Looking for a digital camera

[Jim]

I've got an "ok" digital camera. It's pretty much point and shoot, so I don't have to know much about ISO settings, etc. But I would like to take better pictures. What camera should I purchase that will allow me to take high resolution pics without becoming a photographer?

 

[CaptainGizmo]

iPhone 16 Pro Max!

After all, the BEST camera is the one you’ve got in your pocket!!

Don’t laugh…my pro Sony DSLR hardly ever leaves the closet.

 

[Jim]

After all, the BEST camera is the one you’ve got in your pocket!!

lol, so much truth to that!

I've got two in my sights that ChatGPT referred me to.
1) Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
2) Sony ZV-1 II

But I'd really like some advice from those who actually know how to take good, quality, shots.

Edit: Just for the record, this is the camera I currently have.

 

[Neal]

I have a Nikon D850 like @CaptainGizmo hardly ever gets used. iPhone 16 Pro Max is what I'm using mostly.

@ARD recently went with one of these (prior model) as this is the new release of it.

https://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-R5-Mark-Body/dp/B0D9KNWMZH?tag=rvf01-20

Mirrorless is probably the way to go now.

 

[Jim]

I have a Nikon D850 like @CaptainGizmo hardly ever gets used. iPhone 16 Pro Max is what I'm using mostly.

@ARD recently went with one of these (prior model) as this is the new release of it.

https://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-R5-Mark-Body/dp/B0D9KNWMZH?tag=rvf01-20

Mirrorless is probably the way to go now.

Good grief man, I just want to take nice pictures, not start a photography business!

 

[Neal]

eBay is your friend, people like me that bought something nice and never use it...that's where to go pick them up.

 

[Jim]

So if I have this correct, the Nikon D850 can accept different lenses? Where as the two that I posted will not? To be honest, the D850 seems to be a pretty nice camera for the money.

Which one of you fine gentlemen wants to open up some closet space?

​

 

[Rollin Ollen]

I've got an "ok" digital camera. It's pretty much point and shoot, so I don't have to know much about ISO settings, etc. But I would like to take better pictures. What camera should I purchase that will allow me to take high resolution pics without becoming a photographer?

I have a 14 year old Nikon DSLR that is pretty easy to use and takes great pictures! Sadly my iphone is handier, lighter, not as fussy and takes equal quality photos "under normal circumstances". If I want a big zoom or if there is low lighting (long exposure), or need the tripod, then the Nikon is my choice.

I can tell you that I probably take 50 iphones to every 1 Nikon.

 

[Neal]

I’ve always owned Nikon. The D850 takes great pics and videos. It’s several years old. Not the latest and greatest. I have several lenses for it. Will use it on nice excursions.

 

[Jim]

What about this one?

Nikon D850 DSLR Camera + AFS 18-140mm VR + 6PC Graduated Filter - 48GB Bundle | eBay

Nikon AFS DX 18-140/3.5-5.6G ED VR. 6PC Graduated Color Filer Set. Silent Wave Motor AF, Manual Override. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens 2213. VR Image Stabilization. 67mm Graduated Color Lens 6 Piece Filter Set.

www.ebay.com

 

[SGilbert]

I went full on 4-5 years ago and bought a Sony Nex-5 mirrorless camera and an extra telephoto lens. Well over $1k.
All I use now is my iPhone 12 Pro Max, but waiting for the iPhone 17 this fall.
The iPhone is smaller, lighter, far more multi function, and takes as good, or better pictures & video.

(I could be convinced to be relived of the above Sony quite easily.)

 

[Jim]

OK, done deal. Nikon D850 (New) will be here on Monday!

 

[Rollin Ollen]

What about this one?

Nikon D850 DSLR Camera + AFS 18-140mm VR + 6PC Graduated Filter - 48GB Bundle | eBay

Nikon AFS DX 18-140/3.5-5.6G ED VR. 6PC Graduated Color Filer Set. Silent Wave Motor AF, Manual Override. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens 2213. VR Image Stabilization. 67mm Graduated Color Lens 6 Piece Filter Set.

www.ebay.com

This one is great! I think you would love it. And just look at all the accessories you can buy too!!

I have two zooms and a macro. Lots of filters, two tripods (a little one that I can sit on the hood of the Jeep to take those great sunsets and a large one just because I had to have it. Two bags to put my stuff in. One bag is small just for the body, a lens and the flash. A Large one because I just don't carry enough stuff when hiking.

Seriously, I use my 18-55 and a 55-200. The flash occasionally, The little tripod never. I use the big tripod when using the zoom (which is not often) and the only filter I use somewhat often is a polarizer. I have clear filters on all my lenses just to protect the glass.

In all honesty, I use the Nikon because I have it. If I could do it all over again I am pretty sure I would be just as happy with just the iphone. But that's just me!

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

Jim, what do you want to do with these pictures?
What is driving the need for a separate camera?
Asking this as someone who has used SLR cameras for decades and still use a Canon 1D with a few lenses that are carried in a backpack that weighs in around 17#.
I love using the dedicated camera as it makes me slow down and think more about the shot.
But, iPhone cameras are pretty awesome today.
Much of photography today is not just in the capture of the photo but is in post. Being able to shoot in RAW format allows you to recover details that are typically lost in JPG format pictures.
iPhone Pro’s allow for taking pictures in RAW format.
Let us know what style of photography you want to pursue and where you want to show the photos. This can help us guide your decision.

Edit - I see you already pulled the trigger.

 

[redbaron]

I am a recovering Nikon addict.

I have a vast collection of lenses, and have stayed with Nikon due to that. I recently went mirrorless and really enjoy the light weight and quality of it.

 

[Jim]

Jim, what do you want to do with these pictures?
What is driving the need for a separate camera?
Asking this as someone who has used SLR cameras for decades and still use a Canon 1D with a few lenses that are carried in a backpack that weighs in around 17#.

Edit - I see you already pulled the trigger.

At the end of the day, I wanted a serious tool that I won’t outgrow in six months, even if I never shoot for anything other than my own needs. And yes, I’ve pulled the trigger. Now I just need a wheelbarrow for the camera bag.

Monday can't get here fast enough!

 

[Jim]

According to my AI friend, whom we affectionately refer to as "The Wizard".

• The D850 deserves better glass if you want to take full advantage of its insane sensor.
• The 18-140mm will work, and for casual use it's fine, but it's like putting regular gas in a Ferrari. You’re leaving a lot of performance unused.
• If you just want simplicity and convenience, it’s a fine starter lens.
• If you want to get the absolute jaw-dropping full-frame magic you’re paying for, you’ll eventually want to invest in FX (full-frame) lenses.

So it appears I will soon be sourcing lenses as well . . .

 

[CaptainGizmo]

According to my AI friend, whom we affectionately refer to as "The Wizard".

• The D850 deserves better glass if you want to take full advantage of its insane sensor.
• The 18-140mm will work, and for casual use it's fine, but it's like putting regular gas in a Ferrari. You’re leaving a lot of performance unused.
• If you just want simplicity and convenience, it’s a fine starter lens.
• If you want to get the absolute jaw-dropping full-frame magic you’re paying for, you’ll eventually want to invest in FX (full-frame) lenses.

So it appears I will soon be sourcing lenses as well . . .

Jim,

Now that you have a solid DSLR body, I can give you advice from a Pro.

Yes..It’s all about the lens. Don’t cheap out. It’s better to have a really good, fixed aperture, short range zoom, than a cheap, variable aperture super zoom that “tries” to do it all…yet fails miserably. These mega zoom, one lens wonders, simple fall flat in pretty much every metric if you examine the details. Tamron was the first to market with their 28-200mm 2.8 ultra zoom that gained a lot of respect for a travel lens. But just be cautious and look for pro reviews.

So. Evaluate what you wanna shoot, then out as much money as you can into a lens that is perfect for that use. You won’t be sorry!

I’ve had cameras from all the pro companies and this philosophy has never changed and done me well.

 

[redbaron]

Most of my lenses are for the DSLR cameras, only a few for the Mirrorless.

I tend to shoot more nature than anything, so my collection reflects that.

My everyday carry lenses are:

Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ED
Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 ED
Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 ED


Other lenses that I love, but don't always pack are:
Nikkor 24mm f/1.4 ED
Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8 ED
Nikkor 500mm f/4 ED
Nikkor 120-300mm f/2.8 ED