Droolin'....

[kf0rt]

Oh, hell yeah. :mrgreen:

http://www.digicamreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/canon_sx30is.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEvF1gY3dj8

[PA5COR]

WOW.......

[ki4itv]

Just do it. :mrgreen:

unfortunately, my qualifications as a taker of pictures, does not allow me to justify such a coveted prize.:(

[NA4BH]

How hard will that little treasure kick you in the wallet?

[kf0rt]

How hard will that little treasure kick you in the wallet?

A little over 4 bills. Be here on Monday. :yes:

"Island beach cam." :snicker:

[N2CHX]

WOW.......

:yes:

[NQ6U]

Bah. Kid's stuff. A real man uses one of these:

http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/public/mgxHNMtohgik-Ip5R2TaAhf3oeXxlavHNsC7WkYAWsybRzGDL20epQr-GJ0ehwnlVgBHFvS71HLUT1zmXE5ez1GyOoHL-zUR2ovj6uMiwPn2e2N3SSZ2R2CmNhWb

Only $31K each, so buy two!

(Seriously, I've never even owned a car that was worth that much...)

[KJ3N]

Oh, hell yeah. :mrgreen:

http://www.digicamreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/canon_sx30is.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEvF1gY3dj8

You bastard. Now I have to order one.

"Damn you! Damn you all to hell!"

[kc7jty]

Pretty nice Rob. You'll be able to count the unt hairs on the nudie beach from a mile away now.

[N5RLR]

And when I saw the thread title, I thought there was going to be a little T&A. :wall:

But, nice camera, Rob. ;)

[ki4itv]

And when I saw the thread title, I thought there was going to be a little T&A. :wall:

But, nice camera, Rob. ;)

I think he's building up to that...uhmmmm, now that he doesn't have to stand so close. :lol::lol:

[N2CHX]

And when I saw the thread title, I thought there was going to be a little T&A. :wall:

But, nice camera, Rob. ;)

The first thing I thought of was this picture, which ran across earlier today while looking for a picture for something completely benign...

http://th01.deviantart.net/fs21/PRE/f/2007/289/9/b/Fluffy_in_an_ambush_by_glooh.jpg

[kf0rt]

Bah. Kid's stuff. A real man uses one of these:

http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/public/mgxHNMtohgik-Ip5R2TaAhf3oeXxlavHNsC7WkYAWsybRzGDL20epQr-GJ0ehwnlVgBHFvS71HLUT1zmXE5ez1GyOoHL-zUR2ovj6uMiwPn2e2N3SSZ2R2CmNhWb

Only $31K each, so buy two!

(Seriously, I've never even owned a car that was worth that much...)

Looks like a H1. WAAAAY outta my league. I couldn't afford the lens. :(

[kf0rt]

You bastard. Now I have to order one.

"Damn you! Damn you all to hell!"

Heh, heh, heh... :angel:

[ki4itv]

The first thing I thought of was this picture, which ran across earlier today while looking for a picture for something completely benign...

http://th01.deviantart.net/fs21/PRE/f/2007/289/9/b/Fluffy_in_an_ambush_by_glooh.jpg

Somebody PM Johnize and tell him kelli found his stiletto healed librarian.;)

[NQ6U]

Looks like a H1. WAAAAY outta my league. I couldn't afford the lens. :(

You and me both, Rob. I have a Panasonic that's more than adequate for my uses.

[KG4CGC]

4 bills. Not bad. Is it fast? SLR fast? Does it bulb?

[kf0rt]

4 bills. Not bad. Is it fast? SLR fast? Does it bulb?

Not very fast, I'm afraid. Lens is f2.7-5.8 and top ISO is 1600. Actually, 2.7 ain't bad for a P&S. No bulb, but I'm guessing CHDK will implement that "soon" along with RAW and other stuff.

Really more of a "knock around" cam to my way of thinking.

[kf0rt]

Coupla back-yard grab shots from the SX30. This was on auto, set to "vivid color." Hand held; second shot at full zoom. Resized but otherwise untouched. If this turns out to be pretty rugged, it's going to be a great knock-around camera.

http://westton.com/misc/SX30-1.jpg

http://westton.com/misc/SX30-2.jpg

[KJ3N]

Mine should be here today. Can't wait.

[NQ6U]

I have one of these (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC-FZ50). Not as good as a DSLR but good enough for what I use it for. Excellent optics, in any case. I wish it had a bulb setting, though. I guess you have to go to a DSLR for that.

[kf0rt]

Diggin' the cam thus far (more to come). Went for a walk at work today and got a few shots that I'll probably post to my Flickr account.

Wife closed the garage door before I was ready, so I opened it back up and got this shot.

http://www.westton.com/misc/SX30-3.jpg

[rot]

Me: "They wuz talking 'bout a picture takin' thang on them interwebs."
Her: "You bought it didn't ya."
Me: "Uhhh..Yep"

Should arrive 10/21.
:yes:
rot

[kf0rt]

Doin' my part to keep the economy running. :rofl:

'Course, I'll feel guilty if y'all don't like it a lot. So far, I'm pleased. A DSLR it ain't, but for a higher-end point-n-shooter, I'm not disappointed.

Took it out for an hour's walk at the Two Ponds Wildlife Refuge this morning. If you're looking for wildlife, I didn't see any -- Two Ponds is the smallest Wildlife Refuge in the system and the fun part is closed this time of year. Took my D80 too (70-300mm VR lens) for some comparison shots. D80 was underexposing, go figure. Posted a few to Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tatanka/ Flickr also has a growing SX30 group with some interesting shots (pretty good photo site - you can join for free).

Need to hear how Jim's doing with his.... ;)

[KJ3N]

Need to hear how Jim's doing with his.... ;)

Haven't had much time with it, but I like it.

Now I can take just a camera with me to family gatherings. Before, I was always having to change the lens between the normal one and the telephoto. I would always seem to have the wrong one on the camera when an opportune shot would come along. This should fix that problem nicely.

There is one quirk to it that I haven't delved into just yet. It seems to not want to run in HD video mode (recording) for more than about 22 minutes at a time. I have a 16GB SDHC card in it, so I doubt it's a space problem.

I should probably spend some time with the manual....

[rot]

'Course, I'll feel guilty if y'all don't like it a lot. So far, I'm pleased. A DSLR it ain't, but for a higher-end point-n-shooter, I'm not disappointed.

Not to worry man. I had a Fuji that went dead on boot last spring so it just sits there. Been spending some time on Sunday shooting at the Iceplex during hockey practice. My son plays sled hockey and has a very expressive face..so maybe I can grab a moment of angst on his face through his gear.:lol:
Anyway, I have been using the Minolta 303si. I shot the roll and some guy wanted me to shoot his son...out of film I felt like a POS.
Puck that.
:-D
rot

[kf0rt]

There is one quirk to it that I haven't delved into just yet. It seems to not want to run in HD video mode (recording) for more than about 22 minutes at a time. I have a 16GB SDHC card in it, so I doubt it's a space problem.

I should probably spend some time with the manual....

Here's what the book says:

Recording will automatically stop when the clip file size reaches 4 GB, or when the
recording time reaches 29 minutes and 59 seconds when shooting in 1280, and
approximately 1 hour when shooting in 640 or 320.

Recording may stop even if the maximum clip length has not been reached on some
memory cards. SD Speed Class 4 or higher memory cards are recommended.

[WØTKX]

Not to worry man. I had a Fuji that went dead on boot last spring so it just sits there. Been spending some time on Sunday shooting at the Iceplex during hockey practice. My son plays sled hockey and has a very expressive face..so maybe I can grab a moment of angst on his face through his gear.:lol:
Anyway, I have been using the Minolta 303si. I shot the roll and some guy wanted me to shoot his son...out of film I felt like a POS.
Puck that.
:-D
rot

Your kid needs a helmet cam... that would be cool. :lol:

[KJ3N]

Here's what the book says:

Recording will automatically stop when the clip file size reaches 4 GB, or when the
recording time reaches 29 minutes and 59 seconds when shooting in 1280, and
approximately 1 hour when shooting in 640 or 320.

Recording may stop even if the maximum clip length has not been reached on some
memory cards. SD Speed Class 4 or higher memory cards are recommended.

Yeah, read that this morning. I'll have to lower the resolution to get more time. Bummer....

[kf0rt]

Yeah, read that this morning. I'll have to lower the resolution to get more time. Bummer....

Or stop and restart once in awhile. Can't say I understand the reasoning behind that particular limitation, but I don't shoot video much. What are you shooting that requires 20+ minutes non-stop? <insert pr0n joke here>

[KG4CGC]

Knockin' out a nooner?

[kf0rt]

Not to worry man. I had a Fuji that went dead on boot last spring so it just sits there. Been spending some time on Sunday shooting at the Iceplex during hockey practice. My son plays sled hockey and has a very expressive face..so maybe I can grab a moment of angst on his face through his gear.:lol:
Anyway, I have been using the Minolta 303si. I shot the roll and some guy wanted me to shoot his son...out of film I felt like a POS.
Puck that.
:-D
rot

Cool stuff, but sorry about having to resort to film. Spent a lifetime in the celluloids, and don't miss it one bit. Very high regard for it still, but man, what work and expense.

Hope you'll share the good shots. ;)

[rot]

I dicked around a bit on the test forum before going into an upload frenzy.
Q. Was this an impluse buy based on an 0rt thread? A. Yeppers..damn right.
Q. Do you know what you are doing? A. Well..the jury is still out on that.
Q. Could this be fun? A. Yep..damn right... up there with crankin up old r&r utoobs.
Have not had a whole lot of time with it yet, but it is damn cool from what little I know.
Screwed around with the ISO settings abit last evening. Pretty effin cool how much light the sob can find at dusk.
Got a book on digital cameras so I could be dangerous down the road a bit.
:-D
HappyCamper,NC
rot

[KG4CGC]

3 Islanders with the same camera. Cool! How's the shutter lag?

[kf0rt]

3 Islanders with the same camera. Cool! How's the shutter lag?

Not too bad... But, not up to DSLR snuff. Manual claims 1.3 frames / sec which seems about right. The one problem I've seen so far is the autofocus -- in certain circumstances, it'll hunt and can fail completely. Low light and shooting through (dirty) glass seems to confuse it. I hope Terry doesn't have too much trouble with this on his hockey shots.

Spent yesterday at the Denver zoo with it -- the place was PACKED, so I didn't play as much as I would have liked, but I'll put some shots up on Flickr after I do some minor tweaking. Daughter had her D300 w/ 18-200 VR (she gets all the good stuff), so I'll have to borrow her card and see if we got any similar shots for comparison. That oughtta be depressing, eh? :lol:

[rot]

I've binked around a bit in the sports mode and it doesn't seem to be a problem. They are still learning basic skills so we are not looking at blistering action photos. As far as the sled hockey goes the first demanding skill is uprighting yourself once you fall over...the kayak effect..lots of ice floundering and pissed off faces.
Hottest action shot so far.
3475

:lol:
rot

[kf0rt]

:rofl:

Glad to hear it's working out! Would it be difficult to get above the glass? (Just wondering... that would probably put you farther away, but that lens should be able to handle it.)

Here's some "Boo at the Zoo" shots from yesterday:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tatanka/sets/72157625279240238/

Posted to Flickr in case anyone's into pixel peeping (full size shots posted). "Boo" is the Denver Zoo's annual Halloween deal and the place was really packed -- I think we parked about a mile from the entrance. They have a bunch of places set up so the kidaloos can do their trick-or-treating inside the zoo -- it's incredibly popular. I should have spent more time taking pictures of people. Some of the costumes were pretty outrageous.

[kf0rt]

Here's the SX30 compared (somewhat) to my daughter's Nikon D300 DSLR with a Nikkor 18-200 VR lens (~ $2,500 new, but she shoots weddings). We weren't attempting a shootout here -- these are just four similar pics that we both ended up with. SX30 was set to "Vivid color." No post-processing done on any of these; just resizing to fit the forum. If I did this right, you can click on the pictures to get the original (Caution - large files!). EXIF data should be intact.

Tiger, SX30:
http://westton.com/misc/sx30tiger.jpg (http://westton.com/misc/sx30tiger-original.jpg)

Tiger, D300:
http://westton.com/misc/d300tiger.jpg (http://westton.com/misc/d300tiger-original.jpg)

Arctic Fox, SX30:
http://westton.com/misc/sx30fox.jpg (http://westton.com/misc/sx30fox-original.jpg)

Arctic Fox, D300:
http://westton.com/misc/d300fox.jpg (http://westton.com/misc/d300fox-original.jpg)

Snake, SX30:
http://westton.com/misc/sx30snake.jpg (http://westton.com/misc/sx30snake-original.jpg)

Snake, D300:
http://westton.com/misc/d300snake.jpg (http://westton.com/misc/d300snake-original.jpg)

Bird, SX30:
http://westton.com/misc/sx30bird.jpg (http://westton.com/misc/sx30bird-original.jpg)

Bird, D300:
http://westton.com/misc/d300bird.jpg (http://westton.com/misc/d300bird-original.jpg)

[W3MIV]

I much prefer the more natural color of the Nikon shots from what I see here.

The "test" would have more validity were the shots all closer in framing -- much in the way the two shots of the snake are similar in subject size and framing. Both color and exposure are strongly influenced by the presence or absence of background. The first tiger is very contrasty and burned -- the second tiger is far more natural, with only one strong highlight on the shoulder in sun. The same with the foxes -- the first is properly exposed (Zones VIII and IX on the snout, but with sufficient latitude throughout) and the second far too gray (snow/beach syndrome) as a result of the differences in the background area included in each.

Both lenses seem to have a good image sharpness; the SX impressively so for such a wide ratio. I'd say it is a keeper, for sure. I would gladly trade my twenty-one pounds of bullshit in a sack for a single camera of that versatility. Will it take a remoteable flash?

[kf0rt]

I wish I'd thought of the comparisons before we went out -- could have come up with a better test with the things you mentioned and a few others like locking the ISO on both units to the same setting.

A big part of the color difference is due to having the SX30 set to "Vivid color" (in-camera processing) which saturates the color a little and shifts the color temperature slightly to the warm side.

I must admit though, if it weren't for the 35x zoom, the SX30 wouldn't be in the toy chest here. It's probably the best "superzoom" on the market today and while it does have a hot-shoe (Canon strobes preferred so they'll "talk" to each other), there is no RAW image capture. As much as I've shunned RAW in the past with good reason, the serious photo artisan really needs the capability. Ultimately, if there is no desire for the 35x zoom, the Canon G11 or G12 is the better tool (and a bit more compact to boot). The G series adds RAW capability, a less dense sensor (better image quality) and still has a hot shoe.

The fun part of this was just seeing how a $429 point-and-shoot stacks up against $2,500 worth of "pro" gear. In that, I'm well satisfied as a more casual user.

[W3MIV]

...if there is no desire for the 35x zoom...

That is the selling point. The only reason that I would consider such a camera is that feature, alone. I have come to trust Canon's Digic processors, and the 14.1mp density is a benefit to me. The only concern that I would have is that of the wide-angle end of the zoom. A lot of the agricultural stuff that I have been called on to shoot demands a pretty wide angle. The flash is also important, since most of these zooms are often grim reapers in anything but the brightest light. The inside of a tobacco barn is not conducive to success with a lens with a widest aperture of f4.5 or so. Bounce flash with slaved units is sometimes the only way the shot can be had.

I still love the idea of using a fixed-lens camera and not having to lug all that shit across fields just because you can't be sure what lens you're going to need. Sometimes feel like the proverbial Arab's camel. Then there is the advantage of a camera that is sealed. You can't safely change lenses in a chicken house that is being mucked out by a couple of Chicanos running Bobcats with front-end loaders -- can't fit it with goggles and mask.

I like it. As to whether or not I would buy it, that must wait 'til I have chance to play with one.

[W1GUH]

Currently my imaging tool of choice is a Canon G-10. (Note: It's hard to call these things just a "camera." To me, a Canon A-1 is a "camera." These digital thingies are more of a "personal image system." YMMV.)

When I read how high the ASA (Well...ISO for you newbies!) is on a good DSLR, and how they shoot video in which each frame is still-photo quality...well...that's very attractive. But, for me, the ability to stick my camera in a shirt pocket is a far greater utility, so I've yet to take the DSLR plunge, and don't think I ever will. I, too, am tired of carrying more than will fit in my shirt-pocket. Even just an A1 on a strap seems like way to much these days.

As for the G10/11/whatever the latest number is, what it has that I don't think even high-end DSLR's have are two top knurled KNOBS for ISO and exposure compensation...something that , AFAIK, are STILL stupid menu items on a DSLR. That is a tremendous convenience feature, especailly with the monitor screen. Makes "before taking photo-shopping" very easy. The G10 also has an effective spot-metering mode. The RAW images are a great thing, too...that is, if I actually was seriously into digital imaging enough to really need them. Well, it's nice for them to be there!!!

Finally, in the frivolous vein, I haven't like the aesthetics of how Canon (D)SLR's have looked since the Rebel. I'm enough of an iconoclass to think the design of the A1 (and others...AE-1, AT-1), was beautiful. That stylized prism on the lates Canons make me think they're wearking a bad Buck Rogers helmet...or worse!!! OTOH....I can fantasize that my G10 approximates a Leica! ;):drool:

[kf0rt]

That is the selling point. The only reason that I would consider such a camera is that feature, alone. I have come to trust Canon's Digic processors, and the 14.1mp density is a benefit to me. The only concern that I would have is that of the wide-angle end of the zoom. A lot of the agricultural stuff that I have been called on to shoot demands a pretty wide angle. The flash is also important, since most of these zooms are often grim reapers in anything but the brightest light. The inside of a tobacco barn is not conducive to success with a lens with a widest aperture of f4.5 or so. Bounce flash with slaved units is sometimes the only way the shot can be had.

I still love the idea of using a fixed-lens camera and not having to lug all that shit across fields just because you can't be sure what lens you're going to need. Sometimes feel like the proverbial Arab's camel. Then there is the advantage of a camera that is sealed. You can't safely change lenses in a chicken house that is being mucked out by a couple of Chicanos running Bobcats with front-end loaders -- can't fit it with goggles and mask.

I like it. As to whether or not I would buy it, that must wait 'til I have chance to play with one.

I think it could work for you, given the external flash capabilities. Built-in flash units being what they are (not much, even on DSLRs), external lighting would likely be a requirement no matter the camera. The SX30 does seem to be a capable shooter and I'll be interested in your comments should you get the chance to play with one.

I'm watching for the CHDK (hacked firmware) version that supports this camera. This will no doubt give it RAW capabilities as well as some other features that might be useful.

[kf0rt]

Currently my imaging tool of choice is a Canon G-10. (Note: It's hard to call these things just a "camera." To me, a Canon A-1 is a "camera." These digital thingies are more of a "personal image system." YMMV.)

When I read how high the ASA (Well...ISO for you newbies!) is on a good DSLR, and how they shoot video in which each frame is still-photo quality...well...that's very attractive. But, for me, the ability to stick my camera in a shirt pocket is a far greater utility, so I've yet to take the DSLR plunge, and don't think I ever will. I, too, am tired of carrying more than will fit in my shirt-pocket. Even just an A1 on a strap seems like way to much these days.

As for the G10/11/whatever the latest number is, what it has that I don't think even high-end DSLR's have are two top knurled KNOBS for ISO and exposure compensation...something that , AFAIK, are STILL stupid menu items on a DSLR. That is a tremendous convenience feature, especailly with the monitor screen. Makes "before taking photo-shopping" very easy. The G10 also has an effective spot-metering mode. The RAW images are a great thing, too...that is, if I actually was seriously into digital imaging enough to really need them. Well, it's nice for them to be there!!!

Finally, in the frivolous vein, I haven't like the aesthetics of how Canon (D)SLR's have looked since the Rebel. I'm enough of an iconoclass to think the design of the A1 (and others...AE-1, AT-1), was beautiful. That stylized prism on the lates Canons make me think they're wearking a bad Buck Rogers helmet...or worse!!! OTOH....I can fantasize that my G10 approximates a Leica! ;):drool:

Shirt pocket? You really want the S95 then...

You're right though, Paul. I tend to use three cameras these days; a DSLR for trips mostly, the higher end P&S for most things and a little SD780 I carry everywhere. Even the SD780 will shoot HD video. I always liked the Canon P&S's and the Nikon DSLRs. In the film days, most of what I used was Pentax. Cameras being what they are these days (more computer than optical device), the user interface is all-important and I think Nikon does a better job of this in the DSLR category. Which really says nothing more than "it works better for ME."

They do need more knobs, though, don't they?

[W1GUH]

Shirt pocket? You really want the S95 then...

You're right though, Paul. I tend to use three cameras these days; a DSLR for trips mostly, the higher end P&S for most things and a little SD780 I carry everywhere. Even the SD780 will shoot HD video. I always liked the Canon P&S's and the Nikon DSLRs. In the film days, most of what I used was Pentax. Cameras being what they are these days (more computer than optical device), the user interface is all-important and I think Nikon does a better job of this in the DSLR category. Which really says nothing more than "it works better for ME."

They do need more knobs, though, don't they?

"Shirt pocket? You really want the S95 then... "

I've had the tiny ones...SD400, SD700...and yea, they're much smaller. But, to me, even if it's a big, tight fit, like the G10, that's all I need. The extra capabilities of the G series makes it worth the extra bulk. Plus...it's true that long, tight telephoto shots, especially of people, are consistently much better with the G10. Yea, I know they all have Image Stabilization, and the shutter speed has been equivalent, but the fact is that feature seems to work significantly better on the G's.

"They do need more knobs, though, don't they?"

YES!!!!! Those two extra knobs on the G really, really set it apart. Why the hell those aren't on the DSLR's is a mystery to me. At that kind of money, it seems pros would demand them!!!

[K7SGJ]

I just bought a Canon SX210is PS, and so far I really like it for an applications I am planning. Has a really nice macro and is a 14mp. I still like and use the SD1000, Pro 1, and Rebel for different applications and environments. We have tons of lens and specialty systems from our old Pentex SLRs. I can't believe how fast they fell from favor as I use to get all my film at the broadcast station for free, and did my own developing there as well. Days long gone. I guess it's the old vinyl vs cd argument, but I find each may be suited to different applications.

[W3MIV]

This will no doubt give it RAW capabilities as well as some other features that might be useful.

Though I have not been out on an assignment this year (the stairs fiasco put a real crimp in my ability to climb fences and run from angry cattle), I have found RAW to be a very useful format. Permits a great deal of manipulation that is often a bit more straightforward than working jpegs in PS -- plus there is no loss factor as there is with jpeg. It also preserves the original -- so you really CAN go home again, at least somewhere. Bery Big files, though, that the camera takes a while to swallow.

[W3MIV]

We have tons of lens and specialty systems from our old Pentex SLRs.

Check them for fungus often.

[kf0rt]

"Shirt pocket? You really want the S95 then... "

I've had the tiny ones...SD400, SD700...and yea, they're much smaller. But, to me, even if it's a big, tight fit, like the G10, that's all I need. The extra capabilities of the G series makes it worth the extra bulk. Plus...it's true that long, tight telephoto shots, especially of people, are consistently much better with the G10. Yea, I know they all have Image Stabilization, and the shutter speed has been equivalent, but the fact is that feature seems to work significantly better on the G's.

"They do need more knobs, though, don't they?"

YES!!!!! Those two extra knobs on the G really, really set it apart. Why the hell those aren't on the DSLR's is a mystery to me. At that kind of money, it seems pros would demand them!!!

The G series really is nice. I'd have one if it wasn't for my love of long lenses. Have a buddy who got a G11 about a year ago -- pretty serious landscape / birding dude and for landscapes, he's now using the G11 more than his DSLR. It really is that good, but the Canon G's have always set the standard for the high-end P&S's.

I guess I can't say I've had much of an issue with adjusting ISO or exposure comp on the newer Canons. On the SX30, push a button, spin the dial and push again (the button and dial are parts of the same control). It's pretty fast -- ISO, exposure comp, flash mode and self-timer all work the same way and there's an extra button that you can assign to any function you want. I've got that set to take me to the white balance adjustment. Still like knobs better.

[kf0rt]

Though I have not been out on an assignment this year (the stairs fiasco put a real crimp in my ability to climb fences and run from angry cattle), I have found RAW to be a very useful format. Permits a great deal of manipulation that is often a bit more straightforward than working jpegs in PS -- plus there is no loss factor as there is with jpeg. It also preserves the original -- so you really CAN go home again, at least somewhere. Bery Big files, though, that the camera takes a while to swallow.

Indeed... I rarely use RAW because I'm mostly a "snapshooter" and not much of what I do demands it. Weddings and such, yes -- you'd be a fool to shoot any other way on anything done as a pro or "once in a lifetime" stuff. My objection to a lot of the RAW religion belongs to those who use it just because Unca Frank told 'em to. In fact, I'm pretty much of the same mind with the whole megapixel thing. These camera manufacturers have found a real marketing bonanza in megapixels. Quite often, the better picture comes from a sensor with less density and thus, fewer pixels -- beyond the glass, this is why DSLR's often outshine their smaller siblings. With the SX30, I'd rather have a 10MP sensor that's the same size as the 14MP sensor they used. The results would likely be superior.

Still, it all continues to improve at a fast pace. Better optics, better sensors and better processors all the time. It's a good time to be in the photo game.

BTW, and for anyone who cares... Just got an email ad from newegg.com today. $60 off on the SX30 plus free shipping. Linky. (http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/nov-0-2010/blacknovz6/index-landing.html?nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL110210&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL110210-_-EMC-110210-Index-_-E0-_-ENTER) Promo code is EMCZZYN65 for the other half of the $60. Standard disclaimer -- I gotz no financial interest in Canon or Newegg outside of handing over the cash. Paid list + shipping from KEH, but didn't expect the holiday sales to start so soon.

[kf0rt]

Check them for fungus often.

We don't worry about that in the arid west. :yes:

[NQ6U]

Originally Posted by W3MIV
Check them for fungus often
We don't worry about that in the arid west. :yes:

Not in our cameras, anyhow.

[kf0rt]

I just bought a Canon SX210is PS, and so far I really like it for an applications I am planning. Has a really nice macro and is a 14mp. I still like and use the SD1000, Pro 1, and Rebel for different applications and environments. We have tons of lens and specialty systems from our old Pentex SLRs. I can't believe how fast they fell from favor as I use to get all my film at the broadcast station for free, and did my own developing there as well. Days long gone. I guess it's the old vinyl vs cd argument, but I find each may be suited to different applications.

You know that the old K-mount Pentax lenses from the old days will work on Pentax DSLR's, right? You lose the automatic features, depending on the lens, but they fit and work. I've been tempted to buy a low-end Pentax DSLR just to use the lenses I have.

My Dad was very heavily into the Pentax 35mm film cameras for a long time and I was the recipient of some of his hand-me-downs. Think I still have a K2 or two around here somewhere, and still have three of his "rare" lenses. One is a 50mm f1.2 which I'll probably put on eBay one of these days. Also have the 1000mm SMC mirrored reflex lens and the 500mm SMC. Very expensive glass in it's day, but not worth a lot today.

After about 10 years playing in the digital world, I think I've finally decided (a year or two ago) that I'm done with film. My last serious effort in film was shooting my own daughter's wedding in 2004. This was shot with a Pentax 645 and converted to digital on an Epson flatbed scanner. The time and expense just on the film was pretty big. As I recall, I shot 22 rolls of 220 Portra film and the processing (no prints) alone ran about $200. It took me over a week of 10-hour days to scan it all and today, a mid-range DSLR would produce as-good results without all that hassle. I recall at the time that less than 50% of the pro wedding photographers were into digital and many of them were just testing the waters. I doubt there are many using film today.

In fact, here's what went into the lab:

http://www.westton.com/misc/film2.jpg

And what came back:

http://www.westton.com/misc/film.jpg

I didn't shoot any of the 35mm stuff myself, but offered "free film" to anyone who would, provided they returned the film to me for processing. Had a few takers. There's no way I'd do that today.

My Dad still has a fairly high-end computerized Beseler color enlarger and constantly reminds me of how much it cost vs. what it's worth today. I tell him he needs to donate it to any educational lab that will have it. No luck yet.

[kf0rt]

Not in our cameras, anyhow.

:rofl:

[kf0rt]

BTW... For youse guys that got the SX30 (Terry & Jim...)... Been playing a bit with CHDK (Canon Hack Development Kit) for the SX30 today.

If you're not familiar with it, here's the main link: http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK

CHDK is an open source hack that works with most of the Canon PowerShot cameras. Load it on the SD card; it doesn't "deface" the software in the camera at all, so no warranty issues. It's an extension to the firmware that comes with the camera, and part of the reason I really like Canon P&S cameras. The CHDK port for the SX30 is now in Beta 8 and last week, a port for the 1.00E firmware was added (this is the version I have). 1.00E, H and L are now supported. Canon doesn't make it real easy to discover the firmware version, but it's all in the CHDK Wiki stuff.

What's it add?

RAW, for one. Yeah, you can shoot RAW with an SX30 (DNG format only - files are 21.5MB). Lots of overrides to the factory software - faster and slower shutter speeds, "Super fine" JPEG compression. In-camera file browser, support for a wired remote shutter release (but you have to make the shutter release yourself -- plugs into the USB jack and is ultra-simple). On top of that, it allows scripting -- write your own scripts for the camera. I've been playing with two public scripts today -- one takes a picture when motion is detected. Supposedly this is fast enough to catch lightning. Put the camera on a tripod and arm the script, let it run. The other is an improved intervalometer that sets focus and exposure on each shot (the canned Canon intervalometer sets that on the first shot) and is a bit more flexible. These scripts work; written in a BASIC variant; very small - sure doesn't appear to be rocket surgery.

More info, if you're interested,

Developer thread on DPReview ('Philmoz' is the guy doing the SX30 port):
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1010&message=37328865

SX30 developer thread in the CHDK forums:
http://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php?topic=5900.0

Real downloads here:
http://code.google.com/p/chdk-sx30is/downloads/list

Probably not for everyone, but I'm diggin' it. ;)

[rot]

Ding Ding Ding!!
Intervalometer is the new word of the day for the rotley!!
Thanks for kewlness Rob.....Definitely gonna check it out.
I am not a quick study, but a study nonetheless.
Large internets for you man.
rot