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Deep6

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Posts posted by Deep6

  2. Posted

    Unfortunately – it seems like my requirements defining exercise is nothing more than a cobbling together of camera specs from various sites on the internet. Not all that useful since I don’t know which functions will / won’t be accessible underwater – and frankly, the more I learn the less I seem to know. I guess that is a good thing.

     

    Based on Don’s message (and comment for Bart and Bob) I read, with great enthusiasm, Robin Wong’s “First Impressions” of the OM-D-EM5. http://robinwong.blogspot.com/p/olympus-e-5-review.html

     

    WOW, you’re not kidding. the new Olympus OM-D E-M5 looks like the ultimate answer for my underwater "requirements". I’m thrilled with the ultra fast auto focus, the EVF, the “5-axis” Body Image stabilization (I certainly need that), the great dynamic range, the weather sealing and the beefy yet small camera (beefy meaning solid vs cheapo plastic). Robin was quite excited about “for the first time in history, the effect of the in body image stabilization can be fully seen through the electronic viewfinder”. Although I’m not exactly sure what that all means – I’m sure it is a good thing!!!

     

    A couple questions:

     

    Which manufactures will have housings?

    When will the housings really be out?

    I booked an easy 2 week liveaboard in June specifically to test out my new (yet to be defined) camera set up. I had planned on going exotic (Raja) – but decided it would be smarter to book an easy trip to test out the new system before going half way around the world with it. If the housing is going to come out later than my trip – I need Plan B. Hummm :P

    Which lenses? Which lenses for UW macro and wide angle? I will probably only ever get the 2 lenses – although I may add on diopters and other gizmos.

    Which strobes? I have IKE DS-125 now – (which I love) but it’s probably larger than the camera – which defeats the whole purpose.

    Video / Focus Lights: I think the camera comes with a targeting light – is that good enough or do I also need one of those fancy sola focus lights? (I may do video – but stills are my primary interest).

    LED lights for still and video??? I read Sue and Jack Drafahl’s tutorial – how do you feel about using LED lights for both still and video (they tested Light & Motion 1200 Sola lights) http://www.underwaterphototutorials.com/freetutorials.html Might that be the better way to go since I’m starting from scratch?

     

    ANy help or guidance would be appreciated. I'm researching this into the ground and about to go blind :-)

     

    I think you will be out of luck trying to get anything other than an Olympus housing by this June. Try quizzing some of the other housing manufactors. The Em-5 D may be available in the USA later this month (4/2012). Take a look at the Inon 2000 & 240 stobes. For wide angle lens 7, 7.5, 9 mm or some zoom beginning at that length. Add a 45 mm for macro. Hopefully faster 7-14 mm or wider zooms in the future.

    Bob

  3. Posted · Edited by Deep6

    That's my kind of bet Bob. We'll find a bar in between Broomfield and Denver! :)

     

    I think there's a good chance it's a DX too, but I think Nikon would be better served going to FX in that price point to compete with Canon.

     

    JP

    OK John, we're on. I never turn down an opt. for a Fat Tire. :lol: If the gnomes of Sendi amazed us with the D7000 & D800, what could be in store for a D400 (or model whatever)?

     

    Bob

  4. Posted

    Much more so than a month ago, I am now thinking the D400 (or whatever it's called) will be a 24mp FX camera. It makes much more sense from a marketing point of view to start "stepping DX users" into FX at a lower price point than the D800 and the D7100 would be top dog DX when it comes out. A $1900-2100 FX at 24mp would be a perfect starter price point. The D7000 has been so successful, it's still difficult to find a year and a half after release.

     

    The D700 could step into the slot as entry level FX, but it's pretty old technology as good as it is and Nikon usually doesn't reach back 3-4 years to anchor a pricepoint. When it sells out, it will be gone.

     

    If Nikon Rumors is right, we should know what Nikon has on it's mind in the next month or so.

    I would bet a Fat Tire on Nikon replacing the D300(?) series with an DX. There is price point room between the D7000 and the FXs. D400 maybe the model.

    Bob

  5. Posted

    Now I am very excited, finally, by the new oly omd em5 camera, just coming out. It has 2 dials for adjusting SS and fstop, and the latest M43 sensor, and very very good auto focus, built in evf, M mode with auto ISO, and adjustable slowest shutter speed in A mode, with flash.

     

    Oly is making a housing for this camera, which they never did for the other high end PENs, such as the ep1,2,or3. Which makes it more affordable than buying a fancy alu housing.

     

    The camera is just coming to stores in the USA now, and the oly housing won't be ready until june. We don't have any real reviews out yet, but it sure looks like the killer cam for me! I've been hoping to get an EVIL camera for a long time, and tried a few, and this one is finally going to do enough that I want.

     

    Good luck

    Good post Don. I am also watching the the blurbs on the Oly em-5 D. Good VF, fast AF (120/240 Hz), tiltable LCD, 1/250 flash sync, many lenses choices with open system for 3rd party, ...

     

    OBTW Holloways, we tend to post MLILs in the DSLR section. You may get more eye balls in that section.

     

    Bob

  6. Posted

    Focal length is not just about field of view but also minimum working distance which tends to be a bit less than then twice the focal length. Going to smaller sensors requires shorter focal length to get the same field of view but it sucks for macro because you will have to start pressing the port against your subject to get a life-size image. Of course, you can elect to not shoot life-size and still get good macro due to the small sensor but I personally think the 60mm is pretty sweet and I could even be tempted later into the rumored 150mm lens for shy critters.

     

    Bart

    Good observation Bart. Consider this: if the macro lens is 1:1 (not life size or some bogus reference), then 1 to 1 is it the ration of the magnification to the diagonal. FX (3:2 aspect) 43 mm, DX (3:2 aspect) 30 mm, and m4/3 (4:3 aspect) 22.5 mm. Soooh, with the smaller m4/3 cameras we don't have to get as close for "life size". You are spot on about the short working distance with respect to illumination and squashing nudis.

     

    Bob

  9. Posted

    sure which one, there seems to be several, old and new, auto focus,non auto focus. We will be using this underwater and what a macro lens. We have a 10-17 Tokina fisheye and what to add to the collection.

    I have the older Nikkor 60 & 105 mm macro lenses. I use the 60 or Sigma 17-70 macro on night dives. I prefer the 105 for day time if the vis. permits. I use a Nexus multi-port that allows shifting the lens between AF & MF. Both of the Nikkor macros work with the older Kenko 1.4X Pro 300 TC.

     

    (Old) Bob

  10. Posted

    As being reported by Alex, we tested both housings in Cebu during mid/late Feb. And here's the galleries:

     

    NA-NEX7 for Sony Nex-7

     

    and

     

    NA-GX1 for Panasonic GX-1

     

    I hope you enjoy watching them!

     

    Edward

    Yes indeed! Thank you. I have been waiting to see your work. I see you went for "super macro" with the NEX - 30mm + wet diopter, so I can't really compare to the GX1 - 45mm. the venerable Nikonos 15 holds up well, but the 7-14 seems more versatile and sharper. What is you opinion?

     

    I think Oly will release a 60mm macro soon; this could be interesting. I hope to check out some Nauticam setups later this summer.

    Bob

  11. Posted

    In essence, they can get 80% of the market with a housing cheaper than anyone else.

    Dave's comment is still valid. Gone are the days that I will penetrate 40 meters. I just bought a new BC; no need for double tanks, mixed gas, etc. There are plenty of manufacturers who make housing rated for 60, 100, … I’ll base my housing purchase on ergonomics and functionality.

     

    OBTW, every dive should be a deco. dive; ascent rate & safety stop. :swimmingfish:

    Bob

  12. Posted

    Ah ok, like Bob says. it's legally required to have a VIP/Inspection to be filled. I don't know about 2nd hand sales requiring an inspection, though. I think that person is just trying to press another $50 off you to do the test before sale. If you've never had it tested, may as well do it. I know I won't buy an uninspected tank. Or you can just use that hyperlink! :swimmingfish: (ABSOLUTELY KIDDING!!!)

    Cor, please bear in mind that I am referring to my experience in the USA. I maintained my tanks. So the transaction is "as is" in which the buyer assumes all responsibility or contingent upon sucessful [whatever].

    Bob

  13. Posted

    Cost and liability.

     

    Most divers don't take cameras below 130. That is Olympuses target consumer.

     

     

    Cheaper to make a camera with a shallower depth rating.

     

    The guys going deeper are much fewer in number and much more likely to spend money on higher end housings.

     

    In essence, they can get 80% of the market with a housing cheaper than anyone else.

    Yes siree, the old cost benefit balance.

    Bob

  14. Posted

    hold the horses. nex7 has issues, with even moderate wide angle. Some are claiming e-mount is too small diameter, to allow good WA lenses.

     

    http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat...8043&page=1

     

    http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/sony/34781-n...oblem-cz85.html

     

    http://www.bmupix.com/journal/2012/1/7/nex...t-35mm-f20.html

    So, those are issues with non e-mount lenses with an adaptor, not the e-mounts. Without going into a lot re-researching, this is not an unsual. Not all of the lens design will work with mirrorless (short rear element to sensor distance) cameras.

    Bob

  15. Posted

    Hey all, im planning on selling a tank because I dont use it much, and someone local (USA) told me I cant legally sell it without a valid visual. It's got a valid hydro, but no visual sticker. Is this true? Seems kind of fishy to me. The prospective buyer knows it needs a visual and has no problems with it, but im just curious now.

    I am in the US. I have no idea what works elsewhere. I have had no problem selling my used tanks. To be refilled, the tanks must had vaild inspection & hydo. This would fall to the buyer, unless you have a condition on the sell.

    Bob

  19. Posted

    Hi all,

     

    I will (most likely) buy a NEX-7, but the available lenses are of no interest to me for underwater use.

    I'm getting a bit desperate, as I'm leaving on a (very) long journey of photo and diving soonish.

     

    Looking at the Nauticam port chart (http://www.nauticam.com/images/product/pdf_143_1.pdf), there are some Nikonos to Nex adapter.

     

    I've no experience in Nikonos, but would that be a viable option?

    How does Nikonos lenses work, the aperture and focus knobs are directly on the lens IIUC, which is waterproof without a port? (forgive my ignorance, I was not in the water during the Nikonos era :(.

    Would they be alright for an APC-S sensor?

     

    Any input on the combination NEX 7 with Nikonos glass most appreciated!

     

    cheers,

    Christian

    Don't remember the Nikonos era? You young puppy :( Here's a link to a thread about that subject Nikonos with NEX

     

    Snoop around here on WP and you will find topics of interest. I am interested in the NEX-7. I am no expert, but here's my opinon. I have the Nikonos 15mm which will be not wide enough for the APS-C NEX. All of the Nikonos lens are MF and manual f-stop. There is a 16 mm (~24 mm 35FF) with a fish eye attachment and an 18-55 zoom Sony lenses. For macro, I would use the 60 and 105 Nikon lenses I have with an adaptor (they will be MF). Looking at Sony's lens road map only a wide angle zoom maybe of interest released in 2012. Sigma and Tokina may release some lens for the e-mount, but what is not know. And, who knows what the next NEX-9 will be?

     

    So, jump in if you must and by all means ENJOY!

    Bob

  20. Posted

    I have two Canon A-1 bodies in very good condition with an assortment of Canon lenses, a Canon power winder, two non Canon flash units and an assortment of filters. I haven't used any of these items in quite sometime and I don't plan to in the foreseeable future. Any recommendations on how I can sell/dispose of these items? E-mail me if you would like a list of what I have. Thanks!

     

    Bob

    I have had very good results selling my F3, F4, and other film camera gear on e-bay.

    Bob

  21. Posted

    While Canon, Nikon and Olympus/Panasonic M43 all have the more compelling lens range at this time it appears that many new NEX lenses will be coming sooner rather than later.

     

    Phil Rudin

    I have not had the good fortune to test drive the NEX-5 or NEX-7. While not ready to abandon the Nikon system, the NEX-7 and Sony A- mount cameras have many of the features I want. I use the older 105 macro mostly in MF, so using and adapter with the NEX peaking for MF should be no big deal.

    Phil,

    I think the NEX-7 (maybe the NEX-5) EFV has a 23 mm eye relief. Does this permit full view in housing with a mask?

     

    Bob

  22. Posted

    for the price of the nex7, you can get a nikon d7000, which will kill it, when it comes to autofocus.

     

    The nex7 has too many pixels. What is the point of 24 mpix? Just means you have to store and process all those huge files. And the nex5n has better SNR and DR, which had to be sacrificed to get that many pixels on same size sensor for the nex7.

     

    But the nex7 is a much more useable camera. I just wish they had put the 5n sensor in the nex7 body at a lower price.

    Well at first blush I would agree with you. Check out MR's comparison. I think 12-16 Mp is plenty for a ASP-C size sensor. 16 or 24 really will not make a difference to me.

    Bob

    NR Nex-5 vs Nex-7

  23. Posted

    Hi Joerg,

     

    The LA-EA1 is already being used with the Sony A-mount 50mm and 100mm macro in the Acquapazza housing for the NEX-5.

     

    They have designed ports that use the Inon magnetic focus gear and focus ring system to move focus.

     

    http://www.acquapazza.jp/en/product/apso-nex5/index.html

     

    Phil Rudin

    Oooh, you get colors!

    Phil, Thanks for the link. Certainly do-able. Appears to be AF only.

    Bob

  24. Posted

    Phil,

     

    I fully agree - a longer macro lens (~ 60mm) is what I am waiting for before I buy a NEX7. What I really cannot understand: Tamron and Sigma presented e-mount lenses: A 18-200mm from Tamron, which competes with the 18-200mm from Sony, and a 30mm macro from Sigma, which competes with the 30mm macro from Sony... PLAIN STUPID!!!!

     

    Joerg

    I am wondering if the Sony LA-EA2 A-mount to E-mount adapter (78..5 x 86.5 x 44 mm) will fit in any of the housings/ports. Sony makes a 50mm and 100mm macro lens(1:1). Likely no way to get a focus gear over the adapter, so unless a control is added to the port its AF only.

    Bob

  25. Posted

    Hey Bob,

     

    Had another look at KR and quoting below:

     

    "Close Focus

     

    0.53 feet (6.4 inches, 0.163 meters or 163 millimeters) from the image plane (the back of the camera).

     

    Working Distance

     

    While the close-focus distance is 6.4 inches from the image plane, the lens obviously pokes ahead of the camera.

     

    Worse, the front extends as you focus more closely, leaving only 1.3 inches (3.5cm) between the lens and your subject at 1:1!

     

    This is why this 40mm lens is a horrible idea for serious macro work — it gets in its own way!"

     

    Sounds like a very nice lens for portraits...

    Thanks John,

    That makes it clear.

    Bob

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