Camera gear discussions

Discussion in 'Photography and Cameras' started by Bill-P, Oct 15, 2015.

  1. Torq

    Torq MOT: Headphone.com

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    Very true.

    And smaller sensors, especially those with very high pixel-density (e.g. the 20.1 MP Sony 1" sensors) are commonly out-resolving the lenses they are couple with, which creates additional complications when dealing with complex lens-correction algorithms in extreme lighting conditions.

    I've downsized my systems from (in parallel) a large Canon full-frame/L-series glass setup, a complete Fuji XF line-up (and I do mean complete) and an extensive micro Four Thirds setup (four bodies, nine lenses). Now I shoot full-frame manual-focus Leica-M (M9-P, M-P 240) and 1" sensor models (D-Lux 109, V-Lux 114 and Sony RX-100V) exclusively. Makes for more predictability.
     
  2. Friday

    Friday Friend

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    I suppose this is the upside of having a limited budget: it narrows your options and forces you to focus on getting the best out of what you have rather than buying your way out or just uninhibited gear acquisition which takes away time from the photography itself. Hooray for the semi-starving student life.
     
  3. lukeap69

    lukeap69 Pinoy Panther

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    Well, if someone has a limited budget, don't look at the Leicas. :)
     
  4. Friday

    Friday Friend

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    Or maybe he has a limited budget because of the Leicas.
     
  5. Torq

    Torq MOT: Headphone.com

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    The gear-acquisition nonsense, which was a very real issue, started fairly late in my photographic exploits. It was mostly a product of a lot of thrashing around trying to find an alternative to my Canon EOS setup that wasn't such a pain in the arse to lug around, that I actually enjoyed using, and that would yield the results I wanted. And it very nearly killed my interest in photography all together.

    The Fuji X-100 was a big part of my shift to a much simpler setup, and a couple of iterations there led me through the XF system and then to Leica.

    Their gear is small, the glass is excellent, it fits my current lifestyle and shooting needs, it actually gets used - and it doesn't get in the way of everything else I'm doing simply in the name of having a good camera with me. And even then, the RX-100 gets by far the most use since I do a lot more stuff that I simply want to capture memories from than lends itself to any desire to the kind of specific, artistic, photography I used to enjoy.
     
  6. Eric_C

    Eric_C Friend

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    Any strap recommendations? Finding more need for a cross-body sling strap for my m43, for the times that I don't even have my bag on me.
    I remember @Impulse recommending the Custom SLR Slim Strap, which looked good except for the plastic clips--those look like a weak spot in the design.
     
  7. Bobcat

    Bobcat Friend

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    I like the Black Rapid straps and harnesses.

    Rob
     
  8. BrettMatthews

    BrettMatthews Friend

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    I've used a Black Rapid sling back when I had a DSLR, and it worked very well, but can't say that I have experience with them since moving to mirrorless. Now a days for my a6000 I just use a small wrist strap.
     
  9. DigMe

    DigMe Friend

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    I use the Peak Design Slide strap with their arca swiss plate on the bottom and I have been very satisfied with it.
     
  10. vtrinidad87

    vtrinidad87 New

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    I've used the Luma Loop in the past and really liked it.
     
  11. shipsupt

    shipsupt Admin

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    Super black rapid fan here! Big fan.

    I've used a Peak strap for a point and shoot, it was OK.
     
  12. adpo

    adpo Acquaintance

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    another +1 on the black rapid here, mine's been solid for the past 6 or so years
     
  13. Eric_C

    Eric_C Friend

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    Wow, BlackRapid is definitely on the radar now.
    The only thing keeping me from ruling out Peak Design is that I already have their Capture clip, so it'd be nice if the strap I get is compatible with that system.

    Will keep you guys posted on what I decide. Thanks everyone, really appreciate the recommendations.
     
  14. BlueElephant

    BlueElephant New

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    I have the option of getting either a 2nd hand Sony A7 with the 28-70 lens or the Sony A6000 with kit lens and the f1.8 50mm for roughly the same price. Any advice?
     
  15. shipsupt

    shipsupt Admin

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    Any idea what kind of shooting you're likely to do the most of? Low light? Landscape? Action?
     
  16. BlueElephant

    BlueElephant New

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    Probably low light and landscape? One thing that worries me about the 2nd hand camera is that I'm not too confident of myself in determining the condition of the camera. Btw the 2nd hand A7 has an 11k shutter count if that helps
     
  17. shipsupt

    shipsupt Admin

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    11k as far as shutter count is relatively nothing.

    Many photographers prefer full frame for landscape work.

    Full frame is generally better in low light, but you have to consider a newer sensor will be better in low light. At some point, a new crop sensor will be as good in low light as an older full frame. The A7 is probably a stop or so better than the A6000. It will also do better pulling shadow details and have better DR.

    Both are really capable cameras, so I'd do some more research on comparisons of the two. There are many on the interwebs. Consider your use, what lenses you want available and at what price... You'll likely come to a conclusion pretty quickly.

    There are some Sony shooters here. I suspect they can help as well when they get a look at your post.
     
  18. BlueElephant

    BlueElephant New

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    Alright thanks. What does one have to take note of when getting a 2nd hand camera and lens? I'm an amateur and am contemplating the A7
     
  19. shipsupt

    shipsupt Admin

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    Chekcing shutter count, as you did, is always a good start. Other than that you just have to look for general condition and see if you can get a read on how the camera was used. Without a doubt it's a bit of a risk, but the reward is buying at far below retail value of new equipment.

    Here is a way to extensive list of things to check if you can get hands on with the camera:
    http://petapixel.com/2010/10/08/checklist-for-buying-used-cameras-and-lenses-on-craigslist/
     
  20. Stapsy

    Stapsy Friend

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    I have the A7 and the kit zoom. It is a wonderful camera and the kit zoom is pretty good. On the other hand, the Sony/Zeiss FE lenses are outstanding. I stopped using the zoom after I got the 55 1.8. Most kit zoom's are not going to unlock the full potential of your camera, but that doesn't mean you can't take great pictures with them.

    If I recall correctly the A7 and the A6000 are from the same generation. I don't know how much use you would get out of the 50 1.8 on the crop sensor A6000. A 50mm lens is approximately a 75mm lens due to the smaller size of the sensor in the A6000. Definitely not something that is commonly used for landscape, but is great for portraits.

    Unless you really love the 75mm focal length I would go for the A7 or find a cheaper A6000 with the lenses you want. Generally for crop sensor that would be something like 23mm or 35mm.

    Edit: I forgot to mention that neither of those zooms will be great for low light. Most primes will give you at least 1-2 extra stops of light. While fast lenses are fun, for low light I would recommend getting a sensor with better high iso performance instead of a faster lens. When you open up a lens to F2.8 and beyond you are working with a very shallow depth of field which doesn't lend itself well to all situations. Unless you spend a LOT of money on your lenses you will also generally see decreased sharpness and contrast as well as increased distortion. If handholding in low light is something you plan on doing a lot of you may consider a camera designed for high ISO like the A7s instead. Either the A7 or A6000 would be fine in low light if you are going to use a tripod.
     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2016

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