paembry

Hi, I've taken ok and occasionally good photos for years with my Pentax *ist DL. It's getting cranky (and my eyes not as good so in bright lights I can't see the metering info and so end up shooting in auto at times which it doesn't do so well). I've also started writing gardening articles (with an insect focus) so am thinking of getting a new camera in the hopes of selling at least a few photos along with the articles. I'm leaning toward the Pentax k3, Nikon D7100 or Canon EOS 70D (which give you my price range). I currently use a Tamron 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 exclusively. Currently I take mostly garden and flower pics and sports (water polo and soccer). The bug pics I've tried with that set-up are pretty much crap. I'd like a camera that has a quick autofocus (mine likes to mull it over). I know I'll want to handle the camera before buying but any suggestions on particular good or bad qualities, or lens suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I would have to naturally suggest the K-3. Its a VERY nice camera and will use your lens as well as having a familiarity with the buttons and menu system, and an excellent AF system. (But your lens is a weak point in that respect) It also offers a MUCH better Live View system than your old ist model.

paembry

Hey, Thanks for the quick response! Now, if someone who wasn't a Pentax user asked that question - what answer would you give? I definitely figured I'd be supplementing/upgrading my lens as well so switching brands is definitely an option. Perhaps I'm just being sucked in by the allure of the Nikon name? Wrt the lens, I do really like having one that I can do most everything with if I'm traveling but when I'm home and going out specifically to photograph insects, I could have a special lens for that. Again, thanks to all for the help!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Then I would suggest waiting until next month when Nikon releases the new D7200. OR, consider moving to full frame due to the larger, brighter viewfinders they offer.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

My 2 most used lenses are a 50mm 1.8 and a Nikkor 24-70 2.8. I recently added the D7100 to my D300s. For me I have a setup now that covers all my needs. While I don't take pics of bugs or anything close up, I do a lot of travelling. I can't recommend the D7100 enough. To me it's the DSLR I've been waiting for. Excellent results, great colour depth, sharp. And to me, it just operates as a camera should: fast excellent focus and as a Nikon user, the menus and buttons seem intuitive. Fantastic viewfinder. Fits my hands well too.
I do have quite a range of lenses, primes and zooms but the 24-70 seems to stay on the camera most of the time. The little 50 is mainly used inside with low light or for family, social occasions.
Sorry but have no experience with the Pentax or Canon.
Hope that helps.
Cheers

kpassaur Loc: Valrico FL

They are all execellent cameras; however, you mentioned taking photos of bugs and Canon wins on the macro end as there are more options available for it. They are the only company that offers a lens that does above 1:1 magnification.

Plus if that is not in your budget (that lens is over a grand) a company called Meike makes a coupled reverse adapter. So you can get an old cheap lens, mount it backwards and still have control of the aperature. You can't do that with any other brand and the thing is less than $100. This adapter will go from 1:7 to 3:1 magnification (about) with a $30 28-90mm lens.

shenejm Loc: Brunswick, Ohio

I admit I am partial to Pentax but something to consider when changing platforms.. … Pentax has in body image stabilization, Canon and Nikon do not.. If you want image stabilization you must buy it in the lens… which makes the lens more costly.. Pentax K3 with the in body stabilization allows you to use your *ist DL lens plus any old K mount manual lens.. I have a Pentax K200D and a Pentax K50 and I enjoy using my old Pentax film cameras manual lens… My K50’s autofocus is fast.. Seems faster than my K200D.

Nosaj Loc: Sarasota, Florida

This is a "no-brainer"! The answer is a resounding K3 - period!

dennissk

I shoot a lot of insects from dragonflies to moths. My favorite setup is a Canon 5DMkIII or 7D with a 300mm f4 Canon lens, sometimes with an extension tube if I know I am only shooting bugs. The 5D is preferred for faster autufocus and better noise performance at higher ISO. But the 7D performs quite well and is a bit lighter. The 300mm focuses to 5 ft and closer with extension tubes. The focal length allows me to keep a good distance away so I don't disturb the subject, yet still get a close-up (dare I say macro?). I often shoot at f8 to get a bit more DOF. IS helps with hand held, but I will always use a tripod if I can. Occasionaly I can nail a flying dragonfly. I love the setup because with the 300mm I can do bugs and birds without a lens change. The attached photo was handheld with the 5D.

Black-tipped Darner. 5D,f8,ISO400

kpassaur Loc: Valrico FL

I mentioned the Meike thing above so I thought I would include a sample image. The lens setup for this costs less than $100 and you can only do it with Canon.

Zoom in and decide if it is worth it.

(Download)

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

Welcome to the Hog. Let us know what you decide.

Marion

redrocktom Loc: Sedona

Amazing detail. What was the lens and camera,and do you have the Meike product number handy?

Nosaj Loc: Sarasota, Florida

The UHH membership is primarily Canon and Nikon. So, just follow the crown and get a mass-market camera, and be done.

wsherman Loc: New York

All of those cameras will do you fine. SPEND YOUR MONEY ON THE LENSES. Good luck

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Paembry, welcome to the Hog.
Some will tell you to get anything, that they are all the same. Others will tell you that you are in the herd and have no self identity if you shoot the big two.
The truth is, IF you are a herd shooter, then anything will do.
There is a reason the big two, are the big two. And there is a reason why of those two, Canon is number 1!
And those that know even less will tell you that Canon is #1 purely because of marketing. If it was THAT easy, Sony would own everybody! :lol:
Yes, the camera selections are not so different and are ever evolving.
What sets the big two apart from the little also rans is the LENS selection. If you need a specialized lens, the big two have it. As has been pointed out in the macro area of shooting, Canon has what the others don't. But Canon's lenses are why SOOO many pros shoot Canon.
I would look at a good used Canon 7D. You can find then for about $600. That's a bargain for a camera that is still Canon's current flagship crop camera. Since it was designed from the ground up as a sports camera, all you will need are the appropriate lenses and that camera is an action/sports animal at $600. That's probably less than a Top line Rebel and it's more than twice the camera as any entry level $600 offering.
Next time someone calls you a herd animal, just show them your Canon 50mm AF f1.0 lens. That will shut them up! :lol: :lol:
Sometimes reality is a bitter pill to swallow for those that are shooting the little guys!!
Again welcome and good luck. ;-)
SS