A dilemma of epic proportion

[zackiedawg]

OK...not so epic...that was a joke, with the world in turmoil, middle east protesting for basic freedoms, earthquake survivors digging out of rubble, financial crisis everywhere, and here I am with my little dilemma of how to spend some spare cash.

But since we're all gear-heads, I'm hoping for some opinions, words of guidance, jabbing insults, whatever may come of it. Here's the situation (not the idiot in Jersey with the abs):

So I've always had two cameras...one larger and one tiny. First it was prosumers and ultracompacts, then I moved up to DSLRs and ultracompacts. As far as I can imagine, those two categories will remain the same - the DSLR will be there for the birding/wildlife/travel/serious shoots/paid shoots...the ultracompact will always be in a pocket or in the car or in a desk drawer at work, there to serve as the 'just in case I happen to wish I had a camera on me' shots.

I'm likely getting close to making upgrade considerations for both of those - the DSLR has had heavy use for the past 1 1/2 years and the ultracompact is getting scuffed and scratched...I'm considering an A580 as a natural progression from the A550, unless some surprise early news pops up about an A7xx (not the A7x)...which I'm not expecting. I've also considered replacing my little TX1 with the newer TX10, as it will perform similarly, but add waterproofness. This is where the dilemma pops up:

I don't NEED a third camera. However, I find myself absolutely drooling over the Fuji X100's looks, and images...and the idea behind it - having a fixed lens, manual control, rangefinder style camera to supplement the DSLR. It would be used for serious shots, and serve as a second body to the DSLR, albeit one more portable and pocketable than actually buying another DSLR. However, when I consider the price of the Fuji X100, which will be higher than my DSLR body, it makes me wonder if I should spend that on something completely unnecessary. Should I maybe forego the new ultracompact purchase, and put that money towards the 3rd camera? Certainly the ultracompact will likely be taking no more than half-a-dozen shots a week on average. While I'm not financially needy, I'm also not Gates or Helu...would it just be a waste of money?

OK...probably that's a hard one to answer for anyone but me...but now comes the part where I'm hoping for advice - a 'what would you do' question. With the gorgeous X100 tempting me almost purely on design, though the images look fantastic so far too...up pop the NEX cameras in my head. I've not really considered them previously mostly because I don't NEED one - but now that I'm considering buying something I don't need, I wonder if buying the $1,100+ X100 would be silly when the NEX5 with 16mm lens could be had for under $800. The lens doesn't seem like it quite matches the Fuji, but still looks decent, and high ISO should be decent as well. It's less money - but would you consider buying into the NEX5 to use it primarily as a fixed-lens camera with just the 16mm attached? Of course, I could add lenses in the future - or get the adapter to play with my DSLR lenses - but likely as not, I'd just stick with it as a rangefinder-type body - a small, pocketable 2nd camera with fixed lens. And then that brings up the next question - would it be worth spending the extra for the NEX5 and 16mm lens when the NEX3 with the same lens can be had for $499 on sale? Whew - that's a lot less money - so what would I be missing other than the better-looking all mag body?

I'm open to questions, suggestions, or ridicule. Anyone?
--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg

 

[KEITH-C]

Yours is a perfectly understandable dilemma - the new Fuji has the styling that I tried to get Sony to adopt for the NEX although I would have preferred the Fuji to have greater flexibility with interchangeable lenses.

The current NEX's are interesting but I have a feeling that the NEXt round of such cameras will be better ?

Have you really outgrown your A550 ? - I would suggest waiting a a little longer as I think some more interesting cameras will be launched later this year

I suspect that your most redundant camera is the compact as it gets little use & by now you must be bothered by its relative lack of IQ ?
--
Keith-C

 

[Antlab]

Hi.

Sincerely, if you don't have immediate need, I would wait some week/months, to check the new announcements for 2011. I don't like the idea to spend more than 1000$ for the fixed lens Fuji, and I think the current generation NEXs have too many limitations (flash system, LCD-only).

Ciao

 

[rinkos]

OK...not so epic...that was a joke, with the world in turmoil, middle east protesting for basic freedoms, earthquake survivors digging out of rubble, financial crisis everywhere, and here I am with my little dilemma of how to spend some spare cash.

But since we're all gear-heads, I'm hoping for some opinions, words of guidance, jabbing insults, whatever may come of it. Here's the situation (not the idiot in Jersey with the abs):

So I've always had two cameras...one larger and one tiny. First it was prosumers and ultracompacts, then I moved up to DSLRs and ultracompacts. As far as I can imagine, those two categories will remain the same - the DSLR will be there for the birding/wildlife/travel/serious shoots/paid shoots...the ultracompact will always be in a pocket or in the car or in a desk drawer at work, there to serve as the 'just in case I happen to wish I had a camera on me' shots.

I'm likely getting close to making upgrade considerations for both of those - the DSLR has had heavy use for the past 1 1/2 years and the ultracompact is getting scuffed and scratched...I'm considering an A580 as a natural progression from the A550, unless some surprise early news pops up about an A7xx (not the A7x)...which I'm not expecting. I've also considered replacing my little TX1 with the newer TX10, as it will perform similarly, but add waterproofness. This is where the dilemma pops up:

I don't NEED a third camera. However, I find myself absolutely drooling over the Fuji X100's looks, and images...and the idea behind it - having a fixed lens, manual control, rangefinder style camera to supplement the DSLR. It would be used for serious shots, and serve as a second body to the DSLR, albeit one more portable and pocketable than actually buying another DSLR. However, when I consider the price of the Fuji X100, which will be higher than my DSLR body, it makes me wonder if I should spend that on something completely unnecessary. Should I maybe forego the new ultracompact purchase, and put that money towards the 3rd camera? Certainly the ultracompact will likely be taking no more than half-a-dozen shots a week on average. While I'm not financially needy, I'm also not Gates or Helu...would it just be a waste of money?

OK...probably that's a hard one to answer for anyone but me...but now comes the part where I'm hoping for advice - a 'what would you do' question. With the gorgeous X100 tempting me almost purely on design, though the images look fantastic so far too...up pop the NEX cameras in my head. I've not really considered them previously mostly because I don't NEED one - but now that I'm considering buying something I don't need, I wonder if buying the $1,100+ X100 would be silly when the NEX5 with 16mm lens could be had for under $800. The lens doesn't seem like it quite matches the Fuji, but still looks decent, and high ISO should be decent as well. It's less money - but would you consider buying into the NEX5 to use it primarily as a fixed-lens camera with just the 16mm attached? Of course, I could add lenses in the future - or get the adapter to play with my DSLR lenses - but likely as not, I'd just stick with it as a rangefinder-type body - a small, pocketable 2nd camera with fixed lens. And then that brings up the next question - would it be worth spending the extra for the NEX5 and 16mm lens when the NEX3 with the same lens can be had for $499 on sale? Whew - that's a lot less money - so what would I be missing other than the better-looking all mag body?

I'm open to questions, suggestions, or ridicule. Anyone?
--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg

took a long while to get to the point ..i will try to help

1.it seems we are days away from knowing how good is the x100 scores as there are already gallery up here .

2.this all pocket thing...i dunno about you but my jeans are not that wide...i cant even put nex3 with 16mm lens in it..let alone feel comfortable with my heavy wallet.

3.the nex and x100 are not the same category..the nex dont have a vf...it is more pocketable ...so if thats ur aim that would be good

4.nex3 and nex5 are a tough decision to make..u need to go to the store and see how it holds in ur hand cause they have different build..other than build they are the same though....and anyway sony is about to put out new E mount lenses so you should expect other lenses by the end of this year i guess

5.i would hold out till the A77 is out anyway ...prices will drop , lenses will come out, and maybe even we shall see a new nex around ...either way as much as the x100 makes u drool...it is kind of a status camera inmop ...if i cant replace the lens at least put it in wide angle ..not 35mm!!.

 

[g4rvd4]

I suggest you wait for a bit and see what's coming in the DSLR arena, as you already have two cameras and are in no immediate NEED.

I also feel that the X100 would be an unnecessary waste of money for you. You're not likely to use it any more than your current ultracompact.

 

[Dennis]

OK...not so epic...that was a joke, with the world in turmoil, middle east protesting for basic freedoms, earthquake survivors digging out of rubble, financial crisis everywhere, and here I am with my little dilemma of how to spend some spare cash.

Sometimes a thread like this just helps you think out loud ...

So I've always had two cameras...one larger and one tiny. First it was prosumers and ultracompacts, then I moved up to DSLRs and ultracompacts.

I've had a DSLR since the KM 7D (before that it was the F717) and a more compact digicam (not an ultracompact), too. But, partly because I've never owned an ultracompact and my digicams were always a bit bulky, I now find the NEX causing my use of a digicam to diminish. It's the whole IQ thing ... ok, sure an S95 does a fine job, but my digicam shots are just so unsatisfying compared to larger sensor shots.

I don't NEED a third camera. However, I find myself absolutely drooling over the Fuji X100's looks, and images...and the idea behind it - having a fixed lens, manual control, rangefinder style camera to supplement the DSLR.

I can see this. I always said I'd get a digital equivalent of my Minolta HiMatic if I could. I seriously thought about a GF1/20 kit for a while, but the promise of NEX held me at bay. The X100 looks awesome, but now I've bought into the "system" aspect of NEX. (NEX won me over on its superior sensor - mainly because of m43 lousy DR - for the promise of a portrait prime - and for its tilting LCD).

The X100 would be an utter joy to use, but I can't spend that kind of money on a fixed lens digicam. So much of the purchase price is on that lovely lens that can't be reused. And when you can spend less money on a NEX that takes other lenses ...

up pop the NEX cameras in my head. ... It's less money - but would you consider buying into the NEX5 to use it primarily as a fixed-lens camera with just the 16mm attached?

No. The 16 is ok for some things, but for that money, I'd want a more useful FL and a better lens. I would consider it as a fixed lens camera with the 24/1.7 (depending on the size, weight, cost, performance of the lens). I use the 16 when I want to go small, for WAs when I'm carrying both lenses, or alongside my A700. A700 with 85 and NEX with 16 makes a great combo. NEX w/16 in ski coat pocket to do some video on the slopes is fun. But if I were looking at it as a one-trick pony, I'd probably go for the X100 first !

And then that brings up the next question - would it be worth spending the extra for the NEX5 and 16mm lens when the NEX3 with the same lens can be had for $499 on sale? Whew - that's a lot less money - so what would I be missing other than the better-looking all mag body?

$499 is a bargain - not much more than an S95 !

I'm open to questions, suggestions, or ridicule. Anyone?

While I always wanted a large sensor digital compact, by the time it came out, I had decided that I'd like to migrate more of my handheld shooting over to a compact mirrorless system that's less obtrusive and offers excellent LV, so I really want a minimum of a wide/normal and a short tele available. Meantime, I like the 18-55. It's still small enough to fit in a decent sized jacket pocket and easy to carry along wherever I go, sharper than the 16 with a useful all purpose range. An A55 would also have been a decent alternative for the types of shooting I want to do with it, but I had the A33 & NEX-5 side by side for a few days and the NEX was always the camera I'd want to just grab & take places. If I'm doing anything a bit more "serious" then a full sized DSLR is perfectly fine.

The other thing this approach does for me is limit my use of my DSLR system primarily to zooms, shrinks the system, and makes it a lot easier for me to consider a competing system if I don't like where Sony is headed after seeing the A77.

So ... if I were you, I'd skip the digicam upgrade, maybe grab an A580 for the IQ, then think seriously about whether you really want an APS-C compact as a fixed lens camera (which seems to be the case) or if you might find an EVIL system more generally useful (my case). If the former, how much do you like the wide FOV of the 16 ? It's really a decent enough lens esp. if you can get a $499 NEX-3 kit. If it's a compromise, indulge yourself and go for the X100. Or get a GF2 and 14 or 20.

• Dennis

--
Gallery at http://kingofthebeasts.smugmug.com

 

[zackiedawg]

Yours is a perfectly understandable dilemma - the new Fuji has the styling that I tried to get Sony to adopt for the NEX although I would have preferred the Fuji to have greater flexibility with interchangeable lenses.

Funny - I'm torn on that one. I'm thinking there would be something a bit freeing about the fixed lens. It's actually part of the reason I was wondering if I'd be considered a bit loony picking up a NEX3 or 5 and just leaving the pancake on. I might have hoped for 24mm on the Fuji - but I've lived with 35mm in my film past and never felt bothered by it.

The current NEX's are interesting but I have a feeling that the NEXt round of such cameras will be better ?

Indeed maybe. Again - torn. Would I wait and see what the 'better' NEX brings, or would I consider grabbing one of the current models at a lower price when they're blowing them out to clear old inventory? Or do I just say 'heck with it' and grab one now?

Have you really outgrown your A550 ? - I would suggest waiting a a little longer as I think some more interesting cameras will be launched later this year

I haven't outgrown it for sure - it's the finest camera I've had, I love it, and I'd miss it if Sony stopped making them. But I usually rotate through cameras at a bit over a year, and I've put this one through probably 30,000+ frames...so I'm starting to feel antsy to have a new one just because it's my usual time frame...and I do like some of the feature upgrades on the A580. I'd likely as not keep the A550, as a spare body - that's yet another consideration if I decide not to buy the 3rd camera - I'd likely stick a wider lens on the A550 and the long telephotos on the A580, bringing both along when I go shooting.

I suspect that your most redundant camera is the compact as it gets little use & by now you must be bothered by its relative lack of IQ ?

Surprisingly, no on the IQ. It definitely doesn't get much use, but it still cranks out photos I'm happy with - of course, I don't have near the same expectations from it that I do from a DSLR. But I've even considered whether I should replace it with something like the S95 or LX5, and surprisingly, for my type of shooting, the Sony TX series is still a better performer than those, especially in low light...mostly due to the stacking ability of HHT mode. But it would definitely be the most redundant and least used camera, especially if I got a 3rd camera in between the DSLR and it. So maybe my stronger consideration would be to just keep the TX1 for current duties, and let the large-sensor compact join the fray.

Thanks for the input so far!

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg

 

[zackiedawg]

Hi.

Sincerely, if you don't have immediate need, I would wait some week/months, to check the new announcements for 2011. I don't like the idea to spend more than 1000$ for the fixed lens Fuji, and I think the current generation NEXs have too many limitations (flash system, LCD-only).

The pricing on the Fuji is what gets me too. I could afford to buy it where it is priced, but just don't know if I could really justify it or whether I could get the same or better functionality for a lot less money.

On the NEX systems, the limitations don't much bother me - flash-wise, I'd likely never use one. Lens selection wouldn't matter as I'd likely just leave the 16mm pancake on all the time. Using the LCD would probably be the least attractive thing - one of the reasons the Fuji really tempts me is that hybrid viewfinder.

Thanks for the thoughts.

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg

 

[zackiedawg]

1.it seems we are days away from knowing how good is the x100 scores as there are already gallery up here .

True. The initial galleries though really really looked great...especially the high ISO stuff, which really speaks to me as that would be a very big part of my shooting with such a camera. The ISO6400 fruit shot is lovely - I wouldn't even post-process - and the ISO3200 night shot has excellent shadow detail and a very nice noise pattern with no blotchy chroma and low or no NR smearing. Impressive looking.

2.this all pocket thing...i dunno about you but my jeans are not that wide...i cant even put nex3 with 16mm lens in it..let alone feel comfortable with my heavy wallet.

It definitely wouldn't be a true pocket cam like an ultracompact camera - my thinking is that a NEX with 16mm pancake would hang around my neck on a lanyard or small neck strap, while carrying my DSLR in one hand. That would let me go out to the wetlands for example with my DSLR and 300mm F4 lens attached for birding and wildlife, but also have the NEX aorund my neck to grab for landscape shots & scenics.

3.the nex and x100 are not the same category..the nex dont have a vf...it is more pocketable ...so if thats ur aim that would be good

I do like the viewfinder a lot on the Fuji - really innovative and just the type of thing I'd love to have. Whether it's worth 3 times the price over the NEX3 is the big debate for me!

4.nex3 and nex5 are a tough decision to make..u need to go to the store and see how it holds in ur hand cause they have different build..other than build they are the same though....and anyway sony is about to put out new E mount lenses so you should expect other lenses by the end of this year i guess

I tried them both when they came out - the all metal body of the NEX5 was stunning, and the grip was quite comfortable...but the NEX3 didn't feel BAD - it just didn't feel as good as the NEX5. If the NEX5 weren't around to compare it to, I'd probably have found the NEX3 to be quite nice.

either way as much as the x100 makes u drool...it is kind of a status camera inmop ...if i cant replace the lens at least put it in wide angle ..not 35mm!!.

No question - that's the biggest problem in my hed. I know I don't need the Fuji, I know it's mostly the design that's drawing me in - it is just so sexy and classic...but doesn't really do anything special or fill any hole in my life. I sometimes buy unnecessary things because I'm drawn to them - I'm a bit of a watch fanatic and have far more of them than I need to tell time - mostly the designs pulled me in. I must say the NEX5 looks very nice too...and it's what bugs me with the Fuji. Had they priced it at $800 - I'd likely as not just go get one. But at the current price, it makes me wonder if the money would be better spent elsewhere.

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg

 

[zackiedawg]

I suggest you wait for a bit and see what's coming in the DSLR arena, as you already have two cameras and are in no immediate NEED.

True indeed.

I also feel that the X100 would be an unnecessary waste of money for you. You're not likely to use it any more than your current ultracompact.

That's also probably true - though initially I may use it more, as the 'new' toy that I want to play with, in the end much of my shooting requires my DSLR lens collection, much of it better done with the speed, OVF, and larger body and grip of a DSLR, and this camera would be no more than a toy to bring along on the side for some extra shots. The cost of the Fuji 'toy' is what gets me, especially compared to the NEX.

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg

 

[zackiedawg]

Sometimes a thread like this just helps you think out loud ...

That it does!

I've had a DSLR since the KM 7D (before that it was the F717) and a more compact digicam (not an ultracompact), too. But, partly because I've never owned an ultracompact and my digicams were always a bit bulky, I now find the NEX causing my use of a digicam to diminish. It's the whole IQ thing ... ok, sure an S95 does a fine job, but my digicam shots are just so unsatisfying compared to larger sensor shots.

I'm fairly certain that will be the case for me too - though I'll probably still keep an ultracompact around in my car just to have when I had absolutely no plans of traveling with a camera, but want one there just in case.

I can see this. I always said I'd get a digital equivalent of my Minolta HiMatic if I could. I seriously thought about a GF1/20 kit for a while, but the promise of NEX held me at bay. The X100 looks awesome, but now I've bought into the "system" aspect of NEX. (NEX won me over on its superior sensor - mainly because of m43 lousy DR - for the promise of a portrait prime - and for its tilting LCD).

So far, that's what's kept me out of both - the sensor performance was more impressive on the NEX than the M4:3 for me, but the system aspect at the same time seemed too much of a commitment for me, since my DSLR remains my 'system'...the rangefinder concept liberates me in one sense, in not having to think about being tempted by a system, especially if it's a fixed lens. But spending 3x the price for the Fuji vs getting the NEX and thinking of it like a fixed lens camera just doesn't seem logical. Not to mention the little side bonus that says 'what if I do like it and want it to become a system?'...NEX would allow that, Fuji won't.

The X100 would be an utter joy to use, but I can't spend that kind of money on a fixed lens digicam.

I can, but just don't know if I should. My photography income pays for my photography hobby - I don't make nearly enough to live on from my photography, but I make enough to enjoy some toys - usually lenses. I happen to be a bit flush with photo money right now, due to some recent sales...so I've got $2K or so burning a hole in my pocket, and that's got the light bulb lit in my head. I'm pretty OK with lens collections at the moment, so my thoughts turn to upgrading the DSLR body (which I'm currently happy wth, but the A580 pricing is quite good) and then, something else. The Fuji could fit within my budget...but the NEX could as well, and maybe even a second NEX lens, or an adapter to use my old Pentax ME lenses if I really wanted to play.

No. The 16 is ok for some things, but for that money, I'd want a more useful FL and a better lens. I would consider it as a fixed lens camera with the 24/1.7 (depending on the size, weight, cost, performance of the lens). I use the 16 when I want to go small, for WAs when I'm carrying both lenses, or alongside my A700. A700 with 85 and NEX with 16 makes a great combo. NEX w/16 in ski coat pocket to do some video on the slopes is fun. But if I were looking at it as a one-trick pony, I'd probably go for the X100 first !

Interesting - I probably would pair it with my A550/580, so maybe the 16mm might work. I like the extra versatility of the 18-55, and that it has IS, but don't like that it significantly increases the blockiness of the package - making me feel more like I've got a second big camera, rather than a slim tag-along. The X100 of course appears a bit larger than the NEX cameras - but has no additional lens protrusion...the X100 wins on design and control for me - love the classic rangefinder layout. And the viewfinder is simply a dream I've had - everything I've wanted a viewfinder to be in this type of camera. The NEX wins big on price, size with the 16mm attached, and the flexibility of the tilting LCD.

$499 is a bargain - not much more than an S95 !

I know!

Meantime, I like the 18-55. It's still small enough to fit in a decent sized jacket pocket and easy to carry along wherever I go, sharper than the 16 with a useful all purpose range.

Maybe I need to handle one of these cameras with the 18-55 attached. How much bigger is it? Let me ask it this way, since I'm not likely to 'pocket' the camera even with the 16mm - would you be comfortable hanging the NEX with 18-55mm lens around your neck on a neckstrap or lanyard? Would it be too blocky, heavy, or awkward?

An A55 would also have been a decent alternative for the types of shooting I want to do with it, but I had the A33 & NEX-5 side by side for a few days and the NEX was always the camera I'd want to just grab & take places. If I'm doing anything a bit more "serious" then a full sized DSLR is perfectly fine.

A33/55 are way out for me personally - too big, too close to DSLR, but with too much that I'd miss compared to a DSLR. I definitely want A LOT smaller than DSLR - that's what's got me tempted with the NEX or X100.

The other thing this approach does for me is limit my use of my DSLR system primarily to zooms, shrinks the system, and makes it a lot easier for me to consider a competing system if I don't like where Sony is headed after seeing the A77.

I'll likely just stick with my current DSLR system as it's well sorted and covered...I don't find myself missing anything with my current system, and would be missing too much going to another. If I don't like Sony's direction in the future, I'd just cross that bridge when I need to - at that point, I'd have to accept that I don't like ANYONE'S direction in DSLRs, and see which compromise would be best to accept.

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg

 

[RichV]

Justin - right now I've got an A850, but (in comparison to your preference for smaller bodies) full-size cameras have always been more comfortable for me; it's not just that I'm 6'4" tall - the VF space is important. What does this have to do with your situation? Well, I'm considering an APS-C body (I used to have an A700, then an A550) - specifically the A55. I need to run some more tests on it, such as whether or not I'd be able to shed my eyeglasses and get everything done via the VF (that's an incredible draw for someone who hasn't worn eyeglasses for most of his life and misses the freedom of "no glasses"). For me an A55 would give me lots of functionality I can't get from the OVF bodies, but mostly just of the "really nice to have" variety (e.g. I can't really manually focus well with an OVF; it's kludgy to attach a spirit level to a Minolta hotshoe, LCD LV takes me away from the closeness I'm used to with a VF, etc.). The reason for me considering the A55, from more of a photography pov, is that my long lenses are longer (technically smaller fov), I don't have a high fps rate with the A850, HDR involves more work with the 850 (with potentially greater rewards, though), and a few more reasons. The point is that it's functionality I don't have but would really like to have. Does the A55 have shortcomings? Yes - just like every camera I've ever owned; it's the balance of everything that determines whether I'll enjoy it or not.

In your decision, is there anything like this, i.e. things you would do with the new body that you can't with your current body (or with the A580?)? There's nothing wrong with the reason simply being the body size - or that you simply like it. For me, if I'm using more than one Sony body, it's a better reason to have better glass, etc. And I get that freedom of carrying a couple of bodies (often attached to some kind of harness belt) with long and wide lenses - and that everything's interchangeable (more bang for the lens buck).

I realize this is pretty simple, and for me it's also partially driven by the fact that I'm not making anywhere near as much money as I did a few years ago, but it also makes shooting easier and less complicated. Your latest response implies you'll just stick with what you've got for a while, and that's another option that makes sense; best of luck with whatever you choose.

P.S. I thought "epic" was just an image posted on the web!

--
Rich

http://philosurfer.zenfolio.com/

 

[ET2]

the new Fuji has the styling that I tried to get Sony to adopt for the NEX

reading this you may think KEITH-C works for Sony Japan. He is just talking about his rants on DPR forum.

 

[Dennis]

Hi Justin - just read through your post quickly, will get back to it later.

• Dennis

--
Gallery at http://kingofthebeasts.smugmug.com

 

[KEITH-C]

the new Fuji has the styling that I tried to get Sony to adopt for the NEX

reading this you may think KEITH-C works for Sony Japan. He is just talking about his rants on DPR forum.

Not another guy possed by demons - I never said or even implied that I work for Sony but if you care to read my old posts you will see what I said is true.

Sony reads these forums more than you seem to think & they treat any serious suggestion with the appropriate consideration. If I had the time I could search out my past suggestions for producing a camera that was very similar to the NEX when it eventually appeared - but don't take my word for it , look for yourself !
--
Keith-C

 

[Ron Poelman]

Your chances of happiness with another SLR like the @580 are slim,
I reckon, the way you are framing your thoughts.

As for the tiddler, that's just a toy to occupy your brainspace
till you bite the bigger bullet; it'll still be there tomorrow
and the competitors in this bracket will come thick and fast.

I reckon the real choice is, ditch everything for an @55 and simplify your life
or move to FF and plateau off for a few years while you enjoy the benefits.

p.s.
you've had the the 18-250 for a while now,
still happy with it or is it really too much of a compromise ?

R.
--

 

[WaltKnapp]

OK...probably that's a hard one to answer for anyone but me...but now comes the part where I'm hoping for advice - a 'what would you do' question. With the gorgeous X100 tempting me almost purely on design, though the images look fantastic so far too...up pop the NEX cameras in my head. I've not really considered them previously mostly because I don't NEED one - but now that I'm considering buying something I don't need, I wonder if buying the $1,100+ X100 would be silly when the NEX5 with 16mm lens could be had for under $800. The lens doesn't seem like it quite matches the Fuji, but still looks decent, and high ISO should be decent as well. It's less money - but would you consider buying into the NEX5 to use it primarily as a fixed-lens camera with just the 16mm attached? Of course, I could add lenses in the future - or get the adapter to play with my DSLR lenses - but likely as not, I'd just stick with it as a rangefinder-type body - a small, pocketable 2nd camera with fixed lens. And then that brings up the next question - would it be worth spending the extra for the NEX5 and 16mm lens when the NEX3 with the same lens can be had for $499 on sale? Whew - that's a lot less money - so what would I be missing other than the better-looking all mag body?

Lack of a proper standard Sony hotshoe is one of the big negatives for me using NEX instead of my current bridge camera.

Well, that and such a short range available in zooms....

Walt

 

[zackiedawg]

Your chances of happiness with another SLR like the @580 are slim,
I reckon, the way you are framing your thoughts.

Nah...it should do me very well. I still love my A550, and everything I've seen of the A580 show me that it's an A550 with a few more excellent features added to it.

As for the tiddler, that's just a toy to occupy your brainspace
till you bite the bigger bullet; it'll still be there tomorrow
and the competitors in this bracket will come thick and fast.

Yep...you're right on that one! I just have to see if the impulse takes over and I end up with the toy.

I reckon the real choice is, ditch everything for an @55 and simplify your life
or move to FF and plateau off for a few years while you enjoy the benefits.

Not quite ready for that move, for sure! I still can't wrap my hands around the compromises for my own style of shooting with the A55, and the full frame offerings at least from Sony still aren't quite up to my high ISO needs (I'm one of the rare ones that shoots high ISO quite often)...not to mention, I'm still a big fan of the convenience of the crop factor of the APS-C sensors - saves me time having to crop after the fact, and helps for focusing on small, fast moving targets.

you've had the the 18-250 for a while now,
still happy with it or is it really too much of a compromise ?

Yep - still very happy with it. Overall, it's the finest lens I've purchased. Not in image quality - I can beat the results at any given focal length with a particular prime...but in the extreme flexibility and freedom it gives me for nearly any type of shot. Paired with a good performing high ISO machine like the A5xx series, I've had no qualms about shooting with the 18-250 24hrs day or night, even handheld...and I've still made plenty of sales and publications with shots from this lens, so it meets most any need. Overall, my 300mm F4 is getting more of a workout, but that's because I do a ton of bird and wildlife photography when I'm not traveling out of state.

Thanks for all the ideas and the thoughts!

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg

 

[zackiedawg]

In your decision, is there anything like this, i.e. things you would do with the new body that you can't with your current body (or with the A580?)? There's nothing wrong with the reason simply being the body size - or that you simply like it.

It's sort of a combination of the two - part is that I just like it - I am tempted by the idea of having one of these smaller toys with big-sensor performance to 'play' with. Another part is - yes, it might provide the spontaneity type shots that I sometimes do with my ultracompact...it might prompt me to bring a camera along where I wouldn't otherwise bring my DSLR. And it will likely serve as a supplement to the DSLR - coming along with me when I'm out shooting with the DSLR as a second body - but a much smaller, more convenient one, to save swapping lenses - let the DSLR handle the long lenses, and the NEX or X100 cover the natural or wider angle shots.

For me, if I'm using more than one Sony body, it's a better reason to have better glass, etc. And I get that freedom of carrying a couple of bodies (often attached to some kind of harness belt) with long and wide lenses - and that everything's interchangeable (more bang for the lens buck).

That one tempts me too - indeed, if I get the A580, I'll likely still keep the A550, which gives me two DSLR bodies - and one could easily supplement the other with a different lens. So that remains a likelihood. The X100/NEX decision would beyond any question be a completely unnecessary, impulsive, bored-with-extra-cash-lying-around type purchase that satisfies only my inner man-boy that wants shiny toys.

Thanks for the extra perspectives and introspection!

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg

 

[zackiedawg]

Lack of a proper standard Sony hotshoe is one of the big negatives for me using NEX instead of my current bridge camera.

Well, that and such a short range available in zooms....

I likely as not wouldn't ever really be tempted to use such a camera with flash - the most I could see it for would be indoor high-ISO work, street shooting, spontaneous shooting, and scenic/travel/landscape work. I likely wouldn't really want to go too long on zoom range as the cameras this small would just be too unweildy with a long lens - I'll keep the zoom side on the DSLR bodies. I'm thinking of this type of camera as a tagalong, or a compact replacement. I might be one of those who isn't as affected by some of the particular shortcomings of the camera. But I'm still torn on the huge attraction of the Fuji body and viewfinder, versus the extreme price advantage and tilting LCD of the NEX systems...or just skipping both and sticking with one little pocket cam and my DSLRs.

Thanks for the thoughts! It's all going into my head and stirring around to help me decide what to do.

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg