Starting from scratch after 50 years.

Starting from scratch after all my equipment was stolen.

Not sure what to go for.

Basic requirements to begin with,
Decent camera body
50mm Prime
100-300 mm fast quality zoom for model aeroplane pictures
Macro or at least a close up lens.
28mm

all lens sizes stated are for equivalent to full frame so for example if I go M4/3rds want a 25mm Prime.

Options.

Sony SLT,

Pros
Was perfectly happy with my A65, A77ii and A850.
Cheap excellent lenses, Minolta are a complete bargain, replacing my 300mmG with a modern lens equivalent going to cost a fortune for example.
Probably the cheapest way back in and I know the gear intimately.
The only lens I have left is a Minolta 28mm!

Cons
It is a redundant technology, whilst I had it all I was not bothered as it would outlast me and the A77ii and A850 gave me everything I required, but its a different equation investing now. I knew my gear from almost new and it was well looked after, not adverse to S/H but need either a warranty or to know its been cared for.

Micro 4/3rds

Pros
Panasonic G9 offers everything I need in a camera for now.
Lenses relatively cheap.
I doubt I would be enlarging very often to a really big size size so image quality likely to be enough.

Cons
I am not fond of the aspect ratio for landscapes.


New or newer cameras,

Not sure what is available on the market as not kept up. I know the A7 cameras are out because I do not like the ergonomics and that is important to me. Not keen on returning to DSLR so my question is what might I take a look at initial budget about a grand?

Just about MFT and aspect ratios.

Do you know that with a G9 you can select different aspect ratios in camera?

You can also crop post capture. If the aspect ratio is all that is stopping you from loving a G9 I think you should take a look at the in camera aspect ratios and/or cropping.

I've been with MFT since the GF1 but these days the image quality you can get elsewhere is beyond anything MFT can give so these days I only use MFT for long lenses and for the times I want a built in flash. I'm happy with the handing of the Sony A7 series cameras I suppose partly because I started with film when some cameras had pretty much zero ergonomics and no grip. The A7 seems like an ergonomic dream in comparison.

I also have a RF style A7cII and again I find the handling to be perfectly ok. Maybe you could have a look at one? The image quality is way beyond anything you can get from MFT and it's smaller than many MFT cameras.

Good luck choosing but I think looking at available aspect ratios and/or cropping with a G9 should be your first task if the camera otherwise suits you well.

woof woof said:

Just about MFT and aspect ratios.

Do you know that wit a G9 you can select different aspect ratios in camera?

You can also crop post capture. If the aspect ratio is all that is stopping you from loving a G9 I think you should take a look at the in camera aspect ratios and/or cropping.

I've been with MFT since the GF1 but these days the image quality you can get elsewhere is beyond anything MFT can give so these days I only use MFT for long lenses and for the times I want a built in flash. I'm happy with the handing of the Sony A7 series cameras I suppose partly because I started with film when some cameras had pretty much zero ergonomics and no grip. The A7 seems like an ergonomic dream in comparison.

I also have a RF style A7cII and again I find the handling to be perfectly ok. Maybe you could have a look at one? The image quality is way beyond anything you can get from MFT and it's smaller than many MFT cameras.

Good luck choosing but I think looking at available aspect ratios and/or cropping with a G9 should be your first task if the camera otherwise suits you well.

Click to expand...

Must admit I do like the A7c didn't know it existed let alone there was already a MKii.

Baloo said:

Must admit I do like the A7c didn't know it existed let alone there was already a MKii.

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I went for the mkII as it has two near top of camera controls (for aperture and shutter speed control) including one on the front of the grip which is missing from the mk1.

Harrison cameras offer a 12 month warranty on all the used gear they sell so they're a good choice. I think some others offer 12 months. Most are 6 I think for used.

Minolta lenses are such good value and decently made as well.

Harrison cameras have an A900 that is boxed...that's a bit older and more like the A850.


It's definitely better to go and maul gear in person if you are going to get something different rather than going to just replace what you had with the same again.

srichards said:

Harrison cameras offer a 12 month warranty on all the used gear they sell so they're a good choice. I think some others offer 12 months. Most are 6 I think for used.

Minolta lenses are such good value and decently made as well.

Harrison cameras have an A900 that is boxed...that's a bit older and more like the A850.

Used Sony A900 Camera Body

Purchase the Used Sony A900 Camera Body from Harrison Cameras

harrisoncameras.co.uk

It's definitely better to go and maul gear in person if you are going to get something different rather than going to just replace what you had with the same again.

Click to expand...

Very tempted by the Sony A99 they have one at MPB for £479 with 12month warranty, it was my dream camera when I still suffered from GAS.

Baloo said:

Very tempted by the Sony A99 they have one at MPB for £479 with 12month warranty, it was my dream camera when I still suffered from GAS.

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Same! I bought one used years ago and still have it. The early ones have GPS built in so it can automatically log where a photo was taken. Really useful. I really like mine. Have never wanted to replace it.

Buy it