Help with deciding on new camera for photographer g/f

Explorer0929

New member
Hello,

My girlfriend has her own photography business that she started up this year, she. She has had a Nikon D3000 which she loved for 7yrs. Throughout she has two lenses that came with it a Tokina Fisheye which I bought her and a SB800 flash. She is looking to upgrade and I was wanting to get her a new one for Christmas. She expressed interest in the D3200 and D5300. Which camera would you all consider? Are the lenses compatible from the D3000? I was leaning towards the D5300 seems to just overall be a nicer camera that she can have for a long time throughout her start up business.

Thank you so much for your help!
 

wtlwdwgn

Senior Member
I think you should consider how much use the camera will get. The more professional cameras are made to last a long time under constant use and entry level cameras are made for occasional use. Some cameras just feel right in the hands and beg us to shoot more and cameras that don't will sit unused. Also cameras that feel right will not tire the photographer before they are done with a shoot. As for which camera body to get I will let the more experienced Nikonites answer that. Just my $0.02.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Hello, My girlfriend has her own photography business that she started up this year, she. She has had a Nikon D3000 which she loved for 7yrs. Throughout she has two lenses that came with it a Tokina Fisheye which I bought her and a SB800 flash. She is looking to upgrade and I was wanting to get her a new one for Christmas. She expressed interest in the D3200 and D5300. Which camera would you all consider? Are the lenses compatible from the D3000? I was leaning towards the D5300 seems to just overall be a nicer camera that she can have for a long time throughout her start up business. Thank you so much for your help!
First off, I'd tell you to skip the D3200 altogether; seriously. Not enough of an upgrade from what she already has, IMO.

I'd give serious consideration to either the D5300 and, especially considering the recent price-drops, the D7100.

I shoot with a D7100 and my girlfriend shoots with a D5300 so I've seen a LOT of side by side shots from each, with most being under all but identical shooting conditions. The D7100 has more bells and whistles, more buttons and what not that make life as a photographer a little bit easier and they're very nice to have. It has some serious upgrades as well like the built-in auto-focus motor, weather sealing, dual card slots, dual command wheels and the magnesium alloy body. That's a lot right there...

For the price, though, I think it's just about impossible to beat what you get with the D5300. The image quality is nothing short of outstanding. You don't get a lot of those very nice to have upgrades the '7100 packs, but make no mistake: the D5300 is a beast of a DSLR when it comes to overall image quality. It's also a little smaller, physically, than the D7100 and that was a very big reason I went with the D5300 over a D7100 for my girlfriend, who has really small hands. She's tried my D7100 and wants nothing to do with it for that reason; the '7100 is just too big for her liking. So yeah, overall size might be something to consider as well.

Lastly, yes... Any lens she was using on her D3000 will be fully compatible with any of the cameras being discussed, including the D3200.
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sonicbuffalo_RIP

Senior Member
I highly suggest you get a bargain on the D7100. They are a great camera, and you can even find refurbs cheaper. They are the "primal beasts" around here. Just ask Pretzel.
 

SteveH

Senior Member
With it being a tool for her business, it may be an idea to let her try both the 5300 & 7100 in a shop and see which she prefers - I know its difficult to make it a surprise, but with the money involved it could be wise to have her input before you spend your money...
 

Deezey

Senior Member
Just a thought here. But for a business purpose....i would seriously consider the D7100 for the dual card slots. For paid gigs, having a backup is huge. And that second SD card could really save the bacon some day.

While I agree the D5300 is an awesome camera for the money. The D7100 won't limit her in any way.
 

Pretzel

Senior Member
Hello,
*yada yada, edited out portions here* Which camera would you all consider? *more editing out, leading to* ...a nicer camera that she can have for a long time throughout her start up business.

D7100

*edit IN much huzzah and fanfare here; dramatic increase in orchestral ambiance; etc. etc.*
 
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