Please suggest me a camera for my father

Hi,

I am looking a camera for my father to replace his Canon 600D which he didn't use mainly because of size of body, lenses and weight. He wants to have relatively good low light capability and some long zoom (150mm). Cost is an issue (600€) but we are open to suggestions, even used ones. I have the following kits which seem interesting:

Olympus EPL6 (14-42+40-150)....469€

Panasonic G5 (14-140)....645€

Panasonic G5 (14-42)....376€

Nikon J5 (10-30)...477€

Canon EOS M3 (18-55)....626€

Panasonc FZ300....610€

Olympus Stylus 1S....495€

thx

Yannis1976 wrote:

Hi,

I am looking a camera for my father to replace his Canon 600D which he didn't use mainly because of size of body, lenses and weight. He wants to have relatively good low light capability and some long zoom (150mm). Cost is an issue (600€) but we are open to suggestions, even used ones. I have the following kits which seem interesting:

Olympus EPL6 (14-42+40-150)....469€

Panasonic G5 (14-140)....645€

Panasonic G5 (14-42)....376€

Nikon J5 (10-30)...477€

Canon EOS M3 (18-55)....626€

Panasonc FZ300....610€

Olympus Stylus 1S....495€

thx

If long zoom is a requirement, best deal is the EPL6 IMO, relatively speaking - Amazon (US) has that same bundle for $399 though.

It is from Europe (Greece) where prices are higher than USA

You did not mention the Panasonic FZ200.  It has been superseded by the FZ300, but it is still a good Bridge Camera with a constant aperture of f 2.8.  That would be less expensive and probably a little lighter weight-wise (need to check that).

Yannis1976 wrote:

Hi,

I am looking a camera for my father to replace his Canon 600D which he didn't use mainly because of size of body, lenses and weight. He wants to have relatively good low light capability and some long zoom (150mm). Cost is an issue (600€) but we are open to suggestions, even used ones. I have the following kits which seem interesting:

Panasonic G5 (14-140)....645€

I'd vote for that, plus a 25mm f1.7.

BUT… Why not a GX7 with 14-42mm II and 45-150mm or 14-140mm II. Add a 25mm f1.7 for low light.

I guess that the question is this, does your father want a camera with interchangeable lenses or does he want something self contained that he can carry easily?  There are a number of cameras in the 8 - 9 ounce range (like the ZS50/TZ70) that might be of interest to him.  Why not find out what he would like?

That is a consideration.  Of course, none of the cameras on the list will not be stellar in low light with the lenses listed.  The M4/3 camera bodies will, however, give a better image and also allow more choices.  Since weight was mentioned, I suggested the Bridge Camera because it is self-contained.  It might make sense to find out if low light and lens changing are something of interest.

You say he wants relatively good low light ability relative to a Canon 600D, so that eliminates the Nikon, the FZ and the Stylus.

You need to check if he really wants a viewfinder. Some older people (like me) need bifocals to use a back screen and also see the distant scene we are photographing, so a viewfinder is a great help because we only need long distance. I would not be happy for long with no viewfinder, either electronic or optical.

If he doesn't need the viewfinder, the E-PL6 is a good pick. Small in hand with the normal lens, then pop on the compact tele zoom for longer.

If he does need the viewfinder, and if swapping lenses is a nuisance, then the G5 and 14-140 is a good combo.

So, you want:

1. relatively small and lightweight
2. decent low light performance
3. long reach

And all at a limited budget.

You can't really get all three at the same time. FZ1000 is 2) and 3). LX100 is 1) and 2). ILC + superzoom lens is 2) and 3). Small sensor superzoom compact will be 1) and 3). You get my drift. And those options that might be closer to meeting your requirements will be more expensive than your budget.

For example, a GM5 + 12-32 + 35-100 will be a very compact solution that covers 24-200 range. But that's 900 EUR. And it still will require the hassle of changing the lenses.

It's a tough call, but you will have to compromise on something.

What about an OMD EM10, either the original or II Model?  If he wants low light he might consider one of the fast primes for shorter focal lengths and add the 40-150 for a zoom.

Yannis1976 wrote:

Hi,

I am looking a camera for my father to replace his Canon 600D which he didn't use mainly because of size of body, lenses and weight. He wants to have relatively good low light capability and some long zoom (150mm). Cost is an issue (600€) but we are open to suggestions, even used ones. I have the following kits which seem interesting:

Olympus EPL6 (14-42+40-150)....469€

Panasonic G5 (14-140)....645€

Panasonic G5 (14-42)....376€

Nikon J5 (10-30)...477€

Canon EOS M3 (18-55)....626€

Panasonc FZ300....610€

Olympus Stylus 1S....495€

thx

Of this list the first and third are good choices.

Your EPL6 kit will has a bit more dynamic range than the G5 at ISO400 and below, and better low light and zoom range with those two lenses. Although the EPL6 has no viewfinder, you could purchase one if that becomes a problem. Those lenses are probably both have good image quality, and although not really low light lenses will be better suited than a 10x zoom such as the 14-140.

If you can find a used EPL5 kit it will do just as well and perhaps give some more choices - there is almost no difference between EPL5 and EPL6.

I have the G5 and still use it as a backup camera, it has given me some good images. For the G5 you would want the 14-42 and one more telezoom - perhaps the 45-200 or the 45-150 which are both inexpensive although a used 45-200 will be easier to find.

I have the 45-200, and although many people have spoken poorly of it I think it is not too bad as long as you take care to reduce the aperture 1 stop from wide open.

There are two version of the Panasonic 14-42 - many users have said the first version of the 14-42 has poor sharpness and I believe this is confirmed by reviews, but the second version is much better. (BTW I think the same can be said of the Panasonic 14-140).

The Panasonic 14-45 is quite a good lens - inexpensive and should be quite available used as it was probably the first M43 lens. I have it and I think it is quite good; this is supported by reviews.

If you want a good low light lens with the EPL6 or G5, you could buy a used Konica Hexanon AR 40mm F1.8 for about $50 (I see a certain amount of Konica gear from Greece being sold on eBay so there should be local availability), and a Konica to M43 adapter would cost about $15.

The AR 40mmF1.8 is small and light - so short it is almost pancake lens.

You would then have a good quality small fast medium telephoto, and with G5 or E-PL6 you can set it up so the camera automatically sets shutter speed.

The Konica Hexanon AR 50mm F1.4 is also good, but larger and a bit more expensive. (Do not buy Hexar lenses - lower quality)

Hi,

thank you all for the great advice. Some more options I can find in the used market:

1) Sony A6000 18-55 kit...480€

2) Panasonic GF6 (body only)....150€

3) Panasonic GF7 12-32....300€

4) Olympus EM5 14-150 (mk1)....600€

For an unknown reason I can find many used and in good shape A6000 kits locally. I know its a good camera, but if ILC I would prefer to get him a m43 camera so as to be able to exchange lenses. Furthermore I don't know how much would a tele lens cost..

Also easy interface and good images out of the box should be also a factor.

Yes I agree, although I am worried that there is no flash

LMNCT wrote:

That is a consideration. Of course, none of the cameras on the list will not be stellar in low light with the lenses listed. The M4/3 camera bodies will, however, give a better image and also allow more choices. Since weight was mentioned, I suggested the Bridge Camera because it is self-contained. It might make sense to find out if low light and lens changing are something of interest.

Bridge cameras are an option, but since he wants some good low light capability, I think only Sytlus 1s would be an option due to sensor size.

I'd vote for that, plus a 25mm f1.7.

BUT… Why not a GX7 with 14-42mm II and 45-150mm or 14-140mm II. Add a 25mm f1.7 for low light.

Because GX7 in Greece is still very expensive and if I get it from Amazon.uk it doesn't have Greek interface (mine doesn't). Otherwise it would be a great option.

Well he is not sure what he would like

So far we have concluded to these factors:

size, low light, tele, easy use, Greek interface. ILC or not is not a crucial factor.

For me the best solution for him would be a Stylus 1s...

TN Args wrote:

You say he wants relatively good low light ability relative to a Canon 600D, so that eliminates the Nikon, the FZ and the Stylus.

Doesn't the Nikon have some good low light performance when combined with a fast prime?

I can find the J3 (10-30 and 30-100) for 280€