I know from posts to the forum that many of us are not only interested in our cars but also in photography.

Anyone want to tell us about their choice of camera and why?  I'm about to leap into a dSLR from film and I was searching other (camera) forums and it occurred to me that there are probably a lot of you here that might enjoy telling about another of your interests.  

I will put my bias up front: I've mostly always used Pentax and am looking seriously at the yet to be released K7.

http://www.teds.com.au/www/6/1001102/displayproduct/pentax-k7-pentax-da18-55mm-kit--2301941_pentax--2210380_.html

So what kit have you got that you feel passionate about?

[Shambles]

I was a Pentax man for decades. Had a "ME Super" for 20 years but didn't use it that much.

When the first 1 megapixel cameras came out I spent £450 at a store called PC World (and that was with a £50 discount coucher ) but never really used it much... was more of a toy for me at the time.

These days I still don't use my Kodak Z740 much - again it's more of a toy. No passion, just a toy  

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/z740.html

[jasonw]

Currently got a Nikon D60 DSLR with VR lens and it is great, good value for money. Been really getting into taking photos in different conditions. Can't wait to take some photos of my i30cw when it arrives.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/nikon_d60.html

[Hemmi]

I own a Nikon D80, I really like it.
Now its been replaced by Nikon D90, and it's getting good reviews.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/nikon_d80.html 

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2009_reviews/nikon_d90.html

[GordonG]

I've been a Canon man since the 70s. Current one (maybe not for much longer) is a 50D but I'm looking seriously at a 1D MK3. I do heaps of sport and general photography as you can see from my website. There is a hidden section on my website that has 350MB of files for a basketball tournament that only the parents are allowed to look at, in addition to what you can see off the main index. All lenses are genuine Canon 'L' series, virtually all accessories are Canon.

I use and recommend Canon, but I don't have anything against Nikon either - I guess it's just that you grow up with a brand, and you tend to stick with it since you have so much money invested. They are, however, the only two brands I would consider or recommend.

I don't want to think about the insurance bill on my gear...

[i30Dave]

I'm a Canon man. I have the 40D, 100-400mm & 18-270mm
Will be upgrading to 50D in the near future.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/canon_eos_40d.html

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/canon_eos_50d.html

[whitbomb07]

Canon 450D with Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 and 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 (both with OS)

Manfrotto tripod and monopod (can't remember exact models)

I'm hoping Santa will bring me a 50D for Xmas. I don't think I can justify a full frame (1D-5D etc etc) SLR first or second hand. Some more lenses would be nice (Sigma 10-20 or similar wide angle, Canon 24-70mm L, some sort of prime lens between 10 and 50mm with a F stop less than 2) a 1.4 teleconverter might also come in handy................ This hobby has well and truly buried my RC plane hobby cost wise (and that's saying something!)

Prior to this I had a Panasonic DMC-FZ18 point and shoot (wannabe SLR)

Regards

Daniel 

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012403canoneos450d.asp

(Courtesy dpreview)

[Dazzler]

I've got a Kodak P880, A Nikon D80 (same as Hemmi) with just an 18-55 lens and A Panasonic FZ28 (with an 18x zoom - I love it) and I haven't got time to use any of them at the moment!  

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/p880.html

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/panasonic_fz28.html

[ozsnowman]

Only an older Canon S2 Superzoom, 5MP with a 12x zoom. It might be old but still takes great pics

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/s2is.html

[hayseed]

I have a camera as part of my phone! >.>

Amusingly though, my compact digital that I also have is 7.1MP while the one in my phone is 8MP. Both Samsung devices, which I'm really quite loving.

So the whole camera thing for me is more of a toy than a serious interest. I suck at taking photos! 

[terry hunter]

Definite Pentax fan with the 10Kd. Gives so much for the money and am eyeing off the new K-7.

But I respect all camera makes with their advantages and disadvantages too. ... a bit like cars really... you buy the one that best fits your many needs.

Terry H

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/k10d.html

[Shambles]

all camera makes... you buy the one that best fits your many needs.

Which in my case is... the cheapest

[terry hunter]

The fact that you have an i30 means you obviously have more in mind than just price of course... you also want quality build, latest technology,
not too large or too small, solid build, enough speed and handling under difficult conditions without having to buy a sports machine, a great range of accessories, good warranty and backup, and something a bit different from the big run of the mill companies.

Some would say you even have a liking for something a bit quirky.

Yep, you're probably an i30 diesel owner or a Pentax Owner... or both!!!!
(Subaru's used to be the quirky techy's or arty vehicle... but I think that is changing - according to the numbers of i30 owners who have these types of jobs)

Terry H

The fact that you have an i30 means you obviously have more in mind than just price of course... you also want quality build, latest technology,
not too large or too small, solid build, enough speed and handling under difficult conditions without having to buy a sports machine, a great range of accessories, good warranty and backup, and something a bit different from the big run of the mill companies.

Some would say you even have a liking for something a bit quirky.

Yep, you're probably an i30 diesel owner or a Pentax Owner... or both!!!!
(Subaru's used to be the quirky techy's or arty vehicle... but I think that is changing - according to the numbers of i30 owners who have these types of jobs)

Terry H

How remarkably insightful - you picked me (at least) on all counts  8)

Except for the Subie... too mainstream. 

[terry hunter]

Yeh Subie's have become too popular and are now mainstream. Great for the company's bottom line but now lacks cutting edge character.

I wonder if the i30 designers will settle for this too in the long run or if they'll keep it a bit edgy and exciting... in its own way of course...

Terry H

[tk421]

Canon EOS 5D Mark II. I chose Canon because it's the best!  
Actually, I bought into the Canon system when the 300D was released many moons ago, and I've been very happy with every canon camera I've owned.

I still have my 400D body and an IXUS 800IS. Also have a camera in the iPhone, but it’s crap and doesn’t get used.

Lenses:
Sigma 50-500mm
Canon EF 24-105mm L
Canon EF 100mm macro
Canon EF 16-40mm L
Canon EF 50mm
Sigma 10-20mm (only for the 400D body though)

Flash:
Canon 580EX
Garry Phong Light Sphere

Tripod:
Manfrotto 055PROB
Heads:
Manfrotto 229 3-way
Manfrotto 322RC2 Ball head

Tim.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2009_reviews/canon_5dmk2.html

[Dazzler]

Hey Tim.. Nice Gear...

Hope you've got plenty of insurance cover.

[terry hunter]

Canon EOS 5D Mark II. I chose Canon because it's the best!  
Actually, I bought into the Canon system when the 300D was released many moons ago, and I've been very happy with every canon camera I've owned.

I still have my 400D body and an IXUS 800IS. Also have a camera in the iPhone, but it’s crap and doesn’t get used.

Lenses:
Sigma 50-500mm
Canon EF 24-105mm L
Canon EF 100mm macro
Canon EF 16-40mm L
Canon EF 50mm
Sigma 10-20mm (only for the 400D body though)

That's some serious gear there...

Good to see you are serious about your car choice too

Terry H

Flash:
Canon 580EX
Garry Phong Light Sphere

Tripod:
Manfrotto 055PROB
Heads:
Manfrotto 229 3-way
Manfrotto 322RC2 Ball head

Tim.

[ivana]

canon powershot a680 (i think it was)
canon powershot a610
canon 20D
canon ixus 100is

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/a610.html

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/20d.html

http://www.cnet.com.au/canon-ixus-100-is-339294890.htm?omnRef=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com.au%2Fsearch%3Fhl%3Den%26q%3Dcanon%2Bixus%2B100is%26btnG%3DSearch%26meta%3D

(Third one courtesy of cnet)


.... yeah fair to say that ive only ever bought canon because i have been extremely happy with everything ive had from them. even a warranty claim was really well handled.

wouldn't ever go near sony ever again at all... parents make silly decisions and wonder why i roll my eyes at them...

[Dazzler]

Nice selection ivana .. you should think about posting some pix in our random thread (they don't just have to be of your car)

[ivana]

Nice selection ivana .. you should think about posting some pix in our random thread (they don't just have to be of your car)

will do...

[Blue]

Nikkon D80 DSLR with Sigma 18-200mm (VR/OS) and Nikkor 18 - 135mm. 

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/nikon_d80.html

[i30mania]

Nikon D80
Nikon 60mm
Nikon 105mm
Nikon 18-135mm
Nikon SB800

And Nexus Underwater Housing for D80
Fantasea FSB800 housing
Ports,arms,cables

Trying buy a fisheye lens
Nikon 10.5mm and its underwater port 

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/nikon_d80.html

[Duckman]

Camera- Canon 450D
Lenses- Canon EF-S 17–85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Flash- Canon 430EX II Speedlite
Memory- 16gb SDHC 8gb SDHC 

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012403canoneos450d.asp

(Courtesy dpreview)

[Dazzler]

Photography seems to be a strong flavour amongst i30 owners...

[simon]

Konica Minolta 7D and a bunch of lenses, of which my favourites are :-

20mm f2.8
50mm f1.7
80-200mm f2.8 APO G

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/maxxum7d.html

[Dazzler]

Thought I might put some links to Steve's Digicams in each person's posts so people can check out a bit about each camera (It is an amazing review site)

Didn't think anyone would mind...

[terry hunter]

Konica Minolta 7D and a bunch of lenses, of which my favourites are :-

20mm f2.8
50mm f1.7
80-200mm f2.8 APO G

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/maxxum7d.html

What a shame that Konica Minolta didn't survive as a company. They made classy stuff and while Sony has ridden into the Digital SLR era on their backs, I don't think they've really carried the passion and class of the company they took over.

These look like great lenses too Simon!

Terry H

[iThurT]

Nikon D70
Nikkor 18-70mm
Sigma 10-20mm
Sigma 70-300mm

Great battery life and resolution (6Mp) does me. More than enough exposure options.

Pip
If you already have Pentax AF lenses just get a K7. Some pro standard (and priced) Nikon/Canon models may be a bit special but consumer grade digital SLR's are much of a muchness. The Pentax DSLR's are as good as any and it's the person behind the camera who determines the results. I have noticed in the UK non Nikon or Canon fit third party lenses are increasingly hard to come by though so, if you don't have a stock of 'K' mounts it might be a factor.

It's not surprising that so many have Nikon or Canon... an easy choice based on reputation.

I did have a Canon T70 (20 years ago) for a short while, until it was stolen, which I bought as a replacement for my old Pentax Spotmatic after it developed a problem and an upgrade seemed like a good idea.  The Spotmatic incidentally was bought when I was 17 for what would have been several months wages.  I can't remember too much about the Canon except that the bundled lens let it down and it took poor pictures compared to my old Spotmatic.

I wasn't that sorry it got stolen but being disillusioned with my last choice I didn't really look too hard for a replacement intending instead to get the old faithful Spotmatic fixed up.  Anyway, for whatever reason I didn't and my interest in photography for the next 20 years was limited to the occasional snap with whatever point and shoot was about.

My interest was rekindled when my son took photography at school and I naturally bought him a Pentax K1000 which was almost exclusively used by schools because it was bullet-proof and dead simple to use.  I finally fixed the old Spotmatic and we enjoyed some good photo shoots together.  I started to collect some of the lenses I couldn't afford when I was young and picked up another couple of bodies from eBay.  All this stuff is 40 years old and I was seemingly stuck in a time warp but enjoying the nostalgia!!  The simplicity and ease of use of an old mechanical SLR with manual focus and a bright viewfinder is something many newer photographers will not have experienced.

Anyway, I retired last year and my interest in photography has remained so I started looking for a digital replacement for the old film SLRs which by now are really packing up and reality is finally overtaking my reluctance to make the jump to digital.  The film era is dying quicker than I imagined with many of my local film processors closing up shop and I read just the other day that Kodachrome has seen its last manufacturing run.  As far as I'm concerned that's it for film!

So now I'm looking again.  That's where the Pentax K7 idea was born because it's reasonably small compared to the Canikons and the size was definitely one of the attractions of the old Pentaxes.  I borrowed a Canon DSLR from a friend and was immediately struck by the colossal size and weight of it.  Not to mention the small and dull viewfinder... no wonder AF was invented!  I realise that the viewfinder size is somewhat dependant on the sensor size and unless going FF or larger this will always be a limiter. The K7 has a prism instead of the cheaper (and duller) mirror, with 100% view.

Pip
If you already have Pentax AF lenses just get a K7.

Nope, no AF in my collection at all. 

All MF and all in M42 screw mount.

Super Takumar F1.4 50mm
SMC Takumar F1.4 50mm
SMC Takumar F1.8 55mm
SMC Takumar F4 200mm
SMC Takumar F4 300mm
SMC Takumar F4 50mm macro
Makinon F2.8 135mm
Tokina F2.8 28mm
Vivitar F3.8 85-200mm (never so much as taken a snap with it)

And a few other sundry clunkers, these and some of the above were simply collected as I bought bodies.  The bodies I collected are just past it anyway... hard to expect to get 40 year old cameras in mint condition. 

If I can get a bright enough viewfinder I'm prepared to try my MF primes (with adapter).  At least the faster ones.

Thank you to all those that contributed to this thread.  Very interesting.