Your most used, robust and advanced digital camera

[Ko.Fe.]

I'm more than a little confused about what your criteria are and whether you really are looking for something significantly different (and quite possibly your decision to pick up the existing camera from your daughter is the best solution).

You don't seem to want or need any more resolution; you haven't identified any particular 'advanced' sensor features you need; and no especially demanding robustness criteria either. You don't seem to have a strong desire to switch to mirrorless (or any obvious reason to do so).

In short, based on that, keep using what you have, or buy a used DSLR of whatever vintage turns your crank.

There are a few hints in your discussion you might want something smaller / more compact for carry-around purposes. The easiest would be something within the same camera-mount family, possibly an aps-c version.

If you wanted to experiment with something smaller and segment/differentiate your 'carry-around' photography from 'more serious' (better phrased as 'requiring more/larger equipment'), you could supplement your DSLR with anything from a compact camera to something like the micro four-thirds and a couple small primes.

My answer to your original question is I'm quite happy with robustness and features and handling of my Nikon d750, and any number of Nikon DSLRs of similar/more recent vintage would be fine, too (adjust to taste). I suspect even the cameras of a photocopier or television manufacturer would serve well enough, too.

I also use an Olympus m4/3 camera for fun/carry around/don't want to carry the larger camera purposes. It does not feel as tank-like as the Nikon but that doesn't mean it's actually fragile.

Lots of variations on these themes (different manufacturers) would likely fit your needs pretty well, at least until some compelling 'advanced' feature is identified.

Or put differently, sounds like you might be over-thinking it a bit; what you have is probably working pretty well.

With great responses which are coming here it seems what Canikon DSLRs holds "robust and advanced digital camera" pedestal. I could switch from 5D MKII to 6D MKII to have robust and even more advanced.
It is also digital Leica for some.

The problem is with weight and bulk of DSLRs. I'm not 50 years of workout experience with full DSRs bodies superman. I'm just regular slacker who likes to take camera everywhere, everyday. I don't like EVF, because in everyday use it is constant saga with batteries and charger(s).
Just a screen is not cool under bright sun. Phone or Ricoh. The same difficulties with sun.

Digital Leica M240 series also came as robust here. It was suggested to me as daily beater years ago here. Maybe I should not be afraid to use my M-E 220 more often and start to save for M240 series cameras, once M-E 220 works no more.
It just... No Leica service in Canada and if needed, way too expensive.

 

[Ccoppola82]

With great responses which are coming here it seems what Canikon DSLRs holds "robust and advanced digital camera" pedestal. I could switch from 5D MKII to 6D MKII to have robust and even more advanced.
It is also digital Leica for some.

The problem is with weight and bulk of DSLRs. I'm not 50 years of workout experience with full DSRs bodies superman. I'm just regular slacker who likes to take camera everywhere, everyday. I don't like EVF, because in everyday use it is constant saga with batteries and charger(s).
Just a screen is not cool under bright sun. Phone or Ricoh. The same difficulties with sun.

Digital Leica M240 series also came as robust here. It was suggested to me as daily beater years ago here. Maybe I should not be afraid to use my M-E 220 more often and start to save for M240 series cameras, once M-E 220 works no more.
It just... No Leica service in Canada and if needed, way too expensive.

I hate lugging around a DSLR as well. That’s why it’s restricted mostly to tripod use and for photo specific things that I think it shines at. For daily, it’s the m246 9/10 times. The rare event I want color or is gonna be a harsher environment I take the xpro2. It doesn’t FEEL as durable as the others, but I have beaten the hell out of it and it keeps working.

 

[JeffS7444]

Digital Leica M240 series also came as robust here. It was suggested to me as daily beater years ago here. Maybe I should not be afraid to use my M-E 220 more often and start to save for M240 series cameras, once M-E 220 works no more.

I'd simply use the M-E, and if it breaks, it can probably be sold as-is on eBay for too much money.

Batteries for newer Leica cameras not made by Panasonic are kind of expensive (215-275 USD), so be prepared.

 

[jsrockit]

Has a lot to do with the fact that young people often don't have huge financial resources and smartly buy older, higher end gear used because they can afford it.

I agree...the bang for the buck and track record of some DSLRs is hard to ignore.

 

[David Hughes]

...

More pixels mean more informative data.

There are several advantages to more informative data besides increasing maximum print size. For example. many common post-production rendering algorithms average pixels in some way. More pixels are mathematically useful. While the advantage is greatest for raw files, in-camera JPEGs are rendered with pixel-averaging, mathematical-filters as well.

I prefer to avoid cropping to achieve composition but those who do obviously benefit from more pixels.

To your point, printing can not reproduce all this pixels. But as explained here, the printer firmware algorithms that converts pixels to DPI benefit from higher information content (more pixels).

This is true. A superb lens, optimal exposure and spot on focusing are much more important to maximize data information content than increased pixel density. And adding more pixels to the mix can insure those advantages are fully utilized.

Thank you, it's always reassuring when others agree with me...

Regards, David

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I'd simply use the M-E, and if it breaks, it can probably be sold as-is on eBay for too much money.

Batteries for newer Leica cameras not made by Panasonic are kind of expensive (215-275 USD), so be prepared.

They also switched to some no name MICs for M9 series. But kept same greedy price.

 

[Armoured]

The problem is with weight and bulk of DSLRs. I'm not 50 years of workout experience with full DSRs bodies superman. I'm just regular slacker who likes to take camera everywhere, everyday. I don't like EVF, because in everyday use it is constant saga with batteries and charger(s).
Just a screen is not cool under bright sun. Phone or Ricoh. The same difficulties with sun.

At some point, it always comes down to some trade-offs - particularly where weight and bulk is concerned.

Personal decision for me, for now is that I can live with the EVF of the Olympus mirrorless and even appreciate that an EVF / mirrorless system has some advantages for some uses. Particularly when combined with the really noticeable size reduction. It's not taken over in role of 'main camera' yet but has a pretty solid niche.

And mostly, it's fun for when I feel like something a bit different, when size is an impediment, and when I feel like a change of pace.

Another variant I considered was getting one of the smallest APS-C Nikons - they're cheap esp second-hand and I have some of the lenses. But it would only be much smaller if I kept lens choice to the smallest primes, and I don't much like the feel of the cheap consumer bodies.

Some swear by fixed-lens variations like the Fuji X100 series (hybrid optical viewfinder).

YMMV. But I guess in the end I decided I couldn't get it all in one system.

 

[Disappointed_Horse]

I suspect even the cameras of a photocopier or television manufacturer would serve well enough, too.

Nice little dig there!

 

[Addy101]

Little late to the party. As I understand it, you're looking for something small for when you don't want to bring your Leica M-E out. For whatever reason.

Some options:
Canon G1x III - I find it a great camera, though mine broke recently. Decent EVF, the Canon DNA you're used to. f/2.8 on the wide side for those times you need it - quite expensive still.
Sony A6000: those are CHEAP, add a small APS-C prime and you're set.
Sony A6100/6600: if you want great AF, these are great options. Buy based on your budget.
Fuji equivalent cameras to the Sony's: You have to live with those useless dedicated dials 🙂 But if you do not like Sony colours these probably are for you.

Or keep using that 5D II - Wear it over your shoulder when you walk the dog.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Little late to the party. As I understand it, you're looking for something small for when you don't want to bring your Leica M-E out. For whatever reason.

Some options:
Canon G1x III - I find it a great camera, though mine broke recently. Decent EVF, the Canon DNA you're used to. f/2.8 on the wide side for those times you need it - quite expensive still.
Sony A6000: those are CHEAP, add a small APS-C prime and you're set.
Sony A6100/6600: if you want great AF, these are great options. Buy based on your budget.
Fuji equivalent cameras to the Sony's: You have to live with those useless dedicated dials 🙂 But if you do not like Sony colours these probably are for you.

Or keep using that 5D II - Wear it over your shoulder when you walk the dog.

Here is solution which came yesterday or so. No need to drive Corolla (Sony A) or Hyundai Tribute (Fuji X with no name dials). Some company made E to Z adapter. AF and such supported.
So, Z fc with Nikon dials and Sony 16 2.8 pancake is possible now.
This is most sexiest compact kit I'm aware of.

I spend several hours this weekend (on pager and after second C-19 vaccine) to compare Sony A7III with lenses and Canon RP with lenses.
Both have normal EVF (not A7C's nonsense). Canon RP still lighter with some lenses. No reason to do total switch from Canon to Sony for me yet.
RP was still Japan made, just as 5D MKII. Both are good for long terms.

But Z fc with Sony pancake is smaller and fancier as everyday joy 🙂

 

[Addy101]

The 16mm is considered the worst of the not-so-good-but-good-enough Sony APS-C primes. But I am sure you will enjoy it nonetheless!

I hope for you (and other Nikonians) Nikon will bring some nice APS-C primes.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

The 16mm is considered the worst of the not-so-good-but-good-enough Sony APS-C primes. But I am sure you will enjoy it nonetheless!

I hope for you (and other Nikonians) Nikon will bring some nice APS-C primes.

I never been Nikonian. I had as is F2 as curtains source, which I fixed and sold as working camera. And I let go to rest of my Nikon gear on previous week.
Used randomly, owned it all for two or so years.

On digital I never owned Nikon. In 2009 Canon 500D (which still works) was 200 CAD less than D90.

 

[Disappointed_Horse]

The 16mm is considered the worst of the not-so-good-but-good-enough Sony APS-C primes. But I am sure you will enjoy it nonetheless!

I hope for you (and other Nikonians) Nikon will bring some nice APS-C primes.

Ever since Nikon introduced the 35mm f/1.8 AF-S DX lens around 2008, I've been waiting for them to bring out some more nice APS-C primes. I'm not holding out much hope for Z-mount DX primes.

 

[JeffS7444]

Why not also consider Olympus EM5-series? Classic looks, and tiny primes and zooms which are inexpensive and very good. Olympus 17/2.8 has pleasant character similar to 40/2 Summicron-C, and Panasonic 20/1.7 has better performance (but is quite a bit larger). Some of the tiny zoom lenses are also surprisingly good.

15 mm Olympus body cap / lens is smallest of all. Lens flare is ugly, but lens is terrific for snapshots.

Unless you actually want such a wide angle, instead of Sony SEL16F28, I might choose SEL20F28. I also think that the 20 mm lens has an easier to grip focus ring. Both are decent inexpensive lenses, but nothing too special.

 

[narsuitus]

... tiny primes and zooms which are inexpensive and very good.

I agree !

I was very pleased with the following micro 4/3 lenses that I owned and used:
Panasonic 14mm f/2.5
Olympus 17mm f/2.8
Panasonic 20mm f/1.7
Olympus 45mm f/1.8
Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5 - f/5.6
Panasonic 45-200mm f/4 - f/5.6

All were relatively inexpensive and produced high-quality images.

On the other hand, my Olympus Ep-1 and Ep-3 bodies were not robust because they broke too many times.

 

[agentlossing]

I agree !

I was very pleased with the following micro 4/3 lenses that I owned and used:
Panasonic 14mm f/2.5
Olympus 17mm f/2.8
Panasonic 20mm f/1.7
Olympus 45mm f/1.8
Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5 - f/5.6
Panasonic 45-200mm f/4 - f/5.6

All were relatively inexpensive and produced high-quality images.

On the other hand, my Olympus Ep-1 and Ep-3 bodies were not robust because they broke too many times.

I definitely wish the Olympus bodies were a bit more robust than they are. Probably the rugged and high-end EM1 Mark II or III are the best bet, but also pretty expensive. Panasonic bodies tend to be more reliable. I hate to beat that drum because I really like OMD bodies, and the EM5 Mark II is the M4/3 camera I own now, but for dependability they are not the best, unfortunately. If you factor the possibility of needing a repair at some point and are okay with your camera being in the shop, possibly, then it's not a big concern.

I've owned and used the 14/2.5, 17/2.8 and 20/1.7 as well as the old model 14-42mm and the tiny 12-32mm f3.5-5.6. Nearly every M4/3 lens is a good performer.

 

[JeffS7444]

my Olympus Ep-1 and Ep-3 bodies were not robust because they broke too many times.

What broke? I used to carry an E-P1 and had no problems, but I am careful not to drop my cameras, I'm not a high volume shooter, and I've learned to be wary of dust with all cameras and lenses. Pen-F has given me no trouble either.

My least-reliable digital cameras have been Leica M.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

What broke? I used to carry an E-P1 and had no problems, but I am careful not to drop my cameras, I'm not a high volume shooter, and I've learned to be wary of dust with all cameras and lenses. Pen-F has given me no trouble either.

My least-reliable digital cameras have been Leica M.

Pen F is lovely. Gone due to low demand. It was done by 2019. Oly reps doesn't even wanted to show it on exhibition. I have to ask to dig out from inner shelf back then. And no replacement because Olympus is pooped. Entire M43 is stuck in 2010. Panasonic reoriented it for video. Stills, meh...

I have 15/8 and E-PL1, btw. It is golden for M43 and photography as snaps.
But my photography doesn't have to be always in snaps category. Even if I like 10-12MP sensors.

 

[Jeremy Z]

I have two digital camera systems: Olympus E-M10.3 and Nikon F SLR.

The one I reach for when I'm not shooting film is the Olympus. It's half the size and probably half the weight of the Nikon, so even though it doesn't give as much DoF control, it is the one I take most often. It is also the one I use for digitzing film.

My "walk-around lens" is the Panasonic 12-60 f/3.5-5.6. It's very sharp. Not that fast, but sensors are so good nowadays and the IBIS of the Olympus bodies is so good, I don't find myself needing speed too often. When I do, I have the 17/1.8 and 45/1.8.

The Nikon D610, I had before and is probably about on par with your Canon body, in terms of how updated it is. It will shoot at 24 MP, but I most often leave it at 16, which is more than I usually need. Yesterday, at an indoor swim meet when I was caught with my 85/1.8D as my only telephoto, I turned it up to 24 MP and cropped in, and it worked great.

My advice, assuming your old Canon still works fine, is to just keep using it. Does the (old) sensor ever let you down? I bet not.

Instead of replacing the Canon system, buy a new, compact system. One that you'll want to carry more often. Maybe Fuji, with its excellent film simulation modes? Or even (gasp) Olympus with its compact size and excellent, compact, affordable optics?

The lightweight kit I carry most often in a small holster bag is:

• E-M10.3 body
• With Panasonic 12-60 & hood
• Body cap fisheye lens in one side pocket
• Spare battery in the other side pocket

The holster bag is on a cross-body strap, so the camera itself often only has a simple thin wrist strap, in case of droppage.

When I'm REALLY going hog-wild, I carry a bigger bag, which is still lighter than my D610 with just its 24-120/4 lens:

• E-M10.3 body
• Panny 12-60 w/hood (this lens does 90% of what I need)
• 45/1.8 (portraits/candids where DoF control is needed)
• 17/1.8 (all-around fast prime, low light)
• Bodycap fisheye (for the odd super-wide opps)
• Bounce flash (for indoor shots with active subjects, where IBIS won't help and where ISO would be over 6400)

 

[Ko.Fe.]

My advice, assuming your old Canon still works fine, is to just keep using it. Does the (old) sensor ever let you down? I bet not.

Instead of replacing the Canon system, buy a new, compact system. One that you'll want to carry more often. Maybe Fuji, with its excellent film simulation modes? Or even (gasp) Olympus with its compact size and excellent, compact, affordable optics?

My old Canons are bulky. And so is my new Canon with newer lenses. It is even more bulky with older lenses.
M43 doesn't meet my quality expectations. I have M43 camera, not using it for long time now. Maybe X100V, or just are beater M9, 240...