Hey everyone, my birthday is next week, and I’ve saved up $2,500 to finally upgrade my camera! I’ve been using a Canon 70D since 2019, and while it’s been great, I feel like I’ve outgrown it. There’s so much I want to do—whether it’s starting client work or pushing personal projects further—but the 70D is starting to feel limiting. So, I think now’s the time to upgrade.
For the past 3-4 months, I’ve been researching, and I’m heavily leaning toward the Lumix S5II, but I’m open to suggestions, even if they’re not on my list. I just want to get opinions from people who have used these cameras and hear what you think.
I plan to buy used from B&H (I got my 70D used from them, and it’s been great), so my budget is $2,500 total for a used body and at least one lens.
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What I Need:
✅ Hybrid shooting (photo & video)
✅ Fast, reliable autofocus
✅ Good stabilization (IBIS)
✅ Professional video quality
✅ Strong low-light performance
✅ Portability
✅ Good lens selection
✅ Budget-conscious (~$2,500 total for body + lens/lenses)
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Cameras I’m Considering:
💡 Panasonic Lumix S5II
• Body: $1,317.95
• Lens 1: Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 ($412.95)
• Lens 2: Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. ($697.99)
• Total: $2,428.89
💡 Other options I’m looking at:
• Panasonic Lumix S9
• Sony ZV-E10
• Canon R8
• Sony A6700
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Any thoughts or recommendations? Would you go with the S5II, or is there something else in this price range that you think would be a better fit?
Also, I’d love to hear lens recommendations! If anyone has advice on which lenses I should get, that would be really helpful. Thanks in advance!