Possibly my first DSLR/Bridge Camera

[zackiedawg]

I don't have it (HDR paint) on my A580, but do on my NEX and RX10. I do know about that mode - I mainly just wanted to clarify that most current in-camera HDR modes I know of today do use multiple exposures, usually 3, sometimes 2. When 'HDR' was first becoming popular, there were a few cameras that only did a processed single exposure with some tone-mapping so it wasn't true HDR stacking, but nowadays I think most manufacturers followed Sony and Ricoh's model and offer the multistacked versions. I do personally still feel Sony has nailed the best implementation of it - they were the first to do 3 frames and make it possible to do handheld, with excellent alignment of the photos to account for movement, and added algorithms to reduce ghosting with movement...plus allowing manual control of the EV range. Others are closing in by copying many of the features and abilities of Sony's version - but they do seem to do the best overall in the stacking and aligning process, maybe just because they got there first and had more time to work it out.

 

[havoc315]

I don't have it (HDR paint) on my A580, but do on my NEX and RX10. I do know about that mode - I mainly just wanted to clarify that most current in-camera HDR modes I know of today do use multiple exposures, usually 3, sometimes 2. When 'HDR' was first becoming popular, there were a few cameras that only did a processed single exposure with some tone-mapping so it wasn't true HDR stacking, but nowadays I think most manufacturers followed Sony and Ricoh's model and offer the multistacked versions. I do personally still feel Sony has nailed the best implementation of it - they were the first to do 3 frames and make it possible to do handheld, with excellent alignment of the photos to account for movement, and added algorithms to reduce ghosting with movement...plus allowing manual control of the EV range. Others are closing in by copying many of the features and abilities of Sony's version - but they do seem to do the best overall in the stacking and aligning process, maybe just because they got there first and had more time to work it out.

You got the RX10? What do you think of it? You're the first person I "know" to have gotten it...

I'm just spit balling here, but I would think that aligning handheld HDR is more difficult in cameras with slower burst shooting, such as entry level dSLRs from most brands. Mirrorless cameras and Sony dSLTs can typically shoot bursts much faster (2-4 times faster than entry level dSLRs), which may make it easier to align the images for HDR.
Or maybe that has absolutely nothing to do with it, lol.

 

[zackiedawg]

You got the RX10? What do you think of it? You're the first person I "know" to have gotten it...

Funny story on that one - I wasn't actually 'looking' to get one, I just happened to roll by my local Sony store which was closing, and they were having sales - the sales were 50-90% off everything except cameras/lenses (as they said it, anything in boxes counted, anything under the counters was not included). I picked up some memory cards, spare batteries, LCD protectors, etc for cheap. While there, I noticed a single camera box sitting on the stool behind the counter - RX10. I asked about it, half joking, saying it was 'in a box' and not 'under the counter'...surprisingly after discussing it with some other EEs, they decided it could be included in the sale - it was literally the ONLY camera or lens sold at the sale price of 50% off. For 50% off, I couldn't pass it up!

I bought it, and within a day, I was talking with my stepfather and told him about it, and he began begging for the camera to replace his NEX3 (my old NEX3) - he travels often, and a single, fixed lens camera with a better zoom range and fast lens suited his needs well...so I technically sold it to him that next day for the price I paid - only if he agreed to let me play with it a little bit - he won't need it for his next trip until late April, so I am holding onto it a few weeks to experiment.

It's a great cam - solidly built, and the lens is truly gorgeous - super sharp and crisp wide open and down, at every focal range. Very well matched to the sensor in my opinion. I can see why the RX100 got raves - it's quite an accomplished little sensor, that 1" one...not up to the high-ISO capabilities of the APS-C, but in good light, it's excellent and still usable well beyond most P&S cameras.

One thing I really love is that it is like practice and preparation for my upcoming A6000 - it will use the same menu, and many of the same controls and features (lock-on AF, quick navi setup, all menus, etc) - by the time I get the A6000, it will already be familiar!

I put up two threads of wetlands shots with the RX10 over in the DP Review Sony Cybershot forum - feel free to take a look so I don't hijack this thread any more.

I'm just spit balling here, but I would think that aligning handheld HDR is more difficult in cameras with slower burst shooting, such as entry level dSLRs from most brands. Mirrorless cameras and Sony dSLTs can typically shoot bursts much faster (2-4 times faster than entry level dSLRs), which may make it easier to align the images for HDR.
Or maybe that has absolutely nothing to do with it, lol.

I'd venture that's part of it for sure. The fast burst helps keep the alignment differences small - though all of Sony's alignment functions in camera seem to be a step ahead of most - HDR, multiframe, and pano stitching are all done with high degree of accuracy and few errors.

 

[havoc315]

Funny story on that one - I wasn't actually 'looking' to get one, I just happened to roll by my local Sony store which was closing, and they were having sales - the sales were 50-90% off everything except cameras/lenses (as they said it, anything in boxes counted, anything under the counters was not included). I picked up some memory cards, spare batteries, LCD protectors, etc for cheap. While there, I noticed a single camera box sitting on the stool behind the counter - RX10. I asked about it, half joking, saying it was 'in a box' and not 'under the counter'...surprisingly after discussing it with some other EEs, they decided it could be included in the sale - it was literally the ONLY camera or lens sold at the sale price of 50% off. For 50% off, I couldn't pass it up!

.

At 50% off, I would have grabbed one too. Saw someone else get half off the Zeiss 24-70. I should have gone to the Sony store.

The rx100 is a great camera. While a bit pricey, an amateur can still rationalize it as better than other p&s, okay to spend a couple hundred extra for a better camera. And an enthusiast could rationalize it as a secondary camera.

But the rx10 at full price...hard to rationalize. Guess it's the best camera for someone without budget constraints, who truly doesn't want interchangeable lenses.

 

[nigelp]

You have to decide on where you want to be in say 2-3 years, not where you are now as a photographer.

Since it souunds like you are just learing, any DSLR will do. You are learning how aperture, iso, and shutter speed all affect an image.

The part to think about is how will you be in 2-3 years. As you get more confident and want to be more creative you will want to add more specific lenses. That will drive you to Nikon or Cannon. Sorry. I know there are some SONY fan boys here. But they just dont have the support for series photographers.

If you think you will want to continue to grow, buy a canon t3 or a nikon d3200 as a starter. Then you can buy new / better lenses, and not have to start over when you eventually upgrade to a nicer body like a D7100.

Go to any camera shop and you will see, the support for cannon and nikon is greatly supperior to that of SONY and PENTAX.

I don't normally take the bait from people like you but someone who repeatedly misspells Canon cannot be taken that seriously (plus numerous other spelling errors).

Perhaps you need to define what you mean by 'series (sic)' photographer as well.

So having had my camera brand for over 5 years I should have outgrown it by now?

Also the argument that once you buy into a brand, you are stuck with it, is a false one. The resale value of lens is high enough for a complete switch to another system at any time. I know many 'serious' photographers who have completely switched brands.

I could go on, but zackiedawg put it much more eloquently (and accurately)

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

You have to decide on where you want to be in say 2-3 years, not where you are now as a photographer.

Since it souunds like you are just learing, any DSLR will do. You are learning how aperture, iso, and shutter speed all affect an image.

The part to think about is how will you be in 2-3 years. As you get more confident and want to be more creative you will want to add more specific lenses. That will drive you to Nikon or Cannon. Sorry. I know there are some SONY fan boys here. But they just dont have the support for series photographers.

If you think you will want to continue to grow, buy a canon t3 or a nikon d3200 as a starter. Then you can buy new / better lenses, and not have to start over when you eventually upgrade to a nicer body like a D7100.

Go to any camera shop and you will see, the support for cannon and nikon is greatly supperior to that of SONY and PENTAX.

Wow....

LOL....

I honestly was upset by this hen I first read it. It is absolutely the worst kind of advise. Speaking of fanboy, that makes me laugh and cringe at the same time. I can tell you with all honesty what I wish my Pentax DSLR's could do that the other brands do

Sony- Has focus peaking, which looks like a fantastic perk! Lots of other stuff but I can't remember it now, they also have a few FF bodies, like the A7R which looks awesome, but I'm not going to jump to the mirrorless market yet. AFFORDABLE!

Canon, Nikon- Incredibly fast focusing, Full Frame with amazing ISO performance, faster shutter speed with strobes, fantastic glass. but Expensive for great glass.

Now what I love about my Pentax kit, its affordable for the Joe Schmo who loves to take photos, all the way to the professional level. Its not as popular, and has its disappointments. I love the customer service from their support department (except one time lol) but Zackiedawg said it best.

DSLRUser, you need to take your own fanboy advice and seriously get out of the box, Sony is catching up fast on CaNikon.... and I don't even use their sytems lol

 

[photo_chick]

Have you tried the EVFs on the A77 or the A99? Much better than the earlier dSLT models. You're not alone in your opinion. While I've personally come to like the dSLT design, it's not for everyone. I think Sony made a big mistake when they decided to completely abandon traditional dSLRs. They initially released their first dSLT alongside a traditional dSLR... The A55 and A580. They should have continued on that path, keeping at least one traditional OVF model for "traditionalists."

Instead Sony when down a path that has hurt the "A-mount." While the dSLT design has many fans, it lost some traditionalists/purists who still prefer an OVF. Yet, the dSLT design is still toooooo traditional for buyers who want the most futuristic gadgets (who have moved towards full mirrorless models) .
Thus, the dSLT has floundered a little bit in the sense that it's too traditional for many "techies," but too techie for many "traditionalists."

But at the end of the day, when comparing it to traditional dSLRs, it mostly comes down to whether you prefer an OVF or EVF. Especially for a more novice user, it's the main standout difference.

I've played with some of the newer Sony's. It's just some thing I personally don't care for. I do think both EVF and OVF have specific advantages though and it is very much a personal preference thing.