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Category: Digital Cameras

Photography Question 

liz read
 

Query Digital EVF = NOT so great?


Clarification please! Dave Cross answered another related query ... and the summation seemed to be that if the SLR had an EVF then its quality would never be as good as a digital SLR using standard mirror/prism etc., even if that camera had lesser MP. So, ultimately, if the rule is "want great pix, avoid all cameras with EVF", then what SLR models do you recommend falling into, say, the $1500 range?


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June 01, 2004

 

Dave Cross
  Hi Liz. First, please remember that these are my personal opinions. Others may disagree, your mileage may vary. ... You are basically correct in your assertions. EVFs are a pet hate of mine, being a sort of half-way-house between point-n-shoot compacts and "real" DSLRs. NOBODY has yet come up with a sensible advantage of the EVF over the mirror-pentaprism system other than cost of manufacture (open to suggestions here). The only place that an EVF belongs is on a VIDEO camera (and here a black and white CRT display not a colour LCD).

Cut to the chase ... in your price band:

Canon Digtal Rebel (EOS 300D in Europe). Nikon D70. With both of these, you should have a little budget left for a decent lens. Canon EOS 10D (maybe just a little over budget). You many also be able to pick up a used EOS D60 (the camera I use) for a song, a very capable machine (same sensor as the Rebel/10D just slightly older electronics).

You need to go and play with the equipment at you local outlet, buy the camera that FEELS right in your hands (assuming that you don't already have lenses you want to use). I could spout on for hours here ... but there are bound to be others wanting to put their points. Let us know what you decide. Above all ENJOY your camera. Cheers.


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June 01, 2004

 

Dave Cross
  There's a lively discussion on this thread:-

http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=9757


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June 01, 2004

 

liz read
  Dave - mucho gracias. I bought far too early and thoughtlessly into the digital game (S602Z) and now live in a constant state of snarl! It's an EVF ... it claims it has this ability to turn 3.2 into 6 MP. I never really understood that, or how a camera issued at 3.2 could "claim" 6 mp! I call it Fuji Fudge. It was surely easy to "select" the higher mode ... and feel good. However, was it worth a bean???

And, since I'm stuck with the "Fudge" ... how can I maximise on what it at least MIGHT have? 3.2 or 6 MP? Whatever application, from portraits to scenery. Financially, I have to live with this camera for a while ... and I feel cheated by its promises.


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June 01, 2004

 

liz read
  Dave: Merci for your answers. Hey, personal is usually RIGHT!
I have gotten so snarly with this camera...it's got all kinds of cute stuff I would NOW demand on a new camera, such as ability to add off camera push button...and porthole to add off camera flash.
Nice features!
SUCH a shame this camera is a wreck waiting to happen to anyone with good intentions.
It's a family camera...which was sold at an excessive price...and as a photographic "unit"...DUH!


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June 01, 2004

 

Peter K. Burian
  Yeah, I really do not care for an EVF either. The affordable SLR's with optical finders are the Nikon D70 and Canon Digital Rebel at around $1000, plus lens. Cheers!


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June 01, 2004

 

liz read
  Now that the UGLY "EVF" has been revealed.

WHY is not a major item with many major reviewers?

The first time I "found" this concept was two days ago.

And actually have some optimism re it being my future choice.

I do know, I LOATHE my EVF.

But there are items some GREAT $1500-2000 cameras, for whatever silly reason, seem to overlook.

* screw on shutter bulb for REALLY still shots
* hot shoe ... or wired connection to first off camera flash

And those silly bits are important.

Comments???


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June 01, 2004

 

Tyler B. Sutcliffe
  There are some great camera's that are half way between a DSLR and a point and shoot, DEPENDING on your desired usage. I purchases a Sony DSC f-828. Its 8 meg pix, and does a great job for what I need. Others may have different preferences.


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June 08, 2004

 
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