Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Muppets Threads! (And Anything Else) => Topic started by: Donnydid on August 31, 2013, 07:11:26 pm
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Hi All!
I was not sure whether to tag this question onto the Photo Test subject below or to start a new
subject....so a new subject it is! :)
I usually use a Canon EOS 7D with a Tamron 18 to 270 lens for my photography as it covers all
bases from wide angle to zoom. Next March I am going to ride from the UK to Australia but I am
considering in buying either an Olympus EPL5 or a Lumix G5, these being smaller and less weight
than my Canon and Tamron lens. I am thinking that the Olympus/Lumix will be easier to grab from
my handle bar bag for the quick photo than the Canon.
I would be interested in what kind of camera everyone else uses and also do you use your cameras
for videos or do you use a seperate video cam?
Looking forward to your replies.
Many Thanks
Dave
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A pana G5 and i currently lug around both kit lenses as i haven't been able to cough up the cash for the travel zoom. I carry it in my bar bag and its light enough to get out and shoot one handed whilst still riding along if necessary...
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As an 'all in one' I've heard good reports about this one: http://www.trustedreviews.com/canon-powershot-sx40-hs_Digital-Camera_review.
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1. Fuji X10 (most of the time)
2. Fuji X100
3. Olympus OMD-EM5
I shoot stills only.
ians
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In days gone by the only phone on my bike or me was in a plastic bag in the saddlebag, switched off, used only for emergencies. Now that I'm a rolling emergency myself, I carry in my shirt pocket an iPhone 4S, which has a good camera built in, so I use that. The iPhone is in a Griffin Survivor case (colour-coded to my bike!) which is water-resistant and proof against all other cycling hazards.
For a movie camera on my bike I have a Kodak Zx1 which is designed as a cheap sports camera, decently water-resistant for bike use, and cheap enough not to worry if you lose it, so I leave it sitting on the bike even though my gorilla has a quick release tripod junction that would make it cheap to steal if the thief knew how to operate it. The trick to using it, or any other cheap camera on a bike, is to provide a semi-stable platform by wrapping the legs of a gorilla pod around the handlebars or rack and then mounting the camera on the tripod. It's normally mounted on the rack as intimidation for idiots in 4WD who come too close behind me: "I got you on camera." Works surprisingly well. Not a bad camera for so little money, but it will send the obsessives among you, the engineers and the technofreaks too, up the wall because the facilities are so limited.
For a still camera I used, and still keep, a Canon Digital Ixus 300, pretty old now, and clunky, but I love it because of the zooming analogue viewfinder that lets me see what I'm photographing even in bright sunlight.
The reason I hate an Olympus D-720 I bought on impulse because of 10x wide to 20x zoom lens in a shirt pocket format is that in daylight I can't see a bloody thing on its huge LCD, and there's no analogue viewfinder.
For practical purposes, considering that I normally cycle in a party whom it would be rude to delay with trying to get the perfectly setup shot, the iPhone takes snapshots the equal of anything Olympus manages, and not quite as good as the Canon only because I had years to learn to get the best out of the Canon. As I said, I no longer carry the Canon or the Olympus on the bike.
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I used to use a Olympus E330 but found I missed too many shots because it was so big especially with the 2 lenses. Great pictures and easy to use though.
Now have a Lumix GF1 with 2 lenses and its the best. Small, great shots easy to use and great battery life. I do miss the viewfinder and am looking at a GF3 as it too has the micro 4/3 lens system.
Easy to get on Ebay too.
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all these super camera and not one photo or video shame on yis all ;D ::)
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Now have a Lumix GF1 with 2 lenses and its the best. Small, great shots easy to use and great battery life. I do miss the viewfinder
I had a GF1 - agreed a great camera - probably going to be a classic. I used the LVF-1 viewfinder. The 90 degree tilt made waist level shots a breeze. There's one on ebay right now (not mine)
ians
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I use an old Cannon 350D with a Tamron 28/300 zoom if I'm out with the intention of taking photographs. Still not found a good way of fitting it into the bar bag as the body has a battery grip attached*. Toying with the idea of a rack pack, but open to suggestions.
Gill has a Cannon G10 compact which is just brilliant - 80% of the functions of a DSLR at ~30% of the weight/bulk and minimal faffing about.
We also have a Canon IXUS 860 which fits into a tri-bag on the top tube when one of us remembers to take it!
For 'snapshots' I use my Samsung phone which is ok in good lighting.
sdg
* I dabble in wildlife photography with a 400mm prime lens, hence the extra batteries to keep up with the focussing motor.
Not that I'd take the 400 on the bike.
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I use a Canon G9. A fairly compact little brick that can be fully auto to fully manual and it has a viewfinder which, as others have said, is essential. Used mostly for club run snapping and recording my tours. Examplehttp://www.smugmug.com/gallery/30958848_kgMdzf (http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/30958848_kgMdzf)
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For travel I leave the DSLRs at home. Instead use a Pentax X90, a discontinued superzoom camera. A replacement for it would be the Pentax X-5.
http://www.us.ricoh-imaging.com/digital-camera/X-5_Silver
I like a viewfinder that has an adjustment for my eyes, most point and shoot cameras do not have that but the Pentax does. I also like to be able to take wildlife shots so the powerful telephoto is nice for that.
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I can heartily second the Canon G10 http://www.flickr.com/photos/nztony/sets/72157626227839436/
Although it is now 4 years old, so its replacement the G15 could be a good choice?
I am about to buy a touring bike, so I can not pretend to have relevant experience, but ... I do tramp/hike in the hills, tracks, trails, mountains here in New Zealand, so
carrying a small but competent camera is important to me too.
I use a Canon 5DMKII myself (similar in size to your 7D) and have carried that on overnight hikes but I always carry my G10 as well. I have recently added the (firmware updated)
Canon EOS M too, to see how it suits as a small replacement for a big DSLR and I have to say it is not too bad.
Canon EOM M http://www.flickr.com/photos/nztony/sets/72157634917526707/ and a ISO 3200 example here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nztony/9451258228
Being the owner of a high end DSLR like yourself, I find it hard to leave it at home as I always think if a photo is worth taking, it is worth taking with the best camera you own, but I am trying to be very brave and leave it at home and just carry my "M" and I think I could live with that. I would also always carry my G10 as well as the M as they would still only take up a tiny amount of space compared to your 7D and I like the idea of having a spare. Besides the G10 is super easy to take a self portrait (by putting it on a tree stump or picnic table etc) and then walk back into position (with the camera on its timer.) I find I am always in good focus with the G10 but it is super hard with my 5DMKII as you have nothing to focus on when you are setting up the camera!
I think another great choice would be the Fuji X100s which appears to be a stunning camera.
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As a dormant cycle-tourer, and semi-professional photographer, the Fuji X100 gets my vote - unless you are wanting to sell your photos.
I subscribe to the philosophy of always carrying the best camera that you can. But given that carrying a decent DSLR and spare lens and kit is going to add 3Kg minimum to your weight, not to mention taking considerable space, committed photography and cycle-touring aren't necessarily the best of bed fellows.
The FX100 is a great camera, probably the best on the market in terms of spec/value for money at the moment. The build and quality are great, has a stylish retro design and has virtually all the features that you'd expect of a DSLR - a highly versatile camera - it's not perfect but you'll be pushed to get better value in the £300 bracket. I do in fact know of an individual successfully forging a career using the X100, using it primarily for BW pictures. The Canon 5D MII is my own personal preference, but I would never take it cycle touring.
www.fredadams-photography.com (http://www.fredadams-photography.com)
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I commented above that I use a Pentax X90 (discontinued model).
Every trip I go on, I get home and realize just how few photos I take on rainy days. My new Pentax WG-3 arrived yesterday, waterproof, so far looks good. The version with the GPS reportedly eats batteries, I got the version without GPS. The on line reviews suggested that the Olympus Tough might be a better waterproof camera, but I got the Pentax since I own quite a few other Pentax cameras.
The plan is to use the X90 when the weather is good, switch to the WG-3 in bad weather. I have several spare batteries for each, but unfortunately the batteries are not interchangeable and neither are the chargers.
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Some interesting selections from you guys, I do love my 7D but as you say NZTony the weight
of the camera and a couple of lens would be quite heavy and that is something I am wanting
to eliminate. I used to own a G5 many moons ago and it was a great camera, very compact and
had a viewfinder something that is missing from a lot of todays cameras. Maybe I am old school
but I prefer to look through a viewfinder than looking at the screen at the back! lol
The G15 is shortly to be replaced by the G16 so the price for the G15 is quite good at the moment,
I am also interested in the 'M' but none of my friends have one so I dont know much about it.
Its all interesting stuff and I have until March to make my decision, ahhh decisions, decisions!
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I love the Canon G5, purchased mine around 2004, bit of a brick but still use it today. I know they still have a great reputation for reliability and are still in demand on auction sites. Mine is still on its original battery, and lasts for long periods between charge. Although only 5 mp has a great lens and produces excellent prints up to A4.
The camera has been used in pretty extreme conditions mountaineering, touring and mountain biking. Rain does not seem to bother it, and it fits easily into my bar bag. All round my ideal camera and I hope it continues to function for a good few years yet. I wonder how many of the present offerings would suffer the same level of abuse that my G5 has?
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I love the Canon G5, purchased mine around 2004, bit of a brick but still use it today.
I still have my G3 (but have replaced the battery). I don't take a lot of pictures, but having the zoom is really nice, and lets me get the picture I want.
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I agree that the Canon G9 and G series in general is an excellent choice for cycle touring. The Nikon P7800 is also very good and I took it on my tour last year. Compact, and quality photos. Also does 1080 video.
I recently researched a better quality camera for touring as I am looking more towards doing more movies, as well as still photography.
One camera that kept appearing as a recommendation was the Panasonic Lumix GH2. Its almost 7 years since it was launched, but can still be found second hand. Luckily I found one and the lens for a good price. Its a Micro 4/3rd system and mirrorless so is actually much more compact and much lighter than DSLR cameras. I have found the movie and still quality fantastic. Sharp, great tonal range, good lens with the 14 - 45mm (28 - 90mm in full frame equivalent).
Here is a cycle tour filmed exclusively on the Lumix GH2 ...
http://www.bikepacking.com/plog/megamoon/
It can also be 'hacked' to improve the recording quality with fantastic results. Here is a taster if you are into making movies with this camera ...
http://osgfilms.com/gh2-quickstart/
And a guide to hacking it ...
http://www.sam-mallery.com/2011/11/an-ez-guide-to-hacking-the-panasonic-gh2/
Of course, not everyone is into this stuff but thought I would post in case you were! A few more examples ...
https://vimeo.com/channels/gh2
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I still use the same cameras that I said I used above in September 2013, over four years ago.
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I find it odd that people always ask "what camera" rather than what I consider the more important question "which lenses". Once that lens question is answered the system and body tend to fall into place quickly when weight, size and terrain are factored in. Much like bicycles however, camera systems and lenses contain a strong N+1 factor.
The things I look for are good manual focus override, as in cycling I can't think of any reason to use autofocus - well, except maybe inside of a pub after a few good brews, and I like systems where I con't have too many filter sizes. I always carry a polarizer and one or two ND filters. I also tend to find minimum focus distance an important thing. Especially with a wide lens such as a 24 or 21 equivalent. It makes for nicely forced perspective for things like flowers and coastline and the bike itself inside the scene, if you want to make it prominent. If I carry two lenses it will always be either a 24 or 21 along with a 60 - preferably a macro. On days with three, I struggle with either 21,24 and 60, or one of those wides along with the 60 and also either a 135 (or there abouts) or a 90. I almost never carry a zoom, even though I've got plenty of them. Somehow I value the light gathering of a primes as well as the more creative possibilities imparted by needing to use my feet. Zooms make me lazy and the results tend to show it. As for the brand? Whichever has ergonomics that fit one's mind best. It hardly matters other than that.
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I find it odd that people always ask "what camera" rather than what I consider the more important question "which lenses".
I find that an odd place to start.
Sensor size dictates the size of both body and lenses, which in turn dictates quality, performance, weight and usually cost. It's here the compromise is made - how much you're prepared to carry Vs what quality you'll accept. Once you've decided on that, the question is between fixed or changeable lens, if you go for the latter then all systems have roughly equivalent lenses.
Micro 4/3 is the right compromise for me, I have two bodies, the diminutive GM1 and the chunkier GX80 (same sensor, different features) and three lenses, one prime and two zooms (I carry two at most)
Like with bikes there comes a point when the equipment is more capable than the user, this is the case for me with both, but it's nice to know the kit isn't holding me back.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/phbike/
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I looked at your flickr site. One thing you do well in some of those shots is to show just how steep the hills are. Many cyclists don't shoot those hills so that one can really feel it like that. I can tell for sure - I'd be walking up.
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Back on the forum for the first time in 5 years out of necessity and interested to read the updates to this this thread and thought I'd add an update from a semi-professional photographer as Ive since done a fair bit of research into what constitutes the best and most versatile travel photography camera. My interest was primarily want something compact and discrete but offering the highest possible quality - which needless to say is likely to suit the more discerning ohotographer/cycle tourer.
Having been a Canon disciple for many years, I owned and still own a 5DIII and various lenses and tripods, none of which was in any way suited to carrying on a bike - and in reply to someone raising the issue of lenses, yes they are very important, but again this very much boils down to your hopes and expectations.
If you just want a reasonable and reliable point and shoot to have snapshots of your travels, there's plenty from all the main brands out there. If you are looking for something a little better there's a review of the Fuji X-T100 here (£500, but rest assured you won't get better quality for the price), which also lists some alternatives to look at : https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilm-x-t100/9 (https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilm-x-t100/9) The only downside to this particular Fuji is its autofocus isn't great if you are wanting to use it for action pics, but will give you great affordable quality for pretty much anything else.
My personal all-purpose weapon of choice is the Fujx 100F, the latest in the Fuji100 series, and voted the best travel camera by those in the industry, and I use it as mentioned for street photography - it has a 35mm equivalent fixed lens, but if a zoom lens is a necessity the Fuji X-T20 is also well worth considering - similar quality in many ways to the X100F, but ultimately it depends how much of a camera purist you are and what you want it for - the X-T20 will ultimately be more versatile as you can change lenses and have one zoom to cover most needs - if budget is no issue, look at the X-T2, same spec as the X-T20 but with more features and video capability and is water-proofed.
An updated selection of my own personal interest work here as the previous link provided in 2013 is now outdated: https://www.picturethis-photo.co.uk/f66906644 (https://www.picturethis-photo.co.uk/f66906644)
The street photography stuff is all Fuji (XT-10 (no longer available new) & X100f, where is the rest is all Canon - thanks for looking if you do!
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For my general photography I use a Canon EOS 5D MkIV and a 5DS R with a range of lenses. I've looked at ways of safely carrying one camera and a 70-200 mm zoom lens around with me on my daily rides in the countryside but I've not found a suitable solution. So, recently, I bought the new Sony RX100M6. It is tiny and has a 24- 200 mm equivalent zoom lens. Together with my Bresser lightweight binoculars the Sony has filled the gap for me. The quality is superb, the zoom range adequate. I found it a bit fiddly at first compared with the 5D cameras of course but it makes an ideal lightweight travel camera.
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Brian, let me start with a disclaimer: I take photos, but I wouldn't really describe myself as a photographer. Back in the Days of Film (around the same time as the Days of Steam, as I recall) I used a nice Pentax SLR, with several lenses.
I've had a couple of compact point-and-shoots, a Pentax and a Nikon. Those have worked well for my limited purposes & capabilities. Fur years ago, however, having equipped myself with a Raven-mit-SON-dynamo, I figured I'd better upgrade my camera to something that could accept a USB charging cable and give me a better wide-angle capability. (I'd just finished a tour in Mittel Europa, and the architecture and street angles overwhelmed my P50 Nikon.)
Four years ago, I bought a Panasonic Lumix ZS40, which had all those features, and includes a digital viewfinder as well. It wasn't cheap, Cdn$ 450 + sales tax, but it has performed very well in the years since. Only problem was that the battery conked out almost immediately after I bought it, and it was so new that most Panasonic dealers didn't stock the batt; and, you could only use the specified Panasonic replacement, not some no-name after market item, thank you very much. (I did finally get the original batt replaced under warranty, and bought another as backup--for $75, mind--which of course hasn't been used in the four years since...)
Some of controls are a little too closely placed for my fingers--I sometime touch the video button instead of the zoom/shutter button right beside it, for example. But, the 22 - 200 zoom is great, the extra-wide-angle especially; ditto its compact-and-light size and weight; and the battery easily handles a day's photos at resolution one level below maximum. On tour, I recharge the batt at night every 2-3 days, using my Anker power bank (refuelled by the SON dynamo).
The camera has a wifi capability, but I don't use that.
Hope that's useful. I'd certainly buy the camera again.
Cheers, John
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I often take photos of insects and plants, so I like to have an articulated screen and a very close macro focus of 1 or 2 cm.
I happily used a Canon A610 for several years, until I lost it during survey work. The Canon had the bonus (for me) of using standard AA cells, so it was cheap to have spares for long trips away from home. Picture quality was pretty good considering the small sensor size.
When I lost the A610 a few years ago, the only relatively small camera that I could find with the two features I wanted was the Nikon P7700. This does everything I want but is a bit more sophisticated than I really need, and is a wee bit heavier and bulkier than I would like.
If buying now I would probably go for the Canon Powershot 730HS, this is a bit simpler, smaller and lighter.
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A couple of weeks ago I attended a Fellows get together at the RPS where one of the discussions centred on if you could only have one of your digital cameras which one would it be. Without hesitation I said it would be my Panasonic LX100 as I deem it to be my best all-round camera. I do have a Fuji X100 with a great prime lens, a Nikon DSLR which is great for taking pictures of my daughter in running events and a couple of Canon compacts. But the LX100 is my go to if I ever want both quality and flexibility.
Just ordered the new LX100 ii.
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have you any pics of me on that camera Alan ;D ;D.
anto.
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You know I don't take many pictures on bike rides but I did get your backside going into Tipperary. ;D ;D
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;D ;D hah i remember that hows things Alan.
im still off the bike i was told by a so called expert i have a trapped nevrve in my back and only cure is to stretch, i waited 3 years for this advice :o :o.
i only use the bike the odd time to head up to pitch n putt club other side of town.
have you been on many tours since i seen you.
Anto
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have you been on many tours since i seen you.
Anto
Quite a few both with Pauline and on my own. Cut back a lot on camping though as my PMR problems continue.
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A couple of weeks ago I attended a Fellows get together at the RPS where one of the discussions centred on if you could only have one of your digital cameras which one would it be. Without hesitation I said it would be my Panasonic LX100 as I deem it to be my best all-round camera. I do have a Fuji X100 with a great prime lens, a Nikon DSLR which is great for taking pictures of my daughter in running events and a couple of Canon compacts. But the LX100 is my go to if I ever want both quality and flexibility.
Just ordered the new LX100 ii.
Interesting to hear your viewpoint, and it is a case of each to their own I guess which is almost inevitable now there's now so much choice out there when it comes to getting a digital mirrorless camera that will deliver high quality results! Just out of interest, are you an RPS fellow?
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Yes, gained it in 1979. And you?
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Yes, gained it in 1979. And you?
Chapeau Monsieur - I am a mere LRPS though am in little doubt that I'll do the ARPS in the next 18 months or so - I enjoying dabling in across styles from architecture to landscapes to street photography of late as I've generally been able to find little time to explore locations. I have always worked too reactively to bother developing a thematic style as such, but I do feel I've reached a cul-de-sac with the street photography in working in this way so the next step is define a few projects and become much more disciplined about it all.
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At present, I use a Nikon Z6 with the 24-70 kit lens and a 60mm micro 2.8 via an adapter. I keep thinking that I may add a wide angle like the 14-30 f 4.0s, but in fact I use my iPhone 11 Max Pro for any wide angle shots now, and find it superior most of the time to any DSLR or Mirrorless lens, 85% of the time.