Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Digital Cameras & Shooting Techniques => Topic started by: averagejoe_l on February 16, 2007, 11:49:59 am
-
First of all I would like to than all those who spend time posting on this website. I have spent countless hours reading people thoughts but would still like some advice.
I'm new to the digital scene, still shooting my Nikon 6006 and trying to squeeze out of it the best images I can possibly get using Velvia. I have been "shooting" for about 15 years off and on (one income household with 3 kids and a Malamute), but have recently decided that with my love for photography I need/want to make more of a commitment to what I love. So I thought I'd through my hat in and see if I could take my photography to the next level.
Below is what has been swimming around in my head:
1) shooting landscape photography
2) Currently not looking at enlarging past 20x24 (but never know)
3) Want something that is easy to travel with (though not a DSLR, I'm very impressed by what the M8 can do, like the simplicity - not the price but could swallow if necessary)
4) 10.0 pixels or above. However, the reading I've done on this site would lend me to believe (and I hope correctly) that pixels are not the driving force but the quality of the sensor. So, I'm looking for the what would be the best sensor to pixel camera.
5) Have been looking at the Canon EOS-5D, Nikon D2x or even the D200 (I already have Nikon lenses)
6) like the full frame of the upper end Canons but it is not necessary.
7) Was thinking of buying a Pentax or Mamiya 645 (I do like the darkroom) but if I could get the image and resolution for a 20x24 print out of a DSLR I would like that.
Thanks for any thoughts and experiences shared. And, if you are in Northern Arizona anytime let me know via email and some food and quality homebrew would be provided.
Joel Masson
()
-
20x24 inches is a lot. Definitely, you must read this article: http://luminous-landscape.com/columns/1Ds-4x5.shtml (http://luminous-landscape.com/columns/1Ds-4x5.shtml)
That said, it all depends of what do you consider acceptable resolution, maybe it's ok for your needs to print the 1Ds image at that size.
You must at least decide if you want something "easy to travel with" or something that can print 20x24 with the highest quality.
Here you have reviews of the 1Ds mkII, D2X, and D200. You can even download the full size images, and print them before you buy:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond200 (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond200)
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond2x (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond2x)
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1dsmkii (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1dsmkii)
Good luck.
First of all I would like to than all those who spend time posting on this website. I have spent countless hours reading people thoughts but would still like some advice.
I'm new to the digital scene, still shooting my Nikon 6006 and trying to squeeze out of it the best images I can possibly get using Velvia. I have been "shooting" for about 15 years off and on (one income household with 3 kids and a Malamute), but have recently decided that with my love for photography I need/want to make more of a commitment to what I love. So I thought I'd through my hat in and see if I could take my photography to the next level.
Below is what has been swimming around in my head:
1) shooting landscape photography
2) Currently not looking at enlarging past 20x24 (but never know)
3) Want something that is easy to travel with (though not a DSLR, I'm very impressed by what the M8 can do, like the simplicity - not the price but could swallow if necessary)
4) 10.0 pixels or above. However, the reading I've done on this site would lend me to believe (and I hope correctly) that pixels are not the driving force but the quality of the sensor. So, I'm looking for the what would be the best sensor to pixel camera.
5) Have been looking at the Canon EOS-5D, Nikon D2x or even the D200 (I already have Nikon lenses)
6) like the full frame of the upper end Canons but it is not necessary.
7) Was thinking of buying a Pentax or Mamiya 645 (I do like the darkroom) but if I could get the image and resolution for a 20x24 print out of a DSLR I would like that.
Thanks for any thoughts and experiences shared. And, if you are in Northern Arizona anytime let me know via email and some food and quality homebrew would be provided.
Joel Masson
()
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=101225\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
-
Hi,
I was shooting medium format Velvia (Pentax 67), but now days shoot a 24MP full frame DSLR. I'm pretty sure that the 24MP DSLR holds it's own against Pentax 67 + Velvia (or Ektar 100), as I have done some testing:
http://echophoto.dnsalias.net/ekr/index.php/photoarticles/59-sony-alpha-900-vs-67-analogue-round-2
http://echophoto.dnsalias.net/ekr/index.php/photoarticles/16-pentax67velvia-vs-sony-alpha-900
You could also check out the great 2006 shootout: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/back-testing.shtml
I think the 2006 shootout confirms my observations pretty much.
I have made 27x40 prints from the Pentax 67 that were from good to stunning, using a semiprofessional scanner and mucho processing.
The above stuff may give you a reference what to expect from digital if you have film experience.
What I have found is that 12 MP (on APS-C) is good enough for A2 size prints. Going up to 24MP full frame gives a visible, but not overwhelming difference in A2 (16" x 23").
My guess is that any modern full frame DSLR would fill the bill. Nikon and Sony have the best dynamic range (cleanest shadows), Canon is probably lagging in that area, but I'm still pretty impressed by the images.
Using proper technique may be more important than choice of camera for best image quality.
1) Exact focusing
2) Optimal aperture
3) Mirror lock up (on SLRs)
4) Tripod
5) Cable release or self timer
IS and good high ISO performance may help if you don't want to use a tripod. Good lenses are important.
Nikon has a 36 MP camera in two versions (800/800E), that camera should have some visible advantage over the 24 MP cameras, if the lenses are good enough.
Full frame cameras in the 20-24 MP range are available from Canon 5DIII, Nikon (D600), Sony (Alpha 99) and Leica (ME and M). If you want a small camera and don't need interchangeable lens the Sony RX1 may be an interesting alternative.
Best regards
Erik
-
Erik - does your post hold the record between a question being asked on the Forum - to an answer being given? That post was form almost six years ago! The OP is probably on his fifth digital camera by now. :D
Jim
PS - that was the one and only post they have made in all that time - he might have passed away waiting.
-
Thanks!
Trying to be helpful ;-)
Best regards
Erik
Erik - does your post hold the record between a question being asked on the Forum - to an answer being given? That post was form almost six years ago! The OP is probably on his fifth digital camera by now. :D
Jim
PS - that was the one and only post they have made in all that time - he might have passed away waiting.