Newbie: D5200 or the D3300?

RicardoSH27

Hello guys I have the same doubt, but in my case I would use it to take pictures in some motor sports events and landscapes, which one it's better for this and which could be a good lense for this?
Thanks.

SB_beginner

Dear Friends,

I want to buy a camera for my father and gift him on Christmas. I narrowed down to Nikon and that too to D5200, D3300. I need you expert advise to select one.

My background: I am not a pro when it comes to camera. I think I understand few features theoretically (after going through lots of websites) . But then I also understand that slight difference in numerical figures might not mean much in practice. I found this thread quite interesting and so seeking your advise.

My father's background: He is quite enthusiastic about camera and understands the basic things like aperture, shutter speed, ISO. But it was like 30 years back when he played around with a camera where he got flexibility to adjust it manually. He might still know what is what but is no more confident. Due to some personal constraints he could not pursue his hobby further. Currently he owns a PnS Sony digital camera now thinking of upgrading to DSLR. We were in a electronic shop where he saw D5200 and the sales person told him, it is the best.

How is he going to use it: He likes taking photographs in weddings, party, picnics, traveling, school functions.. almost every where. But he is not going to use it commercially.

My concerns:

I was about to finalize D3300. But here are few positives about D5200
1. Better metering
2. More AF (might be helpful for beginner like him)
3. In some blogs people said that D5200 has more manual feature. Is that true?
4. Movable screen (particularly helpful since my father has moderate knee probelem. It will be easier to shoot at low height of tripod. He can stand and work. Just my thought)

If 1, 2 and 3 are something which doesn't matter or negligible then I will stick with D3300.

D3300 has latest processing chip and and have less noise at high ISO. I am expecting him to click in low light situations too. If that is very crucial and you think I should move to D5300 instead of D5200, then please let me know. Since D3300 has Guide Mode and missing in D5200/D5300 so I was a little hesitant. But if 5200/5300 is something which will be better I will go with it. I can help him learn through books/videos available online.

D5300 is little over my budget. D5200/D3300 fits my budget well. With 18-55mm lens kit, I think it will take sometime before he needs any more lens. It will be great if you think I need to buy any other accessories other a tripod.

Thanks a lot for your time and patience to read.

tcole1983

I would personally go for the d5200. I haven't ever been a fan of the d3xxx cameras but I think the d5xxx offers a good compromise of function and price. It has a much improved autofocus and some additional features. The d3300 is very basic. Not that either can't take great pictures, but I think if he already has past knowledge of photography the d5200 will give him a bit more room to grow. I haven't side by side compared the two bodies but the d5200 has a decent amount of buttons and options to change settings without having to go into menus much. Also in a menu you can set a favorite options which makes some features like auto iso quicker to change.

Photobug

You should match up any of the 17-55, 18-55, 18-105mm lens for landscapes and some sport events. Consider the 70-200 F2.8 (big $$$ but worth it) or the 70-300 slower lens for sporting event.

If you don't need the flippy screen go for it.

MikeGunter

Hi,

+1 to tcole1983.

The D5200 is a really impressive camera and can do most things extremely well. The only thing it doesn't have that is slightly limiting is it lacks an on board motor for lenses that don't have motors for auto focus (IOW, the lenses you'll have to have for the camera will have to have motors - most do, but some of my old lenses don't - this isn't a 'fly in the ointment, but OTOH, you or your dad will have to look at the lens accessories to be sure they are compatible).

The camera's image processor is terrific and makes really nice photos.

To your specific questions:

1. Metering is similar - to what understand, but metering is very good.
2. AF is very good, and can be manipulated.
3. Fully manual as well.
4. As someone with no good knees nor back, the movable screen is a godsend and worth getting over the D3300 anytime. I wish the D750 had the same type of screen.

My favorite lenses were the 16-85mm, f1.8 35mm, 105mm micro, f1.8 85mm, f1.8 50mm and the 70-300mm - I have many, many more, those were the most used.

Good luck and my best.

Mike

heartyfisher

@SB_Biginner : my vote goes for D5200. also consider a secondhand D7000 which will allow you to use the oldder screw type lenses Mike mentioned.

@RicardoSH27 : mototsport and landscape are 2 different types of photograpy that needs totally different types of lenses each specialised lenses can cost a lot. the alternative would be to get a superzoom like the 18-300, 18-200 or 18-140 depending on your budget.

@ben_dmb : regarding an alternative to a kit lense that is a zoom. (I would still say primes first !) you have mentioned the tamron 17-50. Check out the sigma 17-50 I remember the reviews for sharpness were good on that one. also consider the 17-70 F2.8-4 OS that one always looked attractive. my own choice was the 18-140 nikkor, I thought its a good compromise for weight/size and sharpness/range.

SB_beginner

Thank you tcole1983, Photobug, MikeGunter and heartyfisher. I am really grateful for your response and think I will go with D5200.

Since the performance is almost similar in D3300 & D5200 and D3300 has "Guide Mode", which I read is an awesome feature for beginners, I was quite inclined to go for it. Also, I thought of saving some dollars there and spending on lens (taking clue from Photobug's earlier posts).
But now the sole reason of choosing D5200 would be the flippy screen. With ailing knee, (as MikeGunter pointed out) I think this will give my dad more room. Certainly it comes with an advantage like Manual keys. But after closely looking to the images of both the cameras it seems manual options in D3300 and D5200 are same.

AF is one thing which I saw a lot of debate in other posts. But certainly having more AF points and manual control around it adds icing on the cake.
@tcole1983: It will help me if you can point out features that you consider important and are missing in D3300. Is "Also in a menu you can set a favorite options which makes some features like auto iso quicker to change" missing in D3300? Just curious here.
@heartyfisher: I would have liked to go for secondhand D7000/D7100. But unfortunately, I lack confidence in buying second hand products. May be, one day when I see my father doing good and wanting for more power, I will gift him a new camera for Pro

Also, friends is there any alternative of Guide Mode (like installing the manual in D5200) in D5200? I mean, like an option of installing Guide Mode. I know the "Guide Mode" key is not available in D5200, but just hitting around the bush I searched the internet, I couldn't find one. Is "Guide Mode" in D3*** is awesomely great?

Now, I think I will spend some time today researching about the lens you suggested. They all look quite costly. I will also go to the shop and see if there are any offers on them. I checked Nikon lens prices. Following lenses I can afford, but only One. Can you please help me choose one.

AF 50mm lens F1.8
AF 70-300mm F4-5.6G ZM-NIKKOR lens W/HB-26 (BLACK)
AF-S DX VR 18-55/3.5-5.6G II
AF-S DX 55-200mm lens/F4-5.6G ED
AF-S DX 55-200mm lens/F4-5.6G ED
AF-S 50mm F/1.8G lens
AF-S DX VR 55-200mm lens F4-5.6G
AFS DX 35mm lens/1.8G
AF 28mm lens F2.8D
AF-S 50mm F/1.8G lens
AF-S DX MICRO 40mm f/2.8G
AF 50mm lens F1.4D
AFS DXVR18-105/3.5-5.6G
AF 35mm lens F2D
AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
55mm F2.8 MICRO-NIKKOR lens A
AF-S NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6 ED VR lens

sevencrossing

I checked Nikon lens prices. Following lenses I can afford, but only One. Can you please help me choose one.

He likes taking photographs in weddings, party, picnics, traveling, school functions.. almost every where.

Limited to only one lens, he needs a mid range zoom

The AF-S NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6 ED VR lens should be fine

heartyfisher

Refurbished by Nikon is pretty safe..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKON-D7000-16-2MP-DIGITAL-SLR-CAMERA-BODY-18-105MM-VR-LENS-RECERTIFIED-/301406501239

SB_beginner

@sevencrossing - thank you ! I see it is also in the suggested list posted by Photobug, heartyfisher. So, I understand this is in addition to the 18-55mm that is included in lens kit.

@heartyfisher: Now this is what I have not thought about. Great ! Thanks for pointing it out. Although I have no experience in refurbished product, but after a bit of googling I see it as a safe option and possibly a great option. I will wait for a day and see if anyone suggests me against buying Refurbished one. After all for me it is a big investment on unknown territory, so trying to be a bit cautious.

sevencrossing

So, I understand this is in addition to the 18-55mm that is included in lens kit.

it would replace the kit lens
see if you can a deal on a body only or the 18- 140 instead of the 18 -55
otherwise just get him the camera + kit lens and chose the second lens later when he has discovered what he needs

Ironheart

You outgrow the guide mode on the D3xxx cameras pretty quickly (I think I used it exactly twice). Get a "guide to the 5200" book instead, there are several on the market, all of them better than the manual.

Another way to learn is to use the "Auto" mode, see what settings it used to get the shot, and use that as the starting point for Manual or Aperture priority.

retread

My daughter and I pooled out resources and got my granddaughter a D3300 and the kit lens for Chrismas. I found a black Friday deal and added a 55-200 that she will get for her birthday in March. Got it all for the same price as the D3200 with thee same lenses so was a no brainer. We have both been shooting with my D5100 which I plan to up grade to a pro level DX and then a FX. I may be a lot like your father. Shot all my life and even in the army. Backed off raising a family and paying for the farm. Now I am starting over and having a ball with grandkids. There are 3 of them shooting with me.

Best of luck to your dad and Merry Christmas.

spraynpray

OK, your father grew up on full manual cameras so for him, using the D5200 in manual mode will be the same except he now has the flexibility to change his ISO from shot to shot. No worries there because all the other features he can learn one at a time at his own pace while using the camera. Guide mode? My wifes' camera had that and for an experienced user, it is not a great advantage.

Lenses: If he is used to - and prefers - a prime, start with the 35mm f1.8 but if he is ok with zooms, the 18-140 is probably the only lens he needs. If the body comes with a lens, my answer would change depending on what that lens was.

tcole1983

The D5200 also has a "guide" menu feature. Just hit the zoom out/question mark button that falls at the lower right corner of the rear screen. It will pop up with info about whatever menu item is highlighted. Pretty helpful sometimes as it is nice to have quick field reference for things like difference focus modes and things that you might not use often enough to memorize exactly what they do.

Also out of that list you want to only look at the AF-S lenses with the bodies you mentioned. They don't have an in body autofocus motor and will not auto focus with the older AF lenses.

The D7000 could be a good option. I have seen it with the 18-140 in the low $600 recently.

Photobug

+1 on the comment about the 18-140mm lens over the 18-55mm. Much more flexibility.

I would also recommend that you download this app from Google Play for your Android smartphone and/or tablet: Nikon Manual Viewer 2

Then you pick which digital Nikon Manual you want and download it to your phone or tablet. Then when you are out shooting and you forget how to find a control, or make adjustments, you have immediate access on your phone or tablet. And yes you can have multiple manuals on your device.

SB_beginner

sevencrossing, Ironheart, retread, spraynpray, tcole1983, Photobug, MikeGunter and heartyfisher: I would like to thank each one of you for your invaluable advise. Without all of your advise I could not have made a decision so fast.

On advise of heartyfisher and tcole1983, i tried to search a little more. Finally I found a good deal and placed an order for D7000 with 18-105mm lens. Had I not got that offer, I would have sided with D5200. Surely I will miss the flippy screen...a big trade-off for me. But since D7000 will bring down the future lens cost (due to AF motor in body), I thought of going with it.

@sevencrossing: Thanks for helping me with the lens. Since I got 18-105mm lens in the deal, so I plan to let him try it out for now. If needed will extend that further.

@Ironheart: Thanks for the tip and getting me over "Guide Mode". I will now search for some guide to D7000 and may be some online courses/videos.

@retread: Thanks for the wishes. It was heartening to read your side of story. It is quite similar I hope he too

@spraynpray: As for now I could sense my father is more inclined towards zoom. But certainly in near future, I will check with him on the primes. Also, thanks for making me understand that "Guide Mode" is not something that he needs for long time.

@tcole1983: Thank you for for the tip on the "Guide". I will explore if it is the same in D7000. Also, thanks for pointing out that AF-S lenses are the ones which has AF in it. I didn't knew it and am ashamed. I should have googled it before putting in the entire list of lenses within my range. With D7000 hopefully I would not have to worry now. I will find it out

@Photobug: Many thanks for this invaluable piece of information around manual. I want him to be a little independent.. so this app is surely going to help. And for lens, I will surely keep your recommendation in my mind. Right now, I have ordered for 18-105mm. Please forgive me if 18-105mm and 18-140mm doesn't make much difference. For me, at present, these lenses are just numbers. But of-course over Christmas holidays I will read about lens and get myself upto speed.

I am now anxiously waiting for the delivery. Not sure if he is going to like it.. or rather like it more than D5200. Keeping my fingers crossed

Meanwhile, Merry Christmas to you all !

spraynpray

He is going to love it SB. You chose wisely.

Merry Christmas to you too.

MikeGunter

Hi all,

@ SB_beginner - :-) Merry Christmas to you and yours! I owned the camera and liked it a lot!

My best,

Mike

Ironheart

@SB, I own the D7000 and other than the D7100 and (rumored) D7200 I don't think Nikon makes a better bang for the buck. You and yours will enjoy it. Ho Ho Ho!

tcole1983

I don't think many would be disappointed with the d7000. It is more advanced than the d5200 it is just a little older. Still a capable camera. It doesn't have the newest sensor or autofocus but it has some more advanced features and capabilities so I think someone would be happy either way. There will be plenty to learn and now AF lenses which tend to be less expensive can be used.

Merry Christmas and I am sure he will be surprised.

retread

Your dad will do just fine with the D7000. I used old lenses form my film cameras on the D5100 very successfully in full manual mode until I reached a point the light changed faster than I could adapt. Your can program an old manual lenses into the D7000 and it will calculate the exposure. The rest will be manual. These old lenses did not have any kind of auto focus whatsoever. Wish I had done my homework better as you did. I would have gotten the D7000. Of course now I am looking beyond the D7000 to what may be better for me.

Glad I could offer a little insight form an old granddad.

Photobug

@SB_beginner - he is going to love the camera. Remind him that its a great tool and that there is a learning curve and he will "grow" into the features over time. You bought a great Christmas gift.

FYI, My wife's first DSLR was a D90 and the 18-105mm lens is an excellent kit lens. He won't be disappointed with the results.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family.

NSXTypeR

I would have recommended the D3300 for someone with a tight budget, but given that the D7000 has hit rock bottom prices, it makes sense to go for that. I own a D7000 too and I love it. Your father's going to like it too.

heartyfisher

Yup .. yup .... .. and yup.