Camera Equipment Suggestions?

[Arizona Overland]

First I want to say, I was not sure what section to post this in, It didn't seem to fit in Photoshare, because it is about equipment. I didn't know if it would fit in Basecamp gear section or rig gear section, so here it is. LOL. If somebody thinks it should be moved all good. But please don't merge it with another thread if there is one. That just gets to confusing when Im trying to figure out something, and thats why I posted this thread.
All right already, get on with it would ya?
Am wanting to get some camera and video equipment.
Im not a photographer or videographer. I don't want something fancy, expensive and complicated. I want something that takes decent videos and photos so I can post em on youtube and forums and on a website.
My truck has a GoPro mount on the windshield, and I would like to utilize this, I am thinking of getting a GoPro session. Does anyone have any experience with this camera, and can tell me honestly how it works and is it any good?
Also looking to get a couple point and shoot kind of cameras, would like them have a pretty good optical zoom and would like them to be able to take video.
I want something that is fairly simple to operate and not interested in Kodak and what they have done with their stuff.
I was wanting to get a Cannon Rebel system, but that isnt in the cards for right now.
So, a call to all you experienced photographers, can you point me in the right direction for an equipment starting point.

 

[Steve]

Photography

Lets Talk Cameras

I changed the title so that it wouldn't be confused with the existing thread about photography or about Camera Equipment. And moved it to the same forum as the other camera threads. If this gets too similar, it'll be merged with the already existing threads.

 

[Young Satchel]

I am a professional photographer with like 10k+ worth of gear I use for client shoots. I occasionally shoot 4K documentary shorts as well.

But with a handful of exceptions, all vehicle-related photo and video content for my build thread(s), Vimeo, and IG is shot with either an iPhone SE, or iPhone 7+.

Not saying that's the route you HAVE to go by any means, but it's remarkable how much fun you can have with "simple" tools if you focus on understanding the camera techniques, learning light, framing thoughtfully and dynamically, and applying decent adjustments in post. (NOT heavy filters, over-sharpening, or pushing the "clarity" slider all the way right [emoji24])

I've heard mostly good stuff about the GoPro you've mentioned above. Looking into it and a solid drone setup for future personal and client work but the demand doesn't justify it at present.

I'd look at Sony's less expensive offerings. I run their halo model A7RII which is phenomenal for both photo and 4K in super35mm. It costs a grip, but some of the older less expensive products they offer are quite good, particularly if you shop the used section at reputable camera shops like B&H and Adorama. Be careful with EBay unless u really know your shit. One caveat with Sony: their user interface can be terribly counter-intuitive, particularly if your are coming from simple pro or consumer film cameras like I was. But if you can get past that they are great tools. Otherwise I'd recommend checking out Canon and Nikon who are the big boys for a reason. But if you can't swing a digital rebel that may prove tough since that's their entry level model.

Ricoh GR series point and shoots offer incredible bang for the buck with excellent optics if you don't mind a fixed lens. It's not great for video though. The Fuji X100T is also a excellent value at just under a grand with a fixed 35mm lens.

If all of the above sounds complex or overwhelming, please revisit paragraphs 2 and 3 and take a look at my build thread to see the quality that phone cameras can produce with a bit of thoughtful tweaking.

Hope this was helpful; good luck!


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[1derer]

Photography

Lets Talk Cameras

Once again Steve is better then forum search tool...

 

[Arizona Overland]

Once again Steve is better then forum search tool...

Well, not really. That thread is exactly what I mentioned in my first post. WAY to much info. It just gets to the point where its confusing as to my question.
Young Satchels post was helpful, because it directly answered some of the questions I had directly, from the standpoint of a PRO, so that was good.
I understand Steves point, we have threads about cameras, but I start reading it and there is so much I use this I use that posts, it just gets to be like slugging through a mud bog. I usually just give up on those kind of threads.
So, I actually looked at my wifes Samsung 5s and it has a really good camera. We knew it took good pics, but I didn't know all it could do. So I think one of the things we will do is play with that for a bit. My iPhone 5s isn't as good, and Im not really interested in getting a samsung, so Maybe we will go with the Samsung for her, or maybe upgrade her Samsung, and Maybe Ill look at a newer iPhone to see if it has a better camera.
Unless someone can talk me out of the GoPro session I think I will get one soon, and maybe a Cannon DSLR since we are going to go with the Samsung for her.

 

[Young Satchel]

Glad to be helpful.

As for the newer phones: The iPhone 7+ has a REMARKABLY better camera. It's actually kind of absurd how high the quality is. The twin-lens depth effect and optical zoom are game changers. Way better sensor too.

I upgraded when I lost my SE digging myself out on the trail actually [emoji23]


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[Boort]

@Arizona Overland

https://www.dpreview.com/buying-guides will help you find what a camera that meets your needs. I wish EVERYTHING I had to purchase could be shopped with a tool like their side-by-side camera comparison tool. Pick any cameras that you are considering and get a table showing all of the features side by side so you can decide what is the best bang for YOUR bucks.
https://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras

I suggest that you contact your local large camera store. Boulder / Denver Co has Mikes Camera. A few times a year they get together with many of the camera manufacturers and hold demo days at a local attraction. Basically they bring in a truckload of camera gear and let people check it out and run around the Zoo or Botanic gardens taking pictures and testing out the gear. you can test out a full range of gear this way in a few hours. I gone to these events a few times over the years and they have always been informative and fun. See if your locally owned chain does anything similar.

If they don't have something like that there are places where you can rent gear by mail (lensrentals.com, borrowlenses.com & lumoid.com are ones I can think of) This will generally be current mid to higher end gear but Gopros and some older DSLR / Mirrorless systems are available.

My opinions follow:

I've not used the GoPro Session, but my Gopro 4 Black while nicely rugged is no better picture and video quality than my girlfriend's Samsung Galaxy S3, S6, or S7 phones. GoPro's Android app has been all over the place lately from Good to bad and everywhere in between. (I can't speak for the Iphone app). Unless I plan to be in the water I leave it at home.

Personally I shoot Nikon and would recommend the D5500 or D7200 With the 28-300 VR lens as a good starting camera. (look for steals on the older models the D5300 as they were also capable. Step up to the D610 or D750 for fullframe if you plan to shoot in low light. Avoid the D600) They can go full auto to full manual and easily produce enlargements over 8x12" to hang on the wall. I don't shoot video on my DSLR, so my advice there would not be helpful.​

Boort

 

[Arizona Overland]

Glad to be helpful.

As for the newer phones: The iPhone 7+ has a REMARKABLY better camera. It's actually kind of absurd how high the quality is. The twin-lens depth effect and optical zoom are game changers. Way better sensor too.

I upgraded when I lost my SE digging myself out on the trail actually [emoji23]


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Really. You know, I really do need to upgrade my phone. I only have a 12gig and I am having a real problem with storage. Maybe I should check into a new iPhone first.
Heres the problem I have with the phone. And this might even be my wifes.

 

[Lyon McKeil]

I like photography and have a Nikon D5300 and 7000 with various lenses and whatnot. With that said, I'm going along with Young. I have taken some really nice photos and videos with my old iPhone 6. What I did is I used my iPhone (started with a 4 and worked my way up) to take photographs and developed (pun intended) my ability to set up good pictures. It worked for several years until I finally "outgrew" the capabilities of the iPhone and moved to a DSLR. I still will take photos with my iPhone and they still turn out pretty darn if I do say so myself.

This was taken while out walking my dog with an iPhone.

 

[Arizona Overland]

So @Simon Wolfe what iPhone is that?
We were looking at the iPhone 7s or 7plus or whatever it is and the Samsung 8.
I picked up the iPhone and ya, I was able to make it work immediately. I like.
Not so much with the Samsung. While the new Samsung is a neat phone, it seems unnecessarily complicated. plus I can get a lot more memory with the iPhone. Do you know you can get 256 gigs with the iPhone? Think I will upgrade to the 7superduper whatever it is as soon as they get in a black case for it.(they only had purple) Im thinking I should get the 256 gig, so I have plenty of storage for Maps and photos and videos. Its big enough I think it will work as a GPS map device too. It also has Garage Band so I can record guitar too.

 

[Lyon McKeil]

So @Simon Wolfe what iPhone is that?
We were looking at the iPhone 7s or 7plus or whatever it is and the Samsung 8.
I picked up the iPhone and ya, I was able to make it work immediately. I like.
Not so much with the Samsung. While the new Samsung is a neat phone, it seems unnecessarily complicated. plus I can get a lot more memory with the iPhone. Do you know you can get 256 gigs with the iPhone? Think I will upgrade to the 7superduper whatever it is as soon as they get in a black case for it.(they only had purple) Im thinking I should get the 256 gig, so I have plenty of storage for Maps and photos and videos. Its big enough I think it will work as a GPS map device too. It also has Garage Band so I can record guitar too.

Good Question, I think I did that with the 4 or 4s. I'm up to a 6 now. It is easy to use and does surprisingly well. I did have issues with it at night or in dark places, just be aware. Memory is good but you'll want to download them to your computer and make sure you back up your photos. As you start taking photos and they start looking good (better that snap shots) you'll start using them as your desktop and such. It's a good feeling when someone walks by and says "cool photo, where'd you get it?" and you say, "I took it while out on this great overland trip".

 

[Young Satchel]

Really. You know, I really do need to upgrade my phone. I only have a 12gig and I am having a real problem with storage. Maybe I should check into a new iPhone first.]

Here are a several quick pics I dug up all taken with the 7+ (resolution will be compromised by Tapatalk upload compression, but hopefully you get the point :-)

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[Arizona Overland]

Those are good pics @Young Satchel I think I might p/u the 7plus after work today.

 

[Young Satchel]

Those are good pics @Young Satchel I think I might p/u the 7plus after work today.

Thank you man.

Assuming you are not an android devotee, I can't imagine you'll be disappointed. Everything about it works really nicely. The larger size was a bit awkward for me the first couple of weeks coming from the tiny (by comparison) SE, but after a month and change of use it's no longer particularly noticeable.


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[CampWithChin]

A Gopro Hero5 black cost about the same for a Canon Rebel T6 or Nikon D3400 bundle. I would suggest invest on a simple DSLR such as Canon or Nikon. Most DSLR also have movie capability. Most DSLR bundle will come with at least lenses bundle (wide angle and zoom lenses).

I'm not a pro when it come to DSLR. But I learn from experience/error and taking advice from others. I start with Canon Rebel, but now end up with Canon Full-frame DSLR. This is all depend on your budget. You can take it slow like me or move all pro.

Among all the photo I'm taken, most of them taken using iphone. But iphone camera has limitation. New iphone 7 plus is getting better in dark/low light, but still not as good as DSLR.

 

[Lyon McKeil]

Here are a several quick pics I dug up all taken with the 7+ (resolution will be compromised by Tapatalk upload compression, but hopefully you get the point :-)

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Nice photos!!

 

[Young Satchel]

Nice photos!!

Thanks man!

Sort of just a rando edit straight off the camera roll to show the OP the 7+'s capabilities. It's absolutely limited if you plan to print your work, need genuinely high quality image output, need excellent dynamic range and color reproduction, or are shooting open shutter/low light. But as a day-to-day adventure snap shooter i find it quite ideal.


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[Arizona Overland]

Thank you man.

Assuming you are not an android devotee, I can't imagine you'll be disappointed. Everything about it works really nicely. The larger size was a bit awkward for me the first couple of weeks coming from the tiny (by comparison) SE, but after a month and change of use it's no longer particularly noticeable.


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Mmmmmno, Im not an Android devotee. Im kinda an apple fanboy. LOL. My wife has the Samsung, and Im getting to where i can figure it out a bit, cause I "help" her. But all my stuff is apple.

 

[Arizona Overland]

A Gopro Hero5 black cost about the same for a Canon Rebel T6 or Nikon D3400 bundle. I would suggest invest on a simple DSLR such as Canon or Nikon. Most DSLR also have movie capability. Most DSLR bundle will come with at least lenses bundle (wide angle and zoom lenses).

I'm not a pro when it come to DSLR. But I learn from experience/error and taking advice from others. I start with Canon Rebel, but now end up with Canon Full-frame DSLR. This is all depend on your budget. You can take it slow like me or move all pro.

Among all the photo I'm taken, most of them taken using iphone. But iphone camera has limitation. New iphone 7 plus is getting better in dark/low light, but still not as good as DSLR.

I get what your saying, thats why I want to go with the session. Hopefully I can get a Rebel soon, but I can't hang that from the GoPro mount on my windshield.

 

[Arizona Overland]