It’s about time Pentax/Ricoh supported Lee with his passion for Pentax DSLRs to provide him with their latest cameras to test and showcase on his channel. He’s a highly skilled photographer who can generate more interest and sales for Pentax/Ricoh.
I've worked in the Photo & Electronics dept of a big Western Canadian pharmacy for years. And I've always told my customers there's no sense buying the best before they became the best, always speaking in terms of the camera's potential to take great pictures as opposed to its capability. Even if I sometimes lost a sale because I brought a customer's preconceived notions crashing down to Earth, I am proud I help create some lifetime photographers by starting them off on the RIGHT.
I've been working with DSLR Cameras as a NY-Based Photographer since 2007, and my first Digital camera was a Panasonic Lumix FZ30! And even though I've researched the PROS & CONS of using MIRRORLESS CAMERAS; I Love My DSLR's, and have no intentions of buying any Mirrorless cameras in the near future! In 2023, my camera of choice is currently My PENTAX K-70 DSLR, and I've even photographed Sly Stallone in Bklyn with it last year!🎊🎉♥🙏
For the money a Pentax K70 is a great camera weather sealed dual control wheels pixel shift good low light performance all feathers I have used on my K70
Back in august (2022) I came to the same epiphany. I went Mirrrorless a decade ago and last year decided to get rid of Almost all and go back to DSLRs for all the same reasons as you. I did a reality check and it was the best, most economical and inspiring decision in my 40+ years of shooting. So I went back to Nikon DSLRs, and instead of using my VERY outdated early Nikon DSLRs or buying a more modern but discontinued Nikon, I got a deal thru Nikon on a refurbished (turned out to be new) D850 and I never have been more happy... and updating my F mount glass is loads less expensive than the mirrorless counterparts, Plus all the unique third party F mount lenses are still out there for dirt cheap. I would add 2 more reasons: 1) the optical (real time) viewfinder, and with modern Nikon pro and prosumer DSLRs there is that amazing 3D tracking that mirrorless doesn't have. which leads me to 2) Battery life. With mirrorless cameras you have to have 3x more spare batteries than you would with DSLRs.
Sounds like you lit the photography fire again! Great idea of going through the manufacturer to get a refurbished model btw. I'm not going to lie, I've yet to look through a digital viewfinder on a mirrorless camera, my experience has only been with the rear screens on the one's models I've used so far, so I can't really comment on that. But battery life is a massive point! I'd hate the thought of having to change battery's out in the field in harsh conditions. I've briefly looked at the 3D tracking on cameras like the D500 & I must say it looks really good! I've been amazed at the tracking on the 7D MKii since picking that up, but I've read in a lot of places that the D500 is king in that domain. Dam now you have me looking at Nikon DSLR's too 😅
@@LeeIveson Not gonna lie, that EVF is great if you want real time preview of your exposure and focus process and playback of what was just shot without pulling your eye away to look at the LCD screen. It's great for people like me that has to put on reading glasses to look at the LCD but not an EVF, but the drawback is refresh rate when shooting moving subjects and the toll it takes on already aging and tiring eyes looking at a mini TV very intently. Battery life is key if you shoot a lot of frames in a day. That 3D tracking is borrowed from the flagship pro sports shooters like the D5, D6 so it's proven to be a thing and the best part is it is done through the OVF, no LCD live view needed. Just make sure your lenses are calibrated for pin sharp focus [there is an auto calibration in the newer DSLRs]. The D500 is Nikon's choice for wildlife photography for that reason. Canon is amazing in their DSLR AF systems but have not seen a head to head with their AF tracking vs. Nikon's 3D. that would be an interesting comparison.
My friend had the choice of a new Nikon mirrorless camera or another D850 when he received the insurance payout for his old D850 which was a write off. He opted for the D850 as he felt it was the best option.
As a sailing photographer, banging about in the back of a rib keeping up with fast catamarans, you need a camera that is bulletproof. I use the Canon 5D4, and yes it's been about a few years, but that means it's done it's apprenticeship and everyone knows it's idiosyncrasies. Also, when having to change lenses in such a harsh and uncontrolled environment, at some point, no matter how careful, something at some point is going to get inside when the lens is off. With the DSLR, that usually results in say, a tiny water droplet or some such landing on the mirror. Luckily it didn't get on the sensor! JMHO!
I can imagine those conditions are pretty harsh to photograph in for sure! It's a bit like that at the Motocross tracks I shoot at, rocks, dust, mud, rain all sorts of crap haha! I tend to not change lenses out at those events, if I need another lens I just check it on another one of my trusty old DSLR's haha
I shoot a Nikon F5 film camera, a D500 DSLR and a Z7ii mirrorless. I love them all for so many different reasons. It's about the experience of shooting and the image produced. You have to decide for yourself in each scenario. it's all good.
Very true, and some lovley kit you have there. I'd like to try some of the mirroless cameras in the future when they become more affordable for myself.
As a fellow Pentaxian shooting an eight-year-old but still-capable K-3 and someone who fell in love with photography in the SLR age, I don't need convincing. Those willing to play along with and able to afford the planned obsolescence game will be much harder to sway, I guess. But that doesn't take away from the straightforward logic of your statement, nor from the joy of following your skilled and inspiring photography and watching your fun videos, Lee. Let's be honest: New gear can be and often is fun, and it sometimes really expands our capabilities in the field, but exploring the minty-used market with all the no-longer-the-latest gems out there can be big fun, too.
That's just it! Photography as a whole is fun! If people can afford the new gear more power to them I say, I know if I had a few extra £££ in the bank I'd probably have done the same! But then again, I'm not sure it's in my nature? I always go for the underdog, I suppose that's how I ended up with all this Pentax gear!
Lee, great video! It gets straight to the bottom lines. One thing worth mentioning, Pentaxians have an upgrade path, because Pentax is still developing DLSR cameras to this day. Currently I'm shooting with the K-3 Mark III but also with the K-3, K-S1 and even older DSLR cameras.
Thanks! Yes this is true, Pentax are still producing DSLR's & lenses, as frustrating as their marketing is at times I'm glad that they are still making cameras that's for sure!
Nikon D300,D700, Fuji S5Pro. Still using all three as only digital bodies since new, all original pro glass (1.4,1.8 primes; 2.8 Tele lenses, including a couple kit lenses ie 18-200 etc) Yes. The new stuff is more advanced. But guys are flying back to the D90, 700 etc. for the magic images that they created, all due to the sensors they had back then. I have use my D700 and continue to use it for sporting events, lots of portrait work, I’ve done a few weddings, and lots of street photography. In all these years the only thing I’ve had to do was replace the hot shoe on the D700, as it went a bit wonky just before a wedding shoot 🤨, but I got it fixed in time. These bodies weigh a ton, but they’re built like tanks, waterproof, and feel great in the hand. I will use them until they don’t work anymore. 12 megapixels is more than enough to do what I’ve been doing, plus it keeps the RAW file sizes nice and small. So that’s a win for me too. Heck, I still shoot film with a Nikon FE, Canon AE1 -P (or a reconditioned T-90.. and I grab those over a mint Nikon F5). And when I get an itch, I dig out one of the 7 Hasselblad film bodies collected when all that stuff tanked in price during the digital revolution. If I can’t make one good picture with all of the gear that I already have, there’s no reason for me to spend another $5000 on something newer. It only stops when WE stop chasing after every new piece of eye candy.
Mirrorless is great and in a lot of ways better. But I honestly just don't want to stare into a tiny screen when I'm taking photos. And Pentax has the features, ergonomics, build quality, button layout and handling, and lenses that I want. So for me it's a super easy choice. I know this is about old DSLRs, but of course it helps one stay DSLR of that's what they want to have a new one on the market with the k3iii. :)
I agree, Mirrorless have some fantastic features now. But I like the fact that we can pick up some brilliant cameras from yesteryear & still achieve great results!
I decided two years ago that, I'm DSLR forever shooter. Moreover, love shooting with older models. Being a Canon user I use 5D, 5DII, 5DIII, 1DIV and 7D. All these are fantastic imaging equipment! Also use, native lenses and couldn't have been happier. Thank you for the video.
I would add reason number six which is creative control. I appreciate the advantages of mirrorless cameras, I used them myself, but I returned to DSLR because the best electronic viewfinder is only an interpretation of the image, not the actual image. I know that many people would say that evf gives more creative control by giving a digital preview but I personally find that basing my settings on a preview (which is camera's interpretation of the reality) is somehow biased and limits my decisions. But that's me, I'm old school. No way my comments are critical of miroless cameras as such, the technology is truly fantastic.
I can see what you mean, I think we all have our ways of shooting. For some the EVF will work well, others will prefer the OVF. Whatever works is the best way. 👌
Lee you are definitely developing GAS that is if you don’t already have it. You sell the Canon well, it’s not for me though I’m more than happy with what I have. In the past I’ve found you can chase shadows thinking the other system is better than what you already have.I stay with what I have and make enjoy making it work for me.
Haha I'm full of GAS at the moment! I know what you mean about chasing your tail with equipment, but I have found that the Canon is better for fast action, the draw back is that the image quality is not as good as what comes out of my K3. But I'm happy to have both at the moment, especially considering the age & cost of these bodies. I'll probably end up trying some other cameras in the future too, thats the great thing about all these "old" cameras these days they are affordable in the grand scheme of things.
I've dipped my toes into mirrorless with a lightweight Olympus m43 kit, but I still love reaching for my Nikon D7100. It just feels great in the hand, feels like a real tool, and the OVF feels more natural. I'll never give it up.
Fantastic! I am using a Pentax K5 for about a month! I have seven different lenses but don't know how to use them Need to know more about it. Thank you for the tips!
Nice! The K5 is a very nice camera, I love to pick mine up & head out to just shoot, nothing else in my mind most of the time, apart from maybe a little music! Cheers
I’m a diehard SLR/DSLR user. I started out with an Olympus OM System 35 mm SLR. Moved to a Canon Digital Rebel, Canon 3Ti and now finally a Canon 90D. I love the optical viewfinder and have no desire to move to a mirrorless system. But just go into LiveView now my DSLR is a mirrorless camera. Best of both worlds I think.
From the looks of it the 90D is pretty handy when it comes to live view & video too, my Pentax bodies are not the best when using live view, apart from the K-70 I used to own as it had the flip out screen which was a life saver or at least a back saver!
Lee I'm addicted to the Pentax K3 series I like the build quality and shutter sound, button layout, menus and ease of operation they are just quality in a camera
Me to! And now that the K3iii is starting to come down in price, I'm not ruling that out. But then again I'd love a K1 or maybe a 5DIV. Basically I want them all haha
I’ve had many Nikon dslr cameras, starting with a Nikon d40x to a d5100, d5200, d7100, d7200, d500, d800, d810, d780, d850. I’m content at the moment with two d500’s and two d850’s. I don’t have plans to go mirrorless.
Wow! That's an amazing amount of Nikons! I really want to try the D500 at some point, I did consider it when I bought the 7Dii but the price won out. Hopefully in the future I'll get my hands on one!
I'll keep on buying and shooting DSLR's for a long... long time to come. I LOVE my Canon cameras so another BIG advantage of DSLR's is that most of them have reverse compatibility with awesome SLR's bodies, so you can shoot film with the same lenses! Cool video, thank you for sharing. Cheers.
Pentax for macro and wild life. Nikon for action. Just got Nikon d300s d700 and D3 for less than 1000€ combined, thats why i love mirrorless cameras :D
Unless money falls out of the sky, I'll never go mirrorless. I love my Nikons, a D700 and a D7000, plus 4 lenses, one of them the timeless 80-200 f2.8 ED D lens, the newer version. Tack sharp and built like a tank, like my D700. I have a thing for D7xxx. My first DSLR was a Nikon D70 lol
I’ve been using the Nikon mirrorless line for about 2 years now and I really enjoy them, I have been craving a journey back to dslr so I will find myself a nice d3s a solid f mount prime and probably start with portraits. The idea of less megapixels and outdated technology seems to appeal to me right now and I can’t really nail down why beyond I just want it and I’m going to explore that
Well the best part is that your going to find some really nice deals on the Nikon DSLR's as with any brand DSLR. And like you say if you want to do that just because its going to bring the fun back into your photography, go for it!
I bought my last camera body in 2021 - a Canon 90D, originally released, I think, in 2019. I was born in the early 1960s. Believe me: DSLRs are not "old."
Your best video so far IMO Lee. Great production and superb accurate content. As you know, I also shoot with a 9 year old camera (don't tell anyone it's mirrorless!), but as you also know ALL of my very best shots taken over the past 10 years or so were taken with a Pentax DSLR. Regarding the ergonomics, weather sealing etc. I've used them all over time from a £20 point and shoot to my daughters £3,500 Sony A71V and I can assure you that nothing comes close to the £400 Pentax K3 in those departments. Great stuff, keep it up mate!!
Thanks Mark, much appreciated! Well the thing is I don't actually dislike Mirrorless Cameras, in fact far from it! The advances in camera tech is brilliant & at some point I'll end up shooting Mirrorless that I'm sure of, just not yet haha.
I shoot a Pentax K-3 mk III. I still have my old K-3 as a backup and it's no slouch. Also have my old K-5 and K-100D. The K-100D was my first DSLR and I'll never sell it. Some of my favorite photos were taken with it...
I'd say so, I've got a similar set of lenses only there for the Pentax K-mount. The D300 has popped up a fair bit in the comments on these videos, how do you rate the camera Bruce? It may be a camera I'd like to try in the future If I can find a good deal on one!
I have a collection of Pentax cameras including a Kp,K5 MKII, all k3 and the K1 MKII, over the years I have photographed landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, sports and events including weddings, I use Pentax and Sigma glass that cover Pentax fisheye zoom to long telephoto and prime glass, over the course of 15 years I added fujifilm, Panasonic and Olympus camera bodies that cover full frame, APSC and micro 4/3 .I just enjoy photographing a wide variety of subjects in different locations and environments. I photographe wildlife from a 14 kayak and wildlife refuges, I also travel to different states to photograph landscapes and seascapes so I always carry a camera with me,each camera body gives me a different photographic experience. It's something I plan on doing for many years, during this time I also print much of my work using Different Canon Pixma pro printers.
Nice! The D750 looks like a good deal right about now, maybe thanks to the mirrorless takeover? I'd really like to try the D500 for the Motocross at some point.
I have taken pictures all of my life without knowing what I was doing, until the first of 2023. My Brother passed away, and I inherited his Canon T3i, which I doubt he ever passed 1000 on the shutter count. I got the camera bug really fast after trying it out. I have since taken structured photography lessons, and now I shoot RAW in the manual setting. After the classes, I rewarded myself by purchasing a Canon 90D with the EF-S 18-135mm lens, which seems to be best in daylight conditions. It is a camera that demands high dollar glass for best results, so I purchased a EF 50mm f/1.2, and the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II. I have taken great shots with that camera, and a lot of bad ones, but I have learned a lot from mistakes. Now that I have 2 very expensive EF lens, I am thinking of getting a full frame body also, like the Canon 5D MK iv. I have been looking at used with low shutter counts, and the cost have come way down. The reason, better shots in dim to low light conditions. It is either that or maybe purchasing the R6. There is a place I can rent both for a little over $100 for a week, so I believe I will try both out.
I strongly considered the 90D when looking at the 7Dii, it's a great camera, has far better video capabilities than the 7D & a lot more mega pixels! Personally I was just looking for the photography side of things so the 7Dii came in cheaper and does a real nice job. I'll be looking to add some more glass or maybe a full frame 5Diii to compliment the APSC long before I think about going mirrorless!
Good points Lee. I’ve even seen cameras like the Nikon D800 for as low as 800EUR in the Philippines. It’s easy to get carried away with resolution and specs but you always have to ask yourself “is this something I need”
Thanks mate. I think we have a sweet spot at 20-24mp for APSC & 24-36mp for full frame cameras. There's so much that can be done to the files in post these days that resolution is not as important as it once was (depending on what your trying to achieve). But I do love looking for a bargain now & again haha
I'm still rocking my Canon 5D MK III, i just like how it feels in my hands and the battery life can't be beat, and of course, the images are always beautiful out of the camera.
I'm actually considering the 5D iii, I've only ever owned APSC cameras so it would be a nice step into the full frame world. Plus I already have the Canon 70-200 F4 which I believe is a full frame lens!
Just picked up a brand new Pentax K-1ii. Wanted the slightly faster autofocus over my K-1. Excited for the new year in photos. Nice production here, Lee.
I love my K1 and K3II - the K3II is used exclusively for civil engineering site record photos and the K1 for landscape and astrophotography - when I have more time. I also have two OM-D E-1 Mk2's for wildlife shots etc and a Lumix GX7 as backup but the mirrorless cameras need more sensor cleaning it seems.
I've often thought the Mirrorless cameras would need the sensor cleaned more often, I suppose that's a small benefit of having a mirror in front of the sensor on the DSLR's.
My top 2 : One: for the cost of EF-EOS R adapter, to my 5Diii, I added used Canon 7D for longer reach, dual processor, 2 cards, 10 fps, weather sealed & a daylong Battery. Enough gun powder.
A K70 user here (after a broken Kr and a "still usable" K2), and have used the K1000 back in the days. I've used bridge cameras, too, and understand well that EVFs are just ... EVFs. OK, some advantages of mirrorless are continuous shots speed, and no mirror slap noise/shake.
Nice video. I totally agree. Just picked up the Canon 5D, and 6D. Finally ended up with a K-1 and yes it's worth the price of admission. However, after comparing cameras, the K-5 and K-3 hold up well. One mirror-less I would recommend is the Fuji X-E3 for your Pentax manual lenses.....It will not disappoint.
My main DSLR is the Nikon D850. I also have the D800 and D700. I also shoot a Z6 for events where I need to shoot quietly. Right now we are traveling and I’m shooting the D850. It is definitely my preferred digital camera.
Nice video... I am a big fan of the Pentax K200D. The CCD sensor really delivers superb color. Shooting in RAW, I almost never alter the color in post processing, only adjusting brightness and contrast when using slow lenses. Combined with Pentax limited lenses, it really shines! I am considering a K3 Mark I secondhand, because my recently acquired smc Pentax 18-270mm has a hard time focusing on the K200d...
For almost ten years Ive shot with a Nikon D5100. It was last month that I bought two camera body. The Nikon D610 DSLR and the Nikon Z5 mirrorless cameras. Both camera bodies are entry-level full-frame and I am pleased with both. The Z5 has some great features, such as the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and a better focusing system. However, the Nikon D610 is stunning images coming out of a sensor that was made back in 2013. This camera that was once at sold for a new one at $2,000 USD can now be purchased used in great condition for under $500 USD. I am pleased with both cameras and am not ready to leave the DSLRs behind just yet. I now use my D5100 as my web cam for video conferences on my computer.
I could see myself going down that sort of route in the future, not giving up on my DSLRS but maybe adding a mirroless camera for the same reasons you mentioned, plus all of the different AF tracking modes!
I do have mirrorless gear, but for all the reasons you state, I continue to invest in and use both DSLRs and film SLRs. My DSLRs….Nikon D200, D300, D700, D850….all of them are great image makers!
Well that's just it David, I'd be open to using both systems as well to be honest, I just love the thought of making my way through all of the cameras I couldn't afford when they first came out. And a lovely set of Nikon bodies you have their sir and very capable too, I myself would love to get my hands on the D500 at some point for all the fast action I shoot!
@@LeeIveson Same…. while the Z8/9 are blazing fast, for what I do, I think a minty D500, and an older 300mm f4 PF might just be all I need! I was out with the D300 and Sigma 100-400 f5-6.3 last evening…gorgeous shots.
@@davidroberts6766 Yes there's no denying how insane the newest generation of mirrorless cameras are, but there comes a point for the average photographer that all that tech is somewhat pointless, I do believe that the DSLR will have a resurge in a few years, similar to what film is at the moment. Lots of nostalgia and capable cameras lay ahead I feel! That's a lens I've got my eye on, but it's the Sigma 100-300 f4!
Not only that, you might get warping or bowing in the image -- making you go back to using a mechanical shutter. So why go mirrorless when you'll end up resulting to a mechanical shutter? (Canon users) You can get a 5D IV for $875-1400 or an R6II for $3300~... I think it's a fairly easy choice on which one to pick if you're going to do high speed or sports photography.
@@japanape, thank you for the reply. Spot on re warping. I'm a hobbyist wildlife photographer. I love old gears. My wildlife photography combo is Canon 1D Mark IV + EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II + EF 2x III. For bird flight shots, 7D + EF 400mm f/5.6L.
Thanks, great video. I am still using my Pentax K3 and K5. Also Nikon D7100. At times when I review the pics I realise the limitations was the person holding the camera😊. I take my Pentax systems everywhere. Built like a tank. Custom features that I am still learning and IQ is just great. Serves my needs. And then some.
I have now a Canon 40D and 7D and my recently-acquired Pentax K-3. I've been shooting old Pentax and other K-mount lenses with my Canons with adapters for years; absolutely seamless! No loss of infinite focus, no corrective lenses, and a chip to fake an actual EOS lens lol BUT always had to go full open to focus before stopping down. Tolerable, but annoying and prone to being a victim of my impulsivity and forgetfulness. I've known about Pentax and Ricoh having a legendary dedication to the mount, but have felt too invested in my Canon system to try it out. I've finally been able to find adequate rationalization to take the plunge: almost ALL of my photography is with those lenses, IBIS, aperture link, and the price is certainly right: for $450 USD I have an almost new K-3, a Tamron 35-80mm f/3.5-5.6 and a Pentax 100-300mm f/4.7-5.8. I'm not terribly impressed by the lenses, in which case I could have had body only for about $250 USD maybe even less. I'm loving the K-3 with two of my favorite old lenses; Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/2.8, and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/2. Compared to the 7D, t's absolutely superior as a field body. It's lighter, faster, and has an overall superior sensor. The viewfinder is spectacular; remarkable lightness and sharpness for ease of focus, with no data clutter. I see what I need to see, and I see all of it well. The ergonomics take some getting used to; I found myself inadvertently turning it off lol and I had been so accustomed to the feel of the 40D and 7D and the command dial and joystick on their backs. I'm disappointed that I cannot use the wireless flash function with my old lenses, but that can be overcome and, in the meantime, the Canons will hold their niche as studio bodies. This is fine with me because, as much as I have found myself instantly dedicated to the Pentax, I just had to find a reason to keep them all! Great videos; I admire your passion. You're a purist, and that's uncommon.
That's awesome that you finally got your hands on the Pentax K3! It's still very much a great camera in 2023 for sure. I have the same issue if I've been shooting my 7Dii for a few weeks then pick up my K3, my muscle memory still wants to use the joy stick which is not there haha (the K3iii finally has a joystick!) When you say you can't use the wireless flash function with your old lenses, do you not mean the camera (K3)? I need to test my OCF with a manual lens now just to see if I'm missing something 😂
yes; The wireless flash operation is not available (grayed out) when I have a manual lens attached like an M42 adapted 28MM. The second-curtain sync is also disabled. I realize it is also the same on my 7D. I do still have firmware 1.00, but need to get a spare card for the update@@LeeIveson
Great video. I am using a Pentax K70 I purchased in September 2021. I had a Pentax K-r and K10D before that. I am using almost exclusively the FA 35mm f/2 AL. I agree the 25 MP is the sweet spot. I used to use the 16-50 F/2.8 but just keep that for woodland photography and snowy rainy days. Other lenses: 40 XS (pretty much replaced this with the 35 F2), the older 55-300 and a Pentax 18-250.
I really doubt ill ever give up my DSLRs, or until they completly fail me. I have 2 currently right now both Canons 1) T6 crop and a 5D Mk III. i love both of these cameras and have a good variety of lenses to use. Besides i cant afford a Mirrorless camera so ill use what i have and still do great photos with them.
"If it isn't broke don't fix it" . . . I think that's the saying? I'm in the same boat, I can get great looking images from the gear I own, and even when I look to buy a lens or another camera the first place I look is on the used market! Eventually I will end up shooting mirrorless, how long that takes is still up in the air.
Hi Lee Just came across your channel and you hit all the points on why I use old DSLR’s. Currently I’m using a Pentax K10 and a Canon 40D. These are the closest I have found in simplicity and image to my old Pentax film cameras. I do have a mirrorless Sony for when the need arises but I just love my old boys. On to your lens next.
Hey David, thanks for your comment! I'm starting to see that there's a lot of photographers who share the same views on using DSLR's. I'm all for it! I'm really looking forward to trying out some more models myself, the K10d & 40D are high up on that list! And that's another good point you made, in that it's totally fine to also use mirrorless cameras too! At the end of the day, as long as we are out there enjoying our photography that's what counts! Cheers
I'm also one of "those guys," a Pentaxian that shoots fast action (drag racing in my case), and boy did I feel that statement. I get some great shots, but man the frustration is real at times. I can't wait until I can get the new 16-50mm PLM lens, because it'll do most everything I'll need for that. As for why I prefer DSLR, it's the optical viewfinder. The lag of an electronic viewfinder would be nothing but a hindrance to me, and I don't need to see final results in a live preview. I need to react to something as soon as it happens, especially at the starting line where milliseconds matter.
Drag racing is awesome, I bet you get some amazing shots with the smoke & flames! That's actually somthing I've never thought about before, the lag on EVF when shooting fast action hmmmm.
I have used a bridge camera at a drag race meeting. I got some good shots but only because i had to anticipate what was going to happen rather than using a dslr. I can't wait to go this year with my k70 + 55-300mm plm (and ear plugs).
Hi Lee. Pentax k70 (normally with 55-300mm plm). I switched to this camera after using a bridge camera for the past 15 years because of cost. I used to use pentax film cameras prior to this as that was the norm. The thing i have noticed is that digital photography everyone has got obsessed with things like iso, vignetting, bokah which back in the days of film were basically unheard of. Then we were concerned with focusing, colour and composition. It seems to be more anoraky about the camera. Mirrorless cameras are OK, but you can't beat an optical view finder. Very rarely do i use the screen on the back, only for astrophotography really. A better camera won't necessarily take a better picture. Great video that makes a lot of sense.
Yeah I actually think we are spoiled for choice these days to be honest. I get that the latest mirrorless cameras are great and will most likely make the task of taking a photograph easier, almost automated in some cases, but like you say there's many things that would be lost like the optical view finder, having to think about your settings, composition etc. I feel all these things help us to become a better photographer technically, then in the future if we move to mirrorless we have a great skill set to pair with the modern tech.
I shot an event last night with my 2012 Canon 5DM3 at 1600 ISO and I'll deliver the images to my client with no apologies. Still a beautiful image without the excessive noise reduction of some mirrorless cameras, good dynamic range, very pleasing skin tones, contrast and very acceptable noise. Yes I love the new technology and I will upgrade at some point (especially for video) but for stills the autofocus on my 5D's is still remarkably good. I do want the safety of dual card slots and the improved feature set and improved autofocus going forward at some point. I don't have my head in the sand with the new, excellent cameras, but I'm more interested in ROI - not the latest and greatest just for bragging rights.
Good on you mate. That's how I think about it, if you can still wow your clients then your doing your job. Would the new AF features found in mirrorless cameras make it easier probably but we have that all to look forward too when the time comes!
As you know I'll be shooting my K-3 Mark III, but I'm going to make a hefty effort to lug the 600 F/4 around more this year. Other than that, the DA* 16-50 PLM, HD DA 55-300 PLM, D FA 100 Macro WR and 150-450 will be my main lenses.
Yeah man! Your going to get jacked carrying that thing around with you Kobie haha! But it will be worth the images you get from that setup for sure, I'm looking forward to see what you come up with this year mate!
I shoot both. I love my trusty K5 IIs and it is in beautiful shape and takes great pictures with amazing ergonomics. I also have an Olympus EM 5 Mark II. I really like both systems and use them for whatever makes the most sense for a particular use case. They Olympus is mostly for when I need something small and light weight or want to mess about with odd lenses and adapters. I will say though I had to buy aftermarket grips for my Olympus cameras before they felt right in the hand. Not so with my Pentax.
I'm with you on that. I use my Canon 7Dii for sports now & my Pentax gear for everything else (including sports too!) We are lucky that we have so many great options to be honest! Those Olympus cameras actually look really good . . . I might have to check one out for myself at some point I think!
Nice! Yeah it's very convenient that the mount hasn't changed in a really long time, it let's us use all sorts of lenses from vintage to modern. I think that the K50 has the same sensor as the K5 if I'm not mistaken, which produces fantastic images. Enjoy your K50 👌
The best thing about mirrorless is that it has made high quality DSLR bodies and legacy lenses available on the used market at really great low prices. Mirrorless cameras and lenses are an economic lifeboat for the camera/lens manufacturers. The small consumer camera was the bread and butter of the camera industry and it was made obsolete by the smart phone camera. The big camera companies had to come up with something new to stay alive. Mirrorless cameras and lenses cost a fortune and the segment of the population that has to have the latest tech will fork over the cash for it. For smart people it is a great opportunity to get really fine used gear cheap.
Well said Dominic. I'll end up with a Mirroless camera in the future no doubt, but for now I'm going to enjoy all the great deals on DSLRS! I really love trying out different cameras.
I decided to go with the D6 instead of the Z9 for my wildlife and BIFs shooting., for three main reasons, 1. OVF no lag what you see is what’s going on in front of the lens. 2. Battery life….nothing in the mirrorless world comes even close to being a contender. 3. Abundantly cheaper selection of long glass, new S teles by Nikon cost an arm and a leg. Then there’s other things that I don’t care about like video and higher frame rates. I mean if I can’t make an image at 14 frames per second then I don’t think I could make it with 20 either! Will the purchase of aZ9 make me a better photographer or does the cost difference justify the quality and keeper rate? No! Therefore why would I bother with it and get involved with learning new things that inherently come along with the purchase? Just my two cents.
Good reasoning Christos. I like to do the same before I purchase something, I'll draw up a comparison between said items & then ask myself what I need from them and finally is it worth it to me.
I'm thinking of trying some of the old Nikon cameras out in the future, as you say the image quality is still as good as it ever was out of those cameras.
Hey Lee, awesome video. I'll try to keep my comment concise... 😅 Bought K-7 brand new, used it until 2018 as the main, then added the K-70 as my main. But, I miss the feel and controls/layout of the K-7. I wanted that feeling back, but found the K-3 III just too expensive and I wanted to focus on adding more glass to the collection. I found a K-3 from Japan that was pretty much "unused". Not even 1000 shutter clicks, not a scratch, no signs of use AT ALL. Nothing! I was able to trade it for some peanuts pretty much. With that, I decided to add the DA* 60-250mm to the collection. 2022. An 8 year old body, second hand, and a brand new 10 year-old lens? Call me crazy, I don't care. I'm in love with my set of Limited and DA* Lenses. I just always want to go use them. It's my hobby and part of the week I enjoy most. Gives me so much pleasure to just go set myself a photo objective, limitation or just explore and walk around. Isn't that just the best feeling? My "wishlist" of cameras I would very much like to own at some point in time include the last DSLR from Canon; the 90D. I find that camera so sexy. Also an older 5D Classic 12mp, or maybe Mark II. Nikon D7500. I like keeping an eye on ebay. I've bought a few other camera systems when the prices have been too good to be true. Olympus E-410. Ricoh GR Digital III.
Sounds like your having a lot of fun! And that's what counts. I'm always on the look out for good deals no matter the brand to be honest, I'd really love to try the Nikon D500 at some point, and maybe a 5Diii/iv or 6Dii. That's exactly what I mean about there been so many great options from yesteryears DSLR Cameras!
I really enjoy my old DSLR cameras and lenses to go with them. My current ones are Nikon D700 used for 90% of my photography, Canon 100D for Street Photography and when I want something light weight and my Canon 30D for s bit of nostalgia as I had one in 2009 a my first DSLR. My current Canon 30D was a bargain at £24 and in lovely condition.
Hello Lee. Just finished your older Dale video which I thoroughly enjoyed by the way. I am a very enthusiastic hobbyist photographer and my genres of interest are landscape, macro and light painting which I shoot with my Pentax K70. I have several lenses, but I find myself mostly using either my 18-135 kit lens, my Sigma 30mm f1.4 art lens or my IRIX 150mm f2.8 macro lens. I find your videos both informative and helpful. Keep them coming. Louis
Hey Louis, thanks for watching! You've got a lovley camera in the K-70 and some great lenses there! I've got plenty videos planned for the future, hopefully you will enjoy them too. Cheers
Many years ago we had the warnings of the Quartz watch revolution and they said it would wipe out conventional mechanical watches , and it didn’t. Today oh its all going mirrorless , and so what why don’t we just hail all Of the amazing technology as it happens?. Pentax are staying with DSLRS and it seems now like they are going back to film. I say good on them and best of luck. Your video is a great start to the new year , and full of the best features of these old workhorse’s at good prices. Speaking of old I will be sticking with my trusty KP and a Christmas present of the new to me Pentax k3 iii what a beautiful piece of equipment and it’s got the build quality of a tank. Keep up the good work mate 😅. 2:27
Much appreciated B. I think this might be a thing in a fair few industries, where something new comes along that's supposed to be the be all & end all, but ends up co-existing with it's predecessor. Like you say there is a massive trend following for film right now!
Thanks Franklin. Those are two great DSLR's that are more than capable of producing great results. And would make for a pretty interesting comparison between those two cameras.
Pentax K5 since 2015, and still doing a very good job as long as you have good lenses. Previous camera K100D (2006-2015). Coming soon, K3-III. Aviation Photography (Plane Spotters Bacau). I'm convinced about build quality on Pentax cameras. I even throwed my camera to the ground one time, got scared because of a big bug, pick it up and continued to shoot rally cars without any problems.
I agree that the build quality is brilliant, especially with the flagship models. My original K3 has been put through some really tough conditions at the Motocross events I shoot, in rain, snow, sleet, mud & dust! It's still working perfectly well (touch wood 😂)
Still taking photos with my Pentax K50. Was thinking about switching to Canon mirror less. But a few weekends ago I went to a medieval festival, and the images I got with my K50 and 70-300mm lens were still so clear and colourful. So now decided to stay with Pentax and look for a K70 or even KP.
Pentax files are up there with the best of them! I had the K-70, great camera but if I could find a KP on the used market for a good price that's the camera I'd choose today, it will be a worthwhile upgrade from your K-50 I'd say.
I just got into photography within the last 18 months. I picked a k70 to start with. I'm really happy with my camera and I'm starting to really understand how it works, what the settings do. I love shooting birds so I'm saving up for the 150-450 lens and doing my best with the Tamron 70-300 macro I have now
I'm really trying hard to stop looking at the Canon 5d mkiii & mkiv! My thinking is that ether of those cameras would complement my 7D mkii very well . . . I really need to address my GAS 😂
No problem I love making these videos! That's the same as me Brian, although I did actually like my K-70 it just didn't have enough on body functional buttons like the K3.
I'm still using a Canon 7D, not interested in mirrorless, can't beat a crisp clear, optical viewfinder with 100% coverage. Also I prefer the look feel and handling of a DSLR. "The photographer is the instrument not the camera" - Eve Arnold
I'd never shot a mirroless camera with an evf until I picked up an R50 for video, ive just come back from holiday having took that camera & can confirm at least for the R50 the evf experience is NOT my cup of tea! I appreciate my OVF so much more now haha.
@@LeeIveson I've never owned a mirrorless (sorry I do have one, but I call it a compact 😄, I use a Lumix LX100 for when I want to travel light and fast) but I've handled various mirrorless models that photographer friends have, and I just don't like them. I mostly do street photography and the 7D with my collection of lenses is more than good enough. I am thinking of getting a 7D mk2 simply for the better low light performance.
The exact reason I didn't got to mirrorless, don't think I've bought a single brand new item apart from a battery and a filter set for my camera, all mine have been barely used and really well priced. Another small bonus very good for my personal carbon footprint! Shooting with a K-70.
Yep that's pretty much the same for me, the only new camera I bought was actually the K-70 & it was my first! (well first DSLR) for the most part all of the cameras & lenses I own are second hand & in mint condition!
I resisted mirrorless for years, eventually went all mirrorless, but I still have DSLRs and they still work great. They're amazing value these days, I just got a Petax KP with two really good lenses for less than a lot of camera bags, and I saw a Canon DSLR at the shop where I got it for 69 Canadian Dollars, and it was a cool one, a Rebel SL1 I think, all miniature and cool looking. I asked the price of a filter at the photo store the other day to put on my KP, it was 79 dollars, so the brand new UV filter costs more than a second hand Canon DSLR. Whether you want a DSLR or mirrorless, its a great idea to never ever buy the latest camera brand new for full price. The depreciation on cameras is one way a photographer can save (or lose) a ton of money. New cameras are also less likely to have wide support for their raw files, and more likely to have yet unknown bugs or defects. Buy them second hand, or buy them new when they go on sale, usually when a newer one comes out. Don't get the new one, that's the key. The Canon SL1 came out in 2013 and was 799 USD with the 18-55mm lens, you can get that combo today at the pawn shop for barely over 100 Canadian dollars, its worth less today than a bag of lettuce and eggs and a couple cartons of milk. Somebody probably bought that for 800 bucks, less than 10 years ago. The second hand shop had to pay less than 69 dollars for it. Think about it, its now worth less than a bunch of lettuce and eggs and stuff that will be literally rotten in a matter of days.
Well said. I'm of exactly the same opinion, there's so many great cameras to try out & I'm hoping to do so much more in future videos! That's not to mention the lens selection for all those cameras is insane!
Some DSLR'S like the K3-III, and K1-Ii and Nikon D850 hold their value well. I struggled to find a used K3-III for under £1300 and ended up picking up a brand new one from Wex with a free 55-300mm WR. Although it wasn't the PLM, it was still around £349 new so it was good deal. Popular DSLR'S also seem to be holding their value better than mirrorless with the Canon R5 already available for less then £3000 on the used market.
That’s some really nice pictures there at the end of the video. So why go so quickly through them? 😁 Again, your video was spot on, Lee. No mirrorless here yet, either. I’d not call them old, but my dslrs get me the shots I want. And not just the newer/newest ones. Katie is great, but the K5II, Canon 5DII and original K1 sure also give me great results. And overall, I just prefer the ergonomics of a (slightly) larger camera.
Haha thanks, I was just trying to match the shots at the end to the music, glad you liked them! That's something I think I forgot to mention, the size & weight of the average prosumer DSLR thanks for bringing it up. I'm much the same, I like the feel of those cameras as appose to smaller mirrorless bodies or even my K-70 to be fair. The mid to large size cameras just feel so much better in hand.
I use Olympus E420+E520 with kit leans 14-42 + 40-150mm, and Olympus EM10 mark 2 with 12-50mm /25mm/ 35mm and 35-100mm, also I use Lumix GF8, and Lumix TS-3 in bad weather.
Wow that's some nice kit you have Sasha! I'm going to have to take a look at that Lumix TS-3 as I shoot in bad weather or should I say harsh conditions most of the time!
Only just under 2 yrs into photography i had 3 mirrorless then jump ship to DLSR,pentax K70,why,well because as you said the amount of lens options,its never ending,and with only one adaptor the M42
on a tight budget and have been really into acquiring yesteryear's best bang-for-buck options on a lot of fronts, so pentax was a natural rabbit hole for me to fall down. recently upgraded my well-worn second hand k-30 to a k-70. i justified it because I was cropping a lot and got a good deal on the k-70, but honestly the k-30 (same sensor as k-5, 40k shutter actuations) that I got for about $80 still punches way above its weight. all my lenses are wonderful old things that are nearly as old as my dad, completely manual, and also punch above their weight $$$ to donuts.
@@LeeIveson still getting used to it but i like it a lot. they're basically the same size but the k-30 feels cheaper in the hand. very good low light performance from both. ive convinced myself that the image quality from the k-70 is better but not astoundingly so. maybe my favorite thing is that the k-70 has 3 programmable user modes to the k-30's 2 and they work better (k-70 remembers shutter speed and doesn't reset to the saved settings as often) which makes lens swapping a lot nicer.
I also shoot Pentax : K1 & K3 ii love them for landscape, not so much for sports and birding, not fast enough and must admit that subject and eye detect really help for those two genre.
I'm still in using my Olympus E30, large supply and inexpensive 4/3 lenses on the market. As long as I can print super A3 prints, no need to upgrade. KB
Nice camera by the looks of it Ken. I've noticed a fair amount of photographers mention they use the Olympus system, they seem to make some decent stuff, and the weather sealing on some of their models looks to be really good!
Thank you for the video. I have already decided to stick to DSLRs for the rest of my life as a hobbyist starting serious photography with these fantastic imaging systems in 2009. I use old Canon DSLRs because these are better than newer ones. Also use native lenses. Mirrorless systems failed to impress me.
@@LeeIvesoncorrect. They were always and will be for the days to come. CaNikon stopped production? No worries, our good old friend Pentax is there with a smile.
I have an Olympus E-M1X and a OM-5 from OM Systems and I like them a lot but; I also have half a dozen Nikon DSLR's that I still use a lot. Most of them are D7100's and D 7000's. A, like new, D5200 found it's way into the menagerie too - LOL.
Enjoying my A900 & Minolta 80-200 G ( plus lots of other A-Mount DLSR kit ) also have a A100 for walk around work, and for getting the unique CCD look in my images .. video, no problem, picked up an A65 mint condition for under £200 😊 ps almost went with a Pentax K1 outfit Thanks mirrorless 😊
A very overlooked set of camera bodies, and thanks to the never ending new models that Sony keep on releasing you have bagged yourself some bargains too! Awesome 👌
It’s about time Pentax/Ricoh supported Lee with his passion for Pentax DSLRs to provide him with their latest cameras to test and showcase on his channel. He’s a highly skilled photographer who can generate more interest and sales for Pentax/Ricoh.
☝ Thanks Graham! Well there could be something in the works on that front 😀
They aint got the cash to do it, ya know there graham nash
I've worked in the Photo & Electronics dept of a big Western Canadian pharmacy for years. And I've always told my customers there's no sense buying the best before they became the best, always speaking in terms of the camera's potential to take great pictures as opposed to its capability. Even if I sometimes lost a sale because I brought a customer's preconceived notions crashing down to Earth, I am proud I help create some lifetime photographers by starting them off on the RIGHT.
Soz, what’s yer point?
with the new cameras released, old ones didn’t suddenly gone bad. Proud d300s owner
Exactly! I've actually been looking at those Nikon D300's lately, I'd love to try some of the old mid-pro range Nikon bodies.
Well said
Another proud owner of the D300s here.
Bought it last year with only 5020 shutter actuations for £70.
It goes everywhere with me, even shopping 😅😂.
Just your grammar. Wow 😯 😂
I've been working with DSLR Cameras as a NY-Based Photographer since 2007, and my first Digital camera was a Panasonic Lumix FZ30! And even though I've researched the PROS & CONS of using MIRRORLESS CAMERAS; I Love My DSLR's, and have no intentions of buying any Mirrorless cameras in the near future! In 2023, my camera of choice is currently My PENTAX K-70 DSLR, and I've even photographed Sly Stallone in Bklyn with it last year!🎊🎉♥🙏
That's awesome that you got to photograph Rocky! I'm super jealous haha
For the money a Pentax K70 is a great camera weather sealed dual control wheels pixel shift good low light performance all feathers I have used on my K70
Back in august (2022) I came to the same epiphany. I went Mirrrorless a decade ago and last year decided to get rid of Almost all and go back to DSLRs for all the same reasons as you. I did a reality check and it was the best, most economical and inspiring decision in my 40+ years of shooting. So I went back to Nikon DSLRs, and instead of using my VERY outdated early Nikon DSLRs or buying a more modern but discontinued Nikon, I got a deal thru Nikon on a refurbished (turned out to be new) D850 and I never have been more happy... and updating my F mount glass is loads less expensive than the mirrorless counterparts, Plus all the unique third party F mount lenses are still out there for dirt cheap.
I would add 2 more reasons: 1) the optical (real time) viewfinder, and with modern Nikon pro and prosumer DSLRs there is that amazing 3D tracking that mirrorless doesn't have. which leads me to
2) Battery life. With mirrorless cameras you have to have 3x more spare batteries than you would with DSLRs.
Sounds like you lit the photography fire again! Great idea of going through the manufacturer to get a refurbished model btw. I'm not going to lie, I've yet to look through a digital viewfinder on a mirrorless camera, my experience has only been with the rear screens on the one's models I've used so far, so I can't really comment on that. But battery life is a massive point! I'd hate the thought of having to change battery's out in the field in harsh conditions. I've briefly looked at the 3D tracking on cameras like the D500 & I must say it looks really good! I've been amazed at the tracking on the 7D MKii since picking that up, but I've read in a lot of places that the D500 is king in that domain. Dam now you have me looking at Nikon DSLR's too 😅
@@LeeIveson Not gonna lie, that EVF is great if you want real time preview of your exposure and focus process and playback of what was just shot without pulling your eye away to look at the LCD screen. It's great for people like me that has to put on reading glasses to look at the LCD but not an EVF, but the drawback is refresh rate when shooting moving subjects and the toll it takes on already aging and tiring eyes looking at a mini TV very intently.
Battery life is key if you shoot a lot of frames in a day.
That 3D tracking is borrowed from the flagship pro sports shooters like the D5, D6 so it's proven to be a thing and the best part is it is done through the OVF, no LCD live view needed. Just make sure your lenses are calibrated for pin sharp focus [there is an auto calibration in the newer DSLRs]. The D500 is Nikon's choice for wildlife photography for that reason.
Canon is amazing in their DSLR AF systems but have not seen a head to head with their AF tracking vs. Nikon's 3D. that would be an interesting comparison.
I’ve shot many mirrorless and now buying a nikon d7500 mainly for the 10-20mm lens
My friend had the choice of a new Nikon mirrorless camera or another D850 when he received the insurance payout for his old D850 which was a write off. He opted for the D850 as he felt it was the best option.
The enlightened one here 😂
As a sailing photographer, banging about in the back of a rib keeping up with fast catamarans, you need a camera that is bulletproof. I use the Canon 5D4, and yes it's been about a few years, but that means it's done it's apprenticeship and everyone knows it's idiosyncrasies. Also, when having to change lenses in such a harsh and uncontrolled environment, at some point, no matter how careful, something at some point is going to get inside when the lens is off. With the DSLR, that usually results in say, a tiny water droplet or some such landing on the mirror. Luckily it didn't get on the sensor! JMHO!
I can imagine those conditions are pretty harsh to photograph in for sure! It's a bit like that at the Motocross tracks I shoot at, rocks, dust, mud, rain all sorts of crap haha! I tend to not change lenses out at those events, if I need another lens I just check it on another one of my trusty old DSLR's haha
one of the reasons i got rid of the z6 ! had to many shots where dust had blown on the sensor at airbases an such!!
I shoot a Nikon F5 film camera, a D500 DSLR and a Z7ii mirrorless. I love them all for so many different reasons. It's about the experience of shooting and the image produced. You have to decide for yourself in each scenario. it's all good.
Very true, and some lovley kit you have there. I'd like to try some of the mirroless cameras in the future when they become more affordable for myself.
I´m using Nikon D700 and D300 as a backup camera. I still enjoy my D700 and good glass that I have managed to collect over the years.
Yeah those cameras will still preform very well, especially if you have some nice glass. I'm starting to find that is the key!
As a fellow Pentaxian shooting an eight-year-old but still-capable K-3 and someone who fell in love with photography in the SLR age, I don't need convincing. Those willing to play along with and able to afford the planned obsolescence game will be much harder to sway, I guess. But that doesn't take away from the straightforward logic of your statement, nor from the joy of following your skilled and inspiring photography and watching your fun videos, Lee. Let's be honest: New gear can be and often is fun, and it sometimes really expands our capabilities in the field, but exploring the minty-used market with all the no-longer-the-latest gems out there can be big fun, too.
That's just it! Photography as a whole is fun! If people can afford the new gear more power to them I say, I know if I had a few extra £££ in the bank I'd probably have done the same! But then again, I'm not sure it's in my nature? I always go for the underdog, I suppose that's how I ended up with all this Pentax gear!
Pentax K70 noob and loving it! My first was the SF7 which still functions properly and feels much better, although I’ve had it 30+years! Nice video
Lee, great video! It gets straight to the bottom lines. One thing worth mentioning, Pentaxians have an upgrade path, because Pentax is still developing DLSR cameras to this day. Currently I'm shooting with the K-3 Mark III but also with the K-3, K-S1 and even older DSLR cameras.
Thanks! Yes this is true, Pentax are still producing DSLR's & lenses, as frustrating as their marketing is at times I'm glad that they are still making cameras that's for sure!
Nikon D300,D700, Fuji S5Pro. Still using all three as only digital bodies since new, all original pro glass (1.4,1.8 primes; 2.8 Tele lenses, including a couple kit lenses ie 18-200 etc)
Yes. The new stuff is more advanced. But guys are flying back to the D90, 700 etc. for the magic images that they created, all due to the sensors they had back then. I have use my D700 and continue to use it for sporting events, lots of portrait work, I’ve done a few weddings, and lots of street photography. In all these years the only thing I’ve had to do was replace the hot shoe on the D700, as it went a bit wonky just before a wedding shoot 🤨, but I got it fixed in time. These bodies weigh a ton, but they’re built like tanks, waterproof, and feel great in the hand. I will use them until they don’t work anymore. 12 megapixels is more than enough to do what I’ve been doing, plus it keeps the RAW file sizes nice and small. So that’s a win for me too. Heck, I still shoot film with a Nikon FE, Canon AE1 -P (or a reconditioned T-90.. and I grab those over a mint Nikon F5). And when I get an itch, I dig out one of the 7 Hasselblad film bodies collected when all that stuff tanked in price during the digital revolution.
If I can’t make one good picture with all of the gear that I already have, there’s no reason for me to spend another $5000 on something newer. It only stops when WE stop chasing after every new piece of eye candy.
Well said! I feel like for many of us the DSLR is going to be all we need to be honest!
For as long as Pentax continues to make DSLR Cameras ? I will buy them. I reckon they will too, being refreshingly “as mad as a bag of frogs” 😘
As long as they are not all going to be monochrome 😂
Mirrorless is great and in a lot of ways better. But I honestly just don't want to stare into a tiny screen when I'm taking photos. And Pentax has the features, ergonomics, build quality, button layout and handling, and lenses that I want. So for me it's a super easy choice. I know this is about old DSLRs, but of course it helps one stay DSLR of that's what they want to have a new one on the market with the k3iii. :)
I agree, Mirrorless have some fantastic features now. But I like the fact that we can pick up some brilliant cameras from yesteryear & still achieve great results!
The K3-III and the new monochrome are amazing cameras and I've got to agree that there's nothing to beat an optical viewfinder.
I decided two years ago that, I'm DSLR forever shooter. Moreover, love shooting with older models. Being a Canon user I use 5D, 5DII, 5DIII, 1DIV and 7D. All these are fantastic imaging equipment! Also use, native lenses and couldn't have been happier.
Thank you for the video.
That's a very nice line up of Canon cameras you have! I'd really like to try a 5Diii or iv at some point!
I would add reason number six which is creative control. I appreciate the advantages of mirrorless cameras, I used them myself, but I returned to DSLR because the best electronic viewfinder is only an interpretation of the image, not the actual image. I know that many people would say that evf gives more creative control by giving a digital preview but I personally find that basing my settings on a preview (which is camera's interpretation of the reality) is somehow biased and limits my decisions. But that's me, I'm old school. No way my comments are critical of miroless cameras as such, the technology is truly fantastic.
I can see what you mean, I think we all have our ways of shooting. For some the EVF will work well, others will prefer the OVF. Whatever works is the best way. 👌
Lee you are definitely developing GAS that is if you don’t already have it. You sell the Canon well, it’s not for me though I’m more than happy with what I have. In the past I’ve found you can chase shadows thinking the other system is better than what you already have.I stay with what I have and make enjoy making it work for me.
Haha I'm full of GAS at the moment! I know what you mean about chasing your tail with equipment, but I have found that the Canon is better for fast action, the draw back is that the image quality is not as good as what comes out of my K3. But I'm happy to have both at the moment, especially considering the age & cost of these bodies. I'll probably end up trying some other cameras in the future too, thats the great thing about all these "old" cameras these days they are affordable in the grand scheme of things.
My #1DSLR is the one launched in July 2008 😅, the photos it produces are supreme quality🔥🥳😍
Yes, I'm still using it today 💪🎯👍
🟨
NIKON
D700
🎨🎹🎷🎸🎺🎻🥁
The best Camera you have is the one you use!
I've dipped my toes into mirrorless with a lightweight Olympus m43 kit, but I still love reaching for my Nikon D7100. It just feels great in the hand, feels like a real tool, and the OVF feels more natural. I'll never give it up.
I'm going to have to try a mirrorless with an EVF at some point, but I cant imagine it's going to replace my love of the OVF.
Fantastic!
I am using a Pentax K5 for about a month! I have seven different lenses but don't know how to use them
Need to know more about it.
Thank you for the tips!
Nice! The K5 is a very nice camera, I love to pick mine up & head out to just shoot, nothing else in my mind most of the time, apart from maybe a little music! Cheers
I’m a diehard SLR/DSLR user. I started out with an Olympus OM System 35 mm SLR. Moved to a Canon Digital Rebel, Canon 3Ti and now finally a Canon 90D. I love the optical viewfinder and have no desire to move to a mirrorless system. But just go into LiveView now my DSLR is a mirrorless camera. Best of both worlds I think.
From the looks of it the 90D is pretty handy when it comes to live view & video too, my Pentax bodies are not the best when using live view, apart from the K-70 I used to own as it had the flip out screen which was a life saver or at least a back saver!
Lee
I'm addicted to the Pentax K3 series I like the build quality and shutter sound, button layout, menus and ease of operation they are just quality in a camera
Me to! And now that the K3iii is starting to come down in price, I'm not ruling that out. But then again I'd love a K1 or maybe a 5DIV. Basically I want them all haha
I agree. It’s a great piece of kit and I love using it.
I’ve had many Nikon dslr cameras, starting with a Nikon d40x to a d5100, d5200, d7100, d7200, d500, d800, d810, d780, d850. I’m content at the moment with two d500’s and two d850’s. I don’t have plans to go mirrorless.
Wow! That's an amazing amount of Nikons! I really want to try the D500 at some point, I did consider it when I bought the 7Dii but the price won out. Hopefully in the future I'll get my hands on one!
I'll keep on buying and shooting DSLR's for a long... long time to come. I LOVE my Canon cameras so another BIG advantage of DSLR's is that most of them have reverse compatibility with awesome SLR's bodies, so you can shoot film with the same lenses! Cool video, thank you for sharing. Cheers.
Backwards compatibility is a really good point to bring up, I have several vintage K-mount lenses I love to take out for purely for the fun aspect!
@@LeeIveson Agreed. Cheers.
Pentax for macro and wild life. Nikon for action. Just got Nikon d300s d700 and D3 for less than 1000€ combined, thats why i love mirrorless cameras :D
Wow you got a great deal there!
Unless money falls out of the sky, I'll never go mirrorless. I love my Nikons, a D700 and a D7000, plus 4 lenses, one of them the timeless 80-200 f2.8 ED D lens, the newer version. Tack sharp and built like a tank, like my D700. I have a thing for D7xxx. My first DSLR was a Nikon D70 lol
I'll probably go mirrorless at some point, when it makes sense to me. For now, I'm more than happy shooting with what I have!
I’ve been using the Nikon mirrorless line for about 2 years now and I really enjoy them, I have been craving a journey back to dslr so I will find myself a nice d3s a solid f mount prime and probably start with portraits. The idea of less megapixels and outdated technology seems to appeal to me right now and I can’t really nail down why beyond I just want it and I’m going to explore that
Well the best part is that your going to find some really nice deals on the Nikon DSLR's as with any brand DSLR. And like you say if you want to do that just because its going to bring the fun back into your photography, go for it!
I bought my last camera body in 2021 - a Canon 90D, originally released, I think, in 2019. I was born in the early 1960s. Believe me: DSLRs are not "old."
Old tech is probably more what I ment. Lovley camera the 90D, I considered it when looking for a fast focusing DSLR.
Your best video so far IMO Lee. Great production and superb accurate content. As you know, I also shoot with a 9 year old camera (don't tell anyone it's mirrorless!), but as you also know ALL of my very best shots taken over the past 10 years or so were taken with a Pentax DSLR. Regarding the ergonomics, weather sealing etc. I've used them all over time from a £20 point and shoot to my daughters £3,500 Sony A71V and I can assure you that nothing comes close to the £400 Pentax K3 in those departments. Great stuff, keep it up mate!!
Thanks Mark, much appreciated! Well the thing is I don't actually dislike Mirrorless Cameras, in fact far from it! The advances in camera tech is brilliant & at some point I'll end up shooting Mirrorless that I'm sure of, just not yet haha.
I shoot a Pentax K-3 mk III. I still have my old K-3 as a backup and it's no slouch. Also have my old K-5 and K-100D. The K-100D was my first DSLR and I'll never sell it. Some of my favorite photos were taken with it...
That's a nice upgrade path, there's enough time & development in-between each of those models to warrant an the upgrades I'd say.
Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 18-70 3.5-4.5G, Nikkor 70-300 4.5-5.6G VR, Nikkor 35mm 1.8G, Tamron SD 12-24 F4 DX
Covers just about everything
I'd say so, I've got a similar set of lenses only there for the Pentax K-mount. The D300 has popped up a fair bit in the comments on these videos, how do you rate the camera Bruce? It may be a camera I'd like to try in the future If I can find a good deal on one!
I have a collection of Pentax cameras including a Kp,K5 MKII, all k3 and the K1 MKII, over the years I have photographed landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, sports and events including weddings, I use Pentax and Sigma glass that cover Pentax fisheye zoom to long telephoto and prime glass, over the course of 15 years I added fujifilm, Panasonic and Olympus camera bodies that cover full frame, APSC and micro 4/3 .I just enjoy photographing a wide variety of subjects in different locations and environments. I photographe wildlife from a 14 kayak and wildlife refuges, I also travel to different states to photograph landscapes and seascapes so I always carry a camera with me,each camera body gives me a different photographic experience. It's something I plan on doing for many years, during this time I also print much of my work using Different Canon Pixma pro printers.
Sounds like your living every photographers dream life! Awesome 👌
Nikon D750 and recently added D700. I agree mirrorless cameras have been great for those of us that want to keep using DSLRs😂
Nice! The D750 looks like a good deal right about now, maybe thanks to the mirrorless takeover? I'd really like to try the D500 for the Motocross at some point.
@@LeeIveson D500 was a consideration when I was looking but I couldn’t find one within budget that wasn’t absolutely battered!
I have taken pictures all of my life without knowing what I was doing, until the first of 2023. My Brother passed away, and I inherited his Canon T3i, which I doubt he ever passed 1000 on the shutter count. I got the camera bug really fast after trying it out. I have since taken structured photography lessons, and now I shoot RAW in the manual setting. After the classes, I rewarded myself by purchasing a Canon 90D with the EF-S 18-135mm lens, which seems to be best in daylight conditions. It is a camera that demands high dollar glass for best results, so I purchased a EF 50mm f/1.2, and the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II. I have taken great shots with that camera, and a lot of bad ones, but I have learned a lot from mistakes. Now that I have 2 very expensive EF lens, I am thinking of getting a full frame body also, like the Canon 5D MK iv. I have been looking at used with low shutter counts, and the cost have come way down. The reason, better shots in dim to low light conditions. It is either that or maybe purchasing the R6. There is a place I can rent both for a little over $100 for a week, so I believe I will try both out.
Full frame is definitely the way forward for low light conditions, and as you say fast glass helps out any camera body.
Iam shooting with a Canon 90 D, it is the best of both worlds and I am not changing any time soon. Thanks for the chance to speak out.
I strongly considered the 90D when looking at the 7Dii, it's a great camera, has far better video capabilities than the 7D & a lot more mega pixels! Personally I was just looking for the photography side of things so the 7Dii came in cheaper and does a real nice job. I'll be looking to add some more glass or maybe a full frame 5Diii to compliment the APSC long before I think about going mirrorless!
I just bought a Nikon D300 and sigma 28mm f1.2 for €280 and I love it.
Nice. I've seen a fair few people comment they are rocking the D300, not just on this video but others as well.
Good points Lee. I’ve even seen cameras like the Nikon D800 for as low as 800EUR in the Philippines. It’s easy to get carried away with resolution and specs but you always have to ask yourself “is this something I need”
Thanks mate. I think we have a sweet spot at 20-24mp for APSC & 24-36mp for full frame cameras. There's so much that can be done to the files in post these days that resolution is not as important as it once was (depending on what your trying to achieve). But I do love looking for a bargain now & again haha
I'm still rocking my Canon 5D MK III, i just like how it feels in my hands and the battery life can't be beat, and of course, the images are always beautiful out of the camera.
I'm actually considering the 5D iii, I've only ever owned APSC cameras so it would be a nice step into the full frame world. Plus I already have the Canon 70-200 F4 which I believe is a full frame lens!
Just picked up a brand new Pentax K-1ii. Wanted the slightly faster autofocus over my K-1. Excited for the new year in photos. Nice production here, Lee.
Nice! I still believe to this day that the K1 & K1ii can compete with just about any other camera when it comes to image quality 100%
I love my K1 and K3II - the K3II is used exclusively for civil engineering site record photos and the K1 for landscape and astrophotography - when I have more time. I also have two OM-D E-1 Mk2's for wildlife shots etc and a Lumix GX7 as backup but the mirrorless cameras need more sensor cleaning it seems.
I've often thought the Mirrorless cameras would need the sensor cleaned more often, I suppose that's a small benefit of having a mirror in front of the sensor on the DSLR's.
My top 2 : One: for the cost of EF-EOS R adapter, to my 5Diii, I added used Canon 7D for longer reach, dual processor, 2 cards, 10 fps, weather sealed & a daylong Battery. Enough gun powder.
That's the same setup I'm looking to run very soon hopefully!
A K70 user here (after a broken Kr and a "still usable" K2), and have used the K1000 back in the days. I've used bridge cameras, too, and understand well that EVFs are just ... EVFs. OK, some advantages of mirrorless are continuous shots speed, and no mirror slap noise/shake.
Nice video. I totally agree. Just picked up the Canon 5D, and 6D. Finally ended up with a K-1 and yes it's worth the price of admission. However, after comparing cameras, the K-5 and K-3 hold up well. One mirror-less I would recommend is the Fuji X-E3 for your Pentax manual lenses.....It will not disappoint.
Nice! That's the thing I'm not apposed to mirroless at all, and I'll eventually go that route in the future, just not yet.
My main DSLR is the Nikon D850. I also have the D800 and D700. I also shoot a Z6 for events where I need to shoot quietly. Right now we are traveling and I’m shooting the D850. It is definitely my preferred digital camera.
Probably one of the best DSLR's made I'd say the D850! Never had the pleasure of using one for myself . . . yet 😃
Nice video... I am a big fan of the Pentax K200D. The CCD sensor really delivers superb color. Shooting in RAW, I almost never alter the color in post processing, only adjusting brightness and contrast when using slow lenses. Combined with Pentax limited lenses, it really shines!
I am considering a K3 Mark I secondhand, because my recently acquired smc Pentax 18-270mm has a hard time focusing on the K200d...
For almost ten years Ive shot with a Nikon D5100. It was last month that I bought two camera body. The Nikon D610 DSLR and the Nikon Z5 mirrorless cameras. Both camera bodies are entry-level full-frame and I am pleased with both. The Z5 has some great features, such as the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and a better focusing system. However, the Nikon D610 is stunning images coming out of a sensor that was made back in 2013. This camera that was once at sold for a new one at $2,000 USD can now be purchased used in great condition for under $500 USD. I am pleased with both cameras and am not ready to leave the DSLRs behind just yet. I now use my D5100 as my web cam for video conferences on my computer.
I could see myself going down that sort of route in the future, not giving up on my DSLRS but maybe adding a mirroless camera for the same reasons you mentioned, plus all of the different AF tracking modes!
I do have mirrorless gear, but for all the reasons you state, I continue to invest in and use both DSLRs and film SLRs. My DSLRs….Nikon D200, D300, D700, D850….all of them are great image makers!
Well that's just it David, I'd be open to using both systems as well to be honest, I just love the thought of making my way through all of the cameras I couldn't afford when they first came out. And a lovely set of Nikon bodies you have their sir and very capable too, I myself would love to get my hands on the D500 at some point for all the fast action I shoot!
@@LeeIveson Same…. while the Z8/9 are blazing fast, for what I do, I think a minty D500, and an older 300mm f4 PF might just be all I need! I was out with the D300 and Sigma 100-400 f5-6.3 last evening…gorgeous shots.
@@davidroberts6766 Yes there's no denying how insane the newest generation of mirrorless cameras are, but there comes a point for the average photographer that all that tech is somewhat pointless, I do believe that the DSLR will have a resurge in a few years, similar to what film is at the moment. Lots of nostalgia and capable cameras lay ahead I feel! That's a lens I've got my eye on, but it's the Sigma 100-300 f4!
For action photography, the EVF lag is a huge turnoff. They can never catch up with the speed of light/OVF.
Not only that, you might get warping or bowing in the image -- making you go back to using a mechanical shutter. So why go mirrorless when you'll end up resulting to a mechanical shutter? (Canon users) You can get a 5D IV for $875-1400 or an R6II for $3300~... I think it's a fairly easy choice on which one to pick if you're going to do high speed or sports photography.
@@japanape, thank you for the reply. Spot on re warping.
I'm a hobbyist wildlife photographer.
I love old gears. My wildlife photography combo is Canon 1D Mark IV + EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II + EF 2x III. For bird flight shots, 7D + EF 400mm f/5.6L.
Nikon D300 ... wonderful images!
Nice, a camera I'd love to try actually.
Thanks, great video. I am still using my Pentax K3 and K5. Also Nikon D7100. At times when I review the pics I realise the limitations was the person holding the camera😊. I take my Pentax systems everywhere. Built like a tank. Custom features that I am still learning and IQ is just great. Serves my needs. And then some.
Yes they are built to withstand pretty much anything we can chuck at them! (Not advised to chuck stuff at your Pentax BTW 🤣)
I use a Pentax K100D super and have for years. Started doing photography in my youth and am still a it in my 76th year.
Wow! That's awesome I bet you captured so many shots over that time!
I have now a Canon 40D and 7D and my recently-acquired Pentax K-3. I've been shooting old Pentax and other K-mount lenses with my Canons with adapters for years; absolutely seamless! No loss of infinite focus, no corrective lenses, and a chip to fake an actual EOS lens lol BUT always had to go full open to focus before stopping down. Tolerable, but annoying and prone to being a victim of my impulsivity and forgetfulness.
I've known about Pentax and Ricoh having a legendary dedication to the mount, but have felt too invested in my Canon system to try it out. I've finally been able to find adequate rationalization to take the plunge: almost ALL of my photography is with those lenses, IBIS, aperture link, and the price is certainly right: for $450 USD I have an almost new K-3, a Tamron 35-80mm f/3.5-5.6 and a Pentax 100-300mm f/4.7-5.8. I'm not terribly impressed by the lenses, in which case I could have had body only for about $250 USD maybe even less.
I'm loving the K-3 with two of my favorite old lenses; Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/2.8, and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/2. Compared to the 7D, t's absolutely superior as a field body. It's lighter, faster, and has an overall superior sensor. The viewfinder is spectacular; remarkable lightness and sharpness for ease of focus, with no data clutter. I see what I need to see, and I see all of it well. The ergonomics take some getting used to; I found myself inadvertently turning it off lol and I had been so accustomed to the feel of the 40D and 7D and the command dial and joystick on their backs.
I'm disappointed that I cannot use the wireless flash function with my old lenses, but that can be overcome and, in the meantime, the Canons will hold their niche as studio bodies. This is fine with me because, as much as I have found myself instantly dedicated to the Pentax, I just had to find a reason to keep them all!
Great videos; I admire your passion. You're a purist, and that's uncommon.
That's awesome that you finally got your hands on the Pentax K3! It's still very much a great camera in 2023 for sure. I have the same issue if I've been shooting my 7Dii for a few weeks then pick up my K3, my muscle memory still wants to use the joy stick which is not there haha (the K3iii finally has a joystick!)
When you say you can't use the wireless flash function with your old lenses, do you not mean the camera (K3)? I need to test my OCF with a manual lens now just to see if I'm missing something 😂
yes; The wireless flash operation is not available (grayed out) when I have a manual lens attached like an M42 adapted 28MM. The second-curtain sync is also disabled. I realize it is also the same on my 7D. I do still have firmware 1.00, but need to get a spare card for the update@@LeeIveson
Well said, Lee, absolutely! 💯
Thanks mate.
Great video. I am using a Pentax K70 I purchased in September 2021. I had a Pentax K-r and K10D before that. I am using almost exclusively the FA 35mm f/2 AL. I agree the 25 MP is the sweet spot. I used to use the 16-50 F/2.8 but just keep that for woodland photography and snowy rainy days. Other lenses: 40 XS (pretty much replaced this with the 35 F2), the older 55-300 and a Pentax 18-250.
A nice setup you have there Guy. Yep I think the 24mp sensor is a real sweet spot 100%. I loved my K-70 it was a great camera.
I really doubt ill ever give up my DSLRs, or until they completly fail me. I have 2 currently right now both Canons 1) T6 crop and a 5D Mk III. i love both of these cameras and have a good variety of lenses to use. Besides i cant afford a Mirrorless camera so ill use what i have and still do great photos with them.
"If it isn't broke don't fix it" . . . I think that's the saying? I'm in the same boat, I can get great looking images from the gear I own, and even when I look to buy a lens or another camera the first place I look is on the used market! Eventually I will end up shooting mirrorless, how long that takes is still up in the air.
Hi Lee
Just came across your channel and you hit all the points on why I use old DSLR’s. Currently I’m using a Pentax K10 and a Canon 40D. These are the closest I have found in simplicity and image to my old Pentax film cameras. I do have a mirrorless Sony for when the need arises but I just love my old boys. On to your lens next.
Hey David, thanks for your comment! I'm starting to see that there's a lot of photographers who share the same views on using DSLR's. I'm all for it! I'm really looking forward to trying out some more models myself, the K10d & 40D are high up on that list! And that's another good point you made, in that it's totally fine to also use mirrorless cameras too! At the end of the day, as long as we are out there enjoying our photography that's what counts! Cheers
I'm also one of "those guys," a Pentaxian that shoots fast action (drag racing in my case), and boy did I feel that statement. I get some great shots, but man the frustration is real at times. I can't wait until I can get the new 16-50mm PLM lens, because it'll do most everything I'll need for that.
As for why I prefer DSLR, it's the optical viewfinder. The lag of an electronic viewfinder would be nothing but a hindrance to me, and I don't need to see final results in a live preview. I need to react to something as soon as it happens, especially at the starting line where milliseconds matter.
Drag racing is awesome, I bet you get some amazing shots with the smoke & flames! That's actually somthing I've never thought about before, the lag on EVF when shooting fast action hmmmm.
I have used a bridge camera at a drag race meeting. I got some good shots but only because i had to anticipate what was going to happen rather than using a dslr. I can't wait to go this year with my k70 + 55-300mm plm (and ear plugs).
Hi Lee. Pentax k70 (normally with 55-300mm plm). I switched to this camera after using a bridge camera for the past 15 years because of cost. I used to use pentax film cameras prior to this as that was the norm. The thing i have noticed is that digital photography everyone has got obsessed with things like iso, vignetting, bokah which back in the days of film were basically unheard of. Then we were concerned with focusing, colour and composition. It seems to be more anoraky about the camera. Mirrorless cameras are OK, but you can't beat an optical view finder. Very rarely do i use the screen on the back, only for astrophotography really. A better camera won't necessarily take a better picture. Great video that makes a lot of sense.
Yeah I actually think we are spoiled for choice these days to be honest. I get that the latest mirrorless cameras are great and will most likely make the task of taking a photograph easier, almost automated in some cases, but like you say there's many things that would be lost like the optical view finder, having to think about your settings, composition etc. I feel all these things help us to become a better photographer technically, then in the future if we move to mirrorless we have a great skill set to pair with the modern tech.
I shot an event last night with my 2012 Canon 5DM3 at 1600 ISO and I'll deliver the images to my client with no apologies. Still a beautiful image without the excessive noise reduction of some mirrorless cameras, good dynamic range, very pleasing skin tones, contrast and very acceptable noise. Yes I love the new technology and I will upgrade at some point (especially for video) but for stills the autofocus on my 5D's is still remarkably good. I do want the safety of dual card slots and the improved feature set and improved autofocus going forward at some point. I don't have my head in the sand with the new, excellent cameras, but I'm more interested in ROI - not the latest and greatest just for bragging rights.
Good on you mate. That's how I think about it, if you can still wow your clients then your doing your job. Would the new AF features found in mirrorless cameras make it easier probably but we have that all to look forward too when the time comes!
As you know I'll be shooting my K-3 Mark III, but I'm going to make a hefty effort to lug the 600 F/4 around more this year. Other than that, the DA* 16-50 PLM, HD DA 55-300 PLM, D FA 100 Macro WR and 150-450 will be my main lenses.
Yeah man! Your going to get jacked carrying that thing around with you Kobie haha! But it will be worth the images you get from that setup for sure, I'm looking forward to see what you come up with this year mate!
@@LeeIveson 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽😁
I shoot both. I love my trusty K5 IIs and it is in beautiful shape and takes great pictures with amazing ergonomics. I also have an Olympus EM 5 Mark II. I really like both systems and use them for whatever makes the most sense for a particular use case. They Olympus is mostly for when I need something small and light weight or want to mess about with odd lenses and adapters.
I will say though I had to buy aftermarket grips for my Olympus cameras before they felt right in the hand. Not so with my Pentax.
I'm with you on that. I use my Canon 7Dii for sports now & my Pentax gear for everything else (including sports too!) We are lucky that we have so many great options to be honest! Those Olympus cameras actually look really good . . . I might have to check one out for myself at some point I think!
Just scored a pentax k50. And i didnt realize the older ones still can perform extreamly well. Love the fact i can still use my older lenses
Nice! Yeah it's very convenient that the mount hasn't changed in a really long time, it let's us use all sorts of lenses from vintage to modern. I think that the K50 has the same sensor as the K5 if I'm not mistaken, which produces fantastic images. Enjoy your K50 👌
The best thing about mirrorless is that it has made high quality DSLR bodies and legacy lenses available on the used market at really great low prices. Mirrorless cameras and lenses are an economic lifeboat for the camera/lens manufacturers. The small consumer camera was the bread and butter of the camera industry and it was made obsolete by the smart phone camera. The big camera companies had to come up with something new to stay alive. Mirrorless cameras and lenses cost a fortune and the segment of the population that has to have the latest tech will fork over the cash for it. For smart people it is a great opportunity to get really fine used gear cheap.
Well said Dominic. I'll end up with a Mirroless camera in the future no doubt, but for now I'm going to enjoy all the great deals on DSLRS! I really love trying out different cameras.
I decided to go with the D6 instead of the Z9 for my wildlife and BIFs shooting., for three main reasons, 1. OVF no lag what you see is what’s going on in front of the lens.
2. Battery life….nothing in the mirrorless world comes even close to being a contender.
3. Abundantly cheaper selection of long glass, new S teles by Nikon cost an arm and a leg.
Then there’s other things that I don’t care about like video and higher frame rates. I mean if I can’t make an image at 14 frames per second then I don’t think I could make it with 20 either! Will the purchase of aZ9 make me a better photographer or does the cost difference justify the quality and keeper rate? No! Therefore why would I bother with it and get involved with learning new things that inherently come along with the purchase?
Just my two cents.
Good reasoning Christos. I like to do the same before I purchase something, I'll draw up a comparison between said items & then ask myself what I need from them and finally is it worth it to me.
Still using a Nikon D80 the image quality is still there and beats any phone camera.
I'm thinking of trying some of the old Nikon cameras out in the future, as you say the image quality is still as good as it ever was out of those cameras.
Hey Lee, awesome video. I'll try to keep my comment concise... 😅
Bought K-7 brand new, used it until 2018 as the main, then added the K-70 as my main.
But, I miss the feel and controls/layout of the K-7. I wanted that feeling back, but found the K-3 III just too expensive and I wanted to focus on adding more glass to the collection. I found a K-3 from Japan that was pretty much "unused". Not even 1000 shutter clicks, not a scratch, no signs of use AT ALL. Nothing! I was able to trade it for some peanuts pretty much.
With that, I decided to add the DA* 60-250mm to the collection. 2022. An 8 year old body, second hand, and a brand new 10 year-old lens? Call me crazy, I don't care. I'm in love with my set of Limited and DA* Lenses. I just always want to go use them. It's my hobby and part of the week I enjoy most. Gives me so much pleasure to just go set myself a photo objective, limitation or just explore and walk around.
Isn't that just the best feeling?
My "wishlist" of cameras I would very much like to own at some point in time include the last DSLR from Canon; the 90D. I find that camera so sexy. Also an older 5D Classic 12mp, or maybe Mark II. Nikon D7500. I like keeping an eye on ebay. I've bought a few other camera systems when the prices have been too good to be true. Olympus E-410. Ricoh GR Digital III.
Sounds like your having a lot of fun! And that's what counts. I'm always on the look out for good deals no matter the brand to be honest, I'd really love to try the Nikon D500 at some point, and maybe a 5Diii/iv or 6Dii. That's exactly what I mean about there been so many great options from yesteryears DSLR Cameras!
I really enjoy my old DSLR cameras and lenses to go with them. My current ones are Nikon D700 used for 90% of my photography, Canon 100D for Street Photography and when I want something light weight and my Canon 30D for s bit of nostalgia as I had one in 2009 a my first DSLR. My current Canon 30D was a bargain at £24 and in lovely condition.
That is a bargain!
Hello Lee. Just finished your older Dale video which I thoroughly enjoyed by the way. I am a very enthusiastic hobbyist photographer and my genres of interest are landscape, macro and light painting which I shoot with my Pentax K70. I have several lenses, but I find myself mostly using either my 18-135 kit lens, my Sigma 30mm f1.4 art lens or my IRIX 150mm f2.8 macro lens. I find your videos both informative and helpful. Keep them coming.
Louis
Hey Louis, thanks for watching! You've got a lovley camera in the K-70 and some great lenses there! I've got plenty videos planned for the future, hopefully you will enjoy them too. Cheers
Although I do have and love my Nikon Z6 milc I have the most fun shooting with my Nikon D759 and D300.
Well that's exactly it, who said we can't use both systems!
Many years ago we had the warnings of the Quartz watch revolution and they said it would wipe out conventional mechanical watches , and it didn’t. Today oh its all going mirrorless , and so what why don’t we just hail all Of the amazing technology as it happens?. Pentax are staying with DSLRS and it seems now like they are going back to film. I say good on them and best of luck. Your video is a great start to the new year , and full of the best features of these old workhorse’s at good prices. Speaking of old I will be sticking with my trusty KP and a Christmas present of the new to me Pentax k3 iii what a beautiful piece of equipment and it’s got the build quality of a tank. Keep up the good work mate 😅. 2:27
Much appreciated B. I think this might be a thing in a fair few industries, where something new comes along that's supposed to be the be all & end all, but ends up co-existing with it's predecessor. Like you say there is a massive trend following for film right now!
Great video, I'm using a Canon 80D and recently got a Pentax K5.
Thanks Franklin. Those are two great DSLR's that are more than capable of producing great results. And would make for a pretty interesting comparison between those two cameras.
Me too! I am a professional still working with DSLRs!
Nice! What are you shooting with at the moment?
@@LeeIveson Currently I am shooting with Canon EOS Rebel T7 and T3.
Pentax K5 since 2015, and still doing a very good job as long as you have good lenses. Previous camera K100D (2006-2015). Coming soon, K3-III. Aviation Photography (Plane Spotters Bacau). I'm convinced about build quality on Pentax cameras. I even throwed my camera to the ground one time, got scared because of a big bug, pick it up and continued to shoot rally cars without any problems.
I agree that the build quality is brilliant, especially with the flagship models. My original K3 has been put through some really tough conditions at the Motocross events I shoot, in rain, snow, sleet, mud & dust! It's still working perfectly well (touch wood 😂)
to date I am still using a K-500 and a K01 with various pentax lenses... no reason to change, great images and lot of fun with both cameras.
If your having fun that's the most important part about photography! No need to change, Exactly!
No. 1 - Main reason why I enjoy DSLR's today.
It's a great time to shoot DSLR's!
Still taking photos with my Pentax K50. Was thinking about switching to Canon mirror less. But a few weekends ago I went to a medieval festival, and the images I got with my K50 and 70-300mm lens were still so clear and colourful. So now decided to stay with Pentax and look for a K70 or even KP.
Pentax files are up there with the best of them! I had the K-70, great camera but if I could find a KP on the used market for a good price that's the camera I'd choose today, it will be a worthwhile upgrade from your K-50 I'd say.
@@LeeIveson Yes used KP’s are quite pricey at the moment, so the K70 seems a natural upgrade for me 👍 Or possibly the K3 (Mk.ii). 🤔
I just got into photography within the last 18 months. I picked a k70 to start with. I'm really happy with my camera and I'm starting to really understand how it works, what the settings do. I love shooting birds so I'm saving up for the 150-450 lens and doing my best with the Tamron 70-300 macro I have now
That's pretty much the same combo I used for my first year or so, some of my favourite shots came from that camera & lens! Keep at it!
The 150-450mm with the K70 will be a great combination i use it and the 55-300PLM all the time for wildlife.
Canon 5d mark iv Still works like a pro and the colors on DSLR Canon's can't be beat.
I'm really trying hard to stop looking at the Canon 5d mkiii & mkiv! My thinking is that ether of those cameras would complement my 7D mkii very well . . . I really need to address my GAS 😂
My dslr's are Nikon D7000 and D5000 and fujifilm XS1
Using a K3, and love it. Bought a K70, but didn't like the feel of it.
Thanks for all the great videos!!!
No problem I love making these videos! That's the same as me Brian, although I did actually like my K-70 it just didn't have enough on body functional buttons like the K3.
@@LeeIveson Guess what? I now have used the K70 a bit more and find that I like it also. So I am keeping the both of them. Thanks again.
@@briangrogan1622 Nice! Well you have options now mate, enjoy!
I'm still using a Canon 7D, not interested in mirrorless, can't beat a crisp clear, optical viewfinder with 100% coverage. Also I prefer the look feel and handling of a DSLR. "The photographer is the instrument not the camera" - Eve Arnold
I'd never shot a mirroless camera with an evf until I picked up an R50 for video, ive just come back from holiday having took that camera & can confirm at least for the R50 the evf experience is NOT my cup of tea! I appreciate my OVF so much more now haha.
@@LeeIveson I've never owned a mirrorless (sorry I do have one, but I call it a compact 😄, I use a Lumix LX100 for when I want to travel light and fast) but I've handled various mirrorless models that photographer friends have, and I just don't like them. I mostly do street photography and the 7D with my collection of lenses is more than good enough. I am thinking of getting a 7D mk2 simply for the better low light performance.
No plans to change anything here Lee at the moment, because my K1 and K3ii do what I need them to do.
Exactly the same here John. I might be looking at new lenses in the future though!
The exact reason I didn't got to mirrorless, don't think I've bought a single brand new item apart from a battery and a filter set for my camera, all mine have been barely used and really well priced.
Another small bonus very good for my personal carbon footprint!
Shooting with a K-70.
Yep that's pretty much the same for me, the only new camera I bought was actually the K-70 & it was my first! (well first DSLR) for the most part all of the cameras & lenses I own are second hand & in mint condition!
I resisted mirrorless for years, eventually went all mirrorless, but I still have DSLRs and they still work great. They're amazing value these days, I just got a Petax KP with two really good lenses for less than a lot of camera bags, and I saw a Canon DSLR at the shop where I got it for 69 Canadian Dollars, and it was a cool one, a Rebel SL1 I think, all miniature and cool looking.
I asked the price of a filter at the photo store the other day to put on my KP, it was 79 dollars, so the brand new UV filter costs more than a second hand Canon DSLR.
Whether you want a DSLR or mirrorless, its a great idea to never ever buy the latest camera brand new for full price. The depreciation on cameras is one way a photographer can save (or lose) a ton of money. New cameras are also less likely to have wide support for their raw files, and more likely to have yet unknown bugs or defects. Buy them second hand, or buy them new when they go on sale, usually when a newer one comes out. Don't get the new one, that's the key.
The Canon SL1 came out in 2013 and was 799 USD with the 18-55mm lens, you can get that combo today at the pawn shop for barely over 100 Canadian dollars, its worth less today than a bag of lettuce and eggs and a couple cartons of milk. Somebody probably bought that for 800 bucks, less than 10 years ago. The second hand shop had to pay less than 69 dollars for it. Think about it, its now worth less than a bunch of lettuce and eggs and stuff that will be literally rotten in a matter of days.
Well said. I'm of exactly the same opinion, there's so many great cameras to try out & I'm hoping to do so much more in future videos! That's not to mention the lens selection for all those cameras is insane!
Some DSLR'S like the K3-III, and K1-Ii and Nikon D850 hold their value well. I struggled to find a used K3-III for under £1300 and ended up picking up a brand new one from Wex with a free 55-300mm WR. Although it wasn't the PLM, it was still around £349 new so it was good deal. Popular DSLR'S also seem to be holding their value better than mirrorless with the Canon R5 already available for less then £3000 on the used market.
I am using a Nikon D750 and D810. I will not change from DSLR’s until I absolutely have to.
Two very nice cameras. The D750 in particular is a camera I've looked at buying more than once & hopefully will one day soon!
That’s some really nice pictures there at the end of the video. So why go so quickly through them? 😁
Again, your video was spot on, Lee. No mirrorless here yet, either. I’d not call them old, but my dslrs get me the shots I want. And not just the newer/newest ones. Katie is great, but the K5II, Canon 5DII and original K1 sure also give me great results. And overall, I just prefer the ergonomics of a (slightly) larger camera.
Haha thanks, I was just trying to match the shots at the end to the music, glad you liked them! That's something I think I forgot to mention, the size & weight of the average prosumer DSLR thanks for bringing it up. I'm much the same, I like the feel of those cameras as appose to smaller mirrorless bodies or even my K-70 to be fair. The mid to large size cameras just feel so much better in hand.
I use Olympus E420+E520 with kit leans 14-42 + 40-150mm, and Olympus EM10 mark 2 with 12-50mm /25mm/ 35mm and 35-100mm, also I use Lumix GF8, and Lumix TS-3 in bad weather.
Wow that's some nice kit you have Sasha! I'm going to have to take a look at that Lumix TS-3 as I shoot in bad weather or should I say harsh conditions most of the time!
@@LeeIveson I think that Olympus tg-4/5/6 made it better than the old CCD sensor, and ts-3 doesn't have raw format.
OVF. EVF can't compete never with a OVF!
Top notch, really love this video, great production content.
Thanks mate, that's very much appreciated. I enjoy making this style of video, plenty more to come in the future. Cheers
Only just under 2 yrs into photography i had 3 mirrorless then jump ship to DLSR,pentax K70,why,well because as you said the amount of lens options,its never ending,and with only one adaptor the M42
Pentax in particular have a huge back catalogue of compatible K-mount glass both native & from third party's back in the day!
on a tight budget and have been really into acquiring yesteryear's best bang-for-buck options on a lot of fronts, so pentax was a natural rabbit hole for me to fall down. recently upgraded my well-worn second hand k-30 to a k-70. i justified it because I was cropping a lot and got a good deal on the k-70, but honestly the k-30 (same sensor as k-5, 40k shutter actuations) that I got for about $80 still punches way above its weight. all my lenses are wonderful old things that are nearly as old as my dad, completely manual, and also punch above their weight $$$ to donuts.
I'd say that was a good upgrade, how are you finding the K-70 vs the K-30?
@@LeeIveson still getting used to it but i like it a lot. they're basically the same size but the k-30 feels cheaper in the hand. very good low light performance from both. ive convinced myself that the image quality from the k-70 is better but not astoundingly so. maybe my favorite thing is that the k-70 has 3 programmable user modes to the k-30's 2 and they work better (k-70 remembers shutter speed and doesn't reset to the saved settings as often) which makes lens swapping a lot nicer.
Still using Nikon D7000 and D5000 the only two I have and use
Nice. I'd like to try some Nikon DSLR's. My only experience with them is the D3100 & D3300.
I also shoot Pentax : K1 & K3 ii love them for landscape, not so much for sports and birding, not fast enough and must admit that subject and eye detect really help for those two genre.
Yes the Pentax gear isn't the ideal option for fast action, well apart from the K3iii. Which system do you use for that stuff?
All you stated is equaly and even better in mirrorless world 😉
Well almost everything but the price 😉
True, but for those of us on a budget or who just like to shoot DSLR's, the glove still fits. 👌
I'm still in using my Olympus E30, large supply and inexpensive 4/3 lenses on the market. As long as I can print super A3 prints, no need to upgrade. KB
Nice camera by the looks of it Ken. I've noticed a fair amount of photographers mention they use the Olympus system, they seem to make some decent stuff, and the weather sealing on some of their models looks to be really good!
I use my Eos 1D mark 3 from 2007 and it's still good 🙂
You've defiantly had your money's worth out of that camera then!
Thank you for the video.
I have already decided to stick to DSLRs for the rest of my life as a hobbyist starting serious photography with these fantastic imaging systems in 2009.
I use old Canon DSLRs because these are better than newer ones. Also use native lenses.
Mirrorless systems failed to impress me.
DSLR's are still great cameras that's for sure!
@@LeeIvesoncorrect. They were always and will be for the days to come. CaNikon stopped production? No worries, our good old friend Pentax is there with a smile.
I have an Olympus E-M1X and a OM-5 from OM Systems and I like them a lot but; I also have half a dozen Nikon DSLR's that I still use a lot. Most of them are D7100's and D 7000's. A, like new, D5200 found it's way into the menagerie too - LOL.
It's weird that we all seem to have that same problem of cameras and lenses turning up in the post 🤣.
Enjoying my A900 & Minolta 80-200 G
( plus lots of other A-Mount DLSR kit )
also have a A100 for walk around work, and for getting the unique CCD look in my images ..
video, no problem, picked up an A65 mint condition for under £200 😊
ps almost went with a Pentax K1 outfit
Thanks mirrorless 😊
A very overlooked set of camera bodies, and thanks to the never ending new models that Sony keep on releasing you have bagged yourself some bargains too! Awesome 👌
Fallen in love with my D300s ❤❤❤.
Mirrorless, what's that? 😋😁
I have asahi pentax spotmatic sp1 and canon 7d mark 2 so this video is pretty much describes my feelings about old cameras haha
I'm not the only one then haha 😆