Re: Cameras

Posted by MarkB_MI on May 22, 2016 at 14:32:10 from (70.194.2.143):

In Reply to: Cameras posted by JimS on May 21, 2016 at 14:05:26:

Let's start out with what you DON'T need. You don't need a high resolution camera, because for web images you need to shrink them down so they'll load fast in a browser. (This is an important detail that a lot of web designers neglect, assuming everyone has a fast internet connection.) If you're going to compress your pictures down to, say 100K pixels, it doesn't matter whether you started with a 4 megapixel or 24 megapixel image. High resolution is important for printed enlarged photos, but not for web images.

You do need some degree of zoom, so you can take wide angle shots as well as close-ups. Back with 35mm film cameras, this typically meant a zoom between focal lengths of 28mm for wide angle to 135mm for close-up portrait shots. Digital cameras don't have consistent sensor sizes, so manufacturers typically list the "35mm equivalent" focal length for digital cameras.

A important feature is "exposure compensation", which is the ability to override the camera's light meter when it is giving a false reading. (Which is the case more often than not.) For example, if you're trying to take a picture in a dark barn with a window in the background, the picture is going to be underexposed because the window will trip up the light meter. Exposure comp allows you to force the camera to open the lens aperture or lengthen the exposure time by a couple of f-stops, resulting in a correct exposure. All but the cheapest cameras have exposure compensation. The problem is that most make it difficult to access. Get a camera with an easy-to-use exposure compensation control, that way you'll actually use the feature.

I'm not a fan of digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. What's the point of making a camera bigger and heavier so a mirror can fit in it, when that mirror is just an artifact of obsolete technology? I believe in a few years, serious photographers will switch from DSLR cameras to so-called "mirrorless" cameras. Mirrorless cameras are mid-to-high range cameras with professional features like interchangeable lenses, but lack a through-the-lens viewfinder.

It's important to me to have a camera that will fit in a coat pocket. You're not likely to carry your camera with you if it's big and bulky (which is the reason so many pictures are taken with cell phones). My gripe with the current crop of compact cameras is their lack of viewfinders. A viewfinder is essential for taking pictures outdoors, particularly of fast-moving objects. A few years ago, most camera makers decided to drop viewfinders from their cheaper compacts for reasons I don't understand, so if you want a new compact camera with a viewfinder, expect to spend some money.

My current camera is a Fujifilm X10. It is a beautiful, all-metal, made in Japan compact camera that looks very similar to an old Leica. It has a big exposure compensation knob right on top where you can easily get to it. It has a viewfinder. The current model of this camera is the X30. A new X30 will set you back about five bills. You can probably pick up a used X10 or X20 for a couple of hundred bucks; because they are nearly indestructible, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used Fujifilm X-series camera.

• Fujifilm X series cameras

Replies:

Add a Reply! You must be Logged In to Post Name: E-Mail: Subject: Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Optional Video Title: Optional Video URL: Advanced Posting Options Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.   Advanced Posting Tools   Upload Photo  Select Gallery Photo  Attach Serial No List  Return to Post  Upload Photos/Videos Choose Files from your local computer Upload one or more videos to your post. Photo filesizes should be less than 300K and Videos, less than 2MB. Formats allowed are gif, jpg, png, ogg, mp4, mov, and avi. Be sure to use filenames without spaces or special characters, and filetypes of 3 digits lower case.

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]