Which DSLR cameras punch above their weight?

super8

super8

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Hello everyone,

I am looking for advice about DSLR cameras, and would be grateful or any input anyone might be able to provide on this.

I have had a Canon EOS30D DSLR for 4 years now, for which I use a Canon 17-85mm lens.

Whilst I do still think that it is a fabulous camera, I do find that it is too heavy/ bulky to keep lugging around. I am therefore looking to replace it with a lighter or/ and perhaps less bulky camera but still retain the basic functionality of my current camera, if not improve on it!

Would anyone be able to advice on a camera that would fit the bill for this? My main use for the camera is for street photography, so quick engine is always a big help. I realise that the lens is responsible for part of the weight/ bulk, and would also welcome any advice if there could be improvements made in this area.

I had thought of another Canon camera in the EOS series. Would that be best, an if so, which would you recommend? Or would there be another camera that you would recommend? I am generally more inclined towards Canon, but would certainly welcome thoughts re: other makes.

in terms of budget, I am not too fussed in terms of price range, although realise that if I were to replace my Canon lenses then this would not be cheap! it is probably an additional reason why Canon would be best to investigate first.

Many thanks.. :)
 
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Just to follow up on this - I guess that ideally I woul like another EOS camera - then sticking with what I know - it is whether I would be able to get something lighter, less bulky - some of the newer models that I have seen seem of similar weight/ bulk.

Woul anyone be so kind as to share their thoughts on this?
 
The 1000D is the smallest EOS - with a 50mm 1.8 on the front it certainly isn't a big thing. But it's also the bottom of their range, and still isn't exactly pocketable. I don't think it'd be a very sensible purchase.

I think you should look into the smaller cameras that are starting to appear - the GF1, Olympus PEN, etc. One of those in addition to your 30D would probably make the most sense. If that leaves budget to spare, go for a straight upgrade of the 30D as well!
 
Limited lens selection? eh?

You can mount pretty much any lens on it.
 
Correct. :) I just wanted to expand on what you posted.

If the op is interested in MFT here's a link to lenses that don't need adapters...

http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/lens_chart.html

...and a visit to the GF1 thread will give example images taken with non MFT lenses.

Personally I think that a GF1 with a 20mm f1.7 lens is pretty much all that I need a MFT to be.
 
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Well, the smaller bodies are to XXXD series, so 400D-550D. The 550D would give you 18mp, video and coupled with a smaller lens such as a 50mm prime is quite a small light package. The only drawback I find with the smaller bodies is that the larger L lenses feel too big for the body.

Just watch out for the change to SD cards if you have lots of CF cards and obviously the batteries are different.
 
Get. Canon G11 to complement your eos you won't be disappointed a great bit of canon kit
 
Whilst the 30/40/50d cameras are heavier than the XXXd ones, I found that the body felt too small in my hands and was uncomfortable to hold for any length of time (e.g. big cat days). THis was one of the reasons why I "upgraded" to the 40d.

However, if you want to save weight, drop the 17-85mm lens in favour of the18-55mm IS kit lens - which even the current Canon specific camera mag says punches above its weight - assuming that you can live without the 55-85mm zoom range.

I just did a 2 week road trip through the USA rockies and canyonlands with this lens (and the 55-250mm IS) and loved the results.
 
Flamez said:
Get. Canon G11 to complement your eos you won't be disappointed a great bit of canon kit
Click to expand...

I was looking at those today - this seems like a good option!

In terms of quality, the lens seems very good - was trying to translate that to dslr lens functionality.

Would anyone be able to advise in terms of general functionality differences, compared with an eos, say, things where quality is/ options are significantly different?
 
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grahamsewelluk said:
Whilst the 30/40/50d cameras are heavier than the XXXd ones, I found that the body felt too small in my hands and was uncomfortable to hold for any length of time (e.g. big cat days). THis was one of the reasons why I "upgraded" to the 40d.

However, if you want to save weight, drop the 17-85mm lens in favour of the18-55mm IS kit lens - which even the current Canon specific camera mag says punches above its weight - assuming that you can live without the 55-85mm zoom range.

I just did a 2 week road trip through the USA rockies and canyonlands with this lens (and the 55-250mm IS) and loved the results.
Click to expand...

When I originally bought the eos, I upgraded straight to the 17-85 lens - so would mean getting the 18-55mm lens separately.

I wonder how many people buy the starter pack but don't use the lens, and perhaps sell it on e-bay or something..

Many thanks to everyone's responses - very much appreicated - it is all a great help in trying to get a good fit for what I am looking for..
 
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