Selling up

pete s

pete s

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Pete
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Had the 40D for a while now and am finding that I'm not really getting the use from it I thought I would. This is partly down to the size/weight/bulk of the stuff I need to lug around with me and partly down to my own lack of abilities. I just don't seem to be able to conjur up the creative skills I had hoped to produce satisfying results.

With this in mind and the fact that there is quite a bit of money tied up in all my gear, I am verging on the decision to sell up. I'm thinking that despite the obvious reduction in technical abilities and etc, moving to something smaller, lighter and less bulky will at least encourage me to take the camera with me more often and actually enjoy taking some photos.

I am thinking that a decent superzoom bridge camera and maybe a pocketable compact is the way I may go (or something that covers both these bases).

Has anyone else found that having all the gear actually results in you taking the camera out and using it less often than before?
 
I have found that, yes. I can't choose which lens to use if I go out (light) so I end up not going mostly!
 
I do understand your predicament - My other half has a bridge camera and he laughs at me as I decide what lens to take, what am I going to photograph etc. There is a compromise with the quality though, but that is something you can decide whether is acceptable.

I do think about getting a little P&S for keeping on me at all times. Hubby then goes into a rant about how much all the kit is worth and I also want a P&S!!
 
I'd be tempted to have a look at something like a Panasonic GF-1 if I were you, Pete. It's small enough to be pocketable when it has the 20mm lens on it, but you can quickly swap to one of the longer lenses if required. There's also the benefit that you can use loads of different manufacturer's glass on it with the addition of an adapter, so it's possible to build up a collection of good quality lenses for very little money :)
 
I know there will be a 'downgrade' in quality if I make the move from a DSLR, but then I don't belive I've been getting particularly good quality results anyway (my fault).

My thoughts on this matter were compounded when we returned from a recent holiday. I lugged around the DSLR, a couple of lenses, a few filters etc. The Mrs toook her Fujifilm P&S. We get home and download the pics and there are more 'keepers' on the Mrs camera than my own!
 
Hmmmmmm I dont think I could just sell up, I enjoy my days away with my gear. Its bulky yes but I usually can carry everything I need in my Mini Trekker. I go away about 5 times a month just to locations and shot (sometimes just in the morning, sometimes all day, sometimes just in the evening), I really enjoy walking and the out doors thou and my photography is all part of that. Pull on my trusty Hi-Tech walkers and off I go in a world of my own hours just seem to fly by as I fiddle with my kit and look for the best vantage point.

You say about the majority of keepers compared to a P&S, could this not be down to you maybe trying different things that you wouldnt try with a P&S. I mean stick a DSLR in AUTO mode and you basically have a P&S with a better quality outcome. I know When I come home from a day out I have loads of pictures I look at and go....... "oh dear and delete" but this is becuase I am trying different things with filters or beign creative with aperture and shutterspeeds. Yeah if I wanted a 100% susscess rate I would stick to auto and snap a safe shot, but thats not what I get the enjoyment from.

If I am going away somewhere a bit more civilised I just take my crumpler shoulder bag and 2 lens, I dont find it that big a problem.

A few questions, do you go away for a day either on your own or with your better half just solely for photography?

What results are you getting and whats wrong with them, what do you want to improve on?

Everyone goes through a dry spell of mediocre shots but its about if you have the love and detemination to keep going with it. :shrug:

My god I think thats my longest post.
 
I bought a Panasonic fz38 about a month ago kept all my other stuff till I am absolutly sure thats the way forward for me if I were you give it a try
Bob
 
What about having a look at a PEN?

I've heard good things and it seems that mort of your issues is with carrying bulky things around? The PEN still has changeable lenses. I've never tried one myself though (not that I could anyway). It means that you're not carrying alot of stuff with you, but you still have some options.

Bridge cameras can be great, but you're limited with lights tbh.

Alternatively, you could get a P&S, carry that with you, then plan shoots with your DSLR?
 
pete s said:
Had the 40D for a while now and am finding that I'm not really getting the use from it I thought I would. This is partly down to the size/weight/bulk of the stuff I need to lug around with me and partly down to my own lack of abilities. I just don't seem to be able to conjur up the creative skills I had hoped to produce satisfying results.

With this in mind and the fact that there is quite a bit of money tied up in all my gear, I am verging on the decision to sell up. I'm thinking that despite the obvious reduction in technical abilities and etc, moving to something smaller, lighter and less bulky will at least encourage me to take the camera with me more often and actually enjoy taking some photos.

I am thinking that a decent superzoom bridge camera and maybe a pocketable compact is the way I may go (or something that covers both these bases).

Has anyone else found that having all the gear actually results in you taking the camera out and using it less often than before?
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This is one of the reasons I have gotten rid of all my lenses and now just own a body and a 50mm.
 
Bob said:
I bought a Panasonic fz38 about a month ago kept all my other stuff till I am absolutly sure thats the way forward for me if I were you give it a try
Bob
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The FZ38 is one which does seem to tick most of the boxes for me and reviews are pretty good. How have you found it?

Similarly to you, I would not sell my DSLR gear until I've at least had chance to buy, use and assess its lesser replacement.
 
trencheel303 said:
This is one of the reasons I have gotten rid of all my lenses and now just own a body and a 50mm.
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I do similar and have the fifty on with a spare battery, sat near the front door and that gets bunged into my normal backpack wherever I go out. I'm getting one or two photos a week that I like and lots of practice.
 
Hi Pete,

I understand where you are coming from but, before you sell up - try taking the minimum out and use it for 1 to 2 weeks, everyday e.g. camera & 50mm only or camera & 35mm only etc.

You are bound to lose money on your kit if you sell up and for what reason? Yes, be all means buy a P&S and keep it in your pocket always but, hang on before selling.

Teach your self to 'look and see'; get out to a rough area or two and see what's there on the walls etc. Try different times of the day (especially afternoons after a downpour) - you will see. Try meeting up with another tog and watch and chat as to the 'whys and wherefors' that they do things.

Feeling as though you are never going to get anywhere is normal and natural as you are struggling with 'kit head' and a down period.

Nothing hasty now. Remember it's your art, your eye - if you take it that way and you like what you take, then...

Best Wishes

Alistair
 
I did this once...got fed-up with it all...hated lugging all my kit around all the time etc...sold everything for a pittance and regretted it about a week later.
Took me three years to be able to afford to buy another decent camera and nearly 8 years to be back to where I'd been beforehand...

Put it all under the bed and forget about photography for a couple of months...see how you feel then...
 
:agree:

Maybe think about joining a local camera club too
 
pete s said:
The FZ38 is one which does seem to tick most of the boxes for me and reviews are pretty good. How have you found it?

Similarly to you, I would not sell my DSLR gear until I've at least had chance to buy, use and assess its lesser replacement.
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I pick it up I play more and take more photos of anything I fancy it brings back the enjoyment with no pressure
Bob
 
I have a 450D and find the 28-135mm IS USM lens is an excellent walkabout lens.

I also have a 70-300mm IS USM lens which fits neatly into my camera bag and for normal photography these 2 lenses cover most of my outdoor pics.

Add the kit lens and I'm ready to go.

Last sunday I went to a birthday barbecue and the 28-135mm lens was the only one I used.
 
Arkady said:
I did this once...got fed-up with it all...hated lugging all my kit around all the time etc...sold everything for a pittance and regretted it about a week later.
Took me three years to be able to afford to buy another decent camera and nearly 8 years to be back to where I'd been beforehand...

Put it all under the bed and forget about photography for a couple of months...see how you feel then...
Click to expand...

Yes, I'll carbon copy that.
Bought - sold up - discovered i had done a bloody silly thing - bought again.
Net result - spent twice as much as I needed to on kit.

Take a break and when you come back have a type of subject in mind and go out with your camera and one lens.
 
Rob 80386 said:
:agree:
good advice :thumbs:
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Seems sensible and would save me regretting it later.

I'm definately going to get something simpler in the meantime and actually get back into regularly taking pictures and enjoying it, rather than stressing over what gear to take, fiddling around with lenses, filters etc and then finding that most of the results I'm not happy with.
 
Yes, it's all too big and heavy I totally agree Pete, My fun camera is now one of our training cameras the panasonic G1.

Don't become disillusioned, compacts with unlimited DOF and slow operations are not the way ahead, sell up and grab a G1 plus a 45-200 and you'll be a new man.
 
phototuition said:
Yes, it's all too big and heavy I totally agree Pete, My fun camera is now one of our training cameras the panasonic G1.

Don't become disillusioned, compacts with unlimited DOF and slow operations are not the way ahead, sell up and grab a G1 plus a 45-200 and you'll be a new man.
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I know, and this is what worries me. I still want to get good quality results, but without the bulk. The G1 is an interesting proposition and may be worth further investigation on my part. I see the G2 is now also available.
 
Don't touch G2, it's much more expensive, has plastic lens mount, unproven new lens, pointless touchscreen and and video which is much more appropriate on a flipcam. You can grab a G1 for about £350 (we bought 2!!).

John
 
Arkady said:
I did this once...got fed-up with it all...hated lugging all my kit around all the time etc...sold everything for a pittance and regretted it about a week later.
Took me three years to be able to afford to buy another decent camera and nearly 8 years to be back to where I'd been beforehand...

Put it all under the bed and forget about photography for a couple of months...see how you feel then...
Click to expand...

Seconded. Why not buy a decent P & S to be going on with? It's a very useful thing to have, even if you decide to keep the DSLR. I have no intention of getting rid of my 30D and the lenses, but I do intend to get something like an S90 for the times when I just want a good pocket camera.
 
In addition to my 40D I have a superzoom and a compact. Unfortunately after having the 40D the results from the compact and superzoom are always disappointing. So my compromise was to take out the 40D with just the 18-200mm IS lens on the camera and carry no other kit. I have never been happier. Okay it isn't the perfect lens, but the results are far better than the superzoom or compact. I have just made a few in camera adjustments for contrast and sharpness etc and very rarely do any pp.
 
Another vote for the G1, but with the 14-45mm lens.

I have gone through the 'change';) Come out the other side as a minimalist . . . I kept one DSLR body D5000 and a G1, I can sell either which ever way I finally jump . . . however what I am discovering is that I enjoy the simple single lens approach. Significant though, the lenses I use are superb quality, Nikon 18-70mm for the D5000 and a 14-45mm on the G1.

No messing about with lenses, no bagful of unused kit, I am finding this set up gives me a buzz at the point of picture and the computer at the end of the day. One good photograph from a day wandering about my business is enough.

I dont go out with photography as the one aim, I go shopping, fishing, walking the dog, out with my partner (she takes the G1) round a corner, see a potential picture, click, and get on with my life, nothing to intense, it is working for me . . . By the way, either camera/lens fits in my 'man bag' in its own 'small' KATA bag, the man bag is a normal item in my day . . .

CJS

PS, the number of times this is croping up on site threads recently . . . its time for a rethink, me thinks?
 
Thanks for the continued comments and thought on this matter. The more I think about it the more I feel the G1 route will fit the bill. I'll probably go for the two kit lenses, but aim to be using just the 14-45 the majority of the time. For now at least I will keep the 40D in case this route does not work out for me.
 
pete s said:
Thanks for the continued comments and thought on this matter. The more I think about it the more I feel the G1 route will fit the bill. I'll probably go for the two kit lenses, but aim to be using just the 14-45 the majority of the time. For now at least I will keep the 40D in case this route does not work out for me.
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I can see your issue and it's one a lot of people go through - not everyone needs a DSLR despite the hype.

To be honest though whilst the G1 is a little smaller it's still not exactly P&S size and I think you'll still have similiar issues, perhaps to a lesser extent. If you really don't want the bulk/inconvenience then a "pocket-size" camera seems the way to go. Your best bet is call in jessops etc and see how the G1 looks compared to a P&S

just my thoughts

Simon
 
Another happy G1/GF1 user here. G1 14-45mm kit can be had for just over £300 at the moment from Currys with discount code, cashback and quidco.
 
simonkit, I understand what you're saying and will definately try the G1 (and others) for size before buying. From what I've seen and read so far it is quite a bit smaller and lighter than my 40D/lens combo and would be more likely to accompany me on my travels.

Chances are I will buy a pocketable compact also at some stage, but there are compromises to be made in my decision to downsize. The most compact options may well disappoint, and to get the IQ I want it may be a little larger than is ideal. A decision I need to consider carefully to ensure I don't waste my money in finding the ideal solution.
 
Hi Pete, you've obviously struck a chord here from the number of replies to the thread. I can certainly understand where you are coming from.

I feel that your frustration is not so much from the equipment, but that you are disappointed in the results you are getting. I've looked at a few of the pics you've posted here and they look pretty good to me - you have defintely got an eye for a good shot. Perhaps try doing something like an evening class or a couple of day courses in your area of interest (portrait, landscape, wildlife etc). You might then get a bit of encouragement and inspiration from others and also push your photography skills to another level.

Also try doing large size prints of a few of your best shots - you might find they look better than you give yourself credit for.
 
PatrickO said:
Hi Pete, you've obviously struck a chord here from the number of replies to the thread. I can certainly understand where you are coming from.

I feel that your frustration is not so much from the equipment, but that you are disappointed in the results you are getting. I've looked at a few of the pics you've posted here and they look pretty good to me - you have defintely got an eye for a good shot. Perhaps try doing something like an evening class or a couple of day courses in your area of interest (portrait, landscape, wildlife etc). You might then get a bit of encouragement and inspiration from others and also push your photography skills to another level.

Also try doing large size prints of a few of your best shots - you might find they look better than you give yourself credit for.
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Thanks Patrick. I appreciate your positive comments. :)
 
I have a Fuji S1500, which goes pretty much everywhere with me.

I get the odd good picture, it also gets less attention then an SLR.

Oh and it makes my D60 feel like a proper camera.
 
I can understand exactly where you're coming from, but do keep your DSLR kit for a while in case you change your mind - it's long expensive road back!
 
pete s said:
simonkit, I understand what you're saying and will definately try the G1 (and others) for size before buying. From what I've seen and read so far it is quite a bit smaller and lighter than my 40D/lens combo and would be more likely to accompany me on my travels.

Chances are I will buy a pocketable compact also at some stage, but there are compromises to be made in my decision to downsize. The most compact options may well disappoint, and to get the IQ I want it may be a little larger than is ideal. A decision I need to consider carefully to ensure I don't waste my money in finding the ideal solution.
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Here you go Pete S,

I have put my two penneth in earlier. To be fair, I have sort of sat on the fence, keeping a foot in the DSLR camp for a while, quite happy that way at present.

Here is a picture I took when I first made my move to sweep the table clean, go back to basics:

camerasrwIMG_4504.jpg


The big gain is the lens, both same sort of focal length, thats a 14-45 on the G1 and an 18-70 on the D5000.

This is how I do it, I can choose either camera if on my own . . . realy spoiling myself:naughty:

1bagcamerarwIMG_4484.jpg


1bagopenrwIMG_4486.jpg


CJS
 
For work I'll always have a whole bag of stuff - three bodies, five lenses, three speedlights and a bunch of accessories. Work is work after all - you take what you need - or think you might need, just in case.

For day-to-day stuff I've gone totally retro: bought a film SLR and use just a single manual-focus 35mm lens on it...
 
Arkady said:
...For day-to-day stuff I've gone totally retro: bought a film SLR and use just a single manual-focus 35mm lens on it...
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That's how i'm going at the moment - used to take a 35mm rangefinder, but as it was a FED3 and made of pig-iron, I decided a old-ish SLR and fast prime was lighter, more flexible and got me better photo's :)

Still take the FED if it's raining though - there's nothing to go FZZZTTTT!
 
Why not just just limit yourself? Don't sit there wondering what to take, simply go out with your camera, one lens and see what you can get?

I do this with my 50mm, it does limit you but it also forces you to be more creative and you may find it really helps you :)
 
Ok, I've changed my mind several times, but I'm now thinking:

Buy a compact, accept the limitations, but keep it with me all the time.
and
Keep the DSLR for more specific trips.
 
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