Time has come to change camera. Advice needed please.
Jan 30, 2019 10:08:28 #
sueyeisert
Loc: New Jersey
I also like Fuji. It’s like using an old film camera with most controls on the camera. I don’t think my friend even read her instruction manual. I have both the XE-2 and XPro-2.
Jan 30, 2019 10:17:37 #
Jan 30, 2019 10:18:40 #
Jan 30, 2019 10:23:41 #
Basically, the 1" sensor cameras are so good these days that there is no need to go bigger unless you really need low-light work or thin depth-of-field. (Even then, you have to quantify "how low", and "how thin?")
I would start with the 1" sensor cameras and work your way up. Pay close attention to the viewfinder, since some of them have absurdly small viewfinders. (In my opinion, don't worry about the viewfinder DPI, just the size. A big viewfinder with low DPI looks better to me than a small viewfinder with high DPI.)
Odds are that you will get to the Sony and Panasonic Super-zoom cameras and go no further. These are smaller than a DSLR, but pack an amazing lens.
The Sony RX10, for example, has a 24-600 (equiv) lens, that runs from f2.4 to F4. The model IV has surprisingly good Eye-autofocus and tracking.
As mentioned, it is about $1700, but you can save money by going to the older versions, depending on whether you need the creepy-fast autofocus. Also, all the major camera manufacturers have slightly different versions of the same thing, depending on your preferred mix of features.
I would start with the 1" sensor cameras and work your way up. Pay close attention to the viewfinder, since some of them have absurdly small viewfinders. (In my opinion, don't worry about the viewfinder DPI, just the size. A big viewfinder with low DPI looks better to me than a small viewfinder with high DPI.)
Odds are that you will get to the Sony and Panasonic Super-zoom cameras and go no further. These are smaller than a DSLR, but pack an amazing lens.
The Sony RX10, for example, has a 24-600 (equiv) lens, that runs from f2.4 to F4. The model IV has surprisingly good Eye-autofocus and tracking.
As mentioned, it is about $1700, but you can save money by going to the older versions, depending on whether you need the creepy-fast autofocus. Also, all the major camera manufacturers have slightly different versions of the same thing, depending on your preferred mix of features.
Jan 30, 2019 10:38:28 #
Tomcat5133
Loc: Gladwyne PA
MikeMck wrote:
I reached the same conclusion as you have about 1.... (show quote)
Mike I have the RX10 III now for a while. It is amazing. You can shoot in any situation. A soccer game
an event. I considered buying the newest and using 2 of these for my work which is mostly video.
My son was in a forum on stage in a Miami college with a panel. He is a leader in startup biz and he
asked me to shoot the event but dont run around the room. I shot CU's up MCU's and full shots of the stage
and the audience. The video was all good. Pulled stills from the video. The reason I feel the price is not
high for this camera is because the 24 to 600 lens is the real deal. A zeiss lens that is sharp at its long point.
What would that lens cost by itself?
Jan 30, 2019 11:05:24 #
Since you're pretty far away from large cities which would have a large selection of cameras to try out, you might consider an alternative approach. See if there are any camera clubs in nearby towns. Most camera club members are interested in helping others so they might have a camera you could hold in your hand and see how it feels. Maybe even take a shot or two. Digital photos are free* once you get past the capital cost and as long as you don't print them.
* There is a very small cost of use for a digital camera. Mechanical parts (e.g. shutters) have a finite lifetime. For many cameras the shutter lifetime is measured in hundreds of thousands of shots, which most amateur photographers won't reach. Amortizing the cost of the camera (or shutter replacement) works out to a very small cost per shot.
* There is a very small cost of use for a digital camera. Mechanical parts (e.g. shutters) have a finite lifetime. For many cameras the shutter lifetime is measured in hundreds of thousands of shots, which most amateur photographers won't reach. Amortizing the cost of the camera (or shutter replacement) works out to a very small cost per shot.
Jan 30, 2019 11:06:36 #
tomad
Loc: North Carolina
jmss1950 wrote:
Hello all. I have recently discovered your very he... (show quote)
The Panasonic ZS100 fits with your description of what you need, just enough zoom and right on your budget. I would recommend the Sony RX10 IV but it is way over your budget. I own both of these bridge cameras and the image quality is excellent for a "1 inch" sensor. The RX10 IV is my go to camera of choice because of the longer zoom and the exceptional focusing for moving subjects, but the ZS100 is what I use when I want something that fits in a jacket pocket. It is a very capable camera.
Jan 30, 2019 11:24:01 #
Picture Taker
Loc: Michigan Thumb
This is something that you want to be comfortable with, so go to a store and hold and try all of them.
you won't be sorry tis way.
you won't be sorry tis way.
Jan 30, 2019 12:22:24 #
You can pick up a used Panasonic Lumix G85 very reasonably these days, and used lenses are also highly available at decent prices. I have one and am very happy with it: good IQ, intuitive controls and menus, good EVF, 5 axis stabilization, and not too heavy.
Jan 30, 2019 12:48:20 #
I went through much of the same as you the past 3-4 years. Had a very good Canon DSLR, acquired a few excellent point and shoots (Canon G7X MKII, Leica C, Sony RX100 Mk II) that did great. I kept the Canon G7X. However, 6 months back I saw a deal on the Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 bridge camera and have found it to be my favorite go-to camera. It has a 1” sensor, excellent balance, great viewfinder, and great IQ and zoom range. B&H has great pricing now. The Sony RX10 is exceptional but for me did not give the best bang for the buck at the end of the day (2-3 times higher cost). Good Luck.
Jan 30, 2019 12:51:18 #
Take a look at the Nikon P900. It covers the requirements that you asked for and can now be purchased for about $450. It will do a lot of nice things if you take the time to get to know it well. I like the fact that the LED can be rotated so when traveling the led is turned to the camera and protects both the LED and the back of the camera. Take a good look and you might find that this will take care of your photography needs. In cool and some what cloudy South Texas.
Jan 30, 2019 12:54:20 #
jmss1950 wrote:
Hello all. I have recently discovered your very he... (show quote)
Have you, or anyone else, who is looking for lighter weight, considered cutting down on the amount of lenses you carry with you in the bag? I use Nikon and Leica rangefinders. I used to have tons of Nikon lenses but have narrowed the number down over the years. Presently I own a 24-85 and a 105 f2.8 Micro lens. I have only had those two Nikon lenses for years and have carried them all over the world on vacations. Before that I had two Nikon bodies, full frame and a D7000 with maybe 4 lenses. When I traipsed all over Europe carrying everything on walking tours I never wanted for a lens as I had a slew of them with me. But I discovered there were only a couple of lenses I ever used. I am 72 but weight was never an issue. I simply realized I was carrying weight I didn't use.
Of course I am not you and don't know exactly what your exact circumstances are. But I wonder what the weight problem would be if you chose just one camera body and two lenses.
Dennis
Jan 30, 2019 12:59:58 #
We live on some acreage in East Texas. In the countryside between Henderson, Nacogdoches and Jacksonville. Very rural which we love but not a great area for major shopping.
Jan 30, 2019 13:01:51 #
Jan 30, 2019 13:15:03 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
The older model Sony a6000 with the 16-50 kit lens will fit a $500 budget plus you should be able to adapt PK mount lenses to The Sony e-mount. I can carry this combo in the pocket of a pair of cargo pants without any problem. Great for travel and family shots.
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