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by Martin 095 on Tue Nov 20, 2018 11:39 am
Martin 095
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I am in need of some camera advice, so who better to turn to than my friends at NSN?

I had a Nikon D3200 (with its two kit lenses) as my secondary camera system – I kept this in my office so that when I needed a break, I could unwind with my photography.  The kit unfortunately was stolen and as this was a recent gift, regrettably, I did not have it insured.  So replacing it is coming out of my pocket.  I don’t have much to spend so here is what I am considering – any advice as to which route I should follow?  Upgrading beyond the consumer level is not possible fwiw and I am looking to keep size to a minimum.  I recognize the compromises I am making with image quality and convenience.  As always your advice is greatly appreciated – TIA!

a) D3500 with 18-55/AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED (I would likely upgrade the latter if possible to the VR version) – I could also try to substitute the Sigma lens below for the 18-55; without the Sigma lens, this is the most economical choice

b) D7100 (used or refurbished) with Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM Lens and AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR

c) D7200 (used or refurbished) with Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM Lens and AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR; this is the most expensive option, nearly twice the cost of the D3500 – is the extra cost worth it?

Have a great holiday and travel safely.
Best wishes,

Martin
"[i]If there is a sin against life, it consists, perhaps not so much in despairing of life, as hoping for another life and eluding the implacable grandeur of this life[/i]." - Albert Camus
 

by E.J. Peiker on Tue Nov 20, 2018 7:58 pm
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I would go with option C hands down. The D7200 is an excellent camera that is nearly a pro level body in build quality and features. The D3500 is a very cheap plastic toy in comparison with a very limited feature set. Just holding the two in your hand side by side will make that conclusion alone. I still use it as a backup wildlife camera for professional work.
 

by Jeff Pearl on Tue Nov 20, 2018 8:15 pm
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Not sure how this compares to other sales, but Ace Photo currently has D-7200 on sale for $997.00 with 18-55 and 70-300 lenses.
https://acephoto.net/cameras/dslr/nikon/nikon-d7200-dslr-camera-with-18-55mm-and-70-300mm-lenses-kit/
 

by SantaFeJoe on Tue Nov 20, 2018 9:25 pm
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Nikon has it on sale and it has a USA warranty:

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-produ ... d7200.html

Joe
Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.  -Pablo Picasso
 

by Martin 095 on Wed Nov 21, 2018 12:27 pm
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Thanks for the help!  Assuming I can swing the extra money, I will go with c.
Best wishes,

Martin
"[i]If there is a sin against life, it consists, perhaps not so much in despairing of life, as hoping for another life and eluding the implacable grandeur of this life[/i]." - Albert Camus
 

by E.J. Peiker on Thu Nov 22, 2018 8:25 am
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B&H just put out a Black Friday offer that knocks $300 off the price of a new D7200!
 

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