Used digital SLRs are just insane value for money right now – if you know which models to look out for. Some brands and some types are more sought after than others (I don’t why), so the trick is do dodge these and look for the real bargains that are just as good but way, way cheaper. Here’s my list.
Pentax
Pentax is another old-school camera brand still going strong in the digital world – though probably not as strong as some. It still makes digital SLRs under the Pentax brand, but is now owned by Ricoh.
When we turned our back on DSLRs we gave up a lot of things we shouldn’t have
One of these is the optical viewfinder. When mirrorless cameras first came out, almost all of my tech journo colleagues embraced electronic viewfinders for showing what the camera will actually capture, and for the mechanical simplicity of the mirrorless design. I wasn’t so sure, but I couldn’t really explain why. Now I think I can.
The three best beginner DSLRs you can still buy new
DSLRs still have a lot to offer compared to mirrorless cameras, especially for someone who is more interested in photography than video. Starter DSLRs are cheap to buy, easy to handle and easier to understand than most hybrid mirrorless cameras. The battery life is longer and there are large numbers of good-value DSLR lenses to choose from, both new and on the used market.
What’s the smartest way to get manual control of your camera? Get a ‘dumb’ lens!
Modern cameras aren’t really set up for manual control. You can adjust the shutter speed, lens aperture and focus manually, but you have to do this indirectly via the mode setting, command dials and manual lens focus rings that are designed more as an emergency override than a front-line control. But there is an answer.
Best medium format cameras for full frame upgraders
This is not a buying guide to the best medium format cameras at all levels. It does not include high-end modular systems from Hasselblad and Phase One. It covers a new generation of much more affordable medium format cameras designed for portability and handheld use, and higher-quality and perhaps more desirable alternatives to full frame cameras.
Pentax KF is launched… but why?
Pentax has a launched yet another 24MP APS-C DSLR. Normally I’d be celebrating a new DSLR, but with Pentax it’s a different story. For years now, it’s been recyling the same basic 24MP sensor in countless different guises, and even as Pentax fan I have to admit my remaining interest in this brand is waning.