Old School Photographer needs advice...

[gkarris]

Wow, been a while since I bought a nice digital camera (I've bought a few of those pocket ones).

I have a nice Olympus Digital from back in the day, but I think it needs to be upgraded.

I have an old Nikon SLR film system so a few bodies and lenses.

What is a good all in one camera with a nice lens and zoom?

A Panasonic with a Leica lens?

A Sony with a Zeiss lens?

What else is there?

On a tight budget - been buying too much stuff this year...

I'd like a compact SLR type of camera with a built-in lens with a large zoom.

Going to a Stargate Con in the Summer.... :D

[cube]

Bridges are not SLR. They have an electronic viewfinder.
Many are not really compact, but the size of an SLR.

[gkarris]

^^^^

Recommendations?

[cube]

Price?

[gkarris]

Around $300.

I'm looking at these:

Sony with Zeiss Lens:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&productId=8198552921665087302&langId=-1

Panasonic with Leica Lens:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FZ8K-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000MWVMRG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1206124823&sr=8-5

I know it's not just the lens, but the sensor in these things (back in the day it was the type of film you used).

My old Olympus 3 Megapix had a nice lens and sensor, but it's kinda old:

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_support_product.asp?id=521

EDIT: I had to fix the info the camera I have - older than I thought...

Thanks!

[bking1000]

Around $300.

I'm looking at these:

Sony with Zeiss Lens:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&productId=8198552921665087302&langId=-1

Panasonic with Leica Lens:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FZ8K-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000MWVMRG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1206124823&sr=8-5

I know it's not just the lens, but the sensor in these things (back in the day it was the type of film you used).

My old Olympus 3 Megapix had a nice lens and sensor, but it's kinda old:

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_support_product.asp?id=521

EDIT: I had to fix the info the camera I have - older than I thought...

Thanks!

Cameras today can be helped by good lenses, but the good lenses can also be thwarted by bad software and bad sensors, like you said. I have experience with the pocket-sized cameras, and now also entry-level DSLRs, but not the format you are looking at. But, I would say you should check out this forum, but also camera review sites and their forums live Steve's Digicams (google for the site) and dpreview.com and I think also dcresource.com. There are also others.

I think Canon makes the S5 which is a format like the Pana and Sony. Some folks have had good things to say about that.

There's also the Canon G9, which has a larger sensor than most of these compacts, and full manual control including RAW capabilities. That's what I've just picked up and been playing with for a couple of weeks. Smaller than the format you are looking at, but bigger than a pocket camera. But the G9 is more like $440.

[gkarris]

Cameras today can be helped by good lenses, but the good lenses can also be thwarted by bad software and bad sensors, like you said. I have experience with the pocket-sized cameras, and now also entry-level DSLRs, but not the format you are looking at. But, I would say you should check out this forum, but also camera review sites and their forums live Steve's Digicams (google for the site) and dpreview.com and I think also dcresource.com. There are also others.

I think Canon makes the S5 which is a format like the Pana and Sony. Some folks have had good things to say about that.

There's also the Canon G9, which has a larger sensor than most of these compacts, and full manual control including RAW capabilities. That's what I've just picked up and been playing with for a couple of weeks. Smaller than the format you are looking at, but bigger than a pocket camera. But the G9 is more like $440.

That's it! I couldn't remember the website you can go to that has a comprehensive database and review of cameras.

Thanks!

[cube]

The dpreview database is still not up to date.
You might also find some errors in it.

[gkarris]

^^^

Got another one? Thanks.

[cube]

That's where I go, limitations and all.

[cube]

There's also photographyblog.com

[bking1000]

If you google "<cameraname> review" (for example "canon G9 review") you'll get lots of review site hits.

There can be factual errors, but what I like the sites for, is they use the same sample still lifes to take pics. So, if you open up two browsers with the two cameras you are considering, you can see sample shots side by side, check vignetting issues, etc. etc.

[cube]

Many of the hits for "XXX review" are buyer comments or just camera descriptions.

[gkarris]

Thanks to all for helping. Well it looks like the Panasonic if I was to get that type of camera.

Now, I don't think I'll be doing "film" anymore anyways, so if I was to trade in my Nikon 35mm SLR system (3 bodies, 5 lenses), which DSLR should I get?

Pentax
Canon
Nikon

?

(runs and hides...)

[Lovesong]

Thanks to all for helping. Well it looks like the Panasonic if I was to get that type of camera.

Now, I don't think I'll be doing "film" anymore anyways, so if I was to trade in my Nikon 35mm SLR system (3 bodies, 5 lenses), which DSLR should I get?

Pentax
Canon
Nikon

?

(runs and hides...)

Umm... how about sell the film bodies, and get a Nikon DSLR- all your lenses, flashes, etc. will still work on it. Careful with the D40/40x/60, as they don't have a focus motor, and thus you might have to manually focus. The D80, on the other hand will be a nice addition to your arsenal.

[bking1000]

Many of the hits for "XXX review" are buyer comments or just camera descriptions.

True, but I just typed in "G9 review" and got, in order;

digitalcamerareview.com
dpreview.com
cnet.com
theonlinephotographer.com
photographyreview.com
popphoto.com
cameralabs.com

All are reviews of the product, none of them are garbage sites. My experience is that within the first page are usually links to some good review sites. Quicker than posting a message that says "hey, can someone tell me which camera is better" then reading the responses for 3 days :D (kidding, kidding)

[ChrisA]

What is a good all in one camera with a nice lens and zoom?


We'd all like a digital SLR that fits in a shirt pocket and sells for under $200.

What's your budget? $250, $500, $750? How will you use the images? On screen, small prints, on the web? Wall size prints?

What camera do you have now and why don't you like it.

THe more info you give the more relevant the advice can be

[Techguy172]

Thanks to all for helping. Well it looks like the Panasonic if I was to get that type of camera.

Now, I don't think I'll be doing "film" anymore anyways, so if I was to trade in my Nikon 35mm SLR system (3 bodies, 5 lenses), which DSLR should I get?

Pentax
Canon
Nikon

?

(runs and hides...)

I would keep the Nikon lenses and trade your bodies and get a D80 really nice camera.

[ChrisA]

if I was to trade in my Nikon 35mm SLR system (3 bodies, 5 lenses), which DSLR should I get?

If yu already have Nikon why not stay with it. Yu can find a digital body that will work with what other equipment you already have. Which digital body depends on what you already have. You can spend anything you want. Used DSLR bodies are good deals too.

[SuperCompu2]

S5 IS from Canon is a good camera. I've heard (and seen) great things about these cameras. Not your average point-and-shoot.

[cube]

Do you have AI or AI-S lenses?

[npederse]

As a Canon guy, I recommend either the S5 or the G9 -- different styles, but both are good. You may be able to pick up a used S3 for a very reasonable price. I'd check fredmiranda.com for used canon/nikon gear.

If you go the SLR route, then you should definitely look at the Nikons, like a D80. Should allow you to use all of your old lenses. Really depends if you like how the camera feels and the control locations. A lot of the film Nikonians easily transition to digital.

But any of the major names produce a decent slr nowadays. The differentiator for me is lens availability, particularly used lens, which is why I recommend Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Minolta.

[Abstract]

How old are your old lenses?


I'm going to say Nikon D40X unless we get more info about your old gear.

[gkarris]

How old are your old lenses?


I'm going to say Nikon D40X unless we get more info about your old gear.

My lenses are really old, and won't work with a 40x, some are not even compatible (something with the mount?).

Most, though, are the original Nikon Auto-Focus Lenses.

I'm on a tight budget, so I'd have to trade everything in to get a DSLR.

Thanks.

[iJordo]

are all Canon as far as I have seen I would look at the
Canon Powershot S5 IS... it is only running a little under 300$ but has an amazing zoom on it and does alot of SLR type manual features! The Powershot G9 is also fantastic....and finally the PowerShot SX100 IS they are all good......
It would probably be a good idea to look your options up on the sight
www.dpreview.com before you buy....it has alot of info...!
Take Care and good luck

[cube]

Really old == Pre-AI?

Are your autofocus lenses F3 AF or newer AF (but no need to reach AF-D)?

[Abstract]

Well to me, those AI lenses are VERY old. Anything that's AF-D is already fairly old school. :p It's all perspective.

If your lenses are ancient, it may be time to start again. See what you can get for your Nikons and lenses. After that, start thinking about the dSLR. There's no point deciding on which DSLR you want if you don't even know how much money you can spend.

[cube]

I started collecting f/2 or faster AI primes for cheap.

[gkarris]

Really old == Pre-AI?

Are your autofocus lenses F3 AF or newer AF (but no need to reach AF-D)?

Thanks for your concerns.

My Nikon equipment is:

N70 Body
FM Body
35-80 AF
80-200 AF
24-50 AF

This are Nikon's first generation AF lenses.

So what to do? Are these good glass? Get rid of everything and start over? Just get a basic Nikon D40? (I see those for about $500 with a basic lens).

I forgot, I do also have a Mamiya 645 to add to the trade-in.

Thanks!

[pinktank]

I'd look at a used canon s3 as it is almost the same with the new s5

[gkarris]

So can anyone comment on my Nikon stuff?

Get rid of it all and start over - or just keep (not worth taking the small amount of money for the used stuff).

[cube]

Assuming all these are slow lenses (none f/2.8) it seems this set of glass goes for around $200 in good condition from a photo store.

[Baron58]

I have the G9. It is absolutely everything I want in a camera right now. Next purchase will be a good flash for it.

[julianps]

I have the G9. It is absolutely everything I want in a camera right now. Next purchase will be a good flash for it.

I saw reference to DPREVIEW but nothing for Steve's Digicams.

Canon G9 at Steve's Digicam Reviews (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/canon_g9.html)

[gkarris]

Thanks for your concerns.

My Nikon equipment is:

N70 Body
FM Body
35-80 AF
80-200 AF
24-50 AF

This are Nikon's first generation AF lenses.

So what to do? Are these good glass? Get rid of everything and start over? Just get a basic Nikon D40? (I see those for about $500 with a basic lens).

I forgot, I do also have a Mamiya 645 to add to the trade-in.

Thanks!

Assuming all these are slow lenses (none f/2.8) it seems this set of glass goes for around $200 in good condition from a photo store.

So are my lenses worth keeping? Just get a Nikon DSLR (the D40) and use them in manual focus mode?

[cube]

Those lenses are not very exciting, and you'll lack wide range.
If you decide to keep them, I'd rather go for a used D50 or D70 ($400 in excellent condition with the accessories), to be able to autofocus. The D70s costs a bit more.

If you decide to sell them, a new D50 with 18-55 and 55-200 AFS will cost you around $600 (no VR).

Personally, I prefer a used D50, D70 or D70s to a D40 (and maybe even to D40x and D60). You can always sell your lenses later and maybe spend a bit more on a Sigma 18-200 OS, if the Nikon 18-200 VR is too expensive for you.

I think it's mainly a question of wanting a camera with more than a couple months of warranty. If this is the case, your cheapest option would be the D40 and I would get rid of those lenses.

The D70 can die with BGLOD, but Nikon would fix this even when out of warranty (at least in some countries and when official import).

[Xfujinon]

I would highly recommend the S5 IS Canon camera, although I have little experience with the competing brands. I've recommended the S3 IS and the S5 IS over time to about 10 buyers; all of them are satisfied as of this date.

Going into SLR-land in the digital sphere is quite expensive. I really didn't have the money, but I got a 40D and a 24-70 anyways, and it has been absolutely awesome. Now, I just need more time to actually play with it!

[ChrisA]

Most, though, are the original Nikon Auto-Focus Lenses.

Those will work fine with a Nikon D50, D70, D80 and higher numbered models. They will not autofocus with a D40 or D60.

You best option if you are on a tight budget is to buy a used D50 or D70. These can be had for about $400 now and would allow you to use every older AF Nikon Lens.

[cube]

If you wear glasses the D100 might be a better choice than newer Nikon DSLRs. It goes for about the same price as the D70.

[SLC Flyfishing]

If you sell them all, Pentax had the K100D super that should be going down considerably in price now! I highly recommend their products and you don't have to worry about whether or not any old lenses you find will work on the body. Pentax hasn't changed a thing since the M42 screw mount!

And all Pentax DSLR's come with Shake Reduction built in to the camera body instead of the lens, so that will save you a stack of cash compared to buying VR Nikon lenses or IS canon ones.

SLC

[npederse]

I'd look at a used canon s3 as it is almost the same with the new s5

If you're interested, I think I saw an S3 on fredmiranda.com for around $200.

But if you're going to go with an SLR, you may want to save the $$ for that.

[gkarris]

Those will work fine with a Nikon D50, D70, D80 and higher numbered models. They will not autofocus with a D40 or D60.

You best option if you are on a tight budget is to buy a used D50 or D70. These can be had for about $400 now and would allow you to use every older AF Nikon Lens.

I heard you need to stay away from used digital cameras. You don't know how well they've been treated (like dropped, etc.).

Any good experiences out there?

[cube]

I bought a used D70 at a shop over a year ago and it still works. They gave me only one month of warranty, but I think they had sent it to Nikon for a checkup.

[gkarris]

Thanks everyone so much for your help.

Looks like, as far as a "nicer" regular camera, and based on dpreview.com, I'm going with the Panasonic Lumix.

Now, as far as DSLRs, leaning towards the Nikon, as I don't think my equipment is really worth anything anymore, and I can at least use the lenses in manual focus mode...

I mean, does anyone actually use film anymore? That would be the only reason for trading everything in - to get rid of my film camera equipment.

Any more thoughts are welcomed.

[cube]

To practically manual focus your lenses, you will really need a focusing screen (around $40, $70, or $105, depending on the model). The prisms will affect autoexposure a bit, so you will need to adjust compensation.

[gkarris]

To practically manual focus your lenses, you will really need a focusing screen (around $40, $70, or $105, depending on the model). The prisms will affect autoexposure a bit, so you will need to adjust compensation.

Sorry, old school. Why - can't you just use the viewfinder?

[cube]

The viewfinder screens on Nikon DSLRs are plain, they don't have any split image or microprisms to help focusing. There is the green dot, but it's very hard to hunt for it without any visual help.

The D60 has a better rangefinder that shows you how far you are on either side, but I don't know how practical that is compared to an old school screen.

[seany916]

If you've got Nikon lenses, go with the D40.

Get an SLR.

[gkarris]

If you've got Nikon lenses, go with the D40.

Get an SLR.

Yes, I spoke with a really knowledgeable salesman at a camera shop and he says it's a great camera at that price.

Thanks all for your help!

I have just ordered the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K. He also recommended that one for an all-in-one camera and has a really nice lens (Leica).

I will use that for now, and eventually sell off my film SLR cameras and get the D40 (I may keep a lens or two).

[HooHar]

I have the S5 and G9 and I only use the G9 - it does everything you could wish for and does it better.

If you want to take portraits though - where split second timing matters - you'd be better off going down the SLR route. I find that the lag you get with compacts just ends up being frustrating.

Cheers
Hoohar :D

[gkarris]

I have the S5 and G9 and I only use the G9 - it does everything you could wish for and does it better.

If you want to take portraits though - where split second timing matters - you'd be better off going down the SLR route. I find that the lag you get with compacts just ends up being frustrating.

Cheers
Hoohar :D


Thanks. I went with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K for $234. The $299 and $449 Canons are more than I wanted to spend.

I managed to sell most of my old film equipment for about $230.

Will post pics when I get it!

EDIT: Here's some pics I took in the neighborhood with the Lumix - what a great camera for the price! Nice glass on it. (pics were reduced for the web).

Now to start saving for that Nikon D40... ;)