Camera question for Bob (Cheers) Leatherbarrow

Bonita (Nita) Crawford · Sun Aug 17, 2003 3:21 pm

Bob,

When I took your class earlier at Vitrum you treated us to a talk on
your photographic technique at Nikki's home. You suggested a certain camera, and I can't remember what it was. All I remember is something about 3.

I have a birthday and an anniversary coming up, and I think a really
good digital camera, some matte black material, and 2 hanging lights
with halogen bulbs would make a great gift. I think my husband will,
too.

Please tell me about the camera and if it is difficult to use.

Really enjoyed your class.

Cheers to you, too!

Nita Crawford

Tony Smith · Post by **Tony Smith** » Sun Aug 17, 2003 5:58 pm

I believe Bob has the Canon G3... an excellent camera.

Tony

Bonita (Nita) Crawford · Sun Aug 17, 2003 9:31 pm

Tony,

That rings a bell! Thanks.

Nita

Bert Weiss · Post by **Bert Weiss** » Sun Aug 17, 2003 9:34 pm

Nita

I haven't looked at camera comparisons for a long time. I'd get some recent magazine comparisons of cameras in various price ranges. Sometimes there are bargains out there with features verses cost. I would value good lenses above all as a feature.

I did this a while ago. The magazine liked the Fuji. I found one I liked on Ubid.com and bought it. It is the type of camera with a big lens and body built around the lens. It turned out to have fewer megapixels than I would have liked. However, it takes a 5 x 7 at 300 dpi which is good enough. Most of the uses for digital pictures, require very simple resolution. For transfer to slides, you want as much info as possible.

I have a buddy who has been a serious photo hobbyist with medium format and 35 mm equipment for many years. He bought an Epson camera and printer and feels that he is getting the best prints ever.

There are lots of good choices.

Bonita (Nita) Crawford · Sun Aug 17, 2003 9:40 pm

Thanks, Bert. You're always such a good source of information.

Nita

Paul Tarlow · Post by **Paul Tarlow** » Sun Aug 17, 2003 9:46 pm

Bert Weiss wrote:Nita

I haven't looked at camera comparisons for a long time. I'd get some recent magazine comparisons of cameras in various price ranges. Sometimes there are bargains out there with features verses cost. I would value good lenses above all as a feature.

I did this a while ago. The magazine liked the Fuji. I found one I liked on Ubid.com and bought it. It is the type of camera with a big lens and body built around the lens. It turned out to have fewer megapixels than I would have liked. However, it takes a 5 x 7 at 300 dpi which is good enough. Most of the uses for digital pictures, require very simple resolution. For transfer to slides, you want as much info as possible.

I have a buddy who has been a serious photo hobbyist with medium format and 35 mm equipment for many years. He bought an Epson camera and printer and feels that he is getting the best prints ever.

There are lots of good choices.

Another great source for comparisons is http://www.dpreview.com.

In depth (very) technical reviews, lots of sample shots, images of the camera from all sides, etc.

Reading any one of their complete reviews is a great lesson on what to look for and look out for in a digital camers.

- Paul

Bonita (Nita) Crawford · Sun Aug 17, 2003 10:56 pm

Paul,

Thanks a lot. I'll look at that site. Hope it won't be so technical
I can't understand it. At least, they have pictures!

Don't know what I'd do without this board or the wonderful members
like you who are so willing to share info.

Nita

Ross · Post by **Ross** » Mon Aug 18, 2003 8:18 am

Nita,
He had either the Canon G2 or G3. I was there as well and I remember because I have the G2. The G3 is the newer model with a bigger zoom. It's a great camera for any needs. I wish I could tell you that I have mastered the "taking pictures of your work", but I haven't. I'm still having troubles, but it's not the camera. I think it's the lighting.

Good luck. Perhaps he'll chime in with some info on the lighting etc!

Ross

Paul Tarlow · Post by **Paul Tarlow** » Mon Aug 18, 2003 9:02 am

I own a Nikon 5700. It was pricey -- but it is a 5 megapixels camera, has an 8x optical zoon (250mm+ equivalent) and Nikon optics which, imo, are as good as anyone's and better than most.

It has a wonderful macro zoom for close-ups of small things.

It has "through the lens" viewing (like a 35mm SLR).

It is also suprisingly compact -- especially given the large zoom.

Here's a pic I took using the zoom
http://www.pbase.com/image/7420241

Here's an example of the macro zoom:
http://www.pbase.com/image/7261104/original

My only two complaints are 1) autofocus is tough in dim lighting and 2) requires a time investment to learn how to use it optimally -- not a good point-and-shoot for grandpa.

- Paul

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Mon Aug 18, 2003 9:45 am

Nita,

I have the Canon G2. The main reason for chosing the camera was the ability to manually set the shutter speed and aperature... most "good" (i.e. expensive) digital cameras allow you to do this. One of the other features I really like is the "custom white" that allows you to set the light meter to read white, regardless of the types of lights being used. When doing 35mm photography I use the digital camera to check that the lighting and relative exposure is what I expect before I take the 35mm slide. Has really helped me.

Cheers,

Bob

Nikki ONeill · Post by **Nikki ONeill** » Mon Aug 18, 2003 11:47 am

WoW, Paul; your macro image of petals is amazing! I have the Nikon Coolpix 990 and can't het nearly that close. About 5 inches away is the limit.
Nikki

Bonita (Nita) Crawford · Mon Aug 18, 2003 2:22 pm

Thanks to all of you for your advice. Is there any significant difference
between the Cannon G2 and G3? Is one easier to use than the other?

Paul, I'd frame the large pictures of the petunias. It is beautiful and
looks somewhat like a magnificent watercolor.

Nikki, I'm glad to see you are back. Love to hear about your trip.
It sounded just wonderful. As friendly as you are, I'll bet you and
all your family members all still good friends. What an aunt you had!

Bob, thanks for answering my message. I'm still thinking about all I
learned in your class and the fun we had.

Warmly,
Nita

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Mon Aug 18, 2003 3:00 pm

Hi Nita,

Oops! The computer and internet can't keep up with the speed of me hitting the submit button

Cheers,

Bob

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Mon Aug 18, 2003 3:00 pm

Hi Nita,

The G3 has replaced the G2 and, at least locally, the G2 cannot be found in stores. The G3 will have more bells and whistles I am sure.

And yes the classes were fun (at least I thought so) with lots of socializing in the evenings. Ed and Alyson are stopping in Calgary later this month during their holidays. Got some galleries and touristy stuff to show them.... gotta make em Canajun eh!

Cheers,

Bob

Bonita (Nita) Crawford · Mon Aug 18, 2003 10:52 pm

Bob,

I love the word "Canajun". Fusion language is often like fusion food:
good!

Thanks for the additional info.

Nita

charlie · Post by **charlie** » Thu Aug 21, 2003 1:38 pm

for a good high end, the nikon slr digital has really come down in price. a friend bought one 3 years ago for shooting sports magazine shots (car races for the most part). he said he saved enough in film the first 6 months to pay for the camera. he spent $8k for it, i recently saw it for $1800 (body only).

charlie · Post by **charlie** » Thu Aug 21, 2003 1:58 pm

Nikki O'Neill wrote:WoW, Paul; your macro image of petals is amazing! I have the Nikon Coolpix 990 and can't het nearly that close. About 5 inches away is the limit.
Nikki

if you need extreme closeups, i have a jvc that will go to about 1/2".

marjmeyer · Post by **marjmeyer** » Sat Aug 23, 2003 12:16 am

Nita,

I just purchased the Canon Powershot G3. The focus system faster on the G3 over the G2 model. I really like mine and found it not too difficult to use. I have had mine for three weeks and am just recharging the battery today. I ordered a 256 MB memory card in addition to the 32 MB card that came in with the cameraa. Good luck in your camera search!

Also-- those Nikon 5700 photos were awesome!

Bonita (Nita) Crawford · Sat Aug 23, 2003 12:56 am

Thanks for the input. I'm glad you like your new camera. How about
showing us some of your work? Nita

barnesglass · Post by **barnesglass** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 2:33 am

For anyone living in Metro Washington DC area...
and those coming to WGW in Arlington, VA.

There is a Digital Edge Expo at the new
Washington Convention Center...accessible via Metro...subway system..
the weekend of WGW. And it's FREE admission.

" It's a literal "petting zoo" of what's new in digital photography...."

For more info keep an eye on this site:
http://www.nbc4.com/digitaledgeexpo/

The Fujifilm..18 wheeler..traveling learning center will be there.
http://pictures.fujifilm.com/tour/

Sounds like lots of interesting Geeky stuff to check out, some
seminars and plenty of experts to get answers from.

Giveaways and prizes too....
hmm.. we'd like a new Minolta DiMAGE A1 please.

Dave & Dale Barnes

WarmGlass.com

Camera question for Bob (Cheers) Leatherbarrow

Camera question for Bob (Cheers) Leatherbarrow

Digital Edge Expo 2003