Camera recs

[The SnowShow]

I currently use a Canon S110 for my photography and love it for its portability. I'm now looking to upgrade. Any recs on another camera (DSLR) to look at that are still light or small enough to hike with but take better pics, especially zoomed in shots. Like the S100, I'm looking for something at a good price point.
Also, are there any good online geartrades to pick up a used camera, similar to ours?
Thanks.

[smmokan]

The first question has to be: what's your budget? Remember, when buying a DSLR, you need a budget for the camera AND lens(es). Since you're just moving to a DSLR (if you choose that route), I'd recommend something more compact like the T5i, or even the much smaller SL1. The T5i is a more capable camera than the SL1, but it depends on how much you're willing to sacrifice in terms of size for performance.

Watch this website, they monitor all the good deals out there: http://www.canonpricewatch.com/

I've seen the T5i with the Canon 18-135mm STM lens (very good lens) for around $550, which is a killer deal. If that pops up again, I'd jump on it.

[LightRanger]

Some deals here:
http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/ca...al-slr-cameras

SL1 with the 18-55 STM and 40mm pancake for $481.
T5i with the 18-55 STM and 55-250 STM for $649.

I have an SL1. I dig the size. But I do find things being buried in menus somewhat annoying/limiting. Limits are more with me than the camera though.

[andrew]

What about a micro four-thirds mirrorless camera? A Sony a6000 body with MFT lenses might be an option.

[Todds]

X2 on a mirrorless camera if you are looking for something smallish. I'm loving my MFT Olympus EM10. If you like Canon you could look at the EOS M3; I haven't played with it, but it is on the small side.

[snowsnowsnow]

X2 on a mirrorless camera if you are looking for something smallish. I'm loving my MFT Olympus EM10. If you like Canon you could look at the EOS M3; I haven't played with it, but it is on the small side.

I've been looking at either the EM10 or EM5 and they both look pretty solid. Are the small buttons much of an issue when out in the field?

[Todds]

I've been looking at either the EM10 or EM5 and they both look pretty solid. Are the small buttons much of an issue when out in the field?

Never had a problem with bare hands. I think the buttons might be a problem with gloves on. Did you know they release EM10 mark2 and EM5 mark2 also?

[The SnowShow]

I saw on a site I could get the older T2i body and 18-55mm lens for a total of $229.
Will I see a noticeable difference in my pics compared to the S110? (Esp. Zoomed)

[alfajores]

X2 on a mirrorless camera if you are looking for something smallish. I'm loving my MFT Olympus EM10. If you like Canon you could look at the EOS M3; I haven't played with it, but it is on the small side.

Here is another question: what are you taking pictures of and why is portability important?

I am all MFT now and like it a lot. I have friends on SONY and Fuji that take great photos as well it is a balance of needs in these systems.

[The SnowShow]

It would be for taking pics while hiking or backpacking, and of my family. The S110 is for mtn biking and skiing.

[smmokan]

It would be for taking pics while hiking or backpacking, and of my family. The S110 is for mtn biking and skiing.

Once you go DSLR, you never go back. Especially for action shots- that S110 won't hold a candle to the T5i, or even the T2i.

[shroom]

i think I'd go older body and better glass. kit lenses are great for what they are but you'll hit your limits there before the body IME.

[smmokan]

^^^ Yep, that 18-55 lens is pretty much garbage, for the most part- especially if it's the older non-IS version. The newer STM lenses are much better, but I doubt that's what is included with the T2i.

[The SnowShow]

What Canon EF or EFS lens should I look at that would be better?

[smmokan]

What Canon EF or EFS lens should I look at that would be better?

The 18-135mm STM is the best "all around" budget lens, IMO. It's typically packaged with the mid-range DSLRs, or you can find them used for $250-300. It's got solid IQ, fast focusing, and covers a nice, wide range. The 15-85mm is also a killer lens, but you're getting up around $450+ for that one used.

[snowsnowsnow]

Never had a problem with bare hands. I think the buttons might be a problem with gloves on. Did you know they release EM10 mark2 and EM5 mark2 also?

Didn't know about the mark2s, I was scouting some of the refurbs direct from olympus. What lens(es) do you run?

[The SnowShow]

Thank you all.

Now a quick off topic question: when my S110 is in auto mode and I take a landscape pic, if I focus on the mountains or forest, the sky washes out. If I focus on the sky, the forest/mtns are dark. What manual settings can I play with to avoid that?

When I do the same with my iPhone, it's way more even (ie. The forest/mtns and sky all look good). Why is that?

[shroom]

[i believe] auto exposure will be based off of the focus point, so if you focus on the dark forest, the forest should be exposed somewhat accurately automagically, and the lighter sky will now be washed out / further exposed. your iPhone will do the same thing. a DSLR will be fun for you to throw on full manual and experiment & learn a bit. that's how I roll.

[The SnowShow]

Right. However the iPhone camera doesn't do that. My iPhone landscape pics, while obviously not as good, always look more "even" in exposure than my P&S.

The S110 has settings like aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, etc.

Is there a way to play with those settings so that if I'm taking a landscape shot like I described, I can capture the rich blue sky along with the dark forest?

[shroom]

im feeling lazy, sorry

http://improvephotography.com/photography-basics/

[smmokan]

The iPhone exposes for the overall scene brightness... your camera is set to expose using the focal point (or at least it biases based on the focal point), so it's very specific.

Here's a good article explaining the different metering modes you have on your camera, you can adjust your setting accordingly:
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/20...n-to-use-them/

There's also a good chance that your iPhone uses an HDR setting, which essentially combines multiple exposures and balances the scene by removing highlights and dark shadows.

[Tye 1on]

just $.02, if you're coming from a p/s, a t/5,4,3/i with the kit ~18-55 will be a ton of fun.

[The SnowShow]

Will read up. Thank you all!

[SUPERIOR]

My recs for quality and speed:

Get a used canon 7d for $600 to $800 plus a used 24-105 F/4 lens for $600

Get a used Panasonic GH3 for $300-400 on EBay, plus a used 12-35 LUMIX f/2.8 for $600

Both setups would get you in the game taking great action photos

[LightRanger]

There's also a good chance that your iPhone uses an HDR setting, which essentially combines multiple exposures and balances the scene by removing highlights and dark shadows.

This. I seem to recall the newer iPhones use HDR automatically unless you turn it off. Excellent HDR too, for what it is.