Hello there... from Atlanta, GA

G

GaFFLe

New member
I'm new to photography and hope to learn a lot. I've recently purchase my first DSLR, the Nikon D5300 w/ 18-55mm kit lens. I debated and am still debating whether or not to return it for the D7100 but these pros are putting me in favor of staying with it:

Pros


  1. Price... It's a lot less expen$ive. I DJ on the side and just wanted a camera that would take great low-light pics of my setups in venues and clubs. Point-n-shoots always disappointed me in this regard. I don't think I'll ever be a true photographer and just barely a hobbyist, so a higher-end camera might be overkill.
  2. The articulating viewfinder. I always find myself taking shots of something in awkward positions and love this camera's feature. I first experienced the movable view finder in my old Coolpix 87xx and found it very convenient. I'm not one to do selfies but this viewfinder should make those types of shots easy.
  3. The built-in wireless capability. I've already used it with my cell phone. I like being able to get the pics to my cell or laptop w/o keeping track of the USB cable.

I'm also debating on returning this kit to Best Buy for the 18-140mm kit version. It's a couple of hundred more but I feel the lens will offer more usage. I could stay were I'm at and just get the 140mm lens on Ebay, but I'm wary of grey market stuff. Is that a problem when it comes to lenses (Nikkor)? I'm hoping I can find a 18-140mm or 18-105mm for less than $275 new or in mint condition.

I'm also going to get a prime 50 or 85mm lens. I'm researching how to take those baby pics with various poses and backgrounds; it looks like fun.
 
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G

GaFFLe

New member
Don Kuykendall said:
the 18-140 is a great lens. Perfect for a walk around lens.
Click to expand...
I see. So I realized the 18-55mm lens of lacking and returned it to get the D5300 with 18-140mm kit. While buying the new one, I glanced at the D7100 with 18-140mm kit and they stated it was being discounted heavily by Nikon... $500 off. I debated and went with the D7100 w/ 18-140mm kit for only $200 more than the D5300's kit. I see now how many of the functions I had to dig thru on the D5300 menus are just a click or button away on the D7100. It's a little bigger, heavier, has no articulating lens, nor built-in wireless but I'll get the wireless dongle and know I have an even better camera for only $200 more. ;)

Nikon must be getting ready to drop the D7200's...
 
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nikonpup

nikonpup

Senior Member
you will get a lot of enjoyment from d7100 18-140 combo. Since you are new, set it on "auto" and let the camera teach you. Take lots of pictures note the setting, imo it is the best way to learn. Post away.
 
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