Having recently retired I want to renew my interest in photography. Prior to the digital age I had good equipment, good SLR, flash, lenses (up to 200mm), filters etc. Since then I have made do with a small, albeit good, digital (Panasonic Lumix). I am luc

[Toffee]

lucky enough to have £2,000-2,500 to spend on good equipment that will last (realising of course that everything quickly dates nowadays). I have not kept up with technological progress and "What Camera" and the like leave me more confused. I would like to update to the equivalent to what I used to have, for general photography and some wildlife. What should I go for?

[alanogden]

A good plan is to join a local Photographic Society - see what others are using and get to handle digital equipment. I don't think you will need to spend that amount of money!

[vulcan]

Can I ask what make your previous system was ?

[Toffee]

Vulcan, it was a good while ago but Canon A1 with standard 50mm, plus several Canon fit lenses and 2x convertor. Vivitar 285.

[vulcan]

The reason I asked about your previous system was because some manufacturers retain the lens mount and the lens from 35mm cameras will fit their newer digital systems. I have used Nikon for years and continued using them for that reason, I didn't have to buy new lenses when buying a digital camera. Unfortunately Canon changed their mounting system from the FD mount on the A1 to the EOS system on it's replacement, the T90.

The modern digital camera is a wonderful instrument and any SLR from the top manufactures[ Canon, Nikon, Olympus, etc] will do all you want and more. In my opinion the lens is more important then the camera and I would spend more on that but you should be able to get a very good system for £1000-£1500. I would also go to camera shops and hold cameras, comfort is very important and you can only discover this by handling them. If the camera isn't comfortable in your hands for a long period, you will never be happy with it. Good luck and enjoy your searching.

[Toffee]

Thanks Vulcan. I find your contribution both interesting and helpful. I assumed that the modern mounting system would be different and was not aware that Nikon has been consistent. Shame my lenses are not Nikon. I also have acouple of old AE1s and a Minolta 505si but no Nikons. When I go shopping I may now have a Nikon bias now!

[Maydup]

I don't have a clue Toffee, but just want to wish you a long and happy retirement!

[Old Salt]

I had the same problem when I was given early retirement Toffee

I was lucky as I knew someone in Adult Training and he suggested that I first take a night class in Digital Photography -- they usually have a class for the more advanced as well as beginners. And the person that suggested a Photo Club had a very good idea -- I joined one, but after a few years I lost interest as they had gone almost entirely for presentations, than for the actual 'catching a winning image.'

But, they helped me a lot with the photo editing software. It sure was a he** of a jolt after chemicals, dark rooms, slides, enlargers, prints, paper, loading film, processing four or five rolls of film and get a few that you like.

Good luck whatever you decide............you certainly have a good budget to begin your project.

Old Salt

[vulcan]

Toffee, thank you, glad I could help a little. At the end of the day selecting a new camera is a very personal thing but with research, handling and if possible using before purchasing, you usually end up with the right one. One thing I did notice when I changed to digital, at the beginning I became very lazy when taking the photograph. Previously the shot was composed and everything was checked before it was taken, with digital my attitude changed to "I'll sort it out on the computer". Luckily this attitude didn't last too long.
Eddie, no it wasn't me who bought your lens.The only photographic item I bought on e bay, was a larger bag. When the bag arrived, inside was a cheque for five pounds, the seller said she thought the description wasn't accurate and I could have the money. I e- mailed back and said I was perfectly happy with the bag and wouldn't be cashing the cheque, nice to meet honest and thoughtful people.

[Toffee]

Thanks everybody for your advice and good wishes. I can now tell you that after a lot of concentrated research I have opted for a Canon EOS60D with 17-85mm and 70-300mm I may have chosen slightly different lenses, but these were in a "bundle" at what I felt was a good price. I seriously considered Nikon and the EOS7D and may have regrets but for the moment I'm like a dog with t...................... I took delivery today and have had a marvellous day. What, with Lancashire winning the Championship last night for the first time in 77 years (outright), I only have one other wish to go. Thanks all.

[Ann]

Well Toffee - my Panasonic Lumix TZ7 compact camera takes even better pics than my husbands SLR - Canon EOS 400D - he's quite miffed that I can get better close ups etc!

[Hopkirk]

Go on, what's the other wish?

I suspect it's a bit naughty.

[Toffee]

Ann86, I don't knock the Lumix. I've been using one happily for the last few years! It's impressive and I see they've got a new one just out. Paddy, now you mention it it's two. No, thinking about it three, no, four................ The one I was referring to is looking as though it might take 77 years, but unlike with Lancashire, I remember the last times.