Image: MirageC / Moment via Getty Images Last week, we wanted to spark some potentially unexpected or controversial responses with our 'Question of the week. ' We were curious about the cameras you hate on paper but love in real life.
Alternatively, you could share about cameras you love on paper, but the hands-on experience didn't live up to the hype. We wanted to discover cameras that surprised either for good or for bad. Here's what you all had to say.
Cameras that exceeded expectations
You all brought up a very diverse range of cameras, from older DSLR models to brand new mirrorless and medium format options and everything in between. Tony Hall even surprised us with a mention of the Instax Mini. However, there were some common themes across responses.
Nikon Zf
The Nikon Zf was mentioned more than anything else when considering cameras that don't look great in terms of specs or expectations, but are nonetheless loved.
"I bought it on a lark last February just to try out a mirrorless I thought I could not grow too attached to. Just a 'play around' camera. I since have come to enjoy mirrorless cameras as my regular shooting tools," said AWG_Pics. "The Zf is still my most fun camera to shoot. It was definitely my gateway drug into mirrorless. " While many complain about the lack of a grip on the Nikon Zf, Pierre Legarde has a different perspective: "The lack of grip makes me hold this camera in a way I'm more involved in shooting. It's something to get used to, but in the end, it's rewarding. "
Older models
Another common theme was older models that were pleasant surprises. For example, a few of you highlighted the Sigma SD Quattro. "On paper: grumpy, if usable, autofocus. Uses DSLR lenses from a dead, yet still expensive, mount. Shooting past base ISO in color is a bad idea. Limited dynamic range; both highlights and shadows clip in an ugly way. Overheats even in moderate heat, said Earl Goodson. "In real life: and yet. . . . Those foveon COLORS. Crisp, realistic details. Subtle non-Bayer tonality that makes you want to just study the hues. "
Similarly, a few of you mentioned the Nikon Df. "Everything on paper told me that the Df was "wrong" (. . . and not just for me but for everyone. . . the hybris!)," said remrebus. "Now I own one and it's the only Nikon that I have and I'll never sell it (. . . for a numerous reasons that I don't explain here 'cos it would be a long list). "
Multiple people also mentioned the Nikon 1 cameras, including the V1, V2 and J5. "The specs don't look that great and the small sensor was a turn off before I received one as a gift," said lecoupdejarnac. "The system is just plain fun to shoot with and I've gotten lots of good wildlife shots with the killer 70-300mm lens (810mm equivalent!). "
Brian Chichester added that the initial reviews pointed out the Nikon 1 V1's many faults. However, "Much later I got my hands on one, used it, and realised that for me, it worked. I use it mainly as a monochrome camera and I would say that is its strength," he explained. "But it shows that, above and beyond spec sheets, a camera is a tool that either suits your hands and your purposes or it doesn't. "
Bridge cameras and compacts
There were also quite a few responses that mentioned bridge cameras or compacts. For example, Smaug01 mentioned that the OM System TG-7 was a camera that doesn't look great on specs but that he has been enjoying. "On paper, it has a tiny sensor, which should kill it for me right there. However, I'm finding that I'm out of my "any visible noise is bad" phase and becoming more open-minded as I ease into middle age," he said. "The ability to actually drop this directly in a pocket without worry about dust being ingested, and the fact that the useful zoom lens is pretty fast made me open my mind enough to open my wallet and buy one. "
IEBA1 didn't mention a specific model, but did highlight compact travel zoom cameras as ones to hate on paper but love in use. "In general, I hate tiny, fiddly cameras with minimal buttons and control," they said. "But my favorite travel camera is a too-small, tiny battery, tiny sensor camera. Because I can put it my jacket pocket and I have everything from macro, wide angle, and a 30x zoom. "
Cameras that disappointed despite their specs
There were also mentions of cameras with specs that should have resulted in an excellent device, but things didn't play out quite that way. The Sony RX series was one that popped up a few times.
"A few years ago I had a Sony RX100 VII. Great on paper and truly pocket sized," said GeoffNZ. "In reality the menus were too busy and fussy and the controls too fiddly, even for me with average sized hands. The built in flash was a nice idea but was not very powerful - it just about did some fill in flash if the subject was very close. Start up time very sluggish. It also got sensor dust from the moving lens. "
Yardcoyote also expressed their dislike for the RX100 series. "I went to buy the first version when the second version came out-- the camera was perfect for me on paper and I had the money in my pocket in cash," they said. "Went into the store, picked it up and couldn't put it down fast enough. Nasty slippery fiddly little thing. Being 'pocket sized' has never been enough to sell me any camera and certainly not that one. )"
You can still share
If you haven't had a chance to throw in your two cents, it's not too late. The post is still open so you can get in there and discuss cameras that surprise or disappoint. Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer, and we look forward to hearing your responses next time!
Click here to answer the Question of the week
. dpreview.com2025-10-4 23:12
