DSLR, I'm gonna buy, I think...

[MATPOC]

I've been wanting one for a while, but there is a sea of them out there, from $500 to more then my car is worth...

Why? because my cell phone isn't enough sometimes, I see things I can't capture and it drives me nuts, I like taking photos, been doing it since I was 9 or 10... back then I lusted over SLR but only had some crappy cameras less sophisticated then modern plastic disposable.

Came to US and bought used K1000 ( it was better than anything we had on domestic market, but then it broke )
Years later I got Minolta Dimage 5 (was a gift from mom and her boyfriend) 3.3 mp was the BALLS in 2001, took some amazing pics with it, but it ate batteries like crazy, focus was very slow... eventually I realized that my cell is more convenient and takes better pics 90% of the time, but I still have the itch...

After some research I narrowed it down to Nikon D5500, seems to have the highest native ISO in the entry sub $1K class at 25600, the rest of the specs are similar to lower class D5*00 and D3*00 models.

D5500 body only is 650-ish
with 18-55 lens $850-ish
and with 18-140 lens $1000 at most places for USA market camera with warranty

Anything cheaper is import no warranty model or used...

just the 18-140 lens is $500 and seems fully compatible for AF and image stabilization (VR)
I was reading some complaints that even though all Nikon lenses bolt on most are not compatible with "DX and VR" so rather than getting a body and camera separate I want to get it as a set so it will work as intended.

And this is where I am now, looking at $1000-ish for a camera that I really don't need, but it would be nice to have, it will make me VERY happy and it cost FAR FAR LES than what I have blown on Motorcycles just in the past year.

I'm no expert, so before I blow the wad and buy this thing you are welcome to talk me out of it or point out my mistakes

I want DSLR because I like the mirror idea and looking through the actual lens, I want good low light because I hate loosing low light resolution. Long lens is also something that I really want, rather than carry spare lenses like some people I know 18-140 seems best of both worlds, at east according to their own write up.

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[Bigshankhank]

Do it, I have taken photography classes and have realized I simply don't have the "eye" for good photography. Mind you the last time I took a proper class we still had to develop pictures in a darkroom, but my daughter has a high dollar rig (EOS something or other IIRC) we got her before she did Semester at Sea and she is great with it, but even with me carrying it around all day I just don't see pictures. Not worth it for me to spend high dosh on a good camera.
To whit, I am jealous of those such as yourself who see the world and can capture it.

[MATPOC]

I'm no Dozer, but at least I can frame the shot, most times... started out in the dark room, actually first in a lit room out in the open, practicing with an old roll of film how to load it in that thing that you poor chemicals in to develop it... also used to have honest spy camera with 16mm film (or was it 8? can't recall now) my Grandpa got it and some film from a Mig's wing mounted camera, has to cut it to length and load it in the camera. it was flat, slide open, click shutter, close...
not sure what happened to it

[Bo_9]

I bought a used D5000 from someone on the board a couple years ago. It's been a workhorse and my daughter at ten won awards for her shots with it at the local fair. It just had the kit lenses and for shooting the kids games and swim meets they do fine.

[MATPOC]

more research and some reading, now I'm backing down to D5300, has GPS, apparently same low light sensitivity and cost less... at least that's what I got from chatting with someone at Nikon.USA

Cons are shorter battery life, larger size and weight (not by much)
Pors: GPS, cost $150 less

Still looking around

[Bigshankhank]

I guess I am dumb, but why would you want GPS on your camera? Would the metadata be something that could be used to pinpoint the location of the shot should some nefarious gubmint agency want to know where you've been loitering?

[MATPOC]

Went to Hunt's, again, walked out with brand new D5300 with a cheap 18-55 lens and my plan is to buy prime 50mm FX which will actually be an equivalent of 75mm on DX sensor (all this new stuff I learned today!)

[MATPOC]

I guess I am dumb, but why would you want GPS on your camera? Would the metadata be something that could be used to pinpoint the location of the shot should some nefarious gubmint agency want to know where you've been loitering?

so 20 years from now it may remind me where the photo was taken

[MATPOC]

loving the camera, picked up a fast prime lens, so much more light gets through...

Is there a limit to file size uploads? can't attach the image

hope google link works

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