WM

September 10, 2015

Hello folks,

Decisions, decisions....EM5-MkII or the Fuji X100T?

I know the differences with the interchangeable lenses, stabilisation, etc......but still a decision eludes me.

I use a Nikon D700 now, but that's becoming too big, and most of my shooting is for travel, street or bushwalking in the mountains, forests, hills. You can see why the D700 is too big and heavy ! Either of the EM5 MkII or the X100T will be MUCH smaller and lighter than the D700. So, I'm not quibbling about the size differences here.

Most of my shooting happens around the 24mm to 50mm end.

Which would you get and why? I just want to get this right, because it will be my first camera since the D700 which I bought 6 years ago !

Thank you !

October 30, 2014

Hello folks,

I'm not sure if this is humanly possible, but is there a way to use the Summarit 50/1.5 LTM or M mount (both versions available) on the digital Fuji XT-1 body? (Noting the non-full-frame sensor, distance to sensor, etc etc….).

Love the glowy look of the old 50/1.5 Summarit but unsure if it will work on a new body like that.

I know there's always an M-digital body or shooting film, but those options are a no go for me, because of budget.

Thanks for your help.

September 30, 2013

Reason: my significant other is a brilliant iPhone shooter, but the IQ leaves her wanting.

September 30, 2013

Hi folks,

OK, I may be in the wrong place, but since I'm a Nikon shooter, here I am. Is there a Nikon (or any other brand for that matter), that shoots like an iPhone (slim, smallish, touch screen shooting) but with high quality images like a high-end compact or SLR ?

Apart from the 41Mp Nokia 1020, that is. Perhaps there is a Nikon or some other camera-brand equivalent?

Thanks.

July 18, 2013

Hello folks,

Thanks very much for your responses and interest in this topic. This is excellent ! OK, here are some answers/thoughts:

1. The reason why I am using the D700, in spite of the paltry 12 Mp, is because that's the only camera I have. Of course, it would be better to get the D800 with a 36Mp, to do something like this to crop with, but alas, I don't have a D800.

2. I tried last night doing a batch processing (using actions, only took a few minutes to do hundreds) of photos into a 1:1 format in Photoshop, and that was pretty easy, so thanks for that suggestion, so it looks like post processing is the way to go, so one problem solved.

Questions:

1. What is the best way to help compose in square then? Eye cup with 1:1 ? Viewfinder with 1:1 crop? Where on earth can I find something like that ? (No, I am not a fan of using the LCD to compose, so the tape on the LCD idea is not that appealing).

2. Use the gridlines in the D700, and hope like hell that two of the vertical gridlines corresponds to the square format ? I'll need to do some 'tests', and report back to this thread.

Keep the ideas coming folks. This is a great forum as always !

wm

July 18, 2013

I should clarify, that, I would like to 'capture' the images in square format, so what comes out of the camera will be in a square format, with the sides cut off. I know that I will lose quite a lot of pixels but that is not a problem.

I know that there are focusing aids or screens, etc to compose in square but that still gives you a 3x2 image out of camera.

The options that I have seen so far are:

1. Post processing------no fun, really !

2. Tape on the focusing screen-----the image is still 3x2 format, so no go there.

3. Square eye cup or change focusing screen-----the image is still 3x2 format, so no go there.

4. Permanent ink/tape on sensor----this could work, but DANGEROUS !

5. UV lens filter with the sides blacked out----could work ? Minimal risk. (Only for non-rotating front element lens)

Any other ideas ?

July 18, 2013

Hi all,

OK, so there isn't a square format SLR out there, and many of the compacts that can shoot square format just doesn't cut it in terms of image quality, noise, shooting performance, etc. I'd imagine that with medium format digital, that's probably available but at a cost that is prohibitive for most.

Does anyone have any experience converting a dSLR into square format ?

Namely, I have a D700 that I'm thinking of experimenting with, but it could be potentially disastrous if not done right !

Will be good to get some thoughts.

Cheers, wm

Posted August 31, 2012 · August 31, 2012

Thanks folks. So, are we pretty much saying that the IQ of the OMD is about the same as the D200? If it is, then as the IQ of the D200 is quite far from the D700, logic states that the IQ of the OMD is also quite far from the D700 !

Having said that though, the sensor technology of the D700 is about 4 years older than the OMD. Obviously the sensor technology over 4 years still cannot compete with a 4-year old FF sensor?

I apologise for the large number of questions...........

Posted August 30, 2012 · August 30, 2012

Just checking if anyone who uses a Nikon D700, also use the OMD em5? Or even compared to the fuji x-pro?

Are you happy with the oly performance in terms of AF, Noise and outright performance?

How does it compare at ISO 6400 or 12800? (some websites say its better some say it's worse so I'm confused! )

How does the AF speed compare?

How well does it work shooting kids running around?

Thanks a million for your help.

Posted August 24, 2012 · August 24, 2012

Hello folks,

Thanks for your recommendations and also your discussions on possible options. Now I’m really confused ! Seriously

though, this has been useful and I thank you for your discussions !

Considering I only have one lens (24-120/4 VR2), and one flash unit SB-600, I don’t need to use my Nikon lens, and that

is why I am not ‘locked’ into having to use what I already have.

The thing with many of the suggestions such as the Nikon J1, maybe the Sony RX100, or even some of the new Nikon

units that are not dSLR, the sensors are pretty small, resulting in quality that does not come close to what I am used to

with the D700. That is why I’m looking for a ‘large sensor’ smaller camera. It does not have to be as small as the RX100

or the s95. I can live with the fact that it is the size of the XPro or OM-D, that are both smaller than even the D3200, right

?

(I know that the D3200 is pretty good ! but is still pretty bulky, and if I was going to carry the D3200, I might as well use

my D700….haha)

I’ll do some explorations with the NEX5 and RX100, as it seems like it is highly recommended here ?

Posted August 23, 2012 · August 23, 2012

Hello folks,

I'm a D700 user and while the D700's images still take my breath away every time I look at it, sometimes I want to have a camera with me all the time and the D700 is just too big to lug around.

What other high image quality (low noise) cameras would you recommend ?

I'm leaning towards he Fuji X-Pro, Olympus OM-D EM-5, or the new Canon EOS M at this stage. (I have the Canon s95 as my everyday camera, but the IQ is just pretty unsatisfying).

What would you choose ? If you could help me choose or recommend some other brilliant ones would be great. Please don't say the Leica M9, as that's way out of my league.

Thanks !

March 31, 2012

Hello folks, I'm about to get a Dryzone 100 after doing much research and looking around, as need a bag that is not too big, but will also keep things dry.....and I mean very dry. Think monsoon rain, or New Zealand Fiordland kind of freezing rain. I have seen the bag in real life, and here's a question that shop folks have no idea about and I guess only people who own one will be able to tell me. Is the front pocket sleeve, that sits outside the main waterproof compartment, (the section that is designed to keep small bits and pieces---the yellow part) waterproof, or at least water resistant ? Thanks for your help.

March 6, 2012

Administrator.....can you please remove this thread ? I should have posted in the Nikon forum, as it is to fit a specific model of Nikon. Thanks.

March 6, 2012

Hello folks,

Not sure who uses a Dryzone 100, but does a D700 with battery pack/grip fit into a Dryzone 100 ?

Also, does anyone know if a 15-inch MacBook Pro will fit into a Dryzone 100 ? (there's a section in front that should fit a laptop, though not really designed for it, I know)

I am keen on the Dryzone 100 but don't have any local shops who stock it, and will have to buy online, and don't want to get this wrong.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers, wm

March 5, 2012

Hi folks,

For those with a Dryzone 100 or Rover, can

You fit a 15 inch laptop in either one?

Thanks for your help.

February 3, 2012

Hello everyone,

Wow ! I did not know that such a question would elicit such passionate and exciting responses! All I can say is that I have learnt a lot from reading your posts, and I am very thankful not only for your recommendations, but also all your words of wisdom, in terms of inspiring kids, child raising, hobbies, and most important of all, the special quality time that we are privileged to have with our little peoples.

I am inspired now, more than ever to get my little boy a dSLR, that looks like daddy's albeit a smaller one of course......haha. The D700 is just too big for his little hands, and is just too expensive for me as well, if he breaks it.

It seems like the D40 with a fast normal lens is a good way to go, so I'll probably go for that. If he breaks it, then who cares, as long as he has fun, and we spend quality time. If he does not break it and come up with some great shots then it would have all been worth it. In fact, he already uses my iPhone to shoot as well, and he does get some great shots.

As for his street shooting skills, he blows me away easily, as he is uninhibited, knows no fear, knows no shame, and no one really cares about a little boy with an SLR.......in fact many thinks it is very cute, and is not suspicious of him........so his shots are great.

I want to thank everyone for your time, and experience in so freely giving advice, and I am grateful.

Happy shooting, and when I get shots from my little boy, I will post them here.

Cheers, Wee-Ming

January 31, 2012

Hello folks,

OK, you may think I am nuts, but my little boy likes to shoot photos.........maybe my influence. The thing is that he does not want to use my wife's Canon s95 Point and Shoot, because he can't look through the viewfinder, and he loves using my Nikon D700 & 24-120/4 VRII lens.

The latter is of course bigger than his head, and is incredibly heavy for a little boy......plus if he drops it, dad will be out of pocket a lot of dollars !

Can someone recommend an inexpensive and robust dSLR for a 6 year old boy who loves to shoot an SLR ?

(Note that ROBUST is very important, given the uncoordinated hands of little kids !)

Thanks for your recommendations......and no, I am NOT getting him the new Nikon D4 or the Leica M9 :)

Cheers,

wm

June 2, 2011

Hello folks.,

Thanks for the advice. That;s probably why I could not find the computrekker, as I have seen the PoRunner, so have decided to get the Pro Runner 350, which is brilliant.

Thanks for your help as always !

May 31, 2011

Hello folks,

I am looking for a bag, and I can't seem to get a hold of a Lowepro Computrekker to have a look, and to see if it fits all my gear, so will need to buy it online.

The Lowepro website doesn't really say whether it fits a 15-inch MacBookPro as well........

My gear is as follows, and was wondering if anyone has experience with the bag to see if the following all fits ?

15-inch MacBook Pro, charger and some wires

Nikon D700 + 24-120/f4 VRII

SB-900 flash + Gary Fong Diffuser Cloud (not the flexible type !)

70-200/f2.8 VRII

Chargers + some batteries.

Canon S95 point & shoot

Thanks for your help in advance...

Cheers,

wm

March 31, 2011

Hmmmm............maybe it's just getting too complicated now and I am just thinking too hard about all this.

Perhaps something simple is better then.......say Leica M6 classic & 35mm Summicron........LOL !

Or Leica M3 & 50/1.5 Summarit..........now that will go down well.......

March 31, 2011

OK, I am confused now, after deciding on the D3100 with Nikon 18-200 VRII as a nice combo that is good for my better half who likes using my D700, but found it too heavy..........until someone mentioned that the Tamron 18-270 VC PZD is a better option...........

Any comments please ?

I have also read that the Tamron VC is a problem.....is that still a problem with the PZD version ?

Too many choices.........

March 30, 2011

Hello everyone,

Thanks for all your comments and recommendations. From the looks of it, she would not be keen to change lenses, and convenience is paramount, while IQ may not be the most important issue.

She likes SLRs because she has been using my SLRs for the last 15 years and everytime she handles a compact, she wonders why it is so slow ! So, going SLR is the way to go, but MF is definitely not her thing......hahaha ! She doesn't even like using my 50/1.4 and 135/2 on my D700 because it does not zoom, which she finds is a pain....fair enough.

It looks like for a "do everything", the 18-200 VRII may be the best option, as I can buy the body separate which is fortunate. Thanks very much for your help, as always this forum is the best !!

Cheers,

Wee-Ming (Subscriber for the past 9 years....and still loving this website).

March 28, 2011

Hello folks, I am looking for a camera for my better half, and while she likes using SLRs, and thinks that compacts are just too slow, and hard to use, she is not too keen on my D700, because she finds it too big. As she takes pictures mainly of my 5 year old (who runs around a lot !), and school activities, I figured the D3100 will be a good dSLR, with decent speed, good IQ, and better performance all-round than say, a compact or a advanced compact. Now, which lens should I get for her type of use ? Should I buy a DX lens or just get an FX lens ? 16-85, f3.5-5.6VR ? (DX) 18-105 f3.5-5.6 VR ? (DX) 24-120 f4 VR ? (FX) Or go nuts and sacrifice quality and just go for a superzoom like 18-200 f3.5-5.6 VR ? (DX) Any help would be much appreciated, as I have always been a 35mm film, then a FX shooter, and have no experience with any of the DX ones. If it was me, I'd just go for the 24-120/4 VR, but then on a DX is not very wide at all. Thanks, Wee-Ming

February 5, 2011

Hello folks,

Not sure if it is appropriate to post for help here (photo net moderator, please let me know if not appropriate), but my brother is getting married in April 2011 in Melbourne, and still haven't found a photographer !! (Last minute, I know !).....and it's getting pretty close.

Only looking for someone good to shoot the ceremony, some getting ready shots, some formal shots after ceremony, and that's it really.

Can someone help with some ideas of good photographers in Melbourne ?

Thanks heaps. Feel free to send me a private message too.

Cheers, WM

November 1, 2010

Hi folks,

Please excuse my simpleton question, but what is the difference between the 135/2 DC and 135/2D DC ?

Will there be any difference in using it on a D700 with SB-600/SB-900 ?

Will it work on the D700 and SB600/900 combo ? Using TTL ? Is there a special setting if the non-D lenses are used ?

Thanks for your help.

Cheers,

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