|
Cameras |
|
Cameras Reviewed
|
This section provides brief commentary on some cameras I have used or am presently using. These units are by no means the latest and in two instances have actually been replaced by other models. Real advances do not come as quickly as the plethora of new models might superficially suggest and the information you find here is largely relevant to consideration of the latest, similar offerings. Don't expect regular updates to this or the lens review section. The pros have equipment loaned to them by manufacturers or their colleagues or can write-off purchases against their business income. The rest of us must pay "full pop" and then live with the choices made. In any event, evaluating and reporting on equipment is a bore unless, perhaps, you intend making a living that way. Note: If "Basic Specifications" below is a hyperlink (yellow, underlined) clicking it will open a page with more detail. By "group" is meant one of the categories described in "What to Buy".
Sony DSC-V1 (Group 1 snapshooter) - discontinued This is a 2003 vintage snapshooter type pocket camera that punches well above its weight. It is one of the very few (perhaps the only one) compacts to receive Digital Photography Review's "Highly Recommended" rating.
Performance: This unit was expensive for a compact and was evidently designed to deliver performance more likely to appeal to the serious photographer than the rank amateur. With "only" 5 megapixels it has a good deal less noise than current compacts and the ISO 400 is not only useable but essentially noise free. That means detail delivered by the excellent Zeiss lens is preserved. These images make excellent 8 x 10 prints. Rarely, under just the right circumstances, a convincing 11 X 14 is possible, looking as if it were produced by a bigger camera. Sony has never since come up with another compact receiving as high a rating. The lesson is that megapixels are less important than other factors in creating a high quality digital image. I'd be willing to bet this unit still takes better pictures than 99% of the compacts out there today. That's because the larger pixels have better dynamic range and lower noise than the over-pixellated competition. The Zeiss lens is a serious optic providing detailed, well-corrected images at all focal lengths. The zoom is not so extreme that image quality had to be sacrificed to obtain it. An optimum design for compact photography. Definitely a "keeper" and by no means obsolete nor anywhere near it.
Panasonic FZ30 (Group 2 super zoom) - discontinued Replaced by the FZ50 which is essentially the same camera but with 10 megapixels as opposed to 8. Reviews suggest the FZ50's additional pixels do not contribute to extra detail because the noise levels have been raised. Basic Specifications (link is to FZ50 info)
Performance: This may be the best super-zoom ever made. It obviously aspires to the performance of a good DSLR and sometimes achieves that goal. The superb Leitz optics deliver excellent images at all focal lengths. (You will find examples in the various galleries at this site.) The principle drawback to this camera (one which applies to all cameras in this group, unfortunately) is the noisy sensor with far too many pixels for its size. For high quality work that means using nothing over ISO 100 and even then extensive shadow areas may show some grit. Furthermore, dynamic range is simply not anywhere near as good as what you get with a DSLR. At its best in good light with not too much contrast. Images make very good 11 X 14s looking better than they should for this size sensor, with just an occasional hint of softness not likely to be visible at normal viewing distances. A secondary issue is occasional tendency for intense reds to "bloom" or spill over into adjacent areas. This is controllable by making sure to under-expose a bit when the subject has a lot of red. The effect can be further minimized in processing by reducing red saturation/brightness. Seldom a significant problem but a flaw just the same. Has rather high shutter lag - unimportant to some photographers, an irritant to others. An optional 1.7 X extender provides phenomenal focal length with remarkably little compromise to image quality, apart from some chromatic aberration (readily removed in processing). Very slow "full speed" USB transfer to computer. ISO 400 suitable only for small prints, ISO 200 marginal for larger presentation. Surprisingly good 11 X 14 prints regularly obtained at ISO 100. Sharpness and contrast of the lens produce vivid images at all sizes. Despite some flaws, something of a standard for its class, even today. Fantastic results, suggesting a good DSLR so long as you do not run afoul its principle weakness which is pixel noise.
Nikon D80 (group 3 DSLR DX format) When introduce about 3 years ago this camera attracted much acclaim and approval. Inexplicably, it was later disparaged by reviewers without anything really specific against it ("old before its time", etc.). It is a superb performer just the same. Its rather mysterious fall off the pedestal means bargains may be available. Basic Specifications
Performance: A good backup to the D300 (see below) with image quality remarkably similar except when requiring very small crops or other extreme enlargement. Consistently excellent 11 X 14 prints (have not tried 13 X 19 but should be similar). Somewhat problematic matrix metering which acts more like center weighted. Not a problem once you get used to it and compensate but still a flaw. Some noise at ISO 800 but clean to ISO 400.
Nikon D300 (group 3 DSLR semi-pro - Nikon's best DX format body)
Performance: Images routinely produce excellent 11 X 14, 13 X 19 prints. No discernable faults. Image quality probably surpassed only by a full format high pixel density body such as D3X or Sony A900 (if uncropped). The numerous memory banks and options take some practice to master but if you shoot RAW (NEF) you will never need them. An outstanding camera some have called "an instant classic".
Mamiya RB67 (medium format film camera: 6 X 7 cm frame) Basic Specifications
Performance: Huge and heavy. A monstrous cannon ball. A lethal weapon in the right hands. Mechanically very noisy. Always draws alarmed/respectful/quizzical attention and commentary when put into action. This is not for the timid photographer wanting to work incognito. When you are taking a photo everyone within 30 feet will jump at the prolonged whizzing, ker-clunking and flapping as all those gears, mirrors, levers and springs do their thing. Your best strategy: remain cool and aloof. Cultivate a superior attitude. If someone unwisely seeks to challenge you by reaching into his shirt pocket for one of those silly toy digis, claiming "convenience", adopt a withering expression of amused pity and ask, "You call that a camera?". Superb images require only small degree of enlargement to reach large presentation size. At 24 X 36 inches theoretical detail is about the same as 35 mm (or high pixel density digital such as the Nikon D3X) at 11 X 14. The roll film back had a reputation for unreliability ... gears stripping, etc. I have been careful with mine and it has never developed a problem. Perhaps it fails only with the sort of use the impatient "pro" in a hurry is apt to dish out. An interesting and possibly useful tidbit: the roll film back is compatible with Arca Swiss medium format view cameras. Ferociously expensive. This camera was discontinued a long time ago but Mamiya still makes medium format units. If you can afford one, go for it. This is the real McCoy. It's quite an experience to see just how good film can be. |
|
|
|