I guess there is no "one system" for me

wt21

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Being cheap, I prefer not to spend a lot. Of course, this leads to spending more than I should as I buy/sell gear, so logically it's indefensible. But that's an aside.

I have been trying to find a way to limit the number of cameras I have. One reason is being cheap. The other is battery management (which drives me crazy) and the last reason is tyranny of choice. Sometimes I get bogged down with too many options.

Having shot Canon for a good long while (in and out of the Rebels and a 5D), then m43 and NEX. I have also rented to test, the XPro 1 and Nikon D700 (fantastic camera, the D700. One of the best shooting experiences I have ever had, but the thing is a brick!)

I think I'm coming to a conclusion: I will be unable to "standardize" on one system. There are so many strengths in each one, and so many lens/body combos, it's hard to just stick with one.

So, I'm thinking I'll run with:
  • 5D + 85/1.8 for portraits and 70-210 for zoom/action work, and I'm renting a 35/1.4 for Thanksgiving.
  • NEX 5n + CV40 for "normal" range, carry-around camera, though I'm still struggling bonding with this camera
  • m43 + P20 for square format B&W images. I just really love this combo.
  • RX100 for ultra portable pocket camera


That's about 2 more cameras than I wanted, but I don't really see any way around it. NEX AF is weak, so I can't go system on that one. 5D is wonderful, but awful big. The color palette of these two cameras is very different, too. m43 is good, but I always feel like I'm missing just a little more. RX100 is a great compact, but blows highlights too easily, so it's relegated to when I need to be as light as possible.
 
Each of the the cameras you mentioned, with the exception of the 5D, are really being used as if they were a fixed lens camera and for a specific application.

Maybe I am just trying to give you an excuse, or make you feel better, but it really does seem like you have just one system, the 5D. :)
 
Get a Pentax K5 mk II, be prepared for everything! :tongue:

Are you primarily a jpeg shooter?

Sometimes, it feels like a lifelong journey just to figure out what gear is most suitable.

Yet another one to try!!! :)

I bounce between jpg and RAW. I don't like that much PP, so I do more jpg generally. Maybe I could rent a Pentax :p
 
Each of the the cameras you mentioned, with the exception of the 5D, are really being used as if they were a fixed lens camera and for a specific application.

Maybe I am just trying to give you an excuse, or make you feel better, but it really does seem like you have just one system, the 5D. :)

Yeas, I noticed that. I really only have one system camera, and the other 3 are more fixed in nature.
 
NEX AF is weak, so I can't go system on that one. 5D is wonderful, but awful big.

Some reviewers have said that the NEX 5R has just as fast AF as a DSLR. Also, you can convert your 5N to a DSLR when you need fast AF. Then convert it back to a mirrorless when you want portability.
 
I have a couple of FF dSLR's which are collecting dust. Yesterday I tried the 1Ds and the battery was dead (if you know the size of those batteries you'll realize its been a long time).

I am pretty much settling with the OM-D as my only camera system. Two reasons for the dust on my FF's:

1) The lenses for the µ4/3 are getting better (faster and longer); and
2) While CAF on the OM-D sucks for action, the SAF with continuous pumping of the focus works well enough to get by (if I was still working news then I would need the CAF and higher FPS of the big boy cameras). Basically I'm settling on the CAF.

Having made the decision to go µ4/3, I've jumped in with both feet acquiring lens to equal my FF system. With the addition of all the new lenses I've been using the OM-Ds more and more and finally getting somewhat comfy with the system.

When I was in limbo, building up the µ4/3 system, still using the FF for important stuff (published stuff) ... I started looking seriously at Leica's and the lastest 1D's, Sony, et al ... I had this itch for cameras. But now that I've settled with µ4/3 ... now that I've adding lens left and right ... my itch has gone away (and man that was a bad itch for a long spell).

I found that having a "complete" system relieved that itch for me. Granted, µ4/3 is not perfect, no camera system is, but it is perfect enough for what I shoot, which is people. I have discovered that
using the hell out of a particular camera, using that camera until it becomes an extension of me, a bionic hand/lens thing connected to my eye and capable of taking the images I mentally visualize. When changing lenses and settings becomes more of a reflex action then a conscience effort is significantly more important to me and my keeper rate then a slightly better dynamic range or slightly better size or slightly less noise, et cetera. My best images come when I am mentally (what little I have), focused on the picture not the picture taking.

So I'm sticking with µ4/3 and making it team with me than work for me.

The moral of all this is if you're purchasing stuff to improve your photos ... maybe you should concentrate on expanding the camera system you have, flesh it out, rather than add new camera(s) to what you already know and use.

Gary
 
One my issues is I want to use some on camera flash. I've got a 430ex II on my 5D, which is performing nicely. That's a tough thing to replicate in the mirrorless systems, on the cheap. When using flash and portrait lens, I'm not concerned about size. A 1D is just way more size than I would want to handle.
 
One my issues is I want to use some on camera flash. I've got a 430ex II on my 5D, which is performing nicely. That's a tough thing to replicate in the mirrorless systems, on the cheap. When using flash and portrait lens, I'm not concerned about size. A 1D is just way more size than I would want to handle.

I just picked up a used Nissin and an Oly FL-36R pretty cheap and they seem the equal to my 430ex (but I am not a flash guy, so what do I know). I think there is a lot of ways to skin a cat especially with lighting. Have you seen this site?

Blog Homepage | Larry's Cheap Shots

Geared more towards dSLR's but some different cat skinning which can help us SC guys as well.

Gary
 
I love my GF3 + 20/1.7, and I've even used it to supplement my 5D for a wedding, but even my GH2 is just too small to handle a large flash. Even my 5D or 7D feels a bit unbalanced with a 580ex flash, the 1Dm2 and 1Ds feels more balanced, but with all that weight, even the 70-200/2.8 feels balanced.
 
For the type of shooting I do, I'm basically fine with one real "system" plus a couple of change of pace options. M43 has been my main system since I got back into photography the better part of three years ago. I dabbled in Nex but that ended as soon as Oly came out with the same type of flip up screen on their EPL3 and now on damn near everything but the EPM2. I also have a Fuji X-Pro and its sort of a system but I really don't use it that way. I use it as a change of pace, almost always with the 18mm lens on it. It may or may not become a system over time - I'd see getting a wider lens for it (maybe the 14, maybe the coming 10-24) and maybe getting the 23 f1.4 when it comes out. But its mostly a "stick a lens on it and go shoot" type of camera, where the OMD (currently my only m43 body) gets used with lots of lenses, as circumstances dictate. Even if I get a couple more lenses for the Fuji, I don't see using it as the basis for a full system, just an essential "other flavor" to keep me on my toes and prevent equipment ruts. I also always have a compact of some sort available - its the X10 for a while now, but I've tried a bunch. I also have a GRD3, but its just kind of a collector's item at this point - doesn't get much use.

-Ray
 
I've tried to sell off all my stuff and just stick with two (!) systems. The EM5 and the Fuji X Pro 1 but I then succumbed to the Pentax K-01 body for my FA77 lens and now I'm wondering about what I could get for my Contax G and Hexanon lenses. I've found the EM5 much improved but still don't find the button pressing very easy, sometimes having to press several times before the function is implemented thus there is no "flow" there for me. I'm loving the lenses though so that's a difficult one. The Fuji takes great pics but I can't seem to get the focus right. I love the boxiness and heft of the Pentax K-01 but the AF is not the best. If the GH3 were not so expensive I might consider that.
 
I understand. I've been running both a Pentax APS-C system and a micro four-thirds system for some time. There are a lot of reasons why (It's hard to give up my Pentax DA Limiteds and sometimes I really need the files APS-C can give me.). But, frankly, having two systems tends to keep me from getting bored. I tend to become more involved with one system for a few months and then switch back to the other for a few months. Now, for travelling, I generally use micro four thirds and shoot jpgs. For more photo-specific or specialized outings and foul weather, it's the Pentax gear. I think my Panasonic LX3 and Canon SX230 may eventually go in favor of an RX100 (once the price on the Sony drops a bit more). Then I'll have that and the Pentax Q for real pocketability. The now-heavily discounted Nikon V1 does catch my eye. So does the Fuji X100. But I have to draw the line somewhere. I could eventualy see getting a Fuji X-E1... but if I pull the trigger on that it'll probably mean the Pentax kit is going or gone.
 
... For more photo-specific or specialized outings and foul weather, it's the Pentax gear. I think my Panasonic LX3 and Canon SX230 may eventually go in favor of an RX100 (once the price on the Sony drops a bit more)...

Likewise here, except in my case, I can't seem to let go of my current camera gear. I recently sold my FA43 LTD (yes, I did, I just wasn't using it) and currently have two lenses up on gumtree getting a lot of interest but no enquiries. The longer that drags on the more likely it becomes that I will pull the ads and keep those lenses.

I'd really like to have an X system camera but to be honest, I don't think its ever likely to happen. It certainly won't for as long as I don't sell off the Pentax gear. But, I do like that I don't need to worry if its raining or damp. I can use that Pentax happily with absolute confidence.

I'm just a wimp.
 
This has been one of my issues. I do get bored with just a certain camera/lens, so I've been buying and selling. I think I'll be better off to keep a couple. Probably lose a lot less money from transactions, and also won't lose the time buy/sell takes. It used to be fun, but buying and selling has gotten tedious. In fact, I've been mainly renting the last few months to try out new stuff.

I understand. I've been running both a Pentax APS-C system and a micro four-thirds system for some time. There are a lot of reasons why (It's hard to give up my Pentax DA Limiteds and sometimes I really need the files APS-C can give me.). But, frankly, having two systems tends to keep me from getting bored. I tend to become more involved with one system for a few months and then switch back to the other for a few months. Now, for travelling, I generally use micro four thirds and shoot jpgs. For more photo-specific or specialized outings and foul weather, it's the Pentax gear. I think my Panasonic LX3 and Canon SX230 may eventually go in favor of an RX100 (once the price on the Sony drops a bit more). Then I'll have that and the Pentax Q for real pocketability. The now-heavily discounted Nikon V1 does catch my eye. So does the Fuji X100. But I have to draw the line somewhere. I could eventualy see getting a Fuji X-E1... but if I pull the trigger on that it'll probably mean the Pentax kit is going or gone.
 
Yet another one to try!!! :)

I bounce between jpg and RAW. I don't like that much PP, so I do more jpg generally. Maybe I could rent a Pentax :p

Does the RX100 have that dynamic-range correction thingy that many cameras have now, which is supposed to protect highlights? I don't know how well that works, I only have a Panny LX5, which doesn't have all the latest & greatest tech.
 
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