Suggestions for a new digi SLR and a tape free Video camera?
Discussion
Having had a Pentax 6x7 SLR, I downsized (in weight) to a Mamiya RB67 and then a Bronica ETRS 6x4.5
Alongside these I had a Contax 137, a Leica R4, Canon A1 and Olympus OM4 (all 35mm SLR's) - not all at the same time
So, quality stuff but I parted with the lot eventually as I got busy in a career and now use an early but high spec EOS and a Fuji Finepix digi SLR (non-interchangable lens type). Both provide good results but the EOS never gets any use these days and the Fuji is great but a little slow for action shots and the quality could be better now, it was great at 3.3 mega pixel when new but the norm for quality is now at least 5 million.
Video, I have a Sony mini DV camera, it's OK but the quality is not great to be honest.
I know little about video really...
Question is, what can I buy relatively inexpensive that is excellent quality for still photos, I'm thinking proper SLR with interchangable lenses?
And is there a video camera available yet that records to a memory chip or DVD disc direct?
All suggestions appreciated ...in laymans terms
TIA
Alongside these I had a Contax 137, a Leica R4, Canon A1 and Olympus OM4 (all 35mm SLR's) - not all at the same time
So, quality stuff but I parted with the lot eventually as I got busy in a career and now use an early but high spec EOS and a Fuji Finepix digi SLR (non-interchangable lens type). Both provide good results but the EOS never gets any use these days and the Fuji is great but a little slow for action shots and the quality could be better now, it was great at 3.3 mega pixel when new but the norm for quality is now at least 5 million.
Video, I have a Sony mini DV camera, it's OK but the quality is not great to be honest.
I know little about video really...
Question is, what can I buy relatively inexpensive that is excellent quality for still photos, I'm thinking proper SLR with interchangable lenses?
And is there a video camera available yet that records to a memory chip or DVD disc direct?
All suggestions appreciated ...in laymans terms
TIA
For the still camera you'll probably want to start thinking about the Canon something-or-other (is it the EOS 350?) or the Nikon D50. You can spend from about just under £400 up to about £6000 on a body alone. 
Either of these will give you the greatest range of lenses and accesories, and while Minolta, Fuji, Olympus, Pentax, Cosina et al are possibilities, a Canon or Nikon is a logical starting point.
Around these parts loads of people seem pretty happy with their dSLRs. Which suggests it's difficult to make a bad choice. Generally it seems like you get value for money in the market, demand being high, but supply of new models also high. If you haven't come along with any baggage (or a bag of lenses you want to keep using) you'll get just as many recommendations for one as the other!
When you're thinking about a short list, try and get to handle the possibles. Whilst they all do the same thing, they do it in different ways. You may find that you get on with one system better than another - but the only way to know is to use one!
www.dpreview.com is just about the best on line site for decent, indepth reasonably-unbiased reviews. If you sway towards Nikon, www.nikonians.com is worth a look. I'm sure there's an equivalent for the Canonites....
Don't forget a few bob's worth of spare batteries and memory!
Either of these will give you the greatest range of lenses and accesories, and while Minolta, Fuji, Olympus, Pentax, Cosina et al are possibilities, a Canon or Nikon is a logical starting point.
Around these parts loads of people seem pretty happy with their dSLRs. Which suggests it's difficult to make a bad choice. Generally it seems like you get value for money in the market, demand being high, but supply of new models also high. If you haven't come along with any baggage (or a bag of lenses you want to keep using) you'll get just as many recommendations for one as the other!
When you're thinking about a short list, try and get to handle the possibles. Whilst they all do the same thing, they do it in different ways. You may find that you get on with one system better than another - but the only way to know is to use one!
www.dpreview.com is just about the best on line site for decent, indepth reasonably-unbiased reviews. If you sway towards Nikon, www.nikonians.com is worth a look. I'm sure there's an equivalent for the Canonites....
Don't forget a few bob's worth of spare batteries and memory!
Thanks to you both for the info and links.
Nikon is always one I favour having had a F3 and FM2 in the past I found the quality excellent, both in build and optics. However, do Contax have a range of digi SLR's? Optical quality (zeiss) is usually superb but I did find the 137 a bit substandard in overall build.
Nikon is always one I favour having had a F3 and FM2 in the past I found the quality excellent, both in build and optics. However, do Contax have a range of digi SLR's? Optical quality (zeiss) is usually superb but I did find the 137 a bit substandard in overall build.
308GTB said:They did an N digital (based on the N1) but I don't think it ever took off. They also do a 645 to which you can add a digital back IIRC. But you're up in the £££shedloads£££ territory.
... do Contax have a range of digi SLR's? ...
Also, you're back to being restricted on your lenses and accessories, both in-house and aftermarket.
Nikon would be a good choice. (As many will try and encourage you!
)
As if 
I came from Bronica to DSLR and recommend the Nikon D2X
I'd never go back.
You may decide NOT to reveal the cost to the accountant/bank manager/missus/hubby.
Edited to add hubby cos I'll get fried from other Fezzer owners if I'm wrong.
>> Edited by GetCarter on Wednesday 16th November 19:25
I'd never go back.
You may decide NOT to reveal the cost to the accountant/bank manager/missus/hubby.
Edited to add hubby cos I'll get fried from other Fezzer owners if I'm wrong.
>> Edited by GetCarter on Wednesday 16th November 19:25
Or if you want to be different: www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/leica-digilux2-part1.shtml
Then again, if you still have your Nikkor lenses and like them, they'll fit on a Nikon DSLR (though may not support all functions).
I know nothing about camcorders but chanced to stumble on this: www.camcorders.info/
>> Edited by simpo two on Wednesday 16th November 20:22
Then again, if you still have your Nikkor lenses and like them, they'll fit on a Nikon DSLR (though may not support all functions).
I know nothing about camcorders but chanced to stumble on this: www.camcorders.info/
>> Edited by simpo two on Wednesday 16th November 20:22
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