Camera weight - DSLRs - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/25/2004 11:31:30 AM · #1

OK. I see a lot of comments regarding weight, heft and feel. I know that in a recent case Kavey (and Ganders) chose a camera body with one of the selling points how light and easy to handle it was. I perceive that many people want a lighter camera for many different reasons. Is that accurate? I know in the case I cited there were extenuating reasons for this one particular feature being useful (and I know there were many other factors that went into their decision). I'd just like to know, how do you feel about weight and heft of a camera.

My own personal preference is for a heavier camera in my hands. I like my 10D with the vertical battery grip (BG-ED3), my flash bracket (Newton Di400CR), the 550EX flash and either the 17-40 or 70-200 lens (either of which has some weight to it). I handhold those shots during a full 3-4 hour photoshoot with models a couple of times a week. I'm not a big strappin' boy; I'm an outta shape southern boy that likes bacon and cokes. I went and picked up a Nikon D-70 with the kit lens and battery this weekend and it just felt too light in my hands. That was one of the things I didn't really like about the Digital Rebel. It just feels too light to me. Am I the only person that wants to feel that kind of weight in my hands when I'm looking through the lens? I got to hold a 1Ds with battery but no lens and brother I'm tellin' you I can't wait to finally buy into some system like that one. It just feels like what I expect a camera body to feel like to me.

This isn't a knock on any brand, style or grade of camera. I just read how people are interested in keeping the overall weight down and for that point of view I'm glad digital cameras seem to provide a lighter option with the same quality of imaging.

Just wondering if I'm the only nut that likes to feel like I'm holding "old world quality" instead of "new world technology" I guess.

Kev

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

04/25/2004 11:36:38 AM · #2

Originally posted by KevinRiggs:

I'd don't think I'd mind holding the weight, it's carrying it that I mind. I still haven't taken the plunge for a digital SLR for this reason. I was tempted to go for the Canon Pro1 instead, or the Nikon 8700, assuming they are smaller and lighter to pack with me than the SLRs, but I really want high ISO and low noise too. So far only the Canon SLRs provide that.

Though I note looking at samples online that the Nikons get significantly less noise than the CCD based Canon's at ISO 400. Compare the shots at Steve's and you'll see. But I still want something more like the Rebel and 10D's low light, low noise performance!

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 (E-mount)

04/25/2004 11:37:00 AM · #3

My camera isn't so heavy, even with a lens and flash on it, but the bag with the rest of the gear in it is becoming a problem. I rode my motorcycle about 220 miles on friday with a hike in the middle of that and the bag about wore me out.

My bag, with everything in it weighs 14 lbs.

Message edited by author 2004-04-25 11:38:07.

Geo_Griffin

Panasonic Lumix FZ45

04/25/2004 11:40:29 AM · #4

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

My bag, with everything in it weighs 14 lbs.

Jeez! That`s my base weight for a weeks backpacking trip :)

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

04/25/2004 11:40:32 AM · #5

Nah, you're not the only one!
I think that a heavier cam, to an extent, is easier for me to get a steady shot with. This makes sense, since it takes more force to accelerate it in one direction or another. I love the feel of the 10D with the 70-200 mounted.
Now, is it a convenient system to haul around all day? Well, I can tell you I'd rather be schlepping my little Nikon 995, but when it comes down to shooting, gimme the "big gun"!. There's a reason they call it a "Canon", LOL.

EddyG

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

04/25/2004 11:43:45 AM · #6

As I stated in this post, I think a heavier camera is also a "good thing". (My personal experience is 10D vs. G2, for example...) I do agree that weight can be annoying when you have to lug it around in something you can't roll...

Message edited by author 2004-04-25 12:25:30.

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

04/25/2004 11:48:25 AM · #7

Just curious if your bag is the shoulder strap kind that dangles from the side or the backpack kind. Imo, it may be easier over the long haul to carry gear in the latter type.

My major concern on trips or jaunts about town is how to carry my tripod, which I haven't yet been able to figure out a good solution.

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

soup

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/25/2004 12:11:30 PM · #8

look into a monopod. that would probably fit inside the backpack if you didnt have a ball head for it.

Originally posted by :

My major concern on trips or jaunts about town is how to carry my tripod, which I haven't yet been able to figure out a good solution.

EDIT: as far as weight goes, the rebel is heavier than my canon AL1, which is what i learned on. so i guess weight is something i expect from an SLR style camera. i think if the camera were too light, the longer lenses would be wieghted off center, and awkward

Message edited by author 2004-04-25 12:17:03.

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/25/2004 01:41:27 PM · #9

I, too, like to prefer the feeling of taking a photograph as opposed to putting on eye shadow. The 10D sits very nicely in my hand. It could even be taller, for the grip to fill it vertically (battery grip).

I'm considering hiring several sherpas or acquiring a llama to carry lenses and the (dreaded weight of) the tripod . In the city, a caddy might be more stylish.

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/25/2004 01:52:32 PM · #10

I like the heavy feeling of my Canon 300mm f/4.0L IS attached to my Rebel. Although when carrying all those heavy lenses in my Lowepro Computrekker backpack I wish I had lighter equipment....Especially if I'm running late at the airport and have to run to catch my flight.

As an aside...security people at airport checkpoints take a whole lot of interest in my backpack...lots of electronics and batteries and tubular structures in there to send alarms all over the place. Anyone have that problem?

jimmyn4

Canon EOS-7D

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

04/25/2004 02:04:16 PM · #11

As a broadcast journalist, I've had to carry my fair share of heavy equipment (by myself). So for me photo equipment is light in comparison; I don't typically get tired while carrying it. I feel like heavier is better because it feels solid, I can hold it steadier than my P&S.

Mousie

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/25/2004 02:14:20 PM · #12

Personally, I love the feel of a camera that I could really clobber someone with it if comes down to it. :)

KevinRiggs

Canon EOS-1Ds

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

04/25/2004 02:15:45 PM · #13

OK. I guess I should admit that I don't like carrying my bag o' stuff anymore than anyone else. Once I'm "on location" though and I can set my bag down and just shoot; that's when I appreciate the feel of the heavier equipment.

I carry an over-the-shoulder Tamrac bag. A friend who is getting into DV work bought a LowePro backpack and while the version he got is just too large for my needs right now, I would like to get something similar as that thing is awesome. Once you get it onto your shoulders it is pretty smooth sailing.

Kev

faidoi

Pentax K10D

04/25/2004 03:29:30 PM · #14

Pentax*ist D it measures just 129 x 95 x 60 mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.3 in) and weighs 650 g (1.4 lb) including batteries.

Message edited by author 2004-04-25 15:30:14.

SquirreI

Sony DSC-F717

04/25/2004 05:11:33 PM · #15

I usually think that, if a small, light camera can do all the same things as a larger, older version, then the new one has probably had to make some sacrifices to get the weight down. E.g. harder to hold, weaker casing material, buttons have been squeezed in in awkward places. Heavier usually means older when it comes to technology, and I tend to (perhaps wrongly) think of heavy-type cameras as having a better price-to-quality ratio than light cameras. I also agree with kirbic's point about shakiness - try filming on one of these tiny new digital camcorders. Much worse, and more expensive, than their larger counterparts in my opinion.

04/25/2004 05:33:30 PM · #16

Originally posted by Mousie:

Personally, I love the feel of a camera that I could really clobber someone with it if comes down to it. :)

ROFL

Kevin, as you rightly stated, weight is more of an issue for me because of arthritis - currently I only have it in the hips but I have painful shoulders often so perhaps it's migrating there - who knows? At any rate I find that weights considered by others to be light can cause me days of shoulder and neck pain after only a few hours.

That said, my lowepro rucksack that I took to Kenya earlier this month weighed 7kg once I had loaded it with my newer and older Minolta film SLR bodies, each with one lens attached and two lenses as back up plus films, batteries etc. Oh and sunglasses, hat, binoculars etc in there too. I nearly gave myself a hernia lifting that thing BUT when it was on my back I could carry it without too much trouble for the short walks I needed to take. I don't tend to do walking trips (for obvious reasons) so I know I won't be carrying the rucksack for hours on end.

But the camera stays slung around my neck during much of my waking day and needs to be light.

Of course, the benefits of the light weight of the D70 are partially reduced by the lens - not as light as many on the market.

But it's worth it.

Liking the new camera so far...

PS I feel famous!!!!

KevinRiggs

Canon EOS-1Ds

04/25/2004 05:42:22 PM · #17

Originally posted by Kavey:

PS I feel famous!!!!

Kavey, you are famous. But that's because of your great photos; not your lightweight camera.

Kev

04/25/2004 05:46:27 PM · #18

Originally posted by KevinRiggs:

Originally posted by Kavey:
PS I feel famous!!!!

Kavey, you are famous. But that's because of your great photos; not your lightweight camera.

Kev

Flattery will get you everywhere! :o)
I don't believe it for a second but it's still nice of you to say it!

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

04/25/2004 05:47:13 PM · #19

PS Out of myself and Pete it's PETE who has sold a print on DPCPrints (today, as it happens).

Woo Hoo! We have a "sold artist" in the family!

:o)

Konador

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

04/25/2004 05:49:20 PM · #20

Originally posted by Kavey:

PS Out of myself and Pete it's PETE who has sold a print on DPCPrints (today, as it happens).

Woo Hoo! We have a "sold artist" in the family!

:o)

You have 2 sold artists... unless I'm not in the family anymore? :(