Digital SLR ergonomics - body size can be a problem
Published by on January 17th, 2008
It has been a while since I have properly used an SLR style stills camera, having used a Pentax 35mm SLR for many years, plus a Mamyia C330s TLR (Twin Lens Reflex - I absolutely loved this medium format camera). Recently it has been all digital, but with the rise of credible digital SLRs in recent years, such as the Nikon D40, the issue of body size has come to light.
jEN has a Canon 350D which I have done little more than dabble with once or twice. Part of the issue is the body size, which is convenient and really quite small, but at the cost of comfort, in my opinion. I do not exactly have large hands, but the grip is far too shallow to give me the confidence that I do have a proper hold on the camera and keep it secure and steady to take the shots. This is something many owners of the Nikon D40 have said as an element of selecting the Nikon D40 over the Canon - they are pretty much competing models in the marketplace.
I have been pondering going back to an SLR for a little more serious photography later in 2008, and this issue will be one of the critical in make the hardware decision. I have always been a lover of Pentax - lenses in particular - and it seems the newer Pentax digital SLRs will still use the old lenses I have with my reliable little workhorse Z80 - so that is an issue too. I suppose the bonus of the current range of options is that within a particular price bracket, all the options are going to provide me with the ability to capture great shots, so it may well come down purely to ergonomics. I foresee a long session at Jessops fondling all the cameras!
3 Responses to “Digital SLR ergonomics - body size can be a problem”
January 17th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
The body size of the Canon 350D is just about perfect for my small hands. If I were to combine a big lens with an even bigger camera body I feel certain I would fall over, or at the very least, lengthen my arms a bit from the weight of the kit.
June 10th, 2008 at 12:08 am
I have always liked a little bit bigger camera. They seem to be more balanced. My wife on the other hand always likes them smaller.
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
My Canon 40D seems to be about the right size. Of course it is all a mater of preference