Peter_in_PA

<p>Never heard of that. I think you might be remembering something else.<br /><br />Because what I HAVE heard of is that viewfinders (focusing screens, really) of modern DSLRs can't resolve above a certain aperture (I think at one point it was f2.8). So, if you were at f2.8 on your f1.4 lens, looked through the viewfinder while using DoF preview, you'd see no difference. However, there IS a difference when you actually take a picture, it's only the viewfinder that is limited (another reason that modern DSLR viewfinders are difficult for very wide aperture manual focusing).<br /><br />Could that be what you're remembering?</p>

<p>I ended up adding a µ43 rig to my photo gear last year... eventually I sold all my Nikon stuff cause it works better for me, but I'm not a full frame guy.</p> <p>I think there are some amazing deals on some µ43 stuff out there right now that would be what I'd look at first. Olympus EM-10 is at an amazing price. The Panasonic GX7 is a good one to look at, too. As is the Olympus EPL-5.</p> <p>There are other mirrorless options out there, but for real small and portable, I like µ43 the best.</p>

<p>Craig,</p> <p>OP has already rented an f2.8 lens and he (like myself) finds it too big and heavy. So we already know that won't work for him.</p> <p>For me, even the f4 zoom was too much to carry around, but I ended up going mirrorless anyway (as you suggest, interestingly enough).</p>

<p>Well... people SAY they want to shoot birds until they realize that the lens that does it right is twice as much as their whole rig. "birds" and "general purpose" are two totally different scenarios.</p>

<p>The 70-300VR on DX is a great lens.</p> <p>Only you know if you NEED f2.8 and want a fixed focal length. I don't for either.</p>

<p>inexpensive old µ43 body is a great option for this kind of experiment, too.</p>

<p>The 85 is probably a GREAT option if you need or want AF, metering, etc. I'd favor the Tamron 90 if I were buying an AF micro lens, myself.</p> <p>If you are not afraid of setting the exposure manually with no metering (which with a still object like this is, I promise you, NO problem at all), buy a used manual focus (you want to focus manually for close-up photography of still objects anyway) 55mm f2.8 or f3.5 micro lens. They cost about the same as a good filter.</p> <p>I love mine so much that when I left Nikon last year to go to Olympus µ43, I kept just that one lens and bought an adapter.</p>

<p>I've never had a camera with two slots, but I've never ever lost an image because of card failure either. I think this feature was a solution looking for a problem.</p> <p>But I'm an amateur. If I were a pro, I wouldn't use a camera WITHOUT this feature for a wedding or event, now that's available. So what do I know.</p> <p>That said, I agree with Kent. two different kinds of card slots is fairly boneheaded at this point I think.</p>

<p>The truly awesome deal that B&H had is totally gone, but for just a little more some other guys have it if you google.</p> <p>Here's Amazon.</p> <p>http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Camera-14-42mm-Tilt-Live-Viewfinder/dp/B00E87OITK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1434019679&sr=8-2&keywords=panasonic+GX7</p> <p>It's a discontinued, but still great, camera.</p>

<p>There is also a current deal, under 500, on the GX7 WITH lens from Panasonic. <br /><br />EVF, ridiculously quiet shutter. Amazing camera for that price imho.</p>

<p>The part number you seek is, I believe ALC-SH112.</p> <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801195079-USE/sony_alc_sh112_lens_hood_for.html">Here it is, used (not available new) from B&H</a>. </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/RainbowImaging-SEL16F28-SEL1855-replaces-ALC-SH112/dp/B004DMU416/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1433772185&sr=8-4&keywords=Sony+E+16mm+F2.8++lens+hood">Here is a cheap 3rd party version from Amazon</a>.</p>

<p>Josh, I'm late to the party, but here goes.<br /><br />You compared the image quality of a camera you really know how to use and are used to... with one that you "just got your hands on".<br /><br />The thing you've proven, above everything else, is that <em><strong>you can take a better picture with a camera you know well than one you don't.</strong></em><br /><br />Both of these cameras can take great photos if they are used right, and someone who knows how to use one and someone who knows how to use the other can take the same photo, same quality.<br /><br />And, that said, any camera RAW image processed carefully and thoughtfully through Photoshop will almost certainly always be a better image than an out-of-camera jpeg.</p>

<p>Used µ43 body with 14-42 lens and add a refurb electronic viewfinder would be close to that.<br /><br />But if you're printing small or viewing on-screen, the Canon P&S is impossible to beat.</p>

<p>What do you NOT like about the lens you have now? Specifically. What kind of shots are you missing that you don't want to miss? And how are you actually using your photos? (printing? what size? on-screen?)</p>

<p>Same thing when I had a MF 55mm f3.5 that I used with my D90. Couldn't meter, couldn't do anything but shoot manually, manual focus, and guess exposure.<br /><br />Fact is, with pinhole photography, you're not exactly shooting action anyway, right? So it's a small price to pay imho.</p>

<p>If that's the original D90 battery it's probably time to replace it for sure.<br /><br />I've left it on before when I had one and that kind of thing didn't happen to me, ever. So I think maybe your battery may be on its way out.</p>

<p>I'd add a 35mm f1.8 DX to that travel kit. a low light standard lens can save your butt in a lot of instances.</p>

<p>Even better... even a very humble HD camcorder will do better with video than most entry-level DSLRs... if video is your main thing, best to get a real camcorder.</p>

<p>Teo, if it were me and I was looking to choose one or more of those lenses, I'd look at the fantastic reviews here. http://www.photozone.de/<br /><br />For me, small size was really important, so I went with Olympus. There are some deals on some of those Oly bodies right now, like the EM-5 (original) which is really affordable and takes wonderful photos. Now that there is a MK II of that body, the original is at blowout prices.</p>

<p>How are you using your photo?<br /><br />any of those cameras are fine for most of the reasons we take pictures.<br /><br />Are you printing big? just sharing online?<br /><br />Most important get one that fits in your hand well and that you like using (menus, etc.).</p>

<p>If it's mainly video, especially if it's handheld, just get a real video camera.</p>

<p>Get away from my food! (at the Cincinnati Zoo yesterday). Olympus EM-5, 40-150 f4 - 5.6</p><div></div>

<p>Here's an image, not a great one, with the 9mm fisheye.</p> <p>Keep in mind that giraffe was probably a foot or two away, max.</p><div></div>

<blockquote> <p>...I have some spare cheese you can rub on my neck.</p> </blockquote> <p>I know this is a photo site, but I'd love it if you guys would REFRAIN from posting any pictures of this event as described...</p>

<p>I'd go first for the 35mm f1.8 DX (NOT the non-DX G that is more expensive) for you. 200 bucks, wonderful image quality.</p>