Oldies; but goodies.

I have as bad a case of GAS as most anybody.  So on a recent cruise in the Caribbean I brought my new Sony RX100 and HX80.  And when we got home, I sold both.  All during the 11 days of the cruise, I kept wishing I had brought my S90 and ELPH 330 HS.

I suspect my quest for "better" got me into hardware I didn't really like, and that was demonstrably not as good in some areas.  What areas?  AF and image stabilization.

Fortunately, I had not sold off my ELPH and S90; so it was easy to put them back into service along with the G15 and FZ200. I have used the S90 and G15 since they were first introduced.

I guess my question for the forum has to do with the idea of "good enough" as a place to stop.  Have you reached that plateau; or are you still looking for the ultimate camera?

Jerry,

My GAS is driven not by a quest to own the ultimate camera, but rather by a deep love of cameras, all cameras..!!

It's a good thing that I don't have money to spend on camera gear,  because if I did, I would be collecting cameras..!!!

It just so happens that I own the best all-in-one camera for my lifestyle, the PowerShot G3X, by the blessing of another DPReview user, and that's all the camera I will need for some time to come.

But again, if I had money to burn, I would continue buying cameras just to satisfy my GAS, because there are so very many very lovely cameras out there..!!!

Thanks for a thought-provoking post..!!

Mark,

The FZ1000 is my equivalent to your G3X.  And except for not being pocketable, it meets all my needs.  The G3X was not available when I bought the FZ1000, so it was a decision between the Sony RX10 and the FZ1000.  In the end, the decision was easy as the FZ1000 had a 2x longer lens, cost several hundred dollars less, and the built in flash could act as the controller for wireless off-camera flashes.

If you look at my list of cameras, the S90 is from 2009, the G15 and FZ200 are 2012 models, the ELPH 330HS is a 2013 model, and the FZ1000 was introduced in 2014.

I'm a retired engineer; but the company I retired from used to run an effective selling seminar for the sales and marketing folks.  One of the key teachings was the difference between features and benefits.  It seems to me that modern digital cameras have all sorts of features that they tout; but most of them are not benefits to me.  I'm 79 now, so I started photography a long time ago, getting my first good camera in 1955.  I've seen quite a few changes in the equipment in the last 54 years.

I also see a difference between "Doing Photography", and just "Taking Pictures".   So, do the features help me to Do Photography, or do they get in the way. In my first post, I mentioned the two Sony cameras I took on a cruise.  In addition to some functional issues, I also found that the overly complex menus got in the way.

After years past of DSLR film photography where toting it around was a hassle enough that I took few photos on trips.  About 10+  years ago I picked up a Canon S2 and that changed my life.  I now take hundreds of pics on cruises.  It was like night and day.  Since then I have insisted on a one pack, do it all, system.  I have upgraded as far as SX60 but now use SX50 with an 'old' SX40 as a backup on trips abroad.

In no way would I now accept anything less than 50x zoom, an EVF, a twist out LCD, a hot shoe and a relatively small size.  Oh, it has to be a Canon.  They have the best menu,  good controls, price and best colors.  Why go anywhere else.

Nothing mass produced to a price is perfect but these SZs are about as good as it gets.  Sure, IQ could be a bit better but for personal travel and around home shooting even JPEGs can hold their own against more pricey 'advanced amateur' cameras.  I find that shooting a couple extra shots and selecting the best works well.  Do we really need tack sharp photos of a gnat's eye or a distant mountain range?  Perhaps for making a living selling to National Geo.  I would reconsider a $30, 000. Hasselblad but my wife says, No.

Waiting to see what's coming but for now all is well. 

GeraldW wrote:

I guess my question for the forum has to do with the idea of "good enough" as a place to stop. Have you reached that plateau; or are you still looking for the ultimate camera?

I'm there. Sold my D610 outfit and used some of the proceeds to upgrade my G9X to a G7X II, since the G9X was the camera I found myself reaching for most often.

Jerry,

I must admit, I find the Alpha 6000 series intriguing, mostly because of the form factor.

Also, a couple of the Lumix models I find lovely to look at, lol...

Then of course, are the Leicas....don't get me started...!!

As I said earlier, if money were no issue, I would be collecting these cameras, because I find cameras to very intriguing.

Your point about features either being useful or being a hindrance, is well-taken, btw.

Thanks again for a great post..!!

Dear Gerald,

I enjoy photography but I am not what anyone would call a skilled photographer.  I enjoy recording sights that I personally find pleasing and worth remembering.  Many of the images never see the light of day, so to speak.  Those that do are generally shared via email or Facebook.

I have several older DSLR's I purchased used that I use when I know that I will have the time to devote to nothing but photography.  Most days I have one of my P&S cameras with me just in case I see something I'd like to be able to people that prove I remember.

That said I am completely content with using older "worn out" gear to photograph birds and animals and even people.  I have a Canon SX10 IS and Canon S90 and I positively love both of those cameras.  I have newer bridge cameras in a Panasonic FZ200 and Fujifilm S1.  They really don't beat the SX10 IS on image quality.  Where they win to me is either burst rate or focal length.

With the exception of the Panasonic FZ200 every camera I own was purchased used and many were purchased at 10 to 15% of their new cost.  When I can get something like an S90 for $ 30.00 with a battery, 16GB card, and a charger it's worth it to me even it arrives broken and irreparable.

I realize that many other people are far more serious about their photography and I absolutely do know that many newer cameras offer advantages over the older cameras that I use.  I simply don't see the economic value in those advantages, so I'll stick to my old stuff until it, or I, am dead.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA

Sure enough!  The camera you reach for most often is a clue.  I find that unless I can form an emotional attachment to a camera I end up selling it.  Like I just did with the RX100.

Interesting!  Over ther years, I've tried to get along without an interchangeable lens camera - even back with film SLR's.  But I always came back to an SLR or DSLR.  That is, until I got the FZ1000.  I am now ILC-free since early 2015.  I have been tempted a couple of times; but always come to my senses.

Tim,

You're not that far from where I am in terms of photography and the equipment.  I keep a Canon ELPH 330HS in my car 24/7 for things I might come across.  That ELPH was bought used.  I have another ELPH 330HS that's a Canon refurb.  In fact I have a number of used cameras and have had several refurbs.  I also watch for deals on new gear.  My FZ200 was only $250.

Dear Gerald,

Sometimes it's good to be last. Just sayin'.

I came into photography with the mentality that if something was good enough for a professional a couple of years ago it wouldn't limit me.

That mentality comes from my collection of outdoor gear. I have fishing rods and reels that are over 50 years old that still work as new and the fish don't mind.

Honestly, why should it be different for camera gear?

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA

GeraldW wrote:

Tim,

You're not that far from where I am in terms of photography and the equipment. I keep a Canon ELPH 330HS in my car 24/7 for things I might come across. That ELPH was bought used. I have another ELPH 330HS that's a Canon refurb. In fact I have a number of used cameras and have had several refurbs. I also watch for deals on new gear. My FZ200 was only $250.

While I own two other cameras, I'm quite content with my Canon SX50, which remains my favorite of the collection. I'm enjoying my second SX50, as the first one failed after many years of service. My SX50 and I have forged a wonderful working relationship over the years and it continues to meet my needs and desires.  Therefore, I have no burning desire to upgrade.

Best regards,

Tony

Canon SX50 Gallery

Tony,

That's really awesome how you described your close working relationship with your SX50.

Honestly, I'm a bit envious, in that when I bought my Nikon D-70 years ago, I had intended for that camera to be my lifelong photography partner, but that's not how it turned out.

That camera turned out to be a big disappointment, which really soured me on DSLR'S.

Now that I have my G3X, my appreciation for my camera continues to grow, and I expect it will be all the camera I might need, for many years, as your SX50 is for you.

Thanks for a great post..!

Chaplain Mark wrote:

Tony,

That's really awesome how you described your close working relationship with your SX50.

Honestly, I'm a bit envious, in that when I bought my Nikon D-70 years ago, I had intended for that camera to be my lifelong photography partner, but that's not how it turned out.

That camera turned out to be a big disappointment, which really soured me on DSLR'S.

Now that I have my G3X, my appreciation for my camera continues to grow, and I expect it will be all the camera I might need, for many years, as your SX50 is for you.

Thanks for a great post..!

Hi Chaplain Mark,

I'm glad you're enjoying your G3X. As you know, each camera has its own unique "behavior" and it's up to us to give the camera the best opportunity to shine by maximizing its strengths and minimizing its weaknesses. As long as I keep my SX50 within its comfort zone it responds quite favorably.

Wishing you the best in your photography!

Tony

Tony Britton Photography

Canon SX50 Gallery

Tony,

That's an awesome gallery.  Not only did the SX50 do well for you; but you have a good eye and obviously know how to make that camera sing.  I particularly liked the "Jellyfish in outer space".

I have owned an SX50HS myself; but wasn't using it much, so I gave it to my daughter.  I wasn't happy with the way the camera attached the hood and filter adapters.  So I found a way to let it use 52 mm filters and the hood at the same time.  If you're interested in how I did that, drop me an e mail, and I'll go through the details.  It's pretty simple and doesn't hurt the camera.

GeraldW wrote:

I have as bad a case of GAS as most anybody. So on a recent cruise in the Caribbean I brought my new Sony RX100 and HX80. And when we got home, I sold both. All during the 11 days of the cruise, I kept wishing I had brought my S90 and ELPH 330 HS.

I suspect my quest for "better" got me into hardware I didn't really like, and that was demonstrably not as good in some areas. What areas? AF and image stabilization.

Fortunately, I had not sold off my ELPH and S90; so it was easy to put them back into service along with the G15 and FZ200. I have used the S90 and G15 since they were first introduced.

I guess my question for the forum has to do with the idea of "good enough" as a place to stop. Have you reached that plateau; or are you still looking for the ultimate camera?

I love the smell of G.A.S. And it gives me great pleasure.

And I have have many cameras to enjoy taking pictures with.

The Pentax MX-1 is the first compact camera I've kept, even though it is obsolete.

I like Pentax's menu system; it's so fast and intuitive. I love the brass top and bottom plates, and the direct exposure compensation dial. Most of all, I love that LENS! 28-112 f/1.8 - 2.5. It's sharp corner to corner, and I'm finding that the lens is so good, it largely makes up for the fact that its sensor is only 1/1.7".

Build quality is on another level, compared to most compact, fixed lens cameras.

I love the looks of that Pentax, very Leica-like, love the retro look....

I just did a quick look at the MX-1 on DPReview's comparator along with the Canon G15, the Fuji X-30, and the Panasonic LX7.  Talk about a nice set of Oldies, but Goodies.  They all are a little big for pockets in shirts or pants, they all have fast lenses, and except for the Fuji they all use a 1/1.7" sensor.  Images are very close at low ISO.  A really nice group of jacket pocket or small bag cameras.  We could probably add the Nikon P7700 or P7800, and the Olympus Stylus 1 to that group.

Sadly, they probably end the era of the 1/1.7"  12 MP sensor cameras.