Help - What to buy to upgrade
Nov 2, 2014 20:35:46 #
I currently have a fixed lens Fugi finepix S4830 (? don't have it in front of me). All I have is the camera and shoulder bag. I've been using it for two years. I have been doing some part time jobs and saving for an upgrade. So, what should I buy? I have about $700 and looking at camera bundles (usually body, two lenses, tripod, cleaning equipment, bag, etc...). I need some recommendations for the next step. I'm sending a few of my favorite shots from the past year. I live along a river and love dawn and sunsets.
Jan morning at dawn
(Download)
wheat field before harvest
(Download)
River from the bridge
(Download)
Nov 2, 2014 20:39:36 #
Nov 2, 2014 20:54:12 #
Can't go wrong with a Canon or Nikon bundle, but your money may be better spent looking at used or refurb at the manufacturers or at KEH, B&H, Adorama or Cameta. Many testimonials to this approach here at the Hog.
Nov 2, 2014 21:08:25 #
Paul, welcome to the Hog. We have a lot of fun here, and we learn a little bit at the same time. The recommendations you will receive are well intentioned, well thought out, and sometimes even accurate! You are asking "what to buy." Very dangerous question around here, cause there are zillions of ideas. Please keep this in mind, photography can move as fast as you want it to move, and it can move as slowly as you want. You want to "upgrade." To what do you want to upgrade? When you mention this I take it to mean you want to add certain features you currently do not have. You must decide which features you really want to add, then decide which camera has those features and is the best value for what you want. You need to do lots of homework. Read, listen, and ask. It is as easy as that, it is as difficult as that. Your decision. GL
Nov 2, 2014 21:14:21 #
Thanks for all of your helpful hints and I do mean helpful. I knew it was an open-ended question and I would get a lot of responses - I'm reading and reading and searching. Just really confused. I just know I want to be able to do mre than I am now. Thanks again all of you!!
Nov 2, 2014 21:20:29 #
Racmanaz
Loc: Sunny Tucson!
Very nice photo's Paul, I'm sure what ever you buy you will do fine with it, good luck.
Nov 2, 2014 21:57:08 #
Very beautiful images! I love them.
If you have a large store nearby, try the feel of the cameras in your hands. Quite a difference between Nikon and Canon - shape, where the various buttons are, etc. If you're going to shoot a lot, this might be more important than the relatively small differences in the popular-selling cameras.
Also, best not to choose a bundle that includes a tripod and cleaning stuff (and maybe even the bag). You pay a lot for inferior equipment!
If you have a large store nearby, try the feel of the cameras in your hands. Quite a difference between Nikon and Canon - shape, where the various buttons are, etc. If you're going to shoot a lot, this might be more important than the relatively small differences in the popular-selling cameras.
Also, best not to choose a bundle that includes a tripod and cleaning stuff (and maybe even the bag). You pay a lot for inferior equipment!
Nov 2, 2014 22:06:08 #
B&H and Adorama put together nice packages with current and recently discontinued models. Some places add a lot of junk to these packages, but these two put together pretty nice packages. I'm most familiar with Nikon so I would look for a package with a recently discontinued D3200 or D5200 and an 18-55 VR and 55-300 VR. Make sure you get the VR version of the 18-55. Some packages include the 55-200 VR instead of the 55-300 VR. Both are good lenses, but I think that the extra 100mm is worth the money.
Another way to go is to get a used or refurbished DSLR and an all-in-one lens like a Sigma 18-250 Macro OS HSM or Tamron 18-270 VC PZD. Some people like all-in-ones, some don't.
Those are very good shots. You have a good eye.
Another way to go is to get a used or refurbished DSLR and an all-in-one lens like a Sigma 18-250 Macro OS HSM or Tamron 18-270 VC PZD. Some people like all-in-ones, some don't.
Those are very good shots. You have a good eye.
Nov 2, 2014 22:46:08 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
paulharens wrote:
I currently have a fixed lens Fugi finepix S4830 (... (show quote)
Welcome!
It looks like you have a good eye, and a more advanced camera could help you produce even better images. The two easiest choices would be a Nikon D3200 bundle or Canon T5 bundle. Overall, I think the image quality of the D3200 is better, so I would go with that (snapsort T5/D3200 comparison).
Nov 2, 2014 22:56:34 #
paulharens wrote:
I currently have a fixed lens Fugi finepix S4830 (... (show quote)
Those images really are QUITE good. You are obviously a talented photographer who wishes to "up his game" and I think a better camera would really help you meet that goal.
That said, as a current Fuji owner, let me CAUTION you about being trapped into thinking there are only two options to "upgrade".
Sure; Canon and Nikon are 1 & 2 in sales... but not necessarily the only options available.
Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, Pentax, and even Fuji ALL sell quality cameras that will serve your intended purposes within or with just a little more money than your stated budget.
PLEASE DO NOT GET SUCKERED INTO JUST CONSIDERING CANIKON; especially at this point.
Tell us what you want or plan to do in terms of your photography and maybe we can really help you by making suggestions that aren't just "buy a canon this or nikon that."
SERIOUSLY; define WHY you want to upgrade and what you plan to do and we can then give you a ton of advice.
Until then... Good Luck!
:thumbup:
Nov 3, 2014 08:55:04 #
One issue is your age. At 72 i'm considering changing to a mirrorless because even my Canon 60d plus tripod and Tamron 18-270 mm lens wwhich are relatively light for DSLRs are to heavy for me to carry far.
Nov 3, 2014 09:34:04 #
Refurb Em10 with kit 14-42 and add a 40-150 at some point in time. They usually show up on the refurb site for $119
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/e-m10-silver-body-14-42-iir-black-reconditioned.html
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/e-m10-silver-body-14-42-iir-black-reconditioned.html
Nov 3, 2014 11:03:01 #
paulharens wrote:
I currently have a fixed lens Fugi finepix S4830 (... (show quote)
Those are excellent shots and that tells me that your camera is doing exactly what you want, even producing money for you.
I believe in updates when the camera or lens is not doing the job for which it was intended. Because you do not mention your favorite subjects (they appear to be landscapes) it is hard for me to make a recommendation on what gear to buy.
Your present camera is doing very well and you seem to be satisfied. If you need more versatility in the camera or better interchangeable lenses for your work then updating is justified.
Selecting a brand to update is a very personal decision, I am sure you will do well regardless of brand.
Nov 3, 2014 11:59:33 #
Cdouthitt wrote:
Refurb Em10 with kit 14-42 and add a 40-150 at some point in time. They usually show up on the refurb site for $119
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/e-m10-silver-body-14-42-iir-black-reconditioned.html
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/e-m10-silver-body-14-42-iir-black-reconditioned.html
+1 I love the EM-10, just a pleasure to use. :-)
Nov 3, 2014 12:16:48 #
h2odog wrote:
+1 I love the EM-10, just a pleasure to use. :-)
I'm waiting until they come out with a black finish to match my EM1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gvxi_jLxgCM
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