Does digital improve your images?

[larryvt]

I own two Canon bodies,as EOS-1 and a 1V. I'm considering selling the EOS-1 and buying a Canon digital camera. (Canon because I have all Canon "L" lenses)

Does anyone have any thoughts as to wether Canon will introduce a new model replacing the D-30 in the spring of 2002.

My first thoughts with digital is that it will impove my photography. Allowing me to view the images in the field and make composition adjustments on the spot. Is this practical with the D-30? Does the display on the camera back provide a clear enough image for this purpose? Does it display full frame?
Thanks for any input Larry...

[Dick]

>>My first thoughts with digital is that it will impove my photography. Allowing me to view the images in the field and make composition adjustments on the spot.

I know that digital has improved my photography. The ability to examine shots immediately and with a histograpm of the exposure definitely lets you know whether the shots have been blown or not.

I find that the camera back thumbnails are not good enough to really tell me what I've got but I usually can usually examine the shots on a computer within a fairly short time. It is then I really learn about my photographs. This is a much shorter time then with conventionally developing.

I also find that since the shots are "free" I experiment a lot more and take a lot more shots of the same thing in different ways.

[Pekka]

Hi Dick,

For how D30 LCD works, please see http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canond30/page8.asp
The histogram and LCD view are enough for determining exposure and composing quality, but sharpness can not be seen well.

For me digital cameras have been a "brainstorm". They make learning curve go up in no time, provided that you can use and apply the information. A year ago I did not imaginen getting into photography this deep. I made a full gallery in one year and got some nice assignments, too - that would never had happened with film and without instand feedback and info digital gave me. I needed no books, I needed only the D30 and time, and common sense.

About new models:
My view based on all I've read and felt is that Canon will announce some new Digital SLR (amateur model), perhaps two, in spring, but they are not selling in before summer. The big pro announcement (multimegapixel CMOS model) will come in autumn and will be a very expensive 8 megapixel full frame camera, available early 2003.

Let's see how good a soothesayer I am :)

In any case I can't afford any new bodies in few months, and my lens collection still lacks 28-70 f/2.8L and 100mm macro among others. Meanwhile I'm having good time with D30 and it still has more capabilities than I have.

Pekka

[soumya63]

Does anyone have any thoughts as to wether Canon will introduce a new model replacing the D-30 in the spring of 2002.

That was my primary concern and I delayed my purchase quite a bit. The truth is 3 mega pixel resolution is more than enough for the 8.5x11 print capacity of my Canon S800.

Well, even for conventional camera, how many 8.5X11 inch prints we can take everyday? But with a Digital Camera, you can very well afford it.

At least for me D30 is good enough. I do not see any pressing need for any higher resolution. If I ever upgrade to 1D, it will be primarily due to better Auto focus, higher continuous shooting capability and lower focal length multiplication factor. Moreover, I feel D30 is too slow in CMOS sensitivity. Above 200 ISO, it is too noisy and with 1.6 focal length multiplier, you really need high shutter speed to keep camera shake minimized. So one bit of advice from me, if you buy D30, go for fastest possible lens as permitted by your pocket. You will need it while shooting at low available light. Some of my favorite choice is 24m f2.8, 50mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8, 100mm f2.8 macro, 300mm f4

In nutshell D30 is tremendous value for money. Now selling below 2000 at some mail order company. Go for it, you would not repent selling your conventional bodies.


My first thoughts with digital is that it will impove my photography. Allowing me to view the images in the field and make composition adjustments on the spot. Is this practical with the D-30? Does the display on the camera back provide a clear enough image for this purpose? Does it display full frame?


You are absolutely right. All shots are kind of expense free, no more purchase of film, processing and waiting. You can do any number of experimentation, auto exposure bracketing without feeling the pinch on you pocket.

You can see 4 different views of the shot in the LCD,

1) Full information display, which shows a small display of the photograph with histogram and Zebra line. Histogram shows the exposure spectrum over the darkest to brightest region. Zebra line indicates the overexposed region of the picture.

2) Full LCD screen view of the image

3) Zoomed in view of the screen

4) Thumbnail view of pictures recorded.

LCD screen is helpful to verify the composition and exposure of your shot, but it is no good to verify the sharpness or focus accuracy. But in normal camera, we can not even verify the accuracy of exposure also.

In your case, you have a collection of Canon lens, which will cut down your initial investment. You may probably have to add an ultra wide or Ultra wide zoom in your collection, and a 50mm f1.8 incase you do not have it. I am sure you will be very happy with D30 result.