I ordered a Nikon D5300. Now what?

[balloonshark]

Buydig on ebay is selling refurb D5300's for $500 so I grabbed one. This is my very first DSLR and I'm in over my head. Do you think it was a decent deal?

What else should I order to get started? I bought a Samsung Pro 32GB for $20. I want to stick with the factory lens while I learn as suggested in another topic. What do I need to care for the camera?

 

[jtvang125]

Any of those listed brands are fine along with Samsung, Sony, PNY or any other big brand. They're pretty much the same but just make sure at minimum to get a Class 10 card. Stick with SD as some cameras have compatibility issues with using an adapter with microSD cards. Mine did and it was only after multiple formats did it recognize it. I was just testing but I wouldn't fully trust my pictures on that card.

I shoot RAW+JPG and with a 32gb card at full 24mp I get around 800 pictures. There's maybe only once or twice that I got pretty close to filling it in one shoot. Since you're just starting a 32gb would hold you over for a while. Just get into the habit of copying your pictures after every shoot instead of letting them sit. Cards do die or become corrupt unexpectedly.

Now go out and shoot some pictures.

 

[tdawg]

The camera isn't fragile in the sense that you have to absolutely baby it. Just don't bang it into things, get it soaking wet (mist / light splashes for short duration should be fine), avoid salt water, or wipe spray from camera soon after contact.

Did your purchase come with a kit lens? If so, just start playing around with that. Otherwise, spend $199 on the 35 f/1.8 from Nikon; it's awesome on a crop sensor camera like the d5300.

I'm assuming if you bought a camera you had some notions as to what you want to try to capture? Read some beginner guides if you're new to photography in order to understand the exposure triangle, and read articles and such pertaining to your subject interest (portraiture, sports, landscape, etc).

Bottom line, just go play. The beauty of digital is that you can experiment with the only cost being your time invested.

 

[balloonshark]

jvtang,

Sorry, I believe I was editing my post while you were replying. I ordered a Samsung Pro 32GB card because it's fast and was only $20 on sale.

On your advice I will avoid getting a microSD with adapter in the future. You said you get about 800 pics at full 24mp. Do you have the same camera or similar Nikon?

tdawg,

I did order a refurb D5300 with the kit lens. I do a lot of macro shots with my cheap p&s. I hope the new kit will take better shots with the light I have available. I also hope to record short action oriented videos to upload.

 

[tdawg]

It's likely that the kit lens will not offer the same macro capabilities as your p&s. You'll need to pick up a macro lens for that. Check KEH.com for a used Nikon 60mm or Tamron 90mm macro lens.

 

[CuriousMike]

tdawg,

I did order a refurb D5300 with the kit lens. I do a lot of macro shots with my cheap p&s. I hope the new kit will take better shots with the light I have available. I also hope to record short action oriented videos to upload.

As tdawg mentioned, your P&S will likely do better macro shots.
Your "minimum focusing distance" ( that is, how close can you get the camera to the object until it won't focus ) is much further with regular DSLR lenses.
A P&S camera might let you get 6 inches from an object; your DSLR might have a minimum of 1 foot before it will focus.

However, even if you are 1 foot away, when you take the photo you can crop the image to make it look much closer - and the quality will likely be better than your P&S.

The D5300 has loads of features - some of which might make you think it takes worse photos some times compared to your cellphone or P&S camera. This is because you often have to give the DSLR more information - then it will blow away your P&S.

You asked, "Now what?"

I'd say - take loads of photos, and when you don't get the results you want, post back here looking for advice. Post an example of the photo that didn't turn out - lots of people here can give you constructive feedback on how to really use that new beast.

Congrats!

 

[balloonshark]

Thanks for the info on taking macro shots. I really can't afford to buy a new lens for a while. I'll have to make due with the kit lens. Since most shots are cropped, downsized and posted on forums I hope that it will work for me.

I know this is a silly question but are there add-ons or attachments for the kit lens so that it can take macro pics or zoom further?

Which tutorials do you recommend for a beginner? So far I see Nikon and youtube have tutorials and guides. Are there any busy free to view forums you prefer?

 

[tdawg]

In lieu of buying a dedicated macro lens, you can get a closeup filter or extension tubes. I'm not sure how tubes work with zoom lenses, but amazon has a couple of decently priced sets by kenko and some others, though kenko is probably the brand you'd want to stick with in this case.

It's been a while since I've visited, but check out fredmiranda.com. They were a good source of information in the past.

 

[balloonshark]

Thanks tdawg. I'll look into your suggestions and stick with kenko. I'll also bookmark fredmiranda.com

Do you all have any budget tripod suggestions? By budget I mean a step above the $12-$20 tripods. Refurb is fine.

Edit: I'm placing an order at Rakuten. I need a "filler" item that costs $7.05 or slightly more to reach $40 so I can use a coupon. Any ideas? What about cleaning the lens, etc. What do you all use?

 

[tdawg]

I see the d5300 doesn't have an in-body autofocus motor and only offers autofocus with af-s lenses. This means your options for lenses are more narrow and those kenko extension tubes that offer autofocus compatibility may not actually autofocus on your camera. Something to think about.

For tripods, I'm more in the camp of buy-once-cry-once, but I've seen people here promote their dolica tripods they picked up on amazon or some place similar. You might check your local craigslist or eBay. Just be sure it's something you're actually going to want to carry with you. You could get a very nice tripod on the cheap, but if its too heavy or cumbersome, it may just sit in a closet and that money would be just as effective if you'd thrown it in the fire.

 

[CuriousMike]

Which tutorials do you recommend for a beginner? So far I see Nikon and youtube have tutorials and guides. Are there any busy free to view forums you prefer?

Here's the order I'd go

1) Find a video that explains the "exposure triangle." This should explain to you what shutter speed, aperture and ISO are. It should also explain to you how they inter-relate.
2) Use #1 above and play with your camera and see the results.
3) Hammering on 1 and 2, be sure you know how to read your shutter speed in your viewfinder. Understand that when it says 1" and you're hand-holding, you're going to get a blurry photo. Understand why your camera is telling you 1". Use your learnings from 1/2 to get it to a useable shutter speed.
4) Learn about your focus systems.
4a) Understand "single" focus vs "continuous" focus.
4b) Understand why letting the camera decide where it will focus sucks donkey balls, and take control of where the focus spot is and YOU tell the camera where it will focus.

All of this information is available in a deluge of youtube and website blogs.
The key is for you to go thru the video/blog and dick with your camera.

 

[Indus]

I too have a D5300 as my backup camera, my primary is a D600 full frame. The D5300 is very nice for a light weight do it all camera.

You have to decide, do you want to shoot primes or zooms? I personally prefer primes but I say start with a zoom, see what your favorite focal lengths are and get a flash. Learn the camera. You should be an expert by the time you have 20,000 shutter clicks and oh, try and not use AUTO. The worst way to use a DSLR is on AUTO mode. Instead use Aperture/ Shutter or Manual Mode. Oh and don't forget to get a dedicated bounce flash.. the built in flash is barely enough for flash fill against the bright sun.

 

[imported_Irse]

Dpreview.com has a Macro Photography forum.
Use Nikon View to check you EXIF for your aperture and shutter speed to understand how you got your great or terrible pictures and make adjustments.
As someone stated, make sure you understand the exposure triangle.

As far as tripod goes, decent ones will cost some bucks. Velbon, Benro, Siriu are not top of the line but depending on your budget, can be costly.

Photography can be a very expensive hobby, depending on how much you want to get out of it.

 

[balloonshark]

Thanks for all the input everyone.

tdawd, Thanks for the heads up about the autofocus and extensions. I overspent on the camera so I'll have to make do with a budget tripod. Newegg has a killer deal until 5/2 on the Dolica LA600 for $40 so that's what I bought.

Mike, Thanks for your help. I will follow the steps you lined out. I'm in over my head so it's good to get advice from a seasoned photographer.

Indus, I like your zoom/prime path suggestion. I'll have to force myself not to use auto. You suggest getting a flash and it seems like the next logical purchase. It will be a while before I get one but Ken Rockwell suggest the Nikon SB-400. Does that sound like a decent budget choice?

imported_Irse, Thanks for your advice. I'll check out dpreview.com forums. I really need to keep this a low budget hobby. I'll probably only make one "major" purchase a year and try to make due with what I have. This camera is a big step up from my kodak 7.2mp p&s.

 

[CuriousMike]

@balloon -
Don't buy anything yet.
Use the camera.
Have failure.
Have success.
The more you use it, the more you'll learn, and then you'll start to ask better questions about what you really need.

 

[imported_Irse]

Thanks for all the input everyone.

tdawd, Thanks for the heads up about the autofocus and extensions. I overspent on the camera so I'll have to make do with a budget tripod. Newegg has a killer deal until 5/2 on the Dolica LA600 for $40 so that's what I bought.

Mike, Thanks for your help. I will follow the steps you lined out. I'm in over my head so it's good to get advice from a seasoned photographer.

Indus, I like your zoom/prime path suggestion. I'll have to force myself not to use auto. You suggest getting a flash and it seems like the next logical purchase. It will be a while before I get one but Ken Rockwell suggest the Nikon SB-400. Does that sound like a decent budget choice?

imported_Irse, Thanks for your advice. I'll check out dpreview.com forums. I really need to keep this a low budget hobby. I'll probably only make one "major" purchase a year and try to make due with what I have. This camera is a big step up from my kodak 7.2mp p&s.

I have the SB 400. For macros, not much better than your on board flash. There's ways you can diffuse your onboard flash. There is one by Gary Fong and others. Just do a search on flash diffusers.

Take tons of pictures and try different things. Unlike film, each shot doesn't cost anything.

Never use auto. Know what you want out of each photo (freeze action, shallow DOF, etc) and set your settings. You will make mistakes, we all do. Even the pros.

 

[tdawg]

@balloon -
Don't buy anything yet.
Use the camera.
Have failure.
Have success.
The more you use it, the more you'll learn, and then you'll start to ask better questions about what you really need.

This. You don't need an external flash at this point. Go out and shoot and see if you have fun. Learn lots, then see if your intended subject areas even require speedlights.

When the time comes, the sb-400 likely isn't worth it. Minimum would be the new sb-500, but that's a discussion down the road a ways.

Oh, and take KR's site and recommends with a huge grain of salt (it also invites scorn from others when his name is spoken, myself included). There are much better resources for information about this hobby than what he offers.

 

[balloonshark]

Was the D5300 an ok deal or could I have gotten something better for the money? They sent me a notice on the 24th or 25th that shipping was delayed 3 to 5 days so I can still back out. I was originally looking at a D3200 or t3i and then seriously looked at a refurb D3300 for $400. I bit on the D5300 at $500 because I thought the extra focus points and movable screen would be nice. Plus the extra features should help the resale value. $500 was my absolute max spending limit though. Let me know asap because it will ship soon.

 

[tdawg]

The d5xxx series is the step up from the d3xxx series.

 

[Imp]

Just use it. You may lose interest and throw it in a corner. I've done it with more expensive things.

 

[CuriousMike]

The D5300 is an awesome camera.

I say it's a sweet spot in Nikons lineup - while the D3200/D3300 will have similar sensor performance, the D5300 has a superior auto-focusing system.

You made a good choice - just get the re-seller to hurry his shit up.

 

[Indus]

Thanks for all the input everyone.
Indus, I like your zoom/prime path suggestion. I'll have to force myself not to use auto. You suggest getting a flash and it seems like the next logical purchase. It will be a while before I get one but Ken Rockwell suggest the Nikon SB-400. Does that sound like a decent budget choice?

Never ever listen to Ken Rockwell, he doesn't know what he's saying.. like he says shoot jpeg, but the difference between RAW and jpeg is night and day.. always shoot RAW and make a jpeg later.. after you've decided this shot's a keeper.

Instead look up someone on flickr like https://www.flickr.com/photos/oculusphoto/

It's all one lens and one flash. Very simple and very low investment. I would personally get the SB-700 instead of the 400.

Sure I have a full frame camera because I'm more invested into photography and make a decent income from it but not everyone needs FX. Just do a bare minimum.. your camera bag needs..

1 Camera, 1 Lens, 1 Flash and 1 spare memory card. You don't need a spare battery.. you can probably fire off 700 shots before you're out.

 

[radhak]

Never ever listen to Ken Rockwell, he doesn't know what he's saying.. like he says shoot jpeg, but the difference between RAW and jpeg is night and day.. always shoot RAW and make a jpeg later.. after you've decided this shot's a keeper.

Instead look up someone on flickr like https://www.flickr.com/photos/oculusphoto/

It's all one lens and one flash. Very simple and very low investment. I would personally get the SB-700 instead of the 400.

Sure I have a full frame camera because I'm more invested into photography and make a decent income from it but not everyone needs FX. Just do a bare minimum.. your camera bag needs..

1 Camera, 1 Lens, 1 Flash and 1 spare memory card. You don't need a spare battery.. you can probably fire off 700 shots before you're out.

That's good advice mixed with bad. For a beginner just getting to know DSLRs with a new camera, shooting RAW could be counter productive - making things seem more difficult than they need be. JPGs have served for many, even at professional levels, and I would advise the OP to stick to them for now.

I don't need to defend Rockwell, but he has his own style. His site has a lot of articles that never get updated and hence tend to provide old advice to newcomers that can be confusing. That said, the SB400 is a very nice flash that does provide more than the on-camera flash, for a very small size/bulk. It is easy to learn to use, and is kind on your wrists. If you want to take improptu indoor pictures of kids / pets, it's a pleasure to use. I used the SB400 for long before getting the SB600, and still always found situations where the smaller flash fits better.

But OP, listen to the one advice everybody's given you above - get the camera, it's great. Don't buy any additional gear before using it extensively. You will thank everybody later.

 

[balloonshark]

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. I always get cold feet when buying something pricey. Plus I used Ken's recommendation along with other randoms on the D3300 to make my decision. The advice in purbeast0's topic also helped.

I won't make any other purchases for a while. The only thing I see me buying is a decent case to store the camera and gear. The tripod was a no brainer at that price plus I've been wanting one for a long time.

Hopefully the camera will arrive by the weekend if not I expect it won't be here until early next week. If it's shipped via Fedex I could be screwed.

 

[Indus]

The primary reason I went with SB-700 vs 400 is that the 400 can't do bounce flash in portrait mode equally well as if you bounce it off the ceiling.

Balloon look up youtube video's on bounce flash and you'll see what I mean. You can't do that with the cheap SB-400 or the built in flash.