According Wikipedia, a snapshot is popularly defined as a photograph that is “shot” spontaneously and quickly, most often without artistic or journalistic intent. Snapshots are commonly considered to be technically “imperfect” or amateurish–out of focus or poorly framed or composed. The term derives from the snap shot of hunting. Common snapshot subjects include the events of everyday life, such as birthday parties and other celebrations; sunsets; children playing; group photos; pets; and the like.
The snapshot concept was introduced to the public on a large scale by Eastman Kodak, which produced the Brownie box camera around 1900. Kodak encouraged families to use the Brownie to capture moments in time and to shoot photos without being concerned with producing perfect images. Kodak advertising urged consumers to “celebrate the moments of your life” and find a “Kodak moment.”
In general snapshooters are using point-and-shoot digital cameras but some pretentious people look for the better performance offered by DSLRs. If you fit in this category of people who shoots for the pleasure of saving important moments from their family life, from their vacations, pets, etc, and you want a DSLR system to ensure a high quality and large prints from your pictures, Nikon Planet loves to recommend you the perfect system that meet your requirements, without to cost you an arm and a leg:
CAMERA: Nikon D3000 10.2MP DSLR Body
Breathtaking Nikon digital SLR image quality and easy operation highlight the 10.2-megapixel D3000 – Nikon’s friendliest D-SLR ever! This camera dispels the view that DSLR cameras are complicated and makes taking great pictures simpler than ever before. You can really concentrate on having fun with photography and the Guide mode helps you to get the best results with the minimum of fuss. The D3000 is designed for anyone who wants to take pictures without worrying about settings. You can select from a choice of subject parameters and the camera will do the rest, and the instant response time means you never miss a moment.
Some key features:
- New Guide mode provides in-camera assistance for making camera settings and utilizing professional techniques
- Large 3.0-in., approx. 230k-dot LCD with brightness adjustment
- Nikon DX-format CCD image sensor, 10.2 effective megapixels
- Integrated Dust Reduction System
- Six scene modes that automatically adjust exposure, image processing, and other settings for superior image quality
- Scene Recognition System, utilizing 420-pixel RGB sensor, improves autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance
- Active D-Lighting for smooth tone reproduction in high-contrast environments
- Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module featuring 11 AF points provides fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame
- Picture Control System includes Portrait and Landscape options for more vibrant customized colors
- Extensive palette of in-camera Retouch Menus including a new Miniature effect that modifies images to look like pictures of miniature models
- Wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 1600; a Hi 1 setting increases sensitivity to ISO 3200
- Viewfinder with approx. 95% frame coverage and an easy-to-view 18 mm eyepoint (at -1.0 m-1)
- Up to 3 fps continuous shooting
- Built-in pop-up flash with Nikon’s original i-TTL flash control
- Highly efficient energy-saving design that allows approx. 550 images on a single charge of the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9a
- Included Nikon ViewNX software makes browsing and organizing your images easy
- Lightweight, compact body with softly rounded form
ALL AROUND LENS: 
This 5.8x zoom features Nikon’s VR image stabilization and is compact, versatile and ideal for a broad range of shooting situations, ranging from interiors and landscapes to beautiful portraits and action — a perfect everyday zoom.
Some key features:
- DX-format, high-power 5.8x zoom lens with focal length ranging from 18 to 105mm
- Broad picture angle range approximates the perspective of a 27-157.5mm lens on a 35mm-format film camera or Nikon FX-format digital SLR
- Covers diverse shooting situations from wide-angle landscapes and interiors to portraiture and medium-range sports
- Vibration Reduction assures sharper handheld pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible
- Built-in Silent Wave Motor delivers quiet, swift autofocus with superior accuracy
- High-performance optical system featuring an ED glass element and an aspherical lens element realizes superior image reproduction capability
LOW LIGHT LENS: 
It’s a fast, lightweight f/1.8 prime DX-format NIKKOR lens perfect for low-light conditions, and for a good background separation, with applications for travel, environmental portrait and general photography. This compact lens has a solid overall build quality (much better than most lenses in its price range) and takes up less space in your camera bag. The included lens hood helps shade the front lens element and prevent flare without hurting image quality.
Some key features:
- Fast f/1.8 prime NIKKOR lens that’s perfect for low-light conditions, travel, environmental portrait and general photography
- Engineered for Nikon DX-format digital SLRs with an optical formula optimized for use with Nikon DX-format digital SLRs, rendering a picture angle approximating the classic normal angle of view of a 50mm lens on a Nikon FX-format digital SLR or a 35mm film camera
- Aspherical lens element that minimizes coma and other types of lens aberrations, further improving image integrity
- Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) which enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare
- Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enabling a fast, accurate and quiet autofocus
- Close focusing to one foot for creative perspectives and versatility
PROTECTIVE UV FILTER: 
A multi-purpose fine-weather filter that absorbs the ultraviolet rays which often makes outdoor photographs hazy and indistinct. Also serves as a permanent lens protector. These popular filters are renowned for their ability to minimise reflection at the filter surfaces which reduces flare and ghosting. The result is a high average light transmission, giving sharp contrast and well balanced colour. HOYA filters are recommended for enhancing the performance of today’s multicoated lenses.
MEMORY CARD: 2 x Sandisk 8GB Ultra II SD HC Secure Digital SDHC Card (Lexar is a good brand too)
FLASH: 
A compact, lightweight Speedlight with intuitive controls and bounce capabilities. Put it on, turn it on, shoot!
One thing that makes the SB-400 a great upgrade over the built in flashes in Nikon’s D3000 is the bounce capability, the flash head tilts up to 90° with click-stops at 0°, 60°, 75°, 90°. Bouncing the flash off a ceiling and you get rid of those ugly shadows in your pictures. An improvement over the earlier Nikon DX Flashes is that the unit uses AA-size batteries.
The good side with the SB-400 is the size and weight of the unit. If all you are after is a improvement over the built in flashes, then the SB 400 is the Nikon Flash you are after.
Some key features:
- Compact, lightweight Speedlight unit which is perfect for anyone looking for more power and coverage than a built-in flash.
- Simple, intuitive operation. Just put it on, turn it on and shoot!
- Flash coverage is as wide as 18mm on Nikon DX-format digital SLR cameras.
- Great flash exposures – utilizing Nikon’s i-TTL intelligent flash technology for accurate flash exposures.
- Convenient operation, being powered with two AA-size (1.5V) batteries.
- Fast 2.5-second recycling time – keeps you shooting quickly.
- Bounce capabilities – reduces background shadows and diffuses light for more pleasing results.
- Versatile shooting range from 2 ft. up to 66 ft. Provides flash power for distant subjects, group shots and close-up pictures.
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2 Comments to “Recommended Nikon DSLR System for Snapshots”
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MC says:
Hi Anna,
We will continue our recommendations for amateurs and for advanced amateurs too. Please keep in touch!
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I like the way you put together a complete system for a beginner. I would like to see a similar article with recommendations for an amateur that wants more than simple snapshots from his photographic gear. Do we have any chance to get such as article?