22 replies to this topic

[Willy1]

I've been shopping for my first digital camera. I'd like to use it for just candid fun shot, but also some hobby level photography. I want something with good zoom and something with enough megapixals to enlarge the pics if I decide to print any of my "work".

Problem is I'm ingorant about digital camera technology for the most part. I've been considering the Canon PowerShot S2 IS. I would like something pocket-sized, but it seems like with smaller size you get less optical/digital zoom... zoom is important to me.

Just wondering if anyone has any recommendations. I've been told that I should stay away from non-camera maker brands and stick to the brands who are known for making cameras; Canon, Olympus, Nikon, etc.

[AndyN]

I just bought a S2IS and it is exceeding my expectations so far. It is making my photographs look pretty good, in my opinion, and yet has a lot of control over the options for when you want something better than point and shoot. I'm still figuring out what all the buttons are.

Here's a shot out the window where I am working today. The first shot is about 4x to get the window frames out of the shot.




This one is full optical zoom and full digital zoom - 48x I believe.



Again, I am not the best photographer in the world, but I do love my new camera.

Oh, also, I did reduce the image size and quality to keep from posting huge photos, so the closeup shot is actually clearer on my computer. Also, that is through a double-paned, tinted window on a cloudy day.

Andy Nold

[Willy1]

I just bought a S2IS and it is exceeding my expectations so far. It is making my photographs look pretty good, in my opinion, and yet has a lot of control over the options for when you want something better than point and shoot. I'm still figuring out what all the buttons are.

Here's a shot out the window where I am working today. The first shot is about 4x to get the window frames out of the shot.




This one is full optical zoom and full digital zoom - 48x I believe.



Again, I am not the best photographer in the world, but I do love my new camera.

Oh, also, I did reduce the image size and quality to keep from posting huge photos, so the closeup shot is actually clearer on my computer. Also, that is through a double-paned, tinted window on a cloudy day.

Andy Nold

Thanks for the testimonial on the camera. I like the camera, but haven't done a ton of research so I'm a little hesitant to buy something for fear of something "better" coming along, if you know what I mean. The pics you posted are good pics... and I'm even more impressed that you have a Dunlaps outside your window! I haven't seen one of those stores in years - since I went to Texas Tech and lived in Lubbock!

As for the clarity of the pic and re-sizing... Do you - or anyone else - know if photoshop or other photo software might have the ability help improve the clarity of reduced/enlarged pics?

[mosteijn]

As for the clarity of the pic and re-sizing... Do you - or anyone else - know if photoshop or other photo software might have the ability help improve the clarity of reduced/enlarged pics?

That's something I've been wondering about too!!! I have Microsoft Digital Image 2006, and whenever I try to resize something, it usually turns out looking too pixely. I have seen pictures that look sharp and crisp that were taken using the camera I have (Canon Digital Rebel XT), but I can't get my pictures to replicate it.

[360texas]

Hi Andy and all,
I borrowed your image for a minute, hope you don't mind.

I took it into PhotoShop CS2 and did the following:

IMAGE | Adjustment | Levels and used the AUTO button to adjust the lighting. Results were INPUT LEVELS | 0, 1.00, 255. Clicked [ok] button.

Then Filter | Sharpen | UNsharpen Mask and applied:
Amount 200%, Radius 1.0, Threshold 0

IF you have Photo Shop CS 2 then you can also try "Smart Sharpen".

Then FILE | Save for Web | Quality 12 - that makes the file around 28kb suitable for uploading to my website server.

Here is the result:

[QuakerOatsGuy]

The Canon S2IS grabbed my attention when I looked for a digital camera last year, but I ultimately stuck to a Sony DSC-H1. The quality of the photos I was seeing was just a little better, richer, sharper with the H1. That's just my opinion.

Now I'm looking to upgrade to a semi-professional DSLR for more versatility. The set lens is just not cutting it anymore, and I'm not too crazy on "bolt-on" Sony accessories.

[Sam Stone]

There are a lot of other factors to condider: size, price, storage media, batteries, etc. I am a huge fan of J&R electronics. They're a retail store in New York and they have EVERYTHING. They also have a very helpful website that lets you sort by all the above mentioned characteristics. I've bought most of my electronics from them. Go to their website: J&R. You don't pay sales tax either.

I have a Pentax that's small, inexpensive and easy to use. I've been very happy with it. It comes with very basic editing software that's a bit primitive but easy to use. My girlfriend just bought a Nikon coolpix and it's a great little camera. Don't know what the software is like. I'm also a big fan of secure digital cards: small, cheap, big capacity, and a number of computers have built-in sd slots. My Toshiba does so I never have to use cords.

OK, I'm done sounding like a TV commercial.

[360texas]

When "upgrading?" from a point and shoot camera to a dSLR a few considerations come to mind.. actually ALOT of considerations come to mind.

On a digital point and shoot - you get to see the image in the LCD before your take the picture. Rather handy actually. Images are typically smaller file size with a point and shoot. I found that Sony's images seemed to be clear with good color. Quick 15 minute rechargable batteries is a great idea. Standard battery type (AA's) are common. They will need to be replaced in a couple of years.

We still have our Nikon 990's which you can frame your images before taking them. The 990 used 4 AA batteries.

Going to a dSLR - your LCD is only good for looking at the menu items. You frame your image using a typical 'view finder'. Take your image... mirror open/closes and then you get to see your image. Typically you can still preview all your images.

We upgraded to a Canon 20d 8mp (now sells for about $1,000. (1.6 crop factor) about a year ago. Now and we bought a few lenses. Most expensive lens we have is a Canon 70 - 300mm 'Anti-Shake' about $800. A good Canon lens will cost you about 1/2 the price of the camera body. Canon 20d and XT Rebel will use both EF-S and EF lens types.

Bigger files means bigger Compact Flash cards. A 1GB card will do well. By the way, our 1 year old 1 GB Lexar card failed 2 days ago. Lexar Media agreed to replace it. Sent it back today.

We also have a Canon Rebel XT 8mp now sells for about $900. The Canon lenses we have will fit on both the XT Rebel and 20d which is handy.

Yesterday we bought a Canon 5d (with Canon rebate $2,699). The 5d is a FULL FRAME sensor. Full Frame means its sensor is the same size as a typical 35mm slide. It will use only EF lens types. Our EF-S lenses will stay with the 20d and XT Rebel. Bigger 12mb files means larger Compact Flash cards - requires more storage space on your computer. We are thinking about a couple of 2GB cards. In the event 1 CF fails.. always have the 2nd 2gb CF. This is compared to buying one 4mb CF.

What do we get with all this over a consumer point and shoot ? Higher quality imaging, better color rendering, sharper images, more detail. Also with a dSLR you get a lot more control over how your images are taken... its like going back to the 35mm film camera era.. fstop, shutter speed, depth of field except you get instant review/delete control. You don't need to wait for film processing to see your pictures. OR - just select "Auto" and let the camera determine best settings.

I guess you must ask yourself... how big is big ? And once you invest... you must remember that in 6 months to a year.. another camera will be out there that will .. well you know the story cycle.

If you are still hesitant in leaping to the dSLR's visit your local camera shop and see if you can rent one for a day or two.. try it out first. I am not sure but maybe Fort Worth Camera over near Camp Bowie or Arlington Camera near I-30 and Matlock might rent you one for a couple days.

Dave still at http://360Texas.com

[redhead]

hey Dave, ever thought about teaching digital photography to dummies? I have the composition, scale, and contrast, etc...but not the technical skills. Just curious...maybe a Forum meeting?

hey Dave, ever thought about teaching digital photography to dummies? I have the composition, scale, and contrast, etc...but not the technical skills. Just curious...maybe a Forum meeting?

[360texas]

hey Dave, ever thought about teaching digital photography to dummies? I have the composition, scale, and contrast, etc...but not the technical skills. Just curious...maybe a Forum meeting?

hey Dave, ever thought about teaching digital photography to dummies? I have the composition, scale, and contrast, etc...but not the technical skills. Just curious...maybe a Forum meeting?

Hmm you must really mean it.. your thoughts were duplicated.

After 37 years with the government (ours) in construction contract managment, I retired and decided to start our own niche market company.

We teach "read coach" panorama photography through 2 software company forums (China and Canada) for new folks. We make enough money taking panoramic imaging and software sales to cover our hardware investments and report Texas Sales Tax to the State. So I guess we qualify as a company. Our target demographics are medium to large business [not real estate] company website tours, hotels, tourist destinations and unique locations. If you have not already done so you might consider visiting http://360Texas.com and just wander around. My wife Pat owns the company. I work for free and fun.

Certainly, maybe at the next forum meeting...

[WTx]

I am making the jump to a dSLR from a point and shoot. I like low light photography and have heard the Nikon 50D is a good intro amateur dSLR. I had an Olympus C-725 and it was good in the fact that it had full manual controls. The image processor was poor and exposures of more than 2 seconds had lots of noise. I have heard the 50D has good noise reduction. I'll try and post some new photos after I get the new camera. I am eager to learn its capabilities!

[John T Roberts]

Also, if you want to have a forum photography shoot, I'm betting there would be several of us willing to participate.

[WTx]

Not a bad idea John! I just ordered the camera online and it should be here this week. I've never met anyone from the FTW Forum so I may have to change that!?

[David Love]

A friend brought over her SLR the other night so I could help her figure out how to use it.

I’m hooked.

As of this week what are the best SLR bodies and lens combinations for the following:

Architecture – entire structures and panoramas.
Architecture – details, cornice, unique pediments, columns or caryatids, balustrades and such.
Something that would enable me to capture the detail of say a registration sticker parked in Sundance Square from the 28th floor.

[360texas]

Think of the camera body as the engine. We have Canon XT, 20d and 5d bodies.

The lenses are the rest of the car body. We have a few Canon consumer lens for those special shots. 2 of them are the 'anti shake' flavor. Then we have 2 special fisheye lens for the unique virtual tours we produce.

The glass can cost as much as the camera bodies.

[FWillustrator]

The glass can cost as much as the camera bodies.

...or more.

[David Love]

For the body I’m looking at the Nikon D80, I’d previously made a mental decision to get the D70 when I got around to getting serious, now they have the D80 so I’m just trying to justify the cost, with the body and a couple good lenses, that’s one class in grad school.

Found this site: http://philip.greens...ital-slr-system explains the decision / options process really well.

For distance shots I’ll probably have to spring for the anti vibration since the Tower has a tendency to vibrate.

Then I want something with about a 160 degree horizontal view.

[fwnative54]

I just purchased a Nikon D50. I chose this camera for the price... got it and a lens for $500, although it is kind of hard to find now. The other reason is that it takes older Nikon lenses, not just digital lenses. I have a Nikon N75 film camera with lenses that I can use on the D50. I guess I am somewhat old fashioned in that I really enjoy film. I do my own B/W film developing and printing. I enjoy using both, film and digital, they each have their own pros and cons.

[David Love]

I'm now leaning more towards a Canon EOS 400D Rebel XTi, has 10 mega pixels and a wide range of lenses. Since I don't have anything invested in Nikon lenses and I've checked the used route too so the only downside to the Cannon path is heavier lenses.

[FWillustrator]

One thing that most people don't think about is the quality of the glass they can put on their body. When everything was film, you simply bought the best film on the market. The body was just any old contraption that held the film in front of the glass. The single most important factor in determining the quality of an image (back in the film-only days) was the quality of your optics.

Bells and whistles on your camera body are fine and dandy, but whenever I browse for camers the first thing I consider is the reputation the manufacturer has for quality optics.

Having said that, I realize digital changes things since the "film" is now unique to the body design. But I think options for quality optics is something to keep in mind.

[David Love]

One thing that most people don't think about is the quality of the glass they can put on their body. When everything was film, you simply bought the best film on the market. The body was just any old contraption that held the film in front of the glass. The single most important factor in determining the quality of an image (back in the film-only days) was the quality of your optics.

Bells and whistles on your camera body are fine and dandy, but whenever I browse for camers the first thing I consider is the reputation the manufacturer has for quality optics.

Having said that, I realize digital changes things since the "film" is now unique to the body design. But I think options for quality optics is something to keep in mind.

This guy's site has a quick rundown on the SLR side, http://philip.greens...ital-slr-system yes he does get kickbacks off his referrals, but the info is very distilled, you'd probably have to read 30 pages of reviews to get to these bullets.

[360texas]

Picking out a lens for a digital camera is not quite as easy as visiting your local camera shop and point to lens and saying "I want that one". Oh, sure you can but it might be a costly decision if you don't do some home work.

Homework: Don't try to full understand this on your first read.. but at least try to grasp the concept on these MTF laboratory tests. Lens manufacturers worth their salt.. will publish the MTF chart for each of their lenses.

The Modular Transference Function Explained - Do I really need to know this stuff??

http://www.luminous-...nding-mtf.shtml

Canon shows lens MTF's on their website [eg EFS 18-55mm f3.5 - 5.6 USM Standard Zoom Lens

http://www.usa.canon...9&modelid=10512

I am sure that Nikon and Sigma also have their MTF's in line.

[FWillustrator]

^^^

That's exactly what I was talking about. The clarity of your images is all about your optics.

I used to be a Pentax freak, and sought out many of the fixed lenses that were reknowned for their stunning clarity and "3D" quality even at wide open apertures.