Hey photo friends, Erik here. I recently stumbled upon Photography Monthly’s article on “The 50 Greatest Cameras of All Time”. I was a little surprised that my beloved Olympus E-P3 didn’t make their list, but I put together this little collection of some of my other favorites with some bits of information about them for your perusal.
And whoa are there some doozies in there. The list is fascinating, lots of history and indications of the future. Click thru the gallery tabs above to see the rest of the cameras and then let us know what your favorites are – whether they’re on the list or not. Commentary? Why do you love em? Inquiring minds want to know…
Some that were on the full list, which I’m surprised didn’t make it to this one are the K1000 (if you had an interest in photography in the late 80’s or early 90’s you either owned or wanted this camera, Its hard to know how many professionals who are working today got their start with the K1000), Hasselblad 500CM (the EL and the 503CW would never existed without the success of the CM), Nikon D1 (first DSLR that had the combination of quality and low enough cost to become mainstream in newsrooms around the world, this camera changed the face of how breaking news and sporting events were covered, this is the first DSLR I ever used heavily, and while it had its flaws its impact can’t be denied), Canon D30 (this was the game changer for DSLRs, the quality was amazing for its time, and the cost made it affordable for most photographers, both pro and prosumer to get their feet wet with digital, this camera caused me to switch from Nikon to Canon, it is also the first DSLR I ever owned so I’m a little biased).
I’m also surprised neither the Nikon F3 or the F5 nor the Canon EOS 1-(n,v,hs) made it into this list either.
Of all time is a huge call! Great list but oh so recent. Nicéphore Niépce’s camera obscura at Le Gras, anyone?!
I don’t see my old Deardoff 8×10 on the list! I’d even settle for a Cambo 8×10.
My favorite camera of all time was the first SLR I ever got, my Pentax ME Super.
OMG so was mine! I got it with an amazing 1.2 50mm lens
If the D3S is number two, and I have a D4 on pre-order, does that mean I am allowed to be extremely excited about its arrival? Yes, yes it does.
Cool list, lots of interesting ones on there.