hdale Loc: Washington

Panasonic makes great cameras, their service is above reproach, but the cameras are too slow. My personal experience with Panasonic? I had an issue, admitted to Panasonic that it was my fault, they sent me a brand new camera at no charge anyway.

I don't have personal experience with any other digital brands and the internet reviews don't offer any real help.

Case in point, all the professional review sites praise Canon; they say Canon makes great cameras but fail to mention 'as long as they work', 'their failure rate', or 'their customer service'.

Canon customer service is less than zero and expensive. I spent $1500 for a 40d which failed right after the short warranty period expired.

Canon wanted $285 just to look at it. $285 later; I took 7 photos before the camera failed again with same problem, something to do with the mirror hanging up and shutting down the electronics.

Canon's response? Another $285 and they will look at it again. Not only is it expensive, Canon representatives are downright rude. No, the camera was not abused, no it was not used professionally, and yes it is kept in a well protected camera bag.

Seems the 40d had issues and was almost immediately replaced with the 50d.

Where does one find a good reliable fast camera for under $2k, and what does one do with the canon lenses? Does one take the risk and buy another Cannon or go off into the unknown with a Nikon, Sony, etc.?

I really loved the 40d, when it worked, but all I can say is Canon as a company really sucks!

missletoe Loc: Tujunga, CA

what Canon lenses do you have? and what are you asking for them?

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

And this is the problem with small-sampling anecdotal information...it doesn't mean anything.

There are Nikon owners with the same story...Sony users who have the same experience...etc.

Canon users who haven't had any problems, Nikon users who've had great service...etc...

Pick a camera and use it.

RaydancePhoto

I sold all my Canon gear, cameras and lenses over a year ago. I bought Sony DSLR's (2) and the RX-100 + 9 Minolta lenses. I put over 2000.00 in the bank from the sale of the Canon gear after I paid for all the Sony Stuff. I like the Sony cameras better than the Canon's, it is personal choice. The Minolta lenses are very good glass.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I have a friend who shoots the heck out of her t3i and uses primarily the 100-400L lens. She takes great photos at Antelope Island in Utah. Her husband just bought her a t5i. She posts under Judy 2011.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

which model panasonic?

The Gx-7 is a darn fine, camera...anything from being slow. As is the Lx-7.

hdale Loc: Washington

It's easy to say if you have lots of money to spend on a gamble or using it for income.

hdale Loc: Washington

Right before Minolta went out of the camera business I bought a Minolta. Other than being really hard on batteries, it was and still is the best all around digital camera I've ever owned.

RaydancePhoto

The Minolta 70-210 f/4 Beercan lens is superb. I feel it is better than the 70-200 L Canon I had, and weighs 1/4 of the Canon. I paid about 100.00 for it used.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Considering your past experience, Canon is out of the question. If I were you, I would sell all your Canon gear on ebay. Take a look at Sony. It's not Canon or Nikon, and they've gotten good reviews and enthusiast support here. They have the NEX-6 and NEX-7, mirrorless cameras and also DSLRs. I would go for the extended warranty, since you have had warranty issues in the past. Actually, if you use a major credit card for the purchase, it will probably have an extended warranty.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Sounds like a dual purpose lens. :D

RaydancePhoto

I try not to mix Beercans with photography, but sometimes I can't help myself.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

The mixture can produce results that please more easily.

Cotondog Loc: Saskatchewan, Canada

Agree, 100%

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Of course, but when you are the sample, it means everything.