CopCarSS wrote: While a little underwhelming when compared to the newest DSLR offerings, the DigiRebel was definately a capable picture taker and should still work very, very well for most applications.
While a little underwhelming when compared to the newest DSLR offerings, the DigiRebel was definately a capable picture taker and should still work very, very well for most applications.
You knocking my camera?
Yeah, I know, just wait two years and whatever you buy is obsolete already...
Brian (IA) http://blhanel.rrpicturearchives.net.
Dan,
If you don't mind having the latest & greatest, you could probably scare up a DSLR for not a lot of money. I haven't checked on pricing lately, but I would venture to guess that the original Digital Rebel (the 300D) could be found For $300 or less on the used market. An EFs 18-55mm should come with it, or be very, very cheap on the used market. After that, it would just be a matter of adding a lens or two (or several dozen if you're like me) when necessity calls (and financing permits).
Another cheap option would be a D60. Someplace out in CA, I think Chad still has my former D60 shooting as well. The D60 is a dinosaur in the DSLR realm, but I used it for a very long time, and I think Chad is still putting it to good use.
-ChrisWest Chicago, ILChristopher May Fine Art Photography"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." ~Ansel Adams
Dan
tree68 wrote: IThe timer can be a good thing, if you get the timing down. Nothing worse than getting a nice wedge shot of the second unit..... (or air)
IThe timer can be a good thing, if you get the timing down. Nothing worse than getting a nice wedge shot of the second unit..... (or air)
I just checked Canon's site on the Canon Powershot A530 and didn't see anything about a remote shutter trip. My Rebel XT has an infrared remote, allowing me to take a picture from in front of the camera.
I think you'll generally have to get in to the 35mm body-type cameras to get a cable release, although some of the cameras in formats such as yours might have the ability to use a release such as I have.
The timer can be a good thing, if you get the timing down. Nothing worse than getting a nice wedge shot of the second unit..... (or air)
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Thanks for the info guys. I've got a tripod (nothing fancy) and I like it. I was asking because I was asked if I'd want a monopod and didn't know much about them. I think I'll hold off on getting one for now since I don't have telephoto in any way, shape, or form right now!
How can I tell if my camera can take a remote capture cable? I have a Canon Powershot A530.
In addition to what PZ said, I'll add that one can use a monopod with just about any focal length. They are used mostly with super-teles, but they can give a little shutter speed advantage when used with any lens.
The main problem is that only one axis of movement is stabilized when using a monopod, so they aren't a cure-all for camera movement. I don't use my monopod a whole lot (generally I've found that Shake Reduction is usually sufficient for my needs), but I do like to use it when shooting with the 300mm f2.8. As PZ mentioned, it frees up a hand. Since I'm shooting with a manual focus 300mm, that's really useful.
BTW, if you don't have a remote camera release for use with a tripod, you can use the camera's self-timer (if it's so equipped) for the same purpose. It's kind of hard to do with moving objects, but works nicely for subjects that are stationary.
CNW 6000 wrote: What is the difference (picture quality, perhaps) between a tripod and monopod? Why would you use one over the other?
What is the difference (picture quality, perhaps) between a tripod and monopod? Why would you use one over the other?
A monopod is mainly to steady a camera equipped with a telephoto lens over 300mm. It will not support itself, so you'll need to have at least one hand on the camera at all times. More portable (less weight) than a tripod.
A tripod will allow you to take steady time exposure photos, use extremely slow film or ISO settings, use the timer to jump in the photo yourself or use the timer to eliminate jerking the camera when the shutter is pressed, especially when using a macro lens for extreme closeups. Among other things. Tis best to have a remote shutter-trip cable for most uses.
We're slated to get enough snow this weekend that we'll need to shovel or snowblow it. We've had a couple of dustings and flurry events. I hope for snow as it'll make for some cool pictures.
We got just about exactly one inch of snow here in Omaha today. It was really a nice surprise since only flurries with no accumulation were expected.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Willy
Thanksgiving Eve--in Chicago, we might be waking up to a layer of snow tomorrow morning. People who have arrived at their destinations may be lucky.
Not traveling too far here--just to work (and eventually back home). Second trick has been pulled off for the day, so we may have to stay up to twelve hours. Which, of course, makes it hard to figure when dinner will be.
Anyway, be thankful, be happy--the railroads are running!
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
CShaveRR wrote: Welcome home, Chris! Hope to be in touch soon.Isn't Amtrak routed BNSF all the way from Denver to Chicago?Have a good time out west (relatively speaking, of course!).
Welcome home, Chris! Hope to be in touch soon.
Isn't Amtrak routed BNSF all the way from Denver to Chicago?
Have a good time out west (relatively speaking, of course!).
Yes it is, so BNSF did well between Denver and Omaha, at least.
What did you think of our fine city, Chris? It was probably still dark when you came through, but maybe you could see a little bit?
Hey, Noah! Where were you roosting when you took that roster shot?
I hope to see that car (WSOR 503196) sometime. We don't seem to be getting as much traffic from WSOR as we used to here--must be going via a different route for the past couple of months or so (maybe now that they have better trackage rights).
I've seen a number of freight cars that have faded to pink, but this is the first one I can think of that's actually been painted that way. Having a cousin close to my age who has fought *** cancer successfully (as successfully as possible, anyway), I too consider the subject worthy of commemoration. I hope that taggers feel the same way, and give this car the respect it deserves.
petitnj wrote:Did you notice the pink box car in the background? That is the one Horicon is painting for *** cancer awareness:http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p89/WSOR_3807/santatrain07/IMG_5419.jpg
Yeah I did notice it. It was hard to miss! I took a rooster shot of it before the train showed up:
The car was put into revenue service last week and should be headed around the county pretty soon. Bill Gardner's (the owner of the WSOR) wife died about two year ago from cancer, and the car is one of Mr. Gardner's ways of helping raise awareness. It sure does get your attention!
Looking foward to your pictures from Northern Illinois in the near future Chris! I want to get down there at some point myself to take pictures of train sometime soon...
Noah
Morning All,
Made it back to Chicago after a trip aboard the CZ. Alas! no rare miles over the old CNW. I wish we had though. FWIW (and I'm sure this is going to ruffle some feathers), Uncle Pete did a much better job of dispatching the trip than the BNSF did. We left Denver on time, and were running at most about 20 minutes late all the way to Omaha. By the time I got off at Naperville, we were running almost two hours late.
At any rate, I have some more thoughts on the trip, but those will have to wait until after the weekend. I'm headed out to White Pines State Park, though I'll be leaving early so I can take my time and follow the Aurora Sub up there (the Aurora Sub forms the northern border of the park). There's a couple photo spots I want to check out along the way, and of course I'll have to make a stop at Rochelle.
I'll post some pix and some more Amtrak thoughts when I get back.
CopCarSS wrote: Just got back from picking up a permit at Denver. The BNSF has some industrial trackage down by the public works building. Lo and behold, sitting there along with a yellowbonnet geep was BNSF #1411, a GP10 originally built as a GP7 for the GN in 1950!!! Egads, who'd of thunk that a Class 1 would still be running 1st gen stuff in 2007. She's been around since steam was still ruling the rails on many railroads (weren't there some NKP Berks built in 1949?)Too bad she wasn't on the point. I couldn't get a decent picture of her where she was. I guess I'll just have to keep an eye out and see if I can get a decent shot of her at some point.
Just got back from picking up a permit at Denver. The BNSF has some industrial trackage down by the public works building. Lo and behold, sitting there along with a yellowbonnet geep was BNSF #1411, a GP10 originally built as a GP7 for the GN in 1950!!! Egads, who'd of thunk that a Class 1 would still be running 1st gen stuff in 2007. She's been around since steam was still ruling the rails on many railroads (weren't there some NKP Berks built in 1949?)
Too bad she wasn't on the point. I couldn't get a decent picture of her where she was. I guess I'll just have to keep an eye out and see if I can get a decent shot of her at some point.
IIRC, Norfolk & Western built steam locomotives after 1950
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
Yep, PZ--sounds like one of us was following the other, all right! I saw the same Metra scene in New Lenox, and was northbound when I saw the Geeps east of the highway. They were west of it earlier, when we were headed south.
For those not familiar with the area, the highlight of this extension is the 1.5-mile-long viaduct that crosses the Des Plaines River, the Illinois Waterway, the former ATSF main line, the former GM&O main line, and at least one street on either side of the waterways. The highway's altitude above the waterways is much higher than the other large bridges over these waterways, and, unlike those, it remains fairly level across the entire valley.
CShaveRR wrote: Well, today was totally off-topic for me. We checked out the I-355 extension that opened today. The bridge is almost as impressive from the road as it is from below, but the driver doesn't have a very good view over the edge (to the tracks). The industrial spur near I-55 is crossed with an overpass, and is actually identified as "BNSF RR". We did see the switcher at work, with a pair of Geeps and a goodly number of box cars and covered hoppers.If I ever want to observe Metra, CSX, or IAIS action in or around New Lenox, this would be the road for me to take. Otherwise, I have more direct (and cheaper) alternatives to anywhere I need to go.Chris, while you're in, Pat and I were answering phones for WFMT today. If you miss them out your way, they now have free streaming on the Internet: www.wfmt.com . Same goes for anyone else who wants a civilized variety of classical music.
Well, today was totally off-topic for me. We checked out the I-355 extension that opened today. The bridge is almost as impressive from the road as it is from below, but the driver doesn't have a very good view over the edge (to the tracks). The industrial spur near I-55 is crossed with an overpass, and is actually identified as "BNSF RR". We did see the switcher at work, with a pair of Geeps and a goodly number of box cars and covered hoppers.
If I ever want to observe Metra, CSX, or IAIS action in or around New Lenox, this would be the road for me to take. Otherwise, I have more direct (and cheaper) alternatives to anywhere I need to go.
Chris, while you're in, Pat and I were answering phones for WFMT today. If you miss them out your way, they now have free streaming on the Internet: www.wfmt.com . Same goes for anyone else who wants a civilized variety of classical music.
Carl, we must have passed each other yesterday. I did likewise with a tour of I-355 south, all the way to I-80 with a turnaround at New Lenox, where there was a Metra work train dropping ties along the old Rock Island line, right at the Route 30 exit. I also saw the blue/yellow Geeps waiting eastbound on the Johnson & Johnson spur just east of the new highway. It's a breeze and will save me mucho time when running down to I-80.
Nice shots, both of you!
Dan, I agree with the others that "Smokin'" is the best of the four. And Noah, if you'd asked for a choice, mine would have to be your last shot as well.
Dan, I agree with Chris, I like the Smokin' the best. It's definitely a nice one.
I was out chasing the SOO 1003 on Saturday too, and naturally took a couple of pictures along the way. Thanks definitely goes to the SOO Line 1003 group and the WSOR for putting on a great event! It would have been nice to have had a little more sun, but I'm happy with what I got:
Arriving Brandon, WI to take on water:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p89/WSOR_3807/santatrain07/IMG_5340.jpg
Passing the depot and semaphore at Horicon:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p89/WSOR_3807/santatrain07/IMG_5419.jpg
East of Horicon a little ways:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p89/WSOR_3807/santatrain07/IMG_5433.jpg
Rounding the curve into Rubicon, WI:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p89/WSOR_3807/santatrain07/IMG_5459.jpg
I really like Smokin' a lot. If it was mine, I'd crop it to a square and frame it like that. It'll cost a bit more to have a custom frame made, but I think it would work best for the shot. Some of my favorite shots that I have hanging up are square crops. Maybe I should be walking around shooting a Hassy or a Rollei or something, but I think the parity of a square shot really focuses the viewers attention on the subject when executed properly.
Like I said, just my thoughts if it were me.
Hey folks!
I am going to post links to some pics I took of the WSOR Santa Train from the 10th. I am thinking of having a couple printed for hanging on the wall. Which do you think/why? Thanks in advance!
All were shot with Canon Powershot A530.
Makin' Timehttp://www.danielgbraun.com/cgi-bin/i/images/SOO%201003/SOO%201003%20Sat%20Nov.%2011,%202007%20Makin'%20time.jpg
Arriving in Brandon, WIhttp://www.danielgbraun.com/cgi-bin/i/images/SOO%201003/SOO%201003%20Sat%20Nov.%2011,%202007%20Arrives%20in%20Brandon,%20WI.jpg
Builder's Platehttp://www.danielgbraun.com/cgi-bin/i/images/SOO%201003/SOO%201003%20Sat%20Nov.%2011,%202007%20Builder's%20Plate.jpg
Smokin' http://www.danielgbraun.com/cgi-bin/i/images/SOO%201003/SOO%201003%20Sat%20Nov.%2011,%202007%20Smokin'.jpg
Sorry for repeating these if you already saw 'em.
Murph, I did a little scouting last night. In your price range (or a little more in a few cases), these are some of the recommendations I might make:
Canon A570 IS - This definately has to be the best value out on the market today. At around $150-$200, you get a lot of camera for not a lot of money. The key feature here is Image Stabilization. There aren't many models that feature IS at this price point (and the ones that do often use a marketing gimmick - they crank up the ISO to insanely high levels to allow you to use higher shutter speeds).
In a P&S, IS is even more critical (I think) thank in DSLRs. I say that for two reasons. 1) Because of the smaller sensor, you'll want to keep your ISO as low as possible since they can get pretty noisy at higher ISO settings. IS will give you a little more "hand-holdability" at lower ISOs (but won't stop subject blur). 2) Shooting with one's arms out in front of one as most users do with P&S cameras is quite possibly the worst way ever devised to hold a camera. IS helps this a lot. Additionally, with the A570 IS, you get a real optical viewfinder! If you shoot more traditionally, you should be able to shoot at even slower shutter speeds because you're braced better and the IS can be a bit more effective.
I've actually thought about one of these as my "take everywhere" camera, but the lack of a decent wide angle keeps turning me away. At 35mm (equiv.), the A570 IS is wider than a lot of the competition, but I grew up thinking that 28mm was a wide angle and 35mm merely a wider normal lens. Maybe one of these days I'll change my mind, or Panasonic will get their act together (see next recommendation).
A full DPReview of the A570 IS can be found here.
Panasonic DMC-TZ3 - Or one of it's derivatives. The original TZ3 was released in April, and I think may have seen a mild make-over. It should be about the same camera though. The TZ3 was in the $300-$350 price range. What this camera has going for it is it's true wide angle (28 mm equiv) to decent telephoto (280mm equiv) Leica zoom lens. That's a really nice zoom range, and from what I understand, the Leica lens performs up to it's reputation. Like the Canon, the TZ3 also features Image Stabilization (Panasonic brands their variety as OIS - Optical Image Stabilization).
The bane of this camera (and pretty much every Panasonic in existance) is the output at higher ISOs. You're really given two options while shooting at high ISO: 1) Leave Noise Reduction off, and see just how insanely grainy/noisy the photos can be, or 2) turn NR on and watch the Venus III processing image blast away any detail in your shot so you have a grain free, but water-color like image.
It really bugs me, too. There have been at least 4 or 5 cameras from Panasonic/Leica in the past couple years that I would have gladly adopted as my "take everywhere" camera. Alas! I do find myself shooting in less than perfect lighting from time to time, though, and would need to shoot at least ISO 400. Given Panasonic's results at anything higher than ISO 100, I just can't get a Panasonic.
If you can ignore the high ISO probs, they're really nice little cameras with lots of options and a nice user interface. Just be sure to keep your ISO down! DPReview review can be found here.
Fuji Finepix F31/F40 - A few years ago, Fuji came out with it's F series, and they've really been quite an anomaly around the P&S world. Unlike the Panasonic, this one is completely usable at ISO 800, and can even be pushed to ISO 1600 with decent results. No other digital P&S can come close to the high ISO results that the F series delivers. That's probably good, though, as this one doesn't feature any kind of image stabilization, so in dark situations you may have to push up the ISO a bit.
The cameras used to come in around the $300 price point, if you can find it. Unfortunately, Fuji has replaced both with the F50, which is a completely different camera (and not worthy of the F-series designation from what I've seen). I think you should be able to find it new from some stores that specialize in selling old stock, or you could look used (where you could probably get a pretty good deal on it).
As for features: It has the smallest zoom range of the cameras listed here (36-108mm equiv), so I don't know if that's a problem or not. It also has the lowest MP count (6.3 MP F31/ 8.1 MP F40). Fuji makes the most of their pixels, though, thanks to the Super CCD sensor. Besides, since you said you wouldn't be making big enlargements, lots of MP isn't that big of a deal (it can, in fact, lead to noisier results).
All in all, the Fuji is a nice but rather ordinary camera, except for the high ISO capabilities. That can be huge, though. If you and/or your wife find yourself shooting in low light situations and want to keep noise to a minimum, the F31/F40 is really peerless in the P&S realm. You'd have to move to the DSLR world to get to the high ISO performance that the F31/F40 can deliver.
Full DPReview review (for the F31) can be found here (The F40 is very similar with a slightly high MP count).
I hope this helps a little bit. If you need anything else, let me know. Hopefully I should at least be able to point you in the right direction.
Carl - Thanks for the link. I've bookmarked it and will definately be using that at work from time to time. Thanks to the wonders of internet radio, most of my favorite stations at work are many, many miles away.
Murph - You should definately be able to pick up something decent for that price. You won't be able to get a DSLR for that (don't know if you were looking that way or not). P&S digitals have a couple detracting factors, but should be able to meet your needs pretty well.
Let me do a little looking tonight, and I'll see if I can send you a couple suggestions tomorrow morning.
BTW, one other question: What is make/model of film SLR do you have? If you ever find all your lost lenses, it might be worth it to pick up a DSLR. If, for example, you have some good Pentax glass, picking up a K100D might be worth it to use with the old glass. If you've got Canon FD gear or Minolta MC/MD gear, though, there aren't any compatible DSLR's out there, so you'd have to get some new lenses anyway.
Murph.
Since she likes to use only one lens, I would sugges the Fuji line of cameras, they have two new models, the Fuji S9100, S6000 and S8000 check out their web site. I have used a Fuji S5000 for the past four years, and I love it. All of the above cameras have up to 10x zoom, (18x in the case of S8000) and are 6,8,and 9.1. megapixel cameras, so, they will take great photos. And since she works with kids, and takes lots of pictures of them, the Fuji cameras have the "face recognition" technology which makes taking portraits easier (or, so I have heard) 200-300 will get you a good "point and shoot" but without much in the way of function. As far as quality goes, it all depends on the manufacturer. Also, in the case of the Fuji cameras, they can shoot on full auto, without monkeying with too many settings.
Of the brands that I would recommend Fuji, Olympus, Kodak, and Canon would probably be the top ones. I would also mention Nikon as well.
Well, that's my .02
CopCarSS wrote: Murph, a few questions:1) Does your wife enjoy the versatility of your current SLR, or does she usually keep the same lens on it?2) Does she shoot in a lot of dim situations? If so, does she use a flash or high speed film?3) Does she ever make any big enlargements (beyond, say, 8x10)?4) Does she shoot fast moving sports or situations that require a camera that can focus and shoot quickly?5) Do you have a rough budget for the replacement?
Murph, a few questions:
1) Does your wife enjoy the versatility of your current SLR, or does she usually keep the same lens on it?
2) Does she shoot in a lot of dim situations? If so, does she use a flash or high speed film?
3) Does she ever make any big enlargements (beyond, say, 8x10)?
4) Does she shoot fast moving sports or situations that require a camera that can focus and shoot quickly?
5) Do you have a rough budget for the replacement?
2) Lots of flash pictures, and lots of up close pics of kids's faces, etc..(She works at a school).3)No enlargemnts4) No fast moving shots (like trains)5) I'm not sure on the budget question. I had it in my mind, that we're talking $200 to $300 for something good, that will last. Am I in the ballpark?
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