Best still shooters - any system

[Conqueror]

What would you consider to be the best still shooters?

any system between the price range:

$1000-2000 USD
£1000-2000 GBP

(Forget video functionality)

And why?

 

[Streetshooter]

A used M6 with a 35mm of some kind. It could be had for under 2 grand.
Why ...... because most shooters like a meter in the camera...
for me personally, an M4 cause I don't like a meter.

 

[deirdre]

Mamiya 6.

You'll pay through the nose for the medium format film, and there's only three lenses available, but they are OMG good.

I'm not the only fan of it, fortunately.

I miss mine all the time -- except for its bulk and weight.

 

[Conqueror]

What about current digital cameras in this price range?

Things like the Sony A850? How does this rate.

 

[addieleman]

For me that would be the Panasonic GH2 with some lenses, starting with the 14-45mm and adding the 45-200mm and 20mm until money runs out. The 7-14mm will be above the budget constraints you imposed.

 

[Herman]

A used M6 with a 35mm of some kind. It could be had for under 2 grand.
Why ...... because most shooters like a meter in the camera...
for me personally, an M4 cause I don't like a meter.

Hi Don, maybe better to wait for the Fuji X100 ?

Or going FF.

 

[Streetshooter]

Hi Don, maybe better to wait for the Fuji X100 ?

Or going FF.

Now we're cooking with digital gas...

 

[deirdre]

Until then, Leica X1?

 

[Herman]

Review A850

What about current digital cameras in this price range?

Things like the Sony A850? How does this rate.

Click here: Sony Alpha 850 Review: 4. Conclusion: Digital Photography Review

 

[deirdre]

The A850 seems barely in that price range though, right? Only a discounted street price skirts the upper end.

I'm biased toward smaller cameras, but that's probably why I'm here.

 

[Conqueror]

A850 body seems to about 1400 £ cheapest here.

 

[ajramirez]

For body and lens together for less than 2,000 USD, I would suggest Canon Rebel T2i (550D) with 17-55 2.8 EF-S.

Regards,

Antonio

 

[Streetshooter]

Antonio,
I thought you would like the G2.... Hmmmm.

 

[goldenlight]

What about current digital cameras in this price range?

Things like the Sony A850? How does this rate.

Why the Sony A850? I think we'd need to know a little about your style of photography, subjects and locations before recommending one DSLR over another. :smile:

 

[Streetshooter]

This thread interest me. I didn't realize so many liked the SLR form for the street.
Hmmmm

 

[ajramirez]

Antonio,
I thought you would like the G2.... Hmmmm.

Well, i´ll let you know in a couple of weeks...:smile:

My recommendation of the T2i was based solely on image quality. As much as I like m4/3, my experience has been that my 50D and T1i have my Oly E-P1 beat (although not by much) in image quality, particularly high ISO noise and resolution.

However, the discussion does not end there.

First, there is the impact on people when you pull out a 50D and L zoom, versus an E-P1 with the 20mm Lumix.

Second, there´s the weight factor.

At this point, I keep two packed camera bags. The first one, a Tenba Messenger Large, holds a Canon 50D, 10-22 EF-S, 17-40L, 70-200L, 60 EF-S, 580EXII, ST-E2, and weighs about 15 pounds. The second, a Domke F5xb, holds an Oly E-P1, 9-18 M.Zuiko, 20mm Lumix and 45mm Lumix.

Guess which one sees more action?

I am more than happy to give up some image quality for the convenience and stealth factor of m4/3. However, going back to the OP´s question, if image quality is the only consideration, for the stated price range I stand by my original recommendation.

Cheers,

Antonio

 

[LisaO]

I like a Canon 5DMKII with a Canon 35 1.4 L for the street.

 

[photoSmart42]

What would you consider to be the best still shooters?

any system between the price range:

$1000-2000 USD
£1000-2000 GBP

(Forget video functionality)

And why?

Best at what type of still shooting?

Digital (non-moving objects): I'd say a tie between the 5D2 and the D700, although they're both just a tad over your price target. Can probably get them used right around $2000 body only. It's possible the Sigma SD1 will be a contender once it comes out, but we'll have to see.

Digital (moving action): I would think perhaps the D7000 or the 60D; both fit the price range.

Digital (compact): IQ-wise I'd have to go with something like the DP series, although it seems they're a bit difficult in behaving. The X100 should be a contender, but it remains to be seen once it comes out. I think the GF and/or the E-PENs with the 20/1.7 are up there as well; they should all fit the price range.

Film (studio/non-moving): Probably something like an RB/RZ67, and/or a Hasselblad V. I put the RB/RZ67 slightly ahead simply because of the larger film format. 6x7 landscapes in Velvia are quite nice (depending on photographer skill, of course). Both fit in the price range used.

Film (street): The Mamyia 6, Mamyia C330 are both very nice for street shooting, and are medium format. For 35mm probably a nice M3 or a Contax G2, although you can make do with any of the high-quality SLRs as well. It comes down to the film and lenses really.

 

[Conqueror]

Best at what type of still shooting?

City/Street/Architecture/Landscapes/Outdoors

Ive been pretty happy with my G1, but somehow ive got an itch for something else

 

[Streetshooter]

City/Street/Architecture/Landscapes/Outdoors

Ive been pretty happy with my G1, but somehow ive got an itch for something else

Now it seems a GF1 w/17 & 20 will be very good.
Pretty hard to beat actually.