Insect Photographer from Allen Texas

[mschuchart]

Hello, I've had a A55 model for 5 years now and just hit a problem with the shutter not working. I'm have 58K shutters and I've seen a lot of post on the shutter stopping after 50K.  Anyway I'm trying to determine if I send it in to fix it or upgrade my body to a new one.

 

I'm an amateur and my focus is taking pictures of insects. I mainly use autofocus and have a macro lens (Tamron 90mm F/2.8 - Macro 1:1) that I bought last year that I really like.  I don't use a tripod as I like to take pictures on walks, etc so looking for a camera that is portable and still takes a good picture.  Most of my pictures I post to inaturalist to document the life in my area at http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/butterflies4fun and use in presentations to education on nature in my area.

 

I have a lot to learn but it has been fun so far.  My next lens will be a multi-purpose Zoom and macro as I get tired of changing lenses but only if viable.

 

I've attached an assassin wheel bug to show what I like to do and what I want to get better at.

 

 

 

[Dr. Harout]

Hi Melanie and welcome.

I have no idea of repair prices in the US, nor any idea about the exact issue with your camera. My a55 had a problem with the circuitry so they changed the whole "whateveritiscalled" and overall it cost me around $80 or so.

Then I sold it.

Anyway, I guess purchasing a new one, specially for an exciting and wonderful job that you have (read your profile in the link above) would be the right choice... but what to buy is the biggest question:

You have the following options: either continue with A-mount or opt for E-mount.

For the former either a58 or a68. The second one is a bit larger but more advanced.

If price is not important  and having just 1 lens, I would go for a small form factor and opt for the 2nd one, that is the E-mount, either a6300 or a6500. Both are superb cameras and you can still use your Tamron 90/2.8 (have it and love it too) with an adapter. But be aware that it would be more than double the price of A-mount cameras I mentioned.

One thing is for sure, stick with crop factor cameras (APS-C). You don't need a Full Format for the work you do.

If you have a camera store near by try all cameras in your hand to feel which best sits in your palm.