Digital quandary.

<p>Finally have to say goodbye to 35 mil. Getting harder to find film and processing. Is there a digital camera out there with which I can release the shutter every thirty seconds ? The camera will also have to stand in the hot sunshine for several hours at a time ? Resolution must be as good as film too. I take pictures of kids outdoors and only have a certain amount of time to complete. I've shied away from digital frankly because I'm an old dog and you know how we are about new tricks. If someone can steer me in the right direction it would be appreciated.</p>

<p>Pretty much any recent (2005 and later) digital SLR will do this.<br>

Anything with an APS-C or larger sensor at or over 8MP is going to be better than ordinary C-41 ISO 200 or faster films. The latest dSLRs are typically above 12MP at the low end of resolution now.<br>

Shutter lag and the like is mostly a phenomenon of point & shoots, and even then not so much as formerly. Multiple bursts of shots are faster than film cameras, depending on format and buffer size.<br>

Like film cameras, exposure to the naked sun for "several hours at a time" as on a tripod is bad because it heats up the circuitry and causes noise. At least the film isn't ruined.</p>

<p>If you just mean carrying the thing around on your neck, I've been out with my cameras for all day in hot weather and sun with no problems.</p>

<p>Try the Pentax K5 II or K3. These cameras are weather sealed and can take extremes in temperatures. They both come with built-in time-lapse photography, so you can set the camera to go off automatically every 30 seconds or whatever you decide to set it at. These camera also have great resolution, with film-like dynamic range. Another great thing is that you don't have to take out a second mortgage to purchase one and a couple of fine lenses. It's a great camera to start out with in Digital.</p>

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<p>"Is there a digital camera out there with which I can release the shutter every thirty seconds ? The camera will also have to stand in the hot sunshine for several hours at a time ?"</p>

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<p>Sounds like, in addition to an all-purpose digital camera, you're looking for a camera with an intervalometer? There are specialty cameras made for outdoor use for recording wildlife that would do this about as well as a dSLR or P&S digicam. Some have built-in infrared and/or motion detectors to activate only when something passes by.<br>

<br>

But if you prefer more lens options there are P&S cameras with zooms, interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras and dSLRs with intervalometer capability. Some will activate only when a subject is within the preset focus range. Just depends on the budget and what you're photographing.<br>

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Occasionally I'll use my Nikon D2H with intervalometer outdoors, most recently for the April lunar eclipse (although I was too bored with my own photos to bother compiling a photo sequence). It's tough enough to handle extremes in temperature, and old enough that I don't care if it gets rained on or gored by a passing rhino.</p>

What camera have you been using? Perhaps you can stick with the same brand.

 

Digital cameras are mature technology today. Even an entry level DSLR will provide excellent image quality if used

properly.

 

Unfortunately, you will have to learn some new tricks, but they're not that different from your old tricks. No way to avoid a

small but important digital learning curve.

 

And of course, your computer will take on much more importance. As well as a backup hard drive where you MUST save

a second copy of all of your images.

 

Good luck, and let us know when you have questions. (You will.)

Sorry, no camera recommendation but it's quite a switch from film to digital. As another old dog, I find the technical aspects of digital daunting and spend way more time at the computer than I like. <br>

<br>Living in an area where film and processing are as accessible as ever helps keep me shooting MF film as well as digital.  --Sally

<p>Look on ebay for an intervalometer to plug in to your camera as a cable release. They are made (often cheaply in China) for most models of cameras. Any digital camera, old or new, should do what you're asking. Obviously newer, higher resolution cameras with excellent lenses will give you higher resolution.</p>

<p>There are a lot of good DSLRs that meet your criteria. My two FF machines at present are both by Nikon: the D3s (12 mp) and the D800E (36 mp). They are two very different cameras, and I love them both for what they do well.</p>

<p>I was just as happy with Canon, though, and Sony is coming on like gangbusters with new items and features. Pentax has stayed in the DSLR game as well.</p>

<p>--Lannie</p>

<p>Chris, if finding film is your only problem, there is no problem. You might consider yourself an "old dog" but if you're enough of a puppy to find photo.net certainly you've found <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com">www.bhphotovideo.com</a> and all the other camera stores online. You can have an much film as you want as quick as FedEx can get it to you.</p>

<p>The processing is also harder to get. But sure if you can tell us what kind of set up you use for 35mm film then we can recommend digital replacement. </p>

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<p>If someone can steer me in the right direction it would be appreciated.</p>

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<p>Right direction ---><br>

<--- Left direction.<br>

<br /> Most of the digital cameras will simulate a pentaprism viewfinder, if they don't provide one. Left and right will be in the same places most of the time. You'll be OK. Enjoy your photography!</p>

<p>As Sally Mack suggests, going from the film and post exposure treatment (if you print) that you know to digital requires a fairly steep learning curve and computer time to master, especially if you are a senior citizen. On the other hand, digital imaging is convenient at exposure and you would have quick feedback on children shots that you can use to modify next exposures.</p>

<p>Knowing a little more about your requirements (your type of lens, more than one lens, or not, minimum resolution or largest high quality print required, intervalometer requirement, or not, etc.) would possibly allow those here to make more precise and confident suggestions.</p>

<p>Yeah, I'm pretty sure you'll get precise and confident suggestions even without much information to support them.</p>

<p>I want to thank one and all for their responses. Looks like this old dog will be learning some new tricks. I will let you know how it's going . Have a great summer all.</p>

<p>The learning curve is only as steep as you want to take it. I would suggest taking it easily and learning little by little.</p>

<p>Never be afraid to ask questions. Nothing is ever "cut and dried" in photography. There are always multiple options and approaches, and no one way is always the best way. (Be ready to witness some spirited arguments on the subject of technique!)</p>

<p>If you want to learn to swim, you have to jump in! The water has never been better.</p>

<p>Boy, that is indeed a quandary, because even living in a small mountain town, I have no issues at all at finding tons of great film in all formats at various online outlets and lots of great labs across the country, assuming you are in the U.S. that is.<br>

I have been using digital for over 20 years now, you will be lucky to see me using it at all in 5 years or less. <br /> With that said, are you *sure* the perceived lack of film and labs is the real reason for moving to computer imaging?</p>

<p>Two years gone by and I thought it was time to give you good folks the results. Should have switched years ago. Picked up a Pentax K20D and went right about my business. Where have you been all my life . Really good quality stuff. Anyway I wanted to give you guys a heads up and a great big thank you for taking the time to answer my query and put me on the digital path. Chris Wade</p>

 

Chris,Nice of you to stop back and give an update. Keep shooting.