BajaNomad - poor camera choice

poor camera choice

oldjack - 8-4-2009 at 10:54 AM

I am looking to acquire a replacement for my old Olympus OM-1 camera system and would like to get a digital SLR... I am motivated by some of the high quality pics I see posted in these forums... I could buy an adapter and use some of the 8 Olympus lenses I have(yep I went nuts years ago).. or I could just get a "kit" with a couple of nice lenses... so some of you great photogs out there.... give me your experienced-based recommendations... maybe I am not the only one who might be interested... I know SLR's run $500-900 or more but be conservative please...

BajaGringo - 8-4-2009 at 10:59 AM

I have a Nikon D60 that I love. Search on eBay / Craigslist for some good buys - timing is everything to catch the great deals...

DENNIS - 8-4-2009 at 11:03 AM

OK...Forget all that Nikon and Canon crapola. This doesn't show a price, mercifully, but it's exactly what you want. I mean....look at the MPs this thing has.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/585106-REG/Leica_10801...

$26,440 bucks....available in October. That'll give you a little time to put away some money.

[Edited on 8-4-2009 by DENNIS]

BajaGringo - 8-4-2009 at 11:13 AM

A Steal!!!!

:biggrin:

tripledigitken - 8-4-2009 at 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
I prefer Canon equipment.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/6222/Digital_Cameras_SLR_...

Dennis,

How about showing some photos?

Ken

Ken Bondy - 8-4-2009 at 11:15 AM

oldjack
I went through the same deliberations. I have a complete OM-1 system including a 130-650mm lens with a 2X teleconverter taking it to 1300mm (anybody want it???) I absolutely loved the camera, tiny little body and the lenses had superb optics. You are not going to be able to convert it to any useful DSLR system. Try to sell it on eBay, and then I would recommend starting with a low-end DSLR system (Nikon, or Canon) and start adding lenses as you need them or can afford them. I still use an old Nikon D70 for topside stuff which I absolutely love. Most of the high-end DSLR systems have features that you pay dearly for but will never use. Buena suerte, ++Ken++

DENNIS - 8-4-2009 at 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken

How about showing some photos?

Of what?

Jes'kiddin. I know what you mean.
Well, it's a long story. I'm about to buy a Canon 5D since I don't have a digital camera. I'm knee deep in film cameras...Canon, Hassy, Toyo 4x5 and I devote my efforts to Black and White photography. Color as well but with the assistance of a pro lab. For BW I need a darkroom and have been without one for a few years but, I'm building one now, part of my new garage.
I've fought off the urge to go digital because it's just another major expense since I don't know how to do anything in moderation.
In the meantime, I've recently purchased a scanner to digitalize my 35mm slides and negs, years and years of Baja etc. So, I may be posting fotos before long. I'll try to do that before going to Sharky's. Hate to take you folks into my "Alone And Naked In A Mirrord Room" series. :lol:

tripledigitken - 8-4-2009 at 11:29 AM

oldjack,

Both Nikon and Canon entry system cameras are a great place to start. They use the same lens as their top of the line Digital Camera Bodies use.

The trick is to choose the right lenses, as they will last a very long time. The camera bodies like computers are getting antiquated every 3-4 years.

What type of shooting are you interested in doing? Will you want a telephoto right away?

Ken

tripledigitken - 8-4-2009 at 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken

How about showing some photos?

Dennis,

What a surprize! I look forward to seeing some of your shots. You are heading down a very expensive path judging from your history with film cameras! Hassleblad jeeeze, their digital versions are over $30,000 these days!

The digital darkroom is relatively a bargain compared to a film equivalent...............a good monitor, Photoshop CS4, and NIK software.

Ken

oldjack - 8-4-2009 at 11:54 AM

maybe some model numbers ....???

BFS - 8-4-2009 at 12:09 PM

Nikon D40, Nikon D70, Nikon D90. All great cameras in ascending order of quality, features and price tag.

Good luck.
Aq

Russ - 8-4-2009 at 12:19 PM

Here's Nikons new entry model http://www.dpreview.com/news/0907/09073005nikond3000.asp
This is a good site to read all about cameras and accessories.

gnukid - 8-4-2009 at 12:35 PM

You might enjoy a simpler camera than SLR like Olympus water proof cameras and a digital SLR. So then you have the simple option and the prosumer option. There is a whole new genre which is quite powerful cameras that are not SLR with movie too.

I have a Nikon D-40x (low end SLR) and a Nikor 18-200 vr lens, though this is clearly consumer, they sell much more expensive bodies and glass. But with this setup, I can shoot portrait and sports like waves or birds. Its fast enough to catch whales and dolphins. The setup is very light and easy to handle which to me is big deal.

Megapixels are nice but truly you won't be shooting huge files with maximum MP unless you want to have a huge dedicated hard drive and machine to handle such large files. I prefer to shoot images about 3-5mb which can easily be printed to 8x10 and look great.

Camera choice

bajaguy - 8-4-2009 at 01:35 PM

I have a Canon Rebel XTi. Purchased the body only, then to end lens clutter, purchased a Sigma 18-250 with macro. Also picked up a Canon Powershot 1100 to tote in my pocket.........great camera combo

mtgoat666 - 8-4-2009 at 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldjack
I am looking to acquire a replacement for my old Olympus OM-1 camera system and would like to get a digital SLR... I am motivated by some of the high quality pics I see posted in these forums... I could buy an adapter and use some of the 8 Olympus lenses I have(yep I went nuts years ago).. or I could just get a "kit" with a couple of nice lenses... so some of you great photogs out there.... give me your experienced-based recommendations... maybe I am not the only one who might be interested... I know SLR's run $500-900 or more but be conservative please...

I use a Canon 5D SLR, and a Canon G-10 for pocket camera. 5D is a bit too bulky for light traveling, G-10 requires a fairly large pocket

If I was looking for smaller travel camera in SLR, today I would go for Olympus E-P1 (Micro 4/3 sensor size). It looks like the cats pajamas.

If you are looking for smaller/single lens zoom, then check out Canon G-10.

tripledigitken - 8-4-2009 at 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Why don't you post photos?

Coming to find out through this thread that there are some Nomads with some very nice cameras that don't post.

Let's share some photos!

Ken

gnukid - 8-4-2009 at 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
The setup is very light and easy to handle which to me is big deal.

Just the opposite for me. I like a heavier camera. Seems like less shake with the weight.

Yes you make a good point about weight helping with balance but I am shooting action and often while I am moving too, Nikor makes VR vibration reduction lenses which help to stabilize the shot.

It's true the gear I am discussing are amateurish compared to you and Ken. But I do get the shot.

tripledigitken - 8-4-2009 at 02:23 PM

As goat mentioned having a pocket sized point and shoot makes a lot of sense. I too have one, it is the Panasonic DMC LX1 and has been a great companion on my trips to Baja. Some of my pictures that most of you have seen were taken with it. For oldjack's benefit to see what can be done with a point and shoot here are a few:

Riom - 8-4-2009 at 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldjack
. I am motivated by some of the high quality pics I see posted in these forums...

Have you checked what cameras are taking the photos you like? Except in extreme conditions, point and shoot digital cameras are getting very capable (and some do have manual overrides when needed, most have exposure bracketing and ISO control).

I'd suggest Canon as some of them have viewfinders (rare in any other make, and essential in strong sun). You could get a $150-$200 pocketable camera, probably with a 3x or 6x zoom, and use that to learn how to handle the digital photos on your computer, cropping, printing etc and also learn what the limits are, then buy the SLR later to fill that gap.

oldjack - 8-4-2009 at 02:54 PM

FYI.... I have both Olympus and Pentax point and shoot digitals.... I am lusting after those more panoramic and close-up shots I see in these postings.... maybe posters could credit the camera/lense when offering us their artwork(platitude)....

Hook - 8-4-2009 at 03:04 PM

I agree completely with gnukid. The D40 has many advantages over the D60-70-80s if you accept the fact that 6 megapixels is plenty.

And the 18-200 is a very versatile lens. You probably would never need another lens.

Check the used market. You will certainly find a used D40.

gnukid - 8-4-2009 at 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
As goat mentioned having a pocket sized point and shoot makes a lot of sense. I too have one, it is the Panasonic DMC LX1 and has been a great companion on my trips to Baja. Some of my pictures that most of you have seen were taken with it. ...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC LX1 is fantastic. I use mine everyday and I have a few friends who even publish photo books from the camera with terrific results. The LX1 is 10megapixel I think. You can get insurance when you purchase for a year that will replace it no questions asked.

Sunrise San Juanico

Bird Watching

Carnaval La Paz

Luchadores La Paz

gnukid - 8-4-2009 at 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by oldjack
artwork(platitude)....

Oh my.....are they one and the same?

If the SLR camera is too heavy like so many pro cameras and has a strap that digs into your neck you won't carry it for long.

Or if its a point and shoot but doesn't fit in your pocket because of an odd shape you won't bring it either because there is no place to carry it. Ergonomics are important issues for Nomads.

Perhaps this headcam mount camera with waterproof case is a good choice for afternoon drinks in Baja for example at BuenaVentura Restaurant. jaja

http://helmetcameracentral.com/2009/07/22/gopro-hd-high-def-...

gnukid - 8-4-2009 at 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldjack
FYI.... I have both Olympus and Pentax point and shoot digitals.... I am lusting after those more panoramic and close-up shots I see in these postings.... maybe posters could credit the camera/lense when offering us their artwork(platitude)....

Most cameras have a 16:9 mode which does give a nice wide shot and on my Lumix it takes more pixels. 16:9 is also the default of HD monitors so it fits the modern high def screen nicely-many also have a usb plug in or card reader on the tv so you can view your shots immediately in big size and detail at home or at local bars right away. jaja. So, I use by default as a norm for shooting then crop as I like.

This shot is from the simplest Lumix camera which costs under $200

Don Alley - 8-4-2009 at 04:01 PM

I use a Nikon D40. Works good for moving targets like birds, marine mammals, kids. I have two lenses. It's also good to have a second camera, a small point and shoot. There are a bunch of those; mine is no longer made.

Russ - 8-4-2009 at 05:11 PM

I use the D60 and back it up with a Kodak Z612. The Kodak was my all around camera but Nikon optics are noticeably better. I borrowed a Nikon 500mm manual focus and love playing around with it and sometime just leave it on the D60 and use the Kodak as a general all around backup. I don't have the eye for composition as some here do but figure if I shoot enough shots one should turn out really well. I'll post that shot if it happens. Here's a long shot I took with the 500mm today.

Ptrol Boat 8:4:09.jpg - 47kB

Russ - 8-4-2009 at 05:17 PM

Another one cropped a little on the computer

Patrol boat2.jpg - 47kB

wakemall - 8-4-2009 at 06:01 PM

Please also research the Canon 40D. I researched all the new SLR's last year and felt the 40D was the best choice.

cameras

bonanza bucko - 8-4-2009 at 08:00 PM

You will be forever happy with a competent DSLR. I think you should save up if you have to and spend the money to get a high quality Canon or Nikon camera. Both have superb DSLRs that will satisfy you for a long time...and teach you a bunch too!

Both companies have "pro sumer" cameras that are superb. They use sensors that are smaller than the full 35 MM sensors on their best cameras but these sensors are still many times larger than "point and shoot" cameras. They get magnificent results. They have MegaPixels in the 15-20 range which is enough for me.

I have a Canon EOS 50D that came in a kit with a Canon EF-S 18-200 IS, USM lens. This combination is superb....fast autofocus, stabilization and quiet focussing so you don't scare the critters. Because of the 1.6 multiplier of the non 35MM sensors on these cameras you effective range for this lens is 29MM to 320MM! Stabilization makes it possible for you to shoot in very low light situations hand held.....I have hand held, sharp shots of the moon at sunset over dark landscapes that are amazing....nothing in the film world comes close without all kinds of tripods and developing tweeks.

The 50D has capability that is almost unbounded. It shoots 6.3 frames per second in the fastest burst mode. I use it to photograph birds in flight....although with a Canon EF 100-400 L IS USM lens....in other words a 160 to 640 MM lens! It has a range of capabilities that are, sometimes, better than the Canon EOS 1D, and Nikon equivalent that cost several times as much. I usually shoot the birds handheld at ISO 400, F5.6 and 2500th of a second. But I can push those numbers all over the place easily.

Further they have the ability to shot RAW...no JPEG compression and the latitude for you to "develop" the shot on your computer with stunning results.

Once you get addicted to high quality gear you are gonna be hooked. The above lens for the bird shots is the first of two "L" Canon lenses I have splurged on because they produce pictures that belong in National Geographic...even for a bozo like me.

The best place for info on these cameras and lenses is www.dpreview.com. They have unbiased, detailed, lenghty data and comment on all good cameras. This web page is really worth your time.

Best of luck...and don't buy no clunkers just 'cause they're "inexpensive."

Doug/Vamonos - 8-4-2009 at 08:21 PM

I'm too lazy to read the entire thread. Don't know if anyone mentioned www.kenrockwell.com. Go there and learn. Then buy a Nikon D40 and save lots of money.

arrowhead - 8-5-2009 at 09:47 PM

Quote:

Ken, you must have some professional experience. You have a good eye for composition by placing the subject on the golden mean and placing framing objects in the foreground. Many don't know the basics of composition and you can tell by their photos.

tripledigitken - 8-6-2009 at 04:44 AM

Arrowhead,

Thanks for the compliment. I do photography as a hobby not as a proffession. I have been interested in it for most of my life, but have gotten serious about it in the last four years.

Ken

oldjack - 8-6-2009 at 08:09 AM

O.K. went out last night to the big box store and purchased the Nikon D40 w/two lenses, polarizing filter, uv filter and spent about 2 hours reading the books that came with the kit.... you never know how much you don't know until you start reading/asking questions...

The D40 along with my Canon and Pentax waterproofs should last me for a lifetime.... now to learn how to post pics and I will be a real contributor....

bajalou - 8-6-2009 at 08:41 AM

Most of the pictures I take are of the places I go. Taken to remind me of my travels. I don't pay much attention to composition and don't try to have great pictures for others to view. Many of the posters here do wondrous jobs of photography.

Since I like to know where I was, yesterday I bought a Nikon Kookpix P6000. Only thing I don't like, it uses Nikon's batteries, no AA cells. Anyway, the thing I wanted is the built in GPS. Srif III chip like my Garmin Map76CSx. It geo-tags the pictures with the location with the Exif data. This makes it easy (I hope) to locate the pictures along the trails I travel. It also does other things, take pictures in RAW format so they can better be Photoshoped. Has F settings and other stuff that can be manually be set, but I'll probably only use the Auto mode. 4X optical zoom plus digital if you want more, 13.5 megapixel sensor etc.

We'll soon see if it does what I wanted. If not, It still seems to take good pictures.

Small enough to put in a shirt pocket (but fills it up pretty good)

Edit for camera model.

[Edited on 8-6-2009 by bajalou]

vandenberg - 8-6-2009 at 09:36 AM

I'm with you Lou. Just got myself a Canon SD 890 IS in the Elph series. 10 megapixels, 5x optical zoom .
When I was young, many moons ago, I was heavily into photography. Black & White. Had my own darkroom and did some semi commercial shoots, like for old folks homes entertainment nights. Fun !! And one of the main things it accompished: it made me quit smoking. Needed the funds for equipment. My favorite 35mm was a Voigtlander, a camera most people have never heard off in the USA.
Now I only shoot pics as a memory to places I've been and those point & shoot cameras do the job just fine.

[Edited on 8-6-2009 by vandenberg]

Doug/Vamonos - 8-6-2009 at 09:54 AM

Good buy on the D40. I bought it because of Ken Rockwell's review and because it is more than I have the skill or interest to use. Plus, when I inevitably drop it into the ocean or drive away with it on my hood, I won't be out of a lot of money. I just bought the new DX 35mm 1.8 lens. Very nice. Got a good deal at amazon. Also get the Nikon flash. Cheap and very good reviews. It is small and still does a good job. My friend has the D90, which is a b-tchin camera but he also spent $1,000 on the body alone. And it really doesn't do that much more than my D40, plus being larger and heavier (and intimidating).

DENNIS - 8-6-2009 at 12:23 PM

Good purchase, Jack. Have fun with it.

oldjack - 8-6-2009 at 12:36 PM

Just curious.... do you use the polarizing filter to take pics of liberals?????

DENNIS - 8-6-2009 at 01:19 PM

And, the man hijacks his own thread. :lol:

tripledigitken - 8-6-2009 at 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldjack
Just curious.... do you use the polarizing filter to take pics of liberals?????

I find the UV/Haze seems to work the best. :lol:

DENNIS - 8-6-2009 at 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken

Quote:

Originally posted by oldjack
Just curious.... do you use the polarizing filter to take pics of liberals?????

I find the UV/Haze seems to work the best. :lol:

Maybe one of those goofy Tiffen Split Focus things would help.

oldjack - 8-6-2009 at 01:30 PM

THREAD.....(it has been interesting/useful) R.I.P.

Picture size ...???

cristobal - 9-4-2009 at 05:47 PM

Ken ...
Those PICS are GIANT ... :yes:

and SHARP ... :wow:

Are they in the 50 KB range ..???

DianaT - 9-4-2009 at 06:06 PM

Didn't see this thread when it came out---interesting one---thought I would like to put in my two cents, but

too bad it took an off-topic turn. :no:

Osprey - 9-5-2009 at 07:16 AM

Oldjack, I don't have money for new cameras and I don't go back to the states so I have to make do. I just hold my old 35MM Polarizer filter in front of the lense on my little digital to get better color, kill the haze a little etc.

Works great when I can remember to shoot around my thumb.

[Edited on 9-5-2009 by Osprey]

[Edited on 9-5-2009 by Osprey]

Cabo marina.JPG revised 1.jpg - 33kB

Barry A. - 9-5-2009 at 04:16 PM

Ken----------those are outstanding shots------------these new cameras, most all of them, are incredible!!

Barry

DENNIS - 9-5-2009 at 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
I just hold my old 35MM Polarizer filter in front of the lense on my little digital to get better color, kill the haze a little etc.

I used to do that with my Ray Bans. It worked most of the time, usually before downing a box of Pacifico. Then, it didn't matter.

Osprey - 9-5-2009 at 04:50 PM

Dennis, now that would be Maui Jim's and they would be the same as 2 cameras and/or 8 cases of Modelo Negro. I have to have good glasses for fishing. Couldn't use em at all in the artic to go bear watching. Can't see em at all. Boy, that's a tough one: squint or die. Just trying to stay in the thread. I've been on your meds for 18 days now. I love it here.

[Edited on 9-5-2009 by Osprey]

DENNIS - 9-5-2009 at 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
I've been on your meds for 18 days now. I love it here.

Keep the faith, Jorge. Life is good.