Looking for a camera rec for travel, home, etc

[ashmac8]

Here's the background. Shortly after I had my son I splurged a bit and bought the CanonT2i. I loved this camera and gradually added a few lenses and got some great shots over the years. I did tire of carrying it all around and eventually the camera began to fail. I sold it to a camera dealer who presumably fixed it up and added it to their stock.

About 2 years ago I bought the mirrorless Sony a5300. I wanted to love it based on a recommendation of a peer but at the price $400 I was never truly in love with the camera. However, since I had invested the money I was resigned to make it work and with some effort got some decent pics over the years. This past weekend while shooting my niece's bday party the flash totally blew and now the camera is only good for daylight.

So it looks like I need to replace my camera sooner than I planned. We do love to travel and I have an underwater entry level camera that does its job. I also have an iPhone7 that I use for daily in the moment pics.

I guess my question is, what would you recommend. I am by no means a pro but I do like to capture good photos both on travel and around town locally. My son is now 10 and is involved in activities that I also like to photograph.

Do I get the latest CanonRebel? and just not go crazy with the lenses? Try a pricey point an shoot? Something else?

Thanks in Advance for your help.

 

[wilkeliza]

We have a Fujifilm XT10 and really enjoy it. It was not cheap but for about a grand we have 2 lenses and the base unit as well as some accessories (case, extra batteries, extra memory, etc).

The body itself is usually 800 but you can usually find the body and a lens for that much. It is a mirrorless and has been pretty easy to learn how to use. It will take any of the X series lenses but since it is mirrorless you could ibuy an off market adapter to be able to use your canon lenses on the Fujifilm body. The adapter costs about 15 bucks on ebay/amazon. That would save you a little bit and still give good photos but it adds some bulk to the camera.

We have a fixed 27mm lens for "street" photography i.e. the see it shoot it type and then a 16-50mm lens for other photos.

 

[havoc315]

Here's the background. Shortly after I had my son I splurged a bit and bought the CanonT2i. I loved this camera and gradually added a few lenses and got some great shots over the years. I did tire of carrying it all around and eventually the camera began to fail. I sold it to a camera dealer who presumably fixed it up and added it to their stock.

About 2 years ago I bought the mirrorless Sony a5300. I wanted to love it based on a recommendation of a peer but at the price $400 I was never truly in love with the camera. However, since I had invested the money I was resigned to make it work and with some effort got some decent pics over the years. This past weekend while shooting my niece's bday party the flash totally blew and now the camera is only good for daylight.

So it looks like I need to replace my camera sooner than I planned. We do love to travel and I have an underwater entry level camera that does its job. I also have an iPhone7 that I use for daily in the moment pics.

I guess my question is, what would you recommend. I am by no means a pro but I do like to capture good photos both on travel and around town locally. My son is now 10 and is involved in activities that I also like to photograph.

Do I get the latest CanonRebel? and just not go crazy with the lenses? Try a pricey point an shoot? Something else?

Thanks in Advance for your help.

There is no such thing as a Sony A5300... so I wonder what camera you were using. Maybe the A5100?

Anyway..... There are a few factors to consider when picking a camera........
First, you have an iphone 7. It has a great camera. If you are limiting yourself to shooting auto, putting aside issues like zoom, and putting aside massive large scale prints, for normal day to day use, the iphone images will basically match or surpass what you'll get from most cameras. Instead of looking at the iphone 7 as an expensive phone, with a cheap camera attached to it. It really has become a $500 camera, with a $200 phone attached to it.

So the first question, is your iphone 7 good enough for you. If not, why not?

Which brings the next set of questions ---
1 -- Enjoyment of photography... maybe you just don't enjoy taking photos with a phone. Maybe you like the tactile feel of a full sized camera, the sensation of clicking a real shutter button. Is that what you liked/disliked about the Sony camera? Just didn't enjoy how the camera was laid out, didn't like the lack of a viewfinder?
2-- Image quality. If you had the Sony A5100, I can tell you the image quality is actually a bit superior to the Canon T2i, though you may never notice the differences when shooting auto. But now, comparing the iphone 7 to cameras on the market in 2017... You should not assume you will get better images out of a dSLR or advanced camera. You have the POTENTIAL for better images, but that potential is only fulfilled if you are going to upgrade lenses and/or learn to shoot with a bit more manual control and/or engage in post-processing of RAW files. If you do those things, spend a couple thousand dollars on upgraded lenses, learn photography and post-process raw files, then a good dSLR/mirrorless camera is FAR superior to a phone. But if your plan is to stick to a kit lens, shooting auto jpegs... then image quality is basically a non-factor.
3 -- Features. Are there features that are lacking in your phone that you wanted. The most prominent would be a zoom lens, more powerful flash, and/or viewfinder. You may also want a longer battery life, etc.

So what camera for you... really depends on those factors. (plus budget, etc). If your objection to the iphone 7 and the Sony camera, were that you just don't enjoy using them... then it's a matter of just finding the style you like. I have the Sony A6300 as 1 of my cameras, and I find it a ton of fun to use. I love it's super fast focus, it's fast continuous shooting, it's in-camera panoramas, it's bright EVF, etc. On the other hand, I don't love the ergonomics, don't love the feel of some of the dials. If your objection is image quality.... I get the most image quality out of my Nikon D750.... But that's a full frame camera, that I pair with lenses that run from $500 to $2000 per lens. I shoot raw, I do extensive post-processing. And none of my images are ever fully auto. But I get some breath taking images.
And if it's just a matter of wanting a longer zoom lens than your iphone.. then there are a number of compact superzoom P&S cameras, that can fill those needs.

There really are no BAD cameras on the market. You'll get a lot of people that will respond to you and say, "I shoot with ______ and I love it."
But to best answer your question, need to know more about what you're looking for. Every camera designed in the last 5 years, is a very good camera.

 

[wilkeliza]

There is no such thing as a Sony A5300... so I wonder what camera you were using. Maybe the A5100?

Anyway..... There are a few factors to consider when picking a camera........
First, you have an iphone 7. It has a great camera. If you are limiting yourself to shooting auto, putting aside issues like zoom, and putting aside massive large scale prints, for normal day to day use, the iphone images will basically match or surpass what you'll get from most cameras. Instead of looking at the iphone 7 as an expensive phone, with a cheap camera attached to it. It really has become a $500 camera, with a $200 phone attached to it.

So the first question, is your iphone 7 good enough for you. If not, why not?

Which brings the next set of questions ---
1 -- Enjoyment of photography... maybe you just don't enjoy taking photos with a phone. Maybe you like the tactile feel of a full sized camera, the sensation of clicking a real shutter button. Is that what you liked/disliked about the Sony camera? Just didn't enjoy how the camera was laid out, didn't like the lack of a viewfinder?
2-- Image quality. If you had the Sony A5100, I can tell you the image quality is actually a bit superior to the Canon T2i, though you may never notice the differences when shooting auto. But now, comparing the iphone 7 to cameras on the market in 2017... You should not assume you will get better images out of a dSLR or advanced camera. You have the POTENTIAL for better images, but that potential is only fulfilled if you are going to upgrade lenses and/or learn to shoot with a bit more manual control and/or engage in post-processing of RAW files. If you do those things, spend a couple thousand dollars on upgraded lenses, learn photography and post-process raw files, then a good dSLR/mirrorless camera is FAR superior to a phone. But if your plan is to stick to a kit lens, shooting auto jpegs... then image quality is basically a non-factor.
3 -- Features. Are there features that are lacking in your phone that you wanted. The most prominent would be a zoom lens, more powerful flash, and/or viewfinder. You may also want a longer battery life, etc.

So what camera for you... really depends on those factors. (plus budget, etc). If your objection to the iphone 7 and the Sony camera, were that you just don't enjoy using them... then it's a matter of just finding the style you like. I have the Sony A6300 as 1 of my cameras, and I find it a ton of fun to use. I love it's super fast focus, it's fast continuous shooting, it's in-camera panoramas, it's bright EVF, etc. On the other hand, I don't love the ergonomics, don't love the feel of some of the dials. If your objection is image quality.... I get the most image quality out of my Nikon D750.... But that's a full frame camera, that I pair with lenses that run from $500 to $2000 per lens. I shoot raw, I do extensive post-processing. And none of my images are ever fully auto. But I get some breath taking images.
And if it's just a matter of wanting a longer zoom lens than your iphone.. then there are a number of compact superzoom P&S cameras, that can fill those needs.

There really are no BAD cameras on the market. You'll get a lot of people that will respond to you and say, "I shoot with ______ and I love it."
But to best answer your question, need to know more about what you're looking for. Every camera designed in the last 5 years, is a very good camera.

100% this. I'll say what you pointed out is why we went with the XT-10 instead of the "better" XT-1. We looked at all the reviews and specs and stuff and it was really splitting hairs when you got down to the $300 cost difference. Of course we have a DSLR as well but traveling with it is anxiety inducing since if it gets dropped once it can destroy the whole things. That is why I shutter every time my nephew drops his and acts like it is no big deal. Kid won't even use a strap of any sort and doesn't understand why dropping his DSLR is so different then dropping his iphone. He thinks if it still clicks and take a photo then it is fine.

 

[ashmac8]

We have a Fujifilm XT10 and really enjoy it. It was not cheap but for about a grand we have 2 lenses and the base unit as well as some accessories (case, extra batteries, extra memory, etc).

The body itself is usually 800 but you can usually find the body and a lens for that much. It is a mirrorless and has been pretty easy to learn how to use. It will take any of the X series lenses but since it is mirrorless you could ibuy an off market adapter to be able to use your canon lenses on the Fujifilm body. The adapter costs about 15 bucks on ebay/amazon. That would save you a little bit and still give good photos but it adds some bulk to the camera.

We have a fixed 27mm lens for "street" photography i.e. the see it shoot it type and then a 16-50mm lens for other photos.

I'll take a look at this one. A little out of my price range but I'd be willing to stretch a bit for the right camera.

There is no such thing as a Sony A5300... so I wonder what camera you were using. Maybe the A5100?

Anyway..... There are a few factors to consider when picking a camera........
First, you have an iphone 7. It has a great camera. If you are limiting yourself to shooting auto, putting aside issues like zoom, and putting aside massive large scale prints, for normal day to day use, the iphone images will basically match or surpass what you'll get from most cameras. Instead of looking at the iphone 7 as an expensive phone, with a cheap camera attached to it. It really has become a $500 camera, with a $200 phone attached to it.

So the first question, is your iphone 7 good enough for you. If not, why not?

Which brings the next set of questions ---
1 -- Enjoyment of photography... maybe you just don't enjoy taking photos with a phone. Maybe you like the tactile feel of a full sized camera, the sensation of clicking a real shutter button. Is that what you liked/disliked about the Sony camera? Just didn't enjoy how the camera was laid out, didn't like the lack of a viewfinder?
2-- Image quality. If you had the Sony A5100, I can tell you the image quality is actually a bit superior to the Canon T2i, though you may never notice the differences when shooting auto. But now, comparing the iphone 7 to cameras on the market in 2017... You should not assume you will get better images out of a dSLR or advanced camera. You have the POTENTIAL for better images, but that potential is only fulfilled if you are going to upgrade lenses and/or learn to shoot with a bit more manual control and/or engage in post-processing of RAW files. If you do those things, spend a couple thousand dollars on upgraded lenses, learn photography and post-process raw files, then a good dSLR/mirrorless camera is FAR superior to a phone. But if your plan is to stick to a kit lens, shooting auto jpegs... then image quality is basically a non-factor.
3 -- Features. Are there features that are lacking in your phone that you wanted. The most prominent would be a zoom lens, more powerful flash, and/or viewfinder. You may also want a longer battery life, etc.

So what camera for you... really depends on those factors. (plus budget, etc). If your objection to the iphone 7 and the Sony camera, were that you just don't enjoy using them... then it's a matter of just finding the style you like. I have the Sony A6300 as 1 of my cameras, and I find it a ton of fun to use. I love it's super fast focus, it's fast continuous shooting, it's in-camera panoramas, it's bright EVF, etc. On the other hand, I don't love the ergonomics, don't love the feel of some of the dials. If your objection is image quality.... I get the most image quality out of my Nikon D750.... But that's a full frame camera, that I pair with lenses that run from $500 to $2000 per lens. I shoot raw, I do extensive post-processing. And none of my images are ever fully auto. But I get some breath taking images.
And if it's just a matter of wanting a longer zoom lens than your iphone.. then there are a number of compact superzoom P&S cameras, that can fill those needs.

There really are no BAD cameras on the market. You'll get a lot of people that will respond to you and say, "I shoot with ______ and I love it."
But to best answer your question, need to know more about what you're looking for. Every camera designed in the last 5 years, is a very good camera.

100% this. I'll say what you pointed out is why we went with the XT-10 instead of the "better" XT-1. We looked at all the reviews and specs and stuff and it was really splitting hairs when you got down to the $300 cost difference. Of course we have a DSLR as well but traveling with it is anxiety inducing since if it gets dropped once it can destroy the whole things. That is why I shutter every time my nephew drops his and acts like it is no big deal. Kid won't even use a strap of any sort and doesn't understand why dropping his DSLR is so different then dropping his iphone. He thinks if it still clicks and take a photo then it is fine.

I was working from memory. I double checked. The camera that just died on me is the Sony - Alpha a5000.

As for not liking it, It really came down to being disappointed with the pictures. I liked the size and ease of carry but I struggled with action shots and crisp images in low light. That was a letdown because I really enjoy taking pictures and making albums of our adventures.

The iphone does take nice images and had really eliminated the need for me to load a camera around if we do a local outing such as a ball game or quick family gathering. But you are right, I do prefer a "real camera" for larger family functions, my son's athletic activities and travel. I prefer to shoot in auto except for travel so perhaps a DSLR is not what I need? Although I did enjoy the feel of my old rebel and was very satisfied with the images.

You guys have definitely give me some great information and food for thought. I really appreciate the help.

Thanks!

 

[havoc315]

I'll take a look at this one. A little out of my price range but I'd be willing to stretch a bit for the right camera.






I was working from memory. I double checked. The camera that just died on me is the Sony - Alpha a5000.

As for not liking it, It really came down to being disappointed with the pictures. I liked the size and ease of carry but I struggled with action shots and crisp images in low light. That was a letdown because I really enjoy taking pictures and making albums of our adventures.

The iphone does take nice images and had really eliminated the need for me to load a camera around if we do a local outing such as a ball game or quick family gathering. But you are right, I do prefer a "real camera" for larger family functions, my son's athletic activities and travel. I prefer to shoot in auto except for travel so perhaps a DSLR is not what I need? Although I did enjoy the feel of my old rebel and was very satisfied with the images.

You guys have definitely give me some great information and food for thought. I really appreciate the help.

Thanks!

Thus demonstrating the complexity, you were unhappy with the Sony A5000 in low light, but happy with the Canon 2ti -- But by objective testing, the Sony A5000 is actually a bit better than the Canon t2i for low light. Of course, it depends on what lens you are attaching to the camera, and it may depend on how you're setting the camera.
Now, the A5000 was pretty poor for sports and action -- it was before Sony perfected their OSPDAF. The newest Sony A cameras can actually be better for action than most consumer dSLRs.

If you enjoyed the "feel" of the Rebel, then that might be exactly what you should get. In the end, the biggest factor is simply whether you enjoy using the camera. It's not going to be significantly better or worse than other options. There are some pros and cons compared to other cameras. But the newest Canon Rebel is quite a good machine.

 

[bob100]

it also depends on your budget, the current Canon Rebel cameras are fine as well as older 70D, 80D, models for sports but the choice of lens is also important.
www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

 

[ashmac8]

Lots of food for thought. I have a little time and lots to hunk about. Thanks all

 

[David Daniels]

I have been a Canon guy forever, but am slowly transitioning to mirrorless. A LOT less weight to carry around. With that said, I have the Panasonic G7 and G85.

Since the G85 is newer you can get the G7 much cheaper now. 16mp camera, and 4K video camera. I'm thinking of selling my G7 with a 14-140mm (Basically 28-280mm) lens if anyone is interested. Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[ashmac8]

I have been a Canon guy forever, but am slowly transitioning to mirrorless. A LOT less weight to carry around. With that said, I have the Panasonic G7 and G85.

Since the G85 is newer you can get the G7 much cheaper now. 16mp camera, and 4K video camera. I'm thinking of selling my G7 with a 14-140mm (Basically 28-280mm) lens if anyone is interested. Good luck whatever you decide!

Thanks I'll check those out as well.

 

[bob100]

I have been a Canon guy forever, but am slowly transitioning to mirrorless. A LOT less weight to carry around. With that said, I have the Panasonic G7 and G85.
Since the G85 is newer you can get the G7 much cheaper now. 16mp camera, and 4K video camera. I'm thinking of selling my G7 with a 14-140mm (Basically 28-280mm) lens if anyone is interested. Good luck whatever you decide!

I also made the transition to mirrorless - smaller and lighter weight (except for the longer telephotos)
www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

 

[chudlyfudly]

I see I'm quite late to the party here but in case anyone else is in a similar position or if you haven't yet made a decision yet...

I would so highly recommend a Fujifilm X100 series camera. I currently use Fujifilm X Pro 2s for my work photography, but I recently bought the new X100F for personal photographs. It's small and easy to take anywhere and everywhere with you. If this is out of your budget, the X100T or S are still cameras that are highly regarded (the T more than the S, being the newer model). All are fixed focal length cameras - you'll be stuck with a 23mm lens (35mm full frame equivalent) unless you buy the wide conversion lens or tele conversion lens, but it's honestly very liberating having the decisions taken away - there's no zoom to think about, no swapping lenses either.

It performs very well in low light, and the T and S should perform admirably too given that the lens' widest aperture is f/2. It's very soft wide open but gets sharp as you stop down.

 

[manning]

http://cameras.reviewed.com/content/panasonic-lumix-zs60-digital-camera-review

Fits in shirt pocket
focal length equivalence of 24-720mm.