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Post by flyjoe180 on Aug 25, 2007 13:06:36 GMT 12
I have been inspired by so many of the wonderful photos on here, and whilst flying about the last few days in clear beautiful weather, have seen some great scenes that I would dearly have loved to take photos of to share. Also some not so nice weather scens, including CB cells, etc, but all great aviation topics. As I get around the country a fair bit, I also see some rare or lesser-seen aircraft and fields. So all this got me thinking, if I were to purchase a camera, what would the best options be? Scenery and aircraft would be the most common subjects I imagine.
Any comments or experiences of digital cameras on the market appreciated. Also, I will be using a laptop to download the pictures, if that matters at all? Info on the best options, prices, etc welcome. From what I can gather, a SLR digital is the best option.
Cheers!
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Post by flyjoe180 on Aug 26, 2007 16:53:50 GMT 12
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Post by corsair67 on Aug 26, 2007 17:03:00 GMT 12
Joe, I haven't made the move onto an SLR yet as I have found my little Canon S2IS to be quite a good camera for most of the things I need to do. It is 5MP and has a 12X optical zoom, which is okay so long as the aircraft aren't too high or far away. The latest version of this camera is the S5, but there is also the S3IS which came out late in 2005.
Quite a few people have recommended the Canon 400D to me as a good starters Digital SLR, and I think Bruce has had a bit of experience in operating this model of camera.
Good luck with whatever you purchase, and I look forward to seeing your handiwork.
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Post by planeimages on Aug 26, 2007 19:57:34 GMT 12
I'm told this could be good www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod4735.htm, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50, 10MP, 12x Optical Zoom, Digital Still Camera [Model No: DMC-FZ50] RRP: $989 [GST Inc.] Lumix DMC-FZ50, 10MP, 12x Optical Zoom, Digital Still Camera * 12x Optical Zoom and Leica DC Lens * 10.1 Effective Megapixels * Intelligent ISO Control - Reducing Blur Caused by a Subject Moving * Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser) - Taking Hand-Shake Out of the Picture * Venus Engine III It has just one zoom lens and it is not removable. No dust and saves lugging around lenses. Sure a Canon 20D/30D/40D or Nikon D70S would be great but they cost a bit more especially iof you need/want pro-level lenses. Peter... planeimages |
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Post by Kereru on Aug 26, 2007 21:27:54 GMT 12
What a pity I just sold my Nikon D70 on TradeMe for $550 with an 18-70mm lens. I have upgraded to the D200 and no use having the D70 sitting on the shelf doing nothing so out it went. A couple of new releases from Nikon will see some good second hand bargains filter through in the next few months. Nikon D3 (first full frame DSLR from Nikon named the FX series) www.dpreview.com/previews/nikond3/Nikon D300 www.dpreview.com/previews/nikond300/As mentioned there has been a few Canon releases recently too so there should be some bargains available there too. Some of the new point and shoots are getting very fast compared to older models but are still a bit behind the DSLR's. Keep in mind the megapixel count on point and shoot is slightly different to DSLR due to the different size of sensor. As consumers we have a good choice now and keep in mind with the DSLR, it is the lens that will cost the most if your looking for quality but they do outlast several body updates. Best to visit a shop or two and try several out in your hands to see which you prefer. Colin |
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Post by flyjoe180 on Aug 27, 2007 9:12:40 GMT 12
Thanks guys, very much appreciated. I will definitely look into the slimmer compact models too as you point out Craig, could be a bit of a pain getting a larger SLR out in the cockpit.  Hope to have something in the next few weeks, looking forward to sharing some cockpit and flying photos with you soon. |
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Post by corsair67 on Aug 27, 2007 12:42:37 GMT 12
Being a 'rich' pilot, maybe you could buy a compact AND a DSLR too??? ;D
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Post by flyjoe180 on Aug 28, 2007 9:20:33 GMT 12
Yeah, hell, while Im at it I think Ill buy a studio and make films too.  |
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Post by corsair67 on Aug 28, 2007 11:11:01 GMT 12
The Flyjoe Movie World on the Gold Coast? ;D
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Post by flyjoe180 on Sept 1, 2007 15:10:47 GMT 12
I took the SLR plunge and purchased a Canon EOS 400D with a twin lens kit and 2GB card as part of an August cashback deal by Canon. Been playing but at the moment with different settings and in varying weathers around the airport here in Wellington with what I would regard as limited success. I'll continue to read the manual and play around, I can see this is going to take a bit of time to learn how to take the best shots in different situations. I do not have my own computer at present so it will be a wee while before I can share the shots as I dont want to fill my flatmate's laptop up with the Canon software and my largish images. Will post piccies as soon as I get the computer situation sorted. Off now to assault the coastline and airport again with my new trusty camera |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 1, 2007 15:35:05 GMT 12
Good luck Joe. I'm sure you'll soon master the camera.
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Post by Bruce on Sept 1, 2007 16:06:51 GMT 12
Good choice Joe, the 400D is a good entry level SLR, and very good value for money at the moment. The best way to master all the features is to go out and use it heaps!
You mentioned the Canon Software; I would suggest not bothering to install that as it is pretty clunky anyway. The Camera does not need any software installed to download images, just plug in the USB lead and the computer (Mac or PC) should just recognise it and connect. Windows Generally just sees it as an extra drive, although sometimes the frustrating camera download wizard gets in the way. the trick here is to click "advanced" and you can then move the images around without the annoying wizard. A 2GB card should give you nearly 1000 images, but its worth downloading them regularly - eggs in baskets and all that....
Let me know if you have any queries - I know the 400D pretty well now (I look after a fleet of 16 of them at work!)
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Post by Kereru on Sept 1, 2007 17:05:05 GMT 12
Good to hear your choice was a DSLR. I look forward to seeing some results soon. Amazing sometimes what you capture? (take a close look at this one)  hint(I might be in his photo?) Colin |
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Post by flyjoe180 on Sept 1, 2007 19:20:37 GMT 12
Thanks guys, very reassuring to know Ive mad a good choice. Colin, umm, I dont wish to be picky but shouldnt you have your hands on the controls? Bet you got a long debrief after that landing |
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Post by corsair67 on Sept 3, 2007 10:23:55 GMT 12
Joe, I hope you have many years of fun using your new camera, and once you get the hang of it I look forward to seeing some of your images.
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Hope to have something in the next few weeks, looking forward to sharing some cockpit and flying photos with you soon.
