Nikon D3300 Digital SLR Camera - Black (24.2 MP, 18-55 mm VR II and 55-200 mm VR II Lens Kit)

Having originally gone for a Canon 1000D four years ago, I grew increasingly frustrated with the very poor image quality, so I've sold all my Canon kit and have switched to Nikon's D3300. I am a beginner photographer/astro-photographer. This is an entry level or upper entry level camera which outcompetes Canon's alternatives in the form of the 1200D and 100D. Although slightly bigger than the 100D which was marketed as the world's smallest DSLR, you wouldn't really think so if the cameras were put side by side. In terms of image quality, you get 24mp versus 18mp resolution in those two other models, but on top of this the sensor gives you 35% more image quality, 11% more colour depth, over DOUBLE the low light ISO sensitivity (half your exposure time), and 14% more dynamic range (an image shows a greater range of light levels rather than everything either dark or light). Check Dxomark scores, which are lab tests done on cameras in a controlled environment using high tech software and sensors if you want to verify these numbers. The body feels solid yet light, grips in the hand very nicely and has intuitively placed buttons. The buttons have a nice clicky feel to them, and I particularly like the column of buttons on the left side of the screen. It has some nice features, the most notable of which is that you can apply many fun filters to your images on the camera. One of these is a 'miniature effect', where the top and bottom bands of the image are blurred as per your input to give a cool artistic effect, and in movie mode at 1080P HD resolution it compresses time by 15x so that a 45 minute movie turns into a 3m movie - making everything appear miniaturised and fast. On the auto modes any beginners will be able to use this camera, and the auto focus is top notch. If you know what you are doing with a camera, it has all the features that you would expect, including mirror lockup (it says for cleaning) if you want to be taking astrophotos. Video quality and sound is excellent. Make sure you have a high speed memory card otherwise it won't be able to record more than a small snippet of HD video. Either get a SHXC or SDHC (UHS-I) card of class 10 speed. The kit lens provided is a new lens released with this camera. When not in use, it compacts down to just a few inches, which is really handy when walking around or storing the camera. You just pop it out via a release button and then start focusing. The quality really is superb, and this lens if not supplied with the camera costs £170. If you are looking for your first camera, I highly recommend this.

Way back in the day, like 40 years ago, I was a keen photographer. With my Kodak Retina with a Zeiss lens and compure shutter I managed to learn a great deal about exposure, apertures, ev numbers, light meters and I even dabbled in developing and printing my own pictures. Back then it was a dream to be able to afford to own a decent SLR camera. For the next decades I carried on with ain't and shoot. Jump forward 40 years and at last I can afford a DSLR, but which one? Things have move on so much that your brain spins when you do the research. Then along comes Nikon with an offer I couldn't refuse. Just because I purchased a nice S9100 a couple of years ago they offered me £100 cash back if I bought a new D3300. When I looked at the reviews and features of the camera, features I could not have dreamed of 40 years ago, it was a no-brainer. And whilst I agree with another reviewer that it makes sense to wait a while for the price to come down, I have to say I have no regrets in buying it now. It is a superb camera, easy to handle, easy to operate, takes fabulous pictures and even has a 'newbie' guide as well. result! I haven't forgotten all I learnt back then regarding framing, lighting etc., but for the most part that's all you need as the camera can handle the rest. But when it comes to that special shot it has the features to give superb results too as you can set it to manual completely and have total control. If this sort of camera had been around when I were younger maybe I might have had a different career. This is a stonking camera for the money, despite some saying it is overpriced. If you are looking for an entry level DSLR that will allow you to develop your skills towards the professional level, look no further. Highly recommended.

This camera has a nice build quality and is great for anyone who wants to get in to photography. It is a entry level camera (as you can tell from the Guide mode function, which I personally don't use). I am no photography pro so I can't really say much about the camera. I used many online tutorials to learn how to take good photos without using auto mode therefore giving you more control. I recommend that if you are buying this camera and have never manually used on before (by adjusting the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO) then you should be prepared to take some time to learn how to do this, unless you just plan to use auto mode. When buying this camera make note that it does not come with any internal storage (so you will need a fast SD card) and does not come with a user guide. Nikon recommends a SD card that is at least class 6 so the camera does not get bottle necked by the SD card speed. If you plan to do high exposure photos then I recommend you buy a remote control for it to make sure the camera does not wobble when you press the button. The branded Nikon one is £16 which is way to much so I managed to buy a cheap Chinese remake of it for £1 which does the job perfectly.

A brilliant piece of kit. Has 1080 hd video and an external mic output which is great for vidro makers. Nice and small for a dslr but packs a punch. The removal of the anti alias filter makes it worth the extra in price to the d3200. The kit lens does the job fot amateur photography enthusiasts although any wildlife or long range shots need a telephoto lens. Would recommend a polarising filter as a cheap way of making photos even better. (52mm kit lens by the way) battery life is good. Although a second battery is easily the best addition to this camera. Just wish the screen had a proximity sensor so it would turn off when you use the viewfinder instead of manually turning it off. Overall a nice change to canons of similar spec I have used. And the colour makes it seem better and different from the others out there. Would reccomend to first time dslr owners and video makers. Easily worth spending a bit more for this over a top of the range bridge camera. And the clunk of the shutter feels more dedicated than a mirrorless camera.

Amazing entry level camera. Let me point out this is my first DSLR camera so i am only comparing the images to a decent compact camera and iPhones. Not got to grips fully with the different modes, but the sports mode has a very quick shutter speed and can take images very quickly (with a decent memory card). Also copes well with indoor pictures without graining, assuming you have a steady hand and the rooms arent too dark - Would struggle at a party or festival i think. This has been very easy to pick up and use. My skills are getting better all the time and i find im critiquing my own work when the image is framed correctly or somthing in the background isnt right - somthing i would never have normally done with a compact. People are already very impressed with the images. The only downside is that it is a tad on the expensive side. But if you are keen to up you images from a bridge or compact, I couldnt recomend this highly enough for your first DSLR.

I don't think the reviews made it clear just how basic a camera this is, it is plastic feeling with little body weight and I was disappointed with it even though I knew I was buying an entry level camera

A second hand camera in excellent condition

I wanted to step up from my compact digital camera to something better for taking more studio quality photos and as I researched what to buy, I came across the D3300. I have a Nikon compact that I was very happy with so decided that maybe sticking with Nikon was a good option. The D3300 has a range of impressive features, most notably the 5fps shooting speed, the 24mp and the array of auto settings to make life easy for the amateur like me. The camera body is a nice light weight for its size and still feels good quality build-wise. When adding the 18-55mm kit lens, it still doesn't feel too heavy and is nicely balanced. The buttons are logically placed and easy to hand - something that cannot be said of all cameras and they too feel like they will stand the test of time, giving good feedback when pressed. A novelty for me, after so many years of compact camera usage, was the eyepiece. This is great to have again and you can nicely frame your photos without having to waste battery life on using the screen for this purpose. Autofocus is also a little faster when not using the screen so another bonus for the return of the viewfinder! Image stabilisation on the lens is great and very handy. It is a shame that Nikon didn't build wireless functionality in but I bought a little IR remote that does the job for a fraction of the cost of the Wi-Fi adapter and it should be less conspicuous when taking photos with me in them than holding my mobile would be. Shooting video is very easy and high quality, being recorded in full 1080p HD glory. I am still learning what I can do with the D3300 and haven't used all of the settings - including the very interesting novelty special effects. What I do know, though, is that this is a wonderful camera for those wanting to up their game but on a budget. I am pondering whether to invest in a longer range lens but am ruling it out due to pricing. At the moment the 18-55mm lens bundled with the camera body is doing everything I bought the camera to do - family photos of a much better quality than my compact point and shoot. This is a super camera and I am very pleased I took the leap of faith and bought it. It is giving me great joy and will continue to do so as I explore better just what it can do.