Last week I shared with you three cameras for photography students and one of them was a Nikon. If you read that post then you know that I've been a Nikon gal for a very long time - at least 15 years, but probably longer than that! The reason is that it is a professional camera that gives me awesome photographs every time. I can use them for work, but more importantly, I can use it to capture images of my family, friends, and life that I want to remember forever. What's more, I can use these photographs as part of my gift giving.
This week I want to focus on handmade or custom-designed gift giving. And I want to start off with gifts for the abuelos. I have a horrible time thinking of gifts to give my parents each year. They have everything, really, and when I ask them what they'd like, they always say, "Oh, nothing. Don't spend your money." Ugh.
Does that sound like your parents?
But I know that I can't go wrong when the gift is made by or about my children. And I imagine that most grandparents are delighted with gifts that have something to do with their grandchildren. Which is one of the many reasons why photography plays such an important role in our lives. Since we live so far from los abuelos, photographs make it possible for me to share important moments in my children's lives with my parents and in-laws.
We have given everything from personalized photo calendars to photo albums to personalized mugs and mouse pads. Sometimes we just send a framed photo. It doesn't matter what I send, because as long as it includes a photograph, it is a hit.
But these quality gifts deserve quality images and for those I can rely on my Nikon.
Last month, I had the opportunity to upgrade my Nikon D3000 with the new Nikon D3300 and it is FABULOUS. Everytime I upgrade, I'm thrilled with all the new features.
The Nikon D3300 comes with an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm lens for capturing great images up close or further away. The ISO 100-12,800 is great for getting good pictures even in low light conditions. It is fun and easy to use. In addition to the regular photo modes (portrait, action, close-up, landscape, etc.), it also has a Special Effects feature that includes:
- Night vision
- Super vivid
- POP
- Photo illustration (SO cool!)
- Color sketch
- Toy camera effect
- Miniature effect
- Selective color (I ♥ ♥ ♥ it!!)
- Silhouette
- Hi Key
- Low key
- HDR painting
- Easy panorama (I wish I'd had this at the Grand Canyon!)
It is absolutely amazing. I'm still experimenting with all of these, but what I love best so far is the Enhanced Guide Mode that allows me to take a photograph and then go back and crop or apply special effects (such as soften, selective color, photo illustration, and more) to photos I took in the past.
As a parent, I also love that the cold- and shock-resistant design shields the camera against accidental drops and the elements.
For me, the best part of my latest upgrade is the WiFi connectivity, because I love to share my favorite pictures via my personal Facebook page or on Instagram. I can now do that (I never could before!) thanks to the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a. This awesome little tool just plugs in to your Nikon and transfers images directly from your camera/SD card to your smartphone so you can share your pics on your social media. You can attach it directly to your camera strap so that when you are ready to use it, you just pop it out of its little case and plug it in. It works with the Nikon WMU app that you download (for free) to your camera and the best part is that you can even control your camera with it and use your smartphone to see what you camera sees and even take the picture from far away. So if you want to take a family portrait shot (and be in the picture, too!) you can set up the camera and then go sit in the shot and take the picture by simply pushing a button on your smartphone. Awesome!!
If you or your husband are avid photographers capturing the beautiful moments in your every day lives, but you only have a little point-and-shoot camera, then consider upgrading to a Nikon. Not only is it a valuable gift for the you, but also for those around you who will benefit from all the amazing memories you preserve at the click of a shutter!
Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador and received product for the purposes of this review. However, all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own!