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 Replies: 28 / Views: 3,784 |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5953 Posts |
My trusty Sony DSCF828 is coming up to its 10,000th shot. it has been a great learning tool but the urge to join the DSLR clan is becoming overpowering.
I expect Uncle Sam to be returning around $2,000 of my hard earned money in the form of a Tax refund. I would prefer not to spend all of it but at the same time I want something that will last me at least as long as the 5 years my Sony has.
What camera lens combinations would you guys recommend. The camera will only be used for coins as I have a nice Pentax point and shoot for all other photography needs.
I am very partial to Sony but realize they may not be the best option for my needs.
My photo knowledge comes from experimentation only not from any in-depth knowledge of the correct way to set up a camera.
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
I'm sure you know what brand I recommend, but other names can be substituted for "Canon" with equal results. Most important is a dedicated Macro lens of 60-100mm focal length. Attach this to whatever dSLR body you choose (you *know* I want to say just buy the Canon and be done with it), and strictly observe the rules we discuss here for proper camera setup. I've seen your work with the Sony; you've perfected that combination and nothing short of a dSLR w/dedicated Macro lens will reach your expectations. I recommend Canon firstly because it comes with the appropriate software for computer-controlled shooting. None of the others do, as far as I know; you have to shell out extra cash (Nikon) or go without (everyone else). Remote shooting is a Godsend. Trust me on this. Secondly, an attribute which is shared with others, is the wide availability of relatively inexpensive, quality lenses. I say this because, if you buy a dSLR, you're going to be curious and try shooting with it in other conditions. When you see the results, your Pentax isn't going to be so satisfactory any more. It will have only portability as a recommendation; the least of dSLR's is an order of magnitude better than the best P&S under all shooting conditions. An entry-level dSLR is sufficient. The more advanced examples have greater abilities which are only useful to dedicated amateur photographers. There's no use spending $1000 on a body/lens combo - the Canon T2i/18-55 can be had for $800, similar to the competition. The lens will set you back another $4-500. This is the place you do not skimp. I've just gotten done stretching my kit to its' limit, with rather pleasing results. Look here: https://goccf.com/t/76150You can reasonably expect the same from your own kit. Mind you, I drastically downsized most of the images in that thread. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5953 Posts |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
A T2i would be nice, but possibly more than you need. Its' 18MP sensor, by comparison to my 12MP sensor, nets you 600 extra vertical pixels of image size (3456 vs. 2848). It has more sophisticated electronics and (from what friends tell me), a rather wonderful full-HD video capability. It can currently be purchased at B&H for $800 with the kit lens. Do not expect that price to get better any time soon.
That's because the T1i, a 15MP version with lesser video capability, is actively occupying the lower Canon segment.
In truth, I plan on owning a T2i in the next six months. My interests encompass video, as well, though.
The lens you link is The One. In an arena where pretty much everyone's fixed-focal length macro lens is stupid sharp, Canon's is easily the sharpest of all. None of the competitors will be unsatisfactory, but the original is in the same price range. If you hear a bad word about this lens, it's from a liar or a fool. Expect a satisfactory price to be slightly north of $500 new, including shipping ($509 at B&H, as we speak). This, also, is not subject to "sale" pricing.
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Valued Member
United States
211 Posts |
I have a friend who is an engineer at Lockhead and gave me some of the best shopping advice several years ago. At work you need the latest and greatest technology. At home you can get away with 3 year old technology easily.
If the camera is going to be used exclusively for coins the T1 and T2 are overkill. Both Nikon and Canon are far superior to Sony. Part of Sony's problem is that their parts: lens, memory chips, attachments, flashes are all proprietary. Mostly you will be forced to by expensive Sony parts. There are other reasons that you can get from a quick google search.
I once was a Nikon guy. I have morphed into a Canon guy. Though I must admit an attraction to Leica.
That said, you can't go wrong with a used older body like at Canon XSi. You won't have the video. (BTW if you want video get a video camera). The 12.2 mp resolution is still too high for most of our amateur purposes. I find myself lowering the effective resolution to reduce the size of the files. They get to big to manipulate quickly. When do we really need more than 5 mega pixels? Should be able to find a used model at the half the price of a T2i. If you you want to upgrade later, it shouldn't be hard to sell the XSi for cost. By then the T2i will be the old technology and you will be able to pick one up from a guy eager for the latest greatest T3i which now features a music player and 3D dancing girls. ;-)
With the money you saved you can spend on a really cool macro lens, lighting and key investment grade coins to photograph.
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Previously Banned Member
United States
71 Posts |
Quote:
I recommend Canon firstly because it comes with the appropriate software for computer-controlled shooting. None of the others do, as far as I know; you have to shell out extra cash (Nikon) or go without (everyone else). Remote shooting is a Godsend. Trust me on this. This is an understatement and IMO a most important point that gets lost in relation to being able to consistently produce great shots. Moving around lights and fine tuning focus, adjusting all the settings, automatically storing photos to selected locations I could go on and on. Pic is worth a thousand words. In this pic I will use the crank handle on my rigged copy stand to bring the coin into fine focus. You can see the coin under the camera on my monitor in the back ground. You can also see the luster of the coin on the monitor, Each coin will reflect the luster different. Often moving a light 1 inch makes a huge difference. one mouse click from a safe distance allows for longer exposures.  I am brand new to this whole field, however I have the time to study and learn. Imagine my feeling after going through trials and tribulations to find out my set up, thoughts, likes and dislikes ended up being the same as Dave's? It was both DOH! I could have learned it all a lot quicker by joining this board a year ago and elation that I got it figured out! If I had it to do all over. Canon DSLR and it's 100mm macro lens is a perfect set. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
anyone care to count how many times the word "cannon" is used in SuperDave's first post?
EyeEatWheaties, I have the same lamp as the silver spring loaded adjustable robot lamp you have in that picture
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2669 Posts |
Quote:
I have the same lamp as the silver spring loaded adjustable robot lamp you have in that picture So do I  Stranger yet, there was one picture SD took of his desk where I *swore* he had snuck in my house and taken a picture of *my* desk. Everything from the guts hanging out of the computer to the card reader in the photo was exactly like what I had sitting there. Oddest sense of deja vu I've ever had. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2669 Posts |
Sorry, I just realized that was a total derail.  The Canon with the macro lens gets my vote (it's what I use.. I have a ways to go on my skills but it will get me there eventually). |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
Quote:So do I I guess we all have a Walmart close by then |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1248 Posts |
wow, you sure use a lot , an awful lot of lights......
NO need for that...
use axial lighting... build it yourself for less than 20 bucks...and use 1 maybe 2 regular 60 watt lamps.....
of, yes the C...on, actually canon word.... the choice of many, a whole bunch many professionals..... there must be a reason....
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1298 Posts |
EyeEatWheaties,
What software do you use to view the image and make adjustments on your computer screen? Thanks.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
What software do you use to view the image and make adjustments on your computer screen? Thanks. Canon cameras come with a software package which includes ZoomBrowser, a file-management utility which simplifies copying images from the camera to disk. It also has the ability (with dSLR's and some point-and-shoots) to remotely control the camera from the computer. Only Canon includes this capability for free. Such software is available for competing dSLR's, for a price. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5953 Posts |
Will let you know when I make up my mind but for some reason Canon seems to be the favorite.. Poor Sony
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Richard, the first 1881 you presented in my Morgan thread is just about as good as it gets. You won't see an improvement with much of any equipment.
What you will see improved is defined by your second coin, the one with mint luster. There is sufficient reflected light, and contrast, in such a coin that the superior optics of a dedicated lens overwhelm the capabilities of your Sony's lens, which has to be a jack-of-all-trades compromise.
There. I just did a whole post without saying "Canon."
Oops.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5953 Posts |
Ok Just ordered the camera lens combo and cleared out my bank account in doing so.
Will post some pics taken with my new toy when it arrives and I've worked out what all the knobs and dodads do..
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Replies: 28 / Views: 3,784 |
Posted 12/15/2010 3:25 pm
