Going to have to change how I take my pictures...

[BEGM83]

and invest in a tripod as my muscles are so fecked up i can't hold my camera any more unless anyone can recommend a way for me to carry on hand held or recommend a camera akin to the D60 but lighter?

If you hadn't guessed ^^^ is why i've not been around for a while feel a bit odd using a photography forum when I can't take photos any more!

Hope you are all well.

[ilookalot]

i use a lightweight mono pod that has easy to use leg locks , when not taking photos i retract the leg and swivel the monopod so that it sticks out behind me that way it doesnt get hooked up on things when i walk around.I think i will be using it more often in the future as i have been getting arthritus pains in my hands the last few weeks, it sucks when the body falls to bits but my mind thinks its still 19

[nickbedford]

My camera setup weighs about 2kg (small flash, 50D body and battery grip) and it sure does get hefty after a while. The BlackRapid RS-7 strap helps a helluva lot though.

[Jim Bryant]

Start lifting weights or get into an exercise class.

[BEGM83]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Start lifting weights or get into an exercise class.

Ha ha ha yeaaah cheers Jim

[candleman]

I think a D60 is about as light as it gets..

[prabbit237]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Start lifting weights or get into an exercise class.

Jim, apparently you haven't been having age-related (or other health) issues (yet) but some of us have and lifting weights or an exercise class isn't always the answer. It's not always a matter of simply muscle-building if someone has Parkinson's or such where they don't have the muscle CONTROL or if they have arthritis that prevents joint movement.

Personally, I can still get down on the ground or climb up on things as needed even with my medical issues but not everyone is that lucky and some simply can't hold the camera still enough (or hold it up long enough) to take hand-held pictures and I feel empathy for the OP who is having that issue.

[Jim Bryant]

well..I've been taking pictures for over 40 years. Have arthritis in my left wrists, my left collar bone was broken over 40 years ago and hurts like hell on cold days. In 1980 I had knee surgery on my right knee.Now, because I favor my right knee and put all my weight on my left knee it most likely needs to go under the knife.
However, even in my advanced age of 58 going on 59, I still find the time work out at least three times weekly. Sure, I feel dog ass tired after running up and down the sidelines carrying a 20-pound 400mm f2.8 and about 20 other pounds of cameras, lenses and batteries, but like I said, I still work out even with my hurts and pains. So, don't tell me about working and taking pictures with pain.

[karen_s]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Start lifting weights or get into an exercise class.

Jim is so right. I have a few ailments of my own but I have found that (light) weightlifting combined with Yoga has been life changing. I was (a sorta) pro athlete at one time but as I aged, I got lazy and found I couldn't even jog across the street anymore. My feet hurt, my knees hurt and I was just getting weaker every year. I took up Yoga/ Pillates and weightlifting with a side of aerobics and within a year I was playing Ultimate and was keeping up with people half my age. (Ultimate is a flying disc sport where you run and sprint for 40 minutes). And this was after a Dr. told me to just live with a bad shoulder 'cause I was old and a female. Jerk.

Anyway, I am almost 50 and achy but I can only sing the praises of keeping ones body in shape.

So, back to the OP's dilemma. I too am finding the mono pod to be quite beneficial. I also try to vary the way in which I carry my camera. I seldom carry it with one hand (I often cradle it in two or set backwards in the ellbow) and mix it up as often as possible. I am looking into getting either the cotton carrier (I think that's what it's called) or the spyder holster for times I don't want to use the mono pod. I have inherited hand issues so I'm just trying to keep them happy.

If all else fails, get a really good point and shoot. It may not be a DSLR but hey, it's better than not taking any pictures.

[Aegea]

Have you considered one of the micro four-thirds/mirrorless cameras like the Sony NEX-3 or the Lumix GF-2? They're supposed to be quite capable.