Should I buy a Nikon D3300 Camera now or later?

Question

Hi everyone!

I am very interested in film and was thinking of purchasing a Nikon D3300 to start off. The camera is semi affordable and is of good quality I understand. However, I do not know if I should buy the camera now or wait until I have more people I can work with on projects such as actors etc. I am very interested in short films/skits and need actors for this. My thinking is to buy it now and practice working on visual effects, and learning how to operate behind the camera. Any advice helps!

Thank you!

Answer 1

I just got this camera and loveeeeeee it! It has some really great features and since I'm making a fashion/beauty type blog it is the best buy. However, for video you will def need a good lighting system ($50-$100) which is as important as the camera believe it or not unless you're shooting mostly outside. But for still images, def the D3300. However, for video I would save up for a high quality video camera and not a DSLR.

Answer 2

"very interested in film" and yet you are considering a device designed to capture still images and video capture is a convenience feature.



If you already know what your workaround plans are for audio and the automatic shutdown when the camera overheats, by all means, move forward - I agree learning to use the equipment to understand its limitations is extremely important. You might start by downloading and reading through the manual available for free from nikonusa.com - these issues are no secret, they are published and known items associated with nearly all low-end dSLRs.



I know several folks who went the inexpensive route you are considering - and ended up having to buy at least 3 of the same camera (one is in use while the others cool down enough to turn on). Did not save them as much as they thought. I saved and got a device designed to capture video (Sony NEX-EA50UH replaced by the NEX-EA50M) - with a large imaging sensor and interchangeable lens system (E-Mount) AND XLR audio inputs... and a handy slide-out shoulder mount... and it has a hot shoe for a flash in case I want to take stills...



And I can assure you that my HDR-AX2000 can dance circles around it as the AX2000 does a much better job under poor lighting conditions. If video is that important to you, svae your money and get a camcorder...



And we don't know what your plans are for editing - your computer may need upgrading - and your video editor is ________ and you know it can deal with the MOV files the D3300 captures... right?



You will also want to investigate lighting (you're going to need it), mics (there is no single best mic, start with a shotgun... plan on getting a wireless lavaliere - likely wireless - and a stereo mic). Throw in stedaying devices - I use a tripod, mostly, but also have a camera crane, slider and a Steadycam arm/vest system... the video capture device is only part of the larger system of stuff that all needs to work together.



Link to the manual:

http://download.nikonimglib.com/archive2/Wywwt00lh46s0109T7E089fAaV06/D3300RM_(En)02.pdf

Recording movies starts on page 155.

Page 157: overheating.

Pages 156 and 158: file size and duration limitations.

Page 157: Internal mics record camera noise, use an external mic (better yet, record the audio externally using a Zoom H5 or similar digital audio recorder and synch when editing).

Page 358: MOV Video file format



While we're here: Digital video capture has little to do with film. There is no unexposed film in canisters, no keeping the canister in a dark bag, no sending exposed film out (in a lightproof canister) for chemical processing and no digital conversion - scanning frame by frame - to computer format for editing...

Answer 3

You would do SO much better to spend your money on a real video camera, not a DSLR where video is just an add-on with limited controllability.

Waiting, though logical, kills spontaneity and holds back social networking.

Answer 4

Buy the camera now. You'll need lots of time to fully learn how to use the it, especially in creative ways. Although the D3300 has many features targeted to beginners, it also has professional features that will take some time to learn how to use effectively.

Answer 5

Nikon D3300 is a DSLR and good for beginners. Go ahead

Answer 6

Andrew gave you the best answer .

FYI , this is a digital camera , not film ..

If your main interest are videos , buy a camcorder ...

Answer 7

If you have the money - buy it!!

Every day you wait until tomorrow is day spent without a camera.

Answer 8

if you are not in a hurry, wait and research more. you might find better quality for lesser price. good luck.

Answer 9

If you want to shoot video, look at camcorders, not DSLRs.

Answer 10

Thank you for all of your response it is very appreciated!

Answer 11

now is the time

http://amzn.to/1ZLzJS6