Hi All - 

 

I'm going to Ireland in June and would like to take a good camera with me. I'll be hiking and biking quite a bit, so I'd like it to be portable and durable. Beyond that, I'd like to make photography a hobby moving forward, so I'd like a camera that can facilitate that. 

 

Does anyone have recommendations? THank you! 

@richNcincy @taestell @MayDay should have some answers for you.

Not an expert here, but perhaps one of the Sony mirrorless cameras (e.g. A7).  Similar in performance to DSLR cameras, but considerably lighter and more compact.   Now, I'll let the experts weight in!

 

Cheers!  

 

D.O. 

Over the past 10 years or so, I have invested heavily in the Micro Four Thirds system developed by Panasonic and Olympus -- upgrading from the Panasonic GF2 to the GH4 to the G9, and acquiring probably a dozen lenses. However I wouldn't recommend anyone buy into that system today, as it is essentially "dead" since Panasonic has almost entirely shifted their focus to their full frame mirrorless system.

 

If I was starting over, I would go all in on the Sony A7 IV and lenses for that system. For a zoom lens, I would skip the optional 28-70mm kit lens and instead pick up the Sony G 24-105 lens which has excellent image quality all across that zoom range. I would also pick up a 50mm prime lens, and there are a few different good options available for the system, so I might have trouble making up my mind which one to go with.

 

The A7 IV body and 24-105 lens would total about ~$3600 but if you plan on getting more into photography, that would give you excellent image quality right out of the gate and a lens that will work for most "normal" situations, plus huge potential for future expandability -- there are lenses in that system for every possible situation and price point.

 

If that's not the right system for you, I'd recommend checking out DPReview's Buying Guides which have recommendations at various price points and for different use cases. I have found them to be pretty fair and not exhibit too much brand favoritism or snobbery.

Thank you @taestell... could you explain the differences to me as if I was a Golden Retriever? lol

Portable: I think you will want mirrorless because they tend to be lighter and more compact.
Durable: That's a tough one because camera bodies have all different ratings as far as weather proofing. So it really depends on what exactly you are going to put the camera through. Definitely something to keep an eye on while you shop but I think, for the most part you will be fine with any of the major brands offerings. 

 

You just have to choose if you will be a Sony, Canon or Nikon guy. Once you get lenses you are pretty locked in to the brand and mount size.

Then its either crop sensor (APS-C) Or full frame. I don't think you have to know too much about the engineering there just that the sensor is larger with full frame so you capture a wider field. If you get really into the hobby most people will want full frame. That said full frame will be more expensive and you may never find the need or desire to upgrade. 

 

---

 

You got a Sony suggestion: A7 IV (great cameras from what I've heard).

For Nikon, I'll go opposite direction and suggest the lowest tier in Nikons mirrorless lineup: the Z50. fyi, it's a crop sensor (APS-C). I have one and I love it for it's small, compact size and more than sufficient camera capabilities. It held up fine in jungles of Central America last summer so I think it will be ok in Ireland too. I'll be in UK in June myself. Maybe skip the kit lens with this one as well (they are DX which pretty much means made for APS-C, so if you upgrade to full frame body later they will restrict you) and try out https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/mirrorless-lenses/nikkor-z-40mm-f%2f2.html. 
 

Just need a suggestion for Canon... 

Regardless of choice, make sure you get soonish so you can really get used to controls before trip in June.

 

 

 

I am invested in the Sony mirrorless system, owning both an a7RIv and an a7c. Keep in mind that lenses are probably your greatest expense, and camera bodies can be changed over time. Thus, you are investing into a lens system, not just a camera. 

I find the a7c full-frame is a great size for travel, and since it shares the same mount as the bigger a7RIV, I can use the same lenses on both. In my opinion, the a7RIV (same size body as the a7 IV mentioned in previous posts) is just a tad large for travel. It is, however, not a large camera body. It's just that its smaller cousin is so much more convenient.

1 hour ago, viscomi said:

You just have to choose if you will be a Sony, Canon or Nikon guy. Once you get lenses you are pretty locked in to the brand and mount size.

 

1 hour ago, dwhershberger said:

Keep in mind that lenses are probably your greatest expense, and camera bodies can be changed over time. Thus, you are investing into a lens system, not just a camera. 

 

In no small part for the above reason I've been a Nikon guy since 1998 or so, when I switched from a Pentax K1000 to Nikon N90 (both 35mm) for my college photo classes. I've got a decent collection of lenses that I've added to over the years, but have upgraded DSLR (and even a couple of film) bodies many times.

I currently have a Nikon D7100 body, which is a APS-C crop-sensor DSLR I've had probably 6-7 years. It works great and is a good compromise of small size and traditional full features, including manual controls. I mainly use it for product photos for work, important stuff like the kid being born, or vacation photos if we're going somewhere big. For better or worse, the vast majority of my photos anymore are with my iPhone X, simply because the bigger camera and lenses that make it special are annoying enough to drag around that I usually leave it at home (unless taking photos is the point).

 

My next camera body will probably be a mirrorless Nikon of some kind since I do have that lock-in, assuming my current lenses still work. A friend showed me his mirrorless Sony, and I was pretty impressed with that as well. Sorry I can't be more specific than that with models and such, merely researching cameras for me always ends up being expensive :)

If its at all practical, after doing a little research I would suggest seeking out a locally-owned camera shop that carries all or most of what you are considering. They are great at walking you through the options (and helping understand the basics) so you get what you need. Most importantly, based on my experience there is real value in simply handling the camera in person to get a real sense of how they feel in hand, how the controls work, how heavy the setup is, etc. I bought my D7100 at World of Photography in Columbus (Grandview Heights) and enjoyed working with them.

^Absolutely agree with the recommendation to go to a locally owned store - I’ve been going to Dodd Camera at Carnegie and East 30th for about two decades. Before you go, take the time to put together some basics - budget, portability, types of photography you want to explore, etc. Probably wouldn’t hurt to call ahead and see if you can schedule time to have someone do a walk-through/demo of several models. I don’t have a specific person to suggest because they’ve all been great, in my experience.

 

Budget-wise - there’s really no great answer other than spending what you can comfortably afford* to get the gear you need to take the pics you want. *Recommend a discussion with your spouse on this - happy spouse = happy house 😆

 

When I mention portability, I’m not just referring to the camera body and lens, but also the gear (specialty lenses, accessories like external flash, tripod, etc.). That naturally leads to what you’ll use to tote everything around in (backpack, messenger bag-style, etc.). There’s also the travel aspect - standard TSA screening requires any electronic devices larger than a phone be placed in a tray, outside the bag. All of this is good to discuss with your spouse/significant other - it’s one thing to be the “always taking photos guy” with just a phone; it’s another thing when they realize they can no longer stash souvenirs in your ‘personal item’ bag, or that you’re gonna need a minute or two more at the airport.

 

I’ve been shooting with Canon for quite a while - I just find their interface more right-brain friendly. I can’t speak to Nikon, Sony or others but they all can be used to get amazing shots.

 

I’ve been shooting with this setup - entry level mirrorless full-frame and kit lens (kit=standard lens sold bundled with the camera body):

 

https://doddcamera.com/can2008.html

 

I find with the mirrorless I take 2-3 shots to get one good, crisp pic; previously it was more like 5-10. The full frame is great for skyline shots for obvious reasons. As this was a pandemic splurge I haven’t had as many chances to get out but things are looking more promising this year 🤞🏼 Maybe a forum photography meetup might be in the works?

 

 

Thanks @MayDay! I'd like to keep it under $1k

Yabo, if you live in Central Ohio, I would second Mr. Charlie's comment and go to 'World of Photography' in Grandview first. 

Hi Everyone - 

 

I have a unique request. My 9 year old nephew is "surprising" me and writing a book about me for my birthday. I guess the premise of the story is that I take a trip to Switzerland (which I'm doing next year). My sister-in-law asked if I knew anyone that could photoshop pictures of me in front of landmarks (i.e. Lake Geneva, the Matterhorn, etc.) so she could add them to the book. 

 

Would anyone be able to help me out? Thanks!

21 hours ago, YABO713 said:

Hi Everyone - 

 

I have a unique request. My 9 year old nephew is "surprising" me and writing a book about me for my birthday. I guess the premise of the story is that I take a trip to Switzerland (which I'm doing next year). My sister-in-law asked if I knew anyone that could photoshop pictures of me in front of landmarks (i.e. Lake Geneva, the Matterhorn, etc.) so she could add them to the book. 

 

Would anyone be able to help me out? Thanks!

 

Bumping this - as I'd really like to do this for my nephew if possible. 

 

If it's a heavy lift, just let me know and I'll figure something else out. Thank you! 

On 2/22/2023 at 9:20 AM, YABO713 said:

 

Bumping this - as I'd really like to do this for my nephew if possible. 

 

If it's a heavy lift, just let me know and I'll figure something else out. Thank you! 

@YABO713Let me know how many we’d be looking at and I might be able to help you out.

14 minutes ago, MayDay said:

@YABO713Let me know how many we’d be looking at and I might be able to help you out.

 

Awesome - shouldn't be more than 2-3 at most. I really appreciate it! 

Shoot me a message with them and I’ll set it up.