I have the Nex6 and like it. I had the Nex5 for about 2 weeks but took it back because the viewfinder was useless in sunlight. I currently have a Minolta MD 50/1.7 lens on it - using a Fotasy MD-NEX adapter. I picked up an old Minolta XG-1 film camera at the Goodwill that came with 3 lenses for $20 and the adapter was also about $20 from Amazon. If you don't mind manual focus you can find adapters for about any lens mount to the nex. And if you (I) ever step up to a full-frame Sony all of these old 35mm film lenses will work using the same adapters.

Depending on what you are shooting why not get a newer camera that allows remote live view/shutter release from your cell phone or tablet and just set up the camera on a tripod in then stay in the warmth of your house, car, etc.

I am a newby and have been lurking for awhile just trying to learn. I bought a bridge camera 6 or 7 years ago and didn't even know it - I bought it for its zoom capabilities. I am now looking to learn about photography and have been agonizing over what to buy to assist my learning curve for months - d7100, 70D, em1, k3/k50, nex6, and on and on and on. I have been using snapsort to COMPARE but it is a flawed site. I can use it to compare size, weight and other things but to use their scoring/rating system is a joke. I don't care if a camera is "more popular" - and that gets a kazillion points. It seems that the dxo ratings are a bit funny as well and contribute to points. They will list a comparison with missing data which will give one camera a default win. And what really annoys me is that their comparisons do not use the same criteria from comparison to comparison. That said I have only found one other site that gives side by side comparisons of the different cameras out there. The other site I have been using to confuse myself is DPReview (which seems a bit better)- BUT if there are better alternatives PLEASE SHARE! I am taking a junior college digital photography class starting on the 7th of January and I am hoping that that experience will help me chose the right tool for my needs.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to respond to my inquiry. I was rapidly talking myself into pulling the trigger and just go buy SOMETHING. I think I will just take a breath now and wait until I have taken the class before I buy a new camera. I have been reading the manual, have read Peterson's book (actually a couple of them) do have a tripod and a monopod and have been practicing but not really getting anywhere - that is why I decided to take the 5 credit class - twice a week from 6pm to 8pm for 11 weeks with additional weekend projects. But what I don't have is any hands on experience with any other camera but point and shoots and my old bridge camera. Hopefully I will also get a chance to handle some of the contenders during the class. Again, thank you all so much - I will most likely make a better more informed decision by waiting.

Hi All -

I am new to the site and just getting into photography. I currently have a bridge camera (Panasonic DMC-FZ8) that has rarely been used off of auto in the 5 or 6 years that I have had it. Looking to retire in 3 years and looking to preserve my marriage - need to be out of the house from time to time as I am sure that I will clash with the curtains - so I need a couple of hobbies - Live on the west-side of Washington state so golf is only so helpful as it rains most of the year.

I currently use my camera (on auto) to take most of the family pics and also like to take vacation shots and pics of the grandkids in action/sports scenarios. We take 2 or 3 vacations a year and have 8 kids and 10 grandkids so I take a fair amount of family photos. My current camera has a 12X zoom that I use a lot for candid shots.

I have signed up for an digital photography course through my community college to the tune of about $800 between tuition fees and the book which starts in January. So I am trying to actually learn how to take better photos. I am not looking to ever be a professional - 30 years as a certified public accountant working in the public sector has drummed that thought out of me - besides even as a young man drawing stick figures was at my artistic limit.

My questions:

1 - I know I want a different camera - should I wait until after I take the class or should I get something before January so I can fiddle with it before the class starts?

2 - If I should get something before the class starts I have been looking at the following cameras - Nikon D7100 with 18-140 and 55-300 from BH for $1,627; Canon 70D with 18-55 STM and 55-250 from Costco for $1,400 or a Pentax K-50 with 18-55 WR and 50-200 WR from Costco for $700? The Nikon and Canon cameras I think are way better shooters but the K-50 weather resistant system in my neck of the planet is somewhat appealing.

Other cameras or thoughts on how I should proceed with becoming a hobbyist photographer would be nice - thanks.

According to BH Photo the D5300 will be shipping on or after November 14th - I expect it will be a couple of weeks after that before the finished reviews appear.