Selling up

[Canonite]

I use a Canon SX1 as well as a 30D. Mainly that if i'm going anywhere for the day, unless it's purposely to shoot then i'll take the compact. Does everything I need for simply being out somewhere.
When I plan a trip out however, i take my camera bag complete with lenses and tripod everywhere.

Buying a great camera wont produce good photos, learning the skills to create good images is what pays off.

 

[CJS]

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.

This swings my mind to: 'which compact', I used to think that way, had (have) a Canon Powershot S50, great pocket camera, and it had a viewfinder of sorts, that was until the CPU went T***up, never the same camera since it came back from repair:thumbsdown:

I considered the Compact rout . . . but sensors are small, viewing screens are a pain, holding the camera 'Zombie style', to me, is not conducive to the satisfaction experience of taking a good picture, plus strong possibility of camera shake and in bright light the screen is often almost un viewable? Only the 'G series', I think? . . . have view finders, all be it limited 'view angle'. So its Canon G11 or Panasonic G1?? . . . What about a Panasonic GF1 with 20mm pancake lens?

CJS

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

I used to take an Olympus XA with me everywhere. Now I use a Minolta 600 for the same purpose. it is about the same size but a bit heavier (all metal) at 6MP it is good enough for most things.

DSLR's are too heavy especially Metal ones like the 40D fitted with a 17-55 f2.8. ... I rarely cart about other lenses but always a 580 EX flash and spare batteries.

Perhaps a micro 4 3ds will be the answer, especially if they build in a decent viewfinder.

 

[CJS]

Perhaps a micro 4 3ds will be the answer, especially if they build in a decent viewfinder.

. . . Panasonic G1 - 20mm pan lens

 

[Peter]

Hi

I've got a Nikon D200 and along with grip and even with just the 18-70 kit lens it makes for a bulky camera for those times I need the zoom or I want to impress . Hower I'm getting into prime lenses and bought a s/h Sigma 24mm F2.8 for £45 quid and now I find more often than not that's my walkabout kit. I've got a 50mm prime as a second lens and leaving grip and zoom at home makes for a more compact set up. One of the reasons I went down the Nikon route is that the Canon DSLR's plus zooms seemed bulkier at the time I was looking.

I've now taped over the Nikon name and want to ditch the Nikon strap when funds allow but that's a different issue my psychiatrist tells me:bonk:

pete

 

[RKC]

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.

good idea imo, like yourself i thought long on hard about exactly the same dilema, in the end what i done was scrutinised my kit and starting streamlining to end up with just 3 lenses as my ultimate goal, but usually only taking 2 out with me at any time, 70-200 + 17-50, i find this covers most thing i want to do.

 

[mxfun]

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!

I Used to have the Fuji S9600 ,If i knew then to what i know now ,without a doubt i'd still have the Fuji ,quality of photo's were the equal of the DSLR and indeed better in some instances

 

[pete s]

Interesting reading this thread, with a few different thoughts on my predicament. Also interesting that quite a few people have felt the same at some point or other. There is no denying that a DSLR is the tool to have if you are serious about photography, but it is not the answer to everything and is not the most appropriate or convenient tool for all occasions.

 

[plymman]

I felt the same and have gone though compacts, bridge camera's, a 4/3rd's and now have a D5000. It's always been an issue with weight and size but in the end nothing I've owned has come close to my Nikon. I try and take it wherever I go (leaving all the other guff and lenses behind) and if I don't have my camera I always have my iPhone.

While the camera on that is poor to say the least, I can still capture that moment rather than miss it all together and there are some good, inventive, old school apps that really bring the fun back into photography.

 

[trencheel303]

I don't really see why weight is a big problem. If you like the hobby, it should become a non issue - to a point of course. I'm like a twig with branches, and I'd happily carry a 1 series and a 70-200 all day.

 

[grum]

Perhaps a micro 4 3ds will be the answer, especially if they build in a decent viewfinder.

The G1 has a great viewfinder.

Re the weight - it depends what you're doing, but if you do a lot of hill-walking, cycling etc it does make sense to have a smaller/lighter camera. I also reckon I would feel pretty silly (and maybe make people feel uncomfortable) taking a big SLR to the pub or whatever.

 

[pete s]

I don't really see why weight is a big problem. If you like the hobby, it should become a non issue - to a point of course. I'm like a twig with branches, and I'd happily carry a 1 series and a 70-200 all day.

I guess it very much depends on how, why and when you indulge in photography. For me, it fits in around other things I'm doing mostly, with the occasional specific photo shoot trip.

So the majority of the time I am doing something else or going somewhere incidental to photography, but like to have a camera with me in case an opportunity arises.

If I'm off on a day walk I need other stuff too (water, food, clothing, etc), so carrying a large, heavy bag full of camera kit as well becomes a bit of a bind. Hence the desire to have something more portable for those occasions.

 

[eccles]

The most important thing is to decide what you want to take pictures of most. I shoot wildlife, mainly birds, dragonflies and butterflies, for which a DSLR is pretty much essential, not only for the reach but also for the lack of shutter delay.

 

[drb5]

This is one of the reasons I have gotten rid of all my lenses and now just own a body and a 50mm.

I echo this!

5D2 and 50mm for me. Still fairly large compared to a compact, but it keeps you interested by having a prime focal length and makes the two a really light package.

 

[boozybill]

how about the new fuji hs10 the lens should suit all your requirments

 

[akr]

I guess it very much depends on how, why and when you indulge in photography. For me, it fits in around other things I'm doing mostly, with the occasional specific photo shoot trip.

So the majority of the time I am doing something else or going somewhere incidental to photography, but like to have a camera with me in case an opportunity arises.

If I'm off on a day walk I need other stuff too (water, food, clothing, etc), so carrying a large, heavy bag full of camera kit as well becomes a bit of a bind. Hence the desire to have something more portable for those occasions.

I'm similar and got a compact for the same reasons, but keep the 40D for Wildlife.

Now have an LX3 and a gorilla pod. Lightweight, small, feels like a camera, manual control if you want to play, more discreet than a DSLR. Quality is not SLR but pretty good, and TBH for my needs that's just fine.

The 4/3rds look nice but at the time the I couldn't justify keeping the 40d AND getting a 4/3rds.

Good luck!

Al

 

[CJS]

I don't really see why weight is a big problem. If you like the hobby, it should become a non issue - to a point of course. I'm like a twig with branches, and I'd happily carry a 1 series and a 70-200 all day.

Give it 30 or 40 years, then see how you consider weight and walking all day! . . .

CJS

 

[Davec223]

I don't really see why weight is a big problem. If you like the hobby, it should become a non issue - to a point of course. I'm like a twig with branches, and I'd happily carry a 1 series and a 70-200 all day.

Must confess I agree with this, but at the opposite end of the scale body wise, just over 17 stone but when we go out as a family for a walk in the forest I carry pretty much all my kit, I seem to have a mindset that if I don't take it it will be the lens, flash that I need.Wife is talking about getting me a crumpler or similar so that I don't take everything with me.

 

[OneTen]

I've found my photography really improves if I just take one camera and one lens out for the day, especially a prime lens. I really start to see in that focal length and concentrate on getting the best I can. Yes, many opportunities are missed but I could always return and change tack. I can only be in one place at a time and don't worry about all those other opportunities I'm missing all over world, so I don't worry about not having a particular lens and just enjoy using what I do have. It also means not carrying a huge, heavy camera bag.