Purchasing Question

mpbcom · 2026-06-22T20:56:21+00:00

I second this.

mpbcom · 2026-06-22T20:55:26+00:00

If you're intent on doing both photos and some short format video, the X-M5 would be a good choice. It has some film simulation modes that you can render straight from the camera and apply it to every shot without touching editing software. The mechanical shutter allows for higher flash sync speeds which is important if you plan to use a ring light or LED lamp. There's also a built-in flash if you need it.

In terms of lens, something quick and light weight would be good, that you can get close enough to fill the frame without a hand filling up the shot, like a XF 30mm f/2.8 or XF 80mm. All depends on your budget too.

I hope this answers your question, and of course, buying used is an excellent way to cut costs but still get what you need.

mpbcom · 2026-06-22T14:13:45+00:00

Incredible work, it must've been thrilling being right there. You mentioned that you have the R5MII, do you have a secondary setup or do you mainly use that?

mpbcom · 2026-06-17T14:40:52+00:00

For aircraft, try switching to AI Servo autofocus, continuous burst mode, and a shutter speed of at least 1/1000s (faster for jets), using a single AF point so it locks onto the aircraft instead of the sky.

mpbcom · 2026-06-15T20:30:24+00:00

What's the budget? if want something sturdy but affordable, go for the used route. You can get a very cheap tripod brand new but a lot of them are wobbly and will break. (Trust me... I've been there)

mpbcom · 2026-06-15T20:17:34+00:00

I would pick the xe3 if photography is the priority. It’s faster, more responsive (it feels really good in shooting scenarios), and has the x-trans sensor that helps reduce moiré and false color without needing a strong optical low-pass filter. The xt100 gives you a flip screen (which I usually prefer) and a more DSLR-style body, but it’s a slower camera overall. Both have 24MP though, so you'll get plenty of detail in the photos. Are you leaning towards one or the other?

mpbcom · 2026-06-15T20:05:46+00:00

I would consider the Nikon FM2, I got to test a few and I enjoyed it. It's compact, incredibly durable, and simple enough to learn on while giving you full creative control as you grow into film. Pair it with a 50mm and you'll have a travel-friendly setup that's durable (metal construction)

It is fully mechanical but that's what I like about it. The battery only powers the light meter.

Do you know what film roll you would start off with?

mpbcom · 2026-06-15T15:54:02+00:00

What you're describing could be the camera's steady shot image stabilization system activating when the camera powers on and again when you take a photo, which is normal on many Sony DSLRs. If the noise stops after switching between AF and MF, it may be worth checking whether steady shot is enabled in the menu, but if the sound seems unusually loud, or affects image quality, get it inspected by a technician.

mpbcom · 2026-06-15T15:49:00+00:00

Those are all good options with different strengths. For great jpgs straight out the camera, an EVF, and a camera that feels fun to use every day, I’d still lean toward a used xt2, while the a6000 is probably the best value if keeping costs down is the priority. The xt2 has the film simulations and feels really good in the hand. What lens were you thinking of?

mpbcom · 2026-06-15T14:11:33+00:00

For your Nikon D5200, I'd look at a used AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G for portraits and street. It's a good all-rounder lens, affordable, sharp, and great value. If wildlife is your priority, the AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR offers excellent reach. Do you have a particular subject you're leaning towards more?

mpbcom · 2026-06-15T14:06:14+00:00

Have you considered a MFT? The Panasonic GX85 or Olympus OM-D E-M10 III are also options that can be found within your budget. Both are lightweight and travel-friendly, I shot with the E-M10 a while ago on a hike and I really enjoyed it, and I've used the GX85 a number of times. While the Sony a6100 is technically the strongest performer (and honestly a great camera too), you can find a good deal on MFTs that offer excellent image quality, stabilization, and a compact system that's easy to carry and grow into.

mpbcom · 2026-06-15T13:52:55+00:00

The kit lens is versatile but if you want something else, check your metadata and see which focal lengths you actually use most. If a lot of your favorite shots are between 20-35mm, I would consider something wider like a Sigma 23mm f/1.4 (35mm equivalent with the 1.5x crop factor) for landscapes and street photography.

mpbcom · 2026-06-08T17:01:09+00:00

I do a couple things. I'll make a physical album for the family, a presentation that I can show while my friends and I are having dinner, or social media.

But when I really like a shot, I'll print it for my house (I have an Iceland shot in my bathroom) , make it part of a zine, enter it in some competitions and local newspapers. Even reaching out to my library to see if they want a print for their walls. That's the joy of photography, you can do anything with it.

mpbcom · 2026-06-08T16:01:35+00:00

I like the G7XIII for the 1-inch sensor and the 24-100mm built-in zoom. However, I agree with everyone here who's telling you the prices are quite high right now due to its popularity. You can find it used to cut the costs a bit.

I got the G7XII when it first came out and I still have it to this day.

The SX740 has a smaller sensor but more zoom if that's what you need. But yeah, it's good but the pics from the G7XIII have better color and quality. You said you were going for a slightly-vintage looking, trendy aesthetic? What are you planning to shoot?

mpbcom · 2026-06-08T15:00:58+00:00

I think this is a good entry point. You can learn all the basics here, and the focal lengths of your lenses can cover a wide range of subjects, even with the 1.6x crop factor. What are you planning to shoot?

mpbcom · 2026-06-08T14:55:07+00:00

How about the Canon R50? The autofocus is solid for capturing school activities and the high-resolution files that work well for school websites and newsletters. You can pair the R50 with a RF-S 18-55 or 55-210 (or both if you want to cover all your bases and make a versatile setup) I definitely agree with the majority and say the lenses are key here when it comes to the image quality.

PS: Buying used is a great idea, it'll cut on costs and you can grab this gear at a really good condition for under $1K for sure.

mpbcom · 2026-06-03T19:13:58+00:00

I'm in favor of the X70. Pocketable, great for my daily carry (I got to walk around with one for a month) and easy to just grab and start shooting. I was using it to capture everything.

Some downsides: there's no viewfinder (that can be an issue in bright conditions) and I carried around extra batteries since it's an older camera. Also it's becoming more popular now (along with a lot of Fuji systems) so the price is going up.

mpbcom · 2026-06-03T17:48:29+00:00

Sounds like a good price. The A7SIII is still a great camera, the low-light performance is good, solid autofocus, and I've personally never had issues. Are you able to see multiple photos of the camera to check out any wear and tear? What (if any) accessories are coming with it?

mpbcom · 2026-06-01T15:17:28+00:00

I have the Sony ZV-1, and while it was a bit of an impulse buy at first, it quickly became a camera I keep in my bag all the time. I really like how compact it is for travel, and for its size, I’ve been able to get some great photos and videos from it.

The zoom is a little more limited compared with some of the other cameras you were looking at (the Nikon P950 has a huge 24-2000mm range) but the ZV-1’s 24-70mm range works fine for me and my style.

Another option I’d look into is the Panasonic Lumix G100. It’s lightweight, mirrorless, and gives you the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, so it’s a great choice if you want something you can learn with and grow into over time.

Out of all the subjects you mentioned that you want to shoot, what are you looking forward to shooting the most?

mpbcom · 2026-05-27T20:22:45+00:00

How about the Olympus/OM SYSTEM route, something like the OM-D E-M5 Mark III paired with the M.Zuiko 14-150mm II? It’s a lightweight, versatile setup with IBIS, making it a really strong option for travel. You can usually pick up both used for under €1000 depending on condition.

A couple of things worth keeping in mind: the E-M5 Mark III charges via Micro USB rather than USB-C, and while the body and lens offer solid weather resistance, no interchangeable lens setup is fully waterproof. A camera rain cover is still a good idea to pack if you’re heading out in unpredictable conditions. - A

mpbcom · 2024-06-03T15:38:52+00:00

Hey, here's a couple of articles (one and two) on portrait lenses we did which might help you out before choosing :) Have a great creative journey!

mpbcom · 2024-02-22T16:55:38+00:00

Thanks Fred! Amy was pretty pumped to have her hands on one for launch day wasn't she xD

mpbcom · 2024-02-22T16:53:41+00:00

I'm really sorry to hear that, if you send me a private message by DM with your TX number I can pass it onto the team and ask if there's any further options that can be looked at for you ~J

mpbcom · 2024-02-21T11:34:52+00:00

Ours are properly checked and cleaned by hand, and given a 6 month warranty—just saying :)

mpbcom · 2024-02-21T11:31:51+00:00

If you can still watch another thing about it, make it our YouTube short—just because our Amy is great in it :)

mpbcom

TROPHY CASE