Another question from the slightly knowledgeable to the quite knowledgeable

[BlueJazz]

I'm new to modern Photography (and as my previous post, good about Astronomy), anyway, I've decided to go with the Nikon D5300...
from B&H.
Need feedback (before purchase) from, "Decent choice" to "Are you crazy?)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1015145-REG/nikon_d_5300_digital_slr_body_18_140mm.html


Thanks much

[Stevenmarc]

1. Ok here's my take

I can't really make an assessment because the question is less a photography question and more of an astronomy question.

I'm sure that people in that field have some very definitive, technical reasons for photographic equipment decisions that most other photographers don't have to deal with. In my own personal photography I have some very specific equipment needs and some of my choices would be rubbish for people who are interested in a compleatly different style of photography.

[BlueJazz]

3. Well, I also plan to use the camera for everyday use but I did notice that the infrared filter...

..(according to reviews) is gone plus the noise is supposedly lower/better on long exposures on the D5300.

I could buy an Astronomy camera but then I wouldn't have the joy of learning what it takes to be, AND to appreciate a good Photographer.

[Stevenmarc]

4. Most

Modern digital cameras will be more than perfectly adequate for most photographic work but when you have very specific needs you have to go with the one that plays to those strengths first.

My point is that the question is best put to the people that have been there, done that.

[Major Nikon]

6. Lack of an infrared filter could be either an advantage or disadvantage to astrophotography

Virtually every digital still and/or video camera has an infrared filter. The reason is because digital sensors (unlike human eyes) are sensitive to infrared, so without such a filter all the non-processed images would have a red cast. I know exactly squat about the 5300's sensor and processing, but if it is true that there's no infrared filter there must be some other way they are getting around this issue. If I were to speculate I could guess that they either have developed a digital sensor that is not sensitive to the infrared spectrum or they have developed some sort of in-camera post processing scheme to compensate.

I do know that some astrophotographers have the infrared filter removed, which is detrimental to normal photography but can be a boon to astrophotography because many celestial bodies emit light in the infrared spectrum. The 5300 must have some way of dealing with infrared light. If this is something you can turn on or off, it would be great for astrophotography. If you can't turn it off it could possibly be a hindrance. You may want to wait and see what other astrophotographers are saying about the 5300. If there is no infrared filter, I'm sure this will generate considerable interest from that crowd.

[Blue_In_AK]

2. I'm a Canon person so can't help you much.

Although we ALWAYS shop through B&H and have never had any issues.

[alfredo]

5. Backyard Astronomy seems to like Canon.

http://www.backyardastronomy.com/Backyard_Astronomy/DSLR_Cameras_for_Astrophotography.html

[DrDan]

7. agree with your choice - great camera that will allow you to grow into it and

B&H is a reputable place to purchase gear