r/Photography_Gear

Hey everyone,

Looking for some real-world advice here, not just spec-sheet comparisons.
I currently own a Nikon D5200 with a small collection of lenses:
• Nikkor 50mm f/1.8
• Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6
• A couple of Soviet manual lenses (Helios 44-2, and a Pentax SLR lens with an M42 adapter ring)
• A flash unit

Problem is, I haven’t touched any of this gear in years. It’s just too heavy and bulky to carry around day to day, so without really planning it, my iPhone 17 Pro basically replaced my DSLR for everyday shooting. It’s just always in my pocket and good enough for most things.
Lately though I’ve been reading up on mirrorless systems and realized the bodies are way smaller and lighter than I expected, so I’m seriously considering getting back into “real” photography. A few thoughts/questions:
• I like the idea of full-frame, which pulls me toward Sony (A7 line seems to be the sweet spot)
• But I keep reading that Fujifilm has a different color science / more “film-like” rendering that a lot of people love, even though it’s APS-C
• I’m also aware Nikon Z exists and might make sense since I already have some Nikkor glass, though I know F-mount to Z-mount adapting isn’t seamless
What I care about:
• Size/weight (this is literally why I stopped using the D5200)
• Image quality good enough to notice a real step up from iPhone computational photography
• Decent lens ecosystem, including compatibility (or at least a good adapter story) with my old Nikkor/M42 lenses if possible
• Not necessarily chasing video, mostly stills — travel, everyday life, maybe some hobby stuff
So — Sony, Fuji, or Nikon Z? Would love to hear from people who made a similar jump from an old DSLR/phone combo into mirrorless. Any specific body/lens recommendations appreciated!

Thanks in advance 🙏

I am searching for a quick release system that I can use with one hand. I had a stroke and I have lost the use of one hand. I am looking for a system that will allow me to attach my SLR to a tripod. Bonus if there is an easy-to-use tripod. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I'm a 5,2 woman with a canon 100-400 and canon r10. Any recommendations for a harness/carrying device? The neck strap is not enough and also getting pain in my hand from supporting it! UK if relevant.

hi, i’m travelling for the first time with my sony alpha 6400. i have no extra lenses or accessories. it’s literally the camera, lens cap, strap, and charger. does anyone have any tips to carry the camera around without having a dedicated bag. i’ve read a couple posts talking about neoprene cases, but i don’t have enough time to order or buy one.

any other tips? :,(

I keep seeing these really nice camera rope straps on social media, but I have no idea what brands they are. I only found a couple on Amazon, and they don’t seem to be the same. Does anyone have any recommendations?

If you lost everything had to start over with a limited budget. 2000 dollars. What camera and accessories would you buy first?

I am interested in photographing and shooting video of as many local species here in Canada as possible.. however I’d like a proper camera and lenses.. just hoping for some advice. I’d like to avoid the hype and get what works

Mostly a camera noob I have an old T3 Rebel that has gotten me through the years. I’ve inherited some camera items and understand this camera is one of the nicer ones. It came with a Tamron 17-70.

I’m considering selling it but not really sure what I have. Mostly it seems just too bulky for my needs of taking pics and videos at my kids sports or hiking. I couldn’t imagine taking a setup like this hiking. It seems it would get in the way but I’d also be afraid I’d break it.

Any guidance to a total beginner? For the time being I’ll probably hold onto it and mess around with but is there a good lens setup that’s super thin and not crazy expensive? How do people go about hiking and not seeming like paparazzi when out and about with a camera like this?

Hi everyone, looking for some honest buying advice and a reality check before I spend money.

Background: I currently shoot a lot with my iPhone 17 Pro and I enjoy it enough that I want to take photography more seriously as a hobby and push beyond what the phone can do.

My girlfriend owns a Sony A6000, so I can test with that for free. But from the bit of research I’ve done, it sounds like the jump from a modern phone to a 2014 A6000 (especially with the kit lens) might be smaller than I’d hoped. I’d like to know if that’s actually true, or if I’m missing something.
What I shoot: mostly landscapes and architecture/buildings, very few people. Mainly good light and golden hour, with some interest in long exposures and night cityscapes down the line.

My questions:
1. Is the A6000 (maybe with a better lens than the kit) a sensible free starting point, or is it dated enough that I should just buy something newer?
2. For landscapes and architecture specifically, what actually gives a noticeable step up over an iPhone 17 Pro is it mostly the sensor, the lens, or shooting RAW and editing?
3. What affordable camera + lens combinations would you recommend (new or used)? I care more about image quality and a good wide-angle than about video or fast autofocus.
Budget: roughly 1500€. I’m totally open to used gear and not tied to any brand.