Photographers - which camera?

***Zardon*** · Jul 29, 2009, 07:47 PM

good thinking Chris - always the first thing I go for when I get a new SLR. Its part of the reason im attracted to the ultra high end SLR's - they are all the "perfect" shape right out of the box (well for me anyway).

**dj_stick** · Jul 29, 2009, 08:07 PM

without a grip my right hand tends to hurt after a while, as the weight of the camera is sitting on my little finger under the camera, as it has no where else to go - I just hope my grip arrives today or tomorrow, as I've got a few events to shoot over the weekend

dvorak · Jul 29, 2009, 11:57 PM

I forgot to mention i have a battery grip for my 5D MKII, it is very useful. It increases the weight of the camera which may sound bad at first but actually helps with hand held shots by keeping the camera steadier. I still need to buy a second battery for my camera ($100!). I also like mine because it has an on off switch on it so you don't accidentally change your settings or take a shot.

Falstaff · Jul 30, 2009, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

no I got a different product from the far east which hasnt been released yet, im "testing' it for the company. Its very good. takes two batteries and if you use the 'e' rated batteries it shows up in the nikon menus and you get a L and R battery life percentage and wear panel which is useful. There is also a little LCD time counter on it which shows the date (year/month/minute/second) and you get a timer for setting shots as well as a shutter button and focusing ring.

It will be released shortly around the £100 mark. Nice addition to the camera I think as I find most of the SLR's a little small - when I worked for a newspaper we had big ass cameras and I loved those bodies. Adding a grip not only doubles battery life but it improves the handling significantly.

When I get the money for my motorbike and a few other things, I think I might opt for the Nikon D3X (to last me for at least 5-10 years I hope). but its a little down the line.

Please let me know when this becomes available Allan, as an average consumer, I have to stand in line at the bloody store with all the yabo's that are buying the trendy crap.
I really miss the old shops that would show you the various aspects of a new bit of kit and "sell" you a product. It certainly seems that when I go to a showroom or store, I get "Nick" the guy who just got back from a smoke break to call his parole officer, with absolutely no vested interested in doing anything more that giving you a glossy fan folded brochure while he runs down to the basement supply room to retrieve what your looking for with a hastily scribbled part number on a post it now. ROFL.

You really have to know what you want, and do the research. I read all the popular trades on what professional photographers like or dislike about lenses and camera bodies and there are common themes. I have read only one good review about the new Olympus EP--1, not that its a bad camera or anything, just that its new and a novelty because of its retro appearance.
Apparently some folks want to work harder to take good pictures, LOL

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0906/09...olympusep1.asp

Falstaff · Jul 30, 2009, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niceguyrichy

I played with the NV3 for a while (had a borrow of it)
its damn sexy, and really solid, I quite liked it

I'm still using my Konica Dimage Z2 mostly, desperately holding on and hoping that my next upgrade I can afford an SLR.
it could be worse. you gotta take your time with it, it's most definately not a point-and-click camera lol
but if you get it right it can take a real nice pic

(and btw Jeff mate, that's a mean ole collection

)

thanx man, it does take a bit of work to take the pics, process them and work with them before I post them, I really want to do a good job.

I enjoy DH and posting on the HV, but that isnt why I take pics just a great place to see other folks post, so I hope more people post here and we can get some really interesting variety of styles, techniques and themes. I am not diminished by criticism too much, I am surrounded by critics at work so coming here is a breath of fresh air to me from a creative standpoint.

I hope other folks pull out their old cameras or new ones and take a walk outside and show us here the world as how they see it, because I have seen some really good photos from the simpliest cameras and themes.
for me like I said before, it isnt the pixels or the name of the bloody camera or the price tag, its the substance, style, compostion and artistic expression that captures my interest.

Its a beautiful world, and before my eyes are gone for good, i want to see it and remember it like a photograph in my mind.

Vampyromaniac · Aug 5, 2009, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falstaff

old russian 35mm cameras ( in good condition)

My father has this:

Old and Russian, but not 35mm. I think it's a medium format, twin lens reflex. About 50 years old or so.

Falstaff · Aug 5, 2009, 01:25 AM

gorgeous...
and they are in fact very well made despite what was made in the CCCP.
your very fortunate. We have some collectors here in the UK that bartered for theirs
but I figured after Glaznost, that it would be easier to collect them..
nope.
thankyou for the pic.
I would like to have my hands on a Lubitel or an old Holga. but I know it would be to covet it. (guess that is a sin)

***Zardon*** · Aug 22, 2009, 01:58 PM

Got a new lens today for my Nikon - the 12-24mm Nikon Lens. Cost me a small fortune but I hope to get some nice landscape shots in a few weeks. AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED from Nikon

Falstaff · Aug 22, 2009, 02:19 PM

excellent choice.
I am currently using the Sigma 10 to 20 wide angle lense.
Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd

I am very happy with it, but they didnt have the Nikon Lense when I went to Norwich to purchase one, and the nice lady at the counter encouraged me to try it instead of the Nikon equivalent. I am happy with it but i want to include a variety of Nikon lenses as well.

this is what I am after and I will pick it up in San Francisco in a couple of weeks.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...s=REG#features

I look forward to your landscapes Allan,

***Zardon*** · Aug 22, 2009, 02:42 PM

how do you find the sigma at the 10mm range? (well its around 15mm technically with the cameras 1.5x conversions but you know what I mean).

Falstaff · Aug 22, 2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

how do you find the sigma at the 10mm range? (well its around 15mm technically with the cameras 1.5x conversions but you know what I mean).

funny you should ask, I knew that it might not compare favorably with the Tokina or Nikkor equivalent but it is satisfactory for me needs with very little CA and vignetting so far, but I used it recently at Lowestoft and couldnt find anything I didnt like. I like the heaviness and the smoothness. I did get the characteristic moustache distortion occasionally but the center was damn clear. I wouldnt use it on building, or bridges for that matter, but its good enough for travel work, even with the slight softness occasionally. I use Autofocuse but I will practice manual in San Francisco as I get more confident. Its a good starter for me. I also have the 50mm Nikon lense to play with too so I have a bit of variety. LOL

Did i pay too much buying in he UK, of course, but I wanted to try it out.
I am satisfied.

***Zardon*** · Aug 22, 2009, 04:01 PM

If you dont mind could you post a few pictures full size at the 10mm area in here? I would love to see it Jeff.

The 10-17mm range is a particular favourite of mine and I would love to see how it handles with your (our) Nikon D90 at full size. I am personally very interested.

As for distortion, I think you always get that to some extent, but I have heard the Sigma is really good with a tight focus on value for money. I always spend a bit more personally for Nikon Lens due to the glass but they are expensive.

Falstaff · Aug 22, 2009, 04:21 PM

the only thing that sold me was the coatings for the lense and the the rather ample bosum of the lady at the counter, a Porteguese vixen that charmed me into the Sigma. I will dig about my externals and see if I can find some pics, but I am afraid they are all landscapes, but I will endeavor to find something.
I just might hang on to the Nikon in San Francisco and leave the G10 in the suitcase. I will be staying at the Johns Hopkins on One Nob Hill with a damn good view of the horizen. I want to find my old haunts with my second ex wife and head over to Calumet for some shopping. I can just hear Journey now.

Stratman · Oct 25, 2009, 11:48 PM

Here is my baby. Super Takumar 55mm F1.8 screwed on, also have a few more screw mount Takumars, 28mm F3.5, 35mm F3.5, 200mm F4.

Jul 29, 2009, 07:47 PM	#31
*Zardon* enchanted Join Date: May 2002 Location: Driverheaven Posts: 32,260 Rep Power: 3150	Re: Photographers - which camera? good thinking Chris - always the first thing I go for when I get a new SLR. Its part of the reason im attracted to the ultra high end SLR's - they are all the "perfect" shape right out of the box (well for me anyway).

Jul 29, 2009, 11:57 PM	#33
dvorak DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Re: Photographers - which camera? I forgot to mention i have a battery grip for my 5D MKII, it is very useful. It increases the weight of the camera which may sound bad at first but actually helps with hand held shots by keeping the camera steadier. I still need to buy a second battery for my camera ($100!). I also like mine because it has an on off switch on it so you don't accidentally change your settings or take a shot.

Aug 5, 2009, 01:25 AM	#37
Falstaff Old Codger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: USAFA Posts: 18,143 Rep Power: 131	Re: Photographers - which camera? gorgeous... and they are in fact very well made despite what was made in the CCCP. your very fortunate. We have some collectors here in the UK that bartered for theirs but I figured after Glaznost, that it would be easier to collect them.. nope. thankyou for the pic. I would like to have my hands on a Lubitel or an old Holga. but I know it would be to covet it. (guess that is a sin) __________________ The tallest blade of grass is the first to be cut by the scythe.

Aug 22, 2009, 01:58 PM	#38
*Zardon* enchanted Join Date: May 2002 Location: Driverheaven Posts: 32,260 Rep Power: 3150	Re: Photographers - which camera? Got a new lens today for my Nikon - the 12-24mm Nikon Lens. Cost me a small fortune but I hope to get some nice landscape shots in a few weeks. AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED from Nikon

Aug 22, 2009, 02:19 PM	#39
Falstaff Old Codger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: USAFA Posts: 18,143 Rep Power: 131	Re: Photographers - which camera? excellent choice. I am currently using the Sigma 10 to 20 wide angle lense. Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd I am very happy with it, but they didnt have the Nikon Lense when I went to Norwich to purchase one, and the nice lady at the counter encouraged me to try it instead of the Nikon equivalent. I am happy with it but i want to include a variety of Nikon lenses as well. this is what I am after and I will pick it up in San Francisco in a couple of weeks. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...s=REG#features I look forward to your landscapes Allan, __________________ The tallest blade of grass is the first to be cut by the scythe. Last edited by Falstaff; Aug 22, 2009 at 02:26 PM.

Aug 22, 2009, 02:42 PM	#40
*Zardon* enchanted Join Date: May 2002 Location: Driverheaven Posts: 32,260 Rep Power: 3150	Re: Photographers - which camera? how do you find the sigma at the 10mm range? (well its around 15mm technically with the cameras 1.5x conversions but you know what I mean).

Aug 22, 2009, 04:01 PM	#42
*Zardon* enchanted Join Date: May 2002 Location: Driverheaven Posts: 32,260 Rep Power: 3150	Re: Photographers - which camera? If you dont mind could you post a few pictures full size at the 10mm area in here? I would love to see it Jeff. The 10-17mm range is a particular favourite of mine and I would love to see how it handles with your (our) Nikon D90 at full size. I am personally very interested. As for distortion, I think you always get that to some extent, but I have heard the Sigma is really good with a tight focus on value for money. I always spend a bit more personally for Nikon Lens due to the glass but they are expensive.

Aug 22, 2009, 04:21 PM	#43
Falstaff Old Codger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: USAFA Posts: 18,143 Rep Power: 131	Re: Photographers - which camera? the only thing that sold me was the coatings for the lense and the the rather ample bosum of the lady at the counter, a Porteguese vixen that charmed me into the Sigma. I will dig about my externals and see if I can find some pics, but I am afraid they are all landscapes, but I will endeavor to find something. I just might hang on to the Nikon in San Francisco and leave the G10 in the suitcase. I will be staying at the Johns Hopkins on One Nob Hill with a damn good view of the horizen. I want to find my old haunts with my second ex wife and head over to Calumet for some shopping. I can just hear Journey now. __________________ The tallest blade of grass is the first to be cut by the scythe.

Oct 25, 2009, 11:48 PM	#44
Stratman DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: St Louis U S A Posts: 21 Rep Power: 0	Re: Photographers - which camera? Here is my baby. Super Takumar 55mm F1.8 screwed on, also have a few more screw mount Takumars, 28mm F3.5, 35mm F3.5, 200mm F4. __________________ Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4P A64 7850 BE Kuma HIS HD4850 PC Power and Cooling 610 watt PSU 4 Gigs G-Skill DDR2