What camera do you use ??

[Andrew Sheldon]

I am thinking about purchasing a new camera to take some photos of my beloved Z4 and wodered if you guys can point me in the right direction to buy a good camera...
I am currently using a smart phone with I believe is around 6 MP so not that great.. Looking at the wonderful photos in the forums monthly competitions I am often blown away by the fantastic colours, great image quality and generally great photos..
Is it all iPhone photography or are you guys using some good bits of kit ??
Not saying the iPhone doesn't take good photos
IMO it would be good if the comp included some info on the photos, What type of camera was used, what shutter speed iso etc... not obligatory of course just some background...

 

[JimsZ]

Can’t really advise without a budget in mind.

I like photography asa casual hobby and do very little post processing, just use my phone apps and camera software. Smart phone cameras are That good now for social media, the best camera is the one you carry. Most people carry smart phones.

So I’d say unless your after putting some cash into a camera stick with the phones and apps. They do amazingly well.

Here’s some links to help you browse...

https://www.cliftoncameras.co.uk/

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/

https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/?Mobile=No

I love the mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, switching to this format in 2014. I can highly recommend Sony Alpha range. But Nikon, Canon etc do the same.

 

[Lance]

Sony Alpha range gets my vote too. After a lot of research, I went from a Canon DSLR to a Sony A6000, which I’m enjoying using and am extremely happy with its capabilities and image quality. Note, there are newer versions of this now in the Alpha range. I also have a 19mm Sigma prime lens that I use often on my Sony, with pleasing results.

I enjoy photography, but am not anywhere near to the standard of some of what I’ve seen on here and elsewhere, but I’m willing to learn and am happy to put some time and effort in to improve. I use the free version of Lightroom Mobile for editing, which for now works for me. I used to use snapseed, but found that it compressed my files and quality was being lost, not so for LR.

Another thing to note, the really outstanding (subjective I know) shots you see, are rarely as they come out of the camera, but with editing software giving the finished pic. Of course, there has to be a good quality, well thought out photos to start with.

Good luck with your future photography

 

[mr.tourette]

As above ..best is the one you carry, After owning dslr and bridge cameras that I could never be arsed humping about with me I have decided to switch to a good quality compact for next year ion the hope I'll happily pick it up and snap away a bit more, haven't fully decided which one yet but the main and only real criteria is something small with a half decent zoom lens and a proper viewfinder. I won't be getting hung up on megapixels either as the consensus nowadays with a smaller sensor on a compact something around 12 million is just fine, you really don't need to spend a small fortune to get a nice photo but if its a hobby you want to throw yourself into then the choices and spend are endless..I think i have finally learnt my lesson on what I will use and wont

 

[inkey$]

Look at the Panasonic LX100 (mkI gen for lower £). Does everything you need and more.

 

[Lance]

Look at the Panasonic LX100 (mkI gen for lower £). Does everything you need and more.

This, or a Sony RX100 is what I’d get if it was a compact camera I was after. Both very good cameras.

 

[TheDan]

As others have said, budget is the main factor in deciding what camera to get.

When starting out doing photography in my spare time I bought the cheapest new DSLR on the market the Nikon D3400. It was a very good camera (still is) and takes some fantastic photographs.

However, DSLR might not be the route to go as you probably don't need to add multiple lenses, filters etc. A good mirrorless might be the route forward. If so, I would also suggest the Sony A6000. Had one of these and they are fantastic!

 

[Deleted member 32480]

As others have said, budget is the main factor in deciding what camera to get.

When starting out doing photography in my spare time I bought the cheapest new DSLR on the market the Nikon D3400. It was a very good camera (still is) and takes some fantastic photographs.

However, DSLR might not be the route to go as you probably don't need to add multiple lenses, filters etc. A good mirrorless might be the route forward. If so, I would also suggest the Sony A6000. Had one of these and they are fantastic!

My 1st camera was a D3400. Great camera to learn how to take photo's with- very noob friendly. One of them and say a Nikkor 35mm lens (about 80-100 quid I think second hand).

I went to a Sony a7iii after that which was a bit excessive. It really depends on your budget OP. Like the cars they do become a moneypit. An example of this is I got a new lens last year for the sony and that 600 quid so it can become an expensive little hobby.

 

[inkey$]

+1 Snapseed and also an app called Digital Film.

Recommend you think about how you take pictures now and what you really want. If that includes a small/medium/large bag of camera and accessories then give yourself a budget, but if not then get the best camera in a phone you can next time you upgrade and play with the increasingly impressive options and apps available.

I have an LX100 and Sony A7iii. Both great for different reasons and when I am in the mood to to take them out. But on the fly, everyday then my Samsung S20 does a pretty good job (and saves RAW files if I ever need to process further in Lightroom or Photoshop).

 

[tomscott]

My advice would be buy the largest sensor you can afford. There are lots of options on the market to suit lots of budgets.

But the larger the sensor allows for more creative ability. Ive been a working photographer for about 12 years although automotive photography isn't my main focus it is a personal focus.

Ive used Canon DSLRs for years crop and full frame. Mirrorless cameras are far more user friendly and smaller making them a much better option to carry. At the end of the day the best camera is the one you have with you.

That being said they mirrorless is expensive and it has made the DSLR market a lot more palatable so if your not too bothered used is a great place. I buy 90% of my stuff used as I usually save a 1/3 and most is owned by people who baby it and my gear gets a bit well used lol!

For example my first proper semi pro camera was a 40D when I first set out but attached good bright F2.8 and faster lenses that has served me well and still use them today. In the right hands you can still get incredible images out of them although I wouldn't want to use it today but as you will see below in a pinch I got the job done.

Primes are nice options because they are cheap and give you that look, the only issue a lot of people have is they can be quite limiting as you physically have to move your feet rather than the lens.

I still use twin 5DMKIVs (full frame - same size as a piece of 35mm film) because I love them but will replace with the R5 once they reduce in price a little. But I also have a 70d (crop camera - 1.6X crop) and 6DMKII (full frame) that I use casually.

In the past I have had 350d 2x40D, 2x7DMKII, 2X5DMKIII, 6DMKII, 2x 5DMKIV. I also have an iPhone 11 Pro that I use and really like it! Shot below with the iPhone

Regardless of gear learning techniques of composition, perspective and light is what makes images stand out not the gear, although it helps

Some tips with cars, get low and shoot at a lower level shooting from standing height always makes a cars perspective look wrong. When im on meets etc people think im mad lying on the floor lol! But gets shots like below.

Few images that ive shot over the years

BMW Z4M Roadster, Tatton Park by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Z4M Roadster, Tatton Park by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Z4M Roadster, Tatton Park by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 996 Carrera 4 S Convertible, Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 996 Carrera 4 S Convertible, Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Z4M Coupe CSL wheels by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Z4M Coupe, Silver Grey, CSL wheels by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Z4M Coupe, Silver Grey, CSL wheels by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Z4M Dials/interior, strobes by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Carrera S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Targa, Scenic mountain pass road, Tiefencastel to Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

N0. 78 1965 2.0 Porsche 911 Classic GT Cars (pre '66) Silverstone Classics 2016 by Tom Scott, on Flickr

No.27 Nissan R91CK (1991) (Nova Engineering) Silverstone Classics 2016 by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Shot these with a 10mp 40D not that long ago because it was a yellow weather warning and torrential rain and both my 5DMKIIIs at the time got water logged and stopped working, had the 40D as a back up and it clicked away for the rest of the day...

BMW E30 M3, No.83, Tim Harvey, Silverstone Classics 2015 by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Sideways Action, Historic Formula 1, Silverstone Classics 25th Anniversary by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Williams FW07C, Leyland #37, 1981, driven by C. D'Ansembourg, Legends of Modern F1, Silverstone Classic 2015 by Tom Scott, on Flickr

 

[Andrew Sheldon]

Sony Alpha range gets my vote too. After a lot of research, I went from a Canon DSLR to a Sony A6000, which I’m enjoying using and am extremely happy with its capabilities and image quality. Note, there are newer versions of this now in the Alpha range. I also have a 19mm Sigma prime lens that I use often on my Sony, with pleasing results.

I enjoy photography, but am not anywhere near to the standard of some of what I’ve seen on here and elsewhere, but I’m willing to learn and am happy to put some time and effort in to improve. I use the free version of Lightroom Mobile for editing, which for now works for me. I used to use snapseed, but found that it compressed my files and quality was being lost, not so for LR.

Another thing to note, the really outstanding (subjective I know) shots you see, are rarely as they come out of the camera, but with editing software giving the finished pic. Of course, there has to be a good quality, well thought out photos to start with.

Good luck with your future photography

The Alphas certainly look like a very capable camera, they look good too. The only problem is they dont have a viewfinder and I am not a great fan of looking at the screen especially on sunny days....

 

[Andrew Sheldon]

Sony Alpha range gets my vote too. After a lot of research, I went from a Canon DSLR to a Sony A6000, which I’m enjoying using and am extremely happy with its capabilities and image quality. Note, there are newer versions of this now in the Alpha range. I also have a 19mm Sigma prime lens that I use often on my Sony, with pleasing results.

I enjoy photography, but am not anywhere near to the standard of some of what I’ve seen on here and elsewhere, but I’m willing to learn and am happy to put some time and effort in to improve. I use the free version of Lightroom Mobile for editing, which for now works for me. I used to use snapseed, but found that it compressed my files and quality was being lost, not so for LR.

Another thing to note, the really outstanding (subjective I know) shots you see, are rarely as they come out of the camera, but with editing software giving the finished pic. Of course, there has to be a good quality, well thought out photos to start with.

Good luck with your future photography

The Alphas certainly look like a very capable camera, they look good too. The only problem is they dont have a viewfinder and I am not a great fan of looking at the screen especially on sunny days....

GREAT photos.....

 

[inkey$]

https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/New/Panasonic-Lumix-LX100-Black_5592.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAq8f-BRBtEiwAGr3DgdnasdFHGz3Gc0RUXc2C9i3XbO2rnQ0R-73bRlNQ--3GVWCVvcrh0hoCZ4QQAvD_BwE

Has everything you need.

 

[Jameszy]

I might be shot down for this, but in my experience the best camera is the one you have with you.

I therefore chose a phone accordingly.

That said, as others have said there really is no replacement for a decent full size sensor DSLR. But I find I leave that at home all too often, especially when I am holidaying with the Z (which usually means bringing the dog, and luggage for two, which means space is limited).

 

[Lance]

Sony Alpha range gets my vote too. After a lot of research, I went from a Canon DSLR to a Sony A6000, which I’m enjoying using and am extremely happy with its capabilities and image quality. Note, there are newer versions of this now in the Alpha range. I also have a 19mm Sigma prime lens that I use often on my Sony, with pleasing results.

I enjoy photography, but am not anywhere near to the standard of some of what I’ve seen on here and elsewhere, but I’m willing to learn and am happy to put some time and effort in to improve. I use the free version of Lightroom Mobile for editing, which for now works for me. I used to use snapseed, but found that it compressed my files and quality was being lost, not so for LR.

Another thing to note, the really outstanding (subjective I know) shots you see, are rarely as they come out of the camera, but with editing software giving the finished pic. Of course, there has to be a good quality, well thought out photos to start with.

Good luck with your future photography

The Alphas certainly look like a very capable camera, they look good too. The only problem is they dont have a viewfinder and I am not a great fan of looking at the screen especially on sunny days....

The A6000 and upwards range does have a viewfinder, which I use for the vast majority of my photos. I only use the screen if hold the camera high or at such a position where I can’t use the VF.

 

[fredej]

I use a Canon EOS M50 (crop sensor) with kit lens (15-45mm). It is small and easy to use.

I would like to be able experiment a bit more with DOF so I'm thinking of getting a fast prime for the M50 (EF-M lens). It will mainly be used for car photos and some general photos, I think. I not sure how much I'm actually going to use it, so I don't want to spend too much.
I'm not entirely sure what focal length would be best suited. I'm thinking the Sigma 30mm F/1.4 lens (about 50mm in 35mm equivalent) might be a good option?

 

[Andrew Sheldon]

https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/New/Panasonic-Lumix-LX100-Black_5592.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAq8f-BRBtEiwAGr3DgdnasdFHGz3Gc0RUXc2C9i3XbO2rnQ0R-73bRlNQ--3GVWCVvcrh0hoCZ4QQAvD_BwE

Has everything you need.

 

[Rocket]

A good way to start is to think about.

How much to spend
How big (does it need to fit in a pocket)
Will you pursue other types of photography like sport or wildlife or landscape etc.
Will you want to change lenses or have a one lens does all type of camera.
For my use the best camera has a full frame sensor and interchangeable lenses but if size, weight, ease of use, cost, etc are important then you may need to look at other options. A phone with a good camera has a lot going for it.

Some of my stuff here but no cars https://paulstickley.com/

 

[Darkangelv2]

A good way to start is to think about.

How much to spend
How big (does it need to fit in a pocket)
Will you pursue other types of photography like sport or wildlife or landscape etc.
Will you want to change lenses or have a one lens does all type of camera.
For my use the best camera has a full frame sensor and interchangeable lenses but if size, weight, ease of use, cost, etc are important then you may need to look at other options. A phone with a good camera has a lot going for it.

Some of my stuff here but no cars https://paulstickley.com/

That website contains some really lovely photos Paul, well done

 

[Rocket]

A good way to start is to think about.

How much to spend
How big (does it need to fit in a pocket)
Will you pursue other types of photography like sport or wildlife or landscape etc.
Will you want to change lenses or have a one lens does all type of camera.
For my use the best camera has a full frame sensor and interchangeable lenses but if size, weight, ease of use, cost, etc are important then you may need to look at other options. A phone with a good camera has a lot going for it.

Some of my stuff here but no cars https://paulstickley.com/

That website contains some really lovely photos Paul, well done

Thanks. My camera gear cost way more than my z4 and is my main hobby in retirement. That being said spending lots of cash does not guarantee good photos. I like to compare it to cooking. I could have the finest ingredients, the greatest stove and cooking pans but my cooking would still be dire. Give a top chef some average ingredients and tools and they will serve up something really tasty.