Marnie,
That's a very tricky question to ask.
Consider these points (in rather random order as they pop in my head)
1. There're three major directions if you will that you might want to
consider:
a. Image quality. Here the bigger sensor generally means more room for
getting more interesting images, as you will be extracting more from the
light and DOF that your scene provides.
b. Convenience/size. Personally I opted for this one and did not loose
in the IQ dept.
c. Ergonomics/AF/measuring/system/etc. These are things that are
important, but from somewhat different point of view. E.g. if your
camera has somewhat slower or less predictable AF, you can still master
it and get excellent photographs. Or if you choose a camera system that
offers excellent flash integration, this can be a deal maker if you plan
to shoot with flash a lot.
2. Like I said - I decided to ditch pretty much everything - AF, shake
reduction, etc. I am 100% happy with my Ricoh GXR system, two AF modules
and two Leica M-mount modules for which I have two Voigtlander lenses
(40/1.4 and 15/4.5) and few Pentax lenses that I mount via adapter. This
is very light, very pleasant to use and I am perfectly happy with IQ.
The AF of AF modules is rather slow but accurate though...
Now, I would advise against Pentax. Why? Well, at least so that this
opinion is stated, you know :-). You see, Pentax is DSLR system (sans
K-01, but that's an odd and discontinued camera). Which means that it
will be bulkier than mirrorless. It in fact is less bulky than say Nikon
D600 but bulky nonetheless. So you kind of get drawbacks of both
bulkiness and lack of FF. Even if some would argue that FF is in fact
Fool's Frame, not having this option to begin with is a system drawback
in my opinion.
So you can either buy into Nikon or Canon, where Nikon is a bit cooler
geek-factor-wise because you can mount cropped lenses on FF body and it
will automatically adjust the sensor to capture what can be captured.
And Nikon has excellent flash system. But Nikon is probably even bigger
than Canon in terms of bulk. The D700 with 24-70/2.8 and a flash is
pretty much a weight-lifting device that by the way happens to take
pictures :-).
However you don't have to stay in DSLR land. You have excellent systems
to choose from - Fuji, like it has been stated, m43, though with
slightly smaller frame is very competent, Sony Nex is also a force to be
reckoned with. Or you can even buy yourself a number of
big-sensor-fixed-lens cameras, such as Fuji X100(s) or Sigma DP (several
of them with different focal lengths).
I should also point out my own strategy - Leica M-mount lenses or select
lenses of other manufacturers, notably Pentax A 50/1.2 or FA 77/1.8 via
quality adapter, and cameras can be chosen pretty much at will according
to current market situation.
I wish I lived in US of A, where I could walk into a store and actually
take advantage of display units...
Boris
On 9/6/2013 9:15 PM, eactiv...@aol.com wrote:
Second party? Third party? Not sure what to call it.
I am just about to sell my Canon camera, and only have one lens left too.
Mainly due to a financial crunch and needing the money. (Boy, it will be
ODD not to have a camera. Had one or two since 2001.)
I expect my financial situation to ease next month. So I thought, okay,
time to switch systems again.
I really liked the Canon lenses I ended up with: good color, sharpness,
and focal lengths. I had one L glass.
BUT.. the Canon system is a wide-mouthed mount, and the lenses tend to be
heavy. Being female, as I get older I am losing upper body strength, and I
just want something lighter.
I COULD switch back to Pentax. But not the K-5, I like spending $400 or so
on a camera, $600 max.
Truthfully the camera body doesn't matter that much to me, they all do
similar things now. Good resolution, ability to shoot video, and some
low-light capability is good enough for me. Once I learn a body, I pretty much
forget about it when I shoot anyway.
I am much more interested in LENSES. Especially zooms, I haven't had any
primes for a long time now. I will probably start with two lenses (what I
usually do), and then work up from there.
I've considered mirror-less, but I really need a viewfinder. I've also
considered micro 3/4. I am OPEN.
A great many of you now have second or third party camera systems now.
Like the Sony NEX.
1. If you have a second (or third party) system what has been your
experience with it? What do you like about it? Dislike about it?
2. What lenses (zooms in particular) do you like/dislike?
3. If you are a die-hard Pentax fan, and feel compelled to recommend
Pentax to me, ;-), which of the smaller bodies would you suggest?
Likes/dislikes?
4. What zooms would you recommend?
I tried to be brief so you won't have too much to read, but it's hard.
Marnie aka Doe :-) I When I thought about making a decision, I though,
heck, ask on PDML and get some experienced input. Then I can find a store, go
in and hold some cameras, and go from there.
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