mossgate Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I'm trying to determine what compact mirrorless camera to buy. One thing I have not been able to photograph successfully with my trusty Panasonic point and shoot is the gorgeous mosaic work in some large cathedrals in Italy. My decision on a purchase centers on which camera/lense combo I need to get great shots of ceilings of great old cathedral artwork. I will probably still need a tripod, too.

Anyone out there been successful with work inside large churches or similar environments?

Here's what I get with my humble Panasonic.

lalezo Loc: Gainesville, FL

This is an impressive image. Can you provide details? Was it hand-held? Exposure?

Remember the camera is just an instrument ... the image is made a photographer.

Lloyd

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I have a friend who mostly shoots with the Panasonic GX1 now. He does documentary work and has shot for National Geographic in the past. I'll be seeing him this week and will ask for recommendations. I've been considering a mirrorless myself. Nice shot.

rhyde Loc: Little Rock, AR

Hey Goofie, you've been talking about this a long time. When are you finally going to pull the trigger? :-)

myts10 Loc: SE Ohio

I had the same problem with my Panasonic TS-10. Went with a G3 and am now using different lenses. I have the 25mm f1.4 prime. It provides great images in low light but is too narrow for most group shots indoors. Perhaps it is wide enough for your cathedral ceiling.

Dewar Loc: Summer in MN & Winter in FL

[quote=mossgate]I'm trying to determine what compact mirrorless camera to buy. One thing I have not been able to photograph successfully with my trusty Panasonic point and shoot is the gorgeous mosaic work in some large cathedrals in Italy. My decision on a purchase centers on which camera/lense combo I need to get great shots of ceilings of great old cathedral artwork. I will probably still need a tripod, too.

Anyone out there been successful with work inside large churches or similar environments?

I just returned from Italy and shot numerous church interiors with great results. I use a Sony a580 with a 16080 Zeiss but that is not the reason for the good shots. The bundled Sony software (Image Data Converter) has a feature called D Range Optimiser that lets you retroactively alter the shadow/highlight qualities of a RAW picture. In dimly lit situations, it is invaluable.

Chapel altar

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I have until next summer, so I'm not in a hurry.


:lol:

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

My first, and the most obvious question is: when you say "not successful" what exactly do you mean? After all..I do see a picture posted so it's doing something.

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

Since you have until this summer I would wait until after the first of the year. The new Fuji X Pro 2 will be out and should incorporate all of the improvements of the X-E2. I want an optical view finder so I am waiting for this camera as a backup to my DSLR kits. One of the local camera store employees shoots with the E-X2 and loves the 12mm f2.8 and the 35mm f1.4. Both fast and should work well in the lighting in the cathedrals.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

That's part of why I'm sittin' on the fence. That and I need a few more free-lance jobs to pay for something I really want. (and airfare to Europe)
I've also heard rumors of a full frame Fuji X200, Sony RX-1 competition.

mossgate Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Lloyd,

I took this image with my Panasonic DMC-ZS19 point and shoot.
It was hand held. Don't know what the settings actually were because I had it in intelligent auto so the camera decided everything. The image was taken in a church in Trastever just across the Tiber river from the Rome city border.

My Panasonic does a pretty good job of making "well lit" exposures but the trade-off is that it may be cranking up the ISO to the point that it makes for a very grainy/fuzzy image if you look at the detail up close. I am just realizing that and that is why I'm looking to upgrade to a camera/lens system that will give me cleaner, sharper images so that the megapixel size really means something. As bewildering as megapixel size, ISO, shutter speed, aperture opening, etc. can be at times when one starts wanting to print these images or pick out parts of scenes to enlarge, all this stuff starts to become important. I've not been paying that much attention because up to now I've just been looking at my photos on my computer and not wanting to actually publish them into a book. Now that I've been working on a book of images of Italy, I can see how poorly shot a lot of my photos are.

I am about to make a new post with more photos illustrating the issue that I am wanting to resolve using more photos of the church in Trastevere.

Mossgate

mossgate Loc: Phoenix, AZ

GoofyNewfie,

Someone who does documentary work and work for the National Geographic sounds like someone who does my style of photography....although I just do it for my own pleasure.

If you could get more info from your friend I would welcome it. I am not looking to use a full size camera, however, which might be the case for the person you know. I like to stay as inconspicuous as possible when out photographing in public places thus my interest in compact mirrorless cameras.

mossgate Loc: Phoenix, AZ

rPavich,

The use of the word "success" would mean different things to different people. It all depends on one's goals and how much one expects from the results of their work. Some people ... like myself... are just driven to "improve" and change over time. Now we could get into what is meant by "improve." "Success", "improvement".... well, it is in the eye...heart and soul... of the beholder.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

So...I'm still wondering...what won't your current camera do that you need it to do exactly?

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

One of the reasons be likes the smaller camera is that he doesn't look conspicuous. People react differently if you have a bigger camera. He should be in town soon.