dirty dave

I wonder if sometimes we just get lucky and find the right camera. I bought a 50 D Canon new a few years ago when they were first new. Right out of the box the camera shot perfect. A few years later I bought a used 50 D set it back to factory default and it in my opinion perfect. Later I purchased a 60 D and sold it, I just didn't like it. My 5 D has became a dust collector. This morning another. Photographer called and ask for me to come by and look at the new Canon 80 D. We. Played around with it while it seems to be very nice, it just didn't do much for me. I was just thinking maybe some of you may have found your favorite camera and nothing else will make you happy. I have a lot of friends that has to have the newest camera out there but is it worth it? When I go out for a job or just for fun I just carry my two 50Ds. ( of course most is for my own enjoyment since I have retired) So do any of you have your favorite even if it old or new?

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I feel very fortunate to have found the perfect recipe of affordabilty, portability and expanded features compared to my first dslr (the Canon Rebel xti) : I now have the 18 mp Canon T3i (also APS-C, like the 50D), purchased 3.5 years ago.

When I was thinking about a "better" camera a little over a year ago - must have been reading the G.A.S. topics here - I realized there was nothing I wanted that I didn't already have! So I bought another T3i body (new) + two used lenses (an EF 70-300 and an EF-S 18-135) that were better quality than my kit lenses. I have a new 10-18 mm lens also.

As much of my photography takes place near where I am parked (or from inside the car - lol), having two of the same bodies with different lenses on them is fantastic.

Oh, and a bridge camera, Canon SX50, for long distance birds and critters!

fishone0 Loc: Kingman AZ

I have a favorite but it is not canon it is the Nikon Df--I had an old Nikon D50 and when it broke I was heartbroken--wasn't worth the money to fix it so hubby and I had a funeral for it with a moment of silence--it was my work horse--went with me everywhere

Ron Palmer Loc: Newburgh, New York

I own 2 50 D's and love them. Bought a new one back a few years ago and just picked up a lightly used one this week can't wait to try it out this weekend!! All the Best!

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

In my case it was a pair of Pentax Spotmatics a while ago.
In the digital era it was a Canon 40D which failed after a lot of heavy use. Replaced it with a 70D whiich I am happy with (it is a better camera).

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I agree with the idea of a 'just perfect' camera, mine being a 5DIII. The new model with 61 points at f/8 for the new DXII has generated a wee bit of lust now that I have extenders pushing a few lenses to f/8 and only the center cluster working on anything other than the DXII... But, I continue to hold fast to the plan to stand pat for 10-years with the current body. My current camera is perfect for my needs. And, I'm running three film cameras on the side to try to keep things fresh ...

I will say I chased things for a while. Like Linda, the XTi was all I needed for 6+ years. If I'd better understood the relative impact of lenses vs body, I probably could have skipped a foray with the original 7D. I've been working / reworking images from the XTi in Lightroom of late and I see I could have stayed with the XTi longer as I review my work over the past 10 years...

There's always going to be a crowd chasing the newest. Well, at least they tend to have lightly used cameras for sale on a regular basis... That said, there are occasional major steps forward. That XTi wasn't much beyond ISO-800. The 7D wasn't much beyond ISO-2000. My 5DIII is awesome at ISO-5000 (yes, with noise work, but not as much as the 7D at ISO-3200). But for a 'just perfect camera', I'm shooting at the ISO-5000 level only with my f/2.8 to f/4 lenses (or extender combo) where the images is already going to be as sharp as possible.

I see 50D images on 500px regularly that are indistinguishable from newer models. Check the lens and you'll see a top line model. As I've tried to say above, there are real improvements to bodies, but I'd rate the body 3rd behind the photographer and the lens in probably 80% of all shooting situations as in excluding only the need for high ISO or high speed shooting.

So DD - you've cracked the code and seen beyond the siren call of 'new'. One of the things I've learned from film is flash as I can't find any ASA-5000 film ... Hopefully, if you do find times when your 50D isn't ready, look at a flash rather than a new body and then let only old age put an end to your perfect camera...

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

My 50D was a great camera, except for the CF socket pins. If I did not have to remove the CF cards, I would still be using one today. How easy is is to download images directly from the camera (time consumption, i.e. relative slow downloads, is not a problem? Can the firmware be updated without removing the card? I guess I'm old fashioned, but I don't mind carrying around a heavy camera, and I am not a combatant in the pixel wars. Thank you.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

I agree with you; some cameras just feel good and they work fine.

I have a couple of Pentax K1000's that I "just like" and a Leica M6 that (while not collectible, and not the best in terms of desirable in the Leica circles) I "just like."

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I had a 500D and never really liked it. The 60D just felt better in my little hands. There's a few changes I'd like but I'm in no hurry to change and that says a lot. If you like what you've got, stick with it.

Carlo Loc: Maryland, NW.Chesapeake Bay

Before switching to digital ...I shot film with a Pentax K1000 for many years and loved it...still have it today....2 years ago after a couple of years shooting with a Panasonic Lumix digital...I purchased a Canon 70d and feel the same way about it as you do about your dual 50d's..!!! I have a fleet of glass for my 70d ...3 Canon, 3 Sigma and 1 Samyang that give me tons of options and variety. Am Very comfortable with this kit and hope to shoot with it for quite some time...!!!

Spirit Hawk Loc: Michigan,Sunrise side

I have and use & like my 50D i have had camera includeing the 70D,,,today i use the 50D and a T4i..just like the colors and detail from the old 50D sensor ??
Ron

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Hi dirty dave,
For me, my camera is the Nikon D750 with a D7000 as my backup. They go everywhere with me. At my age I have no reason to ever change. Take care & ...

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

This might sound stupid (Many in this forum think I am) but I was in Las Vegas this last week and used my Canon FTb most of the time. Love it. It was the first real Camera I ever owned and it still feels just right.
Yes I do like digital and it is the way to go but for the camera that feels right is is my FTb and if a body could be made that way with the smaller lenses by CANON it would be great. I compare my 135mm f3.5 to current fat and giant lenses and realize how easy it is carry.

bparr1 Loc: Carthage, TN

Old maintenance adage, "If it works good, don't fix it".

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

In the digital world I love my Pentax K20D. Before that, "ho-hum" was about the best.

The camera feels great, works great, and does a great job of photos in general. General only because if the sensor.

In lower lights I need a higher iso values.
I'm not comfortable with the sensor ability of the k20d. That and a few other camera abilities is the only reason to upgrade imho. But as I eluded to, for general photo abilities, I love and use my k20d!