Lets talk camera's.

[vvanders]

Most people go about camera shopping the wrong way. They want the latest & greatest camera without taking into account all the things that actually help you get a good photo.

If you're just looking for "good enough" photos most smartphone cameras will cover you and the have the benefit of always being on your person.

Unless you're shooting sports, wildlife or have extreme low-light requirements. The actual camera isn't going to make any significant impact. Keep in my photography is the manipulation of light.

The largest impact of light are in order of: Actual lighting conditions(time of day, off-camera lights, etc) > Lenses > Sensor Dimensions > Camera.

If you're serious you should realistically be investing ~4x more in lenses then camera bodies. I've shot some awesome stuff with a 35L and 450D, likewise you're not getting any good shot with a 1D if lighting conditions are awful.

Look at the lens systems, find out what you want to shoot and see what matches up. If you're near a large metro area there are usually camera rental shops. These are awesome for figuring out what actually works before investing in the lenses. I've rented the 200L(~$5k lens) and it was incredible even on a cheap SLR. Seeing what you can do with proper glass will help you narrow down what actually works for you.

For my money it's hard to beat Canon's 35L on a full frame. If you're fine with working within the constraints of a prime lens the way it renders things is sublime.

 

[houstonscott]

Most people go about camera shopping the wrong way. They want the latest & greatest camera without taking into account all the things that actually help you get a good photo. If you're just looking for "good enough" photos most smartphone cameras will cover you and the have the benefit of always being on your person. Unless you're shooting sports, wildlife or have extreme low-light requirements. The actual camera isn't going to make any significant impact. Keep in my photography is the manipulation of light. The largest impact of light are in order of: Actual lighting conditions(time of day, off-camera lights, etc) > Lenses > Sensor Dimensions > Camera. If you're serious you should realistically be investing ~4x more in lenses then camera bodies. I've shot some awesome stuff with a 35L and 450D, likewise you're not getting any good shot with a 1D if lighting conditions are awful. Look at the lens systems, find out what you want to shoot and see what matches up. If you're near a large metro area there are usually camera rental shops. These are awesome for figuring out what actually works before investing in the lenses. I've rented the 200L(~$5k lens) and it was incredible even on a cheap SLR. Seeing what you can do with proper glass will help you narrow down what actually works for you. For my money it's hard to beat Canon's 35L on a full frame. If you're fine with working within the constraints of a prime lens the way it renders things is sublime.

Good advice.

 

[dragoneggs]

Good advice.

Yep, I have gone through three upgrades of Canon bodies, but just keep adding to my lens collection.

 

[bunyip]

I am much the same, worn out two bodies, D40X was my first digital SLR and wasn't impressed, got to the stage it was very noisy over iso200.
At present I am looking for a decent PAS to take when we travel overseas, the SLR's are simply too heavy.
Also work on the principle that good glass is better than pixels, I use both Nikon and Sigma, the latter is very good quality and in my opinion one of the best aftermarket lenses, Tokina are good but don't have the range that Sigma do.

 

[dragoneggs]

I'm a bit outdated but Sigma glass was the the best value telephoto lens back in the day. I stuck to my guns and saved for Canon and L if I could. Glad I did now as they hold their value. A new body is where the new technology shows up. This thread has got me itching to pull my gear out and not settle for iPhone pics. Got to say though, an iPhone 7sPlus is a very impressive P&S. Looking forward to seeing what the iPhone X will do.

 

[CADplans]

At present I am looking for a decent PAS to take when we travel overseas, the SLR's are simply too heavy.

I purchased a highly rated PAS Nikon,,, It does NOTHING my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge phone can not do.

This pic was taken Friday night with my phone,,,
The sky color is 100% correct, in my opinion. (it is what I saw!! :thumbsup

I consider my phone to be an amazing camera,, the Nikon D7000 stays in the bag!!

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Interesting thread, I have only used my cell for pics, I recently bought a 8 plus and am happy with it over my 6 BUT it can’t compete with some pics on this thread.

As far as low light, I took some after I got done working on my truck tonight, night time outside.

Those are the optimized ones I can post here, guess the originals are too big of files.

Some others

 

[dragoneggs]

The reality is the latest iPhones (what I have experience in) and I am sure the high end competitor phones can produce some very acceptable (to be snobbish) shots. Especially with some built in post processing to tweak it a bit! Got to love where technology has take us.

One must still sacrifice weight vs. light gathering but it appears the gap is closing. :thumbsup: And I am a traditional photographer saying this.... love how others can expand the profession beyond your own threshold.

 

[houstonscott]

Yep, I have gone through three upgrades of Canon bodies, but just keep adding to my lens collection.

I've read picking a lens system first then a body makes more sense. Most pick a camera then lens. I would recommend study and understand sensors, while the changes in technology advances. We're there in many regards and more pixels is not the whole game. What you are doing with the camera is the real measure.

 

[houstonscott]

I purchased a highly rated PAS Nikon,,, It does NOTHING my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge phone can not do. This pic was taken Friday night with my phone,,, The sky color is 100% correct, in my opinion. (it is what I saw!! :thumbsup I consider my phone to be an amazing camera,, the Nikon D7000 stays in the bag!!

Look at the Fugifilm Xt2, might be the best mirrorless camera ever made. Easily matches full frame DSLR image quality, exceeding them much of the time. Is much smaller lighter system, many famous photographers are up on YouTube telling their switching stories. I'm in the waiting mode to see what nikons new mirrorless camera looks like before I buy. Nikon Df lurks in the back of my mind, I have two Nikon AF lens from film days that would be useful again, but the idea is to travel more and carry less.