Do I need more camera?

[alan-crotty]

Hi John,

Any chance of sending me the raw file?

By the way, just got a new Canon 1D3, unlike the first two that I owned last year, and returned for refund, this one focuses properly. The iamage quality is fantastic, I thought my 1D2 was good, but this 100% better.

Alan

[Wizzo]

Originally Posted by alan-crotty

Hi John,

By the way, just got a new Canon 1D3, unlike the first two that I owned last year, and returned for refund, this one focuses properly. The iamage quality is fantastic, I thought my 1D2 was good, but this 100% better.

Alan

I am sooooooooooooo jealous

[alan-crotty]

Steve,

Whilst having a top notch camera is helpful, it's the way you point it that counts!

I have plenty of snaps on this site taken on my old 10D.

Alan

[Wizzo]

Originally Posted by alan-crotty

Whilst having a top notch camera is helpful, it's the way you point it that counts!

Alan

- Indeed

I've seen such a difference in image quality moving from my Fuji S9500 to a Canon 40D, especially when the light isn't very good. Noise is rarely an issue anymore, even if I crop right in - I took pictures of some Buzzards last weekend using the 24-105 lense at full zoom in poor light. Cropped right in, enlarging the crop to full size and still had useable pics. The Fuji couldn't have done that even with its 300mm equivalent zoom.

[John West]

After examining the raw files carefully, my conclusion is the lack of sharpness is focus related, not lack of pixels. The Nikon 18-200 VR lens is a great lens, but it is notorious for lens creep. The photographer's position for that picture is somewhat precarious, and I may have been more preoccupied with not falling off the hill than with paying attention to focus.

But I too am envious of Alan's new toy.

[a231pacific]

John,

Here's one way to fix the lens creep. Attach your camera to a borrowed tripod. Start to climb up the steps into the "Cedar Rapids" and then watch in horror as your camera detaches itself from the tripod and then bounces down each step, landing on the ballast. Pick up the camera. Notice that the lens cap is still attached but the front element of the lens seems to be slightly skewed. Give it a sharp smack from the front and listen to it "pop" into place. Turn the zoom ring and notice that it is now satisfyingly stiff. Notice that neither the lens nor the camera have a mark on them. Turn various dials and push various buttons to determine that all is well. Screw the camera back onto the tripod. Proceed and take night shots!

Michael Allen

[JRMDC]

Originally Posted by a231pacific

Notice that neither the lens nor the camera have a mark on them.

Note to self: avoid buying used equipment from Michael!

[Switched out]

Originally Posted by John West

But I too am envious of Alan's new toy.

There's one way to fix that John, buy that D300 you have been eying off

Cheers

Christine.

P.S. Also suffering from Alan's new camera syndrome

[John West]

Originally Posted by Switched out

There's one way to fix that John, buy that D300 you have been eying off

Yeah, but after seeings Alan's comparison of the results from his 1D2 and a D300, I will still envy his 1D2. Canon obviously makes better sensors. But being trapped by Nikon, the D300 will just have to do. Sigh.

At least now I know how to solve the lens creep problem on the 18-200 lens.

[alan-crotty]

John,

Don't forget the elastic band friction clutch I mentioned to you.

Alan

[a231pacific]

Much cheaper than dropping the lens!

But keep in mind, for what Alan spent for his body you can buy a D300 and a couple of really nice Nikon lenses and probably still have airfare left to the next steam charter!

Michael Allen

[John West]

The elastic band approach appeals to me. I tried the other approach with my 70-200 on Jingpeng with the help of some ice and was not impressed with the results. But thanks to all for the help!