General camera advice needed
Discussion
Afternoon all, I am wanting to get back into photography having taken a few years off. I have a Nikon D2XS which I love but stopped using due to the size and weight of it. I want to go mirrorleess but the choices are baffling, 4/3rds, full frame etc. I want to be able to change lenses but keep the overall package size and weight down. I like experimenting with low light/night time sky shots so something that will work well here is ideal. As for other subject matter, this ranges from landscape to wildlife to Motorsport. Budget is up to £2k and I would happily consider a good used example. Any help or pointers would be much appreciated.
Micro 4/3 user here, with an OM System EM5 and a range of zoom & prime lenses from Olympus, Panasonic and Sigma. Absolutely love the kit & set-up. My zoom lens set-up takes me from 24-300mm in equivalent full frame range, and the whole kit fits into a small bag in my rucksack, so it's a perfect travel set-up. I've used it to do motorsports shooting also, and I am about to start dabbling with astrophotography with it. Yes, it's a small sensor, and lacks the low light speed of the big sensor cameras, but I just ramp up the ISO when shooting dark scenes handheld and clean it up in Lightroom. The IBIS is akin to witchcraft, and the plethora of built-in capabilities is seriously impressive - I've used the built-in ND filters to do slow speed photography. I keep looking at full frame equivalents, and then baulk at the prices, and the increase in size, and decide that what I have works very well for me.
In the last issue of Amateur Photographer, a columnist suggested current cameras were much of a muchness, unlike a number of years ago when there was a great deal of choice. Sensor size is about the limit nowadays, and there's little to choose between results.
The suggestion that MFT fails every time in low light situations is a bit historical. The firmware inside my G9ii all but eliminates the problem and, as above, my software, Affinity, deals with any remaining.
My camera gives 100mp images if you want them. I don’t and have only used it for fun. It is fun to do, but the 25mp standard is more than enough. In-camera stabilizing is little short of magic – useful with moving images. I take a fair bit of macro and start at 2x magnification due to the sensor crop so in essence 1:1 is actually 2:1. The weight of camera body is not much but lenses are significantly lighter. My 600mm equiv. zoom is 520gms.
However, I would not suggest you opt for MFT. Instead, make your way to a camera shop and try various cameras. Most sell s/h bodies/lenses and will help with choice and price. Beware! You are dealing with sales people.
Almost any recent/current camera from a reputable manufacturer is quality. It’s the detail you need to consider. Weight difference for MFT is significant, especially if you carry two or three lenses. Stabilizers, tripods, etc don’t have to be so sturdy.
I know little of APS. Camera shop staff tend to know a lot about a lot of cameras.
My advice is to go for a camera that feels right in your hands. It’ll be there most of the time you’re taking photos so is the most important factor. The rest is detail.
The suggestion that MFT fails every time in low light situations is a bit historical. The firmware inside my G9ii all but eliminates the problem and, as above, my software, Affinity, deals with any remaining.
My camera gives 100mp images if you want them. I don’t and have only used it for fun. It is fun to do, but the 25mp standard is more than enough. In-camera stabilizing is little short of magic – useful with moving images. I take a fair bit of macro and start at 2x magnification due to the sensor crop so in essence 1:1 is actually 2:1. The weight of camera body is not much but lenses are significantly lighter. My 600mm equiv. zoom is 520gms.
However, I would not suggest you opt for MFT. Instead, make your way to a camera shop and try various cameras. Most sell s/h bodies/lenses and will help with choice and price. Beware! You are dealing with sales people.
Almost any recent/current camera from a reputable manufacturer is quality. It’s the detail you need to consider. Weight difference for MFT is significant, especially if you carry two or three lenses. Stabilizers, tripods, etc don’t have to be so sturdy.
I know little of APS. Camera shop staff tend to know a lot about a lot of cameras.
My advice is to go for a camera that feels right in your hands. It’ll be there most of the time you’re taking photos so is the most important factor. The rest is detail.
Many thanks for the replies, it gives me a great deal of confidence. I do feel that MFT is the way I will go simply down to the size and weight savings. The Lumix G9ii is on the shortlist, as is the OM M5ii and Fuji X-T50. It is amazing how much things have moved on and when trawling through DP Review buyers guides, there really is very little to chose between them all. Camera shops sadly re few and far between here in North Wales, so I think a trip somewhere is in order to actually get my paws on some cameras and see what is what. Thanks again, really appreciate it.
London Camera Exchange have/had a shop in Liverpool. Their stock was impressive. They sell new and used, but that doesn't matter if you want advice and to actually handle one. Take care. I went to Park Cameras, local to me, to buy some minor item and the sales chap, who probably knew me quite well, said that while I was waiting, why not have a try of the G9ii. I had a G9 and was please with it.
The 9ii just fitted my hands. It felt as if it was made for me. So comfortable. I'd previously mentioned that my big, clumsy hands had problems with one or two buttons on the G9. The 9ii was just a bit bigger.
I'd certainly try both the G9 and the G9ii. The former can be had for under £500 in excellent condition. The G9ii comes in a bit over twice that second hand. There are certain improvements, but there were some losses as well. Significantly quicker and more accurate focussing is a big plus, the 25% 'bigger' sensor not so much, although the sensor has major improvements. For me, the trigger was the enhanced video. A class of the field product. But it's your choice, and one that is best made with the two on the counter in front of you. I know nothing of Olympus bodies, although I have a couple of their lenses. The reviews are good.
Don't get hung up on the menus. If you are coming in cold, 38 pages will look a bit terrifying. I'd like to say it soon becomes clear, but it took me some weeks to get the hang of the changes from the G9 to 9ii. It goes for every camera though. Just learn what is essential for your next shoot.
I also have a Voightlander Vito B 35mm fixed lens camera from the 60s, with just five shutter speeds. It's a bit of a culture shock to use, although I always forget the shot-counter when loading a new film. And it is remarkably heavy.
Edited to add: I agree that Wex is well worth a visit. A weekend with the Mrs and a trip to a casino or two?
The 9ii just fitted my hands. It felt as if it was made for me. So comfortable. I'd previously mentioned that my big, clumsy hands had problems with one or two buttons on the G9. The 9ii was just a bit bigger.
I'd certainly try both the G9 and the G9ii. The former can be had for under £500 in excellent condition. The G9ii comes in a bit over twice that second hand. There are certain improvements, but there were some losses as well. Significantly quicker and more accurate focussing is a big plus, the 25% 'bigger' sensor not so much, although the sensor has major improvements. For me, the trigger was the enhanced video. A class of the field product. But it's your choice, and one that is best made with the two on the counter in front of you. I know nothing of Olympus bodies, although I have a couple of their lenses. The reviews are good.
Don't get hung up on the menus. If you are coming in cold, 38 pages will look a bit terrifying. I'd like to say it soon becomes clear, but it took me some weeks to get the hang of the changes from the G9 to 9ii. It goes for every camera though. Just learn what is essential for your next shoot.
I also have a Voightlander Vito B 35mm fixed lens camera from the 60s, with just five shutter speeds. It's a bit of a culture shock to use, although I always forget the shot-counter when loading a new film. And it is remarkably heavy.
Edited to add: I agree that Wex is well worth a visit. A weekend with the Mrs and a trip to a casino or two?
Edited by Derek Smith on Tuesday 18th August 22:34
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