Getting Old - what to do?
Nov 27, 2012 17:52:00 #
Over the years have had several Nikon film cameras and lens', some prime. When digital came along kept the film cameras (nice looking paper weights) and used the lens' for the digital body. Of course, none had VR. Well, time passed and found it much harder to take good pictures because of camera shake. I always use ISO200 which often meant low shutter speed. I finally bit the bullit and traded my FF lens' for DX that had VR. Yep, took a beating. Anyway, because old age is starting to settle in and have early stage of Parkinsons I now find it even more difficult to use my DSLR, even with a VR lens. So, am thinking about getting rid of all my Nikon equipment including 2 600 flashes and buying the Canon SX50. Will keep the film camers for nostalgia sake. I know that I could buy a new body that would take good pictures at higher ISO settings but they are about twice the cost of the SX50. Would like to hear what others, if any, have done to deal with such a problem. Also would like any suggestions others might have.
Nov 27, 2012 18:02:17 #
what about olympus omd e5. I believe it has 5 axis image stabilization. you would be able to change lenses, it received excellent reviews.
Nov 27, 2012 18:16:04 #
If your shake is getting that bad, no point and shoot or bridge camera will eliminate the situation as their VR systems are almost always less capable than even basic DSLR equipment, hence the higher prices on DSLRs.
I might suggest looking at a gyro stabilization device such as used in videography (Steadycam is one brand). They are not cheap, but the only way I am aware of to get the degree of stabilization you appear to require. And you can put any brand or type of camera on them and achieve the same results.
I might suggest looking at a gyro stabilization device such as used in videography (Steadycam is one brand). They are not cheap, but the only way I am aware of to get the degree of stabilization you appear to require. And you can put any brand or type of camera on them and achieve the same results.
Nov 27, 2012 18:17:14 #
charles brown wrote:
Over the years have had several Nikon film cameras... (show quote)
100% YES to the Canon SX50 IS. I've had three successive Canon SX series cameras -- my latest being the SX40 IS that I'm using now. I've previewed the SX50 up close and personal, and like all the newer features, including RAW, the 50x zoom, the more powerful image stabilization, and especially that it has a setting for taking 8x10s without needing to turn the camera 90 degrees sideways. A new SX50 IS is on my Christmas list to myself. Gizzy
SX40 IS, zoomed in from 150 feet away
Nov 27, 2012 18:34:03 #
Nov 27, 2012 20:25:06 #
Nov 27, 2012 20:53:39 #
Nov 27, 2012 22:43:39 #
gizzy.whicker wrote:
100% YES to the Canon SX50 IS. I've previewed the SX50 up close and personal, and like all the newer features, including...the more powerful image stabilization.... A new SX50 IS is on my Christmas list to myself. Gizzy
I'd give one a try before selling all the old stuff. IMHO, anything that would stabilize images out to 50x would do a darn good job.
BTW, does the IS hold up all the way out to the far end of digital zoom? That's one test I always make, and I do it handheld in the freezing cold while having bad hypoglycemia.
Nov 28, 2012 00:05:36 #
treehugger
Loc: Eastern Idaho Highlands
I find that a bit of Scotch levels the shakes quite a bit. Of course, with a bit more Scotch, I don't seem to care that much.
Nov 28, 2012 00:21:47 #
I think the first thing to try is a monopod.
Check this one out.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5478-REG/Manfrotto_679B_679B_3216_3_Section.html
Check this one out.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5478-REG/Manfrotto_679B_679B_3216_3_Section.html
Nov 28, 2012 02:59:49 #
charles brown wrote:
Over the years have had several Nikon film cameras... (show quote)
Charles, my heart goes out to any avid photographer whom thinks they need to downgrade their craft because of age. I guess as i get older the reality is even more real.
Charles, there is no shame in kicking the ASA(ISO) to 400. That would double your speed. Heck I prefer ISO 100 but do use 3200 when I have to.
Do try a monopod, but I personally dislike them. I have a small alloy travel tripod (Gitzo 126, paid $125 used)and I often use it as a monopod with the legs spread about 6", makes for a very stable monopod, with a ball head that's set so I can move it to any position very easily but still adds great stability. I think it would eliminate all your shake. I have never used one but they do make monopods with three little legs in the lower six inches or so. Always thought that would be great. Use a creative solution that works for you and keep your gear a few more years. Good luck
Nov 28, 2012 03:54:17 #
so many ways to skin that cat.you say you only shoot at 200 iso,with todays cameras you could go higher.i'm 74 and use any trick i can.i ride a scooter, and use a monopod with good results.i also use a tripod at times.i too have a bunch of old lenses that i use on my most modren cameras.why? because i can.i shoot between 1/400 and 1/1000 sec as much as possible.i also range from 100-800 iso.just reread your thread,with parkensons ,a tripod,auto focus,is,and a dslr seem a way to go.
Nov 28, 2012 05:24:36 #
breck
Loc: Derbyshire UK
A monopod is the answer, cheap even lightweight carbon ones easy to carry and you can use them where tripods are banned
Nov 28, 2012 05:40:35 #
Nov 28, 2012 05:42:03 #
As far as I know, many shops allow a try-time for customers decide keeping or not the camera. In your case I should try the SX50 for a week or so. This picture was taken with a SX50, maximum zoom, 1/160 sec, f 6.5, handheld. Photographer (senior) standing on uneven ground.
http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/3224/img0082hh.jpg
http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/3224/img0082hh.jpg
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