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NeoGAF Camera Equipment Thread | MK II

So I'm trying to decide between the Olympus OMD EM10 and the Sony a6000. Leaning towards the Olympus mostly because of the price. Not sure if the Sony is worth it compared to the Olympus for the price they're asking for. Looking for some input/opinions.

2. Main purpose of the camera?

Portraits, vacation photos, close ups of things like marbles.

4. Will you be investing in the camera? (buying more stuff for it later)

Probably a few lenses sometime down the line. One for portraits, one for a bit more zoom, and one that's good at close ups.


5. Any cameras you've used before or liked?

I haven't tried many cameras, last camera was the Nikon P900, but I didn't enjoy how big it was and how I had a hard time taking a pic of anything or anybody if it moved even one inch without it looking blurry as hell. I need something that can take a picture and maintain focus of somebody even if they move a bit and something not as gigantic.

I was in a similar boat a month ago, went with the A6000 and all I can say is I couldn't be happier. It's a great camera.

Can't speak to the Olympus personally.
 

SiDCrAzY

Member
Oly is probably going to suit you better since you are concerned about size. And personally I prefer smaller sensor for macro/close up work due to larger depth of field. The larger size sensor (compared to P900) will allow you to bump up iso to maintain a higher shutter speed to compensate for movements. Down the road, the 12-40 Pro lens is a great all rounder and pretty decent for close up even if it's not true macro. Add a 42.5mm/45mm prime for portrait and you are pretty much set imo.

I thought both cameras were around the same size? Or do you mean the lenses on the Sony are bigger?

Thanks for the input.


I was in a similar boat a month ago, went with the A6000 and all I can say is I couldn't be happier. It's a great camera.

Can't speak to the Olympus personally.

Yeah at this point I feel like I would be happy with either, just wish I knew which one I'd be happiest with.
 

Saturnman

Banned
So I'm trying to decide between the Olympus OMD EM10 and the Sony a6000. Leaning towards the Olympus mostly because of the price. Not sure if the Sony is worth it compared to the Olympus for the price they're asking for. Looking for some input/opinions.

2. Main purpose of the camera?

Portraits, vacation photos, close ups of things like marbles.

4. Will you be investing in the camera? (buying more stuff for it later)

Probably a few lenses sometime down the line. One for portraits, one for a bit more zoom, and one that's good at close ups.


5. Any cameras you've used before or liked?

I haven't tried many cameras, last camera was the Nikon P900, but I didn't enjoy how big it was and how I had a hard time taking a pic of anything or anybody if it moved even one inch without it looking blurry as hell. I need something that can take a picture and maintain focus of somebody even if they move a bit and something not as gigantic.

Depends.

A6000 is great value of a camera, but E mount APSC as far as lenses are concerned is dead. Sony only released a few bodies, but no new lens IN YEARS. If you think you can get by with the kit zoom and some old but still good primes, go for it.

Canon EOS M system, Nikon 1 and Samsung NX are also all dead mirrorless systems.

Among other mirrorless manufacturers, only Fuji X, M43 (Oly, Panasonic & a bunch of third parties) and Sony full frame E mount remain active with plenty of lens development. I would personally invest in those 3.

So in other words, if limited by your binary choice, go for the Em10.

P.S. M43 and Nikon FX user here.
 

hitsugi

Member
Depends.

A6000 is great value of a camera, but E mount APSC as far as lenses are concerned is dead. Sony only released a few bodies, but no new lens IN YEARS. If you think you can get by with the kit zoom and some old but still good primes, go for it.

I love Sony camera bodies (and I mean I LOVE them) but this is a serious point that I always have to echo.

That being said, while I feel there are enough lenses for e-mount... it is going to cost a lot to get them.
 
Try them in a shop. Handling, menu systen, AF and other characteristics are mostly a matter of taste. Different strokes for different folks.

The Olympus models also have industry-leading image stabilization. Check out some videos on YouTube to see it in action. (I know the Full frame Sonys have it as well but it's not as effective and they're in a different price class).

Go with the a6000 if you want better video and autofocus for sports.

Go with the Olympus for better, small primes and zoom lenses and the image stabilization.
 

Lumix

Member
So I'm trying to decide between the Olympus OMD EM10 and the Sony a6000. Leaning towards the Olympus mostly because of the price. Not sure if the Sony is worth it compared to the Olympus for the price they're asking for. Looking for some input/opinions.

2. Main purpose of the camera?

Portraits, vacation photos, close ups of things like marbles.

4. Will you be investing in the camera? (buying more stuff for it later)

Probably a few lenses sometime down the line. One for portraits, one for a bit more zoom, and one that's good at close ups.


5. Any cameras you've used before or liked?

I haven't tried many cameras, last camera was the Nikon P900, but I didn't enjoy how big it was and how I had a hard time taking a pic of anything or anybody if it moved even one inch without it looking blurry as hell. I need something that can take a picture and maintain focus of somebody even if they move a bit and something not as gigantic.


Since size and price are a concern, I would go with the E-M10.

There are some good, reasonably priced lenses for your categories.

Portraits:
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8 $299.99
Panasonic Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7 ASPH. $347.99

Zoom:
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ASPH.
$197.99
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 R $199.99 ($79.99 refurb at Olympus Certified Reconditioned Store.)

Macro:
Panasonic Lumix G Macro 30mm f/2.8 ASPH.
$297.99
 
On the subject of emount lenses, I'm curious as to thoughts on using smart adapters and canon/Nikon/other lenses with an A6000. Worth it or just stick with whats out there.
 

SiDCrAzY

Member
Since size and price are a concern, I would go with the E-M10.

There are some good, reasonably priced lenses for your categories.

Portraits:
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8 $299.99
Panasonic Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7 ASPH. $347.99

Zoom:
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ASPH.
$197.99
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 R $199.99 ($79.99 refurb at Olympus Certified Reconditioned Store.)

Macro:
Panasonic Lumix G Macro 30mm f/2.8 ASPH.
$297.99

Lenses get larger as you increase sensor size. The body can only get so small before it's unusable anyway.

Try them in a shop. Handling, menu systen, AF and other characteristics are mostly a matter of taste. Different strokes for different folks.

Depends.

A6000 is great value of a camera, but E mount APSC as far as lenses are concerned is dead. Sony only released a few bodies, but no new lens IN YEARS. If you think you can get by with the kit zoom and some old but still good primes, go for it.

Canon EOS M system, Nikon 1 and Samsung NX are also all dead mirrorless systems.

Among other mirrorless manufacturers, only Fuji X, M43 (Oly, Panasonic & a bunch of third parties) and Sony full frame E mount remain active with plenty of lens development. I would personally invest in those 3.

So in other words, if limited by your binary choice, go for the Em10.

P.S. M43 and Nikon FX user here.


Thanks for all the input guys, I'm leaning heavily towards the Olympus, but will try to see if I can play with both in a store somewhere.
 

RuGalz

Member
Do these things make lens switching impossible or should I just not do that sort of thing in the rain?

I'd avoid it on the field -- you might just accidentally get droplets on the sensor; it's hard enough to keep droplets out of the front element. Take 2 bodies if needed.
 
I'd avoid it on the field -- you might just accidentally get droplets on the sensor; it's hard enough to keep droplets out of the front element. Take 2 bodies if needed.
Only have one body. Guess I'm just keeping the 70-200 on if it starts raining. I at least of uv filters on all of my lenses, don't know if that helps though.
 

RuGalz

Member
Only have one body. Guess I'm just keeping the 70-200 on if it starts raining. I at least of uv filters on all of my lenses, don't know if that helps though.

well, you still don't want the droplets to affect your images. hood will help, esp since it's a tele lens so I assume it's pretty deep.
 
well, you still don't want the droplets to affect your images. hood will help, esp since it's a tele lens so I assume it's pretty deep.
The lens hood is not small at all. I think the Sigma hood for that is bigger than what I've seen of the Canon 70-200 or it at least seems like it. I know they even threw in an apsc hood extender but no fucking way I was putting that on the lens, fucking thing is big enough and I probably wouldn't even be able to get in in my bag.
 

John Blade

Member
Just a random questions but it's something I need to look into later one. What is a good Sony E mount prime lens I should look into. As of now, I am looking at Sony SEL35F18 35mm f/1.8 Prime Fixed Lens and was wondering if they is other better prime lens I should look into.
 

srst

Member
Just a random questions but it's something I need to look into later one. What is a good Sony E mount prime lens I should look into. As of now, I am looking at Sony SEL35F18 35mm f/1.8 Prime Fixed Lens and was wondering if they is other better prime lens I should look into.

The uber sharp 55mm f1.8 Zeiss lens. The 28mm f2 isn't bad either.
 
What is gaf's ppinion on best wide angle lens for Nikon DX. I need something reasonably priced, but with very low distortion. Going to be used for architectural photography.

I don't want to deal with wavy distortion, but I can easily handle simple barrel distortion.

I'm leaning towards the Nikon 10-24mm, but it has jumped in price from ~$700-900 since I last look a while back.
 
What is gaf's ppinion on best wide angle lens for Nikon DX. I need something reasonably priced, but with very low distortion. Going to be used for architectural photography.

I don't want to deal with wavy distortion, but I can easily handle simple barrel distortion.

I'm leaning towards the Nikon 10-24mm, but it has jumped in price from ~$700-900 since I last look a while back.

The Tokina UW zooms are by far the best bang for your buck.
 
Just a random questions but it's something I need to look into later one. What is a good Sony E mount prime lens I should look into. As of now, I am looking at Sony SEL35F18 35mm f/1.8 Prime Fixed Lens and was wondering if they is other better prime lens I should look into.
The Sigmas are actually very good value for the money. They just lack stabilization (OSS). The 60mm is one of the sharpest native (APS-C) lens you can buy on the system.
I also vouch for the Samyang/Rokinon 12 mm f/2.0 NCS CS. It's crazy sharp for an ultra wide APS-C lens. Its only issues are the fact it's a manual lens and has some noticeable chromatic aberration (fortunately Lightroom now has a lens profile for it).
 

RuGalz

Member
Does anyone know if Sigma's e-mount lenses uses one of Sony's lens id or if they officially licensed it since e-mount is supposedly a bit more open?
 

brerwolfe

Member
I'm leaning towards the Nikon 10-24mm, but it has jumped in price from ~$700-900 since I last look a while back.
Have you considered renting?

LensRentals.com has the Nikon 10-24 for $38/4 days. And if the lens worked out the way you wanted, you can keep it instead of sending it back. The payment says it could be anywhere from $630-800 if you decided to keep it (it's based on condition of the lens).

I've purchased a Canon 16-35 and a wireless mic from them on different occasions after using them and they're still working perfectly.

Just something to consider.
 

Saturnman

Banned
Just a random questions but it's something I need to look into later one. What is a good Sony E mount prime lens I should look into. As of now, I am looking at Sony SEL35F18 35mm f/1.8 Prime Fixed Lens and was wondering if they is other better prime lens I should look into.

For APSC E mount, I think the Zeiss 24mm f1.8 is among the very best. It's not cheap though...
 

captive

Joe Six-Pack: posting for the common man
Have you considered renting?

LensRentals.com has the Nikon 10-24 for $38/4 days. And if the lens worked out the way you wanted, you can keep it instead of sending it back. The payment says it could be anywhere from $630-800 if you decided to keep it (it's based on condition of the lens).

I've purchased a Canon 16-35 and a wireless mic from them on different occasions after using them and they're still working perfectly.

Just something to consider.

do they do this with all of their lenses or only certain ones?
 

Fëanorian

Neo Member
I rented a Nikon D500 along with a Sigma 30mm 1.4 and my gawd!!!! This camera is insane, that 10fps burst along with staying in focus is soooo good.

Now I wish I had rented a telephoto and taken it to the Zoo.

Rented this from lens rental and did a local pick up. Tennessee you are good for once!
 

Orkidea

Member
Fëanorian;213307683 said:
I rented a Nikon D500 along with a Sigma 30mm 1.4 and my gawd!!!! This camera is insane, that 10fps burst along with staying in focus is soooo good.

Now I wish I had rented a telephoto and taken it to the Zoo.

Rented this from lens rental and did a local pick up. Tennessee you are good for once!

Post some pics!
 

lupin23rd

Member
Got paid today and went to a few local camera store websites, and I see there's a Fuji sale on, which is perfect timing given I've been looking at an X-T1 / X-T10 (but wanting to wait for a price drop given big brother is on his way). Not sure if it's a Canada thing or not, seems to be on until 9/30 and touches all models and lenses.

Now to sift through all the choices...
 

John Blade

Member
Got paid today and went to a few local camera store websites, and I see there's a Fuji sale on, which is perfect timing given I've been looking at an X-T1 / X-T10 (but wanting to wait for a price drop given big brother is on his way). Not sure if it's a Canada thing or not, seems to be on until 9/30 and touches all models and lenses.

Now to sift through all the choices...

The sales is mostly for trying to sell those X-T1 camera as the new X-T2 is coming out soon. If you to get it cheap and don't mind he the old version, go with the X-T1 now.
 

captive

Joe Six-Pack: posting for the common man
I have had a UZ2711 Dell for a while now, its a great IPS monitor. Unfortunately it has been acting up lately, i turn it off and it wont turn back on until i unplug it and let it sit.

Been considering getting a new monitor down the road. Anyone have any experience with the curved super wide screens? I think it would be useful in the sense that I can sit closer to it and not have to move around. I currently sit pretty close to the 27" but its so massive and flat that i end up adjusting in my seat to see different areas. Also i mostly do a lot of panoramas so editing those would be good because i can get them bigger.
 
On the subject of monitors... Has anyone used a 4k TV as a monitor? I've read that you want a TV capable 4:4:4 chroma for text rendering, but how about image editing? There are some 43" 4k TVs that I've had my eye on wondering if I can dump my two old monitors for.
 
I know next to nothing about cameras. Are either of these decent for a noob? Would one be much better than the other?


I guess I need something with wifi and one that can take decent pictures in low light. Anything in the price range of those listed.

But none of these would be good in low light since they're apertures are too tiny.


JadedWriter is correct. If you want good results in low light, you need a camera with a lens that can let a lot of light pass through it. This is indicated by a low value for the aperture.
A lens with a minimal aperture of 2,0 or lower is better for low light conditions than the 3,4 of the Canon you mentioned.
Examples:
Nikon P340 with a minimum aperture of 1,8

Lumix LX7 with an aperture starting at 1,4

There are a quite a lot of cameras that offer these lenses. Problem for you: These cameras are not very cheap, so that you might look for open box, refurbished or used devices.

Fuji XQ2, Sony RX100 II, Canon S120 for example are worth a look, too.
 

zerotol

Banned
Ok thanks. I guess low light isn't exactly as important for me. I just want something decent for a beginner that also has wifi. The only reason I listed those is because of wifi, price and the zoom features. Told ya I'm a complete noob. Just something that can take better pics than a crappy phone camera.
 

RuGalz

Member
The sensors in those super zoom cameras are not much better than a flagship phone either, so compared to a phone you only gained zoom capability for much bigger size. So you kind of need to figure out if that's good enough.
 
Ok thanks. I guess low light isn't exactly as important for me. I just want something decent for a beginner that also has wifi. The only reason I listed those is because of wifi, price and the zoom features. Told ya I'm a complete noob. Just something that can take better pics than a crappy phone camera.
The image quality of these super zoom bridge cameras aren't too great though. They have reach and can take a picture but they're nothing to write home about. I started on a Nikon p530 but upgraded within like 2 months to a Nikon D7100. You might want to look for an A5000 or something.
 
Have you considered renting?

Yeah, I've rented from lensrentals.com a few times, and a couple rentals from local camera shops. It's just to the point where I may need to permanently own one for regular use. I've rented a 10-24 Nikon, 12-24mm Nikon, and a Sigma 12-24mm (this one was amazing on full frame!).

The Tokina UW zooms are by far the best bang for your buck.

I actually made an excel spreadsheet that rated the various aspects I judge a lens by, and the Tokina 16-28 (if I upgrade to a FX camera) and the Tokina 11-20 I've ranked very high. I would share this list but it's all opinion based off the 3 wide zooms I've used and the 11 other wide zooms after reading reviews and looking at sample images. With out money to just throw around, the Tokinas look mighty attractive.
 

Dr. Malik

FlatAss_
I love traveling but the pictures I take never do what I see justice mostly because its a phone camera so I'm ready to learn and jump to quality.

1. What is your budget budget?
$800 maybe 1k with a good lens

2. Main purpose of the camera?
Capturing mountains, sunsets, landscapes, etc. Mainly lots of scenery

3. What form factor is most appealing to you?
?

4. Will you be investing in the camera? (buying more stuff for it later)
Probably some lenses.

5. Any cameras you've used before or liked?
Have used a Canon DSLR before but I dont remember the model
 

Futureman

Member
Canon 5D Mark IV is imminent!

I'm getting more serious about freelance work and I told my GF how it would be a good idea to upgrade my camera now if I really want to make a push (I have a 5D2). She said, "You should get it if you need it." Well I guess that settles it!
 
I love traveling but the pictures I take never do what I see justice mostly because its a phone camera so I'm ready to learn and jump to quality.

1. What is your budget budget?
$800 maybe 1k with a good lens

2. Main purpose of the camera?
Capturing mountains, sunsets, landscapes, etc. Mainly lots of scenery

I guess that means you will carry it around while hiking/walking/climbing and such activities? Then a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses are the best option, I guess. Smaller and lighter than DSLRs. I was tired of lugging around my huge ass camera, too.

Three systems are relevant:
- Micro Four Thirds with cameras from Olympus and Panasonic.
Oly M10 II or Lumix GX80 are in your budget. Lots of really fantastic and small lenses available for all tastes and prices.

- Sony E-Mount
Sony A6000 is still relevant though the more expensive A6300 is out already. A6000 has nice image quality. Lens market is a little smaller and the lenses often are somehow bulkier, but the packet still is smaller than most DSLRs .

- Fuji X-System
Fuji X-T10 and X-E2. Great quality, fine lenses, nice retro bodies. AF is not the fastest, but when shooting scenery not really relevant imo.

Try them if you can. There's not THE best camera for every individual user. Matter of taste.

I opted for MFT because of the size of the camera plus lens. The sensor in those is a bit smaller than in the other systems but as long you are not pixel-peeping in 100% mode at your monitor you won't see a significant gap to the other two systems.
 

Dr. Malik

FlatAss_
I guess that means you will carry it around while hiking/walking/climbing and such activities? Then a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses are the best option, I guess. Smaller and lighter than DSLRs. I was tired of lugging around my huge ass camera, too.

I actually dont mind, are there any drastic drawbacks to a mirrorless camera or is a good DSLR out of my price range?

Edit: Being doing a tad of research and it looks like battery life is the main concern with mirrorless
 

RuGalz

Member
I actually dont mind, are there any drastic drawbacks to a mirrorless camera or is a good DSLR out of my price range?

Edit: Being doing a tad of research and it looks like battery life is the main concern with mirrorless

I think a good DSLR is cheaper than a good mirrorless all things considered. Another big difference between mirrorless and DSLR is the view finder. DSLR is optical while mirrorless is digital. Some people like it some people don't. Digital view finder is easier in the sense that your shot is pretty close to what you see in normal conditions, similar to a phone. Optical view finder doesn't have latency issue but you have to understand how camera sees differently than our eyes.

Take a look at Pentax K-S2 or K-70 and pair it up with the 16-85 or 18-135 weather sealed lens for a perfect weather sealed, walk around setup. The 16-85 produces slightly better image quality and is a bit larger but 18-135 is perfectly fine too. If you get the 18-135, you can probably fit a 35mm f2.4 or 50mm f1.8 prime lenses in your budget; those are only about 100 dollars and produce good images. But you may prefer a wider lense later on if you are into landscape.

I'll let others talk about Canon or Nikon. I don't follow them closely anymore.
 

lupin23rd

Member
Ended up getting the X-T1 with the 27mm pancake lens today. Hoping the small size of the package gets me to take the camera more often than my old DSLR did, before I jump into other lens options.

I noticed the 14mm lens is like $400 off here in Canada, have there been any rumors on a replacement coming for this one? The 23mm is $250 off and I saw the pics of the upcoming f/2 version today, so given those two have the biggest discounts I wonder if that's just a really good price or a sign of things to come.
 
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