"PyramidHat" (pyramidhat)
02/21/2015 at 01:36 • Filed to: Photoppositelopnik
3
31|
"PyramidHat" (pyramidhat)
02/21/2015 at 01:36 • Filed to: Photoppositelopnik | 3
| 31 |
Hi Folks -
OK, my recent photography excursion using my friends D40 has got me (once again) looking at cameras. As I typically find myself, I'm at a frustrating intersection: Do I go with a DSLR or a premium compact (in this case, I'm looking at a D7000 and a Coolpix 7800). Mind you, this is not a comparo: I know comparing these two would be like comparing apples to scotch (the only similarity being: They're both delicious).
The argument for the DSLR is that they offer a wide array of lenses (which really became a factor when I was playing with a 10mm f/2.8 this week). But, like all things cool and fun, they're 'spensive.
The argument for the compact is price and that it will cover the bulk of my needs (housemate is a former pro photog and told me that cameras like the 7800 and the G16 are advanced enough that that are more than enough for the bulk of the camera-buying population). Mind you, I'm not someone that is out every weekend shooting - it's more of a semi-occasional thing.
Part of me likes the DSLR because I can grow into it; part of me likes the compact as it means not hauling around a big ass DSLR everywhere I go.
Thoughts on this? I'm not in any hurry to buy, but I've been ruminating over this for some time now and can't quite pull the trigger.
Thanks. Aurora Borealis for your time
[f/2.8, 10 sec, ISO1600 taken with a 10mm f/2.8 Rokinon lens]
Xyl0c41n3
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 01:42 |
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I have thoughts about your question. But my thoughts probably wouldn't aid you in coming to a decision. And I'm super tired and probably couldn't articulate my thoughts very well right now, anyway. Mostly, I just wanted to say I'm so glad to see the results of your shoot from earlier this week. They came out fantastic!
Also... are you an author on Photography? If not, would you like to be? Let me know.
blackchair
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 01:50 |
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Cameras will come and go but glass will last. Invest in good glass and you'll be golden. Nice shots! Rokinon/Samyang is really making some nice lenses.
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PyramidHat
> Xyl0c41n3
02/21/2015 at 01:52 |
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Thanks! No, I'm not an author on Photography, but would like to be.
Also, I look forward to your thoughts (when you're more awake...)
Driving Sports TV
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 01:53 |
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Unless you're planning to make an investment in lenses — not maybe, but definitely — it makes more sense to get the premium compact. Bonus: you'll continue to use the compact even if you eventually add a DSLR or something equivalent. Just make sure it will definitely do what you want it to do since you can't always assume with the compacts. I have an RX100M2 (among many other cameras) and it's great as a pocket camera... even used shots from it as a fill-in for a pro camera and nobody was the wiser.
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Xyl0c41n3
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 02:03 |
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I thought you might like to be. Congratulations, I've added you as an author on Photography! Welcome, and happy posting my friend!
NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 02:10 |
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I wrestle with this question myself, and have a nice compact and a decent consumer SLR. I'd like to get better at photography over time, but that is about me, not the equipment (which is already better than my abilities).
Here's where I'm leaning these days: if I'm going out to an event, or vacation, or with photographic intentions, I'll lug the SLR, mostly because of the good glass, big sensor, and fast autofocus. If I'm just out and about, my iPotato is "good enough" for most stuff. Which kind of leaves my nice compact (Canon G15) out in the cold most of the time.
Fwiw, this guy is an opinionated crank sometimes but I've learned a lot from his site and although he reviews all the latest he is the first to say you don't need it to take great pictures:
Good luck, and please keep posting your work, it already looks great!
Ferrero1911
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 02:24 |
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I had to make this decision last year and I decided to get an Olympus OMD EM-10. I got it with the 17mm f/1.8 lens. Basically I decided that if I bought a DSLR I would be less likely to take pictures because I wouldn't want to lug it around. The EM-10 is small enough to actually walk around with it around your neck. In the year that I've had it I've taken more pictures than ever and I do really find that I use it more because it's smaller.
However, my boyfriend has a T4i with some nice lenses that I can use (he ends up borrowing my camera sometimes because it's less of a hassle actually). And if I really want to go for the SLR experience I shoot film with my Canon FTb.
TL;DR I think having a smaller camera means you'll use it more.
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PyramidHat
> Xyl0c41n3
02/21/2015 at 02:28 |
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Thanks!
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PyramidHat
> NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
02/21/2015 at 02:30 |
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Thanks for the perspective and the kind words!
Anon
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 02:31 |
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I would say premium point and shoot. My favorite is the LX100 due to its leica designed lens! It has a range of 24-70 with a f/1.8 to f/2.8 aperture range. It also has little chromatic aberration. It also has a micro four thirds sensor which is giant compared to the 1" on canons, sony and nikons!
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PyramidHat
> Anon
02/21/2015 at 02:44 |
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1.8? Damn. I do like the manual controls, too. This is muddying the waters a bit....
mcseanerson
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 03:02 |
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I'm not very good at giving out buying advice well suited to someone else so I'm just going to spit out how it pertains to me. I bought a DSLR for video with photos being an extra bonus. As I try to improve my visual skill set in video I practice with photos. As I'm taking more photos now I am considering picking up a higher end compact because the best camera is the one you have on you. My questions for you is what is your priority? If your primary focus is just taking average picture at average distances but just want more control go with a compact and save yourself some cash while you figure out what you really want. If you know you want shallow depth of field or great low light performance then just get a DSLR. I'd personally recommend a canon s110. They can be picked up super cheap and are great to start with.
BATC42
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 03:23 |
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Have you taken a look at mirrorless cameras? They're pretty great especially if you want the versatility of the DSLR but not the weight and the size.
And at this game the micro 4/3 from Panasonic and Olympus are pretty great, they are the smallest and lightest mirrorless available, and they offer a wide array of lenses. And you can also adpat many older lenses onto them. You also have the offers from Sony and Fujiflm. Since I own a Fuji camera, I can go a bit further into details. They use the same sensor size as most DSLRs, so APS-C (crop factor 1.5x), and they prove to have excellent low light performance. They're light and small, and if you like to use a viewfinder, they come with some of the bests viewfinder available on a camera. Other than that they offer pretty standard features for mirrorless cameras. I think major drawback of the Fuji X-mount is the price of the lenses, though they are totally worth it and are all pretty wonderful glass.
As some other suggested you can look into premium point and shoots, which will offer the same kind of control a DSLR or an advanced mirrorless would. They're not cheap though. They are the Fuji X100 series (X100S and T, the T being the newer one), it costs around $1,200 but Fujifilm often does cahsback offers, and they can be found on the used market pretty easily too. And Fujifilm offers a wide range of lense accessories to transform it into a wide lens, or a 50mm one. Panasonic, Canon and Sony all have offers around the $800 mark with the LX100, G1 and RX100. I think the Sony RX100 has been receiving a lot of praise for its quality and performance.
Anyway, if you don't want one right now, be on the lookout for some sweet deals, as brands offer some regularly, and Fujifilm is the main culprit at this little game. When I bought mine in July I had €100 refunded, and got the same thing when I bought a new lens last week. Look on the used market too, especially if you want to be equipped on the cheap.
ToyDeathbot
> Ferrero1911
02/21/2015 at 04:21 |
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It's interesting how mirrorless cameras are starting to have their own market now that smartphone have now taken a big bite out of the compacts.
Jonathan Harper
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 07:09 |
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I started with a samsung nx300 and now I use a full frame Sony A7, which I absolutely love. Mirrorless cameras are just as good if not better than their DSLR counterparts these days, and in most cases lighter and more portable as well.
Stephen the Canuck
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 08:08 |
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Here's how I see it. Any camera can take great pictures in optimal situations. Better cameras/equipment increase the number of situations that are optimal enough to get good pictures.
I am not a huge fan of point and shoots. Yes, they can be decent and convenient cameras, but I like wider range of capabilities of a DSLR, or even a mirrorless ILC. The higher end compacts (with manual controls) are better, but for the price I would rather pick up a used DSLR or mirrorless. Your friend is right that compacts are more than enough for most peoples photography needs. If you see yourself more than occasionally trying to photograph stuff like you were with the D40 and the 10mm f2.8 lens, then I would suggest you look at a camera that can changes lenses.
My T3i with an EF-S 24mm lens isn't that much bigger than the Coolpix 7800 I believe.
A used DSLR setup won't be that expensive. My Canon 20D without a battery or charger was $80, and I spent $20 on Amazon for 2 batteries and a charger. CB from Ottawa picked up a Nikon D70s and 18-70mm and 70-300mm lenses with a bag and some other stuff for $300 a couple of weeks ago.
That's the best bang for buck route in my opinion. You can find a decent setup for less than the price of that Coolpix 7800, and you'll be able to learn and grow with it.
JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 09:02 |
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of you're seriously considering a high end compact, you also need to be seriously considering Sony and Fuji products. A DSLR will always offer greater lens flexibility, and an interchangeable lens mirrorless camera like the excellent Sony and (again) Fuji offerings gas even greater flexibility as it allows the use of rangefinder lenses too. Very few compacts allow a B shutter speed, but a number of DSLRs are limited to 30 or 60 seconds too... I like DPreview.com for research. There are some truly excellent high-end compacts that may serve you well for years, but a DSLR is an investment in a system that you may have for decades.
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mcseanerson
> Anon
02/21/2015 at 10:04 |
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I really like these premium compacts and if you could get one for under $500 I'd say jump on it but the higher price on these and the fact that you're stuck with only one lens makes me rather spend that kind of money on either a mirrorless or dslr camera. That's why I would recommend something like the Canon S110 so you get raw and all the same manual control in a smaller package, albeit with a smaller sensor and a nice but not as nice lens, so you can afford to eventually get a nice bigger camera as well. That said if you only want a compact and want to stay in that world than an LX100 is a great recommendation.
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PyramidHat
> BATC42
02/21/2015 at 10:06 |
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Thanks! I do like the retro look of the Fuji...
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PyramidHat
> Jonathan Harper
02/21/2015 at 10:12 |
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Thanks! Yes, I do realize that I haven't even considered mirrorless cameras, so that's another aspect I need to investigate...
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Jonathan Harper
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 10:56 |
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The Nx300 was a great first option for me. The sensor wasn't huge but the lens choice and the price point was just right. I primarily used a 45mm prime f1.8 with the NX and it produced beautiful photos like this:
But I quickly outgrew the NX300. It was a great platform to learn the basics on. I borrowed an A7 from a friend for a week and was completely hooked. The camera is made to be used in manual mode with dedicated rollers for aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. And also the full frame sensor makes a huge difference, the pics are much more fuck-with-able in lightroom, and the detail is fockin amazing. I just need to get the 55mm f1.8 for the A7, but it costs an arm and a leg. Here's one of my recent favs with the A7:
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PyramidHat
> Jonathan Harper
02/21/2015 at 11:06 |
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"fuck-with-able" - is that a technical term?
Yes, the A7 would be outstanding but is somewhat outside of my budget... if I get more seriously into photography, then it will definitely be on The List...
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Jonathan Harper
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 11:24 |
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very technical :)
I'm totally self taught so, I also still have a ton to learn.
I park in a garage
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 12:33 |
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Why don't you sort of split the difference? Get a small mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. You camera can be small with a prime lens on it, or can be huge with a 70-200mm zoom on it. Olympus, Panasonic, fuji and Sony offer great mirrorless bodies and lenses, and they often come in at good consumer level prices.
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I park in a garage
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 12:42 |
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further to what Bat said, if your looking at 7800 and G16 pricing, the fuji x30 is better featured, and has that similar retro look. Also is f2 to 2.8.
bubblestheturtle
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 12:45 |
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This may have already been said, but I am feeling lazy and about to leave on a photography day trip. The pull of small cameras is strong these days. I have a number of friends using Sony mirrorless and have had the opportunity to try them. They are very cool, but I am not dumping my D7100 and am looking toward the D810 replacement. I use a Canon compact for paying around, and it can take great shots, but the secret to those shots it ME understanding its limitations and staying within those limits. If you feel that you want to 'grow' you capabilities, then go with the DSLR. IMHO, A bigger sensor is always better. It will give you better resolution and, at least for me, resolution is a close second to dynamic range on the list of must haves. If I take a stunning shot, I want to have set myself up to have captured the best possible image, because going back and doing it again is usually not possible. Additionally, like you said, the DSLR will let you 'grow'.
As another person stated, glass is where the dollars (or pounds or whatever) should be spent. With the latest shot-across-the-bow by Canon and its EOS 5DS with 50.6 Mp, we may be heading into another megapixel war. With big Mp, comes an even greater need for tack-sharp glass. If you decide to go with the DSLR, you can start working on glass now and keep that glass through ever changing bodies (as long as you stick with the same manufacturer). Having owned, used, traveled with the D7000 and D7100, my opinion is to try for the 7100 if you can, but both are good. Sorry if this rambled. Gotta go. Good luck with your decision.
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PyramidHat
> I park in a garage
02/21/2015 at 13:21 |
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Yeah, I'm starting to look at those now... I like the Sony's but I worry (OK, mildly) about lack of lens options against the more camera-dedicated mfgs (Canon, Nikon, Oly)...
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PyramidHat
> bubblestheturtle
02/21/2015 at 13:31 |
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glass is where the dollars (or pounds or whatever)
I prefer to trade in cubic barleycorns :)
Yes, the lenses are - sometimes shockingly - expensive. As for MP's, I figure for what I'm going to be doing, I probably don't need anywhere near 50MP (or much over 16, considering the D7100).
Thanks for the input and good luck on your photo excursion today!
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I park in a garage
> PyramidHat
02/21/2015 at 15:35 |
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with mirrorless Sony's, it's less of an issue as there is an adapter for everything. But that said, there is decent selection for both the Sony A and now E mounts. I find its more of perceived issue. Most people don't use more than 4 lenses. A 50 mm prime, a 70-200 zoom, a wide angle zoom, and perhaps a 30-70 zoom or a macro. You will find any of those from any manufacture or 3rd party band like Tamron on any mount. Using used gear sites like keh.com also helps you find stuff pretty easy for any mount at more reasonable cost.
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BATC42
> I park in a garage
02/21/2015 at 18:03 |
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Though I think for that kind of money you would be better off getting a used X100 or X100S. Th S being the most interesting one of course. After a quick check of the used market in France (I don't really knwo how to do a nationwide search on CL), the X100 goes for around €400 to €500 whil e the X100S is closer to €700 to €800 (and it goes up as soon as they sell accessories with it).
iforgotmyburnerkeyonce
> PyramidHat
02/26/2015 at 11:53 |
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I'm late to the party, but don't count out mirrorless options, especially (here's where my bias starts) Fuji's offerings. Their lens lineup has matured a lot, and the cameras are small and light. I love using my X-E1 and 35/1.4 over my 6D, and I can't wait for the X-Pro 2 to come out!