I am approaching that time again when upgrading of hardware becomes a question. I always look to find the weak part of my workflow, and upgrade it, so that I can put out the best pictures possible. I am set for computer and software. My printer is a good one (though with current resolutions, might consider a bigger one in the future if I step up pixel count on the cameras - currently 13X19, might want to go up 2 print sizes in the future).
That leaves the cameras, and I think that outside of me, they are currently my limiting factor. I use 2 cameras. I have a canon powershot SD1100 IS and a canon Digital Rebel XTi. The powershot carries around nicely, and I normally have it with me (as well as used it for vacations like Ocean City and Disney). The Rebel is used for tougher pictures. I use it for my pictures of Quinn playing sports (long lens, no delay etc) and for some portraits (the shorter focus distance blurs the background nicely (bocah)). Also have more filters etc do get some more interesting outputs.
For upgrading the powershot, I would go to the SX210IS (coming out any day now). The biggest reason it upgrade the powershot is for some more zoom. The old one had a 3X zoom, the new one (which is one of the advanced cameras, but still fairly small) has a 14X zoom. I sort of got a nice picture of Quinn getting his pinewood derby car setup on the track that would have been improved greatly with a little more zoom. The other major advances are in pixel count (14 vs 8) and sensor (Digic 4 vs Digic 3). 8 is not a bad pixel count, but 14 will blow up much better (and allow some sizable cropping though the zoom should make that less required). However the Digic 4 will get me better darker performance (seems that is always an issue). Though they both have the same ISO settings, the Digic 4 has an ISO boost which should get better performance in low light. Finally there is the intangible. The SX210 has a smarter auto system than the SD1100. This might really help me. It also has a complete manual mode (which the SD1100 does not). As I like to think in manual terms, I do not suspect I will get caught up as much in this (for example, to get reasonable group pictures in strange lighting on the SD1100, I have to use my own settings, however since there is no manual mode, I have to trick the camera – recently during a group shot at church, the trick was on me as I missed one – should not have this problem with the new camera).
For upgrading the rebel, I would jump out of the rebel class, and move up to the 7D. This is still not a full frame sensor, but I am not ready for that, as I still have some nice lenss (especially the ultra wide) that only work on the smaller sensor. Again there are multiple reasons to upgrade the rebel. The primary ones would include increase in pixel count (from 10 to 18) and faster frames per sec (from about 3 to 8 – really make sure you get the right moment for those sports shots). This includes the same sensor upgrade as above (Digic 3 to a Digic 4), so those performance enhancements would be the same for this camera (biggest for me is the low light sensitivity). There is also an improved auto focus and metering system on the 7D which should make those respond quicker (faster auto-focus will be good, the metering system really is not as important to me in a digital (I can take some test shots before I start shooting to setup the exposure).
Both cameras will give me full HD video (though I do not do a lot with video). The current powershot does do some video, but the rebel does none.
So here is the problem. As money is an issue (it always is), upgrading both at the same time is not fiscally sound practice (or possible). In the end, either upgrade will help out some with my pictures overall. If I upgrade the Rebel, I will improve my “special” pictures. Basically, out of the 4 cameras I listed (the ones I own and the ones I am considering) the 7D will get me the best pictures (multiple lens options, highest pixel count (for enlargements), ability to really control the flash (multiple flashes etc). However, upgrading the powershot, will upgrade more of my pictures (about 90% of my pictures are taken with the powershot (might even be a little higher)). I find that I do not like to take the Rebel out all the time (so for bowling or just going out, I have the powershot). I also do not like to carry the Rebel on vacation (it is a pain in parks like Disney and even on the beach – were the littler camera can be protected and carried much easier).
Note, if I do upgrade the powershot first, it will nag at me to eventually upgrade the Rebel. Something would just bother me about having the smaller/cheaper camera have the higher pixel count (and other improvements) over my better/more flexible camera. However, that could be further down the road (and in the mean time the 90% use the powershot sees would be improved).
Adding to the confusion is the fact that I want to try some infrared photography (both outdoors scenes and some portraits). The best way to do this is to upgrade the Rebel, then spend the ~$300 to have the current one converted to Infrared. This would give very good pictures (however, the cost continues to spiral up). I have tested the current powershot, and it seems it would give reasonable results with just a filter (exposure times would be a little longer, but it should work). I suspect the SX210 would work similarly (I do not think that Canon upgraded the IR filter in the camera, but I could be wrong). For very little money, I can setup the powershot to do IR photography (and see what I think of it).
In addition to this, Denise got me a telescope last year. I do not get much chance to use it (I am in the woods with limited sky available). However, I did take some nice pictures of the moon. It seems the best way to take these pictures is to use the rebel with a mount for the camera. However (and this seems like a good idea, though my research has shown that it is of a lower quality), afocal pictures from the powershot through the lens would seem to work well (my moon pictures were me holding the camera up to the lens, a mount would have to be better). Either way I go, I will have something to try here.
So in the end, the answer is -------- upgrade the powershot. I still have the Rebel which is a fine camera, and can use it for the sport shots and where lighting is an issue (so I can control the flash a bit more). However, the new powershot seems to just get me more. As I use this most of the time, I will see the biggest overall improvement in my pictures. Also carrying around a camera that does high quality video might be fun (note current powershot does do lower resolution video, but the biggest complaint is that the optical zoom does not work while shooting video – which the SX210 overcomes (so the bowling movies should come out a bit better).
Also this choice will be a bit cheaper, and let me play at some of my other interests. I will be able to get a passable IR setup (that if I like, in the future, I can go the whole way). Additionally, I can start some astronomy photos. If I understand the limitations, I can see if I like it and move forward with that. In the end, there were just too many pictures I have taken with the powershot that I would have really liked to frame differently (zoom) or improved the low light. I tend to get decent results with the Rebel. Also as a side, I have taken so many pictures with the powershot, I feel that I have gotten my moneys worth out of it already. This is not the case for the Rebel (which cost more, but taken fewer (though better) pictures.
So what is your opinion on this choice.
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I think it is good to have one camera so you always have it all.
ReplyDeleteWell......First both of your cameras are not that old. Although you have some good reasons for upgrading teh smaller camera and you carry it aroun d much more, last time that was up graded you had to go out and up grade the Reble becasue you said it was not right a smaller camera out did it. I also think you have given your small camera a work out it is only on family events and things like that nothing artisitc. I feel you should take some time to focus on the cameras and taking the picturs and the feel of them both. See what you want to doa dn teh direction you are headed. If your main focus is family photos and just capturing the moment then the small camera is the way to go. BUT...... If your aim is to go artistic and to fall into the hobby and really use it then you want to upgrade the best one.
ReplyDeleteMohonk Mountain offers a great time to test them out and I would be more than happy to hlpe out. (a large blaten hint here!!!!)
Bottom line is you know what you are using it for most and what your needs are. You have to go with that. Reason is if you buy the more expensive one in the long run it woudl ahve been the better price becasue it will be what you are focused ona nd using. If you are truly going to enter the hobby then go for it ut if you are going to back shelf the hobby and just dabble then keep with the low end.
I know it is not much help but it really is once you make up your mind on direction for you.
I have the SD1200 which is in between the small one you have and the small one you may want. I think it's great for lots of uses, but it doesn't get the wonderfully crisp pictures that you and my friends get with digital slrs.
ReplyDeleteSo I'd like something bigger and better than the powershot, but not hard to use or requiring a second carry-on bag. If one of us can find this middle of the road solution it may be good for both of us to get.
I find it interesting you do not get crisp pictures with the SD1200. My SD1100 gives me great pictures. The only issues I have with it are the ability to capture the image I need (I will admit that I have to fool the camera automations sometimes, and that might be the problem you are having).
ReplyDeleteThough I would like to think there is a single soluttion, I do not think there is. Anything I can carry every day will be limited for flash types and capability (which I find important - maybe I should post some portraits of Denise which show how important a bounce flash can be).
I should be getting my camera soon, and will post some impressions.