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How "serious" are you about your "serious compact"?
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Serious enough to sell your DSLR and make your SC your only camera?
I'm considering that, but I'm nervous about doing it. The impetus is that these days I just seem to enjoy myself more shooting with the GX100 for all of the reasons that SC enthusiasts are well-aware of (more compact, less obtrusive, easier to carry around, etc.).
However, I've also noticed that I seem to take more interesting pictures with the GX100 than with my 5D. I have a few theories about why this is. One possibility is that the way I use the GX100 (manual focus set to 2.5M, optical viewfinder at a single focal length, Av priority) there are fewer technical choices to make and worry about.
Another theory is that I can take the GX100 with me much more easily, so I am more likely to have it when I see something I want to photograph. This is pretty simple - if I have a camera with me, I'm far more likely to make a picture! No camera, no picture!
I've held on to my 5D because of 1) low noise, 2) incredible resolution of detail, 3) capacity for shallow DOF with portraits. However, when I consider what type of photography I am most interested in now (call it "urban landscape" or project-based, thematically-inspired fine art work) I question whether the above variables are that important.
Looking over my favorite shots over the past year, very few of them were dependent on noise, resolution of detail or shallow DOF. Instead they rely on composition, the relationship of elements within the frame, the narrative or story being told and the emotion or idea being conveyed.
I can certainly imagine some circumstances where fine detail and low noise might contribute to the impact of an image. But I haven't encountered many of those circumstances yet in my own work.
I am drawn to the simplicity of working with a single photographic tool, at least for a period of time. I like the discipline and creativity that such a practice inspires.
If only the tool I have in mind existed. I'm thinking of a GX100 with a DP1 sensor, more or less.
Perhaps the best idea is to just wait it out until such a camera arrives. Seems like it can't be too long now.
But I'm curious to know how many of you folks have actually sold your DSLR? Any regrets? Benefits? How has it changed your photography?
Posted at 5:18PM, 18 June 2008 PST
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would you get much if you sold your camera? my impression is that second hand digital cameras plummet in value - you might as well keep the camera for those special occasions (weddings etc?) when you need zero shutter lag or low-light performance
i've been pondering the opposite situation - my canon G9 is my only camera, and sometimes it'd be nice to have an SLR. But all considered, the G9 is good for 80% of situations
I think a large sensor camera with the functionality and size of a GX100 or G9 is still several years away. Especially one with a zoom
Posted 17 months ago.
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If I sold my DSLR & lenses I'd get between $2500 - $3000. Not a small chunk of change.
Posted 17 months ago.
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I've been thinking about something like that as well. I currently have a Sony A100 which is an amateur camera and the noise is something I really hate. It's unusable above ISO 400, well what's the point of a DSLR then? At least my GR-D gives more film like noise!
But I decided not to sell it because I also try to make still lifes and when I do that with the GR-D (my only serious compact so far), it just don't feel right. Also caused by the limited lens options of course.
If I were you I wouldn't sell the 5D, especially because you are going to miss it for weddings or "portraits".
Posted 17 months ago.
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Sell the 5D while it's still worth something, and buy back in with the 5D II or the full-frame Nikon D700 later in the year if you decided you wanted an SLR after all?
Alternatively, you can just put the SLR in a cupboard or loan it to a trustworthy friend - that instantly gives you 'the simplicity of working with a single photographic tool'.
Or, you could pick up a manual focus prime for the 5D, the same focal length as the one you use your GX100 on, and use them in the same way (I'm assuming you've got some heavy zooms at the moment) and see if that works out for you.
Every time I've sold something photographc and not replaced it with something better I've regretted it. I had to sell my Fuji F810 to fund my dSLR years ago - I loved the SLR but really missed the Fuji nevertheless. Then, last year, I sold a lovely macro lens I had because it wasn't getting much use and because I thought I didn't need it. Guess which lens I'm missing these days?
Originally posted 17 months ago.
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Hiding_Pup edited this topic 17 months ago.
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here is my two pennys worth......
i had a film slr, 4 lenses and a whole gadget bag full of stuff (most of which i never used).
I was looking for a small digi cam and along came the GX100....i waited and read a few reviews, did lots of research on the web and then i part exchanged everything i owned in my camera bag for my Ricoh.......
I've now taken more pictures in less than a year than i had in possably 4 years with my slr......simply because i take it everywhere with me.....my old gear was too cumbersome....a pain to set up....change lenses, filters...blah blah blah!
the only thing i miss....and not too much BTW is the long end of my zoom. Its a small trade off in my opinion, but i dont want to make any money or award winning shots, its just a hobby that has taken over my life.
do i miss my slr?.....no sir........if i had a dslr would i use it?.....probably but not on a regular basis........I'm gonna save my money and go on holiday somwhere nice instead....M
Posted 17 months ago.
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Hi Switters,
Based on your description you are ready for a single sc camera. I for instance only have the GX100 and it is sweet. I used SLR film cameras, but hated the weight and the bulk.
Like you, I think the GX100 with a DP1 like sensor would be perfect, but I don't need the cleaner files. I like the noise characteristics of the jpegs and raw files. I really like limitations, because they challenge you to use the camera for purposes not necessarily intended.
Do I want a second camera? Yes, a second GX100 :D
Cheers,
Wouter Brandsma
Posted 17 months ago.
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Thanks to everyone for your replies. Wouter - I think I've seen you over at Open Photography Forums (?) and was inspired by your "single use" of the GX100.
I doubt the 5D won't be worth anything when the successor is announced. Rumors for the 5D mkII put it somewhere between $2500-$3000. There will still be plenty of folks who want a full-frame sensor but can't afford to spent $3k.
Since I'm not completely certain I can give up the DSLR yet, probably the best thing for me to do would be to wait at least until Photokina. There are rumors of a DP2 and DP3 later this year, as well as possibly a successor to the GX100. The DP3 apparently might have a zoom lens.
Technology is always evolving and yes, there will always be something new. But it seems that we're moving towards an exciting time for SC enthusiasts - the potential for an SC that really does "have it all".
Posted 17 months ago.
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Switters, I recommend not selling the 5D. I don't think its value will drop much further over the next year. At under $2000 new, it's already waying heavily on the APS-C DSLR market, and it is superior to any APS-C camera as a landscape/portrait/low light tool. Certainly your lenses will hold their value for a while.
I often have the urge to work with just one camera and lens for a period of time. I tried this with the Olympus OM-2n and enjoyed it so much I bought a second one. That's the first camera for which I've ever bought a duplicate backup. My advice is to simply put the 5D away without selling it. If your dream compact arrives in September, then by all means it may be a good idea for the 5D to go.
This thread reminds me of Lesson #2 from Mike's World:
"Committing to one camera is very cool, even if you own two or three of them."
Regards,
Amin
Originally posted 17 months ago.
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amin_s (a group admin) edited this topic 17 months ago.
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You are right Chris. Thank you and welcome here at seriouscompacts. I really liked your "man on escalator" photograph and your "choices" serie. Are you still using the GX100 primarily in 35mm mode?
I agree with Amin not selling the 5D. But I also wouldn't trade the GX100 immediately for a successor either.
There is so much to be discovered in the GX100. Especially in RAW.
Cheers,
Wouter
Posted 17 months ago.
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Hi Wouter,
Thanks for your kind words about the "choice" series and "man on escalator' picture.
I am still using the GX100 primarily in 35mm mode, as that is the only OVF that I currently own (Cosigna Voigtlander 35). Occasionally I will use the LCD to compose a wider angle shot, but I stick with 35 for the most part.
On my 5D I only have a 35/2 and 100/2. This is purposeful - I found early on that I don't like having a lot of lenses to choose from.
I recently picked up a 28-75 Tamron zoom for a particular project, but as much as I am impressed by the IQ and usability of that lens (love the semi-macro capability) I will probably sell it when the project is finished.
I really do prefer the discipline primes impose. Perhaps that will change in the future.
Amin, I think you and Wouter are right - I should probably hang on to the 5D for a while longer and see what happens this year.
Best,
Chris
Posted 17 months ago.
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Hang on to the 5D. Each camera changes the way you shoot, but over a longer time switching camera's can be useful.
Posted 17 months ago.
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Here's my digi camera history:
Canon S45 (P&S) 2003 (still have)
Canon 20D 2004 (sold in 05')
Canon 5D 2005 (daily shooter)
Ricoh GX100 2007xmas (gets little use)
As much as I was wishing for the GX100 to be my daily street cam., I found that the nature of my shooting - urban landscapes (similar to switters, but wider) - simply didn't lend itself to using the Ricoh. My main complaints are super noise even with daytime shots at ISO400 and speed - specifically raw write times. I know I know - it's a P&S and I shouldn't be expecting these things, but I guess I was just spoiled by my 5D. I've gone back to toting it around and reserve my GX100 for mainly social gatherings/bday parties. At the end of the day, I'll go with whatever tool let's me accomplish what I need to get done with minimal hassle.
Originally posted 17 months ago.
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cornershots edited this topic 17 months ago.
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I did that in 1995, ditching my trusty Nikon N6006 for a Nikon 35Ti. I only got back into SLRs in 2001.
Unfortunately, there is not a single compact camera that comes anywhere near what you would need in a Serious Compact, i.e. a digital 35Ti or digital Contax T3. I have a Fuji F31fd and a DP-1, these are both fine cameras, but they don't come close to my old Rebel XT, let alone my current D3. The 35Ti had better image quality (sharper optics) and a better exposure meter than the N6006. The F31fd has a lens with quite a bit of chromatic aberration, and the DP-1 is just dog-sloooow. Neither of them can realistically go above ISO 800.
Posted 17 months ago.
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Yep, gonna hold on to the 5D for a bit and see what happens. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts.
Posted 17 months ago.
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I bought a DSLR (A Nikon D40) a few months ago to compliment my compact, but returned it when I just couldn't work out when I would use it. more recently, my compact of choice is the Fuji E900 (See serious compacts hall of fame entry) and it comes everywhere with me. However, I recently bought a DSLR (a Sony A200) specifically for the few occasions when I want to shoot people, animals, moving stuff, fast frame rate, and anything else which falls out of the usual performance envelope of even serious compacts. The fact that I will use it a lot less doesn't really bother me, as I have two tools for two different jobs.
Nevertheless, if I could buy a GX100/G9/LX2 with a big sensor, I'd be In Like Flynn!
Cheers
JD
Posted 17 months ago.
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I can say for sure that my G9 gave me more picture taking and composing opportunities than my dSLR (Canon EOS 350D) ever did. I sold it soonafter I bought the G9. For me at least, compacts is the way to go... "Less is more"!
Originally posted 17 months ago.
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Mayank Bhatnagar edited this topic 17 months ago.
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Currently i have the GRD first gen, Fuji S6000fd, and Pentax k100d with 4 lenses.
The GRD gets more use than both the others put together.
I have considered selling the Pentax kit, as until very recently it almost never got used and I have an offer from a friend for it.
Also I have become quite enamored of the small sensor "look".
My GRD fits me perfectly, I know how it will respond.
Fast light and quiet; it produces wonderful jpegs.
Originally posted 17 months ago.
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colette_noir edited this topic 17 months ago.
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Wow. You guys are braver than I am. I'm not parting with my DSLR anytime in the near future---except to upgrade. There's just no way any compact, no matter how serious, is going to be able to compete with the options an SLR system provides. At least not for a lot of years. I don't really find my SLR to be so burdensome. I rarely bring more than one extra lens with me, and mostly, I just pick one and use it as my creative restriction. If I'm going out to shoot, or I don't need to be terribly active where I'm going, I'll bring the SLR. Everywhere else I bring my compact. The SLR just offers so much control and so many options.
But as has been said here before, whichever camera gets you out and shooting is the best camera around.
Posted 17 months ago.
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The 5D is a very fine camera, and may even become a 'classic'. Unless you need the money, I see little need to sell your Canon kit. I own several cameras, and use the one/s that suit my needs at the time, so that may be my D80 with a couple of lenses, or just my GRd and R4 or R8.
I also agree that the freedom of shooting just with a small camera such as the GRD or GX100 can be very liberating, especially if you are used to shooting with much larger DSLR kit. This is how the 'greats' felt like when they could shoot with the Leica when it first appeared in the 1920s!
So don't sell up, just travel light. There is no law saying you must use a dSLR just because you own one . . . Just go out and enjoy shooting!
Posted 17 months ago.
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Well, I used film SLRs in the 70s & 80s. Got out of photography for a long time. Now I'm getting back in. Started with some P&S cameras but was never satisfied with the image quality from the small sensors.
Now, I have the Sigma DP1 and am delighted. The ONLY time I want for a dSLR is for the rare case where telephoto would be helpful. It's hard to justify the expense of a dSLR kit just for that.
So, for now, I am living happily with my serious compact, the Sigma DP1 and no dSLR.
Now, if Sigma comes out with a DP2 with a decent zoom, I am all set!
Originally posted 17 months ago.
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britton42x edited this topic 17 months ago.
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My first camera was the Canon S45, and it was my only camera for about three years. It went everywhere with me and I have thousands of snapshots and 'better' images, along with hundreds of jerky 320x180 15fps videos. I would not give those days up for anything. It used to be that people would go around the world with only a 35mm efov lens, and they were perfectly satisfied with the results (Leica Summicron 35/2, Contax T3 for example).
Later I got a Canon S70, which was a great upgrade. The wide angle lens gave me a lot more creative ability, plus more ability to capture the environment. I used it exclusively for the next two years. I suppose the film equivalent would be a Ricoh GR1v (Daido Moriyama, anyone?)
Since then I have acquired a lot more cameras. The Canon 30D + 17-55 is my main 'photographic' camera now, but my compact is the G7. I usually carry them both, so that one can capture what the other cannot. I often think that if the G7 had the 30D's image quality and responsiveness (and a 28mm wide angle), I would probably not need the 30D.
But my experiences with the S45 let me know that I could be happy with just one compact. Owning a DSLR has really raised the bar, though.
If Canon makes a G10 with APS-C sensor, 28mm f2.8 starting point, and the same size as a Leica M8, that would be perfectly satisfactory. :-)
To the OP: do NOT sell the 5D. My next camera is likely to be the 5D MkII, because then I can go full frame, have all the current technical upgrades, and use more Canon glass. The quality of images you get from the 5D are unobtainable in any compact camera at this time, and it won't be for quite a while before that level is reached. Hang on to your 5D for when you need it, because when you do, no compact camera will compare.
Originally posted 16 months ago.
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Archiver edited this topic 16 months ago.
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I dumped my Leica M's early on with digital, and now have Pana TZ5 and FZ50. I carry the TZ5 everywhere, and take the FZ50 on photo group shoots only. Carrying the TZ5 only on most weekends makes room for the Leica binocs and the Toshiba Libretto computer. Being able to show photos while out shooting is a real plus.
Posted 16 months ago.
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Hi, I've just discovered this group, & I've just rediscovered my Olympus c-5050.
Even though its ancient by digicam standards ( 6+ yrs), Its a great camera. I've been using it as a travel camera, & I have a little "nerd belt" case which makes it easy to take on walks.
I like the multiple function buttons, after figuring them out, they are quite user friendly.
I've also been using it for some HDR attempts. The results are pretty good, though they can be a little noisy, but Neat Image cleans them up well.
I was looking at eBay, c-5050 cams are still going for $200-300, which is surprising to me...
I don't think that I want to get rid of my DSLR, which is the "ghetto cam" E-300., which I really have enjoyed using, though it is a little bulky.
Posted 16 months ago.
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As I recall, the c-5050 makes a great IR conversion cam, which might explain the still favorable pricing.
And just say no to the nerd belt.
Posted 16 months ago.
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