Tha Original i30 Owners Club
GENERAL STUFF => GENERAL DISCUSSIONS => Random Chit Chat => Topic started by: Pip on June 17, 2009, 09:38:49
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I know from posts to the forum that many of us are not only interested in our cars but also in photography.
Anyone want to tell us about their choice of camera and why? I'm about to leap into a dSLR from film and I was searching other (camera) forums and it occurred to me that there are probably a lot of you here that might enjoy telling about another of your interests. :D
I will put my bias up front: I've mostly always used Pentax and am looking seriously at the yet to be released K7.
http://www.teds.com.au/www/6/1001102/displayproduct/pentax-k7-pentax-da18-55mm-kit--2301941_pentax--2210380_.html
So what kit have you got that you feel passionate about?
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I was a Pentax man for decades. Had a "ME Super" for 20 years but didn't use it that much.
When the first 1 megapixel cameras came out I spent £450 at a store called PC World (and that was with a £50 discount coucher :eek:) but never really used it much... was more of a toy for me at the time.
These days I still don't use my Kodak Z740 much - again it's more of a toy. No passion, just a toy :-[
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/z740.html
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Currently got a Nikon D60 DSLR with VR lens and it is great, good value for money. Been really getting into taking photos in different conditions. Can't wait to take some photos of my i30cw when it arrives.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/nikon_d60.html
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I own a Nikon D80, I really like it.
Now its been replaced by Nikon D90, and it's getting good reviews.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/nikon_d80.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2009_reviews/nikon_d90.html
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I've been a Canon man since the 70s. Current one (maybe not for much longer) is a 50D but I'm looking seriously at a 1D MK3. I do heaps of sport and general photography as you can see from my website. There is a hidden section on my website that has 350MB of files for a basketball tournament that only the parents are allowed to look at, in addition to what you can see off the main index. All lenses are genuine Canon 'L' series, virtually all accessories are Canon.
I use and recommend Canon, but I don't have anything against Nikon either - I guess it's just that you grow up with a brand, and you tend to stick with it since you have so much money invested. They are, however, the only two brands I would consider or recommend.
I don't want to think about the insurance bill on my gear...
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I'm a Canon man. I have the 40D, 100-400mm & 18-270mm
Will be upgrading to 50D in the near future.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/canon_eos_40d.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/canon_eos_50d.html
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Canon 450D with Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 and 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 (both with OS)
Manfrotto tripod and monopod (can't remember exact models)
I'm hoping Santa will bring me a 50D for Xmas. I don't think I can justify a full frame (1D-5D etc etc) SLR first or second hand. Some more lenses would be nice (Sigma 10-20 or similar wide angle, Canon 24-70mm L, some sort of prime lens between 10 and 50mm with a F stop less than 2) a 1.4 teleconverter might also come in handy................ This hobby has well and truly buried my RC plane hobby cost wise (and that's saying something!)
Prior to this I had a Panasonic DMC-FZ18 point and shoot (wannabe SLR)
Regards
Daniel
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012403canoneos450d.asp
(Courtesy dpreview)
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I've got a Kodak P880, A Nikon D80 (same as Hemmi) with just an 18-55 lens and A Panasonic FZ28 (with an 18x zoom - I love it) and I haven't got time to use any of them at the moment! :'(
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/p880.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/panasonic_fz28.html
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Only an older Canon S2 Superzoom, 5MP with a 12x zoom. It might be old but still takes great pics :)
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/s2is.html
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I have a camera as part of my phone! >.>
Amusingly though, my compact digital that I also have is 7.1MP while the one in my phone is 8MP. Both Samsung devices, which I'm really quite loving.
So the whole camera thing for me is more of a toy than a serious interest. I suck at taking photos! :lol:
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Definite Pentax fan with the 10Kd. Gives so much for the money and am eyeing off the new K-7.
But I respect all camera makes with their advantages and disadvantages too. ... a bit like cars really... you buy the one that best fits your many needs.
Terry H
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/k10d.html
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all camera makes... you buy the one that best fits your many needs.
Which in my case is... the cheapest :P
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The fact that you have an i30 means you obviously have more in mind than just price of course... you also want quality build, latest technology,
not too large or too small, solid build, enough speed and handling under difficult conditions without having to buy a sports machine, a great range of accessories, good warranty and backup, and something a bit different from the big run of the mill companies.
Some would say you even have a liking for something a bit quirky.
Yep, you're probably an i30 diesel owner or a Pentax Owner... or both!!!! :idea:
(Subaru's used to be the quirky techy's or arty vehicle... but I think that is changing - according to the numbers of i30 owners who have these types of jobs)
Terry H
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The fact that you have an i30 means you obviously have more in mind than just price of course... you also want quality build, latest technology,
not too large or too small, solid build, enough speed and handling under difficult conditions without having to buy a sports machine, a great range of accessories, good warranty and backup, and something a bit different from the big run of the mill companies.
Some would say you even have a liking for something a bit quirky.
Yep, you're probably an i30 diesel owner or a Pentax Owner... or both!!!! :idea:
(Subaru's used to be the quirky techy's or arty vehicle... but I think that is changing - according to the numbers of i30 owners who have these types of jobs)
Terry H
How remarkably insightful - you picked me (at least) on all counts :rolleyes: 8)
Except for the Subie... too mainstream. :wink:
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Yeh Subie's have become too popular and are now mainstream. Great for the company's bottom line but now lacks cutting edge character.
I wonder if the i30 designers will settle for this too in the long run or if they'll keep it a bit edgy and exciting... in its own way of course...
Terry H
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Canon EOS 5D Mark II. I chose Canon because it's the best! :lol:
Actually, I bought into the Canon system when the 300D was released many moons ago, and I've been very happy with every canon camera I've owned.
I still have my 400D body and an IXUS 800IS. Also have a camera in the iPhone, but it’s crap and doesn’t get used.
Lenses:
Sigma 50-500mm
Canon EF 24-105mm L
Canon EF 100mm macro
Canon EF 16-40mm L
Canon EF 50mm
Sigma 10-20mm (only for the 400D body though)
Flash:
Canon 580EX
Garry Phong Light Sphere
Tripod:
Manfrotto 055PROB
Heads:
Manfrotto 229 3-way
Manfrotto 322RC2 Ball head
Tim.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2009_reviews/canon_5dmk2.html
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Hey Tim.. Nice Gear...
Hope you've got plenty of insurance cover. :eek:
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Canon EOS 5D Mark II. I chose Canon because it's the best! :lol:
Actually, I bought into the Canon system when the 300D was released many moons ago, and I've been very happy with every canon camera I've owned.
I still have my 400D body and an IXUS 800IS. Also have a camera in the iPhone, but it’s crap and doesn’t get used.
Lenses:
Sigma 50-500mm
Canon EF 24-105mm L
Canon EF 100mm macro
Canon EF 16-40mm L
Canon EF 50mm
Sigma 10-20mm (only for the 400D body though)
That's some serious gear there...
Good to see you are serious about your car choice too :mrgreen:
Terry H
Flash:
Canon 580EX
Garry Phong Light Sphere
Tripod:
Manfrotto 055PROB
Heads:
Manfrotto 229 3-way
Manfrotto 322RC2 Ball head
Tim.
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canon powershot a680 (i think it was)
canon powershot a610
canon 20D
canon ixus 100is
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/a610.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/20d.html
http://www.cnet.com.au/canon-ixus-100-is-339294890.htm?omnRef=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com.au%2Fsearch%3Fhl%3Den%26q%3Dcanon%2Bixus%2B100is%26btnG%3DSearch%26meta%3D
(Third one courtesy of cnet)
.... yeah fair to say that ive only ever bought canon because i have been extremely happy with everything ive had from them. even a warranty claim was really well handled.
wouldn't ever go near sony ever again at all... parents make silly decisions and wonder why i roll my eyes at them...
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Nice selection ivana .. you should think about posting some pix in our random thread (they don't just have to be of your car)
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Nice selection ivana .. you should think about posting some pix in our random thread (they don't just have to be of your car)
will do...
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Nikkon D80 DSLR with Sigma 18-200mm (VR/OS) and Nikkor 18 - 135mm.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/nikon_d80.html
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Nikon D80
Nikon 60mm
Nikon 105mm
Nikon 18-135mm
Nikon SB800
And Nexus Underwater Housing for D80
Fantasea FSB800 housing
Ports,arms,cables
Trying buy a fisheye lens
Nikon 10.5mm and its underwater port
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/nikon_d80.html
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Camera- Canon 450D
Lenses- Canon EF-S 17–85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Flash- Canon 430EX II Speedlite
Memory- 16gb SDHC 8gb SDHC
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012403canoneos450d.asp
(Courtesy dpreview)
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Photography seems to be a strong flavour amongst i30 owners... :cool:
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Konica Minolta 7D and a bunch of lenses, of which my favourites are :-
20mm f2.8
50mm f1.7
80-200mm f2.8 APO G
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/maxxum7d.html
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Thought I might put some links to Steve's Digicams in each person's posts so people can check out a bit about each camera (It is an amazing review site)
Didn't think anyone would mind...
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Konica Minolta 7D and a bunch of lenses, of which my favourites are :-
20mm f2.8
50mm f1.7
80-200mm f2.8 APO G
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/maxxum7d.html
What a shame that Konica Minolta didn't survive as a company. They made classy stuff and while Sony has ridden into the Digital SLR era on their backs, I don't think they've really carried the passion and class of the company they took over.
These look like great lenses too Simon!
Terry H
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Nikon D70
Nikkor 18-70mm
Sigma 10-20mm
Sigma 70-300mm
Great battery life and resolution (6Mp) does me. More than enough exposure options.
Pip
If you already have Pentax AF lenses just get a K7. Some pro standard (and priced) Nikon/Canon models may be a bit special but consumer grade digital SLR's are much of a muchness. The Pentax DSLR's are as good as any and it's the person behind the camera who determines the results. I have noticed in the UK non Nikon or Canon fit third party lenses are increasingly hard to come by though so, if you don't have a stock of 'K' mounts it might be a factor.
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It's not surprising that so many have Nikon or Canon... an easy choice based on reputation.
I did have a Canon T70 (20 years ago) for a short while, until it was stolen, which I bought as a replacement for my old Pentax Spotmatic after it developed a problem and an upgrade seemed like a good idea. The Spotmatic incidentally was bought when I was 17 for what would have been several months wages. I can't remember too much about the Canon except that the bundled lens let it down and it took poor pictures compared to my old Spotmatic.
I wasn't that sorry it got stolen but being disillusioned with my last choice I didn't really look too hard for a replacement intending instead to get the old faithful Spotmatic fixed up. Anyway, for whatever reason I didn't and my interest in photography for the next 20 years was limited to the occasional snap with whatever point and shoot was about.
My interest was rekindled when my son took photography at school and I naturally bought him a Pentax K1000 which was almost exclusively used by schools because it was bullet-proof and dead simple to use. I finally fixed the old Spotmatic and we enjoyed some good photo shoots together. I started to collect some of the lenses I couldn't afford when I was young and picked up another couple of bodies from eBay. All this stuff is 40 years old and I was seemingly stuck in a time warp but enjoying the nostalgia!! The simplicity and ease of use of an old mechanical SLR with manual focus and a bright viewfinder is something many newer photographers will not have experienced.
Anyway, I retired last year and my interest in photography has remained so I started looking for a digital replacement for the old film SLRs which by now are really packing up and reality is finally overtaking my reluctance to make the jump to digital. The film era is dying quicker than I imagined with many of my local film processors closing up shop and I read just the other day that Kodachrome has seen its last manufacturing run. As far as I'm concerned that's it for film!
So now I'm looking again. That's where the Pentax K7 idea was born because it's reasonably small compared to the Canikons and the size was definitely one of the attractions of the old Pentaxes. I borrowed a Canon DSLR from a friend and was immediately struck by the colossal size and weight of it. Not to mention the small and dull viewfinder... no wonder AF was invented! I realise that the viewfinder size is somewhat dependant on the sensor size and unless going FF or larger this will always be a limiter. The K7 has a prism instead of the cheaper (and duller) mirror, with 100% view.
Pip
If you already have Pentax AF lenses just get a K7.
Nope, no AF in my collection at all. :-[
All MF and all in M42 screw mount.
Super Takumar F1.4 50mm
SMC Takumar F1.4 50mm
SMC Takumar F1.8 55mm
SMC Takumar F4 200mm
SMC Takumar F4 300mm
SMC Takumar F4 50mm macro
Makinon F2.8 135mm
Tokina F2.8 28mm
Vivitar F3.8 85-200mm (never so much as taken a snap with it)
And a few other sundry clunkers, these and some of the above were simply collected as I bought bodies. The bodies I collected are just past it anyway... hard to expect to get 40 year old cameras in mint condition. :'(
If I can get a bright enough viewfinder I'm prepared to try my MF primes (with adapter). At least the faster ones.
Thank you to all those that contributed to this thread. Very interesting.
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Just as a follow-on from my earlier post, my Canon 50D has a small problem and has gone for warranty. While it's away, the dealer I buy all my gear from has lent me a 1D Mk3 - and he'll be bloody lucky to ever get it back :) Man, this thing is great... I can even afford one at the moment, although I'll probably hold out for the 1D MK4 which is due shortly.
Lenses & Stuff:
Canon 17-40 F4 L (for mountain bikes)
Canon 24-70 F2.8 L (for basketball and martial arts)
Canon 70-200 F2.8 L (for basketball, general stuff, rugby league, AFL etc and especially speedway)
Canon 100-400 L (for rugby league, AFL, general stuff)
Canon 580 EXII Flash with external power pack
Gary Fong Lightsphere kit
Plus all the usual filters and flash triggers and bags and tripods that you can't afford, rarely use but buy anyway... :lol:
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Looks pretty impressive...
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/1dm3.html
and with that I'm gonna hit the sack (midnight here)
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Just as a follow-on from my earlier post, my Canon 50D has a small problem and has gone for warranty. While it's away, the dealer I buy all my gear from has lent me a 1D Mk3 - and he'll be bloody lucky to ever get it back :) Man, this thing is great... I can even afford one at the moment, although I'll probably hold out for the 1D MK4 which is due shortly.
Lenses & Stuff:
Canon 17-40 F4 L (for mountain bikes)
Canon 24-70 F2.8 L (for basketball and martial arts)
Canon 70-200 F2.8 L (for basketball, general stuff, rugby league, AFL etc and especially speedway)
Canon 100-400 L (for rugby league, AFL, general stuff)
Canon 580 EXII Flash with external power pack
Gary Fong Lightsphere kit
Plus all the usual filters and flash triggers and bags and tripods that you can't afford, rarely use but buy anyway... :lol:
There's an awful lot of L series lenses in that lot !!!
Nice :)
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Pip there are some old Pentaxians on the DP Review forum who'd be really interested in your old M42 mount lenses... which are all compatible with all Pentax digital SLR's of course.
I'm only into SLR's since the K10D arrived (about 3 years ago) and have one old manual mount (Super Tak. 55 f1.8) but your list looks really interesting from what I've heard others talk about.
And I think you're onto a great cam with the K-7. There's great excitement world-wide about this new Pentax offering and they are now just seeping onto the Oz market.
Again check out DPreview forums for latest info and the arguably the most respected camera review site in the world.
Terry H
And Gordon, you have a very classy and expensive range of quality Canon gear there too! Enjoy....
... even though it's hard to indulge in both photographing and driving your i30 at the same time :lol:
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Thanks Terry,
I'm still looking at the K7 but I'm really old school here and just want a digital back for my old lenses. I do feel however that I might be overtaken by the digital era and not actually be able to do what I want as simply as I would prefer. Photography (as an art form) should be really simple; however you capture the image. Unfortunately, once you introduce microprocessors, their fantastic ability to be everything-at-once can eclipse the camera's original reason for being!
Not only do we now need automatic focus (how it can know which bit I want focussed is still beyond me) ... we need the ability to recognise faces so we can focus on our favourite friends. I can tell who they are!!
And I don't need movies, I did however manage to take some quite reasonable stuff in the old days (if I do say so) but stills and movies are so far removed that I reckon they are as far apart as PCs and TV... oops :-[
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Yes Pip points taken and there are many who agree with you.
But in the end, tools change to make the end product quicker, more forgiving on the user (cars = safer), more convenient and more multi-taskable.
For those who still enjoy working with the 'classics', I think over time it becomes more about the process rather than the product. And so while most of us want to get a product completed and useable, (ie whether we're buying a car or a camera... getting from A to B, or producing an image of a priceless moment captured by high-speed autofocus, auto metering etc. ), there is certainly much to be said for focussing on manually learning your skills thoroughly and taking great pleasure in the process.
This is sadly lacking in the consumer mentality which wants everything now and easily!
I hope I'll still be satisfied with the i30 as a transport tool and a pleasurable drive for many years and still learn to use the DSLR thoroughly and enjoy the process and the product.
Terry H
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Pip,
You'll find that most (if not all) digital SLRs nowadays have a manual mode that gives you complete control over aperture, shutter speed and ISO. All my lenses can be manually or automatically focused depending on what effect I want. The one big advantage with digital is that you can change all these settings quickly and more easily than with a film camera.
Digital SLR's are nothing to be feared. They retain the same functions you would be familiar with, but have more tools to assist you in taking better photos (IF you choose to use them).
"Photography as an art form" is far from being a lost art. Unfortunately most digital SLR owners never learn to use, or realise the benifits the manual functions.
My advice to you is to go down to the local camera store and see for yourself what a digital SLR can do. Use all your "really old school" techniques, and I'm sure they will work just as well with a digital body as they did with film (perhaps with some very minor tweaking).
'Best of luck
Tim :wink:
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Wow. Some of you guys have some really expensive gears! Pip, I've used a Pentax before, I think it was the K100D. It was a joy to use and I'll definitely recommend Pentax if you like the brand.
What I personally think is that it really doesn't matter whether it's a Pentax, Nikon, Canon or Olympus. Like what tk421 said, head down to your local camera store and see what you'll find. Have a play with different camera bodies and find the best one that suit your needs. Just be careful not to be sweet-talked by the salesperson :lol:
Anyway, I'm currently using a Nikon D60 with:
Nikon 50mm 1.8D
Nikon 18-55mm VR (replaced with Tamron now)
Nikon 55-200mm VR
Tamron 17-50mm 2.8
SB600 Speedlight
A made-in-china battery grip + tripod
And a few filters and memory cards
I'm looking to upgrade my camera body next year (hopefully), or even "downgrade" to an older model as I'm not enjoying the limitations in the D60 :neutral:
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Wow some of you really do have great gear :eek: I saw a lot of L's in upper posts :'(
I have Canon EOS 400D and next lenses:
- Canon 18-55 mm
- Canon 50 F1.8
- Sigma APO 70-300
I'm looking at Canon 70-200 F4 L and Canon 17-40 L at the moment but it will have to wait :neutral:
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I have a an old Canon AE1+Program SLR with a 35-70 Canon lens plus a Sigma 80-200mm lens and also a Canon PowerShot A40 which I paid $650 for several years ago before they became the norm!
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My camera gear consists of a much used and abused Kodak DX6490, which I use at the speedway as it usually gets pretty grubby by the end of the day, and recently a Panasonic Lumix TZ15 which I bought to take on a holiday to the U.S. Neither of these are really suited to motorsport photography but the results are'nt too bad for a neville like me.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14373548@N03/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14373548@N03/)
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I used to have a DX6490 there is nothing wrong with them (mines still going - I gave it to my step daughter) I also have a Panasonic now (FZ28)
Some nice shots (and vehicles) there jason (thanks for sharing)
What do you think of Ambrose in Nascar? (I am a big fan he is from my home town here in Tassie) :D
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Dazz,
I never rated Ambrose when he raced here in the V8's, as to me his attitude seemed like he didn't want to be there. The team/car he was with (Stone Bros) were the best at that time and winning seemed easy. But I've changed my opinion of him, because of his progression through the Nascar ranks in teams/cars that aren't top contenders. I was fortunate enough to watch him race at Dover this year and his car control ( in a poor handling car) was brilliant.
Skaife is still better though........... :exclaim:
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i have a cheap digital camera
Fujifilm FinePix S5700
http://a.img-dpreview.com/news/0702/fuji_s5700_frontback.jpg (http://a.img-dpreview.com/news/0702/fuji_s5700_frontback.jpg)
i just found out about the shutter speed and have been having fun using it. had the camera for just over a year and have never needed to use it until now :)
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i have a cheap digital camera
Fujifilm FinePix S5700
http://a.img-dpreview.com/news/0702/fuji_s5700_frontback.jpg (http://a.img-dpreview.com/news/0702/fuji_s5700_frontback.jpg)
i just found out about the shutter speed and have been having fun using it. had the camera for just over a year and have never needed to use it until now :)
For what they cost these cheaper cameras do a remarkably good job .. in my opinion... Obviously a fancy DSLR comes into its own for more difficult captures..
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Fuji Finepix S100FS, 11mp . resonably fast, good images , food price £250 . Im no camera expert but it does me fine :mrgreen: