With the first ACTION Photography Team coming up in less than five weeks, I’ve been receiving questions from potential attendees about what to expect or what to bring. Here’s one question I received whose answer I thought might be helpful for more than just Wendi:
Do you think either of these [cameras] would be a good fit for my daughter to use at the ATI Conference Photography workshop?
- Black Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
- Red Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
What additional lenses should I get for her?
– Wendi
My response:
A DSLR with interchangeable lenses and full manual controls like the Nikon D3100 would definitely work for the Photography Team!
With a little more research, you can see that the Nikon D3300 might be a better fit for only a little more money. It’s a much newer camera and scores higher on a lot of points, as you can see in this SnapSort comparison. And here’s a more detailed comparison of specs from Imaging-Resources.com.
So, depending on what you’re willing to spend I would recommend the D3300, though the D3100 could still work.
As for lenses, this will probably be your best shot for a second lens on a budget: Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 DX VR She’ll definitely want to invest more in lenses if she decides to go deeper into photography.
Because these recommendations come from yours truly who doesn’t use Nikon, I figured I’d seek the advice of a friend who does shoot Nikon. Matthew is from Florida and has helped out on multiple ACTION Photography Teams in the past.
His response:
The D3xxx series are great first cameras. The Canon equivalent would be the Rebel series. I would recommend getting it from Adorama instead though. I’ve heard very mixed opinions about Beach Camera. . . . Can’t really go wrong with Adorama, for the same price.
If she wants a longer lens to go with it, the 55-200mm might be a good choice. It’s an f/4-f/5.6, but still a good starter lens.
Another option might be this combo, an 18-105mm zoom + a Nikon D3200, which is a little nicer and newer. 24MP and a few other upgraded features. It’s actually got the same sensor as my camera. It’s a little more cost, but she’d be getting a nicer camera, and a single lens that will cover your most-used zoom range. Swapping lenses when you hit that 55mm barrier gets old really fast.
Hope this helps! I’m looking forward to the Toccoa Photography Team!
And so am I! Will you be attending a homeschool event that’s hosting an ACTION Photography Team?
Hey James,
Just in case they haven’t invested in a D3300 yet, there’s a great deal on Adorama today for both lenses in question! That is by far the cheapest you’ll ever get that whole set together for!
http://www.adorama.com/INKD3300KRL1.html?emailprice=t&sub=News&hotlink=t&svfor=5m&utm_source=rflaid41619
Hey, I’ll pas this on to Wendi! Thank you buddingphotographer. I’m glad to know you still find time for photography despite everything that’s been happening in your life these days!
You’re welcome, James! It’s my pleasure! I always like to find good deals on equipment, so it’s nice to pass on the savings to others too, if I get a chance!
So THAT’S how you spell Toccoa… 🙂
Good spot on the bundle, @budding, if she decides to go the 2 lens route. The d3300 is a tad higher-end than the 3200 too. Slightly higher frame rates for both still and video, as well as a little faster processor. Personally, I’d rather have the wider zoom range lens – but hey, for about the same price as the 3100 with the 2 lenses, why not?