Camera gear discussions

Discussion in 'Photography and Cameras' started by Bill-P, Oct 15, 2015.

  1. aamefford

    aamefford Nothing like chamberpot coffee

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    Just for the record, it turns out the lovely wife has a Rebel T1i that takes EF-S lenses, and has an 18-55-ish kit lens and a 50-250 lens, so I'm in the APS-C market either way, Canon or Fuji. You have all been very helpful so far, I welcome further comments.
     
  2. billbishere

    billbishere Facebook Friend

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    It sorta depends on the config - the base model sells for around $900 new. So I would say if its the base model probably around $600.
     
  3. Syzygy

    Syzygy Friend

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    @aamefford That X-T3 is a great camera, and is the current generation of sensor+processor from Fuji. It will likely get the latest film simulation updates in a future firmware update; the X-T2 likely won't. Their 18-55 "kit" lens has won high praise, as it's not your typical kit lens. In fact, all of the Fuji XF lenses are excellent. Their XC line of lenses are more cheaply made (plastic instead of metal), but the glass is still highly regarded. They learned a lot from building large format lenses all those years.

    I sold my X-T3 when the Pro3 came out, because I prefer the rangefinder ergonomics.

    Canikon are behind in the mirrorless camera market, and still playing catch-up. However, there are adapters for Canon and Nikon lenses to the Fuji X-mount; most of the adapters make the lenses manual focus though, if that's an issue.

    I myself am considering buying an old X-T1 because there's something about the 16MP sensor in that camera that makes the pictures look more organic.

    You can also look at the X-T20 and X-T30 lineup. Those are the non-weather-sealed versions of the T2 & T3. And the X-E3 is the rangefinder-styled consumer version of the X-Pro. Several Fuji shooters have said the best bargain in Fuji-land in 2020 is the X-T20/30. A lot of people upgraded to the X-T4 for its unmatched video features.

    In the Fuji lineup, each camera of a generation has the same sensor & processor (e.g., X-T3, X-Pro3, X-T30, X-E3 are all the 3rd generation). So figure out:

    1) Do you need weather sealing? Many people use the non-weather sealed variants in wet conditions, no problem. From what I've seen/heard, it's really about the dust that traveling photographers want that for. (Going to Dubai soon?)

    2) What physical features do you want? Rangefinder/SLR styling? Optical viewfinder or just a screen?

    Figure those 2 out and it'll select the model for you.

    Then you just gotta pick the glass you want first. All of the f/2 variants are commonly called "Fujicrons" because they're similar to the Leica Summicrons in that they're small and have excellent sharp rendition. Those are in 16mm(24), 23(35), 50(75), 90(135) focal lengths(full-frame FOV).

    The 35mm f/1.4 is known for its "magical quality" rendition. The just-announced 50mm f/1.0 is also apparently like that.

    Cheers!
     
  4. aamefford

    aamefford Nothing like chamberpot coffee

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    Thanks @Syzygy that helps a bunch. I knew a little of it, but the history and comments helped a bunch. No rangefinder for me. X-t30 will likely do what I need. Want and bigger hands may steer me to x-t3/4. More than I need, but need left the equation just after deciding to advance beyond the iPhone camera...
     
  5. Bina

    Bina MOT - Shanling

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    Just one small correction:

    X-E3 is from same generation as XT2, XT20, XH1 and Pro2. So generation older than current models.
     
  6. Syzygy

    Syzygy Friend

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    Oh dang that's right! I never considered that model until recently, so mostly ignored it. But shooters love it for its pocketability. I'll have to look at the X-E4 when it ships.

    I know nothing about the X-A models too!
     
  7. Bina

    Bina MOT - Shanling

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  8. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Having shot the A7III, I'm fairly certain this will feel like a downgrade for me in a lot of ways for a larger overall camera.

    I wish l could get all the AF enhancements Sony had made on the RX1R II, tbh. That would be enough to get me to upgrade.
     
  9. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Anyone have the Xperia 1 II? I am curious to hear from people actually using the phone for casual photography.
     
  10. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    I have the last gen Xperia 1. I'm not convinced that the II will be a big improvement over the original 1 that I have. I'm only able to get excellent shots on my 1 by using the Sony camera software with tons of light and everything manual. The default Google camera software is easy but I don't feel it fully unlocks the phone camera.

    Here's one quick shot I did with my Xperia 1 a sec ago: https://postimg.cc/PNWvT1sw

    Kind of off topic: I like the wide and tall aspect ratio of the current Xperia phones. So much room for vertical scrolling, which is nice. However, some older Android apps aren't optimize for the screen ratio so it looks too stretched out or doesn't cover the whole screen. Doesn't bug me because it only affects two apps for me.
     
  11. Zhanming057

    Zhanming057 Friend

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    @zerodeefex Moving the discussion here to prevent my FS post from being bumped up.

    The RX1R series has a bit of a cult following but objectively they sold quite poorly and at some point Sony decide to can the project altogether in favor of collaborating with Zeiss on the (now also mostly dead) ZX1 project. And the EVFs were a constant pain point since repeatedly popping it in and out will abrade out the ribbon cable.

    If you buy one, I recommend keeping the EVF up with the eye cup attached at all times. Unless it lands on the EVF you're probably fine.
     
  12. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    So I got the A7C... and yeah, in short, I feel like it's a spiritual successor to the RX1 series. Well, it's bigger by a good amount, but this is close enough... minus the fact that it's missing a decent compact 35mm f/2.0 lens. Also it's 24MP so it's more equivalent to RX1 than RX1R, I think.

    EVF is nice and big enough for me. Lack of resolution is more of a problem than the size of the EVF. Unfortunately, I guess this is what we get for the first generation. Fortunately, I think it's at least on par with the EVF of the RX1Rii, so it's not worse than a 5-year-old design. It's just not up to 2020 standard.

    Aside from that, the rest of the camera feels like it's a faster A7iii, which is to say... I think it's probably one of the fastest mirrorless cameras on the market right now. AF is actually faster and more confident than A7iii to me, even indoors at night.

    There's the whole snafu with bokeh being cut in half due to Sony's choice of going EFCS-only with this camera. Turning on Silent Shutter helps. Just don't try Silent Shutter with pure LED lighting..

    I won't say "go out and buy it". I think this is a camera mostly for those who have always wanted an ILC with the form factor of the RX1 series. If you loved/love the RX1 series, I think this is worth looking at. If you are looking for features, honestly, look elsewhere.
     
  13. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Thanks for the honest breakdown. All the reviews I've found are insane with praise so it's good to get the deets from a trusted source.

    I think I might wait for the second gen for them to iron out some kinks. As it is, I don't think I'd reach for it over the RX1R II anytime soon.
     
  14. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Yeah, I think the RX1Rii still has these going for it:

    1. EVF is honestly not bad/worse. A7C may have a faster refresh rate (I honestly can't "see" the faster refresh rate despite being able to see 90Hz on my phone and 120Hz on my TV pretty easily), but quality is about the same for me.
    2. Higher resolution sensor. It's hard to downgrade to 24MP if you're used to the 42MP output from the RX1Rii.
    3. It's still a more compact camera overall. Lighter, smaller, and more nimble/ninja.
    4. That 35mm f/2.0 lens is a beast and Sony has no alternative to that at all, at any price point. I'd be willing to pay $1000 or $2000 for that lens alone, but Sony just doesn't seem to want to bring it to the A7 series.

    It's crazy but half a decade later, RX1Rii is still king. Even Sony cannot beat itself. I think an A7Cii will probably come out some time next year or in 2 years at the latest.

    I do like the A7C for the novelty factor, though. It's like the Leica camera that Leica should have made ages ago... and at a fraction of the cost.

    P.S.: here's a bonus photo of my favorite setup:
    [​IMG]

    So... yeah, it's not the most amazing camera, but I think it's like the enthusiast/travel-freak/selfie/instagrammer/youtuber camera that that crowd has been waiting for. I absolutely adore the size.
     
  15. Zhanming057

    Zhanming057 Friend

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    @Bill-P The reason Sony can't adapt the RX1R lens as a stand-alone offering is because the lens is designed to sit extremely close to the sensor. The leaf shutter allows for the design which isn't possible with ILCs because the shutter gets in the way. It is excellently sharp although distortion correction relies heavily on software. Some people may not be a fan of this, but I don't mind - that's just the reality of modern lens design, and better we get a small and sharp enough lens than an oversized one.

    After a decade of shooting Sony, half of which involved me working with or for Sony imaging in some capacity, I'm finally moving on from the E/FE system to Hasselblad X. It's been a couple of years since I shot gigs for money, and while the latest gen Sony A7's are incredible machines, the body designs have become too bulky for my liking, and I don't feel like I can get measurably better output from upgrading to an A7r4.

    The X1Dii isn't a fast camera by any stretch of the imagination, but Hasselblad's decades of working with studio photographers really shows here in the thoughtfulness of the functions and design. This is a studio camera press ganged into handheld use. It is however a seriously good studio camera and it can be a good travel system with the usual caveats. People will debate on this, but even from the few shots I've worked on so far, and my experience with the Pentax 645z, the files I get out of this sensor are far easier to work on than that of your average full frame. The colors are precise, the files can handle more abuse, and transitions to bokeh and tonality are just that much more graceful. It's also barely heavier than an A7r4, far more tolerable than the 3.5lb 645z.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    So...I'm in it for good. I have the 65mm on for now, the 45mm is still on backorder. So far I've only had time for one quick photo of my Utopia's. Still on the learning curve for sure, it's been a while since I've worked on anything except output from the A7r II/RX1R II's 42MP sensor, and I'm trying to figure out which part of the workflow needs adjusting. As usual, this is an exposure stack to bring out the color of the driver material, but the colors are so good that I find almost no need to adjust them in post.

    [​IMG]
     
  16. Syzygy

    Syzygy Friend

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    @Zhanming057 I wonder if you tried out the Fujifilm GFX system before deciding on the Hassy? Curious to hear any thoughts you have.
     
  17. Zhanming057

    Zhanming057 Friend

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    I did. I think both do some things exceedingly well, and others less so. The 50S/R is the faster camera and you can build a kit for much less money because of the focal plane shutter and the availability of cheaper GFX lenses. But to me the X1DII wins on a few important points. The biggest one is that I can top up the X1D with a standard USB-C battery pack or charge and tether at the same time with an iPad Pro/Macbook. That's huge for my style of landscape shooting where I like to work on the laptop as much as possible. The Fuji needs a special power pack and a proprietary cable.

    The 50S and R also have the Sony problem of too many buttons in places that are too easy to bump into. I can't really get a good grip on the 50R without the L grip, and with the grip it is a fairly huge camera. Fuji not having leaf shutters isn't a deal breaker personally, since I like to use fixed lights for still life and only occasionally use an off camera flash for indoor portraits, but it is something else to consider. You can't really go wrong with either system, and Fuji has a lot of in-camera programability that would require the iPad + X1D.

    As for the GFX100...my hope is that we'll see that 100mp sensor in an X1D mk3 or mk4. I would really love to have the sensor, but preferably not in a 3lb package.
     
  18. Bina

    Bina MOT - Shanling

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    Well, let's move discussion from high-resolution and medium format to something quite different.

    Got this new 7Artisans bodycap lens for some street photography.
    36mm equivalent, fixed f6.3, fixed focus, pretty much preset for zone focusing :)
    Throw in cheap 35mm optical viewfinder and it's so great fun!

    [​IMG]
     
  19. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    This isn’t a gear question, but I didn’t think it deserved its own thread......

    I have a Mac and several HDs with miscellaneous photo folders on them. I want to consolidate all the photos onto 1 HD and then make a backup. The problem is that there are duplicates throughout. Also when I tried moving them manually a couple years ago, I ran into problems with duplicate file names that are different pictures, because the camera starts at 1001.jpg or whatever, every time I would periodically clear my SD cards.

    So what I think I need is a Mac program that will rename all the files, and then compare for duplicates so I can delete those.

    Does a cheap/ free program exist that will do this? Or is there a better way to consolidate all this stuff that I haven’t considered?
     
  20. Zhanming057

    Zhanming057 Friend

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    Option + Copy should give you the "keep both" option which automatically renames the file when copying over.
     

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