Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question

Best digital camera for b&w stills under $600

Tags:
  • Cameras
  • B&W
Last response: in Digital Camera
Share
February 13, 2014 9:10:50 PM

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.


My previous camera is a Minolta Maxxum 7000 from 1985. I've always developed the film and photographs myself. If I can get a digital camera that's notably better than that (I no longer have access to a dark room or the money to keep spending on the materials necessary for one.)

I'd prefer to not spend more than $600. If I can spend less than that, that would be better.


I'll be making black and white images to be printed at gallery quality, so I suspect I'll always shoot in RAW, based on what I've read.


I don't care about video.


I'll primarily be shooting close and macro shots, but will also be doing some portraiture. I often use a tripod. High-speed shots aren't very important to me.


I generally hate flashes. I use natural light and (occasionally) studio light.


I'd appreciate lens recommendations as well, even if you're just recommending that I take a kit lens.


Thanks!

More about : digital camera stills 600

February 14, 2014 12:03:21 AM

valzi said:
...My previous camera is a Minolta Maxxum 7000 from 1985...


Hi valzi - Minolta made great cameras - I started out with an srT-101 back in the 70's.

If you don't mind shooting manual, I recommend you buy a $499 (on sale) Fuji X-E1 body and a $29.95 Sony/Minolta to Fuji-X adapter. That way, you can start out using your existing glass and upgrade to Fuji system glass later.

Here is the B&W image quality this camera can produce: http://www.flickr.com/groups/fujix-e1/pool/tags/bw/

That said, the advantage of the Fuji is the X-trans Color File System. Since you're shooting B&W, that may not be attractive to you.

Alternatively, you can use your Maxxum lenses in full auto with a $499 (on sale) Sony A65 DSLT body

Here is the B&W image quality this camera can produce: http://www.flickr.com/groups/slt-a65/pool/tags/bw/

On a limited budget, I strongly recommend saving money by sticking with your existing lenses. In the 29 years since you bought your Maxxum, lenses haven't gotten a lot better - but they have gotten a lot more expensive.

I picked two cameras with viewfinders (electronic for the Fuji, optical for the Sony) because that's what you're familiar with. If you're willing to forego a viewfinder, there are other options.

Hope this is helpful!

Bill
February 14, 2014 12:33:01 AM

Thanks, Bill!

I was born in the 80's, and I only have 2 lenses (one of which I can't use much because I don't have much purpose for a telephoto lens). I should have mentioned that.

I don't mind shooting manual, but what is the $500 paying for? Is it just the color system? If so, you're right. I'm too focused on black and white for that to matter for me. I've seen Nikons and Canons that seemed similar but had several assistance features. I didn't realize that my Minolta lenses would still work on any modern cameras though! That's neat. I'm not very invested in them though.

I like the analog controls on the Fuji (though I'm sure I could adjust to always using a screen if I needed to.)

I do like a good viewfinder. Good guess. I think I could adjust to spending time with the LCD, but the viewfinder forces me to think IN the photo itself.
February 14, 2014 5:51:59 AM

valzi said:
...what is the $500 paying for?..


The X-trans' advantages extend beyond color. It has better dynamic range and better high ISO performance than a Bayer sensor.

The X-E1 is probably the best value-for-money viewfinder-equipped APS-C camera in this class at its original $600 price.

At $500, it's a steal.

There are only two left for $499 at Amazon as of this post.

I am not a big fan of the Nikon and Canon DSLR offerings in this price range. They make you pay for a lot of features that look good on a spec sheet, but don't make your photographs better

The Samsungs don't have viewfinders - while the viewfinder-equipped Panasonic and Olympus camera in this class have smallish sensors - great for video, but not the best for stills (I have several Panasonic cameras, so I am a big proponent of these cameras - but for still-only photographers, they may not be the best choice).

And the Sony NEX-6 and NEX-7 are overpriced, in my view.

Again, hope this is helpful!

Bill



!