[Killietalk] Phish Photo Update (slightly OT)

[Wright Huntley <jwwiii at pacbell_net>]

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1268052,00.asp is a new camera that 
isn't exactly cheap, but might be a pretty good camera for taking fish 
pics. A much more comprehensive review is at 
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/300d.html.

The new Canon Rebel is a *lot* cheaper than all other digital Single 
Lens Reflexes (SLRs), and performs as well as some more expensive ones, 
according to early reviews. We'll see.

The Oly E-20N mentioned and linked, is essentially the Sony DSC-D770 I 
have touted before, but as bought from Sony by Olympus and as altered by 
them. More pixels without any improvement in lens or body. Still has the 
frustrating beamsplitter viewfinder that I struggle with. It really 
isn't bright enough, and lacks a true ground-glass screen so focus isn't 
certain through the viewfinder. It takes a lot of eye training to bring 
scene and cursors into simultaneous good focus.

My 770 was stolen last May, and after looking at all the new cameras, I 
went to e-bay and bought another 770. IDK if that is an endorsement of 
the camera, or an admission that I can't afford the body and lenses of a 
really good SLR.

I decided the 770 was capable of better pics than I was able to 
illuminate and frame, so more pixels and better lenses will have to wait 
while I learn more.

The Canon 300D has a kit lens in one package version, but it is slow 
(f#=3.5) and small, so may not be the best choice for fish pics. The 
experts have tended to disparage it. For my purposes, I want an f#=2 
lens at minimum. 3.5 is pretty bad, these days. OTOH, I'm sure the 
higher ISO (and lower noise) of the Rebel more than makes up for the 
slower lens. Worth a look for anyone making up an early Xmas list.

Wright

PS. One precaution: Changing SLR lenses can get dirt on the sensor and 
that is a real bitch to fix. [Film cameras get a new sensor for every 
shot!] Cleaning mistakes can lead to *very* expensive repairs. I, for 
one, *like* the fixed zoom lens on my 770.

--
Wright Huntley -- 760 872-3995 -- Rt. 001 Box K36, Bishop CA 93514

           Mencken's maxim—every election is a sort
             of advanced auction of stolen goods.