Checkers Anyone?

Tracy McKibben Jul 19, 2012

  1. Tracy McKibben

    Tracy McKibben TrainBoard Member

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    [​IMG]

    I'm test-driving a new camera, my first DSLR. The photo above, and the one below, were taken with the new camera.

    [​IMG]

    Why do I need, OK, want, a new camera? What's wrong with the old one? Well, there's nothing "wrong" with the old one, it takes great photos. In spite of that, it's not a DSLR, and the intent all along was to use it as a learning tool before investing in something more expensive. I caught a lucky break when a good friend of mine, who is also upgrading his equipment, offered to sell me his DSLR at a can't-say-no price.


    I still haven't answered the question as to "why" I want a better camera. That's a deep question, or more precisely, a depth question. Without getting into f-stops and other photography jargon, I'll just ask you to look at this photo:

    [​IMG]

    The image on the left is from the old camera, the one on the right from the new camera. In both photos, the boxcar and the tracks are in focus. Moving back to the two guys on the platform, they're a little out of focus in the left image, but still sharp in the right image. Moving further back to the background trees, they're completely out of focus in the left image, but nicely focused in the right image. This is called "depth of field", and my old camera has a very limited depth of field. Unfortunately, taking good model photos requires a good depth of field, thus the desire for a better camera.
     
  2. Virginian Railway

    Virginian Railway TrainBoard Member

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    Your photos look great, keep em' coming!
     
  3. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Interesting to see how the colors on that left side photo seem slightly washed out. The right side view, for lack of better words, has a richer tone.

    Now, tell those two guys to put away the checkers and get back to pounding nails in that building!
     
  4. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

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    Tracy, I'm curious as to which DSLR you purchased. I am still using my old 6 MP Nikon D50 and I still love it. You will not regret buying the DSLR when you go out fanning to shoot the real stuff. No shutter delay, tremendous depth of field, as your comparison shot shows.
    :question:
     
  5. Tracy McKibben

    Tracy McKibben TrainBoard Member

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    Fitz - the camera I'm buying is the Olympus E-620. These shots were taken using the stock lens.
     
  6. Seated Viper

    Seated Viper TrainBoard Member

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    No, no, no!

    That will waken the dog, and that's bound to upset him: "let sleeping dogs . . . " and all that!

    Regards,

    Pete Davies
     
  7. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hmmm. I knew we had dogs for a reason. If I took one to work, then I couldn't make any noise. Perfect scenario for........ Ha ha.
     
  8. Tracy McKibben

    Tracy McKibben TrainBoard Member

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    Agreed, best to wait until the dog is glued down...
     

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