Overwhelmed by options, trying to buy camera

victorgrant · Joined: 24 May 2017 Posts: 2

I'm overwhelmed with the options for a new camera. I've read reviews and still am overwhelmed. I have a Nikon CoolPix P900 I use to photograph my son playing lacrosse, but it isn't working to photograph my daughter playing indoor volleyball. I routinely use the scene mode, sports, but I'm not getting the image quality I want so looking for a greater fps. But overwhelmed with the choices. I want a great quality shot for indoor volleyball. Not as concerned with video. Price point to around $2000. Help?!

I didn't find the right solution from the Internet.
References: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/59606601

kds315* · Expire: 2021-03-09

I would go for a Panasonic Lumix GH4 + lens (as prices have dropped
massively after the GH5 appeared on the market). Video + still quality is great,
has follow focus, so would be great for your intended use.

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

Given your budget, my first question for you is "Would you consider a clean used system?"

I ask this question because of personal experience and because, after all, this is a manual focus lens forum. So I will assume that you have at least some interest in using MF lenses. Given this, my choice would be one where I had a good selection of lens mounts that can be used. For a DSLR, the clear choice is Canon EOS. There are some half-dozen mounts or more that can be used on an EOS camera, where infinity focus is retained. 4/3 systems give you even more option at the expense of sensor size -- which is a reason why I'm not a big fan of 4/3 systems. And then there's Sony with the E-mount cameras, such as the NEX and a-series models, which can handle just about any manual focus lens made, provided an adapter is made for it..

I own a Canon DSLR and a Sony NEX 7, both of which are APS-C crop sensor cameras. I like the APS-C format because it has a decent sized sensor and because it gives me extra reach with telephoto lenses. But the main disadvantage when using wide angles is they have lost their abilities to provide wide angle coverage. So really you'll need a lens designed to work with the APS-C camera of your choice.

Now, when it comes to new, AF lenses, things change somewhat. The good thing about Canon crop sensor cameras is you have a great selection of lenses available that can cover from ultra wide all the way out pretty much as far as you would ever need. Unfortunately with Sony's crop sensor cameras, the selection is very limited. So that's a big drawback if you think you'll be wanting to cover wide to ultra wide fields of view using an AF lens. So plus one for Canon.

But! There's also full-frame cameras to think about. And I'll tell you, honestly, if I had $2000 to spend, I'd be looking at a way to buy a full-frame camera with lens for that amount. Once again, the systems I'd consider would be Canon and Sony a-series. Lens availability for the full-frame Canon is outstanding, and for the Sony a-series, it's at least good (assuming AF here as well). But the Sony has it over Canon once again when it comes to using manual focus lenses with adapters.

But given your interests, shooting with a Canon is gonna give you a better selection when it comes to AF, and I would be leaning toward AF to catch the action using any focal length you want or need.

So to stay within budget, I'd be looking at something like a 5D Mk II or possibly a Mk III now that the MK IV has come out. And I'd be looking at the best lens I could afford, like the 24-105 L, for example. And I'd start setting aside funds for a tele zoom, like the 100-400 L. Or, given your interests, go with a good tele zoom and start setting aside funds for a wide-to-tele zoom. But in the mean time, I'd be enjoying the use of MF lenses which are relatively cheap in comparison but which often provide outstanding optical quality.

visualopsins · Expire: 2025-04-11

Indoors with low light, long slow lens with narrow depth of field, fast action requires fast shutter speed, more depth of field makes focus easier, requiring high iso.

I.e., new camera needs high iso capability.

Alternatively, consider a video camera -- even my cheap HandyCam takes 4K video -- depends on documentation method, spectacular action stills or the big picture, stills cut from video.

SkvLTD · Joined: 19 Apr 2013 Posts: 200

spiralcity · Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Posts: 1207 Location: Chicago, U.S.A

Choices!

I don't know, you have to do your research and decide what's best for you. There is a lot of good gear to chose from and I'm sure you will be happy with whatever you decide upon. I for one am never concerned about video options on my DSLR, for some it's a game changer, for me I have dedicated video gear and no need to worry about my camera having top notch video. It's all about your needs. I get by with Pentax DSLR bodies and love them, but that's me, they suite my needs and perform extremely well. I still have my old K10D and a K5IIs, I would like to go full frame now with the K1, but haven't pulled the trigger.

Think about what is important to you, do the research then decide. I'm sure you will make a good decision.

visualopsins · Expire: 2025-04-11

johnlee112 · Joined: 28 Aug 2017 Posts: 1

I would like to go for canon digital camera which delivers good photos and videos with speed and clarity. It gives quick camera response.

serion23 · Joined: 15 Nov 2017 Posts: 1

Im hoping someone chimes in here with an online spot to find camera gear. Even in town would be alright, looking to get into the DSLR world.

So, where to buy, what to look out for.

visualopsins · Expire: 2025-04-11

Welcome victorgrant, johnlee112, and serion23

Keh.com

eBay.com

Search internet for camera

trev · Joined: 30 Jun 2010 Posts: 580 Location: North Wales - UK

Seriously consider some of the latest Fujifilm x cameras, such as the x t2 etcetc