[Zyzyxxz]

Photos of the 5R and 6 NEX cameras have leaked. As good as the existing 16MP sensor is, I'm psyched to see how good the new one is. http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-h...images-leaked/

Dude NEX-6 looks right up my alley at that price point! And they are finally releasing a fast prime lens too! 35mm 1.8 is all I need!

[tino]

Did the new NEX switch to sane hotshoe too? They seem to do everything right on the new body design. Why can't Sony make decent lens? :(

[jiji]

Maybe the 35/1.8 will be decent. I'll very likely pick up a 6 and continue using legacy glass.

[Valkyr Junkie]

Did the new NEX switch to sane hotshoe too? They seem to do everything right on the new body design. Why can't Sony make decent lens? :(

Yes, they're ditching the Minolta mount for ISO on everything now.

[BlueTsunami]

As a legacy shooter, like jiji, I hope they maintain the fantastic performance the 5N has when paired with rangefinder lenses. The NEX6 looks up my alley. I also hope its touchscreen capable for quick magnification on specific parts of the scene, I can't believe they left this out with the 7.

[Radec]

Photos of the 5R and 6 NEX cameras have leaked. As good as the existing 16MP sensor is, I'm psyched to see how good the new one is. http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-h...images-leaked/

Looks fantastic. Just as expected, they removed the Tri-navi to make a difference to the NEX7. And ofcourse to cut cost for the NEX6.

What surprised me is the to dial of the 5R.

If the 35mm is as sharp as the 50mm, and with if it really is as big as the sigma 30, then it's another winner.

Why can't Sony make decent lens? :(

lol. You should try the 50 and 24 first.

[Skel1ingt0n]

Woohoo!



My X10 arrived today! New camera equipment is always fun; it's amazing how quickly you go back to just snapping pictures of anything and everything.

There was a post toward the bottom of the last page (50 ppp, yeah, I know) that was curious about going with the X10 or RX100. Let me start by saying I think the Sony P&S looks absolutely phenomenal. It's getting rave reviews just about everywhere, takes incredible pictures, and is one of those products that proves Sony still has it in them when they try. And with all that said, it really is exactly what others might think I was looking for - an extremely portable camera with professional-grade build and specs for quality photography. But the thing is, it just wasn't what the gadget-guy in me wanted. It's too simple. Too plain. Too "gift for grandma" for me. Should one be concerned with what a camera looks like? Probably not. But I kinda like something with a little more "serious" look to it. And the X10 has just that. Furthermore, I imagine it fits much better in my large hands than the RX100 would have.

Anyhoo... first impressions on my new toy: Build quality is absolutely fantastic. Like... really, really nice. It has a lot of heft, and is sturdy from top-to-bottom and side-to-side. The barrel turns smoothly and accurately. The screen is nice and clear. The buttons click with a definite and assuring tactile feedback. Everything just feels high-dollar. And while yeah, it's an expensive P&S, I wouldn't have been surprised by more plastic. So the magnesium-throughout build is very welcome and extremely nice.

Manual controls seem through; but to be honest, I'm still struggling quite a bit wrapping my brain around everything. Granted, I've only messed with it for about two hours, if that. Tomorrow I'll be on a plane for a few hours, and so I plan to read the manual (gasp). That said, there are lots of buttons, wheels, and clicky doo-dads; which makes me confident I'll be able to get everything to my liking, and settings ready for quick change.

AF seems solid; but I haven't had any moving targets in my home, so I can't speak too much on that.

I've always found myself very susceptible to noticing noise with even mildly high ISOs. For the praise this gets about ISO performance, I once again find myself a bit disappointed. I don't see myself ever going above 800. And I'd prefer to have all my shots at 200; but that's not realistic. Guess I'll have to deal with it.

Colors really are swell. Lots of pop. There's a strange softness to some pics, though, compared to the hard, rigid sharpness to others. Can't quite put my finger on it; but I can't help but think that's just a setting I've got messed up, or an error on my end. In any case, photographs look spectacular.

Burst fire is surprisingly solid and quick with my 95/mbps Sandisk Card.

***

Anyhoo, can't wait to shoot with it over the next week or so. I think this will be a perfect compliment to a full-sized DSLR kit (rather than a substitution like I was thinking with the OM-D). We'll see how I feel in a week, though. Things can quickly change.

Here are just a few VERY quick pictures from the night in my house. Nothing that I spent more than a few seconds on just goofing around. And just a quick run through cheapo-Picasa before uploading.




(Macro mode. The AF is a bit finicky; but the results are pretty impressive considering the type of camera. Focus point is on the square button in this pic.)

[Zyzyxxz]

Looks fantastic. Just as expected, they removed the Tri-navi to make a difference to the NEX7. And ofcourse to cut cost for the NEX6. What surprised me is the to dial of the 5R. If the 35mm is as sharp as the 50mm, and with if it really is as big as the sigma 30, then it's another winner. lol. You should try the 50 and 24 first.

Need to start researching E-mount lenses if I am going to seriously consider the NEX6. Now my OM-D/GH3 plans changed.

[Radec]

Need to start researching E-mount lenses if I am going to seriously consider the NEX6. Now my OM-D/GH3 plans changed.

M4/3 still trumps the nex in the glass department, but saying the NEX doesn't have a decent lens is lolworthy.

50mm and 24mm f/1,8 are the sharpest on the emount. But the 24mm is pricey though($1k, but it's a Zeiss)

The new 18-200 is abit smaller and better than the first gen 18-200.

16mm is not as bad as people are saying. For quick snapshots(parties, family etc.) it gets the job done. And it feels pretty good on how small it is.

18-55 kit lens is well like your typical 18-55.

Sigma's 30mm f/2,8 is outstanding.

And if you got other lenses, just buy a mount and use Peaking(Only Sony and Ricoh has this btw) to focus. I tried an f0.95 lens on my NEX7 and still works fine. But it's not that easy since the DoF is pretty shallow on that aperture.

[Zyzyxxz]

M4/3 still trumps the nex in the glass department, but saying the NEX doesn't have a decent lens is lolworthy. 50mm and 24mm f/1,8 are the sharpest on the emount. But the 24mm is pricey though($1k, but it's a Zeiss) The new 18-200 is abit smaller and better than the first gen 18-200. 16mm is not as bad as people are saying. For quick snapshots(parties, family etc.) it gets the job done. And it feels pretty good on how small it is. 18-55 kit lens is well like your typical 18-55. Sigma's 30mm f/2,8 is outstanding. And if you got other lenses, just buy a mount and use Peaking(Only Sony and Ricoh has this btw) to focus. I tried an f0.95 lens on my NEX7 and still works fine. But it's not that easy since the DoF is pretty shallow on that aperture.

To be honest I don't really need too many lenses, never owned more than 2 at a time with any body.

Right now with my GF2 I've been using the 14mm 2.5 for quite a while. I want a nice 35mm on a crop sensor though since I miss using the Nikon 35mm with my old D90. I'm not the kind of guy to drop more than $500 for a lenses are not worth it to me, I'd rather get some decent high ISO to make up for it.

[tino]

Looks fantastic. Just as expected, they removed the Tri-navi to make a difference to the NEX7. And ofcourse to cut cost for the NEX6. What surprised me is the to dial of the 5R. If the 35mm is as sharp as the 50mm, and with if it really is as big as the sigma 30, then it's another winner. lol. You should try the 50 and 24 first.

I need 24-28mm equivalent. 50mm work out to 75mm equivalent. IMO is a really dumb focal length.

Basically the options are all Voigtlander and other MF lens.

[ScientificNinja]

Anyhoo... first impressions on my new toy: Build quality is absolutely fantastic. Like... really, really nice. It has a lot of heft, and is sturdy from top-to-bottom and side-to-side. The barrel turns smoothly and accurately. The screen is nice and clear. The buttons click with a definite and assuring tactile feedback. Everything just feels high-dollar. And while yeah, it's an expensive P&S, I wouldn't have been surprised by more plastic. So the magnesium-throughout build is very welcome and extremely nice. Manual controls seem through; but to be honest, I'm still struggling quite a bit wrapping my brain around everything. Granted, I've only messed with it for about two hours, if that. Tomorrow I'll be on a plane for a few hours, and so I plan to read the manual (gasp). That said, there are lots of buttons, wheels, and clicky doo-dads; which makes me confident I'll be able to get everything to my liking, and settings ready for quick change. AF seems solid; but I haven't had any moving targets in my home, so I can't speak too much on that. I've always found myself very susceptible to noticing noise with even mildly high ISOs. For the praise this gets about ISO performance, I once again find myself a bit disappointed. I don't see myself ever going above 800. And I'd prefer to have all my shots at 200; but that's not realistic. Guess I'll have to deal with it. Colors really are swell. Lots of pop. There's a strange softness to some pics, though, compared to the hard, rigid sharpness to others. Can't quite put my finger on it; but I can't help but think that's just a setting I've got messed up, or an error on my end. In any case, photographs look spectacular. Burst fire is surprisingly solid and quick with my 95/mbps Sandisk Card.

A great camera. I picked up one of these for my wife last time I was in Tokyo. EXR mode is where this unit really excels.

[jiji]

Man, the NEX-6 looks like everything I was hoping for. EVF, two rear dials, mode dial, nice grip, 16MP, metal body, speckle finish, PDAF, ISO hot shoe, front Fn button. Perfect. All I'm waiting to hear about is whether it has 5N-style microlenses... Ricoh will have to announce something very compelling to get me away from this.

[tino]

Man, the NEX-6 looks like everything I was hoping for. EVF, two rear dials, mode dial, nice grip, 16MP, metal body, speckle finish, PDAF, ISO hot shoe, front Fn button. Perfect. All I'm waiting to hear about is whether it has 5N-style microlenses... Ricoh will have to announce something very compelling to get me away from this.

We don't know how good is the EVF yet. But to me unless Fuji implement peaking function in the firmware or introduce a cheaper body. NEX-6 is the one to beat.

[mclaren777]

Buy a Canon 60D and a 24-105mm lens by taking advantage of the Canon Loyalty Program (I send them my broken P&S, they give give me an additional 20% off the price of refurbished cameras/lenses).

($800 + $919) x 0.8 = $1500 after tax

I then sell my Canon T2i/550D and its 18-55mm kits lens for $500. The end result is that I get a 60D & 24-105mm for the same price as buying a new 24-105mm, which was my original plan.

Thoughts?

[fat pat]

Buy a Canon 60D and a 24-105mm lens by taking advantage of the Canon Loyalty Program (I send them my broken P&S, they give give me an additional 20% off the price of refurbished cameras/lenses). ($800 + $919) x 0.8 = $1500 after tax I then sell my Canon T2i/550D and its 18-55mm kits lens for $500. The end result is that I get a 60D & 24-105mm for the same price as buying a new 24-105mm, which was my original plan. Thoughts?]

I fully support this plan.

[Valkyr Junkie]

We don't know how good is the EVF yet. But to me unless Fuji implement peaking function in the firmware or introduce a cheaper body. NEX-6 is the one to beat.

I'm not too jazzed that the EVF is supposedly going to be lower resolution than the one in the NEX-7. I have the EVF add-on for my 5N and really like it, but don't think that with a lower resolution it could be a comparable substitute to the optical viewfinder on a entry/medium-level SLR.

[magicstop]

Buy a Canon 60D and a 24-105mm lens by taking advantage of the Canon Loyalty Program (I send them my broken P&S, they give give me an additional 20% off the price of refurbished cameras/lenses). ($800 + $919) x 0.8 = $1500 after tax I then sell my Canon T2i/550D and its 18-55mm kits lens for $500. The end result is that I get a 60D & 24-105mm for the same price as buying a new 24-105mm, which was my original plan. Thoughts?

My only thought would be that the 24-105 isn't the ideal focal range for a 1.6x crop like the 60D. I'd be far more interested in the EF-S 17-55 or one of the L wide zooms (16-35, etc.). That way, you've got a fast lens (f/2.8), and the most functional focal range (17 on the wide end). Go for a tighter lens later when you can afford more than one. That's just my .02.

[captive]

Buy a Canon 60D and a 24-105mm lens by taking advantage of the Canon Loyalty Program (I send them my broken P&S, they give give me an additional 20% off the price of refurbished cameras/lenses). ($800 + $919) x 0.8 = $1500 after tax I then sell my Canon T2i/550D and its 18-55mm kits lens for $500. The end result is that I get a 60D & 24-105mm for the same price as buying a new 24-105mm, which was my original plan. Thoughts?

its a good plan. My coworker has a 60d and 24-105, he loves the combo. He was looking at the 17-40, and decided against it cause the range just isnt there.
If you need wider, there's plenty of options for ultra wide.



Got me an OMD during my recent banning. Its quite a camera. ISO 3200 is exceedingly useable.

[giga]

My only thought would be that the 24-105 isn't the ideal focal range for a 1.6x crop like the 60D. I'd be far more interested in the EF-S 17-55 or one of the L wide zooms (16-35, etc.). That way, you've got a fast lens (f/2.8), and the most functional focal range (17 on the wide end). Go for a tighter lens later when you can afford more than one. That's just my .02.

I agree. 24mm isn't wide enough if you plan on shooting wide landscapes. If the 17-55 is too expensive, look at the tamron 17-50 2.8.

[666]

5DII vs 7D for video, what's the opinion of you guys? I'd like the 5DIII but it's just too a bit too much money for how little they brought to their video game.

[mclaren777]

My only thought would be that the 24-105 isn't the ideal focal range for a 1.6x crop like the 60D.

I'll probably get the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 DX-II when it becomes available so I have the wide end covered. Plus, I didn't feel limited by 24mm on my T2i when I rented this lens earlier in the year.

[Thraktor]

5DII vs 7D for video, what's the opinion of you guys? I'd like the 5DIII but it's just too a bit too much money for how little they brought to their video game.

I'd go with the 5D Mk2. The only real benefit the 7D has over it for video is the weather-sealing, which may be a deal-breaker depending on what conditions you're planning on shooting in, but otherwise the 5D Mk2 is the better bet.

[XMonkey]

I'd actually go with the 7D.

720p60 can come in handy for some things, and you get an actual HD monitor out signal during recording unlike the 5D2 (unless Magic Lantern has got this working well on the 5D2?). You'll also have a bit of an easier time keeping things in focus at fast apertures because the DoF is more manageable compared to the razor-thin DoF on a full-frame sensor. The 5D2 wins for image quality (but the advantage isn't huge), but I'd personally take the aforementioned features over the slight bump in IQ. This is coming from someone who owns a 5D2.

If you do plan on using the DSLR for stills quite a bit, I would recommend the 5D2 instead. The image quality is hands-down better than the 7D in regards to photographs.

[Ill Saint]

Noticed on the 7D with new firmware that there is focus tracking in Live View mode. Very helpful when pulling focus without a loupe or external monitor.

[Mario]

Not sure this is the right place to ask, but what software would people recommend for merging/processing HDR shots? Photomatix?

I've tried the Photoshop CS3 HDR Merge function and it sucks. It appears to have exactly zero options.

For reference I have a Canon 550D and just picked up a 50mm 1.4 lens (not that I suppose that matters).

[Radec]

So... Nikon's response to the RX100 is a 28-200mm F2.0-4.0 on a 1/1.7" sensor (P7700)

[Zyzyxxz]

So... Nikon's response to the RX100 is a 28-200mm F2.0-4.0 on a 1/1.7" sensor (P7700)

But it does cost $200 less as well. I wouldn't say it's a response but more of a typical product development cycle.

[Forsete]

The new NEXes looks awesome (minus the iso connection). Looking forward to seeing new lenses as well.

I am so pleased with my Nex7. I doubt I will ever go back to regular size SLRs.

[TerryLee81]

Not sure this is the right place to ask, but what software would people recommend for merging/processing HDR shots? Photomatix? I've tried the Photoshop CS3 HDR Merge function and it sucks. It appears to have exactly zero options. For reference I have a Canon 550D and just picked up a 50mm 1.4 lens (not that I suppose that matters).

I use Photomatix. Very easy to use and gives me great results.

You could do the same with Photoshop, but it takes much longer and I'm not as good in PS to get the same results as with Photomatix.

[jiji]

Still speculation, but this is blowing my mind. A Leica M with live view and accessory EVF? That's going to blow a few other minds, too.

[BlueTsunami]

Still speculation, but this is blowing my mind. A Leica M with live view and accessory EVF? That's going to blow a few other minds, too.

There was an image of an unidentified digital Leica a few weeks back where the shooter had the Leica at arms distance as if the were using Live View. I definitely think the M10 will be way more progressive though.

[Greyface]

Still speculation, but this is blowing my mind. A Leica M with live view and accessory EVF? That's going to blow a few other minds, too. http://leicarumors.com/wp-content/up...ont-mockup.jpg

That would be how many new leicas now within the past 6 years? I thought they were supposed to last decades; why leica keep replacing them?

[Anastacio]

Get this http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-60D-.../dp/0321747437 It will walk you through just about every thing you need to know. And does so in a very easy to understand way since it's tailored to your specific camera.

I received this book last night and it's fantastic so far. I now know the purpose of ISO and I already went to the city to take some pictures.

So the lower the ISO, the less noise, though at darker scenes or night times, the ISO should be turned up but one should always try to have the ISO as low as possible. Is this correct? I'm also trying to shoot RAW photographies. I also learned to register my battery and to let the camera stop me from taking photographies when there's no memory card inserted.

[jiji]

That would be how many new leicas now within the past 6 years? I thought they were supposed to last decades; why leica keep replacing them?

Because they had to face the reality of unstable, fast-improving digital camera technology. They started out behind the curve (in sensor tech, interface design, software, reliability...) and they're still trying to catch up.

[tino]

That would be how many new leicas now within the past 6 years? I thought they were supposed to last decades; why leica keep replacing them?

They have to. Sensor technology move too fast. XPRO-1's Sony APSC sensor was basically matching 4 year old D700 and 5D2 sensor. This didn't happen in the analogue days.

[RapidCancel]

There was an image of an unidentified digital Leica a few weeks back where the shooter had the Leica at arms distance as if the were using Live View. I definitely think the M10 will be way more progressive though.

I believe this pic.. http://leicarumors.com/2012/07/16/fe...spy-shot.aspx/

[swmeans]

Buy a Canon 60D and a 24-105mm lens by taking advantage of the Canon Loyalty Program (I send them my broken P&S, they give give me an additional 20% off the price of refurbished cameras/lenses). ($800 + $919) x 0.8 = $1500 after tax I then sell my Canon T2i/550D and its 18-55mm kits lens for $500. The end result is that I get a 60D & 24-105mm for the same price as buying a new 24-105mm, which was my original plan. Thoughts?

I like the idea of this plan, however I would spend another $450 and upgrade to the 7D instead. (1358 + 919) x 0.8 = $1950 after tax.

[mclaren777]

I like the idea of this plan, however I would spend another $450 and upgrade to the 7D instead. (1358 + 919) x 0.8 = $1950 after tax.

My next camera (after the 60D) will be full-frame, whether that's the rumored entry-level model or a used 5D2.

Also, you should post on GAF more often. ;)

[magicstop]

I'll probably get the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 DX-II when it becomes available so I have the wide end covered. Plus, I didn't feel limited by 24mm on my T2i when I rented this lens earlier in the year.

My only thought against that is that having a solid walk-around lens is a priority if you're only going to have one piece of glass for awhile, and 17-55 is the ideal walk-around range for a 1.6x.
But if you feel like 24 is wide enough, then you certainly get more reach on the zoomed end. For me, 17mm is where I often need my lens for indoors and landscapes and architecture, and 50-55mm is a solid range for portraits, bokeh, etc., especially at f/2.8.

[alterno69]

So, i'm thinking about getting a second camera for my filming + photo gigs. But i think i should give my Nex-5 a chance, what would you suggest?

I own

60D with kit lens 18-135 f3.5-5 + 50mm 1.8
Nex 5 with 18-55 kit lens
Go pro hero hd
Canon Vixia HFS20

My plan is to sell everything but the 60D stuff and get a second 60D plus rigs and stuff.

Thoughts?

[swmeans]

My next camera (after the 60D) will be full-frame, whether that's the rumored entry-level model or a used 5D2.

Is there a reason that you are so set on a full frame model? Do you really feel that your photography would be improved just by using this camera? What advantage are you looking for?

[mclaren777]

Is there a reason that you are so set on a full frame model?

I'm dying to have a camera that excels at high ISO speeds. As you know, I often photograph fast-moving objects and I'm still thinking about getting into wedding photography. Having a camera that laughs in the face of ISO6400 would be fantastic.

Edit: listen to the sound difference between the T3i and 60D

[jiji]

Kodak is selling its film business...

http://www.businesswire.com/news/hom...sful-Emergence

Now who will buy it?

[Anastacio]

But isn't the lower the ISO the better?

[giga]

But isn't the lower the ISO the better?

In low light situations you're forced to use higher isos to get a decent shutter speed.

[Zyzyxxz]

Kodak is selling its film business... http://www.businesswire.com/news/hom...sful-Emergence Now who will buy it?

end of an era.

[dmshaposv]

Woohoo! There was a post toward the bottom of the last page (50 ppp, yeah, I know) that was curious about going with the X10 or RX100. Let me start by saying I think the Sony P&S looks absolutely phenomenal. It's getting rave reviews just about everywhere, takes incredible pictures, and is one of those products that proves Sony still has it in them when they try. And with all that said, it really is exactly what others might think I was looking for - an extremely portable camera with professional-grade build and specs for quality photography. But the thing is, it just wasn't what the gadget-guy in me wanted. It's too simple. Too plain. Too "gift for grandma" for me. Should one be concerned with what a camera looks like? Probably not. But I kinda like something with a little more "serious" look to it. And the X10 has just that. Furthermore, I imagine it fits much better in my large hands than the RX100 would have.

That would be me. Nice right up man and sweet photos.

My only problem with X10 is that my sister loves using the optical viewfinder on my Canon 600d, but the x10 doesn't have the sweet hybrid viewfinder of x100/xpro 1.

When I was trying to take a picture with the x10, there was no HUD or info of my settings on the optical viewfinder, and worst of all no focus dot or anything. I didn't know what I was focusing on and only heard a beep. This made me think the x10's optical viewfinder is useless and Ill just end up using the LCD screen/evf to get the job done. Which isnt as cool as using a dslr and what my sister wanted.

I know rx100 doesnt have a optical viewfinder, but x10's viewfinder seems useless. Is it true? or I didn't check it properly enough?

[Crunched]

But isn't the lower the ISO the better?

Typically yes, and that's the point he was making. On most cameras you want ISO to be as low as possible. The more you bump up your ISO the more distortion you introduce to your image in the form of noise. Think of it like boosting audio gain: you get a brighter picture, as you'd get a louder sound, but at the same time you allow unwanted artifacts. Some cameras deal with it better than others. A camera with a clear picture at 6400 is worthwhile when you need to use it in low light, or with very high shutter speeds. Otherwise you'd get a practically unusable image.

That's not to say using a lower ISO would be worse on such a camera, only that it would not struggle as you pushed it up. You would still want to use as low an ISO as possible regardless.

[captive]

Kodak is selling its film business... http://www.businesswire.com/news/hom...sful-Emergence Now who will buy it?

Hopefully Fujifilm

end of an era.

that kodak is ending? Sure. But not for film, Kodaks film business was one of the only areas they were still profitable. Fujifilm is still doing well.