Cameras
Jun 13th, 2017, 02:12 PM
#21
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Andrew - I believe it! But I think most people don't print to that size and just post things to Facebook. Even if they did print to that size, their pictures would be transformed by learning composition.
Jun 13th, 2017, 06:19 PM
#22
Sometimes it's not the composition, it's the camera!~ I've had my Pentax DSLR and the lenses professionally cleaned (and cleaned 'em myself) several times, but the Kenyan dust got in there somewhere and it shows up. Occasional specks. Urgh. I must buy a new camera, but I'm so used to 100% manual with this particular camera that anything else seems insurmountable.
RM67, thanks for the tip about ebay! I'll check into it. I've never bought anything on ebay before.
RM67, thanks for the tip about ebay! I'll check into it. I've never bought anything on ebay before.
Jun 13th, 2017, 06:35 PM
#23
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One thing I DID NOT miss about my DSLR on my recent trip to Europe was having to worry about dust on the sensor! My Canon 5D Mark II even has a "sensor cleaner" built in (just vibrates the sensor I guess to shake the dust off), but it isn't always enough, and I still sometimes need to blow the dust off manually or even swap it with a sensor cleaner! Yes, I've had it professionally cleaned, but that doesn't help when you have dust on the sensor again the next week in Europe.
My Lumix is in fact not weather sealed, and I expect that in a dusty setting, it could get dust inside, but it's much more dust-resistant than my DSLR with changing lenses for sure!
I used the Lumix in "manual" mode mostly at night, when I was doing long exposures with a tripod.
I've bought many things on eBay but never "bid" on anything (or won an item, anyway). Everything I've bought has been at set price, like buying from any other store, except some of the items are used. I'm not sure how I'd feel about spending much money on a used camera. My Lumix was technically "used" but because I got it from Amazon, I still had 30 days to try it out - and try it out I did, shooting over a thousand frames on it to make sure it was good and solid. Many of these cameras have the ability to show you how many frames they have shot in the camera's life - so look for that in the seller's listing, to see if they let you know.
My Lumix is in fact not weather sealed, and I expect that in a dusty setting, it could get dust inside, but it's much more dust-resistant than my DSLR with changing lenses for sure!
I used the Lumix in "manual" mode mostly at night, when I was doing long exposures with a tripod.
I've bought many things on eBay but never "bid" on anything (or won an item, anyway). Everything I've bought has been at set price, like buying from any other store, except some of the items are used. I'm not sure how I'd feel about spending much money on a used camera. My Lumix was technically "used" but because I got it from Amazon, I still had 30 days to try it out - and try it out I did, shooting over a thousand frames on it to make sure it was good and solid. Many of these cameras have the ability to show you how many frames they have shot in the camera's life - so look for that in the seller's listing, to see if they let you know.
Jun 13th, 2017, 06:48 PM
#24
Interesting, Andrew, thank you.
Ideally I'd like a camera just like what I have but lighter weight...and without the dust. I think that's because I know this camera and know how to get what I want out of it. I bought a P-and-S Nikon a few years ago, but auto doesn't give me the sharpness I like and I've not really learned how to use the other settings (my fault, obviously).
Ideally I'd like a camera just like what I have but lighter weight...and without the dust. I think that's because I know this camera and know how to get what I want out of it. I bought a P-and-S Nikon a few years ago, but auto doesn't give me the sharpness I like and I've not really learned how to use the other settings (my fault, obviously).
Jun 13th, 2017, 07:44 PM
#25
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You really need some time to break in a new camera - ideally not the week before a big trip! I gave myself a few months to learn the Lumix before heading to Europe. I got up on it pretty well but still learned more about it while on the trip (e.g. the Lumix's poor battery life really isn't a myth!).
I used Aperture Priority most of the them during the day time off the tripod, with center-point focus, so most of my pictures in this "semi-automatic" mode are quite sharp. I only use pure "auto" mode when I really don't have time to think much - like when trying to photograph my cat when she's in a pose she won't be in for long.
I used Aperture Priority most of the them during the day time off the tripod, with center-point focus, so most of my pictures in this "semi-automatic" mode are quite sharp. I only use pure "auto" mode when I really don't have time to think much - like when trying to photograph my cat when she's in a pose she won't be in for long.
Jun 13th, 2017, 08:05 PM
#26
Leely2, I have a couple of Pentax DSLRs for sale + lenses, if you are interested. I switched to an Olympus EM-1 more than a year ago and only use the Pentax K5iiS when the need arises.
The K10D & k20D have not been heavily used and are in VG condition. Personally, although it's an earlier model, the K10D is superior to the 20.
I am in Canada, so a win for you on the exchange rate. =)
The K10D & k20D have not been heavily used and are in VG condition. Personally, although it's an earlier model, the K10D is superior to the 20.
I am in Canada, so a win for you on the exchange rate. =)
Jun 13th, 2017, 09:16 PM
#27
Hi muskoka,
Interesting and gracious offer, but I am trying to go lighter, not as heavy/heavier. We Pentax people are rare; frankly before my dust issue I was perfectly happy with the results I got with my Pentax DSLR but it was heavy and required some patience/fussing. I think I shall try something lighter/smaller this next time. What do you think of your Olympus?
Interesting and gracious offer, but I am trying to go lighter, not as heavy/heavier. We Pentax people are rare; frankly before my dust issue I was perfectly happy with the results I got with my Pentax DSLR but it was heavy and required some patience/fussing. I think I shall try something lighter/smaller this next time. What do you think of your Olympus?
Jun 14th, 2017, 06:08 AM
#28
I have the Olympus EM-5, which was the original of their micro 4/3 line, before the EM-1. (Their numbering system is confusing.) I've been very pleased with it and am considering upgrading to the EM-5 II with the 12-40mm Pro lens. Both of those get great reviews, but I haven't fully decided yet. Both that body and lens are weather sealed.
Getting a new camera from the same manufacturer might decrease the learning curve.
Do you know about the compare feature on dpreview? It lets you compare up to 20 cameras from any manufacturer, pretty much all specs and many features. See if this link works, for example:
https://www.dpreview.com/products/co...tDir=ascending
Here's the starting point to create a page like that:
https://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras
You can do it with lenses too. Good luck with this tough choice!
Getting a new camera from the same manufacturer might decrease the learning curve.
Do you know about the compare feature on dpreview? It lets you compare up to 20 cameras from any manufacturer, pretty much all specs and many features. See if this link works, for example:
https://www.dpreview.com/products/co...tDir=ascending
Here's the starting point to create a page like that:
https://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras
You can do it with lenses too. Good luck with this tough choice!
Jun 14th, 2017, 09:15 AM
#29
Leely2, I switched systems to the Oly E-M1 because for one, it is a lighter camera. I use it almost exclusively with a Panasonic 12-35mm lens. This is a fairly light combo. As a professional photographer, who does not shoot sports, my needs fall in line with either this system or using the Pentax K511S with a Tamron 90mm lens on it. I can no longer effectively lift & hold a 60-250mm lens!
Why not go to a camera store to hold and play with the Oly E-M1. There is a newer version.
If you visit the dpreview website, there are good discussions as to the merits of using Olympus 4/3rds.
Why not go to a camera store to hold and play with the Oly E-M1. There is a newer version.
If you visit the dpreview website, there are good discussions as to the merits of using Olympus 4/3rds.
