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All the gear, no idea
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Author:  belchingmatt [ Sun Feb 18, 2018 4:55 pm ]
Post subject:  All the gear, no idea

I've been thinking of an upgrade for a little while now, and part of that has been contemplating between a new or used camera. Browsing on DBA, the local eBay equivalent, yields some examples of two year old cameras with shutter counts as low as 3 thousand shots for a significant saving over the new price. What really surprises me, and the point of this post, is that many of these cameras have battery grips. With the grips holding two batteries and each capable of circa 1000 shots, it is possible that they have only been charged once in their lifetime. Apparently these Danes want the best of everything and will quite happily be upsold anything that makes them look good without a thought as to whether they need it or will use it.

Anyway I'm leaning towards an older but new camera for the savings, warranty and peace of mind.

Author:  timark_uk [ Sun Feb 18, 2018 6:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: All the gear, no idea

The answer really is how it was used.
As you know from the 'what stuff you got' thread below, I just upgraded to a camera that doesn’t have a grip. After taking it out and shooting in portrait orientation I can tell you that using a grip is so much easier.
On my old camera the grip is built-in and has shutter relese buttons and command dials on it, so you don't have to contort yourself when shooting portrait.
I'll be getting the grip for the D850 when I can because I think I'll be making use of the larger sensor and shooting portrait for panos.
Also yeah, battery life is a big plus too. Going out all day shooting and not needing spare batteries is a big plus as well.

Mark

Author:  big_D [ Mon Feb 19, 2018 6:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: All the gear, no idea

Given that there are no real major advances in the actual cameras at the moment, it seems to be all down to software modes, filters and automatic HDR, I would settle for a nearly-new camera.

If the grip with battery has been looked after (not kept 100% charged and not allowed to run below 10 - 15%), it should provide good service. I'd certainly take a look at them, you can save a lot of money.

When I bought my Sony Alpha last year, I saved nearly 500€ by buying the previous generation model in a kit. I managed to handle the price down and ended up with an Alpha 6000, 18-105mm, 55-210mm, 2 extra batteries and a carrying case for less than the price of the current model with just a single objective. I then added a 50mm and some macro rings to the kit (I am very happy with the rings so far, they cost around 50€ and are good enough for what I need currently (take a loot at my flckr page for some examples https://www.flickr.com/photos/39901465@N07/ )). Certainly better than the 500€+ that a true Sony macro lens costs and more flexible. If I find I am doing a lot of macro, I might invest in a proper lens at some point.

But I digress, if the kit is in good condition, I'd certainly take a serious look at it. If it gets you a leg up on buying the kit individually (i.e. you have enough to make a good start, compared to having to wait a couple of years to get everything in the kit together, if you buy new), it is probably well worth it. You are quickly "productive" and only you know that you didn't buy the kit new, if that bothers you...

Author:  cloaked_wolf [ Mon Feb 19, 2018 7:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: All the gear, no idea

A lightly-used secondhand camera can often be a better buy than a brand new one. But it depends on how well it was looked after, which is the gamble you take. Grips - I bought a grip with my 70D purely for extra battery power.

Author:  belchingmatt [ Mon Feb 19, 2018 4:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: All the gear, no idea

Mark, all of the points you raised are exactly why someone would benefit from a grip, and I have no doubt that you personally would take far more than 3k photos on your new camera in much less time than my example earlier. However from browsing auction sites in 4 countries over the last decade I would say that the proportion of consumer cameras sold with battery grips in Denmark is greater than those sold with grips in the other countries.

I currently have a D90 and three lenses so I'll be sticking with Nikon for the time being. I'll probably go for a D7200 and appreciate all of the advances it offers over the D90, without paying a premium for the little extra you get with the D7500. I'm happy with 2nd hand lenses but will almost certainly get the body new.

Author:  belchingmatt [ Wed May 02, 2018 4:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: All the gear, no idea

Well I managed to find a near new D7200 with minimal use for a bargain price. :D

A couple of years ago my D90 suffered a knock (not under my care) and the viewfinder display no longer worked correctly. Without being able to see and adjust the exposure adequately through the viewfinder I was stuck to priority modes, and therefore lost some interest in photography. Anyhoo it is nice now to have a camera that works correctly, and the D7200 is a massive upgrade to the D90. It may not be quite as good in some areas as the current equivalent models but it seems to be perfect for my use.

Fortunately I had a good 'excuse' for the upgrade, my partner's nephew has his confirmation party (a big thing in Denmark) this weekend and I was asked to take the photos at the church and party. As the D90 still works I'm setting up a photo booth with that, and will see about selling it after and using any funds recovered on glass.

Author:  belchingmatt [ Wed Jun 06, 2018 5:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: All the gear, no idea

Well after all the comments I made about battery grips, I somehow have managed to find myself in ownership of one, just like Mark. After doing many portraits at the nephew's confirmation I can see the benefits of having a vertical grip. I don't think holding an extra battery is that much of a plus when I can easily change one from a pocket in only a few seconds.
I picked up a barely used oem model for the market price, and if I find I don't get on with it or use it much in the next few months there is no reason why I can't resell it for a similar price.
I'll also be receiving a Tokina 11-20 f2.8 in the next couple of days, in time for a trip to Lanzarote at the end of the month. I've wanted a wide lens since I got the D90 back in 2009 but somehow never got around to it. It will be good to challenge myself and I'll also have a bash at some milky way astro stuff. Just a shame the moon will be full during the trip.

Oh, and perhaps I should shred my bank cards!!!

Author:  timark_uk [ Sun Jun 10, 2018 7:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: All the gear, no idea

belchingmatt wrote:
Well after all the comments I made about battery grips, I somehow have managed to find myself in ownership of one, just like Mark.
Aren't they good?
I've found I'm making good use of mine, and it makes the camera feel soooo much better in my hands.
Like you I don't do the extra battery thing with it, I just have the battery in the grip and change it from there when I need to.

Mark

Author:  belchingmatt [ Mon Jun 11, 2018 5:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: All the gear, no idea

The grip is good, but I haven't had it on the camera much. The little pouch bag I have is too small for the grip, and I don't want the camera loose in an unsegregated everyday backpack with crumbs from dog snacks and other detritus. Time to spend more money.
I think that as you mentioned, I'll probably use my two batteries from the grip and not have one in the camera. Having to remove the grip to access the body battery seems like a bit of a pain to be honest. Maybe if I was in a dusty environment etc, but not for everyday use.

I also now have the Tokina 11-20. A couple of shots at home and several more on a dog walk have confirmed a couple of the things I've been expecting. Flare, and not realising how close you really are to your subject. No wonder people walk into spinning propellers.

Author:  belchingmatt [ Sun Feb 17, 2019 5:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: All the gear, no idea

I've always hated camera straps but wasn't able to run the joint camera without one. Now the new camera is solely mine I can do what I want. Shoulder straps are fine for camera bags but when I'm holding the camera they are a pita. However I want a little extra security so picked up a Peak Design hand strap. I would give it 90% satisfaction with the two following drawbacks. If it is snug and secure then making adjustments is not so easy and vice versa, and my hex key was confiscated at Manchester airport. :roll:

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