Lightning Decision Time!

"Pessimippopotamus" (pessimippopotamus)
08/20/2013 at 14:32 • Filed to: PHOTOGRAPHY, CAMERA

Manufacturer refurbished !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! for $575 with 18-55mm VR lense.

90 day manufacturer warranty.

Should I get it? I have some experience with SLRs, although I'm far from being an expert.

I've asked questions about purchasing cameras before and life just keeps finding something else that I need to spend my money on... but I'm pretty set right now with some money saved up.

Anyone else use a D5200 or a D5100? Anything I need to look out for?

DISCUSSION (14)

Victorious Secret > Pessimippopotamus
08/20/2013 at 14:33

Go to BH photo and get a used one instead.

People who use cameras tend to not abuse them, and 600 will get you a nice bundle of camera and lens.

It's a "Porch-uh" > Victorious Secret
08/20/2013 at 14:37

+1 on B&H.

Haven't used the 5100/5200, but have been happy with my D7000.
Made the mistake of selling it at home to be used for video as well - so don't use it as a camcorder replacement. The AF for video hasn't been worked out, so it's constantly trying to focus as you move focal length. I've gone back to using my iPhone anytime I need to do home video.

Quasi Hatrack > Pessimippopotamus
08/20/2013 at 14:37

Shared you to the Photography blog. I have no opinion since I don't know enough but someone there will.

bourgeoisie > Pessimippopotamus
08/20/2013 at 14:41

Others are likely more knowledgeable than I am, but if you're looking at used/refurbished, what's the virtue in jumping for a kit lens? If it were me, I'd buy the body itself with a better lens, separately if necessary.

ttyymmnn > Pessimippopotamus
08/20/2013 at 14:55

As others have said, buy a used body from B&H and use the money you saved to get a better lens. My experience is with Canon, but for just a few bucks more you could get a nice 40D and a new Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, which is a really fine lens.

Pessimippopotamus > Quasi Hatrack
08/20/2013 at 15:04

Thanks!

Pessimippopotamus > Victorious Secret
08/20/2013 at 15:05

Good point. A friend of mine also got a used NEX-6 with tons of bundled lenses from a private owner. Seems like a good deal.

Matt Urban > bourgeoisie
08/20/2013 at 15:09

Well getting the kit lens will get you started out of the box, especially if you are just getting started. And this lens the 18-55 is a bad lens at all for what it's worth.

smitdoshi > Pessimippopotamus
08/20/2013 at 16:22

I just ordered one myself.

you will have a deal for $400 with the lens kit from Adoroma. if you look at the ebay store trend they come at least once a month for that price. if you can wait keep an eye on slickdeals forum or that ebay link. i PROMISE you will get it for $400

EDIT: I swear i read D3200 not 5200..

sorry ignore :)

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/1008…

smitdoshi > smitdoshi
08/20/2013 at 16:24

$575 is way too much for a referb you can get it new for that price

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/D3200+24.…

Pessimippopotamus > smitdoshi
08/20/2013 at 16:24

Well, that's a D3200 instead of D5200. Maybe a $400 D5200 next year, but I haven't seen D5100 get down to that kind of price range.

smitdoshi > Pessimippopotamus
08/20/2013 at 16:27

i just realized that. Sorry

bourgeoisie > Matt Urban
08/20/2013 at 16:37

The poster said he had some experience with SLRs. It doesn't take much experience to recognize that a kit lens is less than perfect and not quite lousy.

For a parent looking for high quality snapshots of their kids, or other general stuff, a kit lens is a great choice for its value. For someone looking to get into "photography" (with or without all of its high-brow connotations), there are far better options available.

The great thing about asking a question like this on a forum like oppo is that you get a variety of responses, mine is only one of many.

Jordan Clifford > Pessimippopotamus
08/20/2013 at 19:38

dude get a canon, duh! :-p

seriously tho i would recommend b&h