I'm in the same predicament as you. I've always - for whatever reason - shot in raw+jpeg but when I think about it I never actually use the jpegs. And when I transfer files to my phone the camera converts the raw anyway so there's no real reason for me to use jpegs.
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NeoGAF Camera Equipment Thread | MK II
- Thread starter MRORANGE
- Start date
I'm in the same predicament as you. I've always - for whatever reason - shot in raw+jpeg but when I think about it I never actually use the jpegs. And when I transfer files to my phone the camera converts the raw anyway so there's no real reason for me to use jpegs.
VisceralBowl
Member
Used to. Waste of time because I'd always end up deleting the JPGs anyways. Now I just shoot RAW on both my cards.
Nope. RAW always. I think before computers could render RAW files quickly it was a time saver for photogs who did big shoots when sorting through their pictures. Now it doesn't really matter, and I cannot see any real benefit to it these days.
Skel1ingt0n
I can't *believe* these lazy developers keep making file sizes so damn large. Btw, how does technology work?
Almost exactly this.
Back in 2006 & 07, when I was the editor of my HS paper - and even in college the year or two after, we would always shoot both. Loading up RAW files and sorting them was an absolute nightmare on Pentium 4s or Athlons, and even Core Duo machines, especially over USB1/2.
But now, pretty much everyone has a 3Ghz+, 4 core, 8 HT threaded CPU and super fast USB3 connections. I can load 300+ RAWs from a day of shooting and be sorting them in Lightroom in about four minutes.
JadedWriter
Member
I run around with a gripped D7100, it's obvious, just stop caring.
DarkJediKnight
Member
I have shot RAW and Jpegs at a birthday party where they wanted shots immediately for the slideshow in the hall. So I set my D3S for RAW and sent the jpegs over.
Leeroy3101
Banned
Keep a low profile. You can get a hand grip that's almost like a glove, and it attaches around your wrist. It's what I do for my D3300. Doesn't make me feel like "that tourist with a camera".
Get a hand strap. Cops will look at you suspiciously but otherwise it's the second best thing to getting a rangefinder style body. (Which is why I'm waiting for the x100 successor.)
I clip mine to the strap of my messenger bag or backpack. People often don't even notice it's there.
PM me your address. Just pay for shipping.
By all accounts the Nikon v series had pretty good AF. No idea if they were nikon designed and manufactured or designed by them and built by someone else or just Sony sensors. Regardless nikon won't do it because they are myopic and think they can keep selling dslrs despite the numbers consistently going down.
TheCochese
Banned
Thanks guys, ordered a wrist grip and a 50mm Prime thanks to the Amazon Warehouse Deal discount.
Aptina made 1 series sensor iirc. dslrs sales aren't free falling any more and milc is plateauing a bit so maybe they aren't in a hurry.
m_shortpants
Member
Sitting here with a Sony A6000 w/ 16mm-50mm lens sitting at Amazon Checkout...$531
edit: bought
edit 2: well, I wanted a camera as a beginner, hope this will serve me well for the next years to come! Plan on doing some travelling too. GAF help me validate my purchase. This is a chunk of my bonus, lol.
edit: bought
edit 2: well, I wanted a camera as a beginner, hope this will serve me well for the next years to come! Plan on doing some travelling too. GAF help me validate my purchase. This is a chunk of my bonus, lol.
ElectricKaibutsu
Member
I got the same thing. I'm loving it. I always wanted a decent camera but I knew a DSLR would be too big for me to carry with me often. I can just throw the a6000 with the kit lens in any bag. After awhile I picked up the SEL55210 telephoto zoom. I've been getting some decent wildlife photos with it. It's so light too!
Next on my list is the SEL35f18 for low light use. I don't know when that will be though at $400...
Check out the Sigma 30mm- you can often find it for less than $200 and IQ in daylight is just as good, has better sharpness, and still can crank out some pretty nice shots in low light.
ElectricKaibutsu
Member
That looks like a really good lens. I saw some comparisons and some of the sigma shots even looked better. But I really want that 1.8 f stop for low light and bokeh
TheCochese
Banned
The main thing I was looking to get away from was the awkwardness. I want to start travelling, within reason, and want to start carrying around a better camera than a smartphone.
The usual thing with my process now was to carry around the camera in the Slingshot until I came upon a photo opportunity. Slide the bag to the front, put on the stock neck strap, and zip the bag up. It is awkward, slow, and clumsy. I'm not sure I want to walk for blocks with it strapped to my wrist, but off the neck is an improvement.
Really, until I overcome the awkwardness and fear of damage, I won't use it more often, which is the ultimate goal.
So I've started investing in photography. The only equipment I have is a Canon 7D and a Canon 50mm 1.4 lens. I've been taking pictures of a friend of mine for her portfolio (and mine) just using the 50mm and it has worked fine so far. I've been thinking of acquiring more lenses, however.
I have nothing for wider shots, such as landscapes or buildings, so I was considering something like a 24mm prime lens. At the same time, I've been thinking of investing further in portraiture and getting a nice 85mm. Currently looking at the Canon 85mm 1.8. My other concern is that I don't have any zoom lenses so maybe I should invest there as well?
At the end of the day, I think my current career path is focusing on portraits. So which direction should I go? Current budget for a lens is around $400
I have nothing for wider shots, such as landscapes or buildings, so I was considering something like a 24mm prime lens. At the same time, I've been thinking of investing further in portraiture and getting a nice 85mm. Currently looking at the Canon 85mm 1.8. My other concern is that I don't have any zoom lenses so maybe I should invest there as well?
At the end of the day, I think my current career path is focusing on portraits. So which direction should I go? Current budget for a lens is around $400
Rentahamster
Rodent Whores
If you already have a tripod, you can simulate a wider field of view by doing panoramas. No extra expense necessary. There are lots of good guides on the internet about how to do that.
For portraits, there isn't really any "free" "hack" for that if you want the look of a longer lens. There are 85mm f1.8 lenses that can be bought for around $400 IIRC.
You're still early in it, so I'm not sure what you're basing the "I think my career path is focusing on portraits". From what you've said, it doesn't seem like you've done enough other stuff to make a fair comparison. I'd suggest still keeping an open mind.
Anyway, you don't really "need" zoom lenses. Landscapes and portraiture enable you to take your time. You can sacrifice convenience in order to save money and maximize quality.
Rent lenses until you have a larger budget. LensRentals.com has very reasonable prices.
Secure some jobs, rent a lens, use the lens on jobs, make money, increase your budget for a new lens.
Thanks for the tips. Yeah, it's early, but I've been getting gigs for portraits lately and figure I could use something more. Definitely keeping an open mind though. I've been going out and trying out some stuff to see what sticks with various results.
I forgot to consider this option as well. Thanks for the tip.
It's maybe a little primitive, but my first thought was to keep an eye out for cheap, used kit lenses like the 18-55. Not sure what role it'd fill though because it's probably a bit soft for landscapes and not that cheap.
Stitching together for a pano is possible, but can be a real pain with a long lens and with a zoom you get the choice between stitching together a lower res, but much quicker pano on the wider setting or going in tighter for that extra detail.
I don't know of an obvious lens though for landscapes. Canon's cheapest ultrawide (think it was the 10-18) is a really good value though if you could live with the cheap build. Otherwise maybe Tokina for zooms or Samyang for primes. Samyang has a 10mm prime, but 100% manual.
I would wait a bit for a higher budget as well. Portrait wise I was thinking of the Sigma 50-100mm f1.8 which kinda makes the 85mm f1.8 redundant and you don't need to switch lenses as often in a shoot.
Yeah, you can get most lenses from them for $50-100 for a 4-day rental. If you can line up a couple gigs in advance you're good to go.
On top of that, if you really like the lens you can keep it and get a good price for a used lens. I've purchased a lens and microphone from LensRentals.com in the last year and both items have held up beautifully.
Krauser Kat
Member
Looks like Rokinon is discounting all of their lenses today on primeday. But they are limited qty as the day goes on more go on sale. Hoping to pick up a 12 or 10.
18mm with no speedbooster on my GH4 is still super tight.
18mm with no speedbooster on my GH4 is still super tight.
PanicFreak
Member
You can get a refurbished Sony Alpha 7 for 20 percent off of 1250. I almost bought it but decided my wife would kill me if I did.
VisceralBowl
Member
70-200 2.8 IS pls
Where? A friend of mine is looking for one.
PanicFreak
Member
Check your PMs.
Astral/H3X
Member
Just ordered the 100mm Macro from Rokinon, but sadly no discount. : ( Will Amazon give me the better price of it happens to go on sale?
ElectricKaibutsu
Member
Yeah they will. They did it for me a couple times. It needs to be within 2 weeks or something.
JadedWriter
Member
I got mine for under 600 bucks. Didn't even have the money for it. Just PayPal credited the damn thing. Will pay it off next month, that and my sigma art 18-35.
Skel1ingt0n
I can't *believe* these lazy developers keep making file sizes so damn large. Btw, how does technology work?
Time to step up my tripod game, and am looking for suggestions. I currently have a $100 Manfrotto from eight or nine years ago - it's heavy as fuck, wonky, and the ballhead has gone to shit. But it's worked.
Now I'm looking for something to take with me when I travel.
I'm traveling within the states - for both personal and for work - a few times a month. I'm also going out of the county about twice a year for the foreseeable future with my wife for pleasure. I like to explore: hike, climb "mountains," enjoy rooftop seating, treck into the willerness or caves, etc. But also find myself walking around town and never really needing it - but not realizing it till it's too late (so I'll end up carrying it all the time, and don't want it weighing me down). For example, when I was in Bergen, Norway - we decided to climb this mountain that had a beautiful view a few hours later. But a few days later, in Stockholm, I walked all day long and never once escaped the city.
I'd like something VERY light, and very compact. I'm 6'1", so I don't expect it to stand as tall as me, but I want it to be at least 4.5-5" ft, extended. I want it to be sturdy - my expectations are in check. But with my Fuji XT-1 and a 12mm lens, I want to take long, 30 sec exposures without shake assuming there's no crazy wind. And I want it to last - I'd rather keep this thing for the next 5-10 years.
Right now, I'm pretty much set on the Manfrotto BeFree Carbon:
Load Capacity: 8.8 lb
Maximum Height: 56.7"
Min Height: 13.4"
Folded Length: 15.75"
Leg Sections: 4
Weight: 2.4 lb
Independent Leg Angle Selector
Quick Release Ball Head
QR Plate Included
Fitted Case
... AND it looks nice:
$350, but currently can be found a hair under $300.
Any reason I shouldn't get this? Anything I'm not considering?
Now I'm looking for something to take with me when I travel.
I'm traveling within the states - for both personal and for work - a few times a month. I'm also going out of the county about twice a year for the foreseeable future with my wife for pleasure. I like to explore: hike, climb "mountains," enjoy rooftop seating, treck into the willerness or caves, etc. But also find myself walking around town and never really needing it - but not realizing it till it's too late (so I'll end up carrying it all the time, and don't want it weighing me down). For example, when I was in Bergen, Norway - we decided to climb this mountain that had a beautiful view a few hours later. But a few days later, in Stockholm, I walked all day long and never once escaped the city.
I'd like something VERY light, and very compact. I'm 6'1", so I don't expect it to stand as tall as me, but I want it to be at least 4.5-5" ft, extended. I want it to be sturdy - my expectations are in check. But with my Fuji XT-1 and a 12mm lens, I want to take long, 30 sec exposures without shake assuming there's no crazy wind. And I want it to last - I'd rather keep this thing for the next 5-10 years.
Right now, I'm pretty much set on the Manfrotto BeFree Carbon:
Load Capacity: 8.8 lb
Maximum Height: 56.7"
Min Height: 13.4"
Folded Length: 15.75"
Leg Sections: 4
Weight: 2.4 lb
Independent Leg Angle Selector
Quick Release Ball Head
QR Plate Included
Fitted Case
... AND it looks nice:
$350, but currently can be found a hair under $300.
Any reason I shouldn't get this? Anything I'm not considering?
I'll let someone else make a recommendation on a tripod, but I wanted to address the above comment-- when shooting a long exposure, put the camera on a 2-second timer, that way your hands are off it when the shutter pops open. Helps to greatly reduce/eliminate camera shake!
Skel1ingt0n
I can't *believe* these lazy developers keep making file sizes so damn large. Btw, how does technology work?
Great advice, for sure. Fortunately, the X-T1 supports wifi, and so I do a wireless shutter release with my phone.
my first tripod was a manfrotto. They are nice. It was more or less the same as the one you posted.Time to step up my tripod game, and am looking for suggestions. I currently have a $100 Manfrotto from eight or nine years ago - it's heavy as fuck, wonky, and the ballhead has gone to shit. But it's worked.
Now I'm looking for something to take with me when I travel.
I'm traveling within the states - for both personal and for work - a few times a month. I'm also going out of the county about twice a year for the foreseeable future with my wife for pleasure. I like to explore: hike, climb "mountains," enjoy rooftop seating, treck into the willerness or caves, etc. But also find myself walking around town and never really needing it - but not realizing it till it's too late (so I'll end up carrying it all the time, and don't want it weighing me down). For example, when I was in Bergen, Norway - we decided to climb this mountain that had a beautiful view a few hours later. But a few days later, in Stockholm, I walked all day long and never once escaped the city.
I'd like something VERY light, and very compact. I'm 6'1", so I don't expect it to stand as tall as me, but I want it to be at least 4.5-5" ft, extended. I want it to be sturdy - my expectations are in check. But with my Fuji XT-1 and a 12mm lens, I want to take long, 30 sec exposures without shake assuming there's no crazy wind. And I want it to last - I'd rather keep this thing for the next 5-10 years.
Right now, I'm pretty much set on the Manfrotto BeFree Carbon:
Load Capacity: 8.8 lb
Maximum Height: 56.7"
Min Height: 13.4"
Folded Length: 15.75"
Leg Sections: 4
Weight: 2.4 lb
Independent Leg Angle Selector
Quick Release Ball Head
QR Plate Included
Fitted Case
... AND it looks nice:
$350, but currently can be found a hair under $300.
Any reason I shouldn't get this? Anything I'm not considering?
The only thing i would say is ditch the QR plate, they are Crap, crap, crap. you want an arca swiss plate and obviously a head that uses arca swiss plates. My Olympus ep2 with 12-60 lens fell off when using the QR plate, meanwhile i've strapped 10lbs of camera and lens to a arca swiss plate and never once had it even start to slip, let alone fall.
theepicoftyler
Member
Time to step up my tripod game, and am looking for suggestions. I currently have a $100 Manfrotto from eight or nine years ago - it's heavy as fuck, wonky, and the ballhead has gone to shit. But it's worked.
Now I'm looking for something to take with me when I travel.
I'm traveling within the states - for both personal and for work - a few times a month. I'm also going out of the county about twice a year for the foreseeable future with my wife for pleasure. I like to explore: hike, climb "mountains," enjoy rooftop seating, treck into the willerness or caves, etc. But also find myself walking around town and never really needing it - but not realizing it till it's too late (so I'll end up carrying it all the time, and don't want it weighing me down). For example, when I was in Bergen, Norway - we decided to climb this mountain that had a beautiful view a few hours later. But a few days later, in Stockholm, I walked all day long and never once escaped the city.
I'd like something VERY light, and very compact. I'm 6'1", so I don't expect it to stand as tall as me, but I want it to be at least 4.5-5" ft, extended. I want it to be sturdy - my expectations are in check. But with my Fuji XT-1 and a 12mm lens, I want to take long, 30 sec exposures without shake assuming there's no crazy wind. And I want it to last - I'd rather keep this thing for the next 5-10 years.
Right now, I'm pretty much set on the Manfrotto BeFree Carbon:
Load Capacity: 8.8 lb
Maximum Height: 56.7"
Min Height: 13.4"
Folded Length: 15.75"
Leg Sections: 4
Weight: 2.4 lb
Independent Leg Angle Selector
Quick Release Ball Head
QR Plate Included
Fitted Case
... AND it looks nice:
$350, but currently can be found a hair under $300.
Any reason I shouldn't get this? Anything I'm not considering?
Vangaurd Veo series are really good, and they are of similar design and come in aluminum or carbon fiber. You'll save around $100 it looks like at the moment.
I bought the aluminum one a few months ago and I love it. Small and lightweight, but very sturdy. Easy to unpack and set up. Comes with a pretty small QR plate as well that is one of the more unobtrusive I've used. My fingers don't hit it when I'm using the camera normally.
I do all my long exposure photography with it, and I bought it specifically for that purpose.
m_shortpants
Member
Got my A6000.
Took some quick photos of my nephew but of course it was indoors and not really well lit. Can't wait to get outside, although I'm a complete beginner.
Took some quick photos of my nephew but of course it was indoors and not really well lit. Can't wait to get outside, although I'm a complete beginner.
Skel1ingt0n
I can't *believe* these lazy developers keep making file sizes so damn large. Btw, how does technology work?
Vangaurd Veo series are really good, and they are of similar design and come in aluminum or carbon fiber. You'll save around $100 it looks like at the moment.
I bought the aluminum one a few months ago and I love it. Small and lightweight, but very sturdy. Easy to unpack and set up. Comes with a pretty small QR plate as well that is one of the more unobtrusive I've used. My fingers don't hit it when I'm using the camera normally.
I do all my long exposure photography with it, and I bought it specifically for that purpose.
Thank you for the recommendation. I'll definitely take a look at that.
Aw man. Was it on sale? I would've bought at that price too.
m_shortpants
Member
It was an Amazon Warehouse deal, mine was an open box. And Prime Day there was an additional 20% off the price. So it was 610 - 20%.
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
Been researching the best bang for you buck tripods and I think I've settled on the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod. Gonna feel good actually using a ball head.
again i would say be careful with that style of plate. They suck.
Not sure if you came across this in your research but aluminum vibrates more than carbon fibre or wood. Also they're heavier, if you're going to do hiking and stuff.
IMO spend more on a tripod the first time than buying several inexpensive ones and then buying a more expensive one, it will last you the rest of your life.
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
Yeah I've been looking at buying a quality ball head and tripod separate. The only issue seems that, when doing this, the price tends to jump over my $200 budget vs getting a medium end unit together. The type of the plate definitely came up. I'll keep those things in mind though, I've already had enough of the $50 tripods I've gone through over the years.
Astral/H3X
Member
Wow. Man. I've only taken a few test shots with my Samyang 100mm macro but...
Has anyone ever though, "Wow, this might be *too* sharp and contrasty"?
Because my in camera shots dictate this might be the case.
Seriously. This is crazy.
Has anyone ever though, "Wow, this might be *too* sharp and contrasty"?
Because my in camera shots dictate this might be the case.
Seriously. This is crazy.
Astral/H3X
Member
Sample shots from the 100mm Macro f2.8 by Samyang/Rokinon. None of these are altered in any way. Just some quick shots so I could test it out.
And all of these photos were taken wide open at 2.8. I'm really impressed by the sharpness on this.
20160715-20160715-DSC05086.jpg by Hunter Mauro, on Flickr
20160715-20160715-DSC05086-2.jpg by Hunter Mauro, on Flickr (100% crop of previous photo, stupid sharp)
20160715-20160715-DSC05071.jpg by Hunter Mauro, on Flickr
And all of these photos were taken wide open at 2.8. I'm really impressed by the sharpness on this.
Many other offerings of 100mm Macro are sharper -- Pentax's starts at 41lpmm wide open and goes over 50lpmm stepped down while Canon's starts at 43lpmm for example. But it's certainly sharp enough. I tend to soften the image in post if I use it to shoot non macro shots.
Astral/H3X
Member
Many other offerings of 100mm Macro are sharper -- Pentax's starts at 41lpmm wide open and goes over 50lpmm stepped down while Canon's starts at 43lpmm for example. But it's certainly sharp enough. I tend to soften the image in post if I use it to shoot non macro shots.
Nah it's cool to just walk in with MTF charts to rain on our parades when we're really satisfied with new lenses.
I counter, with another mtf chart! (Of an unrelated lens)
You could've gotten a good copy. In the past Samyang lenses have a had a fair bit of lens variation. Nothing insane, but more than the more expensive lenses.