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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Coming back to DP after 14 years - need buying adv
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05/02/2018 05:06:42 PM · #1
As you can see by my profile I had a Fujifilm FinePix S7000. I must have spent a total of $1000 then.

I'm looking to get back in the game, but want to spend around $500ish to start. If I get really into it I'll upgrade.

I have to admit, I did have a good time with that camera.

You can see the kind of photos I enjoy taking in my profile.

I'm leaning towards a Nikon D3400 Bundle

https://www.ebay.com/b/Nikon-D3400-Digital-Cameras/31388/bn_88003094?_udlo=500&_udhi=700

Looking for advice on new vs. used vs. refurb

Please feel free to post anything interesting you find.

BTW, Anyone here from 2004?

TY
Steve


05/02/2018 06:27:49 PM · #2
Well, in most cases a factory-refurbished unit comes with the same warranty as new, so there's really no reason not to go that way except for possibly limited selection.

Welcome back!
05/02/2018 06:30:14 PM · #3
Is there anything on that list that you could recommend?
05/02/2018 06:35:49 PM · #4
Welcome back!!!!

And what the General said. Refurbished really IS as good as new these days.
05/02/2018 06:36:19 PM · #5
I would add that you should tell us a bit about what sort of stuff you're looking to shoot, in order to determine which sort of bells and whistles you need :)
05/02/2018 07:05:03 PM · #6
Hi! Welcome Back!
05/02/2018 07:17:49 PM · #7
Two suggestions:
1.) Don't buy off ebay; buy from an authorized seller, e.g. B&H.
2.) Buy the refurbished kit, and add a lens for the longer focal lengths.

Most of the stuff included with the ebay kits is junk. You are better off buying it as you need it. Only thing you really need to start is the body, two lenses, and memory card(s). I recommend two smaller cards rather than one larger one.

Oh, and welcome back! Holy cats, 176 months between posts, might be a record, LOL!
05/02/2018 07:24:22 PM · #8
Originally posted by shoff:


BTW, Anyone here from 2004?


Plenty of us! I've been here since June of '02, and GeneralE has been here since April of '02.

Edit to add: a quick search turned up 89 folks that are still paid-up members and registered before the end of 2004. I'm sure there are quite a few more registered users that are still active from that time period as well.

Message edited by author 2018-05-02 19:28:01.
05/02/2018 09:04:14 PM · #9
don't forget BATTERIES!
05/02/2018 09:10:40 PM · #10
Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by shoff:

BTW, Anyone here from 2004?

Plenty of us! I've been here since June of '02, and GeneralE has been here since April of '02.

Edit to add: a quick search turned up 89 folks that are still paid-up members and registered before the end of 2004. I'm sure there are quite a few more registered users that are still active from that time period as well.

I'm one of those 2004 Johnnie-come-latelies :-) Welcome back Steve!
05/02/2018 09:33:54 PM · #11
2004 Yep, yep!
05/02/2018 11:07:15 PM · #12
What accessories would you consider must haves?

Any books?

Photo editing for REAL Idiots- May be to hard for me

Nikon D3400 book?

What about this beauty from B & H?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1349915-REG/nikon_1573b_d_3400_dslr_camera_w_af_p.html

I enjoy taking close ups of items. Not necessarily macro, but close (see my photo on the chain)

I also enjoy patterns along with light and shadow

Does this info help?

I think I see a few names of people I recognize from NYC back in 2004. We had a few NYC get togethers (Bronx Zoo)

Message edited by author 2018-05-02 23:29:14.
05/03/2018 04:53:33 AM · #13
Originally posted by shoff:

What accessories would you consider must haves?


Spare battery, a couple of memory cards, a cable release and tripod for close up work. Polarising filter is a nice to have but quite expensive, but I would hold off on it until you see if you want to do landscapes.
05/03/2018 08:22:52 AM · #14
Originally posted by shoff:

What accessories would you consider must haves?

Any books?

Photo editing for REAL Idiots- May be to hard for me

Nikon D3400 book?



Memory cards, batteries, tripod, and adobe's photographer suite.

I wouldn't do the book thing as they become out of date very quickly. Instead, YouTube is your friend. There is THOUSANDS of videos on literally everything having to do with Photoshop and Lightroom.

D3400 book isn't a bad idea but again, YouTube has everything.

And welcome back! I wasn't here in 2004 but have been here for a while (2008). I had a few years here and there where I took off but it always lures me back in.
05/03/2018 12:18:15 PM · #15
Thanx,
I'd like to ask for advice on software.

I'm not going to go to crazy on editing. I like easy to start stuff. But, something I can grow with.
05/03/2018 01:13:22 PM · #16
Originally posted by shoff:

Thanx,
I'd like to ask for advice on software.

I'm not going to go to crazy on editing. I like easy to start stuff. But, something I can grow with.


Lightroom is my new favorite for this very reason. I can literally do VERY basic stuff all the way into some pretty complicated stuff all in one program.
05/03/2018 01:38:41 PM · #17
Originally posted by mbrutus2009:

Originally posted by shoff:

Thanx,
I'd like to ask for advice on software.

I'm not going to go to crazy on editing. I like easy to start stuff. But, something I can grow with.


Lightroom is my new favorite for this very reason. I can literally do VERY basic stuff all the way into some pretty complicated stuff all in one program.


Agree!
First, if you've never shot RAW, Lightroom provides a really good conversion engine, and in addition it provides good tools for managing your photo library. As a part of the Photographers Package, at $10 USD/month it is a good deal. No initial cash outlay, and you get both Lightroom and Photoshop, with frequent free updates. In fact, you get Photoshop Extended, which used to be over $1000 for a single perpetual license.
05/03/2018 02:41:14 PM · #18
Originally posted by shoff:


BTW, Anyone here from 2004?

I just looked and my profiles says 2002.
Haven't been here in awhile, but a challenge email just prompted me to come back and take a look. I'm going to kind of poke around and see what's going on these days.

As for the camera, think about what you really want to shoot well and pick based on that. For example, a Fuji X-T20 may not track moving subjects well with it's autofocus, but the image and lens quality usually get very good reviews. I recommend the Fuji X series to people who tend to use their JPEGs rather than raw because of the color and white balance accuracy that the fuji produces out of the camera but that matters less if you are committed RAW shooter. Good luck with our choice and I hope your return to dpc goes well for you
05/04/2018 09:38:16 AM · #19
Subjectiveness with a little experience thrown in...

For base simplicity. Buy a body and a superzoom walkaround lens, i.e. the 18-200.

You already have a clue, and unless you're super into trying to tailor the exact right lens for the situation every time, there's a lot to be said for NOT having to dink around.

DEFINITELY go refurb when you can. I've bought quite a few refurb Nikon items with zero issues.

Editing? Adobe Photoshop Elements. Cheap and powerful. Unless you're going to make digital manipulation a big part of what you do, it's an amazing program.

This setup, body, lens, Elements is reasonably priced and should you decide to move up and on from there, you have a perfect starter kit to sell as a unit.

Back to super subjective..... My happiness with Elements has to do with having a little time under my belt and realizing that if it takes me more than three to five minutes to get what I want from an image, it sucked and I move on. The better your initial image, the less you need to do in post to make it the way you want.

As always, YMMV....

Welcome back, and best of luck!

Message edited by author 2018-05-04 09:38:33.
05/04/2018 01:43:19 PM · #20
Originally posted by NikonJeb:

...

Editing? Adobe Photoshop Elements. Cheap and powerful. Unless you're going to make digital manipulation a big part of what you do, it's an amazing program...


Elements is definitely very capable these days. I would, however, make the case that Lr (Lightroom) provides enough tools to do the complete editing job for the vast majority of photos, where all that is required is global and limited local adjustments, and provides the image management and RAW conversion functionality.
05/04/2018 02:56:36 PM · #21
Well, I did it.

Bought D3400 refurbished from B & H with 300mm lens. $479

And this is the stuff I'm going to buy from Amazon.

Let me know if I forgot something.

Hi. Check out this list: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/132A22KH70UXN

05/04/2018 04:01:41 PM · #22
Originally posted by shoff:


And this is the stuff I'm going to buy from Amazon.

Let me know if I forgot something.

Hi. Check out this list: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/132A22KH70UXN


Maybe a couple memory cards?
05/04/2018 04:21:44 PM · #23
Don't get THAT tripod. invest few more $$ in a better one
05/04/2018 04:31:26 PM · #24
Originally posted by GeorgesBogaert:

Don't get THAT tripod. invest few more $$ in a better one


Can you link one that you'd suggest?
05/04/2018 04:35:58 PM · #25
Is that a 300mm prime lens? If so, that's very long for "everyday" use ...
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