Upgrading from Nikon D3200

will56

Hi,

I'm looking to upgrade from my current D3200.
I've had it about a year now and think its time to move to something a little better without spending too much.

I've been looking at the D5300 with the articulated screen. I take a lot of pictures of my daughter and candid family photos and the articulated screen would make them a lot easier to take.

Is there any other models I should be looking at ?

€350 is about the most I'm willing to spend right now, hope to make some of that back when I sell my current body.
I use a 35mm and a 50mm prime the majority of the time with some ocassional telephoto shots.

magicbastarder

what else apart from the screen do you think is limiting you on your current camera?

will56

magicbastarder wrote: »

what else apart from the screen do you think is limiting you on your current camera?

Not a whole lot to be honest.
I would like to be able to adjust some settings without going into the menus, but I realise thats on the more expensive/prof level bodies

will56

So I've upped my budget a bit and picked up some cameras in a B&M store.

I'm now torn between the D5300 and the D5500
Both have the flip out screen, sensors etc are identical but the D5500 has touchscreen functions.

I'm thinking I might as well spend that bit extra and get the extra functionality now ?

Has anyone used either camera ?

Mike Litoris

will56 wrote: »

So I've upped my budget a bit and picked up some cameras in a B&M store.

I'm now torn between the D5300 and the D5500
Both have the flip out screen, sensors etc are identical but the D5500 has touchscreen functions.

I'm thinking I might as well spend that bit extra and get the extra functionality now ?

Has anyone used either camera ?

How about a wide angle lens?


I've a D5500. I rarely use the touch screen tbh. I wouldn't let that be a deal breaker. That said, the flip screen is great and really does open up some photo opportunities you wouldn't normally get without getting filthy but above all else the sensor is absolutely fantastic if you shoot RAW.

There is a staggering amount of latitude with both shadows and highlights especially if you're upgrading from old equipment. Noise isn't an issue up to 6400 plus no AA filter gives a sharpness boost.
It has wifi which lets you control the shutter with an app and upload your shots which is super handy if a little sluggish and clunky.

wonski

I am using d5300 and both the sensor and auto focus are much better than entry level 3200.

The processor is a bit quicker, too.

Not sure what the price diffeerence between 5300 and 5500 is so it is up to you if touch screen is a deal breaker.

With prime lens you will be amazed how quick the auto focus is. Burst mode is pretty quick too for a semi pro camera if you ever need it.

Video settings are awkward and takes some time to get them right, but the quality is excellent when you finally find a sweet spot.

Wkile there are not many settings available without going into the menu, you can change ISO using the button on the body, and that's the only one I really need quickly when shooting.

will56

Thanks for the replies.

I found a D5500 body on ebay for a bit more than a 5300 but I think I'll go for the 5500 just to have the extra functionality (even if I only use it rarely)
If I'm in live view I think I'd like the touch screen for changing focus

I'm glad to hear your opinions about the camera are so positive

wonski

Live View with touch screen - that might be a deal breaker indeed.

Mike Litoris

Just a warning on the live view focusing. It can be hit and miss with lenses wide open especially older lenses. Might be just my shoddy gear though!

will56

Mike Litoris wrote: »

Just a warning on the live view focusing. It can be hit and miss with lenses wide open especially older lenses. Might be just my shoddy gear though!

Not just your gear I think
Its very slow, painful at times, best used for stationery shots

(Camera arrived at the weekend and I was playing around with it for a while)

will56

wonski wrote: »

I am using d5300 and both the sensor and auto focus are much better than entry level 3200.

The processor is a bit quicker, too.

Not sure what the price diffeerence between 5300 and 5500 is so it is up to you if touch screen is a deal breaker.

With prime lens you will be amazed how quick the auto focus is. Burst mode is pretty quick too for a semi pro camera if you ever need it.

Video settings are awkward and takes some time to get them right, but the quality is excellent when you finally find a sweet spot.

Wkile there are not many settings available without going into the menu, you can change ISO using the button on the body, and that's the only one I really need quickly when shooting.

Camera arrived on Sunday and I got to play around with it for a bit with my 35mm prime

Overall I'm very happy with the image quality, autofocus is very quick and the aditional focus points are very useful when composing a shot.

I think there are some additional settings I'm missing that are throwing off the shutter speed in Aperature mode though ?
I shoot my daughter (crawling, playing) a lot and I found the D5500 was picking a slower shutter speed than the D3200 in similar lighting situations.

I know I need to mess around with it a bit more but that was an initial annoyance.

Video quality is stunning but the mic picking up the AF motor is a nuisance

wonski

Very unlikely 5500 would give you longer exposure than 3200 at the same ISO, providing you use the same metering mode etc.

Don't be afraid to raise the iso if needed, that's where the difference between this camera and 3 series will show in a positive way.

You used Nikon for a while so you will probably figure it out yourself sooner or later.

Mike Litoris

Delighted you got it. I f**kn love mine. Again, I think that sensor is a class act.


Use auto iso if it's shooting a little slow indoors and adjust the minimum shutter speed. As Wonski said don't be afraid to raise the ISO. It handles noise really well.

will56

I changed the focus settings and also noticed it had the bracketing setting on.
Shutter speed greatly improved.

Its a lovely camera to hold and I'm glad I went for the touch screen, it makes menu navigation a breeze.