Hello I am upgrading from a d3100 because I am trying to start a photography/videography company and the 3100 isn't cutting it anymore. I have been tasked with doing a live demonstration next month on the 15th and it could make my business. I have made videos with the 3100, but I am looking at getting a d5600 at the moment because of better video and the external mic jack. I really like nikons and I want to stay with Nikon, I don't have the capital to spend more than $750, I have been looking at them online, but I am seeing a lot of different price ranges. I have a few weeks to buy the camera but I would like atleast a full week before I have to put it to use professionally. Should I buy used or new? I have also been looking at body only options, but I can't seem to find any that aren't on backorder. I currently own a prime 35mm lense and have the kit lens from the 3100, will I need the kit lens on the newer camera or is it the same as the one I currently have? Also what are your experiences with buying from online retailers? Should I buy from BestBuy and get a 3 yr accident warranty on it. My current 3100 has a shutter count of 7591, but I have shot atleast 2-300-10 minute movies on it and I have never dropped it or gotten scratches on it.
I started with a D3000, which is similar to the D3100. I own a D5300 and love it! It is about the same as a D5600 and cheaper. I have been reading articles and comparisons for different cameras to figure out which ones I wanted, and looked within what I wanted to spend. They both have the fully articulating screens, to get shots from the ground without laying on the ground, if needed. One thing I really was looking for was auto exposure bracketing, for HDR photography. Not sure if the D5600 has it, by the way. I recently bought a D610, a "full frame" camera. The lenses are all interchangable, but they work differently. Using the 610, there is an outline where the pic will be taken, not from the whole picture that you see. Not sure of the correct words to use for what I just said. The lens worked just fine, but I had to be aware more of what I was looking at.So the 3000, 5000, and 7000 "series" all use non full frame lenses, so nothing to worry about there with your lenses, if that is what you end up getting.
I have bought most of my recent cameras from ebay and facebook marketplace, successfully. The 610 was through fb marketplace but was a camera shop/studio. As far as warranties, my personal preference is to never buy them, but have never needed the accidental coverage. Read reviews on the company that BB uses at the very least. What I have read about warranties, the "experts" mostly advise against the added expense.
Rob