NMGal Loc: NE NM

Really not sure how to word this. If you do not have a preference for a particular camera brand and went shopping for a good system, would you consider a camera based on the following? Sensor, processor and/or lenses. Consider putting a mediocre lens on an excellent camera because of weight or cost? Buying a medium camera and putting excellent, expensive, weighty glass on it. I guess the question is, is the sensor, processor or lens the most important component? I do hope this is not the stupidest question you have heard.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Glass is what delivers the image to the camera, so I would say the lens is the most important. Of course, what happens to that light after it reaches the camera is of utmost importance so maybe it's the sensor. Then again, if the camera can't process that image the way you see it/want it then the rest of it is just wasted time, so...
I hope this helps.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I would shop on line and look for critical reviews to make a decision of body and lens.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Cameras come and go, but lenses are (almost) forever.
Putting a mediocre lens on an excellent camera will give you mediocre pictures. Sensor and processor are important considerations, but if I had to choose I would go with the lens.
My Df is about 7 years old, there have been major advances in both sensor and processor technology over those 7 years, but the camera still gives excellent results. My opinion is to get the best lenses and when you have what you need/want, then think about the camera.

Ollieboy

It's all about the glass. Most of today's better sensors are pretty much the same within the same megapixel class. I'm not talking about comparing different size sensors. Nikon's best, Canon's best, Sony's best and so on, have negligible differences. Good glass is (almost) forever, as camera bodies eventually get replaced. Just my opinion.

NikonGal Loc: Central Oregon

I believe once you make your brand selection, the glass is the most important.
My comment though addresses the brand. I would strongly suggest that you find a camera store and hold each camera body in your hand. Years ago when I was making my selection between Canon and Nikon, there were actual camera stores, so I was able to pick up and compare how each one felt in my hand. Surprisingly, they really were different with Canon feeling big and a bit awkward for reaching the buttons and Nikon feeling just right. Good luck. Bev

NMGal Loc: NE NM

If it is all about the glass, how do you check the lenses without attaching them to a camera? Do you pick the brand first and then go for their best glass?

NikonGal Loc: Central Oregon

NMGal, If you are replying to me, yes, I picked my brand first, then worked my way up to the best glass as I could afford to do so. Bev

Ourspolair

Technically, as some of the "hoggers" have suggested, the glass is where you should put your money.
Effectively, you must feel comfortable using the camera, so the physical size, weight and placement of the controls all contribute to how often you will want to use the camera to take photos and explore your creativity.
Another important consideration is how intuitive the GUI and menus are to use, and how easy it is to change settings to accommodate for different lighting conditions.
An important thing, as I get older, is a fully articulating screen, and I will soon probably switch from my long-time favourite brand to another to get IBIS which will be handy for using my old Mamaya lenses from the 645.
That switch will also mean going FF.
My dealer will let me take the new camera back as long as I don't take more than a couple of hundred shots with it and I find I don't like it.
So - there you go - my 2 cents worth. I think overall that the ergonomics and usability will eventually win the argument - and don't forget that there are adapters out there for most camera and lens combinations.
Stay well and enjoy the feedback!

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

One very important factor for me is ergonomics/handling. And not only physical characteristics - button & dial layout, shape, weight distribution, etc. - but also menu layout. If a function I use often is buried deep in the menu or otherwise difficult to access, then this will result in frequent missed shots. For me, the ideal camera must be absolutely comfortable to operate in all aspects of handling. I've had experience with cameras which were downright annoying to operate because of their design. And the photography will suffer if the camera is a pain to use.

BebuLamar

I would see if the camera looks good. It's very important to me.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I must have misinterpreted your post. I was thinking you had a camera and were debating whether to upgrade the camera or the lenses. Sorry. If you are considering a possible system change with a different camera than you have now, I guess it would be best research the various system brands overall and choose based on what you feel meets you needs now and in the future. I know that’s not much of an answer but if you are changing system it would be good to take all factors in to consideration.

DrJoeS Loc: Tampa Bay area (FL)

I agree that you need to do some online research first. Then lens quality should be a driving consideration. Bad lens = bad photo. That is where to put your money in my opinion. I use a Nikon body and Nikkor lenses - no complaints.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Not a dumb question at all that not enough photographers ask before they part with their money. What type of photography will the camera and lens be used for? To me, the important base camera factors are sensor resolution (mp), dynamic range and low light performance, noise, and color depth. Putting a mediocre lens on a higher resolution camera makes no sense as you are throwing away the detail the sensor is capable of. Similarly, putting a very expensive lens on a lower resolution sensor body is a waste of good money.

As far as processor speed, buffer size, fps along with AF speed and capability go, they are more important factors for sports / wildlife / birding, but not as important, for say, portrait, landscape or astrophotography where you have all kinds of time to set up the shot.

You want to select a camera and lens matching what you plan to shoot. If it's informal portraits and typical family snapshots a cellphone camera might be fine. If you want to go birding then a "fast" camera and long lens are more appropriate. If you want to try every type of photography then a good quality dslr or mirrorless body with an appropriate choice of zooms and primes makes sense.

Personally, I use a D500 20.1mp 10fps body that has a good AF system along with a host of long lenses for wildlife / birding. I use a 45.7mp D850 and more glass than I like to admit for everything else.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Reply posted to wrong message...