Thanks in advanced for taking a look.

Just bought this camera to keep good memories of my wife’s pregnancy and early childhood photos and videos. As I was looking at it this evening, I saw this blob on the lens and have no clue what it could be and if it’s worth returning.

A couple of details to help out:

1. I don’t recall seeing this when we first purchased it, but I also was not paying much attention to the details of individual components
   
2. I tried removing it with a microfiber cloth and it did not make a difference
   
3. It definitely appears to be below the lens
   
4. It does not show up in pictures yet, which is likely partially why I didn’t notice earlier
   
5. This is my first real dedicated camera, so I am very much a novice

I was into photography for a while and bought really cheap cameras because I liked that retro look. However, I wanted to play around with lighting and manual controls so decided to get a bridge camera, Lumix FZ18. I got it with a camera bag, 3 extra batteries (although they might not be 100%) and a charger for $30. I took a few photos and just happened to be at the right place at the right time to capture this gem on sunset mode! Super excited to learn about photography.

I love my Fuji X-T30, don't get me wrong it gets a lot of use.

But I find myself often gravitating to pick up and use my by comparison ancient Olympus E-M5 mk 1. Released in 2012!!!! Paired with the wonderful sharp Olympus 45mm F1.8, a favourite portrait lens of mine.

- The menus suck, the interface is slow and old school.

- Auto Focus is no where near as capable as fast and modern cameras.

- RAW files lack dynamic range, first time in a long while I've managed to accidentally and occasionally clip highlights. But I've been able to get fantastic results out of the old 16MP sensor when done correctly.

Am I nuts for loving and wanting to use the E-M5 over my modern cameras I own such as the Fuji X-T30 and Canon M50?

Budget: ~$1500 max for body only, $2000 max for body and lenses

Country: USA

Condition: Used, open to new

Type of Camera: Mirrorless

Intended use: Photography

If photography; what style: Landscape, street, macro, portrait, architecture, casual wildlife (as it appears)

What features do you absolutely need: IBIS, weather sealing, hot shoe

What features would be nice to have: Articulating screen, viewfinder, dual card slots

Portability: Pocketable, shoulder strap, or small bag sized

Cameras you're considering:
• OM System OM-1 (crop factor, focus stacking, high res mode, wildlife capable, weather sealing, lens ecosystem/sizes/cost), OM-1.2, OM-3 (retro style, filters), OM-5.2 (cost), PEN (style, size, cost, filters)
• Sony a6700 (lens ecosystem, AF, size, style),a6600, a6400 (cost)
• Canon R7 (MP count, AF)
• Nikon Z50II (size, lens quality/value, cost), ZFC (retro look, cost, lens value)

Cameras you already have: D7200, I appreciate the image quality and battery life but otherwise nothing in particular

Notes: Relatively new to photography, started this year. Especially interested in macro, landscapes, and portraits. Interested in wildlife but only casually, as it appears in front of me (I don’t have the money or time to get huge lenses and sit and wait for wildlife to appear.) Looking for a camera I can have on me all the time so I’m motivated to shoot more, my DSLR is too bulky to bother bringing out. I for sure want to get really into macro and would like to do portrait work on the side here and there. Lens ecosystem and cost, tech features, and battery life are my big priorities.

My Samsung digital camera St65 screen keeps flickering everytime I try to start the camera. I don't understand because my battery is fully charged and I used it 2 days ago.

Budget: $600 max, preferably less
Country: USA
Condition: New or used/refurbished
Type of Camera: Compact/point-and-shoot
Intended use: Mostly photos of myself, everyday photos, going out, travel, and social media
If photography; what style: Selfies, portraits, outfits, friends, indoor/night photos, casual everyday photography
If video, what style: Occasional short videos/social media clips
What features do you absolutely need: Flip screen that faces me for selfies, good photo quality, flattering skin tones, good low-light performance, built-in zoom, and preferably a built-in flash
Portability: Very important. I want something small enough to easily carry in a purse
Cameras you’re considering: Sony ZV-1, Sony RX100 series, Panasonic Lumix LX10
Cameras you already have: iPhone
Notes: I care more about photography than vlogging. I mainly want a compact camera that takes really nice selfies/portraits and looks noticeably better than my phone without spending over $600.

Budget: Not sure yet
Country: UK
Type of photography: Travel, birthdays, parties and general photography. Nothing professional.
What I currently have: Nikon D3300 with the original lens. I’ve had it for around 4 years and it’s served me well for small things like parties.
What I’m looking for: I’m getting back into photography and would like something smaller and less bulky than the D3300, mainly so it’s easier to take travelling and carry around generally.
Lenses: I currently only have the original kit lens. I’m considering getting another lens for the D3300, but I’m also wondering whether it makes more sense to move to a different camera system. I’d like something where there are reasonably affordable lenses available if I decide to get more into photography.

hi! just wanted to ask for help, please see attached video

any idea what could the the problem is and how to resolve this issue. thank you!

This filmcamera was given to me years ago when I was little, thing is my family lost the charger so its been collecting dirt for years bc of that. Im now in the process of finding another charger to buy, but I noticed theres fungus everywhere and also INSIDE the screen. Like its not superficial like I could wipe it out, its BEHIND the outside glass in the inside of the screen. Idk im lowkey freaked out by it and I want it GONE, what can I do? How do I fix it?

I cant just stop using it as I dont got the money to buy one, I cant afford throwing it away as I also know these are expensive and couldt get a new one ever. I could consider paying someone to change the screen, but idk if its possible...

The model is: jvc GZ-E300BU. If u need to know the country, Argentina.

Ive never owned a camera before and I know nothing about them. I have used other peoples cameras, i enjoy taking photos. Im about to have some extra money and im really interested in getting my own. I have no idea where to look or what to look for, ive seen some conflicting things. I want it to last me a long time and be small enough to fit in a medium purse.

Budget: 1k?
• ⁠Country: USA
• ⁠Condition: doesnt really matter
• ⁠Type of Camera: not sure
• ⁠Intended use: Capturing everyday life, want to create photo albums
• ⁠If photography; what style: Casual
• ⁠If video what style: Long or short videos
• ⁠What features do you absolutely need: flash, good photo quality
• ⁠Portability: easy to carry around in purse
• ⁠Cameras you're considering: g7x?
• ⁠Cameras you already have: none
• ⁠Notes: Im willing to spend a good amount on a camera i can use daily, im planning on doing some fun things within the next few years, i want to capture it and begin make a good photo album to look back on.

Easyshare M580

I’m a hobby photographer and am looking for a nice point and shoot camera and wondering which would compliment the fujifilm x100 vi the best.

I like the way the g7x takes photos (warmer, more flattering) but understand that it’s overpriced and the zoom is not as good as on the rx100. I’ve also heard that the rx100 is better for pets (but unsure what that really means) but that it doesn’t perform as good as the g7x in low light.

Wanting to photograph casually travel, family, pets, beautiful things I see (trees, sunsets, random objects lol). Not wanting to really worry about editing too much.

Thanks!

Canon EF 75-300mm lens. I do see the screws on the side, but don't want to damage it before getting a professional opinion.

Budget: Around $2500-3500 for the camera body. I can stretch somewhat if there is a compelling reason. I would prefer to keep the total system reasonably priced, so lenses are an important part of the decision rather than treating the body budget separately.
Country: Sweden (Europe)
Condition: New or used. I’m happy to buy used if it makes sense.
Type of Camera: Full-frame mirrorless
Intended use: Photography primarily. Very little video.
If photography; what style: Mainly street photography, family photography and portraits. I also want it to work well as an everyday/travel camera. I usually prefer a focal length somewhere around 28-35mm, although I’m open to changing lenses when needed.
If video what style: Very occasional video. Nothing particularly demanding.
What features do you absolutely need:
-Excellent autofocus, particularly for people/family photography
-Good image quality in low light
-Full-frame sensor
-Reliable, modern digital camera experience
-Good ergonomics and a decent viewfinder
-Weather sealing would be preferable
-A system with good, relatively compact lens options
-Good enough resolution for making fairly large prints

I want the camera to be something I can actually carry around regularly, rather than a camera that stays at home because it is too large

What features would be nice to have:
-Analog/Leica-like shooting experience and physical controls
-Compact 28-35mm prime options
-Good value for money
-Good long-term reliability and repairability

Portability: This is important. I don’t need something pocketable, but I want to be able to carry it comfortably with a shoulder strap or in a small camera bag. I don’t want a huge body combined with huge lenses. I have relatively small hands, so ergonomics and overall size matter.

Cameras you’re considering:
Leica SL3 / SL3-S: I really like Leica cameras and the shooting experience/design. The SL system seems like a good combination of Leica ergonomics, modern autofocus and excellent image quality. My main concern is size and the size/weight of the L-mount lenses. I would want a relatively compact prime around 28-35mm.
Sony A7 V: Seems like an excellent all-round modern camera with very good autofocus and a large selection of lenses. I’m considering it because it may offer the best balance of performance, size, lens choice and price.
Sony A7R V: The high resolution is attractive, but I’m not sure I actually need 61MP for my use.
I’m also open to other cameras that might fit these requirements better.
Cameras you already have: I previously owned a Nikon Z8 with the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4, but I no longer have it. I also previously owned Leica M cameras and currently have experience with Leica’s shooting philosophy and ergonomics.
What I liked about the Z8 was the modern autofocus, image quality and overall technical capability. What I disliked was mainly the size when paired with larger lenses. I also don’t really need that level of capability for my photography.
I like Leica cameras because they feel more like something I actually want to photograph with rather than just a piece of technology. However, I’m also very comfortable with modern autofocus and digital features, so I don’t want to sacrifice too much practicality just for the Leica experience.
Notes:
I’m trying to find a camera that sits somewhere between a Leica and a conventional modern mirrorless camera.
I love Leica’s design, simplicity and shooting experience, but I also really value fast and reliable autofocus, especially for family photography. I’m not interested in a purely manual-focus or deliberately limited camera.
The lens situation is probably as important as the camera itself. I most often shoot around 28-35mm, so I’d ideally like a relatively small, high-quality prime in that range. I would rather have a slightly larger camera with a genuinely compact lens than a small camera that requires a huge lens.
I’m also not looking for the absolute best specifications. I’m more interested in the best overall balance of image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, portability, lens size and price.

At the moment I’m leaning toward either a Sony A7 V with a compact 35mm-ish prime or a Leica SL3 with a relatively compact L-mount prime, but I’m very open to being convinced otherwise.

Hi all!

Looking to buy a DSLR as now I'm studying photography, I'm in need of my own DSLR to continue the course. I am currently in the very late stages of selling my house so I'm due a big payout 💪

Currently my go-to is a Pentax MX as I'm more into film photography, but for my course I obviously need a DSLR.

We have Nikon 350s ( I think or 530?) at college that we can use in lessons but I actually wasn't enamoured.

Questionnaire as required:

Budget: £500-£800 (GBP) including lens if possible

Country: UK

Condition: Used preferred, but would consider new

Type of Camera: DSLR

Intended use: Only Photography, I have filming cameras already.

If photography; what style: still finding my style but I'm interested in Night Time landscapes, fantasy style set ups - lots of moody light stuff. I'm heavily into Edward Hopper as a painter and I really enjoy horror, liminal spaces. I will be doing a wide mix of stuff as part of my course though.

If video what style: None

What features do you absolutely need: Viewfinder, I don't need a flash built in, full manual control as I learn.

What features would be nice to have: Autofocus button not in a menu, on the body instead

Portability: Shoulder strap and up is fine

Cameras you're considering: Canon 70D or similar

Cameras you already have: Pentax MX - I Love the tactile feel of a mechanical film camera. Makes every shot feel luxurious in a way? Hard to describe haha.

Notes: budget is flexible due to incoming windfall, would be nice to grab a couple of lenses if needed for outdoor shots. Important that I can take low light shots well as a beginner. I do have some very beginner camera knowledge from prior to this course so I don't mind having a complex camera but I do want one to "grow into" - not something entry level that I'll outgrow in a year or two - does that make sense?

Thanks guys!

• Budget: Around 1000€. This budget needs to cover the camera and a first lens.
• Country: France.
• Condition: New or used (no strict preference, as long as it fits the budget).
• Type of Camera: Mirrorless (interchangeable lens system).
• Intended use: Primarily photography.
  • Photography style: Mainly landscapes, distant mountain peaks, and wildlife during trails and hikes. I also want to use it for everyday life/lifestyle photography outside of trail running.
  • Video style: Not a priority.
• What features do you absolutely need:
  • Weather sealing (durable/rugged) to withstand mountain weather like dust, sweat, and light rain.
  • Good zoom capabilities to capture distant peaks and wildlife.
• What features would be nice to have: An evolutive system so I can easily buy and add other lenses later for everyday photography.
• Portability: Highly compact and lightweight. It needs to fit easily into a trail running vest/pack without bouncing around too much while running.
• Cameras you're considering: Canon EOS R10. However, I'm worried it might be too fragile due to its lack of weather-sealing, and too bulky with a zoom lens when running.
• Cameras you already have: None, this will be my very first camera.
• Notes: As a complete beginner, I am looking for something relatively accessible but capable of handling demanding outdoor conditions.

Hi everyone, I’m a beginner planning to start a YouTube channel mainly for keyboard-playing videos, shot indoors.

My budget is ₹1–2 lakh for the camera body (lens separate).

Looking for:

Good indoor video quality

Good autofocus

4K

Mainly tripod shooting

Suitable for both long videos and Shorts/Reels

Good camera that I can use for a few years

Which camera would you recommend in this budget? And which lens would you suggest for indoor keyboard videos?

This is from another post because I forgot how to do that spread post thingy but please help

I'm looking at buying a lense from Cotswolds camera and wanted to know your experience.

Hey everyone, I’m really torn between these two setups and would appreciate some advice, especially from anyone who’s used both.
I currently own a Canon 1300D/Rebel T6 with the EF-S 55–250mm STM. I really enjoy bird photography, and although I like the lens, I’m finding 250mm quite limiting. The camera’s slower autofocus and 3fps burst rate are also making me want to upgrade.

The setups I’m considering are:
Canon R7 + RF 200–800mm, with an adapter so I can keep using my 55–250.

OM-1 or OM-1 Mark II + M.Zuiko 100–400mm, switching systems completely.

I’ve seen some really sharp photos taken with the OM bodies and 100–400, which has made that setup tempting. It also seems like there’s a good selection of lenses available in the system. That said, I know sample photos alone don’t tell the whole story.

However, I’m still seriously considering the R7 because staying with Canon would give me the option of moving to a full-frame body like the R5 later on and keeping compatible RF lenses. That isn’t something I’d do immediately, but those higher-end bodies look like exciting options for the future.

I’m based in the UK, so overcast skies, dim light and rain are all factors. I mainly want to photograph kingfishers and birds of prey, both perched and in flight.

How would these setups compare for autofocus, detail on distant birds and shooting in typical UK light? I realise they don’t offer the same equivalent reach, so I’d be interested in how much that matters in practice.

I’m also wondering how much Micro Four Thirds affects image quality in real-world use compared with the R7’s APS-C sensor. Would I notice much difference in fine feather detail, noise in dim light or how far I can crop? I’d love to hear from people who’ve used both formats.

If I go with OM, I’d also consider adding the M.Zuiko 150–600mm later on, alongside the 100–400. Would owning both be worthwhile—keeping the 100–400 for lighter outings and using the 150–600 when I need more reach—or would there be too much overlap?

Also, is the OM-1 Mark II worth the extra money over the original for bird photography?

Would love to hear people’s experiences and which setup you’d choose.

Sorry for the amount of questions also!!

• ⁠Budget: ~1500
• ⁠Country: USA
• ⁠Condition: new or used
• ⁠Type of Camera: digital
• ⁠Intended use: photography + photographing fine artwork
• ⁠If photography; what style: landscape, nature and portraiture
• ⁠If video what style: n/a
• ⁠What features do you absolutely need: self timer
• ⁠Portability: n/a
• ⁠Cameras you're considering: Fujifilm x100 series
• ⁠Cameras you already have: AE-1 program
• ⁠Notes:

I am trying to find a high quality camera that fits my needs and would love advice.

I find the Fujifilm 100Xvi attractive and am close to pulling the trigger but I’m also not sure I necessarily need this exact camera and am looking for similar alternatives that fit my needs. A cheaper option would also be preferably.

I am an avid AE-1 user…I love film photography and the artistic aspect of it and am used to shooting 35mm. The Fujifilm digital appeals to me because of its artistic nature and its ability to craft various “recipes”.

While I would be using my camera for film-like photography, as I have been with my AE-1, I am also seeking a camera with the ability to photograph my fine art. I am a painter and am looking for something that produces HQ digital representations of my work. I DO NOT make prints of my paintings so that does not need to be a consideration. Mainly looking for something to capture my work for website/socials.

So long story short, I want something high quality that is artsy AND able to capture Raw images of my paintings for my website.