Purchased as refurbished, been using it now for several months without a single issue. Takes great photos, and as a camera to transition from point-and-shoot to full on DSLR to learn proper photography, it's superb! It does have a fully auto mode for those a bit nervous about going full manual, and for those experienced photographers I think this camera would be a nice addition as well. It doesn't have some of the flexibility as more advanced cameras, but I was able to purchase this camera with two refurbished lenses (18-55mm & 55-200mm), a nice carrying case, a modest set of filters with a lens hood, and an extra battery for $500.

I considered going with the newer D3300, but in comparing the two I didn't see enough of a difference to warrant the higher price for the newer model. All in all, I'm very happy with this camera.

This day-and-age there are literally hundreds of cameras to choose from. The easy choice is to go out and buy what your professor or your friends have, or just get what's advertised the best or what looks cool. Honestly, if you are an amateur photog then you're going to take perfectly fine pictures with any DSLR in the mid-range level. My question is, do you need to spend 200, or 300 more on a camera that you can get exactly the same specs or perhaps better quality out of a DSLR that is cheaper?

I found this site justafax.com/dslr and what's great about it is that it literally does a side-by-side comparison of the top 12 cameras in this category, based on all of the factors that should affect your purchasing decision.

I found the information on justafax.com/dslr extremely helpful, especially in comparing the types of desires and features I was getting for my $. I think you owe it to yourself to check it out, the info is very concise and easy to read and should help inform your purchase. It's not a cheap purchase, so do your homework!

Good luck guys, I hope you find the camera of your dreams.

Full disclosure: I really miss my old, fully manual, heavy, tough-as-nails camera that used actual film. Digital devices tend to make me angry. However, I took a leap of faith and bought this bundle, when the price was deeply reduced, because I am sick of the many limitations of my cell phone camera. I am pleased with my purchase overall, with a few caveats. Picture quality on this Nikon is excellent, the feel of the camera is comfortable and light in the hands (if a bit too plasticky), buttons and toggles seem to be in logical positions (for a right-handed person, at least). The lenses seem to be well made, but I'm not sure I can judge that, as my point of reference is the equivalent-length, pre-digital, fully mechanical lens that makes these plastic-casing lenses feel cheap. Once you know where everything is on the camera, and how to get the functions and images you want, it all feels very WYSIWYG. However, until you have learned the ropes, it is nearly impossible to see the icons on the different settings and functions. This camera is made for young eyes, which is annoying for middle-aged me. The printed instructions are written for an utter neophyte (how to hold a camera and stand to take a photo, for instance), so it's easy enough to find out what to do. But why go with an icon the size of an ant when you could use an easily-seen color, or letter? It's frustrating. The editing software that comes with thus is useless, so my husband told me after he tried to install it. He checked various boards online and found many complaints about it saying much the same thing, so I guess I'll be using another program. I do wonder, too, why these things are never sold with memory cards, or why Amazon doesn't link one in the "often bought together" option. I stole one from my husband's stash of digital goodies (he says to me, with just the tiniest bit of an eye roll, that memory cards are never included with these things, so silly me).

This is probably one of the best cameras in it's class. It works great for the beginner and is capable of growing with you as you gain confidence with photography and with the camera itself. When this first arrived I was overwhelmed by all of the buttons. I never thought I would learn them. After reviewing the included literature once I feel reasonably confident on playing with some manual settings. It takes phenomenal pictures in auto "point-and-shoot" mode and has several auto/manual modes that seemed to be designed to take you from "what is a DSLR?" to "I think a lower F-stop would really bring out her eyes." The pictures in fully automated mode are vivid, crisp and well-exposed for just about any subject in nearly any lighting condition. My cellphone camera takes pictures that make me look like a manic gorilla but this camera makes me look like a professional.

La la llaaovveee this camera!! Just to start this review I'm super ocd with my purchases. Definitely more lenient with purchases worth less I'll admit, but not for a piece worth almost 400$. I reaseched on different websites and even visited a few stores for the best deal. Long story short this was it after about a week or two or hunting the best deal . It does not get better than this folks. The camera came brand spanking new. It came with original accessories like neck strap, battery, cap for camera, Lense cap, and battery charger, also a Manuel, and cd for the camera, oh and cords for the camera. Of course the camera also came with a brand new Lense too, AF-S DX NIKKOR18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens. Yeah this Lense alone is worth 250. Also the standard Lense for the d3200 is the AF-S DX NIKKOR18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR not VR II.. So think this was a added bonus for buying the refurbished item and having faith in nikon. I'm transitioning from a SLR a FE2 to be exact. I love the functionality and all the capabilities of this camera thus far. The resolution on the screen really helps make bold adjustments too. This is the perfect camera for the aspiring beginner photographer. I'll post pics, hopes this helps anyone trying to make a decision. Please like if it has thanks