Troutnut.com Fly Fishing for Trout Home
User Password
or register.
Scientific name search:

> > Photograqphy questions from Konchu



Post Reply
GripngrinNovember 25th, 2006, 5:31 pm
Front Range - Colorado

Posts: 17		"I've been thinking of upgrading to something digital for my nature/stream photography, but at this stage of my life am on something of a budget. I currently use Pentax compatible lenses and would like to continue to do so with a new camera body. Do any of you have specific recommendations for a good used camera? Which is better, a digital SLR or straight digital?"
Konchum
Grip'n Grin Mike
GripngrinNovember 25th, 2006, 5:54 pm
Front Range - Colorado

Posts: 17		Konchu-

If your Pentex lens work on their new digi bodies (K2, K, KA, KAF, and KAF2 Mount), certainly consider that choice. Their new body is a serious contender feature wise, and has garnered good reviews. See: www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/istds2.html
For this quality of a DSLR, the price is very competitive, around $400 I think.

I shoot Canon. During my transition from film to digi, I originally shot a Nikon D100 because of a decent lens collection from film days. After a year it became obvious that Canon has many advantages over Nikon and sold my Nikon system. Both Nikon & Canon lens' are comparable, quality wise. In my opinion, Canon's imaging processing technology is superior. Nikon shooters please chime-in here.

Again, if you have some decent lens that will work on a new body, do it! A decent P&S digi cam will cost as much as the strait Pentex body.

Mike

Grip'n Grin Mike
KonchuNovember 25th, 2006, 6:18 pm
Site Editor
Indiana

Posts: 505		Thanks, Mike, for starting the new thread.
TroutnutNovember 25th, 2006, 7:14 pm
Administrator
Bellevue, WA

Posts: 2737		Going strictly by picture quality, a DSLR is your best bet. It's also best if you're looking for maximum custom control over all the camera's functions. I don't know the specifics of Pentax equipment at all because I use Canon, so I'll defer to Mike's judgement on that.

There are a few exceptions, normal digital cameras with very high quality and plenty of custom control over exposure parameters. The Panasonic Lumix DLC-LX2 comes to mind, based on the reviews I've seen (I haven't used it). But as a general rule DSLRs are better.

Portability/durability is a really big factor, too. It's a real pain to carry a DSLR everywhere you go, and it's a big enough investment you'll want to be very careful with it (which gets annoying around the water). A compact digicam is easier to carry around all the time and to protect, especially if you get a waterproof one (like the Pentax waterproof line).
Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D.
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist

Quick Reply

You have to be logged in to post on the forum. It's this easy:
Username:          Email:

Password:    Confirm Password:

I am at least 13 years old and agree to the rules.

Related Discussions

TitleRepliesLast Reply
Re: Some prospective brookie waters and a delightful surprise!
(6 more)

In the Photography Board by Jmd123		4May 30, 2011
by PaulRoberts
Re: Troutnut's 2012 caribou hunt in the Alaska Range
In Site Updates by Troutnut		17Oct 4, 2012
by PaulRoberts
Re: Camera Advice
In the Photography Board by JOHNW		10Nov 7, 2009
by Martinlf
Re: Nikon D40 Help?
In the Photography Board by Capitata		4Nov 7, 2009
by Martinlf
Re: My first aquatic insect photos; open for identification
In the Photography Board by Bcvizina		4Mar 16, 2010
by Wiflyfisher
Re: Macro Insect Photography
In the Photography Board by DOS		2Mar 1, 2009
by Creno
Re: Chimarra
In the Photography Board by Crepuscular		7Nov 30, 2013
by LowBudget
Re: Montana Spring Creeks
(4 more)

In the Photography Board by Wbranch		15Apr 30, 2014
by Wbranch
Re: More Free Stuff
In the Photography Board by Wbranch		3Jan 28, 2012
by Wbranch
Re: Lost my waterproof camera
In the Photography Board by Crepuscular		5Apr 4, 2012
by Jesse