If I could dream about...

BoxcabE50 May 15, 2013

  1. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    ...getting myself a new digital camera, what would I buy?

    I have using a Fuji S5100 for many long years now, and those 4MP have done me fairly well. Even the little video function provides a fair result. But it does not do a decent job at all, with flash photos, nor trying any macro type shots. Even though it is supposed to do both of those two jobs. And there is something wrong, causing it to shut off spuriously, and at inopportune moments. How much longer she survives is unknown.

    So, on a disability income budget, but wishing to do much better. Hmmm. Probably in the 8MP range and what else? More zoom? I do not want to lose any capabilities available at present. What to do? What would I watch for, in a ten years newer digital camera?
     
  2. Stourbridge Lion

    Stourbridge Lion TrainBoard Supporter

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    I've been happy with my Point-n-Shoot Canon Power Shot A630 8.0MP 4X Digital Camera that I have had since 2006...
     
  3. mikelhh

    mikelhh TrainBoard Member

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    Before getting my current Olympus micro four-thirds cameras I had great success taking layout shots with my old Olympus C-750uz. I even had several printed in the big magazine. Yes it's old, and much slower than today's offerings, and it's only 4MP but you can get them on Ebay for about $50. Can't do much damage to the budget at that price.

    For a reasonably-priced modern-day camera I heartily recommend the Olympus E-PM1. Interchangeable lenses, super fast auto focus and a good burst mode if you're taking prototype shots. 12 MP with f-stops to f/22 [for the layout I reckon it's best at about 16] You can get them on Ebay with one lens for a tick over $300.
    Sony and Panasonic make similar stuff.

    Mike
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I was browsing the web for DSLR cameras this morning. I see some nice stuff made by Canon. But when my wallet spotted the prices, it screamed in pain at the thought. *Sigh* :(
     
  5. HOexplorer

    HOexplorer TrainBoard Supporter

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    Don't be over concerned with zoom power. 3 or 4 power is enough for our model railroads.
     
  6. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Model RRing, yes. But also railfanning. I also like to get out, now and then, to take photos of railroad depots, trains and even old town and non-RR structures. This old Fuji has a 10X zoom, but there are times when I'd like to reach out a little further, to better catch something I can only access by eye instead of a trespass situation.
     
  7. Stourbridge Lion

    Stourbridge Lion TrainBoard Supporter

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    I think based on your comments / wishes that a DSLR is more than you are looking for. Can you give a Budget $$$ you are thinking. My guess is a Point-n-Shoot like mine is what you are looking at and going with any major Brand is likely fine...
     
  8. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Darren-

    Yes. Definitely a DSLR. Right now I have a few dollars scraped aside from income tax refund. Plus have been selling some stuff from my accumulations, such as my On30. Total potential budget is really an unknown.

    What I have at present: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilms5100 It has a few extra bells and whistles, which have done quite nicely for me. Until it started acting up. I would like to keep the capability level of this present equipment, and step up a little in MP, etc. I do not want to get anything used, as it could have troubles. Preferably something from a local retail outlet.
     
  9. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Unfortunately in today's economy any "local retail outlet" within 100 miles of your area is probably limited to Best-Buy, Wal-Mart, etc. There aren't many Mom & Pop camera shops remaining outside of the largest metro markets, e.g. SFO, LAX, CHI, or NYC. I found that Best Buy has the broadest selection here on the Coast, but their "repair" policy consists of Full-Refund within 15 days, then mail to manufacturer for warranty repair after that.
     
  10. Stourbridge Lion

    Stourbridge Lion TrainBoard Supporter

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    I wouldn't go used either...

    Lisa (wife) has a DSLR (Canon Rebel XT) that can easily beat my A630 in Zoom /Wide Angle and has the stabilization where mine has simple video that has come in handy. Once the subject matter is close enough that we are both in the same optical zoom range and I have a Tripod it gets tough to know which camera took what photo.

    This image was reduced down from my 8MP Point-n-Shoot and quality to a 800x600 100K file.

    [​IMG]

    This one comes from Lisa's expensive DSLR and was also reduced the same way

    [​IMG]

    So what camera did this one come from?

    [​IMG]
     
  11. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    There is only one surviving actual camera shop in my area. I dislike going there, as they can only be described as snob/effete/elitist. Anyone who does not have at least a $2000.00 camera, is treated and talked to as if being beneath contempt. Inventory is full list price, or even higher than MSRP. Ugh. So, sadly, it is outlets such as Best Buy, and so on.
     
  12. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I have a feeling it is a product of your P&S?
     
  13. Stourbridge Lion

    Stourbridge Lion TrainBoard Supporter

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    Yes it is but can you really tell the difference given the big difference in $$$ in the two cameras?

    Now, on the flip side if you have allot tied up in your lenses, then maybe look to get a new DSLR base that your lenses work with.

    Lisa right now is struggling with replacing her DSLR as the weight is getting tough to handle and even she is thinking a higher Point-n-Shoot yet doesn't want to give up her lens capabilities. So, I understand your situation and just tossing out some alternatives to cut down on the costs...
     
  14. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

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    Ken, here is another comparison for you. I was completely disappointed in my old point & shoot, plus wanted a backup for railfanning. Stumbled across a Nikon Coolpix 3300 at Staples for $79, so I bought it. I am so happy with this little dude, it is a 16 megapixel machine as opposed to my Nikon D50 DSLR at 6.2, but with which I remain very happy. I had made many inquiries in the past about P&S cameras because as a railfan you can't stand that shutter delay inherent in them. Anyway, here are two shots from the Salmonberry trip I just participated in, (fooey, forgot to copy the URL, be right back).
    [​IMG]
    This one shot with the $79 Coolpix

    [​IMG]
    And this one from the multi-hundred $ DSLR
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 15, 2013
  15. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    This is the input I am looking for with my original message.
     
  16. mikelhh

    mikelhh TrainBoard Member

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    My latest purchase is an Olympus E-M5 Much lighter weight than a true digital SLR but with all the trimmings including a touch screen that also can be used as the shutter release if you wish. I love that feature for the speed as well as the fact it eliminates camera shake.
    It also has a built-in viewfinder which senses when you want to use it rather than the tiltable screen.
    Small enough to be able to be placed on the layout.
    It's extremely quick and would be great for proto shots but it also took the layout shots I posted a couple of days back.
    Well-worth reading some reviews where you'll find it compares very favourably to Canon and Nikon.

    Mike
     
  17. robert3985

    robert3985 TrainBoard Member

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    If you want a DSLR, which will add a lot of versatility to your photographic efforts, I'm going to strongly suggest you shy away from anything but a Nikon or Canon.

    That's pretty all-encompassing, but here's the reasoning. (1) DSLR camera bodies are essentially disposable. They, like computers, are virtually obsolete as soon as they're introduced...HOWEVER, (2) lenses do not self-obsolete, and are the true investment when purchasing a DSLR. What does this mean? It means that what you're really buying is the system, but mostly the lenses.

    So, go with a system that has been around a long time, and will probably stay around for a long time. That means Nikon or Canon.

    Both companies offer excellent quality beginner DSLR's at pretty reasonable prices, but...buying used from a reputable dealer is the way to go with either brand. Don't pay for the high-zoot, "current technology" large-pixel-count camera with the latest bells and whistles, because in a year and a half to two years, it'll be obsolete.

    I'm a pro photographer and I've used 35mm Nikons since 1975 when I bought my first Nikon system. Previously to that, I started out with Minolta cameras (SRT-101's) but, do you see any Minolta DSLR's around? Nope. But, there are plenty of Nikons...and all of my 35+ year old Nikon lenses will work on my new Nikon DSLR bodies, even though I've replaced most of them over the years.

    If you want a camera that will let you print up to 11X14 and post great images on Facebook or in the forums, here's a good deal on a used Nikon D60 DSLR with both camera body and sharp vibration reduction kit lens for $299.00. It's rated E+ which means it's virtually new both in appearance and function. It's got an 18 to 55mm Nikon zoom, which is a cheap, beginner lens, but optically very good. You'd need a SD card for it and maybe a little camera bag. I'd also recommend buying an extra battery and a protective UV filter for the lens. Here's the ad at Adorama, which is where I buy all my pro gear: http://www.adorama.com/US 557579.html

    I'd also recommend buying the wireless remote release which is very handy and works great! Brand new for only $17.95 here: http://www.adorama.com/NKMLL3.html

    One other item you'll probably want to get is a tripod. There's a jillion of 'em out there and I'm using one I've had for nearly 30 years, so it's not critical. Just get one bigger than you think you need!

    Keep in mind this camera will not shoot videos and older Nikon lenses will only work on it in manual mode. I started out digitally with the older Nikon D40, and some of my favorite shots in my portfolio were taken with that simple, beginner camera...with that lens too.

    If you want to step up to a cheap, but optically excellent telephoto zoom, the Nikon 55X200mm telephoto zoom is the way to go. It'll get you much closer to your subject than the kit lens will. I used this lens with my D40, and it's an optically excellent lens. I found a used demo quality (best condition, just under "new") vibration reduction one for $139.00 here: http://www.adorama.com/US 565741.html

    You'd want to get a protective UV filter for this lens too.

    Although the camera has a built in, pop-up flash, its light quality isn't all that great (as with all pop-up flashes), and other than buying a hot-shoe flash for your camera, this little device called "The Puffer" makes a huge difference in your flash photography when you use your pop-up flash. It's cheap, and a great accessory for only $16.42 here: http://www.adorama.com/GAPUF.html

    If you want to spring for a hot-shoe flash for more versatility, then an excellent and cheap flash is the Nikon SB-400, which I also used when starting out in digital. New, it's only $119.95 here: http://www.adorama.com/NKSB400AFU.html

    That's about it for a cheap, but good Nikon DSLR for taking photos. If you want to be able to take videos, substitute a more recent (and more expensive) camera body in place of the D60. All the lenses and accessories will work just fine with a newer, more advanced Nikon body.

    Here's an example of a newer, video-capable body, with 4 megs bigger sensor for only $50 more than the old D60. It's a factory refurbished D3100 with the same kit lens, but about two generations newer for $349.00. See it here: http://www.adorama.com/INKD3100KR.html

    My daughter-in-law uses the Nikon D3100, with this very kit lens, and she loves it.

    I'm sure Canon has similar deals, but I'm a Nikonian, and as such, I'm recommending stuff I know about.

    Hope this assists you
    Bob Gilmore
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 21, 2013
  18. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Bob-

    Being on a disabled persons budget, That pretty much would seem to cut out anything DSLR from Canon. Nice stuff, but most I have looked at seem to be way beyond my wallet. I have not checked recently, but I'd bet the cash fairy has not left me gifts. I am also a bit shy about anything used.

    I had been looking at Nikon, and one might be within reach this summer. It is the Coolpix P520.
     
  19. f2shooter

    f2shooter TrainBoard Member

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    I've been shooting professionally for a long time as well and I'd encourage you not to dismiss used gear. KEH in Atlanta is highly reputable and stands behind what they sell. The Nikon D100 is available for maybe $150 and while an older 6mp camera it will still do most of what I need. Add the 18-70 zoom mentioned above for another $75 and you have a very capable rig for under $300. The d100 won't meter with the older manual focus lenses but if you went for a D200 10mp body at about $300 you can purchase a huge number of manual focus lenses for under $100. Autofocus is ok but causes me more headaches than help. There are a couple of generation newer cameras available and the prices go up rapidly. I should add that what I purchase at these prices from KEH is in near new condition. I've never regretted anything I've gotten from them. Adorama is also reputable. My camera bag contains a pair of D200's a 19-35, 28-75, 80-200 and 300mm lenses. I should probably upgrade but can still do everything I need to with this setup. These days buying a camera boils down to what you need and how much you have budgeted for it.

    Rick H.
     
  20. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Well, I am still dreaming. My luck with used things, many and various, has been hit and miss. Do those shops noted have web sites?
     

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