I agree with Bill actually. Go to a camera store, if there is one near you, and get a feel for the cameras you are considering (especially now that you have so many suggestions). Truth be told that is how I eventually made my decision. I didn't know it was possible to "rent" a camera at the time. I thought I had my decision narrowed down to 2 or 3 models and then when I went to B&H and picked up, looked through and handled a totally different model and I knew that was the one for me given what I wanted to achieve. It didn't "look" like the models I was considering but it felt great in my hands and had features that I love and use. It came as a surprise to me but have been so happy with my decision. Thinking back on it, it's how I've chosen all my cameras.
I hope you get something you will use and enjoy, both on your trip and beyond:)
I too had an EOS film camera eons ago. When the world went digital I moved to a fun point and shoot that I really enjoyed for a while but then started to feel contrained by it's limitations . As I too was "getting on in years" I decided against a DSLR and went mirrorless. I considered a bridge camera like the one suggested but they are great lenses on point and shoot sensors. My compromise was a mirrorless interchangable lense system. The cameras sensors are larger than the point and shoot but smaller than the APS-C of the prosumer entry level DSLRs but they are smaller, lighter and the lenses are proptionaly smaller and lighter as well but offer more of the flexibility afforded a DSLR. Now that the newer models have been released you can get a good "last year's" model with a lens or 2 in your price range. I have a Panasonic Lumix G5 and have been very happy with my images (but Nikon makes a well reviewed mirrorless model if you are sold on that brand). I too would receommend a tripod. Since mirrorless cameras have no vibration from the mirror and are smaller and lighter you can go with a lighter tripod as well.
I think it's worth considering. Hope this helps!
[quote=PhotoArtsLA]I'm old enough not only to remember Ansel Adams, but to know he did not always fully wash his prints! Some of his classics, like "Moonrise, Hernandez" are developing hypo related issues. Some, not all.
No you are not:) I so admire Ansel Adams, also Steiglitz, Weston and others of that generation. Of today's photographers I greatly admire Robert Rodriguez, Jr., a nature and landscape photographer based in the Hudson Valley and have just begun to follow his blog.
Just wanted to add that the sensor size is also in between the sensor size of a point and shoot and that of the APS-C sensor of a prosumer/entry level dslr. Nevertheless I am very happy with my images.
Yeas ago I had a Canon Rebel XS film camera and loved it. Then I put photography down for a while. When the bug struck me again the world had moved to digital so I went with a Panasonic point and shoot (ZS3). Had a great deal of fun with it for a few years but began to experience it's limitations, especially in low light, for macro work and longer telephoto shots of wildlife.
I debated between a Canon digital Rebel, a Panasonic FZ200 bridge camera or a micro four thirds interchangeable system. As I am getting older and not wanting to carry too much heavy gear but still wanting to maintain some flexibility in my shooting experience I went with the micro four thirds Panasonic G5. I've been happy with that little camera and currently have the 2 kit lenses, (14-42mm and 45-150mm), the Panasonic 20 mm f1.7 and the Rokinon 7.5mm ultra wide fish eye lens. Am saving up for the 100-300 telephoto. I'm planning to get an adapter for my Sigma/Cannon mount true 1:1 macro lens. Should I feel limitations in the future I will reconsider yet again but for now I (and the forseeable future) I am a very happy camper. Just remember there is a crop factor in the micro four thirds system. For instance, a 14-42 mm covers a range of 28-84mm on a regular dslr.
Hope this helps!
PS I used to go cross country skiing on the carriage trails around Lake Monhonk. Just bearutiful! Bet it's spendid in the summer months! Have fun...and let's pray for good weather.
Hi Bob,
Hope you had a good Memorial Day weekend. A trip to Olana is definitely in the works for my vist. My friend who lives in Hudson says a house tour is worth it even in bad weather. The farmer's market is out her back door, LOL. She also sais that Warren St., the main drag, is lined with antique shops and galleries providing plentiful ways to get out of the rain if need be. Still praying for good weathher though.
Best,
Jane
Hi Bob,
I'm based in NYC too. Went to summer camp as a kid in Accord, NY. Thought no one else ever heard of it! LOL.
I sure do hope it doesn't rain the 4 days that I'm there. Hudson supposedly has a grand festival with a parade, a street fair and a big firewworks display on flag day. A Hudson River cruise is planned as wellfor the weekend. I just bought a used Rokinon 7.5mm fisheye for the sweeping vistas at Olana. Please pray that I make it there!...in the sun or the sunset.
Sorry about your rainy Maine sojourn. Hope to have better weather on the trip to Huson!
Best,
Jane
Thanks for the suggestion Bob. I so hope we don't get rained out though. There is a boat ride on the Hudson, fireworks on flag day and a trip to Olana in the works...all outdoor activites which I sincerely hope there will be time, energy and good weather (and photo opps) for!
Bet,
Jane
Hi all,
I have a new Lumix G5 micro 4/3 camera that came with 14-42 and 45-150 mm kit lenses. I am looking to purchase a lense for my upcoming trip to Hudson, NY. Might anyone have a suggestion? I have been considering the Panny 20mm f 1.7 and the Rokinon 7.5 mm fisheye. Have never used a fisheye before but the images I have seen look beautiful. I am on a budget.
So glad to know I'm not alone!
Thanks to those who have replied. I so appreciate the responsiveness. Have taken some of your suggestions already. The friend who gifted me with thiscamera also printed out the manual for me but I ahve found that while the camera may be designed for a beginner the manual is not. At least I am not alone and no longer feel like a complete moron. I have found, at one of your suggestions , the m43 saite and have downloaded an index to the manual that should come in handy. Will keep checking google for more specific help as someone suggested.
Thans again, folks for being so responsive and helpful. It's a lovely day here in NYC and I think I will go out and play with my new camera!
Best regards,
Jane (nymytemaus)
Hi,
Thanks so much. I did go to their site last night and downloaded an index to the manual. I suspect this may come in very handy!
Best,
Jane (nymytemaus)
Hi RG,
Indeed, the reviews on Amazon (and other sites) are what made me lust after this camera. It has awesome features. Unfortunately the manual is jumbled, at least for me (and from reading on Amazon I know I am not alone so I no longer feel that I am a complete and total moron). Although the camera is supposedly designed for beginners I think the manual may be designed for people downsizing from a full sized SLR rather than upgrading from a point and shoot like myself and assumes a familiarity with things that I don't have knowledge of. I have gone on line for their you tube tutorials as well but they move so quidkly and are sized somewhat small and it is difficult for me to see what buttons they are pressing. But thank you so much for taking the time to reply. My experience o this forum so far has been helpful. I appreciate the responsiveness!