What is the perfect camera?

<p>For years I've been on a personal quest to find the worlds best digital camera. I've owned quite a few now, and still seem unable to conclude in a completely objective way which is the best. Of course I realize different cameras excel in different areas. Most recently I've bought both a Sony A7MKII, and a Nikon D750, and to be honest I think the Nikon may have a slight edge in IQ. On the other hand the Sony is just so compact, and really nice. As soon as I think I've found the best I normally come across a published list of horribles on one photography site or another.<br>

I'm not a sports, or wildlife shooter and as such don't find frames per second very important, or anything over 24mp on a full frame, but have nothing against it if noise, or dynamic range aren't compromised. <br>

My own definition of what would be the worlds best dslr, or mirror-less would be the camera which had the best overall image quality giving equal importance to all the factors that comprise it, and balancing them in one camera. Low noise, high dynamic range, good resolution, etc are what I like, and I'm sure all of you have a list of what's most important to you. <br>

So what is the ideal camera for you, and with what attributes does it win your admiration? Feel free to list real, and fictional cameras of your dreams. ;)</p>

I don't think there is such a thing as a perfect camera. Currently I use a Canon 60D; it's vastly better than my previous

one, a Canon T1i. But it pales in comparison to a full-frame instrument.. From an economic standpoint, the 60D is the

best for me - based on economics and at this time.

 

 

To reiterate, a perfect camera doesn't exist. But there certainly are cameras that are perfect for certain photographers,

but not for others.

<p>The best camera is the one you use the most because you understand how it works and have the right lenses for your creativity.</p>

<p>Now I like digital IR photography. I currently have a Canon 10D from about 12 years ago and 6.3 megapixels. Eventually I want a converted Canon T6S for 24 megapixel resolution and the movie capabilities.</p>

<p>Nikon FM2n. Chrome model. </p>

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<p>What's the perfect camera?</p>

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<p>The next one you are going to purchase. And then the one after that. And the one after that.</p>

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<p>... find the worlds best digital camera ... unable to conclude in a completely objective way which is the best</p>

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<p>Because there is no "completely objective way" to make that determination; everybody's "list of what's most important" varies.</p>

<p>Worst of all - even with the perfect/world's best/ideal camera one can still manage to produce crappy pictures - because low noise, large dynamic range and whatever other technical aspects aren't everything.</p>

<p>My ideal perfect camera weighs nothing and takes up no space when I have to carry it - and morphs into just the right size with perfect ergonomics and weight distribution whenever I shoot with it. At that time, it will have adequate DR and tonality for what I am making images of, as well giving me the perfect DOF and resolution for the intended use - all without noise of course. It will steady itself when I am using slow shutter speeds and grow a tripod if needed. It will continuously adapt and morph into just the right tool for the job at hand. It will have whatever fps I currently need, its battery will never be low, it will never have a spot on the sensor, will AF perfectly and track whatever needs tracking without fail. It's metering is always spot on with a certain aspect of clairvoyance included - it will meter perfectly even in situations where I am not sure what type of image I actually want to create. To that effect, it will also provide every possible compositional aid and guidance.</p>

<p>I saw a presentation by Sebastiao Salgado last month. I bet he has a very good camera.</p>

<p>The one I bought 30 years thatis not as good as I remember it.</p>

<p>I think most of the earlier posters are right on the button...it is a personal choice, and to be honest I haven't found it yet. In today's market on the digital side it probably is a Leica M9, as I really love rangefinders for much of my film shooting and would love to have a digital body to use my lenses on. Having said that, even the M9 (which I don't presently own) still isn't the best size, as I prefer earlier Leica Barnack camera designs, smaller sizes and rangefinders. However, I probably use my Olympus E-PL2 more than the Leicas or my Nikon D300...but I hate the fact that I have to turn the camera on, wait for a short warmup lag, before being able to see anything thru the viewfinder - but it does allow me to use all of my old lenses from almost everybody. The D300 is a workhorse for me, but getting a little tired. So I'm just back to "whatever one has with one" is the best one. Now if only the silicon film project hadn't been a scam I'd be happy as a clam forever.</p>

<p>Bruce, what a provocative question!<br>

Having used a few digicameras with a gazillion controls and menu options, I've regressed (or perhaps progressed!) to old film cameras that are purely mechanical eg M3, Rolleiflex etc. In many ways, I find them more fulfilling, because they simplify things to 2 basic controls (aperture/shutter speed). They challenge my photographic vision and skill, and when I manage to make a decent image, it is extremely satisfying.</p>

<p>You can find the perfect camera at the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.uk.mobilevisiontechnologies.photobox">Perfect Camera Store</a>.</p>

<p>It's on the shelves between the perfect tripod and the perfect camera bag.</p>

<p>The perfect lenses, of course, require a definition of focal range for the most part, but you may want to consider the 10-1000mm f/2.8 stabilized lens.</p>

<p>The type of camera that you like using most that does not require maintenance. I bet a lot of Leica users would love a rangefinder that does not need re-alignment.</p>

<p>Having said that, I'd love a Lytro Illum with 16Mpx output and DR about as good as a modern Bayer sensor. A camera like that makes fast AF redundant. Plus, you don't have to think about which aperture you want as the aperture is fixed.</p>

<p>My favourite camera... I go with Ross B's answer. <br />And to make the comparison to the digital cameras a bit more complete: loaded with Ilford Delta 100.</p>

<p>The problem is, the camera is just a fraction of the chain. As a body, I like my FM2 best, but for the lenses I prefer my Leica R. I like the results from Delta 100 most, but ISO100 is often limiting for what I do, so realistically, there is Tri-X in the FM2. And of course, if I know I'll shoot a significant amount of photos, I rather bring digital, so that DSLR also still ranks among cameras I particularly like.<br>

So, seriously, there cannot be one answer. The needs at hand drive the requirements, and there are times "image quality" (for whatever one makes that mean) is worth sacrificing over speed and handling, and sometimes not.</p>

<p>Actually I was talking about digital, but since a couple have added film cameras in I'd have to say the Nikon FM3 was perfect. Just the essentials with the added Aperture priority, just because. They really went wild in that model.</p>

<p>My own preferences:</p>

<p>For the trail, traveling light: Sony A6000 (although the A6300 is newer and surely even better)</p>

<p>For detail: Nikon D800E (although it has likewise been superseded by the D810)</p>

<p>For speed and action and night-time street shooting: Nikon D3s (superseded by D4, D4s, and now the D5)</p>

<p>For general utility: Nikon D5200, D7000, D7100 (all superseded by others, but all very useful).</p>

<p>Do I need them all? Well, no. Do I use them all? Absolutely. Each has its strengths. The D5200 is expendable, and so I use it when I might lose or damage the camera. The D7000 is great when one does not want to deal with big files. The 800E is great when file size doesn't matter. The D3s is just a general joy to use. I truly love the D7100 for general shooting.</p>

<p>Note: I bought most of these second-hand on the auction site. I certainly could not afford to buy them new.</p>

<p>I would love to have the D750.</p>

<p><strong>CAVEAT: My lenses make the images.</strong></p>

<p>--Lannie</p>

<p> </p>

<p>My perfect camera is my iPhone 6. I'm in South America right now getting ready to go to Patagonia in a day and my iPhone is in my pocket while my D810 is cozy back in the hotel room. Lots of statues to shoot but my wife and kids don't want a picture of a statue unless I'm in it. Just discovered selfies and a lot more of my friends and family like them over my serious photography.</p>

<p>Walter and Ross, I love the fm2 because my 135 2.0 dc works on it and with a 35 mm it is a light kit to carry. When I was a personal trainer was often asked what is the best cardio. Answer, the one you will do. Best camera, the one I will use because it allows me to fulfill my vision. </p>

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<p>Actually I was talking about digital,</p>

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<p> My hobby is B/W film and that consumes all my time for photography but for digital I would have to go with the cell phone camera. It's handy and the photo quality is good, great for the web and the pictures print out real nice at 4x6 which is my favorite size. </p>

<p> </p>

<p>Just my opinion but the best camera body out there is the Nikon F2. I've been keeping at least one around for a few decades. If it must be digital then I am shooting a pair of D200's among others and have found no reason to upgrade. They do everything I want them to do and do it easily and without getting in my way.</p>

<p>Rick H.</p>

<p>Whichever one I have with me... </p>

<p>And the search for the best perfect one is my excuse for getting more.</p>

<p>The perfect camera is the one that when you pick it up,it will do what you want when you want to do it.<br>

I have several both digital and film.<br>

Each has its own purpose.</p>

<p>A trite answer is one that you owned long ago, and always performed perfectly and gave you shots that simply are unattainable today... :-)</p>

<p>There is a truth in that though--and it has been reflected in these many posts. It was--and always will be the camera that one chooses to find a mastery over its variables--and use that knowledge to capture a vision or element of something that satisfies what was intended in the first place.</p>

<p>JDM, are you back?</p>

<p>Truly, the waters of the Nile have parted, and you have returned to the promised land!</p>

<p>Let me be the first to bid you a great loud WELCOME.</p>

<p>Nothing has been heard from a certain "minor" nuisance for some time. You know the one, with the overbearing sense of self-importance. Hiding in the privy, probably. Or he has blocked himself from posting. Whatever. </p>

<p>I for one look forward to many more postings from you.</p>

<p>JD in Sarawak, Malaysia.</p>

<p>I know of a few perfect camera(s) that I would like to own...</p>

<p>Of course, nothing is perfect. We all care about IQ, but I care the most about how easy I can use it, then secondly how well we can handle it, how the camera looks. For example, a phone camera is the <strong>worst</strong> for me because (1) it is hard to hold it still, (2) there is no button or wheel to control all the settings (3) there is no VF (4) cannot put it on a tripod or sand bag ... the only thing that is easy is to put it in my pocket and so it is always in my pocket.</p>

<p>My dream (and unrealistic) camera is one that has only 3 dials, one for shutter speed, one for aperture (hence it must have only one lens, right?), and one for ISO. Good VF and AF (one point is good) is a must because my eyes are not good anymore (but another dial for setting the focusing distance manually is also a good option).</p>

<p>Mirrorless systems are not good for me because (1) still noisy shutter (2) usually do not have enough buttons (3) usually do not have good VF (4) hard to hold still (5) low flash-sync speed (6) still have to clean sensor... still complicated and big.</p>

<p>The perfect camera has Carl Zeiss lens mounted on it.</p>