JadedWriter
Member
Go Zeiss and go broke, or go buy something else.
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NeoGAF Camera Equipment Thread | MK II
- Thread starter MRORANGE
- Start date
Rentahamster
Rodent Whores
Nothing to do with the fact you are a better photographer now than when you first started and were using the kit lenses I'm sure.
They are all good, and different ones will excel at diff aspects.
For example the Sony A6000 has best AF. Panasonic with video. Ive tested the Olympus M1, and i think its a great all around mirrorless.
The only shitty brand right now is Canon (for now until the M5 next week maybe), and probably Nikon. I dunno about them.
JadedWriter
Member
You know I never once factored that in.
Rentahamster
Rodent Whores
Don't worry, it's easily overlooked. The more time you spend with someone, the less you notice them grow up, or change. And, well, you're with yourself 100% of the time! ;P
Just don't get too caught up in gear fetishes. The best and cheapest way to improve your photos is to improve your own skill and knowledge.
JadedWriter
Member
This is true and I've gotten a lot better with that. Still I'm a newborn compared to a lot of people in here.
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
That is true. The A7 line cost of entry is low but the system is expensive. I personally started out with the Rebel line from Canon and then jumped to the NEX. Those little bodies are capable of a lot.
JadedWriter
Member
I went from coolpix to dslr.
Thanks for the feedback! The model you provided lacked a lens (and I'd eventually want a tripod and an external mic), so is this a solid value for everything I would need to get started? I can't tell if the sub-500 model even comes with memory or a battery.
Astral/H3X
Member
It's always cheap (and great) if you like vintage lenses.
JadedWriter
Member
Any tripod worth actually owning is something you're going to have to pick out yourself and probably spend at least $150 on, flash in there is most likely shit, do you really need a car charger, my job uses these bags that came with the camera and or tripods and I fucking hate them, mic is probably low quality, filters are probably terrible, that air blaster most likely isn't too good either, wait is that a polaroid tripod? A lot of the accessories are probably low quality items that the seller makes a profit off of to make it seem like you're getting a better value. Eh Amazon reviews are fine and I'm honestly just cynical about these packages.
Astral/H3X
Member
This being said, when I got my a7II I got Rhode mic and a Watson battery with it. Rhode mics are apparently pretty sweet (good quality from my admittedly less than thorough test, and prices were around $130 with good reviews) and the battery is damn near as good as the official one.
It's probably best to get a bundle that has fewer items if you're worried about their quality.
JadedWriter
Member
I'd usually just be happy if they gave me a memory card. Most stuff I can just buy at a later point, unless it's a camera bag. I usually buy that same day.
m_shortpants
Member
I've been really happy with my Sony A6000, but I'm super amateur.
I have three lenses but one in reality. The kit lens which I never use, a Sigma 30mm f/2.8, and a 70s Tamron 80-250mm that I bought for fun for 20 bucks on eBay which I use with an adapter.
I basically have only been using the Sigma since I got it and I've been pretty happy but then again I'm really new. I want to get the Sony 55-210mm as well for a more practical telephoto.
I have three lenses but one in reality. The kit lens which I never use, a Sigma 30mm f/2.8, and a 70s Tamron 80-250mm that I bought for fun for 20 bucks on eBay which I use with an adapter.
I basically have only been using the Sigma since I got it and I've been pretty happy but then again I'm really new. I want to get the Sony 55-210mm as well for a more practical telephoto.
Dr.Horrible
Member
I got my A6000 in January and love it as well. Very happy with the purchase (refurb came with the 55-210 and 18-55). I've been looking to add another lense and probably will sometime before the end of the year.
I'm mostly doing landscapes and nature, but did have the chance to do some wedding pics for my brother, which was a lot of fun.
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
That's all I have lol well, I have one new Zeiss but its manual focus. I dont think ill ever buy into their lens system. No need for auto focus.
TerryLee81
Member
Astral/H3X
Member
lol
I always find it funny when they do this. Number of focus points on a mirrorless seems like such a pointless number, especially with dual pixel or contrast detect only. With every pixel (presumably) having the dual pixel ability you could say it has like 24 million focus points
Mirrorless cameras have phase detect now, sooooo I mean Iunno.
I still expect it to be half assed like the M.
They aren't physical points though like on a traditional SLR. On an SLR they're physically constrained by the AF module, but on dual pixel or contrast detect (tons of contrast detect cameras, like every MFT camera, mentions number of AF points) you can put the "AF point" anywhere. Phase detection points in mirrorless might be more constrained.
Edit: The point is on an SLR it meant something because technology constrained the number of AF points, but on a mirrorless you can theoretically put a near infinite number of focus points because they use the entire image sensor to focus.
Any tips for getting off a tripod head from the tripod?
I have the X-Pro Geared 3-Way Head from Manfrotto and when it turns anti-clockwise to unscrew all I'm doing is turning on the gears. I've taken out the locking nuts from below.
Damn thing, can't believe how well this thing is stuck on!
I have the X-Pro Geared 3-Way Head from Manfrotto and when it turns anti-clockwise to unscrew all I'm doing is turning on the gears. I've taken out the locking nuts from below.
Damn thing, can't believe how well this thing is stuck on!
yea i have that problem. Try to grab the part of the head that doesnt spin, short of that, get one of those rubber jar opener and try that, if that doesnt work get something like the blue handle channel locks and use a cloth or the rubber jar opener so you dont scratch the head or the tripod.
Jar opener is a good idea, I'll try and find one tomorrow thanks. Unfortunately the part you need to undo is only a few mm wide so getting any purchase on it is pretty difficult!
Joelstinton14
Member
I'm waiting for a 810 successor. To be honest the 810 would probably just be fine , but .. tech eh?
Then again i'm not sure. I really need to properly get shooting again, i'm really rusty so before i lay some money down i need buck up my ideas.
The thing is, i use Medium format a lot ( i have a Mamiya Rb 6x7, and 7) but i don't really have the facilities to use them anymore. I can actually print at a local uni, but it just getting the time to do so. But it's quite expensive, and my own scanning techniques aren't great, i'm struggling to get the clarity and sharpness i do from wet printing. I got some digital prints back recently from scanned in negatives and the results were pretty rough. More money! It's quite a difficult art to master, again, though i been a bit lazy with that and haven't spent a proper few days learning and experimenting. So i been kind of looking for alternatives to shooting on digital and the 800/10 is the obvious choice. Cutting out that middle part of the workflow i guess is what i want.
Currently also have a d700 an Xpro 2. Brought the latter to get me shooting more regular again and .. yeah hasn't really happened. I have been taking it out with me everyday though but i walk the same walk to work everyday which isn't far.
So yeah a d810 successor would be nice, or even nicer if someone would like to give me the new hasselblad X1D and some compatible lenses i'm all ears.
Though i was reading a good blog about a guy shooting various format cameras and his results were interesting, you can get to anal about details in photography and i need to be a bit looser
JadedWriter
Member
I try to shoot often enough, but I do my best not to get too burnt out between work, freelance and personal photography.. I guess when you shoot film you're used to a certain look, which I guess the 810 is the closest thing to it.I'm waiting for a 810 successor. To be honest the 810 would probably just be fine , but .. tech eh?
Then again i'm not sure. I really need to properly get shooting again, i'm really rusty so before i lay some money down i need buck up my ideas.
The thing is, i use Medium format a lot ( i have a Mamiya Rb 6x7, and 7) but i don't really have the facilities to use them anymore. I can actually print at a local uni, but it just getting the time to do so. But it's quite expensive, and my own scanning techniques aren't great, i'm struggling to get the clarity and sharpness i do from wet printing. I got some digital prints back recently from scanned in negatives and the results were pretty rough. More money! It's quite a difficult art to master, again, though i been a bit lazy with that and haven't spent a proper few days learning and experimenting. So i been kind of looking for alternatives to shooting on digital and the 800/10 is the obvious choice. Cutting out that middle part of the workflow i guess is what i want.
Currently also have a d700 an Xpro 2. Brought the latter to get me shooting more regular again and .. yeah hasn't really happened. I have been taking it out with me everyday though but i walk the same walk to work everyday which isn't far.
So yeah a d810 successor would be nice, or even nicer if someone would like to give me the new hasselblad X1D and some compatible lenses i'm all ears.
Though i was reading a good blog about a guy shooting various format cameras and his results were interesting, you can get to anal about details in photography and i need to be a bit looser
Finally picked up an used X-E2 to replace the X-M1 now that they are quite good value wise. Having an EVF will make adopting my Pentax lenses a lot easier to use outdoors. 2 prime lenses on 2 bodies will be the thing for my next trip except for days when it rains.
edit: smh that the seller left a SD card with a bunch of family photos on it.
edit: smh that the seller left a SD card with a bunch of family photos on it.
infiniteloop
Member
guys, my wife and i are expecting our first kid in Feb and i want to get a decent camera as all our fam are pretty far away and want to be sending them lots of pics.
Is the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) from Amazon for $399 a good choice? I see it's listed in the OP.
I can see that Mk II has better features but it's $699, which is out of my price range.
Is the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) from Amazon for $399 a good choice? I see it's listed in the OP.
I can see that Mk II has better features but it's $699, which is out of my price range.
TerryLee81
Member
If you are on a tight budget, I would definitely get the Mark I. The IQ is the same. If you sometimes later have some spare money get the Oly 25mm 1.8 (maybe you can find one used in good condition), there will be a VERY noticeable difference between this and the 14-42mm.
Currently planning for a Europe trip, and don't want to invest an incredibly pricey camera, but I want some good quality photos as well.
Currently it's down to the Canon Powershot D30 and the Nikon Coolpix S33, what would you recommend? I've taken a look at the list, but want to pick one...
Or is there a third alternate option?
Currently it's down to the Canon Powershot D30 and the Nikon Coolpix S33, what would you recommend? I've taken a look at the list, but want to pick one...
Or is there a third alternate option?
Listen to this man.
Use the extra prime lens to shoot indoors and most of the baby stuff. The kit zoom is ok, but too slow/dark for a lot of indoor stuff. And be sure to practice and get to know the camera/lens(es) before the big moments like childbirth come up.
Killer Queen
Banned
So I'm trying to get into photography and I think I'm picking up the t6i how are you guys feeling about it?
Relatively cheap, beginner friendly, Canon offers cheaper lens options than the competition. You can't go wrong here for a first camera. I do think the Nikon offers slightly better bang for the buck with their D3300/D3400 cameras although Nikon doesn't quite match Canon on cheap optics.
Why not an advanced compact or a mirrorless camera though?
that's a fine camera but I would suggest you go Pentax instead and pick up a K70.
I think you'll find you get more for your dollar and it's a tool more conducive to intuitive photography. give it a chance it's better than supporting a near monopoly on crappy entry level DSLRs that Nikon and canon hold
Killer Queen
Banned
From what I've used, I kinda prefer Canon over Nikon,i really know fuck all about the technicalities of photography and Canon always seemed a bit more user friendly to me. That being said, I also have no idea what an advanced compact or mirrorless cameras are.
For whatever reason, picking up a Pentax k70 here would actually run me a couple hundred more than picking up the t6i, at least if pick up more than just the body.
QualityPixel
Banned
I think the Coolpix will leave you wanting. If you need an underwater camera what I'm seeing points towards The Nikon AW130 or the Olympus TG-4.
If you don't need a waterproof camera then I would suggest looking at:
http://www.adorama.com/isowx350b.html
http://www.adorama.com/ipcdmczs40b.html
http://www.adorama.com/inkcps7000b.html
KS-2 is worth looking at too, just fewer features being a bit older.
JadedWriter
Member
I always say check Canon's site for a refurbished 70D but nobody ever listens to me when I say this.
DarkJediKnight
Member
Can't wait for the eventual 1D-M and the 5D-M in a few years.
sechsterangriff
Member
Hopefully the AF system is half decent this time, even comparing to other currently available mirrorless cameras...
Apparently from what I hear about the Fuji XT2 they almost got AF performance at the level of a D500. Can't wait to see what Sony brings to the table in the coming year.
Killer Queen
Banned
I've looked into it but it's going to cost me more to get one in addition to shipping than to just pick up a t6i at the local camera shop and after looking around a bit and comparing I think I'm going to go with that.
Another question I have is I've looked at Samyung lenses and they seem to be really good in terms of quality, build and cheaper than a lot of the competition but people say they have a lack of features and other things compared to other lenses, what do they mean by this? What kind of things do Samyung lenses lack compared to the competition. After seeing some of the beautiful pictures in the photography thread and for the price point I think they'd be great for me to look into but I'd like to know a bit more about what I'm getting.
They lack auto focusing. Manual focusing is easier on mirrorless camera. Basically EVF >>>> Pentaprism OVF >> Pentamirror OVF for manual focusing lenses. Annnddd... pictures you see online are typically not out of camera jpegs.
JadedWriter
Member
Do you need auto focus? Cause if so don't bother with Samyang. If you don't need the extra AF points have fun with the Rebel. Just out of curiosity what's your intended use for the camera?
Killer Queen
Banned
Not particularly, I don't mind doing it manually, especially if other lenses end up being 2-3x the price.
I'm not doing anything professional with the camera though, it's more of a personal interest thing, I've been told I have a good eye for camera and I just kinda enjoy taking nice pictures and at some point I'll probably end up using it for filming skate videos (because I'm that guy).
I don't really have an idea for what singular group of photos I'd like to take, I'll probably experiment a lot as I'm learning, but as a teenager super expensive lenses aren't really sustainable for me.
Some of those terms a bit out of my depth so you're going to have to explain a bit more in detail. But yeah I get that most photos have been edited in some way.
JadedWriter
Member
Evf is an electronic viewfinder, it's pretty much an lcd that tells you exactly what the picture is going to look like and does a much better job of telling you if you're actually in focus which is one of the reasons why I don't touch manual focustomers cause I have an optical viewfinder, which is pretty much a piece of glass pretty much just showing you what you're taking a picture of. It's no aid for that at all. Either stay in live view or get a mirrorless.
Killer Queen
Banned
Are there any sense brands in a similar price range that are maybe a bit better or is that as good as it gets? I know Canon offers a few cheaper ones and I'll look into those but I'd like to know some options.
VF = view finder -- the little circle you look through when shooting photos if the camera has one
EVF = electronic view finder, which is used in mirroless cameras. I believe all manufactures support manual focusing assistance. The camera will provide visual aid to show you which area is in focus based on your current settings. Most common style is by overlaying white/red/blue color over that area. It's not 100% accurate but definitely good enough and makes manual focus less of a guessing game. DSLRs these days also provide this functionality in Live View mode (using the LCD screen on the back of the camera) -- you would have to check to see if camera you are interested supports it.
OVF = optical view finder, which you find on traditional DSLRs. Pentaprism and pentamirror are different materials used to re-direct the light to your view finder. Pentaprism results in brighter view finder makes pretty big difference for manual focusing imo. You can read more about how it works mechanically here: http://photographyinsider.info/pentaprism-vs-pentamirror-which-is-better/
You can typically swap out the focusing screen for mid-higher end DSLR. The one shown here is split type -- meaning if you are in focus the top and lower half will become one.
Also some DSLRs can tell you if you are in focus while using manual lenses in the OVF. I know Pentax ones all do that now. I haven't kept up with Canon enough to know which ones do/don't.
JadedWriter
Member
You should look into Tamron and Sigma lenses, they're pretty good third party manufactures, just don't go too old cause that's when they were having quality issues. Tokina makes good ultra wide angle lenses from what I've heard.