Camera Suggestions

[Nuckle]

Previously owned a Canon 70D with some nice lenses. Didn't end up with it once the divorce was final. I have a trip to Napa starting on Wednesday. I am not a professional and do not plan to be. I enjoy nice things and want to get another camera. Would love to read some suggestions. DSLR is not a must, if there are some point and clicks that you would suggest I am listening. I'd like to stay in the $800-$1500 range.

[tcphoto]

A clean used Canon 5D Mark II or III can be had for that budget. I make my living from shooting and have never bought a new body. Just be smart about who you purchase it from.

[bmw1racer]

If you liked the 70D that you previously owned why not get another or the next one up from it?

[smcnair]

This one...incredible range on the zoom, good sensor and allows for full control

I'm a canon guy but this is a decent setup.

https://www.adorama.com/inkcpp900ae.html

If you want a more robust camera with less of a zoom the Canon G1X MIII would work...

[kprocivic]

Just got my girl the g7x and maybe more of vlogger but it's very good.

[theriz]

Bought the Canon 6D about 6 months ago. The 5D mark III was a little out of my price range. I spent 2k in lenses tho.

[P1]

I have a Canon 5D Mark III with L lenses that takes phenomenal photos. However, it's a beast to lug around. So I bought myself a Sony A5000 for when I just want something smaller that still takes nice photos.

[BMW F22]

I went through this earlier this year. Based on recommendations on here I started looking into the Fujifilm X-T2 and ended up buying it. I got the black model with 18-55mm (fantastic kit lens) and bought a used 35mm f2. I’ve traveled to Asia for 3 weeks and Europe for 2 weeks so far with it this yead and I really like it. It’s not the lightest nor heavy like a 5d3. If you want light weight then look into a X-T20. I decided I wanted weather proofing and the better ergonomics of the X-T2. You can get a slightly used X-T2 w/18-55mm lens for around $1,500 or less. Hop on FredMiranda and browse their for sale section and read the seller’s ratings.

PS - I came from the Canon camp. The 6d + 17-40 or 24-70 makes a killer combo.

[Merlin_83]

I too have always used Canon - I rent big lens from lensrental.com which is fun to show up at an event with a big EF 400mm f/2.8.

But - I may switch to the new Sony a7R III Mirrorless - wow !! Sony is really going to take market share from Canon with their new platform

[Josh (PA)]

Originally Posted by kprocivic

Just got my girl the g7x and maybe more of vlogger but it's very good.

I have 2 Nikon bodies and a bunch of lenses, but I use my G7X mkII 99% of the time these days. It takes great shots as long as you don't need big zoom and best of all its always in my pocket ready to go. That old adage, availability trumps ability... and the little Canon has gobs of both.

[CLABRO]

This thread is from November so I'm curious if the OP bought a camera.

[Nuckle]

I finally did yesterday and after a long time researching and procrastinating I settled on the Canon 6D Mark II. So far I am pleased. I am sure holes can be shot in it but as a semi pro to novice it has what I want and need. I do appreciate the advice. I did not stay within budget. Also picked up the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM and EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II. Got the latter as a bundle. The second choice was an 80D.

[Grumpy Old Man]

Originally Posted by smcnair

This one...incredible range on the zoom, good sensor and allows for full control

I'm a canon guy but this is a decent setup.

https://www.adorama.com/inkcpp900ae.html

If you want a more robust camera with less of a zoom the Canon G1X MIII would work...

So I have been into photography for about 40+ years, obviously started with film and used Nikon gear all along, a few years back I picked up a used D300, with the battery pack and a couple of lenses. It takes great pics to be sure but for day to day stuff it seems a bit much. Just gave a quick look at this what appears to be small camera and the specs look off the hook for what appears to be portable more usable camera day to day stuff of for travel. I just can't get over how much you get in a small inexpensive package. I'm going to guess the image quality is quite good given Nikon glass.

[Nuckle]

Any opinions on the 6D Mk II or my setup?

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by Nuckle

Any opinions on the 6D Mk II or my setup?

You've got a great kit, that'll do almost anything that you could wish for, except really demanding autofocus stuff. The sensor is very good and your lenses are very good.

Take lots of shots and come back for advice, if and when you run into issues and aren't getting the results that you'd hoped for.

Here's a free resource that's aimed at photographers around your level:
https://digital-photography-school.com/

I'm expert and I still look at their weekly articles and agree with most of what they say.

Dave

[tracer bullet]

I think you made a great choice on the body given your needs. I'm a fan of the 24-105, but I'd have suggested only getting that and nothing else for a while. Then later determine what you tend to use it for and go from there on what you'd want next. I owned a 70-300 but then sold it realizing I never used it. My other lenses are a 50mm prime, a 100mm Macro, and a 16-35 wide angle.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

I think you made a great choice on the body given your needs. I'm a fan of the 24-105, but I'd have suggested only getting that and nothing else for a while. Then later determine what you tend to use it for and go from there on what you'd want next. I owned a 70-300 but then sold it realizing I never used it. My other lenses are a 50mm prime, a 100mm Macro, and a 16-35 wide angle.

In a full-frame kit, I think that a 70-200mm or a 70-300mm is essential. It's an incredible portrait lens and gives you entry into nature and wildlife photography. Force yourself to shoot some landscape with the 70-300mm and you'll get some great, unusual perspectives. Put a 25mm extension tube on it and it's a super macro lens, much more versatile than a 100mm dedicated.

On a full-frame, a 12-24mm is a fantastic lens, but many people find it hard to use. It's for those of us that see "big skies" and have trouble getting enough in with 24mm. That said, a 16-35mm is excellent, just not wide enough for some of us. I NEVER shoot at 16mm. It's either 12mm or 24mm, when the 12-24mm is on one of my bodies. However, I'm probably odd in that respect.

[tracer bullet]

Yeah, I suppose if I stuck the 70-300 on and walked around I'd find uses for it that I'd enjoy. I guess I generally set out knowing what I wanted to do and then packed up as little as I could to go do it. Hopefully when my kid (3) gets a little older I can get back into it again like I once was, where friends and I would plan the day wandering and experimenting and comparing images afterwards.

I haven't tried a 12-24, The Canon was incredibly expensive, I suppose the Sigma is affordable though. Not as if my 16-35 was cheap at all... The 12-24 would be pretty fun to try as well. We have a place that rents lenses, too, so I suppose I could check it out. That circles back to having a 3-year old thing again. I'm not saying I don't have hobbies, but they were certainly impacted!

[Nuckle]

Thanks guys! I have used the two lenses about 50/50. Softball season so taking a lot of action shots on field. I find that the 70-300 can make the netting essentially disappear when having to shoot through it. Really loving the creative auto mode. I find it amazing how much better this camera does in low light than any I have owned. I have been doing some post processing with snapseed. Seems to be good for someone with my experience. I really like doing stuff like this.