Camera Advice Needed

[dave cornue]

Hi Zack – haven’t chatted with you in a couple years, but knew this would be a good place to come with my questions on digital photography.  Just not enough time to keep up with all the fora, etc.

I need to take the plunge and get a better digital camera and would appreciate your and the other members advice.  I have/had a lot of experience with film-based photography – both 35mm and large format.  So I have a fair foundation to build on, but I don’t know doodley about digital and so I really don’t know where to start in shopping for a new camera.

My immediate needs are to photograph flies – so we’re talking good macro capabilities being high on my list of wants.  But, I will no doubt use the camera for all manner of other photographs as well.  

I have read that some of the Nikon DSLR backs accept their old AI series, and more recent lenses.  I’ve got a pretty good range of older AI lenses and I was thinking that it might make sense to buy something where I can use those again.  How do you do that?  Does that limit you to stop-down metering or how do you make the older manual lenses work with a new DSLR camera back?  Is it even worth worrying about being able to use those lenses?  Any suggested minimum camera model?  

I’ve heard that somebody is using the old Minolta lense mount too.  I have some Lieca SLR lenses that were used on a Leica back based on a minolta.  That would be another option to use old lenses that are now just collecting dust.  If I was smart I’d sell them, but the time for getting a decent price is probably past.

I drifted away from serious photography over the last 15 years or so (cost, limited opportunity/practicality for darkroom facilities, etc.) so I obviously don’t need the top of the line.  But I don’t want to buy something that will be unsatisfying either.

At the same time, I’m sure it would be nice to have some of the size and weight reduction as well as autofocus features that are available in even the mid-range point and shoot digitals.  But what is the quality of the macro imagey possible with those cameras?  Any suggested makes/models along those lines would also be appreciated.  I don’t feel that I must have a DSLR.

I currently have a Fuji FinePix A900 which is a very basic digital P&S and I have not been too satisfied with it’s macro capability.

I’m sure I’ll have more questions as this thread collects responses, but for now the above is a fair summary of my dilema.  Any and all comments welcome and appreciated!!

Best Fishes,
Dave

[Tim Angeli]

I’m sure it would be nice to have some of the size and weight reduction as well as autofocus features that are available in even the mid-range point and shoot digitals.

[dave cornue]

Tim
I’ve heard that is a good camera.
But, is it possible to use a polarizing filter with a camera that is not a DSLR?

Dave

[John Bennett]

Don’t quote me on this but I beleive there are adapters and filters out there for it.

I love having a high end PnS.
There are times I can’t or dont want to lug my DSLR and a lens or two around. If money was on the line, I’d reach for the DSLR every time, however they are more than capable. I have some shots taken with mine published including a double truck. I have a couple friends who really just like taking bug shots, fish portraits etc and they are happy with their PnSs…

Look at it this way.
A good 1:1 macro lens will set you back 1g (give or take).
A good PnS ( such as a G12, S95, or similiar) will set you back about 500.

Meaning.
If you buy a DSLR, and macro is your thing, your going to get a macro lens (50,100,150mm) on top of a body. You *could* play with a G12 in store (bring a card) by setting some dimes on a suitable surface, see if it will scracth the itch and buy a DSLR another day.

[Jason DeBacker]

My wife has had a G9 for a few years.

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