Starting Over after years of not keeping up with the tech

[mars486]

I stopped shooting several years ago. I've been back at it, but am finding my gear is very out of date and somewhat annoying to use. I am wondering how someone should start over in 2025.

I have a few really old digital cameras. The only thing 'decent' is this, get ready to make fun of it:

Olympus E-PL1

VF-3 viewfinder. (I can't shoot on sunny days with the LCD.)

14-42mm kit lens: Missing. Needs to be replaced with something.

20mm Panasonic: People seem to think this lens is slow and not worth using.

OM mount: 50mm/1.8 and 135mm/3.5 I really like both of these lenses, they are fun to use.

M42 mount: No-name 200mm: I can just about get Jupiter and its moons, as a big dot and 4 little dots. Not amazing or anything. And a Vivitar 28mm/2.5, which being 56mm equiv, is a fun manual 'normal' lens.

I basically want a set of autofocus lenses that mostly cover the range above. I'm more interested in a smaller number of zooms that exceed the performance of my 70's and 80's glass, instead of a large number of primes. I would expect even a budget modern zoom lens to outperform a 1980's non-name 200mm lens, right?

So... what should I do? Of course, buy a used body and some lenses. I can kind of do one or the other at the moment, so I'm going to see how much more life I can get out of the E-PL1 with some new lenses, and then eventually buy a new body. Is that the right approach, or should I get a new body first? The newer bodies have focus-peaking which the E-PL1 doesn't have, so I expect the manual lenses to be easier to use on the newer bodies. Is that the case?

Or should I throw it all out and get something completely different?

 

[Martin_99]

What is your budget right now actually? Personally, I would probably start with used 12-40f2.8 or 12-45f4 and after some saving buy modern 20Mpx body.

 

[New Wrycuda]

I stopped shooting several years ago. I've been back at it, but am finding my gear is very out of date and somewhat annoying to use. I am wondering how someone should start over in 2025.

So... what should I do? Of course, buy a used body and some lenses. I can kind of do one or the other at the moment, so I'm going to see how much more life I can get out of the E-PL1 with some new lenses, and then eventually buy a new body. Is that the right approach, or should I get a new body first?

I would suggest a new body and a couple of good lenses of your choosing. A new camera will be “Mirrorless” (not DSLR), which means that focussing takes place directly on the sensor. There’s often some built-in exposure guides (histogram, over-exposure alerts), plus a host of auto-focus options. Variable ISO is available, with a wide range of settings.

I have an entry-level Sony a7 (Full Frame) with a 35mm f/2.8 prime lens, plus a 70-200mm f/4 zoom, and that makes a useful combination. (I have other lenses).

There’s a variety of image editing programs that you will become familiar with. Some are free.

The newer bodies have focus-peaking which the E-PL1 doesn't have, so I expect the manual lenses to be easier to use on the newer bodies. Is that the case?

Manual lenses are to be avoided. There are focussing aids, but they are very clunky and not pleasant to use. Auto-focus is so good that you won’t believe it at first.

Or should I throw it all out and get something completely different?

Something else, as suggested.


Random shot while setting up camera. See settings by mousing over image; note ISO=6400.

 

[alcelc]

Add an Olympus 14-150, or a little better Panasonic 14-140 but at a little more money as a single lens setup for 28~280/300 eq field of view of Full Frame coverage?

They could match quite close to the performance of modern day native prime M43 lenses...

Or for the lowest cost to start, add an Olympus 40-150 (not the f/2.8 Pro version), the cheapy fantastic to pair up with your 14-42? This could be expected at US$100 new.

I stopped shooting several years ago. I've been back at it, but am finding my gear is very out of date and somewhat annoying to use. I am wondering how someone should start over in 2025.

I have a few really old digital cameras. The only thing 'decent' is this, get ready to make fun of it:

Olympus E-PL1

VF-3 viewfinder. (I can't shoot on sunny days with the LCD.)

How about an used EM10 mk-II? Evf ready, excellent 5-axis IBIS vs the old 3-axis IBIS on EPL1, features which can match with later models, 16Mp...

Or from latest shopping I noticed that even the newer EPL5 etc should cost not much if you would prefer a rangefinder form factor body.

On IQ, basically if you are not very picky, the earlier M43s can deliver without doubt. Of course the later 16Mp models are definitely a step better on more pixel count, sharper output and 1~2 stops cleaner ISO...

14-42mm kit lens: Missing. Needs to be replaced with something.

Might consider the Panasonic 12-32 pancake for wider and arguably improved IQ. The Olympus 14-42EZ is also loved by many.

20mm Panasonic: People seem to think this lens is slow and not worth using.

It is an excellent lens: tiny, f/1.7 & sharp. The only down side is its old design such that it's AF speed is slow and noisy. This is not good for video shooters. On Panasonic Bodies, AFC is even disabled compulsory.

It is still the love by the community if you can live with it's shortages.

OM mount: 50mm/1.8 and 135mm/3.5 I really like both of these lenses, they are fun to use.

IMHE they would discount the size and weight benefit of M43 system :-( .

M42 mount: No-name 200mm: I can just about get Jupiter and its moons, as a big dot and 4 little dots. Not amazing or anything. And a Vivitar 28mm/2.5, which being 56mm equiv, is a fun manual 'normal' lens.

I have adapted a few Nikon film lenses along the years. However, they are just fun to use. They will never be used for serious shooting.

I basically want a set of autofocus lenses that mostly cover the range above. I'm more interested in a smaller number of zooms that exceed the performance of my 70's and 80's glass, instead of a large number of primes. I would expect even a budget modern zoom lens to outperform a 1980's non-name 200mm lens, right?

Yes.

IMHO the differences between 400 (physical 200 lens) vs 280/300 (physically 140/150) is actually small, more or less 1 or 2 steps forward only...

There is a low cost Panasonic 45-200 for M43 system. But it is not a medicore lens. :-(

So... what should I do? Of course, buy a used body and some lenses. I can kind of do one or the other at the moment, so I'm going to see how much more life I can get out of the E-PL1 with some new lenses, and then eventually buy a new body. Is that the right approach, or should I get a new body first? The newer bodies have focus-peaking which the E-PL1 doesn't have, so I expect the manual lenses to be easier to use on the newer bodies. Is that the case?

Or should I throw it all out and get something completely different?

--
Albert
** Please forgive my typo error.
** Please feel free to download my image and edit it as you like **
About my
G85: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/63025800
GX850/GF9: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65326127
GX9: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67648667

 

[Dick Dastardly]

Buy a Panasonic FZ1000. Thank me later.

 

[UncleVanya]

I stopped shooting several years ago. I've been back at it, but am finding my gear is very out of date and somewhat annoying to use. I am wondering how someone should start over in 2025.

Knowing your budget and specific photographic goals as well common usage/planned use would help a lot towards making useful recommendations

I have a few really old digital cameras. The only thing 'decent' is this, get ready to make fun of it:

Olympus E-PL1

12mp m43 with limited controls DP Review suggested it was a step up from point and shoot but offered little in the way of controls without lots of button pressing.

VF-3 viewfinder. (I can't shoot on sunny days with the LCD.)

External EVF’s really kill the size in my experience. They take away some of the compact nature of the camera and top pentaprism style EVF’s also impact size. The Panasonic rangefinder style cameras like the gx9 (or older) solve this by placing the built-in EVF on one side rather than on top. This style is also available in space and full frame cameras. The Sony a6xxx series and a7c series offer these types of bodies

14-42mm kit lens: Missing. Needs to be replaced with something.

If starting over the sensor size is open to change. Assuming it won’t and that you will stick to m43 for the moment, the lens choices are vast let’s assume you want small and light, let’s also assume you are shooting mainly in daylight - these assumptions could be way off base. The light zoom I have personally used is the 12-32 Panasonic. The 14-42 pz was also compact and image quality was good also. The power zoom is also well suited for video if that is an area you plan to explore. For darker conditions and improved image quality, consider the 12-35/2.8 (version II is better, but not essential)

If changing formats, apsc is my vote for a sensor larger than m43 that won’t break the bank. Many brands here, I’ll stick with Sony since it’s the only apsc mirrorless I’ve used in the past few years. In Sony e-mount apsc the kit 16-50 is considered poor but it’s really fine for general purpose. The 18-135 is highly regarded, as is the 16-55/2.8

20mm Panasonic: People seem to think this lens is slow and not worth using.

Nice prime- if sticking to m43 I would just ignore the detractors and enjoy the lens. The apsc equivalent would be around 25-26mm, anything from 23-28

OM mount: 50mm/1.8 and 135mm/3.5 I really like both of these lenses, they are fun to use.

If they’re fun, don’t stop using them.

M42 mount: No-name 200mm: I can just about get Jupiter and its moons, as a big dot and 4 little dots. Not amazing or anything. And a Vivitar 28mm/2.5, which being 56mm equiv, is a fun manual 'normal' lens.

Again, keep using anything fun and or useful

I basically want a set of autofocus lenses that mostly cover the range above. I'm more interested in a smaller number of zooms that exceed the performance of my 70's and 80's glass, instead of a large number of primes. I would expect even a budget modern zoom lens to outperform a 1980's non-name 200mm lens, right?

The 50/1.8 could be replaced by a 42-43 mm lens like the 42.5 f1.7 Panasonic, or any number of other lenses.

So... what should I do? Of course, buy a used body and some lenses. I can kind of do one or the other at the moment, so I'm going to see how much more life I can get out of the E-PL1 with some new lenses, and then eventually buy a new body.

In that case, define your budget, look at used first to stretch dollars, decide what speed and size of lenses you want. You might also look ahead to think about which brand body you are leaning towards. While compatible, there are optimizations when using certain lenses with the same brand body.

For a good daylight kit, the Olympus 14-42 that’s the collapsing model is good the 12-32 Panasonic is a really compact option that delivers great images but it’s optically slow. The OM systems 12-45/4 pro is better, but larger and more expensive the 12-40/2.8 pro is even more so. There are some all in one solutions like the 14-150 i used the cheap and expensive versions of the 35–100. Both served me well. I also enjoyed using the Panasonic 45-175 power zoom lens - it offered both a compact and light long lens.

Is that the right approach, or should I get a new body first?

your Lens selection is weak without the 14-42 you lost. If you could get a newer body, the 16mp m43 sensors are a sweet spot, better at low light use than the 12mp ones and cheaper than the 20mp versions . A used Panasonic gx85 would fit the requirement. Often these are found with a one or two lens kit that should jumpstart your use.

The newer bodies have focus-peaking which the E-PL1 doesn't have, so I expect the manual lenses to be easier to use on the newer bodies. Is that the case?

In my expertise it is.

Or should I throw it all out and get something completely different?

This also is possible - what are your goals.

 

[MarkInSF]

I know what I'd not do is spend much money until you're confident this is something you'll stick with this time. Sell all those lenses (except the Panasonic 20mm, as you need something) for whatever you can get (if anything). It probably won't be much, but they'll be out of your life and you can move on. Then I'd look for a used zoom covering the most popular focal lengths. Kit zooms aren't usually great, but because they're so common most can be bought for very little. That will be enough to get you shooting and seeing whether it's worth spending much more.

MFT is still a viable format and has been around so long that used gear is readily available. Unless you find yourself unable to do certain things you could with a larger sensor format, buying a newer body is perfectly reasonable. Both Olympus (and it's successor OM Systems) and Panasonic have made decent choices.

 

[PieterB]

I know what I'd not do is spend much money until you're confident this is something you'll stick with this time. Sell all those lenses (except the Panasonic 20mm, as you need something) for whatever you can get (if anything). It probably won't be much, but they'll be out of your life and you can move on. Then I'd look for a used zoom covering the most popular focal lengths. Kit zooms aren't usually great, but because they're so common most can be bought for very little. That will be enough to get you shooting and seeing whether it's worth spending much more.

MFT is still a viable format and has been around so long that used gear is readily available. Unless you find yourself unable to do certain things you could with a larger sensor format, buying a newer body is perfectly reasonable. Both Olympus (and it's successor OM Systems) and Panasonic have made decent choices.

Right. First find out if photography still is appealing to you. If it's not, don't spend any money on new equipment.

 

[a_c_skinner]

If you stopped shooting for a long time it is moot as to how much you will get back into it and not stop again.

Your camera body is capable of perfectly respectable results so I'd stick with that.

I'd try to find another kit zoom. Again the Oly kit zoom is capable of perfectly good results. There should be some out there from people whose cameras are broken, lost, worn out etc.

The Panasonic 20mm - ignore what "people say", do you like the images? I assume it is the f1.7 lens so that is a sharp, fast standard lens. AF is said to be slow but it won't be any slower than when you last used it.

I might buy a spare battery after so many years of disuse. In fact I would!

The Zuiko lenses are good and if you can cope with using them I'd keep them though it might be worth trying to sell them on.

The M42 lenses are probably not worth much in money or effort.

So my advice:

Find a kit zoom

Get a new battery

Spend the summer shooting and see if you are still enthused in a few months.

 

[Ruedon]

I stopped shooting several years ago. I've been back at it, but am finding my gear is very out of date and somewhat annoying to use. I am wondering how someone should start over in 2025. ...

Full frame cameras and lenses are dominating in 2025. This is because sensor cost has come down, whereas lenses are expensive for any sensor size. Full frame is small enough for compact cameras that fit into human hands -- known since the first 35mm Leica "Kleinbild" -- and it scales a lot with different lens options -- e.g. from compact f/2.8 primes to gigantic f/1.2 primes -- or from variable aperture zooms through f/4 and f/2.8 up to recent f/2 zooms. Besides Sony, Canon and Nikon, also Panasonic is making interesting full frame cameras meanwhile.

 

[New Wrycuda]

I stopped shooting several years ago. I've been back at it, but am finding my gear is very out of date and somewhat annoying to use. I am wondering how someone should start over in 2025. ...

Full frame cameras and lenses are dominating in 2025. This is because sensor cost has come down, whereas lenses are expensive for any sensor size. Full frame is small enough for compact cameras that fit into human hands -- known since the first 35mm Leica "Kleinbild" -- and it scales a lot with different lens options -- e.g. from compact f/2.8 primes to gigantic f/1.2 primes -- or from variable aperture zooms through f/4 and f/2.8 up to recent f/2 zooms. Besides Sony, Canon and Nikon, also Panasonic is making interesting full frame cameras meanwhile.

I’d also encourage the OP to try his luck with a new camera. As you say, full frame cameras are a good choice in recent years.

My favourite gear for a good while was the reasonably compact Sony a7 with 35mm f/2.8 prime lens. Ideal for travel…




Anglo-Australian Telescope.




Detail of walkway from above image.

 

[a_c_skinner]

Just to add to mine above this image is from my 12Mpix Olympus PEN E-P1 and the kit zoom. You don't need to go beyond this for decent quality "ordinary" photos. It isn't perfect and it is a processed raw file (though this has added little).



--
Andrew Skinner

 

[New Wrycuda]

Just to add to mine above this image is from my 12Mpix Olympus PEN E-P1 and the kit zoom. You don't need to go beyond this for decent quality "ordinary" photos. It isn't perfect and it is a processed raw file (though this has added little).

7728x5796 from a 12Mpix camera; Impressive image extender used?

 

[a_c_skinner]

I did say it was processed! Topaz Photo AI, but it makes the point that a new camera isn't an immediate priority. Truthfully the original isn't that much different.

 

[Ruedon]

I did say it was processed! Topaz Photo AI, but it makes the point that a new camera isn't an immediate priority. Truthfully the original isn't that much different.

Well, the Olympus E-PL1 dates back to 2010. Of course one can still take photos with it. But is this inspiring, also when knowing that modern smartphones are equally good?

I had a D90 dating back to 2008. I didn't use it much and eventually failed taking photos of an indoor dancing performance of my daughter. A D500 changed everything in 2017. Camera tech had evolved impressively and this made a difference for my use of it. Meanwhile Nikon even convinced me to take the next leap with a Z8 last year.

From this experience I understand the OP when looking for a new camera. Nikon for instance just released the Z5II with a very good price/performance ratio -- and still offers the Z5 with less autofocus and video capabilities for price sensitive still photographers. For lenses like the Tamron 35-150/2-2.8, the Z 35mm f/1.4 or even the inexpensive Z 40mm f/2 that give the "full frame look", it is very hard if possible at all to find equivalents on crop sensor cameras -- like MFT 20mm f/1?

 

[a_c_skinner]

I cannot reliably match cameras of that era with my iPhone 15 pro max. Which is a disappointment because I bought it hoping I could.

But as you point out telling the OP to stick with a decent phone would be a perfectly valid suggestion, that too would avoid wasting money on a camera setup before the OP is settled in their own mind that they would get value from it and not stop shooting again. If the only reason someone takes photos is that they are inspired by new gear that doesn't seem very firm engagement and likely to end sooner rather than later, for most at least.

--
Andrew Skinner

 

[mars486]

Thanks to you (and everyone) for your comments and suggestions.

I just got an Olympus 14-150 from MPB in the mail. It wasn't too much ($160 for some cosmetic issues, but works great, glass is clean, that's what matters.) It covers the same range as the kit zoom (but at f/4 instead of f/3.5 ... not a huge deal) and it zooms in enough. One of my older favorite cameras to play with is the Kodak P850 which can zoom to about 400mm equiv... The olympus at 300mm equiv, (cropped from 12MP), is a better image than the Kodak (5MP, noisy) at 400mm.

If I stop shooting again, I'm not out much money. If I keep with it, I'll probably move onto a used EM10.

I'm also having a lot of fun with my really old stuff. I have an Olympus D-380, 2 whole megapixels, and am finding it to be a silly diversion. My kid (Gen-Z) is fascinated by the terrible, grainy images.

 

[alcelc]

I am sure that you won't regret on the spending .

I have the Panasonic equivalent, 14-140 (the non WR f/3.5 version) for nearly a decade and enjoy it every minute. Mine has IQ very close to the premium class 12-35 f/2.8 on the short end and beats the IQ from 45-150 f/4-5.6 on the long end.

This class of consumer grade superzooms from M43 are surprisingly outstanding product having good price performance & size value IMHO.

Enjoy it no matter on older or newer cameras.

 

[areeba nis]

Welcome back! Honestly, it’s never too late to jump back in—tech may have changed a lot, but the core principles remain the same. The good news is: you don’t need to learn everything at once. Start with what matters most to you—whether that’s getting comfortable with modern operating systems, using cloud storage, or understanding newer devices.

A few tips to ease back in:

• Pick a focus area (Windows, macOS, phones, or even smart home tech)
• Update your basics: file management, online security, and backup tools
• YouTube & forums are great for quick, visual refreshers
• Don’t be afraid to explore AI tools—they’re surprisingly user-friendly and built to help

You're definitely not alone—lots of people are in the same boat and helping each other catch up. Ask any questions, no matter how simple they seem. Everyone starts somewhere!

 

[UncleVanya]

Odd reply as his topic starter seemed all about camera tech and didn’t mention any of the tech you touched on. Still it was good advice if someone is behind in that way.