Ditching the DSLR for a compact

[Bungleaio]

I enjoy taking photos so about 5 years ago I got myself kitted out with the following:

• Nikon D70 with the 18-70 lens,
• Nikon 50mm lens
• Sigma 70-300 lens
• Nikon SB800 flash
• A circular polarising lens

I've taken some great photos with it but I can't remember the last time I took it out of the house, It just seem a bit of a faff messing about with the lenses plus it gets heavy hauling it around so I've just been relying on using my phone to grab images.

I've recently done a trade which left me with a Panasonic TZ7 that I was just going to move on but I've been having a bit of a play with it. I'm very impressed with the quality of it and the shutter response is a lot better than I remember compacts being. The panasonic is about 18 months old now so no doubt things have moved on even more.

So has anyone switched to using a compact?

[kevin63]

I use the Nikon for Motor Sport on track and the TZ7 for around the paddock and for when I go walking and don't want to lug the Nikon around. Both do me fine and leave me not wanting more.

[Simpo Two]

I use both (horses for courses etc) but if you're sure you no longer want the D70 kit split it up and sell the parts on eBay. The 18-70 is a decent lens and SB800s go for a good price.

Be interested to see the CP lens though

Edited by Simpo Two on Sunday 14th November 00:40

[CivicMan]

Am with you - almost lliterally a ton of Nikon gear at home but my TZ7 goes everywhere with me .....

[Bungleaio]

Simpo Two said:

I use both (horses for courses etc) but if you're sure you no longer want the D70 kit split it up and sell the parts on eBay. The 18-70 is a decent lens and SB800s go for a good price.

Be interested to see the CP lens though

Edited by Simpo Two on Sunday 14th November 00:40

I've had a look on ebay and I'm surprised how much i might get, the flash especially.

I think I'll get the boxes out and get it up on ebay.

I made a mistake it's not a CP lens it's a CP filter for the 18-70 lens

[cs174]

I'm in a similar position, I have a Canon 450D and an array of lenses but looking to buy a Panasonic Lumix TZ10. I don't want to sell the DSLR though so I'll just sell a couple of lenses and monopod to fund the compact. Already sold the nifty fifty, and the EF 28-105 3.5-4.5 USM II is next.

[pstruck]

I went for the mid-way compromise. I found that I wasn't getting as much use of my 40D as I had hoped and actually resneted lugging around all the gear. I considered a compact, but in the end went for a Lumix GF1 Micro 4/3rds with two lenses (14-45 & 45-200).

I can now carry the camera, with both lenses and a lightweight tripod and it amounds to a fraction of the weight/size of the equivalent in DSLR kit. I'm also taking it with me more often, using it more and enjoying taking photos again.

This route wouldn't suit everyone, but it has worked out nicely for me.

[Bungleaio]

Right it's all up on ebay now, fingers crossed I'm doing the right thing.

[Nick M]

pstruck said:

I went for the mid-way compromise. I found that I wasn't getting as much use of my 40D as I had hoped and actually resneted lugging around all the gear. I considered a compact, but in the end went for a Lumix GF1 Micro 4/3rds with two lenses (14-45 & 45-200).

I keep thinking about this route but can't *quite* convince myself to give up a D3... I've got a Panasonic LX3 which does, however, make a much more regular appearance when we're out and about.

[bobs4c]

My main interest is motorsport, so I'll always hold on to my SLR kit, although it is too much to lug around when just out for a walk.

So I recently bought a Canon S95 compact - very impressed. Uses the same Canon software as my 40D, shoots auto, progam, manual, AP & Tv. Also saves as JPEG and/or RAW. f2 lens...a very good compromise and is getting a lot of use. Not a huge zoom, but that is where the SLR gets used.

My Son has a Panasonic TZ10 - another very good compact.

Bob