New camera

[Regular.Cyclist]

My primary camera at the moment is a Sony Alpha 7 mk III. I use it mainly with Canon L series lenses (still own a Canon 7d mk I, 5d mk II, 5d mk III and a 60d that has had a full IR conversion, hence the lenses). I use the metabones adapter which is excellent. The Alpha 7 mk III can be picked up in good condition from just over £600 from MPB at the moment.

 

[Psamathe]

In addition to my interchangeable lens mirrorless (significant size) I also have an RX100m6 which is also brilliant. Cycle touring I take the RX-100 as it's small and light and good quality subject to limitations (eg 1" sensor gets noisy in low light).

Ian

 

[Psamathe]

Another consideration that is important for me is that camera has a viewfinder. Mine have both viewfinder and rear screen and rear screen useful for menus, settings and even picture review but maybe I'm old fashioned but I don't get on with rear screen for taking pics and find them useless in any sunlight.

Ian

 

[Psamathe]

I keep getting screens dirty with my nose when using viewfinders though!

Bit of <off topic> but I've generally been fitting screen protectors to my camera rear screens and despite always using those from the manufacturer they do lift round edge and I got fed-up (they are not cheap) so I called a reputable camera retailer to ask if they were actually necessary and their response for Sony was that the screen coating is a bit soft and chemicals people often use (sun creams, insect repellant) transfer nose to screen and can over time damage the screen. They did specifically mention Sony screens so I have no idea how general the advice is to other brands.

When asking I was careful to "I've already got this protector is it worth fitting it?" so there was no aspect of whether to buy or not buy from them so no sales pressure in their answer.

Ian

 

[Psamathe]

I never even thought of trying to get a screen protector, as an older camera there are few options but I have found a couple.

I wonder if I was to get instead a phone protector screen, and cut it to size. The screen I have is not touch screen so its just to protect it from my nose like you say and other things.

I was (and even after talking to specialist in shop) still am a bit unsure. Cameras, like bikes, get used, sometimes get bumped into things sometimes get a scratch, it's part of being used and wrapping in cotton wool ... they get used and get to show signs of use.

I always disable touch screen function of the rear screen as I find it a real nuisance. The screens are too small to do much beyond a brief glance at the image so a scratch or abrasion is not a big issue.

I still feel put efforts into protecting lens (front element).

That said, I did fit a new rear screen protector recently.

Ian

 

[Psamathe]

I wouldn't fit a protector to the front surely? Just use the dust cap always and use a dry cloth (I use my glasses ones) to go over it.

I always use a UK filter. UV probably because of the era I'm from as UV doesn't need filtering these days (I believe the sensor has it's own UV filtering) but I use a a bit of glass that's a lot cheaper than the lens (except worth getting filter quality to match lens quality and some can get a bit expensive).

Ian