'Snapshot' SLR advice

apollo_luddite

apollo_luddite

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Phil
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Hello,

I'm looking to buy a new camera, and I have some specific and possibly unusual requirements. I have a Sony Nex-5 and a collection of film cameras. I use the Nex-5 with my OM Zuiko lenses for 'serious' digital photography, but I find it completely unsuitable for family photography, mainly because the autofocus is so unreliable. I use manual focus when the camera is on a tripod for landscape photos etc, but I find manual focus too difficult and time consuming when handheld, and I'm not happy with the 30% or so success rate of the autofocus. I love the image quality of my Nex-5, particularly with the Zuiko lenses, but don't like the results I'm getting with 'snapshots'.

So I'm in the unusual position of using a non-SLR for serious photography, and wanting an SLR for family snapshots.

My requirements are, in order of importance:

1) Accurate, reliable autofocus.

2) Excellent image quality out of the camera, with no post-processing. Resolution not important as large prints unlikely.

3) Managable size (not critical up to a point).

I am unlikely to buy more lenses other than the kit lens, so lens range etc not important. I will use the camera in P mode almost all the time. I have ruled out compact cameras because I just don't like the image quality of the latest high megapixel cameras.

My shortlist at the moment includes the Panasonic G2, Canon 1100d, Canon 550d, Nikon d3100, Nikon d5000 but I'm open to other suggestions.

Any advice greatly appreciated.
 
Um... Silly question but what lens(es) do you have on the Nex 5?
Followed by another silly question, have you asked sony/camera store to check whether there is a focussing problem with the camera?

Or is it just that it isn't finding focus quick enough/doesn't track moving subjects so well...?


Thought they were meant to be pretty good.


Anyways, being a Nikon follower; D5000... D80/D90 (if you deceide to get more lenses the latter two have motors so you can go back to older lenses* with AF and it still works. D5000 doesn't have the motor so you'd either be back to manual or paying a little more af-s (the lenses with motors). D90 has movie capability if required. Lenses, nifty fifty (nikon f1.8 around 100ukp second hand) or 35mm f1.8 (around 170 in jessops new) or a replacement kit zoom - I dont know which as I prefer the primes.
* Not too far back
Oh and set the mode to 'A' - better than P :)

Olympus Pen 1 or 2. Might be in the same range too - worth a check?
The film lenses, do you want to use them on the digital camera? If so which ones do you have...? Might be able to find a digital body that can use them af...

Have you gone and handled the cameras... blag you feel like buying get the speels from the sales people.. handle them and then say you want to think on if, but would they mind writing down the camera/lens and prices and their name... ;)
 
The panasonic g2 isn't a dslr, it's very similar to the nex5.
 
Bridge camera?
 
odd jim said:
The panasonic g2 isn't a dslr, it's very similar to the nex5.
Click to expand...

I realise its not an SLR and I don't necessarily need an SLR, just a camera with autofocus that works. All of the reviews I've read on the G2 say that the autofocus is accurate, so in that respect it's not similar to the Nex-5 (many of the online reviews I've read comment on the inaccuracy of the autofocus on the Nex-5).
 
ecniv said:
Um... Silly question but what lens(es) do you have on the Nex 5?
Followed by another silly question, have you asked sony/camera store to check whether there is a focussing problem with the camera?

Or is it just that it isn't finding focus quick enough/doesn't track moving subjects so well...?


Thought they were meant to be pretty good.


Anyways, being a Nikon follower; D5000... D80/D90 (if you deceide to get more lenses the latter two have motors so you can go back to older lenses* with AF and it still works. D5000 doesn't have the motor so you'd either be back to manual or paying a little more af-s (the lenses with motors). D90 has movie capability if required. Lenses, nifty fifty (nikon f1.8 around 100ukp second hand) or 35mm f1.8 (around 170 in jessops new) or a replacement kit zoom - I dont know which as I prefer the primes.
* Not too far back
Oh and set the mode to 'A' - better than P :)

Olympus Pen 1 or 2. Might be in the same range too - worth a check?
The film lenses, do you want to use them on the digital camera? If so which ones do you have...? Might be able to find a digital body that can use them af...

Have you gone and handled the cameras... blag you feel like buying get the speels from the sales people.. handle them and then say you want to think on if, but would they mind writing down the camera/lens and prices and their name... ;)
Click to expand...

I have the 18-55mm and the 16mm Sony lenses. Its not a fault with the autofocus locking on - its very quick - but in around 70% of the photos it is very slightly out of focus. Its not a fault with my particular camera, because I've read lots of reviews and forum threads about the Nex-5 focus issues. When it gets it right the photos are beautiful.

I do have one Nikon AF lens (28-80mm D which is surprisingly sharp) so the D90 would be the one to go for to use that, but I've handled a D90 and its a little big, plus I want to use just the kit lens to get the wideangle.
 
The new D3100 is going to take some beating . . . ;)

I use a G1, understand the G2 has quicker focus? although the G1 is no slouch for a mirror less contrast type. The manual focus is brilliant on the G1, absolutely the dogs swingers, if that's your bag? I'm presuming the G2 has the same manual system.

However, I'd back the D3100, on value for money, put a Nikon 18-70mm, f3.5 on the front, a standard kit lens, or a 35mm f1.4 or perhaps the new S type 50mm f1.8, depends on your subject matter. Need to take advise on longer lenses?

CJS
 
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The latest version of the S200EXR is the HS20EXR.

Only just released, needs a firmware update to stop it overheating, but good reviews otherwise.
 
If you are literally looking for snapshots I would be looking at a Canon Powershot S95. Excellent IQ and pocketable. If you want something with better manual controls have a look at the Canon Powershot G12. Both are great cameras.
 
apollo_luddite said:
No offense to any bridge camera users out there, but the image quality is not good enough.
Click to expand...

For snapshots?! Should be fine!

Also, a Panny G2 or GF2 might suit - touch sensitive screen/focus. And great automatic mode...
 
The Olympus OM lenses were mainly manual focus. They made a few AF lenses for the OM707 i think it was, but would not fit your camera either. Are you using manual focus OM lenses with an adaptor?
 
Sorry to bring the old cliche in here but...."its not the camera that takes a good photo, it's he photographer"

Learn the basics of photography and composition and then find a camera within your budget with any extra features you fancy and then off you go!

I have seen some stunning photos taken with compacts and a lot of total rubbish taken with slr's
 
Rmacleod90 said:
Sorry to bring the old cliche in here but...."its not the camera that takes a good photo, it's he photographer"

Learn the basics of photography and composition and then find a camera within your budget with any extra features you fancy and then off you go!

I have seen some stunning photos taken with compacts and a lot of total rubbish taken with slr's
Click to expand...

Maybe you wasted your money on your 60D then.

I agree totally. Some of my best photos over the years have been taken with cheap cameras.

If you read my initial post you will see that I have already 'learned the basics of photography and composition', and for the purposes I intend to use this camera, they are not required.

But all other things being equal, an image from a DSLR will be superior to one from a compact, given that I will, in this instance, have not much interest in photography technique as such. I just want to lift the camera up, press the shutter button and have a nice, properly exposed, in focus photo to go in the album.
 
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