Nikon camera packages offer one-stop-shopping for photographers looking to snag a lot of equipment for a single price.
What Are Camera Packages?
Camera packages are ideal for photographers who want all the tools needed to capture the best pictures, but don't have the time to shop around for them individually. Nikon allows you to save big bucks by bundling its equipment in packages that include a camera plus several other pieces, such as lenses, a carrying case, and a tripod. If you were to pay for each item separately, the price would far exceed the amount of a camera package.
What's Included in Nikon Camera Packages
Nikon offers a variety of camera packages. They range from a simple starter set featuring a camera and a couple of lenses to elaborate versions, which include a digital camera body plus more tools than most professionals carry.
The most popular Nikon camera packages include:
Nikon D60 Package
- Nikon D60 camera body
- 18-55 mm lens
- Wide-angle lens
- 3-piece lens filter set
- Hi-speed USB card reader
- Lens cleaning kit
- LCD screen protector
- Soft-sided digital camera case
- Professional full-size tripod
- Mini tabletop tripod
Price as of February 2009: $700
Nikon D80 Package
- Nikon D80 camera body
- Nikon 18-135 mm lens
- Nikon 70-300 mm AF lens
- Wide-angle lens
- Lens cleaning kit
- Lens filter kit
- Professional full-size tripod
- Mini tabletop tripod
- Removable digital flash
- Soft-sided camera case
- Professional aluminum hard camera case
Price as of February 2009: $1,350
Nikon D300 Package
- Nikon D300 camera body
- 18-135 mm AF lens
- 70-300 mm VR AF lens
- 6-piece lens filter set
- Nikon 58-400 speedlight flash
- Compact digital camera case
- Professional aluminum hard camera case
- Hi-speed USB card reader
- Lens cleaning kit
- LCD screen protector
- Professional full-size tripod
- Mini tabletop tripod
Price as of February 2009: $2,750
Note: Prices subject to change and vary depending on place of purchase.
Pros of Purchasing a Camera Package
The greatest benefit of purchasing a camera package is price. For example, Nikon's D80 package runs about $1,350 and includes the camera plus a litany of other tools. Considering the camera body plus a single 18-135 mm AF lens alone costs about $950, you are paying only $400 for a slew of additional equipment. If purchased individually, the items, including the additional Nikon lenses, the filter kit, the tripods, and camera cases, would set you back more than $600.
In addition to the price, another benefit of purchasing a camera package is convenience. Not only will you avoid having to run to the camera store each time you need an additional tool, with Nikon's packages you are provided a warranty that covers all the items in the set. What's more, by purchasing multiple pieces of camera equipment from the same company you avoid the hassle of making sure your tools are compatible with your camera.
Cons of Purchasing a Camera Package
Having a variety of choices in camera packages is wonderful, but it can also be overwhelming. Prior to investing in a camera set, it's critical that you do research on particular packages. Nikon's website offers detailed descriptions on individual pieces of equipment. It's a good idea to review this information so you know what you are getting prior to purchasing.
Another con to purchasing a Nikon digital SLR camera package is lens quality. Some camera experts have voiced reservations about kit lenses saying that they are not professional quality. However, it stands to reason that manufacturers such as Nikon, which are trying to keep the price of camera packages down to entice consumers, would include middle-of-the-road lenses versus professional grade ones.
For the record, the majority of people who own Nikon digital SLR camera packages note that the lenses included in the kits work well for most common lighting conditions. If you take the bulk of your photos outdoors in natural light or you use the camera's flash, you should have no problem with the lenses featured in the packages. However, they are not ideal for specialized work like action, low light and macro photography.
Should You Purchase a Camera Package?
If you are just getting started in the world of photography, you can't beat the price of a Nikon camera package. What's more, having additional tools along with an outstanding digital camera at your disposal may encourage you to someday turn your passion into a profession.
