Seriously considering changing systems.

[JohnnyRebel]

I've been taking a lot of photos of dogs the last year and it's becoming my niche.

One of the things I've been let down on is focus-speed - in particular with instances of the dog running head on to me.

Mike,
Take advantage of Adorama's 30-day "no questions asked" return policy and get the new Nikon V3. Try it out and I'll bet you'll keep it. Pricey, but for what you shoot it seems ideal.

JR

 

[CuriousMike]

That V3 would probably do exactly what I want, but I measure my sensor in inches, and 1" is too small.

 

[iGas]

That V3 would probably do exactly what I want, but I measure my sensor in inches, and 1" is too small.

If size matters then a FF used 5D classic + 50mm f/1.8 maybe had for <$600, perhaps as little as <$500. However, you are going to have to give up speed and focal length, unless you are going to throw an additional >$1000 at it.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

That V3 would probably do exactly what I want, but I measure my sensor in inches, and 1" is too small.

A D4s plus 70-200 f/2.8 would be perfect!

Still, the Nikon 1 AF (and overall speed) is addictive. I know I'd have no problem getting your kind of shots on the V1.

JR

 

[CuriousMike]

Well, I'm committed to doing something now: My D5000 and LX7 are both on eBay.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

The newest Olympus OM-D has a hybrid AF. It is not as good an implementation as the Nikon 1, and does not track as well, but you get a bigger sensor and better technical image quality.

 

[blastingcap]

OP wants better AF tracking, so recommending an E-M5 is going in the wrong direction.

 

[shortylickens]

Well, I'm committed to doing something now: My D5000 and LX7 are both on eBay.

Dude, keep the LX7!

Its awesome for everything when you cant carry a massive SLR.

 

[CuriousMike]

Dude, keep the LX7!

Its awesome for everything when you cant carry a massive SLR.

I find that I just don't use it enough to justify keeping it.

It still holds a little value - another 6 months to a year, and it really won't be worth anything.

 

[Throckmorton]

The Sony A6000 is interesting. I wonder how good the on-sensor phase detect focus is.

If you have the money, that should be a nice upgrade. But for the same price as an A6000 and tele lens, you can buy a professional level 70-200 f2.8 for your Nikon

 

[imported_Irse]

Get a used D300/S. The AF module in the D5000 is not very good for fast moving subjects. D7100 is not bad either.

 

[Throckmorton]

I find that I just don't use it enough to justify keeping it.

It still holds a little value - another 6 months to a year, and it really won't be worth anything.

Oh since you're already selling the Nikon and LX7, by all means buy the A6000.

My coworker has an A7 and it's an incredible camera-- very compact.

The disadvantage is limited lens options, unless you get an adapter and use old manual lenses

I think the reason images look smeary at 100% is because they're 24 megapixel vs the 12 megapixel you're used to. It could also be that the kit lens just isn't that sharp.

 

[radhak]

Your best bet (optimized to using your existing camera and another lens at minimal cost) would have been a Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8. I bought mine on Craigslist for $200 and haven't had any complaints. If nothing else, it'd be a great way to decide which way you'd want to go (upgrade camera or lens).

Or you could buy a prime like the Nikon 35mm F/1.8. For sub $200, it gives the best bang for the buck, bar no other lens. But only if you can do without a zoom...

 

[CuriousMike]

I have a Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.0 which focuses fairly quickly, but is the most fickle lens for creating sharp/contrasty images I've ever used.

I have the 35 f1.8 - I love that little guy... but it's probably my slowest focusing lens.

I'm not completely off Nikon Island nor am I on Sony Island - I've kept watching the DPR Sony forums, and everything I see so far is the A6000 tracks but is missing focus. But I'm not convinced I've seen a pro-hobbyist using it either.

Oh man - I'm all over the place.
Last week was the A6000.
Yesterday was the D5300.
Today is a D7000.
Tonight it's a Pentax K50.
I don't know what I want.
Going with the D5300 + a 70-300 might get me close enough, plus I would get all the other benefits of the new D5300 body.
But the A6000 isn't out of the question either.

But maybe a refurb D7000 + 70-200 f4... LOLHahahah oh I'm killing myself.

 

[AViking]

You should rent or borrow some gear. Your last option would be pretty awesome.

 

[blastingcap]

Consider preordering this

http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/22/5625264/lytro-changed-photography-meet-the-new-illum-camera <-- probably the best article out of the three

http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/22/lytro-illum/

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2014/04/22/lytro-announces-illum-light-field-camera

30-250mm (full frame equivalent) lense. 1" sensor (2 stops worse than modern Nikon DX sensors) but f/2 lens. Depending on sensor and lens quality, image quality could be on par with a Nikon D5xxx/7xxx camera paired with 70-200 F/4 lens for action shots (click to the motorcycle shot in the interactive gallery that's embedded in the middle of the article)

The biggest drawbacks used to be tiny resolution and sensor and proprietary output, but these gen2 models output about the equivalent of ... something??? they claim five but it sounds like realistically more like 4.65... megapixels (megarays are not the same thing) and can be ported to Adobe/Apple imaging programs if I'm reading those articles correctly. Still might not be big enough for some people, but more than enough for sharing on Facebook/G+/Pinterest/etc.

In all seriousness though, I wouldn't put $1500+ up for one of these just yet, wait for reviews

 

[CuriousMike]

Consider preordering this

Yeah, I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Syborg1211]

Consider preordering this

http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/22/lytro-illum/

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2014/04/22/lytro-announces-illum-light-field-camera

http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/22/5625264/lytro-changed-photography-meet-the-new-illum-camera

30-250mm (full frame equivalent) lense. 1" sensor (2 stops worse than modern Nikon DX sensors) but f/2 lens. Depending on sensor and lens quality, image quality could be on par with a Nikon D5xxx/7xxx camera paired with 70-200 F/4 lens for action shots (click to the motorcycle shot in the interactive gallery that's embedded in the middle of the engadget article)

The biggest drawbacks used to be tiny resolution and sensor and proprietary output, but these gen2 models output about the equivalent of ... something??? they claim five but it sounds like realistically more like 3?... megapixels (megarays are not the same thing) and can be ported to Adobe/Apple imaging programs if I'm reading those articles correctly. Still might not be big enough for some people, but more than enough for sharing on Facebook/G+/Pinterest/etc.

In all seriousness though, I wouldn't put $1500+ up for one of these just yet, wait for reviews

I do have to say that that is one of the most aesthetically cool looking cameras I've seen in quite some time!

 

[iGas]

Consider preordering this

http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/22/5625264/lytro-changed-photography-meet-the-new-illum-camera <-- probably the best article out of the three

http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/22/lytro-illum/

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2014/04/22/lytro-announces-illum-light-field-camera

30-250mm (full frame equivalent) lense. 1" sensor (2 stops worse than modern Nikon DX sensors) but f/2 lens. Depending on sensor and lens quality, image quality could be on par with a Nikon D5xxx/7xxx camera paired with 70-200 F/4 lens for action shots (click to the motorcycle shot in the interactive gallery that's embedded in the middle of the article)

The biggest drawbacks used to be tiny resolution and sensor and proprietary output, but these gen2 models output about the equivalent of ... something??? they claim five but it sounds like realistically more like 4.65... megapixels (megarays are not the same thing) and can be ported to Adobe/Apple imaging programs if I'm reading those articles correctly. Still might not be big enough for some people, but more than enough for sharing on Facebook/G+/Pinterest/etc.

In all seriousness though, I wouldn't put $1500+ up for one of these just yet, wait for reviews

I bet you a cheap Holga would produce just as good or better picture than the Lytro.

Crazy fast aperture isn't new on long focal length and dozens of manufactures have made dozens of fast lenses that are faster than F/2. And, some produced lenses that as fast as the CONTAX 210 Zeiss N-Mirotar T (210mm at f/0.03. Yes you read it right...it is not a typo at 11 stops faster than F/1 aperture).

 

[Tom]

If you want to give it a try you can get a Nikon J1 with 2 lenses for $200. You might be surpised at the results you can get. Remember the 2.7x crop factor when considering these lenses.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-1-J1-...5335869999&campid=5335869999&afepn=5335869999

 

[blastingcap]

I bought that J1 with 2 lenses and case last night to either partially or fully replace my 70-300 F-mount lens. The entire J1 + 30-110 combo is probably smaller and lighter than the 70-300 lens, plus the J1 + 30-110 combo allows for rapid, dust-free focal length switching (I hate changing lenses in the field) when paired with my DSLR. If it turns out well, I may get the FT-1 adapter to use with my existing Nikon F-mount lenses. If it doesn't turn out well, my gf can use the J1 and sell her Canon S95 which is starting to show its age.

I also have to admit that I am curious about making slow-motion videos with the J1 (capable of 240fps with enough light, albeit at severely reduced resolution).

 

[CuriousMike]

$200 makes that a killer deal for someone in the market for it.

I'll be curious to here about your results with it after you've put some time with it.

 

[blastingcap]

$200 makes that a killer deal for someone in the market for it.

I'll be curious to here about your results with it after you've put some time with it.

I've put only a little time in it (very busy with other things right now), but the autofocus is indeed DSLR-quick. I immediately turned it against small birds in flight from afar, one of the toughest tests, and it didn't do as badly as my D5100. I don't have anything else to compare it to right now. I know that many people compare it to a D7000's autofocus speed and tracking, which is pretty high praise. It should do fine for large dogs. (The closest I came to that was taking photos of joggers as they ran past me.)

One thing I didn't like was how it take a moment to wake up out of sleep mode.

I am officially selling my DX telephoto and am in the market for a V1 to get a viewfinder to go with my little telephoto 30-110mm lens, now.

 

[CuriousMike]

I've put only a little time in it ...

... I am officially selling my DX telephoto and am in the market for a V1 to get a viewfinder to go with my little telephoto 30-110mm lens, now.

Sounds like you found the right answer.

After laboring for weeks about what the right direction for me is, I've decided on a refurb D7100 body.

The size doesn't really bother me; smaller form-factor of A6000 or other would be nice, but not necessary.

I want to take a pass at upping my photography skills, and more buttons and dials on the 7100 (over my 5000) should give me a fair shot.

And, the final truth is ultimately I just felt safer going Nikon, whether the 5300 or 7100. Safer = I know I'll be capable of getting solid results with enough technique and work.
And the A6000 shots I looked at ( and I looked at a lot ) just never wowed me. Admittedly, all of the shots I saw were posted by enthusiasts on DPR, but they just soured me on the system.

 

[NAC]

I would think that the Nikon 70-200 f/4 would be the ideal lens.