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You may get more value out of a better lens instead of a new body

Massimo

That's an encouraging review. I'm in the process of looking for a replacement for my Panasonic (poor low light results) and this could be just the ticket. I had been tending towards a Nikon since the tilt screen is perfect for high level shots, but this Canon addresses that. A little pricey, but tempting.

The EOS 550D will give you the same low light performances, since they share the same sensor; cheaper, but without tilt screen. It will be good at ISO 1600 (see my pictures from Saumur). Nikon's cameras on the same budget should be more or less equivalent. Try to go to a shop where you can try and handle both, ergonomics may be a factor to consider.

Next step for low light shots would be to get an f/2.8 standard zoom. Then add a good ultra-wide lens. Be ready to spend more on lenses than the camera body. The good news is that bodies get outdated pretty soon, lenses don't.

Massimo

That sounds like I'll need to make a serious investment, but it's good advice.

If you get a reflex, either Canon or Nikon, it doesn't make that much sense to stick with the kit lens. What's the point of getting a camera with interchangeable lenses if you stick with only one all the time?

Kit lenses can do the job outdoor for AFVs, but fail indoor and on low light.

You can spread the investment, get the body first and the lenses later on. The kit lens will help you getting familiar with the system.

Again, good lenses can last well for over a decade, camera bodies don't.

I don't know what's available on the UK market, but second-hand lenses and refurbished bodies are an option.

Massimo

Hi all,

Regarding camera upgrades -

Another option to explore is to look into renting the camera outfit you are thinking of buying and testing it out under the conditions in which you'll be shooting.
In the US we have rented through lensrentals.com. I imagine there must be something like it for you fellas 'across the pond'.

This past summer we rented a 7-14mm ultra-wide for Mrs VB to try on her M4/3 Panasonic as well as the Olympus E-30 (to stay with a 4/3 system). Tested the lens out at a few AFV museums and an airshow. Learned a lot and it was money well spent (not much money, actually).

Worth looking into.....

Cheers!

I don't know about about the UK, but in Switzerland and Italy opportunities to rent equipment are very hard to find. As far as I know, only some large store in big cities do that

I go to one airshow a year, even less, renting a long lens for the weekend would be perfect for me, but there is no way I can do that in my area.

Other than that I agree it's a great way to try new equipment too.

Massimo

- vagabond

This past summer we rented a 7-14mm ultra-wide for Mrs VB to try on her M4/3 Panasonic as well as the Olympus E-30 (to stay with a 4/3 system). Tested the lens out at a few AFV museums and an airshow. Learned a lot and it was money well spent (not much money, actually).

Talking about 4/3 and M4/3, my feeling is that from a pure technical point of view could be a good alternative to Canon/Nikon, but are that much cheaper? Looks like good lenses are expensive, no matter the system/brand you use. Based on your experience, do you think M4/3, as a system, could be a cost-effective alternative?

Myself, I am already invested in Canon, I have large hands and like big camera's ergonomics, but I wonder if it would be worth for Trevor to look outside Canon/Nikon.

Massimo

For those not familiar with 4/3 and M4/3 cameras:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...rds_system

Massimo

Massimo,

While good glass for any system can be expensive, the M4/3 lenses are less expensive than their Nikon/Canon counterparts - for the most part. Mrs VB's Panasonic set-up cost us about 50% of what we paid for my Canon set-up.

The M 4/3 system was designed to be lighter and smaller than conventional DSLRs (not necessarily cheaper). The Panasonic EVF is without peer. It offers continuous live-view and therefore allows one to see the actual effects of exposure/white balance/ etc settings BEFORE one takes the shot. It makes it a lot easier to get the photo you want as the changes to settings are clearly visible.

Pany's have had articulated LCD screens for over 5 years - making it MUCH easier to do JoeD style overhead shots. Mrs VB can actually SEE what she's shooting vs me sticking the monopod up in the air and hoping! LOL!

The sensor is smaller and therefore gives a deeper depth of field - although one can achieve bokeh effects as well.

Pany's GH2 (and it's predecessor GH1) are amazing for video. Full HD and continuous auto-focus (which neither Canon nor Nikon DSLRS are currently capable of).

We have been very happy with Mrs VB's Panasonic G-1 and plan on upgrading to the GH2 in the near future.

The only area where I feel my Canon 50D does something better then the Pany G-1 is action photography such as aircraft in flight. My burst rate is faster and my 100-400 lens is killer good. Although Pany has just come out with their 100-300 which with the 2x crop will give Mrs VB a reach of 35mm equivalent 200-600mm. We plan on renting one for airshows. I'll let you know our thoughts. It weighs 1/3rd of what my Canon 100-400 weighs and costs about 2/3rds less.

Cheers!

Thanks for the feeback, very valuable info.

As for the deeper depth of field, for AFV spotting it's not a negative thing.
How about low-light erformances on the M4/3?

Have you seen the new monster Canon is working on? That would be nice to have for an airshow:
www.dpreview.com/news/...0400mm.asp

Unfortunately it's going to be big, heavy, and freaking expensive...

Massimo

- vagabond

Pany's GH2 (and it's predecessor GH1) are amazing for video. Full HD and continuous auto-focus (which neither Canon nor Nikon DSLRS are currently capable of).

That's a benefit of being mirroless. I am not into video, not yet at least, but I see mirroless cameras are getting traction and continuous auto-focus is a factor here. Sooner or later we will see some mirroless from Canon and Nikon too, Sony already launched the NEX and getting good sales. The EVFs will get better and better as well.

- vagabond

The only area where I feel my Canon 50D does something better then the Pany G-1 is action photography such as aircraft in flight. My burst rate is faster and my 100-400 lens is killer good.

I guess fast auto-focus play a role here too. For typical AFV spotting it doesn't matter, but I shot some hockey from time to time, and one airshow once in a while, AF makes a huge difference in both scenarios.

BTW This guy on Flickr has some of the most impressive AFV pictures you can see online. He uses Olympus 4/3 (not M4/3, just plain 4/3):
www.flickr.com/photos/megashorts/

Massimo

Hi all,

We've been frequenting a very good photography site:

www.kenrockwell.com/

We have learned a lot from him - particularly about light and lighting - but much, much more as well.

Worth a look!
Happy shooting!

- Massimo_Foti

BTW This guy on Flickr has some of the most impressive AFV pictures you can see online. He uses Olympus 4/3 (not M4/3, just plain 4/3):
www.flickr.com/photos/megashorts/

He started using M4/3 lately, an Olympus Pen E-P1.

Today I was looking into EXIF data on his pictures and I realized he indeed used a tripod in Bovington. Read the comments here:
www.flickr.com/photos/...972179614/

Massimo

Massimo

Thanks for posting to megashorts' flickr account and finding out about his use of the tripod at Bovington. There is definitely something to be said for preparing ahead of time and also for visiting museums during quieter times of year.

We visited the National Museum of Naval Aviation once in January and due to Mrs VB's outgoing nature, I ended up sitting in the cockpit of a P40B and a Pearl Harbor/Battle of Midway veteran SBD. Too cool!
All a result of being friendly and interested during a slower time for the museum staff.

If I get a chance to get to Bovington, I'll make sure I email ahead of time and get permission to use a tripod (or two!). Wouldn't want to miss the chance on the ONE opportunity I'd have to shoot in that location.