Time for a change?

[24lemons]

Time was that I would go to lots of races each year and shoot thousands of pictures, sometimes as an accredited photographer. As a result I invested in some nice kit, Eos 40d, EF 70-200 f2.8, extender etc... Nowadays it sits in its case for most of the year and only gets a few outings. I've started to get rusty and my results from Le Mans and the Air tattoo are decidedly sub par. I've started to resent the bulk of it all and often just shoot with a compact on holiday because it's easier and more convenient. I think I've lost a certain amount of my enthusiasm and inspiration.

The question is, do I sell up and get a bridge camera or compact with manual settings for when I'm feeling creative but which will be small and light enough for me to want to carry it around or do I try and find new inspiration and rekindle my love for my existing kit?

The size and weight of my camera is a definite factor against taking it out anywhere that isn't a race track but are any bridge style cameras capable of capturing decent results when I do visit the races? I know that I'm not going to replicate the results possible with my existing camera but to be honest it's more than I need most of the time.

Any thoughts are appreciated!

[flat-planedCrank]

I'd say with the best will in the world you aren't going to get one camera to suit all situations.

(E.g. I believe many of Mr GetCarters landscape shots are done with a P&S)


To mis-quote one Pulitzer prize winning photographer "the best camera is the one you have with you".



So maybe a small easily-pocketable quality P&S might help? If you are walking in the hills or doing the tourist thing around a city I can see why you might not always want a 70-200mm lens around your neck


Personally, I've never been sold on the bridge camera idea. Many seem to be not quite compact enough, yet don't have the benefits of an slr. It's all personal preference though


Hope this helps

[Simpo Two]

Get a compact for light duties and keep the Panzer in reserve for when you need to get serious. Like FPC I don't see much point of bridge cameras either; their only trick is zoom ratio.

[Craikeybaby]

I'm in a similar situation, I don't think my 70-200 has even left the house this year, but I still don't want to get rid of it. Most of my pictures this year have been with either my GoPro or my Canon S90.

[24lemons]

I think I've just lost my mojo. I've also got thousands of airshow and racing car pictures filling my hard drive which never get looked at. Maybe I've taken too many!

In all seriousness though I'd miss my 70-200 so maybe it is a good idea to get a compact for 'light duties.' maybe I can re-kindle my enthusiasm for photography again. I'll be in Applecross in a couple of weeks. I've heard it's quite pretty there!

[robbieduncan]

Sell it all and buy a nice mirrorless camera and a few lenses.

[the-photographer]

Try this discussion, the comments about cats is great!

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3511263#

Go for anything from a used LX3 (£100) to a RX100-MKII (£500)

[Craikeybaby]

24lemons said:

I think I've just lost my mojo. I've also got thousands of airshow and racing car pictures filling my hard drive which never get looked at. Maybe I've taken too many!

In all seriousness though I'd miss my 70-200 so maybe it is a good idea to get a compact for 'light duties.' maybe I can re-kindle my enthusiasm for photography again. I'll be in Applecross in a couple of weeks. I've heard it's quite pretty there!

That sounds familiar, the problem with I see with downgrading camera is that I don't like taking pictures unless they are going to turn out well. If there's crowds/clutter or the light is rubbish I do t bother, so not having the DSLR will just be more excuses.

One option I've considered is getting a Fuji X100S to replace my 5D, but keeping my 20D & 70-200 for motorsport etc.