lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Seems we all on the UHH like to argue for our favorite or the brand or model camera. Before doing so everyone should take a look at the DxOMARK ratings. You would be shocked and many upset, and a few elated or pleasantly surprised. I don't want to start any heated discussion right here, but do take a look before posting anything too strong in the future with out an objective base.

Of course I realize that the camera sensor and processor is not the only reason for buying a specific camera model. Features, handling, weight, shape, even esthetics matter. And even brand loyalty for many of us. But do know there are objective measures. Peace to everyone.

8-) :wink: :-) :thumbup:

Bobbee

actually, it would be wise to search out reviews by several different sources. You cannot rely on one because of natural bias in writing styles and thinking.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

DxO is one of many excellent labs across the country and throughout the word. But I do not trust their word alone; the do make mistakes and omit some data. Placing you complete trust in them would be tantamount to basing your next automobile purchase on the recommendations of Car & Driver magazine.

Bob Grove

[quote=lamiaceae]Seems we all on the UHH like to argue for our favorite or the brand or model camera. Before doing so everyone should take a look at the DxOMARK ratings.

Then take a look at "Why do Canon cameras fare so poorly on the DxOMark camera sensor ratings?

http://www.quora.com/Why-do-Canon-cameras-fare-so-poorly-on-the-DxOMark-camera-sensor-ratings

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

My own feeling is that, if any of us in interested enough in a particular camera, then that interest has been generated by something other than its DxO rating. My own preference is to look not only at the "major reviewers" upon whom we can rely for objectivity, but also the many thousands of worldwide "users" whose everyday life is spent putting kit through its paces. A little venturing off the first page of any Google review will quickly and easily take you to a new and often magical world of "users", whose opinions are, yes, opinions, but who are happy to "tell it as they see it", quirks, faults, imperfections included.

To be honest I've never purchased any of my cameras based upon its DxO score ....... and I've learned how to search, enquire and discover what I need to know without DxO ! But that's me !!

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

lamiaceae, those words of lament are indeed felt by many. One man, a member of our camera club, who I knew (past tense) frustrated by the ignorance of 50% of the USA population, who never researched any thing, offed himself... of all things using a pistol attached to his camera (brand un-named) employing the remote interferometer. Since he was shot multi-times the police, in their ignorance, ruled it a murder, and interrogated everyone in our camera club.

Two of his photos were rated as "award" two as "honorable mention." The rest were useless since his tripod was cheap and fell over as did his X-Wife when she was arrested for the murder!!

So lamiaceae, please do not despair, we all love you and also believe in researching before buying. Those who did not believe before may be converted by your comments urging them to research and think.

Bobbee is right use more than one source... one being your self... take a target subject... still life and a friend. Use your now universal SD card and take an object close and then of your friend across the store... etc. Use 100% crop to compare... 100% crop is defined by 8+ pages in a recent UHH forum! I explained it mathematically and was ignored and opinions prevailed as usual???

IMO, Key is backward thinking. That is to say... define your need first... then once need is defined work backwards toward the cameras that fit the need. What size prints, if any, none if the 52" HDTV is used to share... That may influence sensor size. Example; street photographer is best served by a small inconspicuous camera. Sports, a big lens costing more than the operation his mother needed.

Confession: My last camera was purchased spontaneously from a Newegg deal of the day thing ... I had 2 hours to decide... read two reviews... bought refurbed... roll of the dice like a lot of decisions... it turned out well. Oh, it is a small, very small super-zoom Sony HX50v. Paid $180 refurb vs $400+ regular retail. Only complaint is that is does not make phone calls.

lamiaceae, enjoy your day, and do not expect the people who flunked 8th grade science to research anything. Respect them they may be your next Republican Senator like the one who is head of the Science Committee!!

JPL

I know, basically DXOmark tells you to stop buying Canon and buy better cameras. I agree.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Who ever writes a review is giving "their opinion" only and most of these people don't even own or use the product they are reviewing...if the many, many Hogs using the Sigma 150-500mm zoom listened to the reviewers, none of us would be taking the great pics it takes...ditto for a lot of other camera gear we all use and love despite bad reviews...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I look everywhere I can before I buy, but I also use my own judgment. A reviewer or a test might show one product to be superior to another, but I might choose the "inferior" product because it excels in an area that's important to me.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

This is, in general, good advice. But don't put too much faith in DXO camera ratings because DXO DOES NOT RATE CAMERAS. DXO rates camera sensors and only on certain limited factors. Other features than a limited set of sensor criteria determine the worth of a camera.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Yep. But, this is where the details get interesting. Sarah Palin tells us one thing, Barack Obama another...

You have yourself previously demonstrated the questionable validity of online sources, Snapsort for example, and how easily they can be biased or abused..., do not make me go there again!

At the end of the day each individual needs to do their own research and select which sources they are willing to trust.

Nikon makes great gear, some think Canon does for different reasons. Sony and Leica aren't too shabby either.

You have one valid voice, but let's not take this down into that game please....

Multiple sources of information, each with strengths and weakness, and to badly paraphrase Alfred, Lord Tennyson, "Ours IS to reason why, Canons to the right of us, Nikons to the left us, ..."

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Thank you. Nice and mature reply. (I obviously did get some negative feedback.)

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

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I never said to only base ones choice on this one testing lab source. I said there are many reasons for buying a particular camera. I just would like to see some of the emotion and non-factual information less used. I'll admit I have a lot of brand loyalty. And as I've "preached" before the art of photography is in the photographer not the camera.

By-the-way, anyone have any favorite objective rating or review sources. I'm open to it and we all could learn more.

BebuLamar

Do you know that the first thing I consider about a camera is how good looking it is and secondly how well built it is.
The list is long but Dxo mark is way down the list.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

I never have either, I was just pointing out one objective source of information, there are many more. I personally don't tend to put a lot of trust either into professional reviewer that are paid or endorsed by this company or that. And random people on the web? Not unless I actually know something about what their knowledge of photography is. I tend to listen more to photographers I actually know and who can explain why this or why that. As others have pointed out, there are many reasons for buying a camera. And there are many specific uses for different cameras.