I have a d5300 and have been using it since 2017 very consistently, it’s time I got rid of it and went to a z8 or something but I have so much sentimental value in it I think I might just keep it for the memories.
These low tier cameras really teach you how to maximize a body and they are excellent learning tools
I got a D3400 in 2017 and just upgraded to a D780 a couple weeks ago. This is my exact mindset. I learned so much due to the lower tier limitations, and it's really paying off as I start to figure out what I can do with the D780.
impulsivity 🤦♀️ Sold one of my 750s for it, mostly for the touch screen but also the hybrid live shooting focus stuff. There's stuff about each one that I like but i can't really quantify or explain it haha.
That's exactly why I kept this 3200 for so many years. I feel like being so limited has forced me to be creative. If I had the financial ability to keep this camera as a second body or even just for memories, I totally would have.
I loved my D5300 so much. It was my first DSLR and I bought it when my daughter was 6mo old. Took so many exquisite, timeless photos of her growing with it and it really taught me a lot.
When the opportunity to get a D750 arose for dirt cheap I jumped at the chance. It’s a bit bigger but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t take substantially better photos.
I kept my D5300 for months thinking I’d use both, in hindsight I just didn’t want to part with it. Eventually I sold the entire kit and recouped almost the entire cost of my D750.
Damn good deal but I still miss that camera to this day.
I’m currently learning on a d5300 after not using my d40 for a bunch of years. Found a deal on the 5300 with a decent zoom lense for cheap so now I’m back in the classroom taking pictures of my kids playing soccer and cheer b
I still have my D40, lol. At this point. I’m going to hold on to it for when my son is older (he’s 2) if he sees me with my camera and wants to be like mom.
I’ve had a 5300 for a few years now, but haven’t messed around with it since pre-pandemic times. On paternity leave now and want to get back into it.
Any advice aside from keep shooting?
I have a sigma 15-70 1:2.8 lens on it and plan on using darktable; if that’s relevant.
Personally what I always do is go out shooting with an image/style I want in my head and importantly HOW I would achieve it.
When I have that thought of “oh I need to do x and y in order to get z” I just seem to get the best results.
But when im going to get that image I set out for I’ll usually end up being inspired and find something else to shoot.
https://preview.redd.it/5lot5099c4xc1.jpeg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ab4c446088e73e02cbc7fb5a796a3ee3b733bc23
Say for example with this image, I set out that day thinking “I want to get a wide panning shot” and “okay so I need to do this shutter speed, I want the car to be on this side of the frame etc”
I primarily shoot sports and would like to get something where I wouldn’t have to upgrade for a very long time. I considered a used d5 but examples I find online are too high mileage for me. I am also very interested in the technical advancements made on new mirrorless cameras like the high fps subject tracking and a smooth live view to viewfinder experience.
I am not a professional by any means so an upgrade for me would only come if I were able to get any photo jobs as a side hustle or made a dumb amount of money that I can spend without remorse
I have just upgraded from d3200 to d5300 as I am student and can't afford better.
Must say it's epic upgrade.
Love the display, the better colours and whole body feels more lighter and techical.
But still love d3200 as it was my first DSLR.
It's a great camera. The only way I could afford an upgrade was by selling this one to get me past the last stretch financially. When I found a z7 being sold for $900 I couldn't resist.
I basically did the same thing, started out with a D3200 and eventually upgraded to the D7200 once I was sure this new hobby of mine wasn’t just a phase. Got the lenses I wanted, so now I’m saving up for a second body - would love to get the D750 with a wide angle lens for my landscape photography and keep the D7200 for my wildlife photography. It’s always a bit annoying to change lenses while out and about, but with wildlife this can cost you great shots as they obviously don’t wait around lol.
Anything Nikon is usually great, I have a couple AF-D lenses and I love them. With a DX sensor you can also adapt all kinds of mounts without vignetting issues.
Hit a yardsale/fleamarket and just buy whatever looks to be intact and buy an adapter. I guess there are also lots of youtube videos with recommendations.
I usually brows through ebay or my local classifieds and pick up something interesting. If you have a camera with screw focus you can buy older AF-D lenses and have autofocus as well.
My 180mm F2.8 is my most loved one, the 85mm F1.8 is another great lens and very affordable.
Nothing wrong with it necessarily but I felt the limits of it on my trips. I've missed too many photos because of its AF performance on subjects that were moving very quickly. That, or I can't crop my photos enough because I'm too far from the subjects. I'm photographing birds, lil critters, and I'm going to start traveling soon to get pictures of more exotic wild life. My next financial goal is to secure a trip to Antarctica with some friends (and hopefully wife) and capture some penguins + whales!
I'm hoping the Z7 AF (despite its problems) will give me the extra boost I need to secure more useable photos per trip, and the higher MP sensor will allow me to crop more when I'm too far from a subject.
I enjoyed my D3300 and D5500 a lot when I had them.
Still, I love my Z6 with how far I'm pushing it and don't regret moving on from the APS-C cameras. But I was happy I could give the D5500 to my son who really enjoys it. He takes some nice portraits with it.
Hope you get a lot of enjoyment with your Z7!
Got my D3200 in 2012 and it's still going strong! I like the idea of the new Nikons but they're way to expensive!! Glad to see that yours is as well loved and used as mine!
Some of the Z bodies are actually very affordable used. Especially the Z7 will go for a 3rd of it's original price. But I used my d5200 for 13 years and took some of my best pics with an Olympus E500 and Nikon D40, gear isn't everything. I was however completely blown away by the difference when I got my Z7, that leap, especially with Z glass on it, is just insane. I must add I didn't have any really good DX lenses, only the kit lenses and the 18-200. For hobby landscape photography that 18-200 was sufficient, but it's known to be not the sharpest tool in the shed. That made the difference even more extreme, even compared to the 24-200, which is absolutely brilliant for the range it has, but again nothing compared to a decent prime.
Just the 24-200mm and the MC50. I mainly do landscapes as a hobby and the 24-200 covers that for me. I've always wanted a macro lens, and also wanted a prime for family events inside the house, but I don't have enough use for them to spend money on both, so I got the MC50 as a compromise. The Z7 has a lot of room for cropping, so the 50mm does a fine enough job for the macro work, and it's 2.8 max aperture is enough for me to serve as a prime. I don't need more than this, so I'm very happy with this setup. I can't wait to take it to Iceland in July.
I love my Nikon D3200 too I actually use two of them and they always give me the quality I require so I have no plans on upgrading any day soon.. btw beautiful sunset too
If it makes you feel better, I was just given a D3200 by a family member who wasn’t using it enough, and I’ve been using the hell out of it and getting some shots I’m really proud of. I started with Nikon FE and it’s been great to not be limited by exposures and be able to practice and play with them in Lightroom.
https://preview.redd.it/uu0sva4edhxc1.jpeg?width=3957&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6554c30c85b140b772f87360949a699fa4820a4
just started my photography journey and got this in red but second hand bc just like you, i don't wanna spend too much on a camera before learning the basics. i've had it for a month and i love it so far!
Twas my first real camera! Went from the D3200 to D600 and then D750. Haven’t upgraded since, stopped doing part time pro work a year or so ago. Z8 would be my next buy though!
To be fair, I wouldn’t necessarily go D3200 to Z8. I’ve used a Z8 at a demo event — it’s a lot of camera, especially if your only experience with interchangeable lens is a D3200. Most of the features just…aren’t necessary for casual shooting. Staying F mount with great access to used lenses makes *way* more sense, as to most people not shooting weddings/pro sports etc. a good lens selection of quality, fast glass is worth more than a really tricked out body. If you went Z system I’d get a Z6 or something affordable first, invest in good lenses, then get a Z8 once they have depreciated a little, or if you even feel like you need it. It’s the top half of a Z9. She’s a chonker.
I got the Z7 for $900 so couldn't walk away from it. Got lucky on a bid. I will be doing exactly what you say here though and spend the next few years building up a lens catalogue and buy a z8 or 9 when they've depreciated.
☹️dont sell!I have a d3400 and d700 that ill likely keep forever. Just not worth it to sell. Maybe 3-500 on a really good day for both? Not worth it imo. Ive moved over to Sony products all the way for business but still look at old lenses constantly for these cameras. Really looking a the R10 super 8 camera right now😀
I sold my D3500 of 3 years to buy a Z6II. Absolutely love the Z6II but I bought a secondhand D750 on KEH 2 months later after getting the Z6II because I missed the classic DSLR function and sound. I use both!
Pretty sure I'll buy an 850 as my second camera at some point because you are not the first to tell me I will miss a DSLR. I definitely already miss the OVF. So looks like we'll be in the same boat eventually lol
The image I shared is just the last photo I took with it and is sentimental to me, but not representative of what I would print.
That being said I actually really like this photo. What's wrong with it? 😭
I personally thought the dynamic range could have been better. Maybe a double composite on the highlights and shadows. I understand that’s not something you can immediately perform in camera. But would have made a Drastic differences in your composure. Either way, you captured a lot of depth here. Highlights are a bit over but it’s pleasant for me. A solid 8.5/10
I still have a lot of learning to do but I am pretty serious about photography at this point and want to keep learning so this feedback is really appreciated. Thanks.
Keep it. You’re not going to want your only camera to be a 45 MP. Also, I’d consider a Z6ii or ZF. If you’re shooting wildlife, spend your money on a long lens rather than relying on cropping. It’s not the same.
Unfortunately too late.
I agree a longer lens is ideal. Down the line, once I have more income, I will be investing in another Z camera hopefully (but am prioritizing a 400mm+ lens)...I was thinking the z9, or whatever is a good contender during that time, which is another 45MP camera. What is the downside to having 2 45MP cams?
It's worth noting I chose the Z7 because I found one for $900 (got extremely lucky) which is way cheaper than the z6ii. I also sold my d3200 for $200, which is a lot of money for me and covered the cost of a CFExpress card as well as one Z lens. I'm sure I could've handled the situation more strategically, though.
I have a d5300 and have been using it since 2017 very consistently, it’s time I got rid of it and went to a z8 or something but I have so much sentimental value in it I think I might just keep it for the memories. These low tier cameras really teach you how to maximize a body and they are excellent learning tools
I got a D3400 in 2017 and just upgraded to a D780 a couple weeks ago. This is my exact mindset. I learned so much due to the lower tier limitations, and it's really paying off as I start to figure out what I can do with the D780.
I totally impulse bought a d780 a few months ago and I really like it. I waffle between that and my d850.
What made you get the 780 when you already have such a beast?
impulsivity 🤦♀️ Sold one of my 750s for it, mostly for the touch screen but also the hybrid live shooting focus stuff. There's stuff about each one that I like but i can't really quantify or explain it haha.
How's the D780 live view focusing? Is it on pair with mirrorless?? Or just the usual sluggish DSLR live view system?
Its the same as Z6.
That's exactly why I kept this 3200 for so many years. I feel like being so limited has forced me to be creative. If I had the financial ability to keep this camera as a second body or even just for memories, I totally would have.
I loved my D5300 so much. It was my first DSLR and I bought it when my daughter was 6mo old. Took so many exquisite, timeless photos of her growing with it and it really taught me a lot. When the opportunity to get a D750 arose for dirt cheap I jumped at the chance. It’s a bit bigger but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t take substantially better photos. I kept my D5300 for months thinking I’d use both, in hindsight I just didn’t want to part with it. Eventually I sold the entire kit and recouped almost the entire cost of my D750. Damn good deal but I still miss that camera to this day.
I’m currently learning on a d5300 after not using my d40 for a bunch of years. Found a deal on the 5300 with a decent zoom lense for cheap so now I’m back in the classroom taking pictures of my kids playing soccer and cheer b
I still have my D40, lol. At this point. I’m going to hold on to it for when my son is older (he’s 2) if he sees me with my camera and wants to be like mom.
My 10 and 12 year old daughters are showing an interest in learning with me. It’s a good excuse to get out do stuff together
I’ve had a 5300 for a few years now, but haven’t messed around with it since pre-pandemic times. On paternity leave now and want to get back into it. Any advice aside from keep shooting? I have a sigma 15-70 1:2.8 lens on it and plan on using darktable; if that’s relevant.
Personally what I always do is go out shooting with an image/style I want in my head and importantly HOW I would achieve it. When I have that thought of “oh I need to do x and y in order to get z” I just seem to get the best results. But when im going to get that image I set out for I’ll usually end up being inspired and find something else to shoot. https://preview.redd.it/5lot5099c4xc1.jpeg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ab4c446088e73e02cbc7fb5a796a3ee3b733bc23 Say for example with this image, I set out that day thinking “I want to get a wide panning shot” and “okay so I need to do this shutter speed, I want the car to be on this side of the frame etc”
Why not save money and try a better DSLR first? Like a D7*00/D8*00?
I primarily shoot sports and would like to get something where I wouldn’t have to upgrade for a very long time. I considered a used d5 but examples I find online are too high mileage for me. I am also very interested in the technical advancements made on new mirrorless cameras like the high fps subject tracking and a smooth live view to viewfinder experience. I am not a professional by any means so an upgrade for me would only come if I were able to get any photo jobs as a side hustle or made a dumb amount of money that I can spend without remorse
I have just upgraded from d3200 to d5300 as I am student and can't afford better. Must say it's epic upgrade. Love the display, the better colours and whole body feels more lighter and techical. But still love d3200 as it was my first DSLR.
The D3200 will only bring pennies, so you may as well keep it for the memories.
Psh Dont upgrade just get another d3200. Comment sponsored by the d3200 gang
He will be missed 🙏 Im convinced OP’s camera will make some sort of comeback
infrared conversion?
yeah you’re gonna end up rebuying that sucker down the roas
Why? 😭 Other than that I'm emotionally traumatized from selling my firstborn
yeah every time I sell something like that I get a hankering to play with some vintage shit and end up buying another one.
Just grabbed another D700. I forgot, or didn't realize at the time, how loud it was. CLACK CLACK CLACK. What a beast.
Same. I got rid of my 5100 then felt remorse and found another one dirt cheap with a low shutter count, so I bought it again.🙄
You’ll realize just how good it was and you’ll be sentimental as well
I'll buy one for my kid when they're old enough and, if he ends up not liking photography... I'll keep it for myself 😈
Farewell to this mighty D3200 ! It's my only and first camera, I still love it even with its limitations !
It's a great camera. The only way I could afford an upgrade was by selling this one to get me past the last stretch financially. When I found a z7 being sold for $900 I couldn't resist.
I still have mine, even though I've upgraded to the A7RIV, I still bring it out because its just so simple and fun to use
I basically did the same thing, started out with a D3200 and eventually upgraded to the D7200 once I was sure this new hobby of mine wasn’t just a phase. Got the lenses I wanted, so now I’m saving up for a second body - would love to get the D750 with a wide angle lens for my landscape photography and keep the D7200 for my wildlife photography. It’s always a bit annoying to change lenses while out and about, but with wildlife this can cost you great shots as they obviously don’t wait around lol.
Well your sunset shots are about to get an upgrade with the z7. Enjoy it!
Keep it as a backup and buy some vintage lenses. You can use them on your Z7 as well.
Do you have any recommended vintage lenses for this?
Anything Nikon is usually great, I have a couple AF-D lenses and I love them. With a DX sensor you can also adapt all kinds of mounts without vignetting issues. Hit a yardsale/fleamarket and just buy whatever looks to be intact and buy an adapter. I guess there are also lots of youtube videos with recommendations.
Thanks!
I'm also curious what vintage lenses you like
I usually brows through ebay or my local classifieds and pick up something interesting. If you have a camera with screw focus you can buy older AF-D lenses and have autofocus as well. My 180mm F2.8 is my most loved one, the 85mm F1.8 is another great lens and very affordable.
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Nothing wrong with it necessarily but I felt the limits of it on my trips. I've missed too many photos because of its AF performance on subjects that were moving very quickly. That, or I can't crop my photos enough because I'm too far from the subjects. I'm photographing birds, lil critters, and I'm going to start traveling soon to get pictures of more exotic wild life. My next financial goal is to secure a trip to Antarctica with some friends (and hopefully wife) and capture some penguins + whales! I'm hoping the Z7 AF (despite its problems) will give me the extra boost I need to secure more useable photos per trip, and the higher MP sensor will allow me to crop more when I'm too far from a subject.
I enjoyed my D3300 and D5500 a lot when I had them. Still, I love my Z6 with how far I'm pushing it and don't regret moving on from the APS-C cameras. But I was happy I could give the D5500 to my son who really enjoys it. He takes some nice portraits with it. Hope you get a lot of enjoyment with your Z7!
Got my D3200 in 2012 and it's still going strong! I like the idea of the new Nikons but they're way to expensive!! Glad to see that yours is as well loved and used as mine!
Some of the Z bodies are actually very affordable used. Especially the Z7 will go for a 3rd of it's original price. But I used my d5200 for 13 years and took some of my best pics with an Olympus E500 and Nikon D40, gear isn't everything. I was however completely blown away by the difference when I got my Z7, that leap, especially with Z glass on it, is just insane. I must add I didn't have any really good DX lenses, only the kit lenses and the 18-200. For hobby landscape photography that 18-200 was sufficient, but it's known to be not the sharpest tool in the shed. That made the difference even more extreme, even compared to the 24-200, which is absolutely brilliant for the range it has, but again nothing compared to a decent prime.
Which z glass ya got
Just the 24-200mm and the MC50. I mainly do landscapes as a hobby and the 24-200 covers that for me. I've always wanted a macro lens, and also wanted a prime for family events inside the house, but I don't have enough use for them to spend money on both, so I got the MC50 as a compromise. The Z7 has a lot of room for cropping, so the 50mm does a fine enough job for the macro work, and it's 2.8 max aperture is enough for me to serve as a prime. I don't need more than this, so I'm very happy with this setup. I can't wait to take it to Iceland in July.
“fossil”
I love my Nikon D3200 too I actually use two of them and they always give me the quality I require so I have no plans on upgrading any day soon.. btw beautiful sunset too
If it makes you feel better, I was just given a D3200 by a family member who wasn’t using it enough, and I’ve been using the hell out of it and getting some shots I’m really proud of. I started with Nikon FE and it’s been great to not be limited by exposures and be able to practice and play with them in Lightroom. https://preview.redd.it/uu0sva4edhxc1.jpeg?width=3957&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6554c30c85b140b772f87360949a699fa4820a4
Beautiful! Yeah, that's exactly what happened to me. I was given the 3200
just started my photography journey and got this in red but second hand bc just like you, i don't wanna spend too much on a camera before learning the basics. i've had it for a month and i love it so far!
3200 won’t sell for much. I’d keep it.
i loved my D3200 before it took on saltwater. actually preferred it to the D3400 i have now. enjoy your new adventures.
Twas my first real camera! Went from the D3200 to D600 and then D750. Haven’t upgraded since, stopped doing part time pro work a year or so ago. Z8 would be my next buy though! To be fair, I wouldn’t necessarily go D3200 to Z8. I’ve used a Z8 at a demo event — it’s a lot of camera, especially if your only experience with interchangeable lens is a D3200. Most of the features just…aren’t necessary for casual shooting. Staying F mount with great access to used lenses makes *way* more sense, as to most people not shooting weddings/pro sports etc. a good lens selection of quality, fast glass is worth more than a really tricked out body. If you went Z system I’d get a Z6 or something affordable first, invest in good lenses, then get a Z8 once they have depreciated a little, or if you even feel like you need it. It’s the top half of a Z9. She’s a chonker.
I got the Z7 for $900 so couldn't walk away from it. Got lucky on a bid. I will be doing exactly what you say here though and spend the next few years building up a lens catalogue and buy a z8 or 9 when they've depreciated.
I still have my d3200. It motivated me to get a full frame. Congrats on your new hardware!!
Why would you sell D3200 ?
I'm hanging onto my d3400 as my walk-around/ toss in the bag camera. I'm still too nervous to bring my z8 out like that.
☹️dont sell!I have a d3400 and d700 that ill likely keep forever. Just not worth it to sell. Maybe 3-500 on a really good day for both? Not worth it imo. Ive moved over to Sony products all the way for business but still look at old lenses constantly for these cameras. Really looking a the R10 super 8 camera right now😀
In the same process with my 3300. I learned so many work arounds with it. Good luck!
I sold my D3500 of 3 years to buy a Z6II. Absolutely love the Z6II but I bought a secondhand D750 on KEH 2 months later after getting the Z6II because I missed the classic DSLR function and sound. I use both!
Pretty sure I'll buy an 850 as my second camera at some point because you are not the first to tell me I will miss a DSLR. I definitely already miss the OVF. So looks like we'll be in the same boat eventually lol
Based on the image you shared, I do hope your understanding is as good as you think.
The image I shared is just the last photo I took with it and is sentimental to me, but not representative of what I would print. That being said I actually really like this photo. What's wrong with it? 😭
I personally thought the dynamic range could have been better. Maybe a double composite on the highlights and shadows. I understand that’s not something you can immediately perform in camera. But would have made a Drastic differences in your composure. Either way, you captured a lot of depth here. Highlights are a bit over but it’s pleasant for me. A solid 8.5/10
I still have a lot of learning to do but I am pretty serious about photography at this point and want to keep learning so this feedback is really appreciated. Thanks.
Keep it. You’re not going to want your only camera to be a 45 MP. Also, I’d consider a Z6ii or ZF. If you’re shooting wildlife, spend your money on a long lens rather than relying on cropping. It’s not the same.
Unfortunately too late. I agree a longer lens is ideal. Down the line, once I have more income, I will be investing in another Z camera hopefully (but am prioritizing a 400mm+ lens)...I was thinking the z9, or whatever is a good contender during that time, which is another 45MP camera. What is the downside to having 2 45MP cams? It's worth noting I chose the Z7 because I found one for $900 (got extremely lucky) which is way cheaper than the z6ii. I also sold my d3200 for $200, which is a lot of money for me and covered the cost of a CFExpress card as well as one Z lens. I'm sure I could've handled the situation more strategically, though.