I'm a beginning photographer, is this Nikon Camera a good choice?
I like to take close ups, and I'm thinking about getting a Nikon D3300. They seem pretty good, and within my price range. Are they a good choice for beginning photographers? If not, what would you recommend?
You do realise that the 18-55mm standard zoom isn't all that great for close-ups as the minimum focus is around 30cm?
You'll need a separate macro (Nikon call them, "Micro,") lens for close-up photography, or at least a set of extension tubes. Also finding a set of tubes that will allow metering (you can probably forget autofocus) with the D3300 is a nightmare.
But you will need to get a macro lens for closeups. If Nikon brand lenses are too expensive, look at a Tamron 90mm f2.8 or a Tamron 60mm f2 in Nikon Mount.
The 90mm is a full-frame lens so that mean your Nikon DX camera would see only part of the image circle (it would be like a 135mm short telephoto and allow you to stand a little further back). Cost about $500, $300 refurbished and $250 used in good condition. The equivalent Nikon 105mm would be more than $800 new.
The 60mm would be considerably easier to hold steady hand-held and the Nikon own brand version is only about 15% more expensive.
"Close-ups" as in small objects such as matchboxes and insects, or as in bringing very distant objects closer?
For small objects you will need also a good macro lens, at more than £200/$300. For distant objects you will need a good tele zoom, around 70mm to 300mm, again starting at £200/$300.
There's no dSLR meant for the beginner. They are all difficult to use if you don't know photography but you can at least get lucky with Auto mode.
For close-up portraits, the 18-55mm kit lens will do at around 55mm but if you want more background blurring power, get a separate 50mm lens with the lowest f/number you can afford.
For a lower price I recommend you get this better camera.