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NeoGAF Camera Equipment Thread | MK II
- Thread starter MRORANGE
- Start date
opticalmace
Member
itwasTuesday
He wasn't alone.
Hrmm, eyeing the just announced mark2 100-300 panny now. Optically similar but new face and guts.
4k 60p from GH5 is so pretty. Even at 1080p it is noticeably sharper than the video I'm used to.
opticalmace
Member
Wow. Do want.
MisterNugNug
Member
thesoapster
Member
Excellent. I'm not into making video, but that's great.
Katzenjammer
Member
Hi CameraGAF! I'm new to this photography thing and would like to buy a decent camera for an upcoming trip to the Philippines in six months. My budget is around $1300, and I'm interested in something small that I can easily carry around and is at least a bit resistant to moisture/dust. I'm planning on actually putting in some time with the camera during the months leading up to the trip to learn how to use it properly.
I'm wondering if someone could give me some pointers on which cameras might fit my needs. I've been eyeing the fuji x100t since it's quite small and I think the manual dials and fixed lens might be a good way to learn about photography, but I don't know what the rest of the current market looks like.
I'm wondering if someone could give me some pointers on which cameras might fit my needs. I've been eyeing the fuji x100t since it's quite small and I think the manual dials and fixed lens might be a good way to learn about photography, but I don't know what the rest of the current market looks like.
m_shortpants
Member
Mirrorless is probably a safe bet. I'm a fan of the Sony Alpha line myself, and am currently on a trip to Japan and it's served me very well.
Dr.Horrible
Member
Went ahead and returned the 35mm Sony for the 30mm Sigma 1.4. Now to wait for Saturday 
opticalmace
Member
I'm 95% sure I'm going to buy a Panasonic G85 next week (local shop called and told me they're going to have a discount on a certain date).
It looks like it hits most of the tickboxes. The only thing I really miss are the cheap great lenses available for the Canon ecosystem, but the G85 looks like it has almost everything else I want.
(shamelessly stolen from DPreview: https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g85-g80)
Excited.
It looks like it hits most of the tickboxes. The only thing I really miss are the cheap great lenses available for the Canon ecosystem, but the G85 looks like it has almost everything else I want.
(shamelessly stolen from DPreview: https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g85-g80)
Excited.
I'm 95% sure I'm going to buy a Panasonic G85 next week (local shop called and told me they're going to have a discount on a certain date).
It looks like it hits most of the tickboxes. The only thing I really miss are the cheap great lenses available for the Canon ecosystem, but the G85 looks like it has almost everything else I want.
(shamelessly stolen from DPreview: https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g85-g80)
Excited.
The lens selection on MFT is pretty good these days (and I say that as an owner of a Canon DSLR too). The Olympus 17mm/25mm/45mm f/1.8 in particular are excellent (and relatively affordable) primes, and there are plenty of zoom options, although I have less experience in that area.
opticalmace
Member
That's true, I should be able to find a decent prime, though not as cheap as the Canon.
The only lens that I really want on Canon's APS-C that I'll miss out on is the 10-18mm ultrawide for relatively cheap (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1051476-USA/canon_9519b002_ef_s_10_18mm_f_4_5_5_6_is.html).
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
Just a suggestion, buy used and you can stretch that budget quite far. Unless you're a stickler for manufacturer warranties.
As far as the Fuji, the x100 series seem like fantastic travel cameras in general. The pros of a fixed lens is you'll be framing your shots and visualizing for that one lens which will help with the process of shooting instead of zooming in and out, swapping out lenses and getting in the way of experiencing the trip. The con is, of course, lack of flexibility in regards to the fixed lens. Sometimes you'll want to go wider, sometimes you'll want that nice telephoto look.
I personally think its a fantastic idea to start out with a fixed lens. One really truly does learn a focal length, its quirks, and being able mentally frame when you shoot often enough. Just as long as you'll be ok with missing shots that would work best with other focal lengths.
Astral/H3X
Member
Starting off?
AF isn't going to do you any favors, so let's go ahead and save a bunch of money and have you pick up a vintage, manual focus macro lens... I'll recommend the Canon FD 50mm 3.5 Macro. Make sure you get the extension tube. This setup is cheap as hell, does what you need it to, and will take great photos!
Once you've gotten the hang of it, then you can try something more exotic (and expensive), like the Venus Optics 2:1 60mm Macro. This will literally take photos of insect ass for you if that's what you want. Or, for longer reach (and harder focusing), the 100mm Macro 2.8 from Samyang. This lens is particularly great, because it's sharp as all hell, and works on the full frame a7 series.
Yow. Want this and I don't even know what I'd do with it.
Rentahamster
Rodent Whores
That GH5 footage does look quite nice. I'm also a fan of the subject material (how to make clear ice).
I wonder if they have a behind the scenes video too?
I wonder if they have a behind the scenes video too?
That's a fair point. I never really think about ultrawides, as I don't usually go any wider than 28mm myself (I used to have a Sigma 10-20mm with my 550D and I barely ever actually used the thing).
Thanks yeah just starting off. Camera is a beast but i feel like im learning a lot. Any tips?
Same here. I always feel like I want to try my hand at video but then I never even use my gopro or a6000 to even practice and see what it's like.
180 frames at 1080p sounds awesome though.
Astral/H3X
Member
Photography in general?
Get a book like this. I've been doing photography for nearly 2 years at this point, and I still have stuff I can learn from a book like this. Look online for general tips, find photos that you like, or photos that match what you want to do, and find out how those people take their photos. There's so many ways to take photos, that it's hard to give *exact* tips, outside of how to handle your camera in general. Once you start getting good at emulating the photos you want, then start tweaking your process.
For macro, I'll go ahead and link this video on flash. Getting your flash and getting it on your camera in a way that's useful for flash is seriously one of the hardest things, as well as the most expensive to experiment in. So watch this video so you can skip all the expensive experimenting on that haha.
I use a Yongnuo 560 IV and the 560TX for my flash... the IV is the actual flash, and syncs with the 560TX as the transmitter. I've tried a few other transmitters, they all suck, use the 560TX. It'll also be very good when you get multiple flashes, since it can set different controls for several groups of flashes if that's what you end up needing to do, and it's amazing.
Beyond that, for macro with an a6000, the Canon FD 50 3.5 Macro is particularly useful because you use an adapter -- when you're at low macro light with the a6000, the EVF can get a bit laggy, and with an adapter you can basically quickly control your aperture to let in more light as you narrow in on where you're going to be focusing with... It's easier to explain once you've tried it a few times, so ask again after you've tried and failed haha.
What specifically are you aiming for with macro? There's a huge difference between trying to shoot bugs in macro, and shooting figures/toys/electronics macro, so it's harder to give specific tips without that.
Thanks will take a look at this book. Wanted to start out with miniatures (plastic models)
JadedWriter
Member
What's the main difference between the G85 and the G7?I'm 95% sure I'm going to buy a Panasonic G85 next week (local shop called and told me they're going to have a discount on a certain date).
It looks like it hits most of the tickboxes. The only thing I really miss are the cheap great lenses available for the Canon ecosystem, but the G85 looks like it has almost everything else I want.
(shamelessly stolen from DPreview: https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g85-g80)
Excited.
opticalmace
Member
From the link, apparently in-body image stabilization, weather sealing, no AA filter. Not sure if anything else, I'm just looking at the table on the first page of their review.
edit: slightly larger viewfinder magnification.
Astral/H3X
Member
Absolutely a tripod should be your first priority.
With miniatures, they don't move, so things like shutter speed no longer become limiting factors, as long as you have a nice sturdy tripod. You can use 30 second exposures easily, as long as you use the timer or a remote, and sit still while it goes.
Use Focus Assist/Magnifier in order to make sure you have perfect focus. Take your time.
DUST. EVERYTHING. THOROUGHLY. Can you see dust? No. Is it there? You betcha. And a Macro lens will see all of it. ALL OF IT.
If you can, try to get some daylight white bulbs (5000k color bulbs). These will blend more easily with any flash that you use, which can help with lighting pretty cheaply.
Remember to bring the lens down to eye level with the miniature. You probably want these to look like they aren't miniatures, but rather actual living, breathing subjects, and ensuring that you frame them like you would such will go a long way with that.
EDIT: One thing I forgot is that you should definitely keep in mind what's in the background. Your DoF will be small enough usually that you won't be able to make out any details, but keep in mind the colors that will show up, and what that can do for your photos.
I'm kind of wishing I had a large format printer, so I could just print out large images to use as backgrounds.
I sorta kinda specialize in figure photos, here's a few photos that might give you some inspiration/etc. There are more on my Flickr, but be warned they are not all safe for work (Though these shouldn't show up for you unless your settings allow it.)
20150522-_DSC4185.jpg by Hunter Mauro, on Flickr
Fantastic Duo! by Hunter Mauro, on Flickr
Fiery Pegasus Knight by Hunter Mauro, on Flickr
20150805-_DSC7387.jpg by Hunter Mauro, on Flickr
Sans Hat by Hunter Mauro, on Flickr
20160424-DSC02447.jpg by Hunter Mauro, on Flickr
Rentahamster
Rodent Whores
Nice work 👍
Astral/H3X
Member
Thanks! I try haha. Once I can come up with a good way to make backgrounds better (which might end up being using a monitor somehow) I'll probably start taking more. It's honestly my biggest concern with where to go with it.
As it is, I've done some pretty weird stuff. I've printed out pages of paper and taped them together, I've set up other figures in the back for some colors, and I've picked different walls/parts of walls for effects.
I've even used the insides of the boxes for a few.
Focus stacking is a really neat trick for macro/figurine photography.
https://youtu.be/0U2KU6gXlZA
https://youtu.be/iYA7wb2Vkz8
https://youtu.be/0U2KU6gXlZA
https://youtu.be/iYA7wb2Vkz8
Katzenjammer
Member
Thanks for the feedback, that's what I was thinking as well regarding the fixed lens. Unfortunately I haven't found a good market for used cameras where I live, but I will keep an eye out.
Vulcano's assistant
Banned
10 bit 4k 4:2:2 in the camera is such a selling point, that alone is may be 70% of the price increase over the Gh4.
the $2000 price range is quite competitive now.
The main problem I see with the price is that the sensor is M43. But I guess the only reason they can have all those specs is because of the sensor size.
Why can't oly and/or pan not do a 12-35 1.8?
Other than what's mentioned. You can also get an adapter if you have a longer (50-200/300) lenses. A popular one that gives pretty good result is Raynox. You can use it on kit lens too (18-55 or so), but using it on a longer lens will give higher magnification.
I pretty much don't use a lens without hood. 1) it protects the lens from a drop far better than a filter ever will 2) it blocks unwanted light. Zoom lenses typically have a hood that is designed for it if it has one at all; otherwise, you might be able to find some 3rd party ones designed for the lens you are using. For prime lenses you can get by finding some 3rd party ones. I'm a fan of using step-up/down filter ring as the hood for prime lenses since it adds the least amount of volume but it takes a bit of research and experimentation to figure out the right size.
Yep. And this website talks a lot about doing macro without spending a ton of money.
http://extreme-macro.co.uk/
JadedWriter
Member
You know...if the price drops just right I could look into one of these. Still depends on kit prices though, or is an XT-1 still better?
opticalmace
Member
Here in Canada you can find the XT1 kit for about $1500. I'd be picking up the G85 kit for $1200 next week if I follow through with it. I haven't felt the G85 in person but the XT1 is really a fantastic build.
G85 has body (and lens) stabilization, articulated touchscreen and 4k video that the XT1 does not, but I think it could go either way (XT1 does have an APS-C sensor, and so many metal bits).
edit: I'm not sure if the XT1 has this too, but apparently with the G85 you can enable a powersaving mode that (if shooting with the viewfinder) will put the camera to sleep shortly after you remove your eye from the finder (you can adjust the timer). Supposedly you can almost triple your battery life if you shoot this way. I shoot with the viewfinder almost all the time, so I plan to get good use out of this feature.
If you only care about tech, new stuff is almost always better... lol
You can make it EVF only so only EVF turns on when your eye is close to it. I have a button to switch between different behaviors on my X-E2.
JadedWriter
Member
They're really starting to cram a lot of thoughtful tech into these cameras. I am a bit of a sensor size person these days.
I think I'm mostly a picture quality type, hence my sensor size leaning...can't afford medium format, don't want to lug that around so that's never happening. Though I also have a thing for AF performance. I'm starting to realize that my D600 has rather mediocre AF performance.
opticalmace
Member
Now I'm pondering whether to get the G85 ($1200) or save up for the XT2 ($2400)..... bah! Technology, why are you so difficult.
JadedWriter
Member
Tell me about it. I don't know whether to get a D810 or try to wait for whatever Nikon announces as the D750 replacement. I mean one's fucking out now!!
Yea D6xx is cheaper for various reasons. If I were doing portraits primarily, I think MILC is the future. Auto eye detection and focus makes it like using a P&S (after everything else has been setup). For me, I think I'll have both for quite some time. Sensor tech doesn't improve that much any more and I am a pure still picture person so my next DSLR upgrade will probably just for improved IBIS and built in GPS then that's pretty much it for a while until the shutter fails.
Hispanicguy
Member
So I may purchase the a6000 today at Best Buy. I'm looking at the bundle that comes with the 16-50mm lens for $549.99...
...but I do notice there's an open box item at the same store for this bundle, which is $466.99.
Does anyone have experience with open box items? The condition is "Excellent." I would love to save money if it's worth it.
Also, since I am a beginner, should I just buy the camera itself (with no lenses) for 399.99 or is the bundle a better value?
Thanks in advance.
...but I do notice there's an open box item at the same store for this bundle, which is $466.99.
Does anyone have experience with open box items? The condition is "Excellent." I would love to save money if it's worth it.
Also, since I am a beginner, should I just buy the camera itself (with no lenses) for 399.99 or is the bundle a better value?
Thanks in advance.
JadedWriter
Member
Don't get me wrong I love the picture quality, but that AF hunts like a motherfucker, especially in low light, it doesn't seem too sure of itself. I'm not sure if that's the camera, lens or a combination of both. Sensor tech seems to have hit a bit of a wall though. The 600 is almost a 750 barring AF/iso performance and tilty screen shit. The 810 is a perfected 800E and so forth. Just seems like they're just tweaking stuff these days.
You need a lens son and stuff better than the kit lens ain't cheap.
opticalmace
Member
I would go and take a look at the open box camera. Make sure there's no damage, lens and screens are all good and whatnot. If it looks good I would go with that to save some money. The kit lens for $167 is probably totally fine for your needs, though if you look around there are some other E mount options for a fair bit more money if you want a prime or different zoome range.
Dr.Horrible
Member
Not exactly the same, but I bought my A6000 as a refurb off Amazon a year ago and have had no issues. If you are looking at bundles, check out Amazon as they have one that includes the camera, 16-50mm, a bag, extra batteries, and some other stuff for $548.
That's what D6xx are. They sell you on the sensor size but sacrifice everything else. Sensor tech doesn't improve much year to year. My 5 years old camera can take almost as good image as the one I currently have (in some situations better due to lower MP). They are hitting physical limitations. That's why manufactures have been shifting focus to video -- there's demand for it plus there are many things they still can improve drastically.
JadedWriter
Member
Sadly I really do not care about video features. I'll buy a camera with 4K if the AF performance is a step up along with the buffer and such, but will probably be a million years before I do any 4K video with it. I was watching an 810 review and half of it was video feature improvements over the 800E. I was like, "but I don't care tell me about the iso and AF performance."
opticalmace
Member
Speaking of AF performance, last night I checked out the 7D Mark II and 80D at a camera shop. Holy shit do these cameras focus fast compared to my old Sony A55. They're like.... 20 times faster.
JadedWriter
Member
AF usually improves after every year it seems like so it makes sense. Those cameras should be really good though. Control set should be better on the 7D Mk II cause of the tilting screen on the 80D unless they made improvements over the 60D.