Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX NIKKOR Zoom Lens (Renewed)

This is a great camera. I have one. HOWEVER...beware that this bundle comes with a lens that is non-VR. VR stands for Vibration Resistance. Unless you plan on taking still shots with a tripod and remote, then the lens will prove itself useless to you. To hand hold a camera with a non-VR lens produces images that look out of focus Thats because it is impossible to hold a camera without your hand having some degree of shaking/movement. I recommend spending the extra for a VR lens. In my opinion, I think that manufacturers should make it clear to consumers that non VR lenses have limited functionality. I have known a few beginners who have put money into their cameras/lenses, not knowing the significance of this, and so disappointed that their photos arent crisp and focused.

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My Kodak got drowned in a surprise T-storm. I fished it out of about 2 inches of water. I tried everything to dry it, but it was history! I am a professional, but no longer as a business, so I cannot see spending the thousands of dollars on a camera that I have to be so very careful about traveling with me everywhere because of the liability. Still wanted a great camera that would be easy to take with me everywhere and is fairly easy to use, but also gives me control over how I want my photos to look. I searched high and low, comparing many options, scouring Consumer Reports, checking out many online blog reviews, etc. Finally I decided on this model for two reasons. One, my favorite film camera is my Nikon and I have the AF lenses and flash that go with it and this model has a hotshoe for an external unit. Two, I still like the viewfinder on my cameras! Sometimes the sun or light glare prohibits using the screen. Even great for someone who isnt a professional. I wouldnt recommend it for a beginner or a point and shooter because the controls can be a bit confusing to someone who has no knowledge of photography or the how and why for each of the settings. I didnt give it a full 5 stars because sometimes it takes too long to start up when I power it on. Its a little technical when you want to switch from the viewfinder and the screen....cant just change in quick second; you might lose your shot! Great photos, great videos, so far! Love playing with all the gadgets and settings!

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Full disclosure: I really miss my old, fully manual, heavy, tough-as-nails camera that used actual film. Digital devices tend to make me angry. However, I took a leap of faith and bought this bundle, when the price was deeply reduced, because I am sick of the many limitations of my cell phone camera. I am pleased with my purchase overall, with a few caveats. Picture quality on this Nikon is excellent, the feel of the camera is comfortable and light in the hands (if a bit too plasticky), buttons and toggles seem to be in logical positions (for a right-handed person, at least). The lenses seem to be well made, but Im not sure I can judge that, as my point of reference is the equivalent-length, pre-digital, fully mechanical lens that makes these plastic-casing lenses feel cheap. Once you know where everything is on the camera, and how to get the functions and images you want, it all feels very WYSIWYG. However, until you have learned the ropes, it is nearly impossible to see the icons on the different settings and functions. This camera is made for young eyes, which is annoying for middle-aged me. The printed instructions are written for an utter neophyte (how to hold a camera and stand to take a photo, for instance), so its easy enough to find out what to do. But why go with an icon the size of an ant when you could use an easily-seen color, or letter? Its frustrating. The editing software that comes with thus is useless, so my husband told me after he tried to install it. He checked various boards online and found many complaints about it saying much the same thing, so I guess Ill be using another program. I do wonder, too, why these things are never sold with memory cards, or why Amazon doesnt link one in the "often bought together" option. I stole one from my husbands stash of digital goodies (he says to me, with just the tiniest bit of an eye roll, that memory cards are never included with these things, so silly me).

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Great entry-level camera! (Yes, I know, its hard to believe that something that costs $500 is considered entry-level). This is was my first DSLR and I love it. Pros: -24.2 megapixels. Takes GREAT quality photos! - compact and light -Great for learning photography. - relatively inexpensive compared to other DSLRs Cons: - Not weather sealed. Cannot take pictures in the rain or in a storm (A lot of times thats when I want to shoot!) -small frame can seem a little too small in big hands. When I shoot for a long time I find myself wishing I had more to hold on to and be able to fit my pinky finger on it, but its not a big deal at all. -Kit lenses are alright for getting started, but are basically the worst and cheapest lenses made by Nikon. If you want more professional looking photographs, You should invest in better lenses (and of course practice! if you cant take good photos with a bad lens then you wont be able to take good photos with a really expensive lens either). Summary: This camera is capable of taking better photos than I am. A bad photo from this camera is user error. Its a great camera to grow into. The pros far outweigh the cons in my opinion. Its really the lenses rather than the camera body that make great images, so I would recommend upgrading from the kit lenses. DO THIS: Buy either a 35mm 1.8, or 50mm 1.8 lens. You will be glad you did. I immediately sold my 55-200 lens and bought a 35mm 1.8 and it was the best thing I ever did. If you want to do portrait photography, I would recommend an 85mm 1.8, if you have some extra $$ to throw. I dont.

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