Need recommendation for SLR replacement

. . . I found a Canon EOS 70D in very good condition at reputable online dealer for $399, and a EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens kit at Amazon for $155. (I now know the difference between Canon EF and EF-S lenses). What are your thoughts on this camera? Also, how good is battery life on these models?

 

The camera was released in 2013. Technology has advanced since then. My expectation would be some of those Bridge Cameras mentioned would outperform the 70D at ISO1600 and above - though depending upon what genre of 'low light' photography you want to explore, that might not be relevant.

 

The 50mm F/1.8 Lens will give you a Field of View approximating an 80mm lens used on your old Minolta Camera.

 

WW

Edited March 2, 2021 by William Michael

. . . I do have 5 color filters and a 3-lens set of close-ups that worked with those 55mm diameter accessories, and for now I don't want to spend the money to re-buy them, especially if I decide later to upgrade from the low-end DSLR I'm about to buy to a different one in 5 years. . .

 

I'd guess the '5 color filters' will be redundant for a Digital Camera.

 

If required - provided you use a Step Up Ring, (not Step Down Rings) the Close Up Filters should adapt OK.

 

WW

The two brick and mortar stores won't work for me; one only handles used cameras, with one in my price range, the other has nothing in my price range.

 

I've narrowed down my choice to:

 

1) Nikon 7100 body ($419) + AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens ($197)

 

2) Canon EOS Rebel T7 body + 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is II Kit + EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens ($574)

 

3) Canon EOS 70D body ($399) + EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens ($125)

 

Final thoughts?

From your list I would go with the Nikon 7100 and 35 mm f/1.8 lens. The Canon Rebels that I have handled are a bit plasticy and only have one dial to handle both f/stop and shutter speed setting. Coming from your more conventional Minolta that will probably take some getting used to.

Some of the larger sensor compact cameras on William Michaels list (with a Sony 1" sensor) would work for me for travel and lots of other stuff, but would not compete in low light with a modern APSC sensor + fast lens. Of the three cameras listed, I agree with AJG's assessment of the Canon Rebel. The Nikon has the best sensor of the 3, and the available fast prime is the focal length you want, so it's up to you.

Thanks everyone; the Nikon it is. I appreciate your time, and also the education.

3) Canon EOS 70D body ($399) + EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens ($125)

A 50mm lens on the APS-C Canon 70D will not give you a 'standard' angle of view. The 35mm lens on the DX Nikon D7100 will.

A 50mm lens on the APS-C Canon 70D will not give you a 'standard' angle of view. The 35mm lens on the DX Nikon D7100 will.

 

Isn't the D7100 also an APS-C camera with a crop factor of 1.5 vs the Canon's 1.6? 50mm on the D7100 will have a 35mm-equivalence of 75mm vs. the Canon's 80mm. Still not quite a standard view.

Late to the party here but @alan_varga made the right choice. A D7100 and 35mm is a great kit for somebody who likes a 50mm on 135 film, and the D7100 for that price is a heck of a lot of price/performance.

Isn't the D7100 also an APS-C camera with a crop factor of 1.5..

Yes it is. And if you read the OP's shortlist, it comes with a 35mm f/1.8 lens. Giving an equivalent angle-of-view to a 50mm lens on full-frame.

I've narrowed down my choice to:

 

1) Nikon 7100 body ($419) + AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens ($197)

Got it, thank you for the clarification.

So you want a DSLR. Right, that should be easy! There are pretty much only two choices IMHO. Nikon and Pentax. Pentax doesn't have a camera that can shoot sports/action/wildlife, but their cameras do offer features that you won't necessarily get in a Nikon.

 

(5:32)

 

Now, if you want a 36mm sensor, there are some good options at different price points. I don't believe that the D700 can compete with modern cameras, but given its age and price point on the secondhand market, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. I have taken it up to ISO 6400 although I'd recommend keeping it below that. The other option could be a D600. It is more modern but not necessarily that much more expensive.

 

(5:11)

 

There are lots of DX Nikon bodies that I could recommend, as many of them are great. Just avoid the cheapies like the D3200 etc.

 

The Nikkor 50/1.8 D is pretty good, too.

 

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D700s are pretty aged now, but I have one, and I think its still a pretty good camera.

D700s are pretty aged now, but I have one, and I think its still a pretty good camera.

Yes, resolution is greatly overrat........