Young photographers just starting out always ask me which DSLR should they buy. Of course the answer to that question greatly relies on your budget. Also the great news is that it’s hard to go wrong with any of today’s DSLR products. I’m a Nikon shooter so therefore I’m familiar with Nikon’s product line more so than say Canon’s or Sony’s. Nikon just introduced the D5300. I’ve owned both a D5000 and a D5100 and this line is a great fit for those just starting out. What generally separates the entry level cameras from the more expensive pro level cameras usually has to do with the quality of materials and sensors, but also the number of buttons and external controls. On entry level models there are less buttons, therefore requiring the shooter to go into the menus to change settings more often. However, many times the entry level cameras introduce features that have not yet made it into the pro line. For example, the Nikon D5300 is Nikon’s first DSLR to offer built-in WiFi and GPS. I’m actually stunned that in 2013 these features aren’t on all cameras just like WiFi and GPS are on ALL smartphones. Nonetheless, they’re finally here. The D5300 also offers a swivel out LCD. Not a revolutionary feature by any means and has been around on previous models and lower end cameras for years, yet not really on pro level DSLRs yet.
The D5300 is a great choice if you’re just starting out. You can pre-order the body here (even in red) or the kit here.
Hi, I hate to litter your post with an unrelated comment, but I just want to say how great your You Tube videos are. They are very interesting and informational, I really learned a lot from them!
Thanks!
I’m in the same boat- completely unrelated to this blog (which i am bookmarking) but the tutorial i just watched was so perfect- thanks so much! very much appreciated, and i will shared your vids, blog, etc
– toni
Nikon ist Berymt meirk ich Schon lange ist Geil meirk immer Nikon
You mention the flip screen isn’t on pro models yet. You’re mostly right, but I’d like to give a shout out to Sony who has that that on the A99, their pro model. I’m not brand biased at all, but that’s a major reason I use Sony. In my job as a college photographer, I’m often blocked by people and without the flip screen I would have missed shots. (That camera also has GPS. Important to me tow.)
It’s interesting that this camera is described as pitched at the beginner. I’ve been taking photos for 25 years and my usual gear is a D700/D7000, with which I’ve shot weddings, corporate and travel. However, neither of those cameras, nor the current crop of top-of-the-line bodies has the D5300s combination of size, weight, GPS,WiFi, sensor, video capability (incl 60 FPS at 1080p). Sure it’s a little lighter in build quality, requires some menu hunting at times, and doesnt have much in the way of weather sealing, but it’s a great combination of features and price, neither of which is currently matched elsewhere in the Nikon lineup. For these reasons it has found an important niche in my camera arsenal. I fully expect to be making some very fine images with this little camera.
Great blog by the way!