New Camera!

[mirror70]

A 3MP CCD actually has a tighter grain than 35mm film. A 6 or 8MP camera far exceeds the detail that 35mm can capture. Slide film is another story. Where the chips currently lag behind film is in dynamic range, but that gap gets closer every day and can mostly be hidden with just a little bit of work in post.

Write speed is a bit of a bottleneck, but it's pretty easy to overcome just by adding a buffer. If you stick to JPEG, the 30D (8MP) will shoot at 5fps full-res for 6 seconds, and a D2H (4MP) will do 8fps for 5 seconds. Nikon's successor to the D70/D70s will likely be similar.

[Gecko]

yes digital has equaled film as long as the final image stays below the 8x10/11x14 threshold and you don't zoom too much. This is because most Photo printers (Noritsu/Fuji/etc) print at roughly 300dpi. The problems arise when you want bigger photos or you want to zoom in. Either option requires a computer to make up information to fill in when simple magnification of a negative has the resolution to acheive. I have spent enough time printing images from a 30MP striper camera (recon) to see this. Film has more silver grains per square inch than most cameras have pixels it just isn't used so most people discount it. As a side note I got to spend 2 weeks in Wakayama Jp at the Noritsu factory playing with photo processors; the current hot setup in Japan is an Epson 7 color clearcoat printer mated to a Noritsu RIP'er (Rastor Image Processor). It prints and almost the same speed as a wet mini lab and has no nasty chemicals to upset the EPA (don't get me started) quality is a bit better than wet process but the color space is larger than set process and looks "wrong" to a lot of people

why would anyone want to use JPEG??? JPEG is an output file type not a storage file type. Too many artifacts, too limited a choice of postshoot options most important too much of a chace of doing permanant damage to the original.

[Maciek]

Thanks! Actually, I have a bachelor's in ME, but I've been a software developer for the past 5 years and am almost done with a master's in CS. New job is programming for a company in the health care industry. Although there is a distinct possibility I could go back to engineering someday if all the stars align.

Yes. I bet you will go back;)... the same as I dropped my MSEE for work in CS (currently IT development consultant on team in Goldman Sachs). I had a lot of fun with designing some electronics, but those times are gone and only few in the world are doing this seriously (and if there is a new idea then you will get a copy next day for 10 cents designed and manufactured in Asia in volumes expressed in tones rather than pieces).

Congratulations for your MSCS. Good luck with it too. The competition is tight and cheap these days. If you are pursuing doctorate then it might be way to go, but as far as engineering... well I do not know. I do not think I would give a shot at CS degree... especially if I have working expereince in it for last almost 15 years. It is just enough to study CS (and I mean CS literature rather than "XML for Dummies" like books) literature on my own They do not seem to look much at degree if someone has "a few feet long" resume with numerous projects. You are a very brave man so once again good luck.

I also wish you good luck with the new camera. If I decide to sell my telephoto SLR lens for Canon I know whom to offer ;) I go "small formats" these days as a tired guy. An old Canon A-85 with a few inexpensive lens converters and some stuff together with a good specialized photo instruction book is good enough for me even for nice underwater photography. I had hard time to find a photo lab to get satisfying prints for corrections and profiles I used (and Walmart in my area was the best quality after running the same simple tester picture I have designed with Photoshop). 5fps is a good result, but do not expect good color tones when giving to printing service (they do not know what they are doing in most places to degree that I had to show them my non-corrected printout from one of my printers to prove their accusations being plain stupid!)

[Jack M]

Thanks Maciek.... I think? When I got my old job (the one I just left, the one I had for 5.5 years) I had no professional programming experience and no degree in CS, just a few classes under my belt and my own aptitude that someone recognized. So I went to work and took classes part time. Without the degree, I'd probably be stuck at my old job, or I'd be taking a lesser position with any new company. With the degree, now I can write my own ticket. No regrets. CS job market in Maine is looking bright for now.

Anyway, back to cameras...

Sean, thanks, and great shots. Did you have to manually focus on the owls? My camera would have autofocused on the tree branches in front of them I'm sure. Yes, as Mirror says, only the high-buck Canons are full frame, though I've heard rumors of a $1500 full-frame Canon body "just around the corner". Who knows. I couldn't wait, the kids are growing too fast.

Mirror70, I wholeheartedly disagree that a 3mp ccd beats film for resolution. I've read that you'd have to go to about 20 megapixels to equal the resolution in a 35mm frame of film, and numerous articles about how film still beats digital. Not that I care, I'm totally converted, but let's be honest.

Canon vs. Nikon - I've heard all kinds of contradicting arguments - Canon lenses are better and Nikon bodies are better, and vice versa. I think whatever camera you're most comfortable operating will give you more consistent results. For me, that's Canon.

JPEG - yes, I have recently seen the light of RAW. Storage is cheap compared to the pricelessness of memories.

And to be fair to child #2:

http://www.cs.usm.maine.edu/~gmichaud/dory.jpg (400k)

[carvedog]

that Canon bodies are better than Nikon. Whats up with that?

I know so many people that have broken Canon cameras. I have had around 15 different camera bodies from Nikon and consider them to be some of the toughest, best engineered products that I have ever used.

?????????????

I know you are speaking your opinion but this would start a war on some forums I am on. BTW I sell Guiness posters in my shop.

Both companies make great cameras. The Nikon lenses are superior but the Canon bodies are better than those from Nikon. The general way to pick between the two companies is if you already have Nikon glass, get a Nikon body; if you already have Canon glass, get a Canon body. If you have neither, decide which feature set you'd like since they don't completely overlap.

[Jack M]

Don't have a clue why you would say that Canon bodies are better than Nikon. Whats up with that?

I know so many people that have broken Canon cameras. I have had around 15 different camera bodies from Nikon and consider them to be some of the toughest, best engineered products that I have ever used.

Mirror can't say that Canon bodies are better but you get to say that Nikon bodies are better?

[carvedog]

Mirror can't say that Canon bodies are better but you get to say that Nikon bodies are better?

Not trying to get into a pissing match here. I.....consider them to be.....

is the key statement that I made.

Mirror said Nikon lenses are better. Canon bodies are better (Sorry I am paraphrasing this as I don't know how to multi paste and quote here.) as if that is an accepted fact.

I don't know that either fact is accepted. Canon certainly seems to have some fine optics and Dave Stoecklein, one of the most famous Canon shooters in the world lives right here in town, and is a convert from Nikon to Canon.

I just don't like opinions being expressed as fact. That's all. My opinion is that the Canon may not be as durable, based on personal and anecdotal evidence from friends and colleagues. I certainly don't wish that on anyone, and hope that you have years of great service from your camera Jack.

[Jack M]

fair enough. I don't like opinions being passed off as fact either. :)

[Donek]

Not trying to get into a pissing match here. I.....consider them to be.....

is the key statement that I made.

Mirror said Nikon lenses are better. Canon bodies are better (Sorry I am paraphrasing this as I don't know how to multi paste and quote here.) as if that is an accepted fact.

I don't know that either fact is accepted. Canon certainly seems to have some fine optics and Dave Stoecklein, one of the most famous Canon shooters in the world lives right here in town, and is a convert from Nikon to Canon.

I just don't like opinions being expressed as fact. That's all. My opinion is that the Canon may not be as durable, based on personal and anecdotal evidence from friends and colleagues. I certainly don't wish that on anyone, and hope that you have years of great service from your camera Jack.

Better is such a subjective term. I always try to avoid it, because everyone has a different scale upon which they measure things. Since we're on a snowboard forum, lets look at base material. One person might say that P-tex 4000 Electra is the best material on the planet because it's really fast (when tuned properly). Another rider might say that Durasurf 2001 is the best because its super tough and performs very admirably without any wax. I think the best thing here is not to argue better, but look at peoples criteria and try to assess what's most important to you as a buyer. Optics, rugged design, speed in a race course, all mountain performance when you're not near your tuning equipment. I've said it many times, every engineering choice has consequences. Nobody really has the right to claim best, just best for these circumstances.

[Gecko]

my experience with canon and nikon products as a camera repairman (I've still got my nikon repair certification) is that Canon is about 2 years ahead of Nikon in terms of lens technology. Nikons bodies tend to be a bit more durable in the midrange camera's (low end pro stuff) and about the same for entry level and the expensive pro gear. I like the fact that all of nikon's lenses are useable in modern cameras, though with some limitations(I still use my manual 180mm2.8ED) and excluding the lenses over 300mm nikon lenses seem more durable...all the fast lenses over 300mm that I have worked on from both nikon and canon look to be similar quality. Canon lenses do focus faster though. I'm the lone Nikon guy in the family with the rest being folks i convinced to go Canon before I had issues. Now I have tooo much nikon gear to switch back

[Donek]

Had to share a couple more shots. I went to purchase my macro lense yesterday. They don't have the new VR 105mm in yet, so my sales guy lent me a 60mm until they come in. It really pays to establish a relationship with sales people. I won't even go to the camera store anymore unless the guy I work with is there. Anyway, I went on a miniature safary this morning playing with the new lense and got these.

<br>

A couple of regular chatty Cathy's

<br>

Not quite the tail gate party I was anticipating. This guy was dining on the back of my Pickup.

[Jack M]

Amazing macros. And gross - I am a friggin' little girl when it comes to bugs. Especially if they go "crunch" when squashed, I think I'm going to hurl.

I agree about having a relationship with a camera shop. I bit the bullet and paid about a $250 premium to buy locally, but now I've got a support crew!

As long as we're sharing...

[patmoore]

One of the biggest frustrations I have in shooting multiple FPS is that I lose sight of the subject while the camera writes the data to the disk. Even though I can shoot at 2 FPS with my Olympus C770, it's useless if I'm following the action. Holding it stationary works obviously. The viewfinder is "through the lens". My older Olympus D490 has the old rangefinder type of viewer so that the view is unimpeded while shooting sequential shots.

I've been looking at Canon's new DSLRs. Are you able to maintain a constant view of your subject while shooting the 5 fps?

I understand that my wife's non-digital Rebel's lenses will work on the DSLRs?

Thanks for the guidance.

[Gecko]

except for the time that the mirror is up and the shutter is open you will be able to see your subject shooting at multiple frames per second on all SLR's Digital or otherwise. That is the beauty of an SLR

[patmoore]

Thanks Gecko,

Now I just need to convince the child bride that I need yet another camera!

[Jack M]

I haven't had the camera long enough to try the continuous shooting modes, but I imagine if I have a problem with losing sight of the subject I'll try keeping both eyes open.

Yes, all the lenses made for your brand of choice will work on a DSLR. For example, all Canon EF lenses work on all Canon film and digital SLRs. However Canon EF-S lenses only work on digitals.

[Steve Dold]

Have you guys had to clean your sensors yet? I'm amazed at how much stuff finds its way in there, especially now that I have a couple of lenses and I'm switching them all the time (usually outdoors). It usually doesn't show up until I take outdoor pics showing lots of sky, with a small lens opening. A friend of mind typed up some instructions on sensor cleaning if you want to do it yourself, I've used the "swab and methanol" method a couple of times with good luck (so far):

Curt's sensor cleaning instructions

[carvedog]

Steve,

I change lenses a lot. Less now that I have two digi bodies.

Always point the camera down when changing lenses this helps. I also bought a kit from this guy

http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning

many references and I have to say that last summer when I was shooting a lot commercially I would clean every two weeks with great results.

I meticulously never rewiped an area with the same tissue so as not to scratch the low pass filter.

:o

[Gecko]

contrary to popular belief the ability to keep both eyes open while shooting a camera or for that matter a gun is not an easy thing to do...I was crappy at it until I spent a year shooting a pistol competively. Not to say that I'm any good shooting a pistol but I can now shoot a pistol and a camera with both eyes open. I spent 3 years teaching the same lessons that I learned to my junior sailors on the ship.

Cleaning your CCD...while i was on the Kitty Hawk I had 17 Navy owned DSLR's (plus another 8-10 personal camera's) to maintain and clean On average I cleaned 1-2 camera's a day (aircraft carriers are dirty places). I have tried all of the methods listed at that sight. I always started with light air while holding the body opening down then tried a vacume and if that didn't work only then did I resort to using a Sensor Swab and Eclipse fluid. It works great but even though I have camera repair training and a Nikon Certification I don't like putting anything on the CCD filter if I don't have to.

[Steve Dold]

I didn't know the Navy had so much photography going on. That's how my friend Fargo got into it, he was a Navy photographer and when he got out he started Micro-Tools selling repair supplies.

The older my 10D gets, the less I mind cleaning it. I think my subconcious wants me to screw it up so I can get something with a full size sensor.

Carvedog, I'll try to remember to point the body down, I keep forgetting that, thanks :o

[patmoore]

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20060526a3.html

[freecarver]

Although I just have a Sony H1 I think That I can shoot some nice photo's.

Here is one of my daughter.

[eastcoasticerider]

Im really impressed with those close ups.....I have a new iMac on order withh a 20 inch screen .Im thinking of running Apples Aperture since the new intel macs will not run Adobe Photoshop CS2 at top speed .(interpolates all non native software).....anybody out there a mac wizard?.....I can get the teacher discount so it will only run me $149. Aperture seems mor efull features fo rthe pro -photographer than Photoshop Bridge CS2........???

[boostertwo]

Interesting thread and nice pics. I've worked with 8fps motor drives and haven't found them as useful for photosequencing as sometimes the key move falls between the frames. So far, I've had better results with 30 fps digital video, which gives more frames per second, but at significantly lower resolution than a DSLR.

<img src="http://i6.tinypic.com/121wqo1.jpg" border="0" alt="Justin Reiter, A-Basin, CO.">

Has anyone yet made the jump to HD video yet?

[Jack M]

Interesting thread and nice pics. I've worked with 8fps motor drives and haven't found them as useful for photosequencing as sometimes the key move falls between the frames. So far, I've had better results with 30 fps digital video, which gives more frames per second, but at significantly lower resolution than a DSLR.

Has anyone yet made the jump to HD video yet?

Your sequences are clearly the best around for instructional purposes. However try to make a 20x30" poster out of one of the frames! I'll "settle" for my little 5fps 30D. ;)

Haven't made the jump to HD video yet - just got a TV though, so I'll be itching to. It's utter BS that the HD video cams are priced at such a premium - HD doesn't even require a 2mp sensor, which has been around for what, 7-8 years?