| Author | Message | ||
  John Preston |
Carol, So far I have used ISO 50 only, as it is the default setting. The only blurring I have noticed is when I attempt borderline shooting conditions: Dusk or later without tripod, flash disabled, etc. OR, if I accidentaly put my finger over the little window for the laser focuser device( I still tend to grasp the lens as if I could twist the f-stop and focusing rings!) I should try ISO 200 like I used to shoot film with. Photoshop is a gas, though I just have the limited edition of 5.0 which came with the camera. Haven't tried layering yet but can make a photo look like Joseph Rafael, Seurat, or Gerhard Richter easily. Ilove being able to modify the color, value, texture, etc. before putting expensive pigment on good paper just to try an idea. Granted it doesn't look JUST like what I would do but it's close enough to tell whether I would like it or not. | ||
carol |
Feather did you get your camera yet? If so how do you like it? John. Have you used the 50 ISO setting on the Cannon? If so do you find the image to be blurry at all? I see you use Adobe, Is that fun or what! Used photoshop 6 in class , and have "elements" here on our computer. Do you do the layering with yours? | ||
carol |
Feather, No I haven't made up my mind yet. I'm waiting for the camera fairy to hit me on the head. Yeah I heard mention of the sticks for the Sony's. I saw the sony and didn't dare pick it up, looked so good. I'll bet it can really zoom in. That's the brand my instructor used. I think you made a good choice for your needs. Those web sites your sending through are great. | ||
Kukana |
Im anxious to hear how you like your new Camera. I am really very happy with my camera. My daughter just bought a new Minolta and she loves it but her main focus is snapping pics of her babes! | ||
feather |
Carol: Did you decide on which camera to buy? I'm getting a Sony DSC-F707 Cybershot, but it was a difficult choice to make. I decided that since photography is such a big hobbie of mine that I should go ahead and fork out the dough for one I really want. Bad thing about this camera is that it comes with almost no memory and it uses memory sticks rather than flash cards - so I have to go out and buy all new memory. Hey, I noticed that there are differences in the quality of brands of memory. check out http://www.dpreview.com/articles/mediacompare/ to see a review. | ||
John Preston |
Carol, If I understand it correctly, there are compressed and non-compressed image formats. Compression lets the image take up less "space" and is desirable for storage or transmission(e.g. e-mail)but compression involves loss of image quality as information is removed. JPEG is a compressed format, TIFF is not. JPEG compression loss is not reversible. RAW is a compressed format that is reversible, with no loss. A RAW file is still quite a bit larger than a JPEG file but about 1/4 the size of a TIFF file. The advantage is being able to get more TIFF quality images on your CF card. | ||
feather |
Carol: TIFF is the best type of image formatting, much better than the other two types. TIFF is what you want for highest quality pictures. JPG is the lowest quality level, it's the type that you use to send photos on the computer to keep the size down. | ||
carol |
Feather, I checked the minolta out. In my head I still am leaning to the G2 or coolpix. Trying to figure out if I really need the 4 megapix or not, vs the 3.3 of the 995. Price is better on the 995. Oh well, I have to go to work now ( so I can buy more stuff or mega pix!) | ||
carol |
John, Can you tell me what the RAW is compared to TIFF and JPG ? | ||
feather |
Hey Carol: Have you checked out Minolta Dimage S404? A review I read said that it's only $500 and gives the Cannon G2 a nearly head to head run for the money. I found another camera review page that I've found quite informative http://www.dpreview.com I like this site because it has detailed photos of each of the camera's functions and example shots of pictures taken. It's an information mother load! Are you actually going to go to the camera store and try some of these cameras out before you buy? If you do, please share your personal reviews. I'm not able to go to the camera store until next weekend due to my busy schedule, but if you haven't selected a camera by that time let me know and I'll post my personal experieces. Has anyone heard news about cameras on the cusp being being put on the market that might be worth waiting for? At this point, I'm leaning towards Kukana's and John's Canon G2, Sony DSC-F707, and Minolta DiMAGE S404. I haven't read much on the Nicon Coolpix 990 that Sid suggested, but it also looks like it's well worth investigating. Oh, the choices are making my head spin!!!! My dear husband gave me a HP 612 this last christmas as a "toy" and every single day weather permits I take pictures of flowers in my garden like a mad woman!! This "middle of the road camera" has given me more joy and fun than my 1998 super expensive traditional camera could touch. I also recommend for everyone to check out digitals if they haven't already. They have an instant gratification that's as wonderful as chocolate melting in your mouth! Not to mention the $ it saves on elimitating film and the processing fee for unwanted shots - this alone pays for the camera in no time. Instead of just taking 1 picture of something, I can take 5,10,or 20 of the same thing, see what I've taken instantly, then pick only the best shot to print out - ahhhh simply heaven! | ||
feather |
I've talked with my husband, and I've got the go ahead for a new camera!!! YEA (laughter and tears of joy) I'm leaning towards the Sony DSC-F707 Cybershot Digital Camera. All though this camera has bells and whistles - which really don't impress me, I am into the 5.24 mega-pixels, the super super close zoom power, and that the batteries last for 2,500 pictures between charges! I'm going to read more before I make my final decision. I'm also going to go the camera store and try out several cameras first as well. | ||
John Preston |
P.S. To anyone reading this board who hasn't used a digital camera, it's the closest thing I've ever felt to being wealthy. Still can't get over being able to shoot anything and everything, every which way with impunity. Then toss out everything crummy and just print the winners. And with the bundled software you can do as much or more than your average developing lab. A years worth of film and processing will buy you most any camera out there, and you'll STILL take more pictures than usual. It's a blast! | ||
John Preston |
Good point Sid, I usually use the Auto or Program settings most of the time too.Beyond that I use the White Balance to get accurate color records of my work and I like having a variety of Resolution settings: RAW for "slides" and smaller settings for e-mailing or reference shots. I did see the DCS F707, it looked good too, but like the Nikon 995 the unusual configuration lost out to my fuddy-duddy preference for something that feels like my old film camera. Actually, I think most of the high end, lotsa Megapixel cameras are going to take good exposures. You just have to decide which features fit your needs. It still all boils down to a good lens in front of a sensitive recording device in front of a sensitive operator. | ||
Sid |
I have the Nikon Coolpix 990, the earlier version of the 995 and I love it. It is complicated to use if you want to take advantage of all features, but, remember, most of these cameras have a more or less "automatic" option that you can use easily right from the start while you are learning the more complicated bells and whistles. Actually, I still use the simple option most often!! Sid | ||
carol |
Feather, I know exactly how you feel! The more I look the more my brain sizzles! Yes I did check that site out and enjoyed it. I think that the sony does a good job with low light and it has a good zoom. I guess it boils down to what you are going to use it for the most. I don't like to pay extra for things I don't use, such as voice, movie etc. | ||
feather |
Carol: Someone on this board told me about http:\www.steves-digicam.com Have you checked out this camera review site? My brain has gone into overload reading all the camera reviews! | ||
feather |
Carol: Girl, you are getting me into trouble...now you've got me dreaming about a new more powerful camera!!!! I checked out Cannon Power Shot G2 on "epinions" and just fell in love with the specs! I WANT IT TOO NOW THANKS TO YOU! The Sony DSC-F707 also caught my eye big time, did you read much about this camera? What did you think about it? (John, do you know anything about this camera?) Have either of you searched the web for cameras just on the horizon of being introduced? | ||
John Preston |
Carol, Those are the same 2 cameras I narrowed down to, eventually choosing the Canon G2 because it had a more familiar feel than the Nikon 995's unique design. Both take excellent pictures, you wouldn't go wrong with either. The G2 was easy to use right away and I'm learning the additional features as I go. Kukana is right, you just have to plow through your manual to get it all. The G2 seems to go for quite awhile on it's battery, which can be recharged in the camera. | ||
carol |
Feather... so far i'm leaning towards the Nikon coolpix 995. The other is the Cannon power shot G2. I like the 4 mega pixel of the Cannon, and the compactness ( is that a word?) But may be a little more $ then I want to spend. Then there is the Sony cyber shot.I have a call out to the instructor I took a mini course from in digital photography to try and pick his brain. Someone once said to get as many mega pix as you can afford. I'm not a professional phographer by any means. I want good resolution and it has to be user friendly. Will use it for photographing my artwork, macro stuff, layers and snapshots. Back to the reviews. | ||
feather |
Carol: I think that the US dollar is stronger than the Canadian dollar so you get more bang for the buck. I checked the currency value of the two just now, and it said that one US dollar is worth 1.49 Canadian dollars. I have a friend that drove to Canada to do all of her christmas shopping, and said the drive was well worth it with all the money she saved. John's information is very eye opening and a bit frightening however! Which two cameras have you narrowed your choices down to, and what do you like about these camera? I'm excited for you! | ||
John Preston |
Carol, Be sure the Canadian cameras aren't "grey market", that is, sold in the U.S. but made overseas. Same camera but cheaper than one made here. The drawback is that your manuals may not be in English and your warranty is honored in the country of manufacture, or by the vendor you bought it from. Those repair people may or may not be as good as a factory repair person. | ||
carol |
Feather... That site is great. I had it narrowed down to 2 cameras. Now I want one of all of them. Have you heard the drawbacks on buying a camera from Canada? They want less for the same ones, but I remember reading somewhere that there's a problem. | ||
carol |
Hey thanks Feather.... will do. | ||
feather |
Carol: If you're shopping for a digital camera phttp://www.epinions.com/elec-Photo-Cameras-All has great information comparing digital cameras. If this link doesn't let you in then go to epionion.com and you'll have to sign in as a memeber.... It's a consumer driven consumer reports type web page that's completely free. I love this web site, and use epinions.com to review all sorts of products before I buy. | ||
Kukana |
I still love it. If there is anything I don't like about it it would be that it is a big bulkier than most cameras but it has the ability to do more stuff to and accept more attatchments, etc. I also felt that the learning curve was a bit steep but that comes with anything that is not a "simple point and shoot" Yes..I would but it al over again! Tip: I literally crawled into bed every night with my instruction book and camera and went through the book page by page until I got it. You have to disipline yourself to learn it line upon line. I feel very comfortable with it now and LOVE it. | ||
Carol |
Kukana... Do you still like the nikon coolpix 995 as much as you did when you first got it? I'm trying to upgrade mine to more megapix. Need it for larger paintings, out in the field, and macro images. It's hard to pick out one. The price is coming down on the nikon. Anything you don't like about it? | ||
Kukana |
Like I said bfore, the learning curve is steep. Bob has been my test subject. I haven't fiqued out th editing yet.  | ||
Birdpainter |
Kukana--How's the digital photography coming?? We should have at least seen one of your paintings photographed with the new camera and dumped into your computer by now! | ||
Kukana |
Thanks Birdpainter. I'll check out Amazon. The big show is coming up this next weekend. the 3,4 and 5th. I'm pretty well ready but of course there will always be the last minute stuff. Pricing is my big dilema. I want to price low enough to sell a lot. I want to recoupe some cash. On the other hand if I price to low, its been my experience that it doesn't sell well either. Decisions...decisions! | ||
Birdpainter |
Kukana- Yes, to get full use of the camera will require some study. I have used a 35mm camera, with full controls, for many years and I still haven't grasped all the aspects of the Nikon digicam! However, unless they have changed the design from my model to yours, you have two positions on the "on" switch-- A and B. For now, just put it on "A" and snap away. I find that I get good pics nearly always in that automatic position. You can learn "B", which allows you to tinker with exposures etc, as you go along. Just learn the most basic controls--setting photo size and quality, viewing and erasing images, adjusting the auto focus (closeup, distant, normal) and you can produce amazing photos. Try Amazon.com and search for books under Nikon Coolpix. I think I saw some fancier instructional books there. Hope you and Carrie had great luck at the show this weekend--big sales and lots of rave reviews!! Sid | ||
Birdpainter |
Robin-- Don't know for sure if your version of Photo Deluxe is the same as mine, but here's what I do. To get a smaller image look at the very top of the screen. There should be a line of choices including: File, Edit, Select, Tools, Orientation, Size, Quality, Effects, etc. Click on "Size" and you will have the chance to manipulate your image size. Also, you have an option in the upper left corner of the first screen you get--under a list beginning with "Get Photo", there should be a "Send" option which takes you to "To Internet" Click that and then choose "eMail". There you can trim, resize, and reduce image for eMail purposes, which will work on this board. Hope your program is close enough to mine for these instructions to work. I am using iMac, but I think that shouldn't matter. Sid | ||
RMoore |
Hey, Kukana and everyone - I've figured out how to use my digital camera and have all the computer stuff installed; what I can't figure out is how to reduce the size of the image to something less than the size of the state of Texas before converting it to a jpeg format. I'm sending the images from the flashcard to AdobeHomePhotoDeluxe 3.0, where I'm getting bogged down. I have to print out a custom size of the image, and then go back and scan THAT, reducing it on the scanner,and then send it back to Adobe to convert it to jpeg, which is too many steps! I think if I really study the help files I can maybe figure it out, but if someone could tell me in plain English how to do this, I would be eternally thankful. - Ain't technology grand - Robin | ||
Kukana |
Well Bird Painter, My camera arrived yesterday. Im so excited. I went to bed early with my instruction manual and I've come to the conclusion that the learning curve is going to be rather steep. After fussing with it most of the night, I got to page 56 (out of 176) and only got the battery in and the memory card in. I knew I was getting an elite model but didn't realize there would be so many fun bells and whistles. Its going to take a while to learn them all. Got any ideas on good books on using a digital camera? Ineed to learn all the terms of the photography industry too. Im seriously considering taking a class. | ||
Kukana |
No, But I just checked my tracking # and UPS online said I should get it no later than the 27th Im sure I'll be contacting you for help though!!! | ||
Birdpainter |
Kukana: Have you received your digital camera yet?? Sid | ||
Kukana |
I ordered my camera. I got such a good deal on it I went ahead and orders some toys to go with it. I got 2 extra lenses, a filter, extra battery, and a 128MB high speed memory card too. the whole package came to a little over $1100. (Good thing I've got those two commisions done to pay it off.) I ended up findng a good deal through www.pricegrabbers.com | ||
Birdpainter |
Kukana--Sounds like you have it all worked out. You asked earlier if the Nikon is to complicated to use. It is only as complicated as you choose to make it. It will work as a simple point and shoot camera or as you learn you can make adjustments with the various controls as you wish--like a good 35mm camera. Check amazon.com and www.adoramacamera.com for prices. They are good companies in my experience. Be careful of the "lowest price" outfits. Some may be suspect. Sid | ||
Kukana |
Actually no, I did not buy on and no it did not confuse me. I have decided on the Nikon Coolpix 995. One model newer than yours. (The new 2002 model, i guess. 990 is discontinued) Anyway I looked around on the webb befor going out shopping and took several printouts with me. I tried to get someone to match the web price bu no one would. Im going to try to order it from one of the online companies on Monday. The price difference was over $250 just on the camera plus I want to buy another memory card and that was a lot cheaper at the Costco Site. Your reccommendation, plus my homework on the net really confirmed to me that you are right about your choice. I approached my search from the stand point that you nailed it and the Nikon was the best choice. Then I said, Ok, beat this! Nothing could!!! I am excited to order Monday. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction. You really took the confusion out. ISn't the web great! | ||
Birdpainter |
Kukana: Did you invest in a digital camera or did shopping for one confuse you even more when you saw all the various models??? Sid | ||
Kukana |
Thanks Sid, Im going out shopping today. Ill let you know what I get | ||
Birdpainter |
Kukana: I know, the Nikon 990 looks a little wierd with its two part articulated design. No, I don't really find it bulky. Certainly not when compared to full sized 35mm cameras. I bought a small bag that you can wear on a belt and the camera, spare batteries, and extra memory card fits just right. I encourage you to by good rechargable batteries and a charger. Mine are NIMH (Nickel Metal Hydride, or something like that?). They last much, much longer than regular AA batteries (which you can use in an emergency.) Sid | ||
piper |
Thanks Birdpainter. | ||
Kukana |
Hey Birdpainter, Thanks for the info. Sorry if it caused a rush of Email for you. You need to ask Nikon for commissions, eh?? Anyway, I looked it up in the different websites and it does look good. My only concern would be that it does look a little bulky and chunky. Is it? Is it bulky to pack around on outings, etc? And does it take a brain surgeon to operate it? | ||
Birdpainter |
Ok, ok, I give up. No more emails!! Here are the websites dealing with and reviewing digital cameras: www.pcphotoreview.com www6.activebuyersguide.com www.steves-digicams.com www.zdnet.com www.megapixel.net www.dcresources.com I bought my Nikon Coolpix 990 from Amazon.com and paid much less than usually listed prices. I paid $843 although many catalogs listed it for closer to $900. Adorama Camera in NYC is another good source. I have bought things from them for years and always been satisfied. (www.adoramacamera.com) You can also check prices at many dealers on: http://computers.cnet.com. Sid | ||
Kukana |
Thanks Birdpainter, Ive just e-mailed you! I'm hoping to get one for $750 to $1000.Tops! But I want a good one! Can't wait to see your websites. | ||
Birdpainter |
Kukana I recently purchased a Nikon Coolpix 990, a 3 megapixel camera that will make unbelievable prints! It's a bit more expensive than many of the models available, but all the tons of reviews I studied for weeks rated it as one of the best. I use it to collect reference material and to photogaph my artwork for use in brochures, etc. I am 100% satisfied with it. I have bookmarks for half a dozen or so websites that review digital cameras. If you want them email me and I'll send them to you. Sid | ||
Kukana |
With technology changing even as I type, has anyone bought a new digital Camera in the last couple ofmonths that they think is the Cats Meow? I want one. As I read through the posts of this past year on this section I realize that technology moves so swiftly that there is a whole new ball game going on from two or three months ago. Any ideas? | ||
Geeky2 |
Hi Carol and everyone: Some of the ways I use my Sony Mavica digital camera with art/art study are: 1. I can go out, take reference photos for an idea, go home and stick the diskette into the computer, and I've got my reference photo on the screen, or to print out. 2.You can then sketch/use opaque projector to enlarge/or arrange several photos on screen in a photo editing program. 3.Also, if you have old photo references in regular print form (before digital)you can take a digital photo of the photo (or you can scan). the computer screen makes a very realistic reference to draw or paint from. 4. While the digital camera is not as accurate as scanning, it is easier to carry a digital camera around, even for family photos when visiting. I sometimes use close-up lens on a 35mm SLR for family photos, also. 5. Swapping information with boards online or friends, like step by step instructions, etc. is very handy. Scanners or digital cameras come in handy for this. I'm sure there are more skilled photo editors out there, but this is mostly what I do. | ||
geeky2 |
Hi, Another important way a digital camera/or a scanner can help you with your artwork, is to take pictures of your paintings to check values. You can check values on your work in progress, or you can look at the values of your reference photo. | ||
Geeky2 |
I meant to say ...to check values during painting, you can snap a photo, and check it out in black and white or greyscale in the camera, or on the computer. (Unfortunately, it hasn't helped me enough!!) Values are really a weak point with me-although I can tell you about values, it is hard for me to get them correct in the painting. | ||
drollere |
i had problems with value structure, too, and resolved them this way: sketch in the large areas of mid values first, then put in the darkest values. the simple rule is, YOU CAN'T PAINT DARKS TOO DARK. usually, watercolorists are timid about darks, thinking they risk making mud, and the darker valued colors (reds, blues) usually dry lighter anyway. between timidity and value shift, the darks end up not dark enough. so paint the darks really dark -- just don't fuss with them, and you won't get mud. once you have solid darks in place, with the mid values in to reduce the amount of whiteness on the page, you can usually nail the rest of the values without much uncertainty. that said ... i've also used a digital camera for all the purposes you describe. it's a great tool. however, nothing beats drawing from life, and painting without cameras of any kind. | ||
Kukana |
Drollere, I agree with your "You can't paint darks too dark" theory. Nothing pops a boring painting more than adding those deep darks! Ive never approached it from beginning with the mid values like you suggested. I'll try it tommorrow. Also your comment on drawing and painting from life is better. I agree from the point of view of the color tones and really creating movement in work but my drawing skills are definatly second to my painting skills. If anyone else feels that way they may find it more benefical as I have to work from a 2 dimension photo to get line and perspective in. It sure takes a lot of the headache out for me. | ||
cullart |
About painting from photographs. Just remember if you're going to use a photo to paint from that photo's flatten out perspective. What I mean by this is that you usually don't see or feel the space correctly between the objects, foreground and background in a photo, as you would when you paint or sketch from life. Don | ||
campsart |
On the subject of painting from life, I find myself intimidated by the idea of having people sit for me. Unfortunately, I am not a full time artist. I really enjoy doing portraiture or figurative work more than anything else. I've always relied upon photos as reference material so I can work at my own pace. I would probably need to have a subject perform at least 20-30 sittings before I could hope to complete a work. Is that many unusual? Working from life has to be where it's at but I couldn't imagine what it would be like having to meet with someone that many times. | ||
william rogers |
on the subject of digital cameras , I have found great use in recording artwork on disc , then using a program (I use corel photo paint) I crop and fine tune the images . I also compress them as jpegs of low quality for email (faster) and higher quality for printing . I've used these files to print on Christmas cards , business cards and catalogue sheets. Bill | ||
ponycolor |
I also have a Sony Mavica digital camera and at this stage, formulating several ideas for future works using Adobe Photoshop 5.5 on my Mac PowerBook 3G.. believe me, different ideas can spring from this source! Though I got this program in demand for my major in Graphic Design, I quickly found out how it can also serve my 'hands on' art as well. For anyone curious about this, its well worth your while to chec | ||
tinker |
Does anyone own the Sony Mavica CD1000? I am waiting for them to put out a 3 or 4 megabyte version, but would like to know if any artist has had difficulties with the current model. It seems like the answer to my prayers except for the low resolution. | ||
ed'zzz muze |
Tinker... We've used the heck out of our Mavica MVC-FD7. I guess it'zz a relic now :) You're right about the low resolution. Someday I'll want to replace it with newer = better technology... But for now it works good enough for eBay listings! | ||
scraley |
I checked in here because I'm thinking about going digital. I see Sony Mavica mentioned quite a few times. Is this the best one? Which brand/model do you recommend? (I would like to use it to put my paintings on the web, archive them, and possibly to take on-location shots to later paint from. Also, the idea to view your paintings-in-progress in black/white and greytones is a great one!) What resolution should I be looking for? I'm really not knowledgeable on these cameras at all. Thanks! | ||
apiper |
In checking out cameras,I found that sites like gateway computers have a comparison listing for most of the computer products. Also tells what each function does so you can determine which best serves your needs. | ||
carol |
another good web site to compare prices and has reviews from experts down to beginners on every camera made, is www.pcphotoreview.com i just bought a kodak, it has 3 resolution settings (as do many), black and white and sepia tones, but i'm new at all this tech stuff. the reason i bought that one was, a friend showed me how easy his was to work. | ||
scraley |
Thanks for the information, carol and apiper. I will check out these web sites. |
