up Horusbennu on ebay or try this link;
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...ripod&_sacat=0
edit; The hide isn't saving the entire link, so just do a search on ebay for Horusbennu tripod.
Best of luck,
I have a Manfrotto. Excellent tripod, but heavy. If I did a lot of hiking/traveling with a tripod, I'd get a lighter one. A brand name doesn't come immediately to mind. As before, check B&H and Adorama used departments.
Richard
Richard
Well gents,
Rebecca and I really appreciate all the info you've provided.
Since she has a tremor in her hands, image stabilization was a must.
We also decided to keep it simple for the time being and go with a quality point and shoot.
Here's what we ended up ordering from B&H.
Canon Powershot SX 60
Vanguard Abeo Plus 324 CT, with ball head.
Should be here tomorrow.
Since we're on the boat a lot, having it simple and stable were key factors.
Once she falls in love with photography, I'm very sure the next purchase will be higher quality SLR. :^)
Thanks for everyone's help.
Rebecca and I really appreciate all the info you've provided.
Since she has a tremor in her hands, image stabilization was a must.
We also decided to keep it simple for the time being and go with a quality point and shoot.
Here's what we ended up ordering from B&H.
Canon Powershot SX 60
Vanguard Abeo Plus 324 CT, with ball head.
Should be here tomorrow.
Since we're on the boat a lot, having it simple and stable were key factors.
Once she falls in love with photography, I'm very sure the next purchase will be higher quality SLR. :^)
Thanks for everyone's help.
