New camera needed (old one died)

Darren.N

Darren.N

New member
Hi,

What cameras are people using for their underground photos as my lumix ft5 finally gave up back in the summer, I could get a used one of ebay but no idea how long its gonna last. I've been using my mobile phone which although it does take a decent shot struggles with low light. I'd like to go back to a slr if possible. So just looking for suggestions really.

The ft5 was good as it had a manual mode which i really liked.
 
Just about everybody I know is using a mobile phone. Even somebody I know with a very expensive Canon SLR (professional grade) often takes pictures with a mobile phone because of the convenience.

Chris.
 
Most of my caving friends seem to use Olympus Tough series. I carry one )previously a T4 but nowadays a T5) but rarely use it unless conditions are very wet or sandy.
I use my mobile phone for grab shots and reference grabs of things I know I will want to revisit.
Most of the time I stick to a dSLR (usually a D750 as it's got a great viewfinder and good low light performance) but occasionally film cameras too. I've often been tempted by the Fuji XT series for their compactness but for now I'd rather stick to my full frame or medium format cameras and take the weight hit.
 
I use a Sony DSC-H400. Its a bridge camera with good optical zoom and full range of settings, good if you are into F stops and shutter speeds rather than modes. Been out for a few years so should be able to pick up a good SH of ebay.
A good pocket cam I use is a Fuji XP 120, campact dive. Waterpoof and takes good picks. Has "Night tripod" mode that works quite well. But basically, I regard it as a 'snap happy' if you get the drift.
Expect a lot of different opinions on this thread
 
ilt said:
Most of my caving friends seem to use Olympus Tough series. I carry one )previously a T4 but nowadays a T5) but rarely use it unless conditions are very wet or sandy.
I use my mobile phone for grab shots and reference grabs of things I know I will want to revisit.
Most of the time I stick to a dSLR (usually a D750 as it's got a great viewfinder and good low light performance) but occasionally film cameras too. I've often been tempted by the Fuji XT series for their compactness but for now I'd rather stick to my full frame or medium format cameras and take the weight hit.
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I was going to buy one of these, but always just used phones, if I upgrade I'll definitely be looking for a different alternative as already flooded one, surprised my current Google pixel is still going considering the abuse it's had, how do the Olympus Tough fare with low light conditions?
 
James Davies MAMC said:
...., how do the Olympus Tough fare with low light conditions?
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The 5 is significantly better than the 4 in low light.
How they compare to other ruggedised compacts I don't know.

One thing they have which none of the others do is built in light stacking (they call it Live Composite) which could be useful if light painting is your thing. It's effectively a long exposure but with the rear screen showing you the exposure building up. I don't use the compact for that but I've seen some good results from people who do.
 
If you aren't lugging a full frame camera (at the minimum) can you really say you are taking photographs? 😂

But all jokes aside I would look at the various compact APS-C cameras probably be a nice step up from the lumix but not as cumbersome as a full DSLR or full frame mirrorless. With some of the compact lenses you can get for APS-C now put a nice pancake lens on a Sony A series APS-C you'd find it not much bigger than the point and shoot style cameras.
 
I do have a dslr and did take it plus lens & tripod with some friends into a well know cornish mine once, Great shots but never again. Just too much to carry up and down them ladders...😂
 
Darren.N said:
I do have a dslr and did take it plus lens & tripod with some friends into a well know cornish mine once, Great shots but never again. Just too much to carry up and down them ladders...😂
Click to expand...

Yet you said initially you wanted to go back to an SLR if possible?

Maybe an 'actioncam' would suit?
Video capability if wanted but more importantly small and fairly rugged. DJI or Insta360 would be the ones to look at for reasonable low light performance. GoPro have sat on their backsides for years thinking they make the best and now lag a very long way behind the others for sensor size and battery performance (plus they are still beset by overheating issues). Big downside is very limited 'manual' options though that will actually come to some in the coming months (along with higher prices no doubt).
 
depends documenting or artist photography? had an Olympus TF witch was ok i fairness but my big Oly EM1-3 with the oly 7-14 f2.8 is my go to camera :) all video i use my trusty dji action 4, probably the best low light video at that price point
 
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