Hey Guys, What's Your Real View of Nikon D3300

[Nickding]

Well, Nikon announced their new entry level D3300.

http://petapixel.com/2014/01/07/niko...olpix-cameras/

What's your opinion on it?

[PhotomanJohn]

Nick - It looks like it is going to be a good camera for those looking for a entry level DSLR that is capable of taking excellent photos and might want to do some experimenting with different lenses and effects. It looks like a very compact camera especially with the kit lens so it would be a camera you can have with much of the time. The 24 megapixel sensor is more for marketing bragging rights and of no real value unless you plan to buy some lenses that cost three times as much as the camera. I would think that it would be something to check out if you are looking for a camera of that class.

John

[Manfred M]

Looks like a rebranded D3200 (or for that matter slightly upgraded D3100). Good, solid entry level camera.

[AB26]

Looks pretty promising.
Best to wait for the reviews and see what the experts have to say. An entry level camera doing 5fps is not bad at all but what is the buffer size? The Expeed 4 should be able to process date fast enough.

Let's wait and see.

[rpcrowe]

I don't know about Nikons, but, if price were an issue, I would always select an older model more advanced Canon DSLR than a newer entry level camera. And, if I wanted the best image quality, I would equip it with a better lens than the (actually fairly decent quality) Canon kit lenses...

[dubaiphil]

You've got to wonder what the limit is for the 18-55mm. 24 Mp might be pushing it...

[NorthernFocus]

If you are just getting into digital photography the 3300 will do anything you need it do so. Then again, the earlier models likely will as well. If you already have the basics of digital photography down and are looking to upgrade to a DSLR for more advanced features/controls, then Richards advise regarding spending a comparable amount on a used, more advanced model might be a good idea.

...The 24 megapixel sensor is more for marketing bragging rights and of no real value unless you plan to buy some lenses that cost three times as much as the camera. I would think that it would be something to check out if you are looking for a camera of that class...

I keep seeing comments like this that I don't understand. It seems people confuse the issue of a sensor out resolving the lens with overall image quality. Higher pixel count still typically improves IQ with kit quality lenses. It isn't possible to achieve the potential of the sensor but in general all things being equal higher pixel count still resolves more detail than lower pixel count. Particularly now that Nikon has started removing the AA filters on the high resolution sensors. Seems to be turning out to be a net wash.

Spending a bit of time in the DxO Mark lens database can be enlightening along these lines. They run tests with various bodies on any given lens. Pull up some "kit" lenses and compare their results for various bodies. Improved sharpness on the higher rez sensors may not go up in proportion to the increase in pixel count, but it goes up substantially and in some cases goes up by more than the increase in pixels.

[Manfred M]

It seems people confuse the issue of a sensor out resolving the lens with overall image quality. Higher pixel count still typically improves IQ with kit quality lenses.

I totally agree Dan; in any system, the weakest link will determine the limit image quality. I would prefer to be in a situation where my lens, rather than sensor limits my image quality as I can always shoot with a better lens.

[PhotomanJohn]

Dan and Manfred - We are all in agreement on the points you made. My wording was poor if it was taken that I didn't think higher pixel count would help get the max resolution out of any lens that is placed on the camera. As you said, the camera is a system limited by its weakest components. Unfortunately, I think that camera manufacturers over emphasis the importance of the number of pixels in regards to the real world performance of a camera and tend to mislead new buyers. I think with the help of your comments the importance of sensor resolution has been put in the proper context.

John

[NorthernFocus]

...I think with the help of your comments the importance of sensor resolution has been put in the proper context.

Thanks for the follow up, John. Written communication is often difficult to get across with intended context.

[AB26]

I don't know about Nikons, but, if price were an issue, I would always select an older model more advanced Canon DSLR than a newer entry level camera. And, if I wanted the best image quality, I would equip it with a better lens than the (actually fairly decent quality) Canon kit lenses...

Richard, I agree, same for Nikon. I opted for an outdated used D200 instead of a new D5100 and I have not been sorry for one moment. It may be our personal opinion but others might not agree with us.

My sister in law is looking to upgrade her D3000. She asked my opinion, considering her level of skill I advised her to look for a good used D7000, for the same money as whatever she wishes to upgrade to. No, not interested, she wants a NEW camera. Ok, WHO am I to differ?

I would rather get a used D300S than a new D3300, but that is only me.

[Natasha00123]

Nice quotes GrumpyDiver