Camera upgrade

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BANANAMAN1000

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ALLAN TRAFFORD
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Hi All
I have recently retired so have more time to pursue my photographic interests.

I have been using my Olympus C-8080 since I bought it new back in the day.

I am still suppressed by some of the images it produces.

I am just a hobbyist and would like to move up to something newer.

I just take still images buildings, people vehicles etc so don't really need anything with video capability.

Can anyone suggest a suitable upgrade please as I find all the technical jargon a bit confusing thanks in advance.

Budget £0-£1000
 
I cannot recommend an upgrade, but, the Olympus 8080 is a fine performing camera.
 
medwaygreen said:
I cannot recommend an upgrade, but, the Olympus 8080 is a fine performing camera.
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I have been looking at the Sony a6000 24.3MP Mirrorless Digital Camera but don't really need video capability and I don't really understand the mirrorless technology.
I have had great results with the C-8080 winning quite a few armature competitions.
 
Is size and weight an issue? Do you like to control depth of field? Do you want fast focussing on eyes or subjects.

Ignore video - every camera will have it built in and it can be completely forgotten.
 
The addition of video has given stills photographers some useful tools and features. Are you looking for a camera with the ability to change lenses.

Traditional SLRs used a mirror to move the image through 90 degrees (up), and then a pentaprism in the top of the camera flipped that through two angles to the viewfinder. The mirror flipped up out of the way when the photo was taken.

Mirrorless cameras have a electronic screen in the viewfinder and dispense with the mirror and pentaprism, meaning a smaller and lighter camera.
 
BANANAMAN1000 said:
I don't really understand the mirrorless technology.
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Mirrorless is just like using a smartphone camera - the taking sensor sends an image to the screen or viewfinder all the time.
 
BANANAMAN1000 said:
I have been looking at the Sony a6000 24.3MP Mirrorless Digital Camera but don't really need video capability and I don't really understand the mirrorless technology.
I have had great results with the C-8080 winning quite a few armature competitions.
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The C-8080 you have was basically a mirrorless camera with a fixed lens, way before mirrorless became a thing. ;)
 
Wow thanks for all your reply's I need to do a lot of research

Below is a picture of the kit I used to travel the world with during my working days.
If you look closely at the centre of the picture, at the two throwaway 24 shot cameras, I bought a job lot of 1000 of them for next to nothing bankrupt stock.
I have won several competitions using them, when the judges asked me what camera I had used they were absolutely gobsmacked!

Now I am retired size and weight isn't a problem anymore as I am not flying to far flung places anymore.
I am not very well up on the modern stuff, once I find something that works I tend to keep it until it expires. Touch wood since I bought the C-8080 back in 2004 I haven't had a single problem with it.


 
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I think when you see the clarity and detail of what a modern camera and lens can achieve you may be gobsmacked again. ;) If I were you, I would go to a camera shop and see if you can handle some different brands to see if any 'feel' right. You may have done that already. I know when I went from a bridge camera to a DSLR, the one I thought I would get I had issues my knuckles scraping the lens, and another just felt it was made to fit my hand.:)

I'd also try and clarify what you want to take pictures of going forward, and although you say size and weight may no longer be an issue, because you are longer working, but I know it is for me as I get older. :confused: :rolleyes: It will hopefully narrow down your options to some degree.

And do you want to go from fixed lens systems, to an interchangeable lens system! Of course if you only get a camera with one lens, no need to change lenses, ;) but most people get 2-3, and some people like those who frequent sites like this, may have many more. :eek: :D

Having a seemingly blank canvas could be daunting, but asking yourself some questions, and potentially handling some different cameras can help focus on what you want/need. It can get expensive chopping and changing, so try to get it (mostly) right the first go. ;):D
 
redhed17 said:
I think when you see the clarity and detail of what a modern camera and lens can achieve you may be gobsmacked again. ;) If I were you, I would go to a camera shop and see if you can handle some different brands to see if any 'feel' right. You may have done that already. I know when I went from a bridge camera to a DSLR, the one I thought I would get I had issues my knuckles scraping the lens, and another just felt it was made to fit my hand.:)

I'd also try and clarify what you want to take pictures of going forward, and although you say size and weight may no longer be an issue, because you are longer working, but I know it is for me as I get older. :confused: :rolleyes: It will hopefully narrow down your options to some degree.

And do you want to go from fixed lens systems, to an interchangeable lens system! Of course if you only get a camera with one lens, no need to change lenses, ;) but most people get 2-3, and some people like those who frequent sites like this, may have many more. :eek: :D

Having a seemingly blank canvas could be daunting, but asking yourself some questions, and potentially handling some different cameras can help focus on what you want/need. It can get expensive chopping and changing, so try to get it (mostly) right the first go. ;):D
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I know I will be impressed with a modern camera, but to win competitions with a 1p throwaway camera against mainly professional photographers, I was quite chuffed.:)

I know what you mean regarding feel, I was in the states on launch day of the C-8080 as soon as I picked it up it felt just right. I bought it there and then. Like I say I am not one for swapping and changing.
It is mainly static images I take I am not really into videos.
I will certainly take your advice and go along to as many camera shops and event as I can now I have the time to do it.

I will try and borrow a few different models to try out before I buy, if its the right one I can always increase the budget as long as the Mrs's doesn't find out:cool:.
 
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A massive upgrade from what you have would be the Canon EOS R10 with 18-150mm lens . In the UK it will cost you around £1250 or you can buy off one of the overseas dealers for £999 here is a link R10.

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BANANAMAN1000 said:
Hi All
I have recently retired so have more time to pursue my photographic interests.

Can anyone suggest a suitable upgrade please as I find all the technical jargon a bit confusing thanks in advance.
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There's just so much choice these days.

Just on the technical stuff I think the basics are well worth knowing and good luck with getting up to speed but I keep remembering a little chat I had one day...

I was out shooting with a mirrorless camera and an old film era manual lens when a guy came up to me and asked me what I was doing. Whilst chatting it became obvious to me, and he admitted it, that he had no idea about camera settings such as aperture and the effect they had. He was an aviation nut and he had a nice/very nice camera with which he took pictures of planes exclusively in auto mode. And why not :D My point being sometimes and for some people even just the briefest technical knowledge is all they need.
 
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woof woof said:
There's just so much choice these days.

Just on the technical stuff I think the basics are well worth knowing and good luck with getting up to speed but I keep remembering a little chat I had one day...

I was out shooting with a mirrorless camera and an old film era manual lens when a guy came up to me and asked me what I was doing. Whilst chatting it became obvious to me, and he admitted it, that he had no idea about camera settings such as aperture and the effect they had. He was an aviation nut and he had a nice/very nice camera with which he took pictures of planes exclusively in auto mode. And why not :D My point being sometimes and for some people even just the briefest technical knowledge is all they need.
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Thanks for that, I will see if there are any night school classes at our local Uni
 
bovey9 said:
A massive upgrade from what you have would be the Canon EOS R10 with 18-150mm lens . In the UK it will cost you around £1250 or you can buy off one of the overseas dealers for £999 here is a link R10.

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I will check it out, Thank you :)
 
Just checked out the R10 thanks for the link.

I think I will draw up a short list of say 5 possible candidates and go and look at them. R10 being one of them.

Keep the recommendations coming please :)

What a helpful bunch you are, I have so much catching up to do!
 
Allan, since you've won photo competitions with your old olympus and the disposable cameras, please tell us what it is about your kit that you want to upgrade?

One of the guys on here was using compacts to produce pictures that pleased him, but when he upgraded to a much more competent camera he also found it was much more demanding of him and his technique, and he was quite disappointed with the results. It's not that the camera was bad, but it required a different way of working compared with his older kit. Are you comfy with post-processing, or do you rely on the camera to create the final output and have to 'get it right in camera' for that?
 
ancient_mariner said:
Allan, since you've won photo competitions with your old olympus and the disposable cameras, please tell us what it is about your kit that you want to upgrade?

One of the guys on here was using compacts to produce pictures that pleased him, but when he upgraded to a much more competent camera he also found it was much more demanding of him and his technique, and he was quite disappointed with the results. It's not that the camera was bad, but it required a different way of working compared with his older kit. Are you comfy with post-processing, or do you rely on the camera to create the final output and have to 'get it right in camera' for that?
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Normally I let the camera do the work for me I have dabbled with post processing but like an artist friend of mine said to me once, "its knowing when to stop tinkering with the painting and be content to stand back and be happy with the finished article".

The reason I am looking to upgrade is twofold really, the camera I bought in 2004 has served me well, it is now approaching nineteen years old and realistically must expire at some point.
I have more time on my hands now and thought it's about time I treated myself to something newer.

I really appreciate the advice you guys on this forum are giving me and I am the type of person that listens to those with more experience on the subject than myself before I draw my own conclusion.
 
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Hi @BANANAMAN1000

Another camera upgrade you may want to consider is the Nikon Z50 which comes with a 16-50mm Lens , very similar to the Canon R10 .. The Z50 is only a few years old but still has the modern mirrorless technology you can also buy a Lens to add to the if you ever want to expand , downside to the lens that comes with the Z50 camera is that its only 16-50mm whereas the canon is 18-150mm so you get a bit more longer range . The Canon R10 can also be used with better upgraded lenses if you wanted to expand . BOTH cameras are in the same Price range ..

There are a few reviews of the Nikon Z50 and the Canon R10 on YouTube >>> Z50 <<< ... >>> R10 <<<

EDIT - found a deal on the Nikon Z50 from E-infinity. comes with 2 lenses as a package >>> Camera DEAL <<< Nikon Z50 Plus 16-50mm & 50-250mm £929

Good luck in your search


Coho - Blue
 
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Coho-Blue said:
Hi @BANANAMAN1000

Another camera upgrade you may want to consider is the Nikon Z50 which comes with a 16-50mm Lens , very similar to the Canon R10 .. The Z50 is only a few years old but still has the modern mirrorless technology you can also buy a Lens to add to the if you ever want to expand , downside to the lens that comes with the Z50 camera is that its only 16-50mm whereas the canon is 18-150mm so you get a bit more longer range . The Canon R10 can also be used with better upgraded lenses if you wanted to expand . BOTH cameras are in the same Price range ..

There are a few reviews of the Nikon Z50 and the Canon R10 on YouTube >>> Z50 <<< ... >>> R10 <<<

EDIT - found a deal on the Nikon Z50 from E-infinity. comes with 2 lenses as a package >>> Camera DEAL <<< Nikon Z50 Plus 16-50mm & 50-250mm £929

Good luck in your search


Coho - Blue
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Thank you.
List so far R10, Z50, OM‑1
 
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To me, the obvious next step would be something like an Olympus micro 43 body with the 12-100, or maybe a Sony RX10/RX100. There are some fantastic cameras available now, but they might require you to very substantially change the way you work.
 
ancient_mariner said:
To me, the obvious next step would be something like an Olympus micro 43 body with the 12-100, or maybe a Sony RX10/RX100. There are some fantastic cameras available now, but they might require you to very substantially change the way you work.
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I think looking at M43 would be a good direction to look at.

Though my leaning it towards Panasonic, I have found that lending people them they manage to get very good results with little input apart from composing and pushing the button, at the same time they are fully capable for more user input.

I do find their menu system to be much easier than Olympus, but apart from that, don't have enough experience of them to do a detailed comparison, they just don't suit me.
 
The Sony A6000 you initially mentioned is a perfectly good little camera - I have one as my 'travel' kit, as it's relatively small and light - the other models in the range (A6100, A6400, A6600) add more capability as you move up in price.

As others have mentioned, best thing to do is go and see how the different models feel in your hands, what the viewfinder looks like (numbers alone do not tell the whole story of how good / bad they are), and what the lens options are - you'll have most choice of lenses with the Sony models, as the E-Mount system is open, and 3rd party manufacturers such as Sigma and Tamron make some excellent lenses as great prices, but if you're likely to be happy with just the basic lens that comes with the camera that's less of a consideration.
 
BANANAMAN1000 said:
Anyone used a Sony ILME-FX30 looks interesting.
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That camera is aimed more towards video rather than stills.
Faldrax said:
the E-Mount system is open, and 3rd party manufacturers such as Sigma and Tamron make some excellent lenses as great prices, but if you're likely to be happy with just the basic lens that comes with the camera that's less of a consideration.
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That's a good point in regards to Canon, who have blocked 3rd party lenses on their mirrorless RF mount.

As someone who has bought a few 3rd party lenses over the years for my Nikon cameras, that would rule Canon out of any consideration now for me.

It may not be a big thing if one only plans to buy a couple of lenses, but I bought 3rd party lenses in the past for cost, and also, in my case Sigma, did a lens, the 10-20mm, that Nikon did not do. More options are better. ;) In the past some 3rd party lenses have been better than 1st party lenses, or found a niche model that the main manufacturers did not do. Hopefully that will continue for the mirrorless lens mounts. :) Bar Canon. :rolleyes:
 
Sangoma said:
Though my leaning it towards Panasonic, I have found that lending people them they manage to get very good results with little input apart from composing and pushing the button, at the same time they are fully capable for more user input.
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I was suggesting Olympus because the OP already has one and may have some familiarity with their menus, assuming there's still some similarities after 20 years.
 
For less than £1000 you could get another Olympus :OM-D E-M5 III (with the 12-45 F4 lens). HDEW have it for £929.

Or even the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV Body paired with the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO for £1028 from the same place.
 
ancient_mariner said:
I was suggesting Olympus because the OP already has one and may have some familiarity with their menus, assuming there's still some similarities after 20 years.
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Good point.

I still have my e510 I bought in 2008, but there is far fewer thing to find, not quite a box Brownie, but very little in comparison to the G9.
Big plus is that all the Panasonics I have from a GF2 and G1 up, have basically the same menu arrangement.

But I do agree, menu familiarity is a major plus if they are similar enough.
 
I have had no issues navigating the Olympus menu but then again, my camera is quite old, and technology has advanced leaps and bounds. One only has to look at modern smart phones that have developed into mini multifunction computers.

List so far R10, Z50, OM‑1

I have had a chat with my financial advisor (the misses :) ). and she has kindly allowed me to blow the budget within reason, as once I have committed to something I generally keep it until it expires.
 
BANANAMAN1000 said:
I have had no issues navigating the Olympus menu but then again, my camera is quite old, and technology has advanced leaps and bounds. One only has to look at modern smart phones that have developed into mini multifunction computers.

List so far R10, Z50, OM‑1

I have had a chat with my financial advisor (the misses :) ). and she has kindly allowed me to blow the budget within reason, as once I have committed to something I generally keep it until it expires.
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Have you considered the Panasonic G9? Quite similar in general to the OM-1
 
This Forum has got me all nostalgic. I have been trying to find some of my throwaway shots.
This one was taken when I was working in Samos, I had two days leave and I sat in this little cafe watching the boats dock, I remember waiting 2hrs for the wind to pick up before the flag unfurled and snap.
Got home a month later and developed the pictures and thought this is the best out of the 24, entered it into a local comp and got a first!

 
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Thanks fr the example pictures. OK, suggestions:

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III silver kit with 14-150 mm lens​

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07XYNW...ve=22374&creativeASIN=B07XYNWV56&linkCode=df0 £1270

Olympus E-M5 Mark III Camera with 12-200mm Lens​

https://www.harrisoncameras.co.uk/pd/olympus-e-m5-mark-iii-camera-with-12-200mm-lens_v207093be000 £1299

I would also try to pick up a 17mm or 25mm f1.8 lens (possibly used) for low-light situations if you selected one of these.

​

Sony RX10 IV | Advanced Premium Compact Camera 24-600 mm F2.8-4.0 Zeiss Lens​



This would be an excellent modern upgrade of the kit you have at present, better in every way, and even allowing you to simulate film if desired.

When looking for new cameras, this site is very helpful if you're happy to buy online (but if you've been handling a camera & decide to buy that model it's only fair to buy it from the shop that allowed you to handle it): https://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/
 
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ancient_mariner said:
Thanks fr the example pictures. OK, suggestions:

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III silver kit with 14-150 mm lens​

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07XYNW...ve=22374&creativeASIN=B07XYNWV56&linkCode=df0 £1270

Olympus E-M5 Mark III Camera with 12-200mm Lens​

https://www.harrisoncameras.co.uk/pd/olympus-e-m5-mark-iii-camera-with-12-200mm-lens_v207093be000 £1299

I would also try to pick up a 17mm or 25mm f1.8 lens (possibly used) for low-light situations if you selected one of these.

​

Sony RX10 IV | Advanced Premium Compact Camera 24-600 mm F2.8-4.0 Zeiss Lens​



This would be an excellent modern upgrade of the kit you have at present, better in every way, and even allowing you to simulate film if desired.

When looking for new cameras, this site is very helpful if you're happy to buy online (but if you've been handling a camera & decide to buy that model it's only fair to buy it from the shop that allowed you to handle it): https://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/
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Thanks for your reply,
I do like the Olympus cameras, I still have a C 840L that I used alongside the C-8080 in my working days, and touch wood has never let me down the only issue I had If you can call it that, I mistakenly bought a 32mb smartmedia card that it won't accept! had I read the instructions properly it will only take unto 16mb.

The Olympus film cameras I had prior to the digital ones were also very robustly constructed but obviously working in remote parts of the world with no way of sending pictures back to HQ quickly I decided to move over to digital. A bridge camera seemed the obvious choice back in those days, not having to cart a lot of kit around, different lenses etc.

Everything fitted into hand luggage, hop on the plane, no waiting for cases to be unloaded at the airport, get the job done, post the media card back to HQ (The days before reliable mobile internet).
I sold my Olympus film cameras for more than I paid for them, so they have been a good reliable investment.

Those days are now over, and the size and weight are no longer an issue.

I bought two C 840L's one to give to my wife which she still has, but being quite bulky to fit in her handbag I thought I would buy her a small Samsung point and shoot, disappointing is not the word for it, the picture quality is poor to say the least, so the Samsung will be going on a popular online auction site very soon.
She loved the colour of the Samsung though:)

The pictures below were taken using my wife's C 840L.



 
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A friend lent me his iPhone 14 pro max for a day and the picture quality is quite good, so one of those has been ordered to replace my aging iPhone 6s,
The 6s has reasonable if not exactly brilliant picture quality handy to keep in the jacket pocket for those rare days I forget to pick up my camera bag.
 
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Are you after full frame or happy with smaller sensor?

I shoot Panasonic Lumix full frame and M4/3. G9 has been mentioned and that's a great camera (I have one) and if you want full frame there are some bargains around on the Lumix s5 (typically a lens or two and a battery). Another camera I love is the GX9. Small and very capable camera. I'm out in Lichfield later with some people who were on a photography course with me (I was a student also) and I'm debating taking the GX9 or full frame. Benefit of the GX9 is it is so lightweight. I can strap the PL 12-60 on it, couple of batteries and a fisheye lens and that all I really need in a small bag and weighs next to nothing.
 
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BANANAMAN1000 said:
a small Samsung point and shoot,
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Interesting. I bought a Samsung S850 in 2007 and it has remained competitive with much more recent compacts thanks to the larger sensor and ISO 50 mode.

It *sounds* like you want to break out of the compact superzoom thing. FWIW I use a Sony A7III that's been really good - coming up to 4 years now. I really like full frame, but it needs a different way of working from a small sensor/short focal length camera and lens system, and I wasn't sure if that was a change you wanted to make.
 
BANANAMAN1000 said:
I thought I would buy her a small Samsung point and shoot, disappointing is not the word for it, the picture quality is poor to say the least, so the Samsung will be going on a popular online auction site very soon.
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I bought a Samsung WB650, and felt the same. Horrific distortion near the edges (very distorted face shapes if on the edge of the frame), compared to the Panasonic TZ-10 used on the same holiday, very disapointing. It hardly got used.
Was just looking at it yesterday, the battery is dead, and I don't know what I did with the spares, it is not worth buying a battery for to test it!
 
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