I've been looking at cameras lately because my sister is getting married in August and I really want to take some nice photos of her and the family. My phone just isnt cutting it anymore especially when the lighting gets weird or it's dark and everything gets all blurry. People keep telling me to look at Nikon but honestly I have no idea where to even start because there are so many numbers like D3500 or D5600 and it just makes my head spin and I get overwhelmed. I'm based in Chicago so I checked some local shops but everything seems way over my budget which is strictly under $500 including a lens if that's even possible?? I'm sorry if this is a really basic thing to ask but I'm just so lost with all the tech specs and what actually matters. I dont need anything professional just something that takes better pictures than my iPhone 13 and wont break the bank before the big day. Is it better to buy these things used or is that too risky for someone who doesnt know what they're looking at? Where do you guys find deals these days that arent scams or just broken gear?...
Honestly, you can totally get a solid setup for under $500 if you look at the used market. I've been super satisfied using the Nikon D3500 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens for family gatherings and it's a huge step up from any phone. The battery life is incredible and the built-in Guide Mode works well for learning the ropes without getting too overwhelmed. I'd suggest checking out sites like MPB or KEH instead of random local shops. I've bought multiple bodies from them and had zero complaints since they actually inspect and rate the gear. You can usually find a Nikon D5600 with 18-55mm AF-P DX Lens used for around $450 if you want a touchscreen that flips out. The D3500 is usually cheaper, around $400, which leaves some room for a memory card... just make sure the lens has VR so your handheld shots stay sharp.
To add to the point above: lighting is gonna be your biggest enemy at a wedding reception. In my experience, kit lenses just don't cut it once the sun goes down and everything starts getting grainy. I'd honestly look for a used Nikon D5300 24.2MP DSLR and pair it with a Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G. That wider aperture is a lifesaver for dark rooms and gives you those nice blurry backgrounds. Check out MPB or KEH... they're way safer than random sellers and keep you under budget.
I remember my first wedding shoot with a basic kit. I was so nervous about the lighting and boy, I was right to be. Honestly, the kit lenses that come with the D3000 series are fine for daytime, but they struggle once the reception starts. I learned the hard way that you need something faster for interiors. I ended up finding a used Nikon D3400 with AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR which is a tank, but the real game changer was adding a Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G. It lets in so much more light than the zoom. Just be careful with local marketplaces tho, some people try to offload gear with hidden issues. I'd suggest sticking to sites like KEH or MPB for used stuff since they actually inspect it and you wont get scammed. I dont trust random ads for big events. TL;DR: Get a used D3400 but definitely buy a 35mm f/1.8 lens or the wedding photos will still be blurry.
Helpful thread 👍
