A small DLSR with a wide lens?

[nightfly]

I'd really like to try the convenience of digital but the point and shoots I've had- a canon A series, a Ricoh GR D and a Ricoh GX 100 have left me cold in terms of image quality. Basically I can't see a way around a bigger sensor. I also can't justify the cost of an M8 or even a used RD-1.

What's the smallest DSLR that can get me to somewhere around the 28-35mm focal length equivalent for about $500ish US dollars.

I don't care really about auto focus, so using an old Nikon lens on a D40 or something similar would work.

I basically don't focus my Leica and use hyperfocusing for doing street which is the majority of my work and it works out OK. Similarly, metering isn't too important to me as I've used meterless cameras for years and usually guess the light using Sunny 16. Although I assume digital sensors aren't as forgiving in this regard as Tri-X.

The smart thing woudl be to wait for micro 4/3 and hope for some faster wide lenses but seems like it's a year out.

Suggestions?

 

[Chyn]

Ever considered a Sigma DP-1? APS-C sensor like many consumer DSLR (albeit Fovean), very good image quality at lower ISOs, but very slow in operation.

If you want to stick with a DSLR, you could consider getting a used Pentax *istDS/DL/DS2/DL2, K100D or the new KM and fit this with the DA21mm, which gives you the equivalent of a 35mm focal length. The Pentax lens roadmap shows that a 15mm (25mm in traditional 35mm) should be in the works.

 

[nightfly]

Slow operation would be a killer.

I want something fast with a non-retractable lens. Will take a look at the Pentax line.

 

[al1966]

How about the oly e420 or a 410? the 14-42 is a quite good lens the camera is very small. Almost OM like I got an E510 for the IS and am very pleased with it

 

[sockdaddy]

what about the new Micro 4/3 format from Panasonic and Olympus? Smaller than normal SLR bodies with growing range of lenses

 

[cmedin]

When you look at the older Pentax DSLRs, keep in mind that the D/DS/DS2 had real pentaprisms while the DL/DL2 had pentamirror. The prism is much nicer! Also, take a look at the Samsung GX-1S which is merely a rebadged DS2 and can often be had for a good price.

The problem will be finding an inexpensive wide prime since you'd be needing something around 20mm to get what you desire. Pentax has a wonderful pancake 21mm lens, but it's neither cheap nor fast. Sigma has a 20/1.8 which is pretty nice, but it's BIG as you'd expect.

If you can live with f/3.2 then the 21mm is probably your best bet though... I've seen them used in exc condition for around $350, and if you can score a body for $250 then you're not TOO far off your budget.

 

[Frank Petronio]

I tried the Olympus 420 and the normal 25/2.8 pancake lens thinking it would be a good carrying camera. I hated the ergonomics and the image quality was really lacking compared to even my old Nikon D70, in spite of the supposed larger file size of the Oly.

Just get a D70 or D80 along with a 24/2 AIS if you can afford it. Otherwise a used D70 and used 24/2.8 AFD can be found for about $500 if you're patient. Auto everything and AF is nice to have once in a while, and the D40-60 are crippled in using non AFS lenses.

 

[shadowfox]

I tried the Olympus 420 and the normal 25/2.8 pancake lens thinking it would be a good carrying camera. I hated the ergonomics and the image quality was really lacking compared to even my old Nikon D70, in spite of the supposed larger file size of the Oly.

Hmm, one thing that Olympus cameras are not lacking is image quality. In what way is the quality lacking? were you comparing RAW files?

The new digital only Zuiko lenses are very high quality, even the "kit" lenses are just slower than the pro ones, but it's definitely not lacking in quality 🙂

 

[ChrisN]

With that budget, consider a Pentax *istDS with their 21mm prime lens.

 

[jody36]

pentax k10