Digital Camera Advice- 5MP or 8.1MP
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Bridgewater, NJ
If anything, you'll see an increase in sensor size at the D70 / Rebel price point in DSLR's.....
I am personally waiting for the release of this - the Leica Digital Module R, 10MP digital back for their film based R series cameras....kills 2 birds with one stone.
I am personally waiting for the release of this - the Leica Digital Module R, 10MP digital back for their film based R series cameras....kills 2 birds with one stone.
pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
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From: California
That's the first I've even heard of the 10 MP Leica.
I have to ask, how much are they projecting that is going to cost?
I have to ask, how much are they projecting that is going to cost?
From Leica:
Product innovation: LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R
The LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R is a digital camera back designed to fit regular production LEICA R8 and R9 cameras. LEICA R8 and R9 cameras will thus become the world’s very first hybrid 35 mm cameras that can be used optionally for digital or analog photography.
The LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R:
Type: interchangeable digital module, fully compatible with LEICA R8 and R9, can be exchanged by the photographer her-/himself
Lenses: all Leica R-lenses as well as those earlier LEICAFLEX/SL/SL2-lenses that have been modified by adding the R-cam can be used.
Sensor: 3876 x 2584 Pixels (10 MPixel) CCD-Chip, active sensor area 26.4 x 17.6 mm, focal length extension factor 1.37
Sensitivity: 100 ISO up to at least 800 ISO
Storage media: SD-card
Data-formats: RAW, TIFF, 2 JPEG-compression rates
BW-Display shows: Frame counter, ISO, exposure compensation, battery status, flash ready signal, self timer, compression rate, resolution, moiré on/off, white balance.
Menue: sharpness, color saturation, contrast, frame number, contrast of color display, brightness of color display, duration of auto review, histogram on/off, power save options, card formatting, warning signals, audio histogram on/off, date, time, user-profils, firmware update, reset.
Interface: IEEE 1394 Firewire
Power supply: proprietary Lithium Ionen rechargeable battery pack.
Color monitor: for image control and menue-controlled settings.
Shutter cocking: by motor integrated in power unit.
Size and Weight: Comparable to LEICA R8/R9 with Motor-Drive (W x H x D) 158 x 140 x 89 mm.
Product innovation: LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R
The LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R is a digital camera back designed to fit regular production LEICA R8 and R9 cameras. LEICA R8 and R9 cameras will thus become the world’s very first hybrid 35 mm cameras that can be used optionally for digital or analog photography.
The LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R:
Type: interchangeable digital module, fully compatible with LEICA R8 and R9, can be exchanged by the photographer her-/himself
Lenses: all Leica R-lenses as well as those earlier LEICAFLEX/SL/SL2-lenses that have been modified by adding the R-cam can be used.
Sensor: 3876 x 2584 Pixels (10 MPixel) CCD-Chip, active sensor area 26.4 x 17.6 mm, focal length extension factor 1.37
Sensitivity: 100 ISO up to at least 800 ISO
Storage media: SD-card
Data-formats: RAW, TIFF, 2 JPEG-compression rates
BW-Display shows: Frame counter, ISO, exposure compensation, battery status, flash ready signal, self timer, compression rate, resolution, moiré on/off, white balance.
Menue: sharpness, color saturation, contrast, frame number, contrast of color display, brightness of color display, duration of auto review, histogram on/off, power save options, card formatting, warning signals, audio histogram on/off, date, time, user-profils, firmware update, reset.
Interface: IEEE 1394 Firewire
Power supply: proprietary Lithium Ionen rechargeable battery pack.
Color monitor: for image control and menue-controlled settings.
Shutter cocking: by motor integrated in power unit.
Size and Weight: Comparable to LEICA R8/R9 with Motor-Drive (W x H x D) 158 x 140 x 89 mm.
Last edited by dave; Jul 7, 2004 at 11:47 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,733
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From: Bridgewater, NJ
The back should be unveiled at Photokina in October, and available in December. It's expected to sell for $4995. Keep in mind that the top of the line Canon DSLR goes for around $8K or so....if you already have a Leica film SLR (R8 or R9) - this is an excellent solution. The Leica SLR's are manual focus as well - but I can tell you without hesitation that the viewfinders are the brightest & crispest I have ever used. The lenses snap into focus and are truly fantastic, and the main reason I have stayed in the Leica system is primarily due to the optics - specifically the 180 F 2.0 APO that came across my path.
Leica partnered with Imacon & Kodak for the back - Imacon is a company that makes high end drum scanners for all film types ($10K & up)
So if anyone is looking for some nice medium format gear (Hasselblad) - let me know....need to buy this back when it's out....
Leica partnered with Imacon & Kodak for the back - Imacon is a company that makes high end drum scanners for all film types ($10K & up)
So if anyone is looking for some nice medium format gear (Hasselblad) - let me know....need to buy this back when it's out....
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Be aware that all of the 8 mp cameras are a bit noisy above ISO 100, but it's not really an issue. I'm very happy with the Konica Minolta A2, felt natural to use first time I picked one up. 8 mp does give you more room to crop, and potentially larger prints.
The newer pics on my site are done with the A2 which repaced a 2.1 mp Toshiba, click my sig (and make sure you go back and click Hafids sig to see what he's done (Cannon s45 I think, 4 mp :smile: )
The newer pics on my site are done with the A2 which repaced a 2.1 mp Toshiba, click my sig (and make sure you go back and click Hafids sig to see what he's done (Cannon s45 I think, 4 mp :smile: )
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,752
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From: Bucks
Originally Posted by binkydognose
Be aware that all of the 8 mp cameras are a bit noisy above ISO 100, but it's not really an issue. I'm very happy with the Konica Minolta A2, felt natural to use first time I picked one up. 8 mp does give you more room to crop, and potentially larger prints.
The newer pics on my site are done with the A2 which repaced a 2.1 mp Toshiba, click my sig (and make sure you go back and click Hafids sig to see what he's done (Cannon s45 I think, 4 mp :smile: )
The newer pics on my site are done with the A2 which repaced a 2.1 mp Toshiba, click my sig (and make sure you go back and click Hafids sig to see what he's done (Cannon s45 I think, 4 mp :smile: )
Vendor & Moderator :: MINI Camera and Video & c3 club forum
iTrader: (6)
I had spent many months drooling and "dreaming" about a Digital Rebel. Not that it's that expensive---much less than my Digital Video camcorder-- but for a still camera, seemed like a nice choice. Then i got a chance to shoot with it for a day, and my dream came crashing down. 
In all fairness, it's a nice camera, but I wasn't impressed by its lack of heft, and that it felt really plasticy. My film SLR is a Nikon N90 and the Rebel felt like a toy. Now before I get flamed, I've held the film version of the Rebel and I think it has a similar feel of the digital version so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
But speed seemed quick, and the accuracy and confidence in focus was very high. Both Sony and Nikon have new models that look like SLR's with large focusable fixed lenses. I think price wise they are in line with the removable lens cameras---which makes their value questionable--why spend so much for a fixed lens camera when you can get one with removable lenses? But the main difference I found was that these cameras seemed more feature rich as opposed to a bare bones entry level SLR.
In all fairness, it's a nice camera, but I wasn't impressed by its lack of heft, and that it felt really plasticy. My film SLR is a Nikon N90 and the Rebel felt like a toy. Now before I get flamed, I've held the film version of the Rebel and I think it has a similar feel of the digital version so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
But speed seemed quick, and the accuracy and confidence in focus was very high. Both Sony and Nikon have new models that look like SLR's with large focusable fixed lenses. I think price wise they are in line with the removable lens cameras---which makes their value questionable--why spend so much for a fixed lens camera when you can get one with removable lenses? But the main difference I found was that these cameras seemed more feature rich as opposed to a bare bones entry level SLR.
Originally Posted by DiD
The Digital Rebel and the Nikon D70 are both great values.
Considering that Nikon and Canon have both come out with "entry level" D-SLRs now, I wouldn't expect to see another big price barrier crossed in that market for some time (at least a year).
If you haven't already done so, read the reviews of both cameras at dpreview
Considering that Nikon and Canon have both come out with "entry level" D-SLRs now, I wouldn't expect to see another big price barrier crossed in that market for some time (at least a year).
If you haven't already done so, read the reviews of both cameras at dpreview
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 689
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From: Cardiff CA
Originally Posted by OctaneGuy
I had spent many months drooling and "dreaming" about a Digital Rebel. Not that it's that expensive---much less than my Digital Video camcorder-- but for a still camera, seemed like a nice choice. Then i got a chance to shoot with it for a day, and my dream came crashing down.
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 811
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From: Chicago
I actually borrowed my bosses digital rebel + lenses for the weekend. Must be careful :smile: So far the camera has an interesting feel to it, seems a bit light. My old (trusty) setup for film is a Minolta X700 35MM SLR. I use a standard 55mm lens, have a 70-210MM and 35MM wide-angle. Vivitar flash. Not spectacular, but produced some GREAT prints :smile:
I'm borrowing a Canon G3 from someone also next week, so I can "Try before I buy". Tho I would get the updated Canon G5...
I'm still a bit up in the air on spending $1,200 on a camera setup
I'm borrowing a Canon G3 from someone also next week, so I can "Try before I buy". Tho I would get the updated Canon G5...
I'm still a bit up in the air on spending $1,200 on a camera setup
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Wenatchee WA
Keep the 2.1and get....
Sounds like your 2.1 is doing what you want for web stuff. Keep your 2.1, get yourself a good medium format film camera like the Fuji GA645ZI. Auto everything and use's 120/220 film. Have all your negs burned to CD. You will get way better prints and even things you want put to web will look much better. Then when you want that 11x14, 16x20, 20x24 the neg will give you that with no problem.
FYI, I am a 24 year Pro photographer. I still shoot Hasselblad film cameras for everything. I use a Fuji GA645ZI on pack trips.
Hope this helps,
Motor on,
Exposed
FYI, I am a 24 year Pro photographer. I still shoot Hasselblad film cameras for everything. I use a Fuji GA645ZI on pack trips.
Hope this helps,
Motor on,
Exposed
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 811
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From: Chicago
Well I finally pulled the "trigger" (er shutter?) and got a new camera. Got it from E-Bay, really good deal ($775 w/512CF card) from a private vendor. Took a bit
of a gamble, but it's on the way @ the moment. So everything should be cool?
I demoed a bunch of cameras, looked at features, etc. and the Canon PowerShot Pro1 feel was right for me. The Olympus C8080 was a close call, but I didn't like the LCD display and it was a bit larger...
In all honesty, I'll probably be shooting at 5.1MP mostly, with the 8MP used for special/scenic shots... Got an extra battery for it too, because the battery life on this one is meidocre...
of a gamble, but it's on the way @ the moment. So everything should be cool?
I demoed a bunch of cameras, looked at features, etc. and the Canon PowerShot Pro1 feel was right for me. The Olympus C8080 was a close call, but I didn't like the LCD display and it was a bit larger...
In all honesty, I'll probably be shooting at 5.1MP mostly, with the 8MP used for special/scenic shots... Got an extra battery for it too, because the battery life on this one is meidocre...
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
Dandp,
I've been looking at the LEICA Digilux 2 and the somewhat cheaper Panasonic version and I stumbled across this.... Have you seen this?
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0403/04031101epsonrd1.asp
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Cheese
I've been looking at the LEICA Digilux 2 and the somewhat cheaper Panasonic version and I stumbled across this.... Have you seen this?
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0403/04031101epsonrd1.asp
--
Cheese
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 7
From: San Diego, CA
Originally Posted by zfxr
Thx, I think a 5MP camera would probably fit the bill for me. I still have an old-school Minolta X-700 SLR (manual focus, tho it does have auto-shutter speed) with a 50MM, 35MM wide angle and 70-210MM lens. Nothing like the look of slide film :smile:
(snip)
E-Bay seems to be the place, but something erks me about a camera online, no???
(snip)
E-Bay seems to be the place, but something erks me about a camera online, no???
Enjoy!
Last edited by bee1000n; Aug 11, 2004 at 12:00 PM. Reason: Read more posts
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 819
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From: Valencia, CA.
I have both a 4mp (canon powershot s40) and an 8mp (canon powershot pro1) camera and can say that if you're not printing larger than 8 x 10, there's no reason for more than 5mp ( in my opinion)... I do love my pro1 which enables me to take shot after shot without proper framing and just frame (or crop) the pic after the fact..... a little bulky at times and thats where the s40 shines.... although I might end up upgrading to an s60 (5mp).....
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,027
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From: Miami, Fl
Originally Posted by macncheese
http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/Prod...t=&Sku=OMC8080
The kits generally arent worth it. Definately pick up a good set of a rechargable batteries/battery.
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Cheese
The kits generally arent worth it. Definately pick up a good set of a rechargable batteries/battery.
--
Cheese
Stay AWAY from NY/NJ ONLINE electronic STORES! They are ALL scammers!
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 238
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From: LUBBOCK TX
I really have to say Fuji any fuji something about the color its so brilliant. I own a Sony Cyber shot 3 megs , a Fuji Fine pix 4800 and Minolta Dimage. The fuji shotsare hands down more colorful its incredible what the triangular pixels of the fuji do. the others use hex pixals.
my 2cents
my 2cents
Vendor & Moderator :: MINI Camera and Video & c3 club forum
iTrader: (6)
Actually, I wouldn't include BHPhotovideo.com in that. I've been purchasing professional and consumer electronics from them for over 10 years--first by telephone which was the pits, and then through the web when they went online, which was the single best thing they did, cause I hated dealing with their rude sales people on the phone!
Originally Posted by Thameth
Never trust any of the online stores out of New York or NJ! Trust me if you don't want to be hassled and go through hell in getting your product. Also the product you thought you bought may be something else from the grey market.
Stay AWAY from NY/NJ ONLINE electronic STORES! They are ALL scammers!
Stay AWAY from NY/NJ ONLINE electronic STORES! They are ALL scammers!
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
Originally Posted by Thameth
Never trust any of the online stores out of New York or NJ! Trust me if you don't want to be hassled and go through hell in getting your product. Also the product you thought you bought may be something else from the grey market.
Stay AWAY from NY/NJ ONLINE electronic STORES! They are ALL scammers!
Stay AWAY from NY/NJ ONLINE electronic STORES! They are ALL scammers!
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Cheese
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
Originally Posted by OctaneGuy
Actually, I wouldn't include BHPhotovideo.com in that. I've been purchasing professional and consumer electronics from them for over 10 years--first by telephone which was the pits, and then through the web when they went online, which was the single best thing they did, cause I hated dealing with their rude sales people on the phone!
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Cheese
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Indiana
I've got the Canon Digital Rebel and highly recommend it. It is 6.3mp, the great thing about this camera is the ability to change lenses. It will use any EF lens.
I bought it for myself, but my husband now uses if for his business. He does computer renderings and graphics and uses the camera all the time. Three of his clients now have the same camera after seeing its capablities.
I bought it for myself, but my husband now uses if for his business. He does computer renderings and graphics and uses the camera all the time. Three of his clients now have the same camera after seeing its capablities.
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 599
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Buying a camera is like buying a computer - the first question should always be "What do you want to do with it?"
If you need a point and shoot camera that will allow you to print good quality 8 X 10's, and will not need telephoto lenses or specialty attachments, a good 5 MP camera like the Canon G% should suffice.
If you will be starting a "system," with the camera as a starting point, a good quality Nikon or Canon SLR is a must.
I, like you, wanted a good quality system for under $1000 that would meet all my needs. I have some Nikon 35mm equipment with telephoto and wide angle lenses, so I did not need that capability in the digital venue. Here's what I came up with:
Canon G5
Canon Speedlite 420EX TTL flash
Extra Batteries + charger
4 gigabyte Hitachi Microdrive
Lens and filter adapter tube, skylight filter
1.5 X lens adapter
Pelican Waterproof case
All this under your $1000 figure and great capabilities. With the 4 gig chip (about $200) you can take over 1300 5 MP pictures. Thats 1300.
I have a much greater ability to take pictures at night with the flash that has auto slave capabilities and TTL metering.
If you need a point and shoot camera that will allow you to print good quality 8 X 10's, and will not need telephoto lenses or specialty attachments, a good 5 MP camera like the Canon G% should suffice.
If you will be starting a "system," with the camera as a starting point, a good quality Nikon or Canon SLR is a must.
I, like you, wanted a good quality system for under $1000 that would meet all my needs. I have some Nikon 35mm equipment with telephoto and wide angle lenses, so I did not need that capability in the digital venue. Here's what I came up with:
Canon G5
Canon Speedlite 420EX TTL flash
Extra Batteries + charger
4 gigabyte Hitachi Microdrive
Lens and filter adapter tube, skylight filter
1.5 X lens adapter
Pelican Waterproof case
All this under your $1000 figure and great capabilities. With the 4 gig chip (about $200) you can take over 1300 5 MP pictures. Thats 1300.
I have a much greater ability to take pictures at night with the flash that has auto slave capabilities and TTL metering.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 0
From: Miami, Fl
Originally Posted by macncheese
I've bought photography equip from both Beach in NJ and B&H and Butterfly Photo in NY and have had no problems. I also buy all my computer parts from Newegg.com Way to promote stereotypes tho!
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Cheese
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Cheese
But i say you are a VERY lucky man to get anything out of Beach and Butterfly. I wouldn't have stereotyped them if i didn't have experience with Most of the stores up there that sell on the internet. Sales people are incredibly rude and constantly try to sell you useless crap. It is just easier to stay away. A person on one of the forums tracked down all the physical addresses to most of theses NY/NJ internet sites and they were all fronts with no actual stores at the locations.
If you still decide to buy from these people than BUYER BEWARE and good luck.
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
Originally Posted by Thameth
I should have excluded B&H because they are highly reputable.
But i say you are a VERY lucky man to get anything out of Beach and Butterfly. I wouldn't have stereotyped them if i didn't have experience with Most of the stores up there that sell on the internet. Sales people are incredibly rude and constantly try to sell you useless crap. It is just easier to stay away. A person on one of the forums tracked down all the physical addresses to most of theses NY/NJ internet sites and they were all fronts with no actual stores at the locations.
If you still decide to buy from these people than BUYER BEWARE and good luck.
But i say you are a VERY lucky man to get anything out of Beach and Butterfly. I wouldn't have stereotyped them if i didn't have experience with Most of the stores up there that sell on the internet. Sales people are incredibly rude and constantly try to sell you useless crap. It is just easier to stay away. A person on one of the forums tracked down all the physical addresses to most of theses NY/NJ internet sites and they were all fronts with no actual stores at the locations.
If you still decide to buy from these people than BUYER BEWARE and good luck.
Beach Camera has a 4.54.....
B&H is 4.60.....
BUY.COM is 3.5!
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Cheese
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
I'd say you should go with the DSLR route, and keep your horizons limitless instead of limited.
The lens selection on a DSLR will keep you moving forward for years, as you want to try new things with your photography.
And the quality is way ahead of the small lenses on digital compacts.
here's a sample shot on my wife's Digital Rebel
It's really a huge step up from the Canon Gx series, and the flexibility and quality of results speak for themselves.
The Rebel kit with lens is a steal, and get's you off to a great start.
Me, I use the Canon 1D for my photography, but that's a little more of an investment than you're talking about. LOL
Takes great shots though!
Chris.
1D Images
The lens selection on a DSLR will keep you moving forward for years, as you want to try new things with your photography.
And the quality is way ahead of the small lenses on digital compacts.
here's a sample shot on my wife's Digital Rebel
It's really a huge step up from the Canon Gx series, and the flexibility and quality of results speak for themselves.
The Rebel kit with lens is a steal, and get's you off to a great start.
Me, I use the Canon 1D for my photography, but that's a little more of an investment than you're talking about. LOL
Takes great shots though!
Chris.
1D Images