What camera do you use?

[PALADIN85020]

I'm really pleased with the quality of many of the pictures posted here on the S&W forum. I assume that you are all using digital cameras - but which one or ones do you use, mostly?

Here is the one I've found most useful for my needs. It's a Pentax K200D, 10.2 MP. My most versatile lens is shown. It's a Pentax 18 - 250 mm zoom, f3.5 to f6.5. In 35mm terms, this gives me a range of from 27mm to 375mm in one lens. The reason I went with Pentax is that I can use my accumulation of Pentax lenses dating back to my old K1000 manual-focus, match-needle 35mm SLR. This model will use any previous Pentax lens. It also uses commonly available AA batteries, so one will never lack for batteries. The K200D features camera-based shake reduction, automatic sensor cleaning on startup, and really good dust sealing. I took this shot of my current camera with an older one, a K100D 6MP camera in outdoor shade, using a Pentax 50mm f1.7 prime lens set on aperture priority, f5.6, 1/60 sec. exposure, ISO 400, using center-weighted metering.

Your choice of camera may be the same or different. What are you using, and what do you like about your rig?

John

 

[Smith357]

I have found that it's really not the camera, once you reach a certain feature set it's more about the end user. I don't have a lot of money to spend on a fancy camera but I need one that has full manual mode. I started my shutterbug hobby with a Pentax K1000 SLR years ago and since I went digital I have been using the Canon Powershot A series cameras, I started with the A75 and currently use an A590. The A's are feature rich for the price, and though they are not top of the line by any stretch they have enough control for me.

 

[RdrBill]

John.
I use a Nikon D40 and upgraded to a Nikon 18-200 wide angle zoom lens. I had used a Nikon film camera and D40 seemed to be a good entry point into the world of digital.
I found a webpage by Ken Rockwell on cameras and equipment and his knowledge is priceless.
I have used the D40 for 2 years and there are days I would like to upgrade to a full frame type Nikon, D700. I always convince myself that it is a want and not a need. Resisting allows me to save a lot of money. I am certain that the bad pics I make are the fault of the amatuer camera operator.
I take a few pics of my guns, but mostly pics of hunting/camping trips and few pics of the unusual aircraft at work.
My shooting with guns and camera has a common thread, I am a plinker.
I enjoy the concept of digital and hook my camera and storage media to a good Sony HD TV. It is easy to see flaws when your work is plastered on a 41 inch monitor.
Digital cameras have made it much easier to record excessive detail of some of my outdoor adventures.
I don't use the little green symbol on the mode select switch where everything is automatic. I use the one next to it so I can make mistakes.
Bill

 

[mstuhr]

Pentax Optio

Howdy,
I use a Pentax Optio. There are a lot better cameras but this thing is submersible. Now if I could just find a cel phone like that I'd be happy.
I submerged and ruined two phones in the boat and one in a glass of wine in a cup holder where I keep my phone.
Thanks
Mike

 

[Firehouse]

We used Sony Cyber-Shot's of various models for years. A few years ago we stepped up to the Canon Powershot's and now the Digital Rebel XSi. I hope it will be our last camera for a while.

 

[cmort666]

I started with a Vivitar 35mm SLR, then got a Minolta XG1. I have a variety of lenses for both, but haven't used either for years. I currently use a Canon Digital Rebel Xt with the 18-55mm kit lens and a 70-300mm Promaster. I never bothered with point and shoots. I simply can't take a decent picture with one.

 

[R. G. Amos]

Leica M-4, M-6

 

[deadin]

Canon D60 and a couple three EF "L" Series lenses, a 50mm Macro and a 45mm Tilt/Shift plus a couple of other long lenses.
I also have a like new EOS-3 that I bought right before going digital. Probably doesn't have more than 3 or 4 rolls of film through it. (I will never recoup my investment it that one.)

 

[Bullseye 2620]

I just sold off my last two Rolleiflexes -- a 2.8F TLR, and a 6008 Integral -- both top of the line 2-1/4 x 2-1/4 film cameras. Now, all I am using is a Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-N2, a little point-and-shoot with 10.1 Mp, that produces lovely 4 - 5 Mb files.

Here's why:

One camera, one lens (Zeiss), great resolution, handles a wide variety of lighting situations, under $300, and the prints blow up to poster size with zero pixelization. All the shots above were made hand-held with no tripod.

 

[2Loud4You]

Nikon D40 with 18-55 and 55-200 lenses BUT I don't have the skills many of you guys have!

 

[tom turner]

My first serious camera was in the mid-80s when I took the plunge for a top-of-the-line autofocus, digital-controled SLR with several lenses.

To get better, I took night classes at a tech school . . . where I learned that today's computer-controlled cameras are programmed to always make the same mistakes every time, when encountering scenes that require a human brain . . . such as severely back lit scenes, snow/sand, needing fill flash, differences in shutter speed or aperture for specific tasks . . . etc.

I finally ended up with a pair of Olympus OM-1 manual film SLR cameras and a bunch of lenses for 'em . . . and augmented it with a Mamiya-Flex TLR medium format film camera. With these cameras I began to take really good photos. The OM-1 cameras only had a simple light meter in them, so one had to THINK . . . and I really began to shoot great photos with proper aperture and shutter speeds, as well as start using fill flash for daytime photos with a Vivitar 283 Flash. Wow, what a difference!


FAST FORWARD TO 2003 . . .

My wife gave me a new, (then) top-of-the-line) 4MP Canon A-80 Powershot "Point and Shoot." With this little camera I have taken the photos I've displayed on this forum . . . and I LOVED being "freed" from having to tote a ton of lenses and heavy camera bags everywhere.

Here are a few I've posted here before:

This one was easy on the Powershot A80, on a tripod and in timer mode . . . since the Powershot has a little TV type screen that you can turn around for self-portraits . . . the only hard thing was holding the sights steady and perfect and hold it until the timer tripped the shutter . . .

TWO MONTHS AGO . . . I re-entered the SLR-type camera gang, albeit now DIGITAL, with a new Canon t1i 15MP digital SLR. So far I've just got the cheap 18-55mm "kit" lens but plan on getting a couple of "L" lenses soon, as well as a 100mm Canon 2.8 Macro. Actually the kit lens is a great thing to have . . . it is super light, cheap, and perfect to have on hand for most casual photos. I can now see Canon's wisdom in including this little lens!

I'm really looking forward to the creative and technically advanced things this camera can do . . . in manual mode, and I'm really enjoying some of the things it does well in the auto modes too!

This one was made at the backyard feeder, using the 55mm lens at about four feet, using a remote controlled shutter . . . will kickin' back on our screen porch . . . sippin' a cold iced tea. Ahhhh . . . the tough life!

. . . and a photo of my newest grandson, with his other grandfather, along with grandson #1 looking on. I think I'm gonna like my new Canon t1i.

Tom

 

[Swissman]

still the same old 7.1 MB

My "waterproof 'til 30 feet" little Olympus 770 SW is still my companion when i go out shooting. It's a point and shoot-camera with an internal lens. Zoom goes from ca. 35 mm - 105 mm.
I like that the ISO can set down to 80.
The pros are: small/flat, very strong against shock, good batterylife, easy to use, many standard-situation programs, taking pictures under water without a special case, takes video with sound.

The cons are: weak internal flash, pixel-noise over 200 ISO, no manual focusing possible.

And if I ask reeeaaaal friendly, Swisswife will loan me her Sony Alpha 350 with her highclass Minolta lenses.

I have learned a lot about photographing. My first payrolls were saved for a, back then state of the art, SLR analog camera. The Minolta XD7. And I will never forget the words of the old shopowner:
"Use a tripod or a stable base whenever you can. Work with the natural light. The flash is good, but kill mostly the soul of a picture. This will bring you the difference between just a picture and a great photography. The people mostly don't take the time for that and blame then the camera for the bad pictures."

Swissman

 

[bayfisher]

For just quick shots, I'm using a sony cyber shot dsc-n1.

For anything else, I have a NIKON D90 with the 18-105mm lens, I'm looking at the nikkor 70-300mm lens to go with it right now.

And put away somewhere is my RICOH, Forget which model, Since I haven't taken any film photos in years, But it has all the lenses from my old Pentax K1000, Plus the 2x adapter and flash units. When I got that it was nice that everything interchanged so I didn't have to buy anything new.

 

[gunlovingirl]

I have two that I use. A small pocket Pentax, that I don't care for, but it's handy, and a Nikon D60. I'm still learning the Nikon, but so far I love it!

 

[84CJ]

Kodak 850 It is better than the operator It is just a little big to carry on the trails. I am thinking about a small camera under 200 bucks for trail rides and range trips.

 

[Allen-frame]

Hi all. I bought a Nikon coolpix L-18 because it was $99. with a $10. rebate at the register.
I have to be cheep ,I spend all my real money on Smiths.

I know nothing about photography ,only to hold real still when it goes 'click'. Just like when shooting a gun, it matters where its pointed when it goes off.

Some pictures of my neighbors.

My new doormat. ( no I don't use it).

Regards ,,Allen Frame

 

[Cyrano]

I'm still getting used to my Sony Cyber-Shot T300. Haven't learned how to post pix yet. When I read the instructions, it's worse than some of the computer program instruction manuals I have.

Before that I had a Canon A1, with two bodies, and a selection of lenses and gadgets. I have to say that the Sony will do everything the Canon would except extreme close-ups and telephotos. I still like to set a camera on manual, though, and make my own mistakes, rather than the camera's.

When I want to have fun, I break out my old Leica IIIA, and f3.5 Elmar. Have to cut the feed strip on the film to match the Leica's requirements.

 

[ecam8000]

Nikon D60. Still learning. Gets a little heavy on the long hikes.

 

[Smilin-buddha]

I bought a D40 cause I was having so much fun shooting with my little Canon Sd1000. Sold the d40 hated carrying all the extras. Might upgrade to another Canon. Maybe a step up from a point and shot to a almost DSlr

 

[m657]

I've had various Leicas/Pentax/Nikons and bags of glass over the decades.

Made the switch to digital a few years back and haven't taken a film shot lately...seems more anachronistic than steam power.

Shirt pocket Canon 960IS does what I need.