4 ms·

I was shopping around for a camera about 4 years ago. I realized that normal digital cameras are essentially smartphones. So I bought a Nikon D3300 (DSLR, ~$500

I was shopping around for a camera about 4 years ago. I realized that normal digital cameras are essentially smartphones. So I bought a Nikon D3300 (DSLR, ~$500). I haven't bought any extra things for it (used what was in the box), and an acquaintance gave me a tripod he wasn't using. I've considered getting a long focus lens, but the stock lens is sufficient for me (cue horror from "pro photographers"). I've never used a camera this good before, and I've been happy with the quality of every photo I've taken, even if the subject and framing isn't right. Yes, it's a bit bulky, but I don't mind. I haven't looked around at other cameras since, and I plan on using it as long as I can. My advice: get a camera that gives you the quality you're looking for, take some good shots, and don't look back!

ValentineC 8y ago
> I've considered getting a long focus lens, but the stock lens is sufficient for me (cue horror from "pro photographers"). Two reasons you'd want to get special lenses would be: 1) to reach a certain zoom length for sports, animals, or architecture; or 2) to get nicer bokeh for portraits.
- theandrewbailey 8y ago
  Exactly. I often find myself shooting pictures and videos from across a church sanctuary (I'm my church's semi/un/official photographer). I've considered getting a lens because of that, but the stock lens's maximum zoom is good enough, especially if I walk around a bit.