What should I buy next?

pete s

pete s

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Pete
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Right, a bit of a tricky what camera query for you.

I want something that will give me top notch IQ, has plenty of manual controls, but is not too large or heavy. I’ve had DSLRs in the past, all Canon, (including 550D and 50D). I’ve also had high end compacts (Fuji X10, X100S and Sony RX100 II) and m4/3 (Lumix G3). All of which have had pros and cons and all of which have been sold on again for one reason or another. I cannot settle on one particular type/model. I sell a DSLR because I’m tired of lugging around tons of gear, buy a smaller camera, then miss the DSLRs abilities, IQ, etc.

So what have I learned through buying and owning so many cameras? Well I like what a DSLR can do, but I don’t like the size and weight. I don’t get on with a fixed focal length (X100S), preferring the flexibility of some degree of zoom. I find compacts IQ not usually up to my exacting requirements (except maybe the RX100 II, but that was bit too small/fiddly for my liking). I’m not so keen on having numerous interchangeable lenses, but will put up with this if it gives me the flexibility I crave. I hate shutter lag.

I’m afraid I now do not know where to turn next. I know I am fussy and probably fickle and I know that there is no such thing as the perfect camera that does it all, but I guess that is what I’m looking for or as near as possible. At the moment I am without a camera, apart from my iPhone. I want to make a wise and informed purchase which stands some chance of staying with me for a while.

Can anyone help? Is there some medication I need which may relieve these symptoms? Do you despair reading this or do you suffer the same?

:confused::help::banghead:
 
pete s said:
1. Can anyone help?
2. Is there some medication I need which may relieve these symptoms?
3. Do you despair reading this or do you suffer the same?

:confused::help::banghead:
Click to expand...

1. No
2. Yes but it doesn't exist.
3. Yes and to a lesser degree, sometimes.
 
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OMD EM1. Smaller than a DSLR, smaller lenses, similar ergonomics, good IQ.
 
The Canon G1x mk2 is just out so there should be some bargains of the mk 1 as retailers shift old stock. Decent size sensor and great IQ.
 
sigma dp? Its sharper than anything canon has ever made, small n light, no zoom but you can crop to 100% in most cases and it'll look great.
 
minnnt said:
You fail to mention what your interests are unless I've missed it? This can affect the suggestions...
Click to expand...

Varied. This is probably why I am struggling, as I am (rather unfairly) asking for something that will cover all bases. Landscapes, portraits, a bit of travel, very occasionally an airshow or two. All of these I know have very differing requirements.

I have been thinking of jumping back into DSLR ownership, possibly full frame (6D) and some decent glass, but I know that after a while I'll be back to the same old issue of it being too much to lug around - plus it's a lot of money to stump up and my bank balance could do without that kind of hit.
 
I've gotten into the habit of having the bag on my shoulder well by now. I feel naked without it! :D Worst case is you get a bit of a red shoulder from carrying it about too long.
 
Given your wide range of types of subject and IQ desires, I'd say go with a full frame DSLR and deal with the weight issue by deciding what you're doing that day and just taking one or perhaps two lenses out with you (or getting just one or two out of the boot of the car if you're in one). The Eos 6D sounds ideal, being small and light - I have and Eos 5D Mk 1 which is quite a bit heavier, but I find most of the time the 24-105 IS f4L will handle most subjects. You'd want something longer for airshows, for example, but why carry it around all the time?
 
Sony A7?

Full frame in a mirrorless body with decent AF.

FWIW, I'm considering chopping in my D700 for a Fuji X-T1 for weight savings, not 100% convinced yet but the argument is getting pretty damn persuasive.
 
Reviews of the Fuji X-T1 are interesting and focus tracking of fast objects (airshows) aside, it sounds like a very capable little camera which may very well suit my needs. A touch pricey, but worth a shot? Maybe.
 
Well, I actually went and tried the Fuji and a Nikon D610 and ended up buying the Nikon.

The X-T1 was gorgeous and I could have bought one then and there but for my type of shooting (and my lens collection) an SLR is still the right choice, if for nothing else than battery life which is an area that mirrorless still severely lags.

The X-T1 though... :woot::woot::woot:
 
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