Its a breath of fresh air to watch a entry-level set up being used. Im tired of watching pro's setting up over 10k worth of gear. Thanks for the vid and Happy New Year.
Glad to inspire!:) I have shot with many different cameras and share similar thoughts. Expensive gear does not equal great shots ... a great shot much more about the photographer's ability to use any given gear:).
It's not like I hate the D3400 at all. I owned one before. Lightweight. Snappy. Easy to use. I just think with the FX version of "entry level camera" like D610, your low light images would be much less noise. And with your sense of art, all of us could easily enjoy such a gallery on RU-vid... Sorry for my English, but I hope you understand what I tried to say. Have a good Luna New Year, sir!
thanks for the post/feedback and agreed:). one benefit to full sensor cameras is low noise but if your budget is tight, a crop sensor is fully capable of taking awesome shots:).
On a sunny day outside you can take great landscape pictures with a cellphone even. When you want to take portraits with a soft background, or late-night/lowlight pictures of moving objects then you really have to look at faster lenses and good camera sensors. Today, the sensors on entry-level DSLR's are pretty good so fast lenses like the 1.8 50mm variety will also bag great shots!
Certainly the modern, entry level gear these days take fantastic shots. I have a Nikon D3500 with the 18-55 kit lens and I am amazed at the image quality that setup can produce. The camera has a lens distortion correction facility in camera!! The digital world really gives you your best bang for you buck at the lower end. To get the best out of whatever gear you’ve got it is important to understand some photographic theory. There are many books that can be acquired that deal with basic and advanced techniques. I have, “The Advanced Photography Guide” by DK, got it from Amazon on special and it has many ideas to try out with your camera ... whatever camera you have. But best of all, training your eye to see good images in a scene and then taking that picture is basically free. Good images come with practice.
I bought my first DSLR Nikon D3400 3 years ago after watching this channel. Thank you so much for these informative videos. Also please make videos on Nikon NX Studio. How to use it, features, comparison with literoom etc.
Mark, I have to tell you!! I found a D3400 with Kit lens 18-55 on Clearance for $150 - new!! I already own the D3500 but couldn't pass up the excellent price. I have been shooting with the 3400 and decided I like it better than the 3500 (remote shutter and ISO button missing from d3500). Anyway, thank you for all your time and effort putting these videos together. They are excellent and you are a good teacher
Thanks for the post Tony and glad to be of help!:) Sounds like you found a GREAT deal - wow! If I saw the same, I would have purchased as well. Not certain why Nikon removed the function button and IR sensor from the D3500 as this is not a step forward but a step backward:). I use the function button to quickly adjust ISO and use the IR for my wireless remote. The D3500 is still solid and brings a few other enhancements although I would trade those enhancements for the function button and IR sensor:).
Some great shots in there, and to think you camped outdoors in such low temperatures just to bring them to us ! Happy New Year from England-under-lockdown (our third in 9 months, we're banned from going out of our homes for anything other than "essential" purposes, such as buying food)
Thanks for the post Chris and glad to inspire:). The United States is under various restrictions depending on the state. Nonetheless, the vaccine is slowing rolling out which is great. Stay safe and God bless! :)
Yeah, i also have good bokeh shots with my 18-55 at 55mm. When you have only one lens, you tend to push the limits. Also you need enthusiasm and good mood to get good shots. Now i have D5600 and 3 lens and i don't think i have much better results. Technically yes, i have more possibilities. But maybe the best results come when you limit yourself. I have loaned 70-300mm from a friend for a day and made a very good shots, because the time limit made me push myself a little bit. Great content btw, as always
Hi Mark, Happy New year ! .. another great video. How I enjoy your presentational style, so clear and precise .. mainly that you concentrate on what's going on behind the viewfinder, with just enough technical detail in the metadata to tempt us to go and give it a try for ourselves.... but mainly that the answer isn't to spend a fortune on gear. I really enjoyed 2020's videos and look forward to your contribution in 2021. Keep up the good work.
Appreciate the post/feedback Steve and Happy New Year!:) Many cameras today are capable of taking awesome shots ... a bit of knowledge and experience go a long way:).
Nice shots. I think it is helpful to have more megapixels. I went from 10 to 35 and love the ability to crop in post. Cheers to a great 2021. If you ever want to shoot in Louisville, give me a holler.
Thanks for the post/invite Jim!:) A friend of mine like to crop as he captures wildlife and experienced the one downfall to cropping - print:). He attempted to print some of the results but discovered various challenges with the resolution ... this is where/when a larger resolution/megapixal camera shines:).
Another great video with beautiful shots and great music! I've learned how to use my Nikon D3400 from your videos and I thank you very much for your time and effort you put into your channel. Your student from Greece :)
Happy New Year - keep the videos coming, they're great! I bought my Nikon D3400 about 3 years ago, primarily due to your advice and explanations. I LOVE it, it has everything I need and takes brilliant photos, except when I let it down! It's called an 'Entry Level' DSLR and a little voice keeps telling me that I ought to upgrade. But why? I can't think of a single reason to spend more hard earned cash on a more expensive camera. Why do people upgrade? As you've said in this video, a new camera won't ensure your photos are any different or better - I thank you for this confirmation of what I've been thinking for quite a while! Have a good 2021 and many thanks again for all the inspiration you have offered during the very difficult 2020.
Thanks for the post/feedback Chris!:) Entry level cameras were not entry level years ago - they were consider professional:). As time passes, manufactures continue to improve technology advancing capabilities but to what extent? Many advancements are made for the sake of selling new gear and play on marketing techniques to make it happen. Some features are great and might be worthy while others not so. Nonetheless, in the end expensive gear does not equal great shots ... master what you have and upgrade if you feel the need to truly leverage advanced features:).
Some great shots and video! I'm still shooting my D3400 along with my D700. Sweet gear is nice, but most people won't even get to take advantage of the advanced features the super expensive and advanced gear bring. I just picked up a Sigma 150-600 for X-mas so been doing a lot of shooting with it on both bodies and it's an amazing lens so far. It's probably the most expensive thing I've ever purchased, but I waited about 2 years until I felt my skills were at a level where I'd be able to make use of it.
Ahhhhh yes, sounds like you are on the right path!:) The 150-600 is a nice super zoom lens which retains it's value as do most lenses. Enjoy the lens and stay safe!:)
@@RealWorld Yep, I'm mostly into wildlife/birding and it's been amazing so far. Had been using the 70-300 for the longest time, but it can get a little fuzzy out at 300mm. So far the Sigma has been sharp even out to 600, it's a great lens. Takes great moon shots to.
Another great video. I'm starting to feel I need to invest in a tent and new sleeping bag - have all the other kit. I have just ordered an old kit lens for £40 for the D7200. It's the 28mm - 80mm, all plastic construction with no VR or motor but should work well with the D7200. Very light. Came off a film camera and is immaculate condition, can't wait to try it. Have a good new year.
Thanks for the post/feedback!:) I can appreciate an old/manual lens as well:). The 28-80 should be a good/fun lens and capable of take some nice/sharp shots (providing the condition is good). I have shot without VR on many lenses and while it is nice to have, it is not required:). Enjoy the lens and stay safe!
Thank you, you gave me some ideas for my new Nikon P950. Great video. I hope there will be more to come, perhaps using bridge cameras like the P950. Thanks again and keep up the inspiring work!!! Happy New Year!
Another awesome video Mark, thankyou. I have a similar kit to what you used only mine is the D5600 but have the same 18-55 and 70-300 mm lenses although i think mine are VR. Can't wait to get some leave from work so i can get out there. Wishing you a Very Happy Safe New Year Mark.
Thanks for the post/feedback David!:) My 70-300 is without VR but shoots surprisingly well. Nonetheless, get out and enjoy life - capture some awesome memories and enjoy the ride:).
Just saw in the manual it says 'Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0 C/32 F.' Does that mean, we cannot shoot outdoors until Spring? It also mentioned that if you walk into your warm house after being outside in the cold, condensation inside the camera can occur.
Good catch and not one that many people find:). You can use it below 32F as I have down on many occasions. I suspect the battery life may not preform the same but I have not experienced any issues. Regarding condensation - I heard the same but have not experienced it, however I have experienced condensation in extreme humid environments:). Condensation occurs when your camera goes from one extreme to another. The simple solution is to place your camera/lenses in a camera bag and ensure the bag is secure. This will act as a barrier to immediate change and prevent condensation. You can also place your gear in a ziploc bag and place the bag in your camera bag before you enter the new environment.
you usually put the music info in to your videos ..but i don't see any this time ..you use some good tunes .would you mind listing who and what songs you have used ..thanks.and as per some nice pictures captured.:) all the best for 2021 from Scotland.
Thanks for the post and welcome from the United States!:) I exchanged messages with a group called The Palms and leverages two of their songs in this video (details are in the description at the bottom). The group/music has a nice sound in my opinion:).
Thanks for the post/feedback Robert and Happy New Year from the United States!:) I caught the fireworks from Australia on TV and thought - that would be great to capture!:)
Hi, I am learning a lot through your videos. Thnx for that. Would you pl suggest link for live view shooting & cinematic video shooting if available? I am using d5600.
Hello sir. please do a detail field review on yongnuo 35mm f2 & yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 (Nikon). Because many of us don’t have extra money for Nikkor lenses. So your review will be very helpful for us. 💛
You made me inspired on capturing photos. And thank you, made me understand it’s not about the gear and how expensive your gear is. That is why I got my d3400 . You inspired me alot. What kind of application would you recommend on editing photos?
Glad to be of help!:) I use an old version of Lightroom and really like it. Lightroom is the go-to post editing tool by many photographers. I created a few videos on Lightroom and plan to create more as I feel post processing is the polish needed to make most images pop:). ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZRJ8aifcin4.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nkh78JifdVc.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-He-hfOgoMQM.html
Thanks! Music is always a challenge for various reasons. Nonetheless, I stumbled on a band called The Palms and like their sound, so I exchanged messages with them to use their music. Details are in the description located at the bottom ... good/solid group/sound in my opinion:).
Great vid like always. Very helpful for beginners like me ;-). I saw you usually kept an aperture numbers f5.6 - f8.0 and I guess these numbers are appropriate for landscape photography. Maybe even f10 as well though not sure if there is any visible difference between f8.0 and 10.0 however for some photos (like these ones from 6:16 or 7:12) an aperture number set by you was very high (f29 and f20). Was there any specific reason in relation to DoF for such value or the only reason was to avoid overexposed photos? Or anything else? ;-) thank you for a reply in advance ;)
Ahhhhh yes, GREAT observation!:) I was curious to see if someone was going to catch the high aperture on a handful of shots:). I closed down the aperture for a specific reason ... I wanted to slow the shutter down to capture smooth/flowing water. I had my variable ND filter loosely attached to my lens (that's another story:)). The late day sun was in full bloom, and I had the ND as dark as it would allow. Unfortunately, the full ND filter was not dark enough to slow the shutter to my liking, so I decided to close down the aperture. Forcing the ISO to 100 and closing the down the aperture all the way is a great technique to slow the shutter on a cloudy day to capture flowing water as well. I did something similar in the following video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KhQMFaRAh_A.html
I have inherited an Olympus lens 75-150 1:4 auto-zoom. I have an entry-level Nikon D3400 camera and was wondering what would be the recommended Olympus to Nikon adapter to fit. If there is such a thing? Many thanks for your help.
Hi great video I am new to photography and I picked up my first camera a Canon SL2 with the kit lens and a 50mm 1.8 my question is you did a review on the tamron 70-400mm I believe and I am wondering you opinion the sigma 18-300mm macro lens? and if IYO should I have gone with a Canon lens maybe a bit smaller to keep the price down my sigma was $800.00 here in Canada. love to here what you got to add please and thank you.
Thanks for the post/question!:) I am a fan of third party lenses especially Sigma and Tamron. Both manufacturers have been around for many years, produce quality products, and carry respect throughout the photo world. I started with a Nikon body and Tamron (18-200) lens to save money. I eventually switched to a Nikon lens (18-200) and did not experience any noticeable improvements. If given the choice between the Tamron 18-400 or the Nikon 18-300, I would lean towards the Tamron for various reasons:). The Sigma 18-300 is a great lens. While it miiiiiight be a bit larger compared to the Nikon 18-300, this can be a benefit as the extra weight/size can steady the shot.
Hi. Have you ever used a d750? I have a d600 and was thinking about getting something a step up from that but not too big a step, you know. Or do you have a recommendation?
Ahhhhh yes, I really like the D750:). If you can find a used D750 is good shape, I might consider stepping up as well:). I shot with the D610 (next gen of the D600) for a few years - nice/solid camera.
Thanks for the post/question:). I am a fan of the extension tubes which I demo in the following video (along with the fixed 40): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TzdY3azkzYc.html ... links to the tubes are in the description of the video:).
Hey! Do u recommend using live view on the Nikon D3400? and if so, what focusing mode and what focusing area should it be on to use back button focus in live view mode?
Thanks for the post/question Richard:). This video was shot with the DJI OSMO - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vHn_28HaAD8.html ... I started using the OSMO over the summer last year. Other videos were shot with different cameras such as the Panasonic G7, Sony a5100, and the Canon T7i:). I have not shot any videos with the D3400 as I mainly use it for photography.
I have an issue sir. When i turn on my nikon d5300 without lens attached. And click on the "i" button. I can not acces the AF-A AF-S or MF. It actualy is not clickable along with af area and metering. I think it usualy is acceseble even with no lens attached. Can anybody help me understand this issue please?
Great video Thats right.Its not the gear that matters.Its the person behind the camera that makes the image. Sure gear matters.However updating to a new model camera will not make you a better photographer. Thank you.
When taking long exposures during the day, I typically leverage aperture priority. I will also use an ND filter and close down the aperture if needed to get a slower shutter:).
when in aperture mode, turn the dial to close it down (i.e. down to a high number like f/32 or as high as you can go). the camera will slow the shutter to compensate for the narrow aperture. if you want a slower shutter, you will need to use an ND filter of some sort. i created a video using a variable ND filter which might be helpful as well - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Sd1AmzBYPbo.html
Just got a d3400 for Christmas, currently trying to figure out how to use manual mode. Any suggestions on a good photo editing software? Happy new year!!
Congrats on the camera!:) I have shot with for the last few years and include it in many videos for good reason - it is solid/capable:). I created a good number of videos and thought I had something on manual mode, but nope - this gives me reason to create one:). I have some good/solid videos on my channel but this one might be of some help - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KTneVSxv1qs.html ... I mainly shoot in aperture priority but will leverage manual for various shots like creative lighting, etc.
@@RealWorld hahaha that videos was the exact video i watched when i was practicing my d3400 reminds me of my good old days i was in China watching that video i donr forget coz i had to use a vpn to access youtube thats when i knew you sir haha thanks again...
Happy New Year!:) Hmmmm ... wonder if it has something to do with a copyright on the music. I have permission from the group but they have a copyright claim on RU-vid which is fine. Can you download the following vid which does not have a claim - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cWps3FFz5ug.html
Ahhhh - okay, I learn something new today:). I will try to keep that in mind going forward. Music is always interesting/challenging. I am working to forge relationships with new bands that have a good/unique sound.
@@RealWorld Thanks a lot. Your videos are not only a great learning experience, but they are also sprinkled with words of wisdom and your calm approach is very soothing. Looking forward to watching more of your videos...always.
A great shot is highly subjective. Walk around snaps are not particularly dependent on pixel peeping detail. noticetechnicalperspective. Both a Pentax 67 with a 90mm2.8 which costs less and a Fujifilm GFX 100 with any lens which costs ten+ times the price are capable of superior rendering compared to the crop Nikon yet if the Nikon is used to shoot a perfectly executed photo of a baby elephant walking down a trail no one will notice it's technical shortcomings. Content matters and exact side by side versions to choose from do not happen in the real world.
Thanks for the post/insight and agreed ... great shots are highly subjective:). Ultimately, a great shot is determined by one person - the photographer. Others may see the same and may not which is okay.
Sir , Please check your channel's yt spam comment folder . I will post a link of a blog . It is a "must watch" for you . Do not publish that comment here , please . Please let me know here if you got the link . We shall discuss nothing about that . I simply want you to see that -- & that's all . Thank You . Best Regards . God Bless . 👍 👍
