cameras... suggestions please

[markie]

I'm ready to start up again and will start with new camera... have used in progression, a Pentax, Canon 50D, Olympus OM-D and was going to now use my husband's Canon 7D but decided to sell it instead and start fresh....

I need suggestions... I will never be a serious professional photographer, just want to have fun taking really good photos...

Right now, I am thinking about the Canon M50 Mark II???

[Ferrets are Cool]

1. That is way overkill for fun picture taking.

I suggest the Sony 6000. I used it exclusively for many years to make a living with. It's light, inexpensive and has a great sensor. You can spend a ton more, but that money would have diminishing returns.

Oops, I read your post wrong. I was thinking of a different Mark II. I stand by my recommendation though.

[markie]

3. yes, seem to be about the same price

I want to check lenses as well... a good macro and zoom

[elleng]

2. Nikon CoolPix P900

[markie]

4. looks like the P950

has taken its place... I will check it out

[Grumpy Old Guy]

19. I think they have a P1000 now.

Last edited Fri Jun 24, 2022, 12:13 PM - Edit history (1)

[usonian]

5. It depends entirely on your needs!

Only speaking from my experience.

I have been using a Coolpix older than Ellen's for some 10 years, I lost track.
It has one lens that goes from very wide (24mm equivalent) to 1000mm equivalent, telephoto.
The 950 and 1000 go even beyond this.
KEY POINT. One lens. No lens changing. No dust. Distant and close-up (macro) performance are great for the 16 megapixels. Not 24, but "you get the shot". Right now. My hummingbird photos are with this cam.

I have newer stuff for my special needs, which probably aren't yours.

Fire tower some 5 miles away. Just cropped, not enlarged.

Hummingbird. This is cropped and enlarged some to show detail.


HTH.

[markie]

13. I really have no needs

only impulsive wants and I miss taking pictures... time to start again


never used a Nikon so I am a bit hesitant, but your photos make me want to check it out

[usonian]

15. The main point is that unless you are a camera nut, a "do it all" camera can be just right

without compromise.

First of all, beautiful close-up. My first lens (1970) was a macro lens.

This is general, not specific to the Nikon.

I *am* a camera nut, did optical engineering, but for many years, did everything with one lens on the one camera, and there was zero lag time changing lenses etc. This kind of cameras is called "point and shoot" for good reason. (you want to zoom, as well) I found this especially useful around the property in the snow, and one special trip to Yosemite when it snowed. Goodness, it's hard to get the camera out of the case, let alone change lenses. I had super ski-gloves on (and off and on ...)

You can't peel me away from one camera doing wide angle to extreme telephoto, and also outstanding close-ups.

The point is the simplicity, probably the only thing in my life that IS simple.

And TBH, unless you want the telephoto capability which I don't think anyone else has, then any point and shoot camera will perform very nicely. And probably for less money.

This is Coolpix-specific.
The 1000mm equivalent hooked me. Newer models are 2000 and 3000. -- I did astronomy as well
A long lens (over 400mm) on an interchangeable lens camera will cost a fortune.

(All focal lengths are equivalent compared to 24x36, or 35 mm)
Folks here will answer questions. If you can, borrow this or that make before buying.

Good luck.

[markie]

16. "The point is the simplicity"

https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/lenses/ef/telephoto-zoom/ef-100-400mm-f-4-5-5-6l-is-ii-usm/ef-100-400mm-f4-5-5-6l-is-ii-usm


this is one of the lenses I have... thinking of selling along with the 7D... maybe I need more time to consider... know I want more than a "point and shoot"

[usonian]

17. Wow.That's a beauty.

AFAICT, the Coolpix is the only way to get long telephoto performance under or around $1000 everything included.

And it never disappointed on any job, 16 megapixels worth. Stuff gets real pricey beyond 16 megapixels, and also beyond 200mm.

The long focal length will drive costs a lot.

Take your time. I didn't upgrade for years. Especially if you can borrow and try stuff. I hope you can, because paper decisions are tough to make.

Balance your need for "just take the picture" versus megapixels, how wide, how close and how "zoomy".

Good luck. I made my upgrade choice based on which system would give me the best 20mm lens, one I have always wanted but never got. It is very different from even a 24mm lens) I let the rest take care of itself. And at my place, it gets two mountain peaks into the same view, which is out of this world nice. And I have a rock wall (which I can't climb) that is ideal for 20mm wide angle views.

YMMV, of course.

[AndyS]

6. Not knowing anything about you beyond the OP

it's hard to make an educated suggestion.

For casual shooting it hard to beat a 'bridge camera', one with a fixed lens that covers a wide range. They don't do everything to suit us 'pixel peepers' but it's everything in one package and are great for casual shooting.

You mentioned the M50 which is Canon's lightweight entry. Light, easy to carry and the best camera is the one you have with you. I'm biased to Olympus (now OM Systems) and an EM-10 with a 14-42 EZ is a very compact easy to use package. Add in a 40-150 and you've got a lot of range (28-300 full frame). Very inexpensive lenses with excellent glass. It also has easy to use scene settings that allow the camera to do all the work for most situations.

It just depends on you and what you plan for expansion. You can also save a bunch buying used and there's a lot of entry level interchangeable lens camers out there.

Bottom line is you can't buy a bad camera today.

[markie]

12. "can't buy a bad camera today"

that seems to be what it looks like... thanks for the input

[TreasonousBastard]

7. I tend toward Nikon but the Canon is a fine camara and will...

do what you want, except maybe 4K video.

Lens choice is the big thing, and Canon will give you everything you want. Mirrorless is a big deal for weight and makes up for a lot of things, although I'm not sure how Canon deals with legacy lenses. Nikon has an adaptor that lets you use almost everything they ever made.

Get whatever feels comfortable. Even though reviews say all sorts of good things about Sony, it's more about how you work wirh the camera.

[markie]

10. not much interested in videos...

lenses are an issue I'm looking at... I have 4 that go with the 7D not sure I can use them with a new Canon... so much research... I always counted on my husband to do that part for me

thanks for the input

[Grumpy Old Guy]

22. The EF-RF adapter works great with legacy lenses.

[George McGovern]

8. Excellent camera markie. Takes great pictures. (See my sunsets in this group.)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/802513358-USE/olympus_v207050bu000_om_d_e_m10_mark_ii.html?ap=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQjwntCVBhDdARIsAMEwACksJPK0Hs01hbzKs9UpfbZ_hJ3AfumJsYeg0yzpxAxzIoA7IMninkkaAnsYEALw_wcB

[markie]

9. had it

and just didn't seem to fall in love with it?? your photos are great! thanks for the input... still researching

[George McGovern]

18. Great close-up! I love that you've been posting your photos! You have a great eye!

Are you anywhere near a reputable camera shop? Might be an option, hands-on holding, professional advice. Thank you for your kind comment.

[Gato Moteado]

11. a lot of great suggestions in the thread so far....

....no matter which camera you choose, you will make great images. it would be good to know what your budget is because that will help you narrow things down.

for convenience, the bridge camera is a good suggestion. and, from what i've seen, the nikons (P900, P950 and P1000) are by far, the best.

this guy uses the P900 and P950 for most of his work and it's great(some of his shots were done with a full frame sony, though):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/aisse_gaertner/

this woman uses the P1000 and gets amazing images of wildlife:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/catherinegardnerphotography/

if you choose to get a camera with interchangeable lenses, i would suggest getting a mirrorless camera. the canon m50 is fine, but, IMHO, it's not as good as the other APS-C mirrorless bodies. sony and nikon have APS-C mirrorless cameras that are better, but the fuji APS-C cameras are amazing. give them a look.

olympus and lumix have micro 4/3 sensors (smaller than the APS-C sensor) and they have been leading the way in the mirrorless world for a while and you can't go wrong there, either.

if you have a camera store near you, have a look at all of these and see which ones feel the most comfortable to you and also which have the best user interface for you.

[markie]

14. the camera equipment

I'm selling has been tentatively evaluated at about $1300 (local and Adorama) and so I figure a body with that and then I can pick up a couple more lenses

I had the original Olympus mirrorless (still do, giving it to my daughter) Starting fresh with ??? I appreciate your input!

[Grumpy Old Guy]

20. Don't get an M series Canon. Look into the new Canon APS-C.

Canon is probably discontinuing the M series.

Instead consider the new Canon APS-C mirrorless cameras that are just now being released, the R7 and R10. They are reasonably priced and will offer superb quality and fearures.They have a kit lens available that is equivalent to a 24mm-225mm, and the bodies will work with every Canon RF, EF and EF-S lens with an adapter.

Right now the R7 is backordered due to supply chain issues, but it will be worth the wait. I ordered an R7 for my wife to use. I think the R10 has arrived in stores. Mirrorless cameras are amazing.

One more point. I've used Canon bridge cameras with great success in the past. I heartily recommend the Canon SX70HS if you're you're leaning in that direction. I've posted many photos here that were taken with a Canon SX20HS and SX40HS.

[usonian]

21. Taking a guess at your "profile"

From your posts, you might be happy with what I have been taking outdoors lately:
• A 24-200 zoom for "almost" everything, and
• A really close-focusing lens.
All makes do this nicely.

Important question:

How much do you need a long telephoto? (200mm, 400mm, and beyond)

An interchangeable long tele costs way more than a "superzoom" system camera.
https://www.photoworkout.com/best-superzoom-cameras-for-birding/

And one is best for climbing rocks, either at home or in a park, in terms of weight and not having to change lenses.

[Grumpy Old Guy]

23. One drawback to bridge cameras.

I believe that all the bridge cameras use a 1/2.3 inch image sensor. This is the smallest of all sensors except maybe for cellphones. This is why they come with incredible zoom lenses. However, the downside is that it would be more difficult to get a good sized print out of it. If all you're going to do is post your pics on the internet that is fine. However, if you like to print your photos to hang on your wall you may be happier with a crop sensor camera.

[markie]

24. I so appreciate all the input

it's funny... I am such a slacker but love to take photos and play with them.... I always counted on my husband to know what I wanted, do the research for me and then buy me just what I needed... he gave me a hard time because I resisted reading the manual and spending the time necessary to do the right thing... I would say "I want to do this with my camera" he would tell me what to do and I could take great photos.... I had the "eye" for the photo and he had the tech skills... now without him I have to do it on my own...... whine, whine, poor me time for me to grow up I guess

No, I do not want a bridge camera. I want to learn and have control of my camera

[Grumpy Old Guy]

25. That sounds like me and my wife.

My wife, Legger here on DU, loves photography. In fact, we met in her family's custom B&W photolab in 1983. She has a great eye, and has done well in the photo contests here. I've often helped her with her settings, but she is slowly getting the hang of doing it all herself. She is excited about the new Canon EOS R7 that we just ordered for her.

This is definitely a good place to learn the craft. There are lots of folks willing to help. Feel free to DM if you have more specific questions. It really isn't all that difficult. There are just a few basic rules to observe. Digital cameras make it so much easier.

Grumpy

[Mysterian]

26. I can recommend the Panasonic Lumix G7

It is lightweight, takes great pictures and has all the capabilities I need as a former photographer myself.