Which Camera do You Use?

Zogbert Splod · July 14, 2015, 08:19:09 AM

Quote from: Bealman on July 14, 2015, 08:09:59 AM
Quote from: Zogbert Splod on July 14, 2015, 01:11:37 AM
Pentax A20...
However, I think that the secret to a good crisp picture is to use a tripod and ALWAYS try to make use of the delay timer on the camera. That way there isn't even a chance of the camera moving while pressing the shutter button.

Or a cable release. ...

Forgot that option! My digital camera doesn't have that available and I don't even own a film camera any more. Yeah, that would be more convenient if you can do that.....

Bealman · July 14, 2015, 08:23:47 AM

My Canon has a socket which accepts a genuine Canon accessory cable release, or remote actuator as they call it.

Dan: Selfie stick.... I don't blame you!!

DesertHound · July 14, 2015, 08:25:51 AM

It's not perfect, but for lighting I use my ikea floor standing reading lamp that usually stands over my desk. I adjust the direction of the light, or the distance of the lamp, for different lighting effects. As I said, not perfect, but it's better than no light at all. I don't think you can beat natural day light though (ok ok, I know someone's going to say you can, but pics taken of layouts outdoors can look amazing).

How do those get on that have lighting as part of their layout, e.g. exhibition layouts. Is that sufficient light for your photography?

Dan

Mr Sprue · July 14, 2015, 10:01:12 AM

Well I've yet to try it out and see the results as one of the main points why I bought this camera, was the Lumix FZ200 aperture remains at f/2.8 at all focal lengths which should in theory give sharper images no matter how much you zoom in or out.

Along with all the other features it has I'm keen to try out its panoramic feature, I have some good locations in mind for a few back scenes!

Still lots of reading up to do!

Newportnobby · July 14, 2015, 10:38:09 AM

Quote from: Zogbert Splod on July 14, 2015, 01:11:37 AM
Pentax A20...
However, I think that the secret to a good crisp picture is to use a tripod and ALWAYS try to make use of the delay timer on the camera. That way there isn't even a chance of the camera moving while pressing the shutter button.

The only problem occurs if the subject is moving, though

Quote from: Bealman on July 14, 2015, 08:09:59 AM

However I'm planning on writing an article soon, so I'll be using the SLR.

When did you learn to write, George?

Bealman · July 14, 2015, 10:41:12 AM

Talking to Steve Flint at Wigan show last year

Pengi · July 14, 2015, 10:49:28 AM

Quote from: Mr Sprue on July 14, 2015, 10:01:12 AM
Well I've yet to try it out and see the results as one of the main points why I bought this camera, was the Lumix FZ200 aperture remains at f/2.8 at all focal lengths no matter how much you zoom in or out, which should in theory give sharper images no matter how much you zoom in or out.

Along with all the other features it has I'm keen to try out its panoramic feature, I have some good locations in mind for a few back scenes!

Still lots of reading up to do!

I've had one of these for a couple of years and also bought it because of the f/2.8 aperture - great for sports when the light is bad. It is so light - particularly when compared to an equivalent set up with my Nikon kit. Prefer the Nikon for serious work though.

Zogbert Splod · July 14, 2015, 10:53:46 AM

Quote from: newportnobby on July 14, 2015, 10:38:09 AM
Quote from: Zogbert Splod on July 14, 2015, 01:11:37 AM
Pentax A20...
However, I think that the secret to a good crisp picture is to use a tripod and ALWAYS try to make use of the delay timer on the camera. That way there isn't even a chance of the camera moving while pressing the shutter button.

The only problem occurs if the subject is moving, though

Why would you be taking pictures of moving models on a layout with a stills camera? (sorry, I forgot who I was talking to here

) That's why we have switches on the electrickery side of things you see. Anything else I can help you with?

Bealman · July 14, 2015, 11:07:40 AM

Maybe to get a sense of movement, and if the layout is DC then the only way you are going to get the lights on at the front of a loco is for it to be moving.

Newportnobby · July 14, 2015, 11:11:52 AM

Quote from: Zogbert Splod on July 14, 2015, 10:53:46 AM
Quote from: newportnobby on July 14, 2015, 10:38:09 AM
Quote from: Zogbert Splod on July 14, 2015, 01:11:37 AM
Pentax A20...
However, I think that the secret to a good crisp picture is to use a tripod and ALWAYS try to make use of the delay timer on the camera. That way there isn't even a chance of the camera moving while pressing the shutter button.

The only problem occurs if the subject is moving, though
Why would you be taking pictures of moving models on a layout with a stills camera? (sorry, I forgot who I was talking to here ) That's why we have switches on the electrickery side of things you see. Anything else I can help you with?

I frequently take pics of moving models with a stills camera, especially at model railways shows as it's not always convenient to ask the operator to stop the subject. That's where panning comes in.
If you were to try and take a stills pic at a show using tripod and cable release you'd probably end up being barged onto the floor along with all equipment. For home use, I would like to think this wouldn't occur

Of course, if I want a video of something moving I just use the 'movie' facility on my camera.

Zogbert Splod · July 14, 2015, 11:50:48 AM

Good points, both of you. Perhaps I need to come awake before I post!

I guess I was only considering diorama style pics. I have the 'joys' of railway model pics ahead of me. I used to do lots of AD&D photography when I was younger and foolisher (just invented that word). Those models didn't move much.....

javlinfaw7 · July 14, 2015, 12:16:27 PM

I currently use a Pentax K50 DSLR and have regularly used Pentax since my first Spotmatic back in 1971 .I also carry a Nikon compact as in some situations it is more convenient .The short delay in compacts and some bridge cameras from pressing the shutter to the shutter activating however I find inconvenient with moving object and where a model railway operator may stop to let you take nyour picture a train driver or aircraft pilot cannot.

Mr Sprue · July 14, 2015, 12:35:54 PM

Just out of interest does anyone own a Canon EOS 100D ? If so I have the EOS 100 35mm SLR and wondered if the lenses would fit the 100D.

Bealman · July 14, 2015, 12:42:59 PM

Do you mean EOS 1000D? I have one and my daughter has a much more recent and up-market one, but the lenses are interchangeable. I would have thought that Canon would be standardised across their range.

Mr Sprue · July 14, 2015, 01:18:16 PM

Quote from: Bealman on July 14, 2015, 12:42:59 PM
Do you mean EOS 1000D? I have one and my daughter has a much more recent and up-market one, but the lenses are interchangeable. I would have thought that Canon would be standardised across their range.

No definitely this one :http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/cameras/digital_slr/eos_100d/

Thing is one of the lenses in my EOS 100 bag is a Sigma 28/200 auto focus which seems a shame to be packed away doing nothing, so I'm thinking I should walk into a good shop to see if they work on the 100D, if so I may buy one.