Friday, October 11, 2013

DSLR and Compact Camera Dilemma

Panasonic FZ100

Yesterday I wrote of a pain in the neck and the need to explore some options.  Though I certainly haven't wrung it all out yet I thought it may help the decision-making to put it in print, so here goes:

Option 1 - stop carrying the DSLR every time I go out.  Well, this approach has definitely aided the healing in my neck over the last couple months but leaves me feeling empty otherwise.  Like I'm missing out.  Not only on capturing a moment but also the enjoyment of using the camera itself.  I've also been much less active - not getting outside, which I've written about before.  What is it about not being able to freeze moments in time to look them over later and reminisce of the day, place, events, etc.?  To not be able to post-process that image to create what I saw or envisioned?  To share that with others?  Before a few years ago these things rarely, if ever, entered my mind.  But now, it's very much a part of me and I don't want to be without if I don't have to be.

Option 2 - carry my current compact camera when out and about.  I've done this on occasion as mentioned in this post, for instance.  And while on the one hand I was pleasantly surprised by the image quality it rendered for having such a small sensor and that it fit in my back pocket, it just isn't a camera that makes me want to carry and use it all the time.  Its body is slick with no grip to it which makes handling difficult.  Its viewing window gets washed out in sunlight making it difficult or impossible to know where the focus is or how the scene is being composed.  It's slow in use, has limited dynamic range, limited ISO range, etc.  

Option 3 - purchase a camera that is smaller/lighter than my DSLR yet is engaging, competent, and responsive.  The last thing I want is another camera system (body and lenses) to add to what I have already - which consists of two DSLR's with associated lenses and two compacts.  So I would have to sell at least some, if not all, of what I currently have.  On one level that's a tough thing to come to terms with.  After all, it was the Nikon D7000 that seduced me in the first place.  Then there's the Nikon D600 with its terrific image quality, dynamic range and high ISO ability.  Not to mention some terrific lenses that go with these bodies.  On another level, the weight of these bodies and lenses are having a negative impact on my health which I never saw coming.  

Coming up - thoughts on which camera/camera system to go with if I go that route.  But concerning what I've written above, let me know if you have any other ideas.  I'd love to hear them.  




6 comments:

  1. Glad to know you're ok now Dave, I missed your updates for a while.
    It's interesting to learn what your choice will be. :-)

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    1. Thank you, Mohammed. It's good to hear from you. I'm just getting back into the swing of things photography-wise. It's been a bit depressing not being out shooting for the better part of the last couple months. And yes, it'll be interesting to see how this ends up. Stay tuned.

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  2. Consider an alternate way to carry your camera. Don't give up what you love... adapt!

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    1. Thanks, hon. I have no intention of giving up photography but need to do it differently - like with different, smaller, lighter equipment. As you know, when I go out I can be out for hours at a time and often. I've tried carrying the camera over one shoulder, around my neck, on a tripod, in my hands, etc. Unfortunately the weight of the body and lenses are too much for the length of time involved enjoying this hobby. I was perfectly okay for the first couple years doing this. But this last year is when the pain and stiffness set in, so yes, I need to adapt by changing something. We'll se how it turns out.

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  3. Maybe you can get a front back-pack like carrier that will distribute the weight evenly over your torso, and still allow you quick/easy access to your camera and lenses?

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    1. Hi Jenny. Good thought and I've tried this but it hasn't worked too well. It's actually a backpack that slides around to my side to access the camera and lenses. Turns out that it's not very comfortable. I just can't get it adjusted to fit snug so it hangs off my back in a way it pulls me backward. Also, the bulk of it is not something I want to deal with all the time. I think I'm going to have to look at smaller, lighter gear.

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