Digital cameras, Photographic equipment and Software comments

The following comments are coming from a budget conscious old film photographer who found a new toy. I know there are lots of folks that have discovered how much fun it is to grab a digital camera, go out and shoot until the disk is full. Dump every thing on the monitor and play.

Years ago, I purchased my first digital, a Kodak 1.5 Mega Pixel camera. I took lots of photos but the sharpness wasn't much to be proud of. Shortly after I purchased the camera I took a few candid photos at a friends wedding . I was showing the photos to my son and came up with the idea of making a simple web page so the newly married couple could have their friends and relatives enjoy the event. So, this was the start. Demian & Niel Keep in mind these were taken with the old Kodak.

I was hooked having a great time making web pages. What a great idea.....being able to instantly share photos of events with family all over the country. But, I wanted good quality prints.

I needed a better quality camera and that was a study in itself. Every time one turns around there is a new model on the market. If you are like me, you will search the web and attempt to choose the best quality camera one can reasonably afford. There are so many technical items to consider. I finally decided I would look at the gallery photos usually posted for each camera reviewed. I picked out those photos that fit the general photography style I preferred and made my choice. The camera was in my budget, had some of the practical features wanted, so I went for it.

I purchased a Canon 3.3 Mega pixel G1 because the LCD viewer could be moved to any angle (flip out and tilt) giving me the ability of shooting from the ground or over head and even around corners trying to be sneaky. Its quality wasn't the highest rated by Digital Photography Review but they still gave the G1 a "Highly Recommended" rating. The photos in their gallery taken with the G1 were just fine. Photos were MUCH sharper than the old Kodak. Oh yes, the camera size was an important factor as well.

I have been looking for another new camera with similar features. The Canon G5 has essentially the same features but I don't like the lens barrel showing up in the optical viewfinder. I also feel if I am going to up grade, I want something in the 6 plus Mega Pixel range. Canon has just introduced the Powershot Pro 1 and now the new Canon G6. Both look very promising.

The new Sony 828 at 8 Mega Pixels is a consideration but still does not give me the LCD mobility I like on the Canon. Also, it doesn't have an optical viewfinder. The Nikon 5700 (read this), the Nikon 8700 and 8800 have similar LCD Canon arrangements but are without the optical viewfinder.

An important factor is the time it takes for the auto focus to take effect and the picture taken and the cycle time between shots. Ideally, I would prefer a manual focus. As you can see by reading the reviews it is next to impossible to have all the features wanted in one camera. I shall continue to review all cameras but in the meantime, the G1 serves me well.

Just out is the announcement of Epson's new Range Finder camera. Here is a photo and text from Digital Photography Review . This sure looks promising.

"Shown only in prototype form and behind glass at PMA this year Epson has fully revealed their R-D1 'Rangefinder Digital Camera'. This camera has come out of a collaboration between Epson and Cosina, it supports Leica M mount and L mount with an adapter and has a six megapixel APS size sensor with an output image size of 3008 x 2000 pixels (which sounds to me like the sensor used by Nikon in the D100 & D70). Epson's timing for this announcement is the 2004 Photo Expo to be held in Tokyo between 19th and 21st March. This announcement has received a lot of attention from the Japanese websites".

So now, Lets look at other cameras on the market. Again, you will have to look at the reviews by Digital Photography Review. One is the Canon Rebel. It markets at about $999.00 plus any tax your state requires. The other is the Nikon D70 and Nikon D70s at $1295.00 plus any tax. And the latest kid on the block is the Canon D-20 at $1495.00 plus any tax. Also just out is Nikon's D200 with even more pro features.

The viewfinders are not electronic but a very sharp flip mirrors providing unquestionable focus. By the way, don't expect to view or frame your study using the image viewer in the rear. It only displays AFTER the photo is taken in most all SLR cameras, similar to their 35mm brothers.

Examine the packaged lens of each camera. The feel of the Nikon lens is much superior over the Rebel. Keep in mind both have versatile interchangeable lens capability.

The D70 has a robust (polycarbonate) body. It feels stronger than the Canon EOS 300D. At least in my hands. The Canon D20 has a metal body with the same EOS 300 lens. If your interested in any Canon remote control, it will cost in the hundreds to set up. The Nikon, 20 bucks for the remote.

Enough of me trying to give the specifications of each camera. Read for yourself.

I am going to have to end this digital page here. But I strongly suggest you link to Digital Photography Review to keep up on all the latest digital news.

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