Looking at DSLR Cameras....

[Joe Bob]

So my boss wants me to upgrade my 35mm and go full digital for my PI work. More so than my Canon point and shoot and cell phone. A friend has a used Canon 7D available. I know film is passe but looks like I need to be pulled kicking and screaming into the new Century. Of course it's on my dime.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EOS_7D

Haven't discussed price yet, new/retail is $1300. I am researching lenses and if my old 35mm accoutrements are interchangeable/useable.

What does the collective think? Please be nice and provide legitimate answers as opposed to "Hey JB.....gonna take pics of new adventures with small dogs?"

[scotricker]

I just recently got a Sony a6000 kit package with two lenses and I like it.
There is a steep learning curve sorting out all the menu options, but after a few days it's all good. It is smaller than a DSLR, it's the mirrorless style. Not too expensive, good hi-res images, shoots RAW, fast autofocus. It works for me.

There are newer a6300 and a6500 for way more money that have a few more features, if your budget allows.

[BeyGon]

I think Cannon is the one. My wife has bought Cannon the last few times while I bought Sony. Her Cannons were better, I use hers now, don't even look at my Sony. and I hear Cannon spends the most on R and D.

[wdfifteen]

I have a Nikon 8700 that's going up on eBay in a day or so. I would sell it now for $75.

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikoncp8700

[sc_rufctr]

Canon make good gear & you really con't go wrong with a 7D.

Have you thought about a mirror-less camera?

The CANON EOS M5 is a bit cheaper than a 7D and it takes all of the EOS lenses.

[jwasbury]

I know only enough to be dangerous. Top notch offerings from either Canon or Nikon. If you have experience with canon 35mm, you'd probably like a canon dslr as the controls should be familiar. If you have existing 35mm canon lenses, they may be compatible with a canon dslr, which is another reason to stay with the brand. Many of the consumer dslrs have a "crop sensor", which I believe is in reference to the size of the sensor vs. the 35mm film format. This also means that on a crop sensor, the equivalent focal length of a lens in 35mm format will be a larger number. In other words, on a crop sensor camera, your 35mm lenses won't produce the same image as you are accustomed to using 35mm film. There are dslrs that have full size sensors, which means if your old 35mm lenses are compatible with the body, they will produce similar results as on a 35mm film camera.

[p911dad]

Last year I ditched my beloved Nikon D90 and its lenses for a compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. It has a fast Leica telephoto lens (f 1:2.8 - 5.9 10X zoom) and a 1" sensor (very large). Most of the time no flash is needed. I believe the photos are as good as the Nikon.
The big advantage to me is it has a very compact and rugged frame, etc. I was tired of lugging that big mother everywhere and standing out like a tourist. They go for about $700. in NY.

[petrolhead611]

I usually buy Canon cameras,and last year I bought the SX60HS which is a bridge camera with 65 times zoom, and am highly satisfied with it,to handle, and it's results

[Rich76_911s]

What is the intended use of your photos?

Do you need a high buffer for shooting multiple images in quick succession?

Are you going to want to shoot video as well?

Are you going to be printing poster sized images that you want to be extremely sharp?

It's difficult to point you in a direction without knowing what you're looking for. A cheaper crop sensor dslr might be perfect, or a full-frame high-end dslr might be right. It really depends on what you need the camera to do.

[Danimal16]

I have a 5DII that I am looking to trade up to a Canon 5DSR. My main carry now is a Leica M3 and a Leica 240.

The 5D II is full frame and about 21 MP, the 5DSR, is about 50 mp.

I like the full frame.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Have you thought about a mirror-less camera?

Mirrorless cameras suck in bright light. I wouldn't have another one.

[Scott Douglas]

Rich76_911S is asking the correct questions to lead you to your answer, IMO.
Frankly, I wouldn't be investing $1k in 2009 technology (the 7D) as there are lots of better choices out there for that much money. Even IF your lenses are compatible, if they're off an older film camera they more than likely won't auto focus and/or meter on the 7D. Check carefully.
I'm not loyal to any one brand. Used to be a Nikon lover (D7000), but lately my Sony's are the ones I use the most. They usually have a Nikon lens attached to them.

[scottmandue]

I am a looooooong time Cannon guy (+20 years on 35mm)
I also went kicking and screaming into the digital world.
Per the advice of a camera guy on this board I went to a Nikon digital because many of the old Nikon lens fit the new digi cameras.
But I don't think that matters to you because you have cannon lens... I cut the cord and sold off a box of cannon lens for $100.

Having said that I still love cannon and don't think you would go wrong buying one.

Let me add I'm pretty certain you old cannon 35mm lens won't fit a new cannon digi camera... if that were the case I would have bought a cannon digi body and kept my old lens.

[Joe Bob]

Fast action pics with good resolution. Potential for use in court. Easily brought into use. I am not afraid of a learning curve. Reasonably computer savvy.

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

I am a looooooong time Cannon guy (+20 years on 35mm)
I also went kicking and screaming into the digital world.
Per the advice of a camera guy on this board I went to a Nikon digital because many of the old Nikon lens fit the new digi cameras.
But I don't think that matters to you because you have cannon lens... I cut the cord and sold off a box of cannon lens for $100.

Having said that I still love cannon and don't think you would go wrong buying one.

Let me add I'm pretty certain you old cannon 35mm lens won't fit a new cannon digi camera... if that were the case I would have bought a cannon digi body and kept my old lens.

Oh stink. If they were the old film Rebel lenses I wish I had known. My wife has a T5i and uses the old film as well as the new digital stuff as it has the EF-S mount which means it is backward compatible with the older EF mount lenses.

[Scott Douglas]

I suggest you look at some of the buying guides on this site:

https://www.dpreview.com/

[craigster59]

Costco has the Canon EOS Rebel with 2 lenses on sale through tomorrow....
https://www.costco.com/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T6-DSLR-Camera-2-Lens-Bundle.product.100288979.html

[flipper35]

Good lenses.

The 300mm:


75mm:


Max Zoom with an LG G5:

[flipper35]

Here is the 1:1 pixel of the 300mm.



Stupid Pelican resized it.

[flipper35]