Not sure what to do? please help!

[gardengirl13]

My health conditions are starting to make my photography difficult. Over the last year or so I've been putting off even thinking about it much. Yesterday I spent a couple hours (about 30 minutes at a stretch) taking photos and today my back and arms hurt so much I can't relax them. My dr has said I'm getting worse. :( I've been debating buying a p&s (something like the panny fz8/18 or the s5) but I worry I'll be upset about the IQ. But for me lighter may be better. I need to keep up this hobby. Some days it frustrates the freakin' hell out of me, but it's still fun. I've been taking pictures since 1980 and don't plan on giving it up. I shoot with light lenses too. I've bought the 28-105 over the 24-105 due to how light it is, and I have lighter primes as well, instead of going with zooms. Lately I've been doing mostly close up work and birds, thinking that a p&s would be fine for the flowers (once spring gets here) and other close ups but I worry about the birds.

I'm so depressed thinking about this. I really don't want to give up quality (of course what p&s will ever match the 100 macro!?) but I may need to do this for my health. I also have been stressing over which lenses to buy lately and which will be light for me to go around with, and can't seem to find one I may like. I worry that if I keep getting worse I may not be able to do this much longer, but if I have a p&s maybe I can still do this for a long time yet.

Any suggestions? Do you think it'll be worth it to trade down? Do you think it'll frustrate me? I've had family tell me to keep the DSLR and get the p&s for my bad days. Well it's been a long time since I've had a good day. I don't see the point if I'll only use it once a month. I'd need the money over keeping it for so little. I do still have my first SLR and one lens, that is very light and I can use that if I ever want something in low light or "better" quality.

Mostly I want photography to be fun again. I don't want it to keep being a stress.

[Dermit]

gardengirl13,

I know I would be disappointed in trading down to a p&s not just because of image quality but also from a creativity standpoint. What is the health condition you are dealing with? Maybe there is a different solution we might be able to suggest if we know what it is you are dealing with.

[gardengirl13]

Fibromyalgia and arthritis. They're currently testing me for a fairly serious form of arthritis in my back.

[Bruce_B]

Would using something like a chest pod help? I've never used one but I've seen some that look like they would take all the weight off your arms. Could be worth checking out. A quick google turned up this:
http://www.ephotozine.com/shop/product83.html

[TheHoff]

My little Panasonic Lumix (LX2K) has a Leica lens, goes to 28mm on the wide end, is plenty sharp stopped down, outputs RAW, and has full manual mode. The biggest drawback compared to an SLR is the shutter lag, but that may not be an issue depending on how you shoot.

Panasonic has a different model that goes to 200+mm on the tele end as well.

[TeeJay]

Bruce has suggested a chest-pod, but why not simply use a tripod? Depending on the subject - it will certainly allow you to take a little more time in composing your pics and setting up your camera without putting undue stress on your joints, and even could possibly be used for "faster" events with a suitable pan head fitted.

TJ

[TheHoff]

Though the carrying of a tripod and physical act of setting it up might be more stress than it is worth to someone in pain.

[Bruce_B]

A tripod would probably help if it can be managed. The chestpod might be more of a walking around solution though. There are a lot of places where a tripod isn't practical.

[Jon]

Is it carrying the camera, or raising it up to compose and focus, that's the difficulty? Different solutions for the two different possibilities. If it's carrying the camera, a waist pack might move the load to a less uncomfortable place; if it's the holding the camera while shooting, a monopod (or a trekking pole with tripod thread) could help support it.

[timnosenzo]

Sorry to hear about this. Not sure which camera body you're using, but you might want to think about an XTi, and maybe either a kit lens, or using primes over zooms? Perhaps a XTi and 60mm Macro would be lightweight and compact enough not to bother you as much?

[gardengirl13]

Well the chest thing sounds good but one problem I have is costochondritis (sp) which is inflammation of my sternum. So that's out. Carrying a tripod is ok as long as it's light (the one I have isn't very sturdy with heavier lenses but it's very light to carry.) But without my husband there to carry stuff for me I can't manage both the tripod and the camera bag.

It is both carrying the weight of the camera and holding it up to my face that hurts. Bending over a tripod also aggrivates my back and neck.

I bought a panasonic fz8 to test and see how I'll like it. I can always return it if the quality is too poor. For me when taking flowers with a p&s sitting right on the ground with something light might be what I need.

My husband isn't happy I'm doing this. He really wants me to be able to keep my stuff. He also suggested I sell the 30D for a rebel. I may think about that if I hate the p&s. I may swap out for the 60 macro to help with weight as well. I sometimes think about getting the 70-200 with IS to help keep me more steady but the weight may be too much, I'm not sure if it's heavier then the 200 prime.

Thanks everyone. If anyone has any more suggestions please let me know!

[timnosenzo]

Maybe you should think about picking up a Rebel XSi when they come out... it will be smaller & lighter than your 30D, but it also has Live View, which would be great for you if holding the camera up to your eye bothers you sometimes... its also good for macro work.

[Bruce_B]

A P&S may be the way to go if you can't handle an SLR. Some of Canon's P&S's have manual controls and a lot of us SLR users still carry P&S's for backup or when we don't want to haul around the gear. You could still keep the SLR for those times where you can manage it, or have someone to help you set it up on a tripod. As suggested above, the new Rebel with Live View might work well for you on a tripod.

[gardengirl13]

Hmm that may work too.

I chickened out and cancelled the p&s order. I just don't know what I'm doing yet. I feel like my illness has won if I stop doing something I love.

I see that the 70-200 f/4 zoom weighs about the same as the prime, I may get that, but it'll be a bit since without the rebates it's too expensive right now. I'm thinking about trading the 100 macro for the 60 still. While I like the longer reach, the 60 weighs about half a pound less!!

[gardengirl13]

A P&S may be the way to go if you can't handle an SLR. Some of Canon's P&S's have manual controls and a lot of us SLR users still carry P&S's for backup or when we don't want to haul around the gear. You could still keep the SLR for those times where you can manage it, or have someone to help you set it up on a tripod. As suggested above, the new Rebel with Live View might work well for you on a tripod.

I'm still thinking about getting a p&s, just a cheaper one for when I really want to go out, but I cannot handle the 30D, that way I can afford both!

[Jon]

Do you go off paved or otherwise prepared trails? If not, a rolling bag might be a help. Even if you do, a dolly with large wheels would help unless you're going over really uneven ground. And for a body and a couple of lenses, like a macro and a 70-200 zoom, a waist pack would do well. I use (when I'm hiking) a Domke-branded one that was made by Kata. They're quite comfortable.

[gardengirl13]

I shoot birds and gardens mostly, so yeah it's pretty uneven. I just bought a domke f-6 (I think), something small and light, and so far I like it. most of the time when we go out my wonderful husband will help and carry the bag. I had a small waist bag (too small to hold the 200) this one I just bought has a little strap that I think can go around the waist. I don't think it'll be too comfy, but it's so light it doesn't really bother my shoulders or neck. Normally when I go out to shoot I only have a light wider prime and the 200, now it'll be the macro. I don't have my 24 any more and am thinking of getting the 20 instead or getting another 24. So i really don't need it to hold much weight. I just need something that doesn't look like a camera bag so I can bring it everywhere. Most days I just have the camera and one lens, so I only need it to carry it in the car.

Jon what is the number of your waist pack? I looked at the kata 92 (I think that's the number) and it looked too bulky. When I shoot I tend to get on the ground and on my stomach a lot and something bulky gets in the way.

The one thing I'm worried about is my husband band is playing a rather large gig next week (opening for a national act!!) and I want to get great shots, so the bag may be heavy, but it's only an hour and the drummer is driving not me so pain medications will help!

[LW Dail]

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, but I applaud your attitude! I also hear (read) your frustration at what's happening.

Of course you're frustrated, life changed the rules on you. But you're going to be fine, you're looking for solutions and asking the 'experts.' If anyone can give you the advice, it's this forum.

I am recently back into photography after the 20 year hiatus to work. I started with the Rebel XTi and while I've almost outgrown it, I have enjoyed learning digital photography with it. But with your range of motion and the weight, it may still be too much.

You might look at the Canon Power Shot A series. http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=113

They actually have lenses to add! My husband had purchased an A75 many moons ago and it served it's purpose. Great pictures, a lot of capability, the live view that would be helpful. They are kind of cute, though I don't think you can get involved in some of the lens discussions!

Good luck, keep up your great attitude, and we'll find you a solution!

[gardengirl13]

My first digial camera (I didn't keep it long because I thought it wasn't enough for what I wanted) was the A610. Now after trying other P&S I wish I just kept it as something to grab quick because it really out-performed all the other P&S I've used. It would be great to throw it in my bag when I didn't want to lug the heavier stuff around. Now to buy one it's WAY too much money. I saw one for $600! Used they're OK, but due to their age I'd be worried about how many shots have been taken with it.

[Bruce_B]

I'd check out this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000V20R28/

or this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000V1VG2E/

Both have Tv, Av, and manual modes.

[Jon]

The closest thing to my Domke/kata's the Kata Waistpack W-92. You could also look at Lowepro's or ThinkTank's belt-carried lens pouches or, if you don't worry about the padding, Domke's F-901, F-902 and F-945 pouches.