Shameless self promotion of my new camera...... [Archive]

Hammster

03-14-2007, 07:46 AM

Hammster

03-14-2007, 07:47 AM

Ham, they're beautiful. From your new front yard? How about a update picture of the whole yard.

Hey Joan, Thanks.
The gazanias (orange flowers) are from front yard. The yellow ones (glads) are from a co-worker's desk. :)
I have a new pic of the yard. I'll post it. :D

Hammster

03-14-2007, 07:50 AM

Latest pic of front yard.

http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL839/4412770/15542165/237718337.jpg

Gracie

03-14-2007, 07:53 AM

It was on a different thread. It's a Nikon D40. Got it from Cameta Camera through Amazon. I got a kit that included 2 lenses, a camera bag, card reader, 2GB memory stick, battery and charger, and other sundry items for $779 plus shipping. Brought it to just under $800. It, obviously, does great with macro photography. This weekend I'll be taking it to the mountains to take some scenery shots. I have some panorama software where I can take a series of photos and stitch them together to make one wide panorama photo. So, I'm anxious to try out the lanscape features of the camera. :D

I'm jealous of how prices come down over time. 18 months ago I bought a Canon Rebel XT for $900 with nothing other than the lens it came with. Congratulations on your great deal!

The pics are wonderful and the yard looks great.

Please please can you share your panorama software name and how you use it???

Loren

Hammster

03-14-2007, 08:01 AM

Please please can you share your panorama software name and how you use it???

Loren

Hi Gracie. I use Panorama maker by Arcsoft. Here is the link.
http://www.arcsoft.com/products/panoramamaker/
It's incredibly easy to use. The difficult part is taking the photos correctly. You have to take a series of photos, 2 minimum, and each photo must overlap the previous photo by about 25%. Plus you want to make sure you keep the camera height exactly the same for each shot. Then you transfer the pics into the software and ensure they are in the correct order. You then tell the software to make the panorama and it automatically does it. You can adjust the picture if need be. The software allows you to do horizontal and vertical panoramas as well as those 3D "walk around" type movies. Those are fun! You take a series of pictures in a complete circle and then the software stitches them all together and you save it as the movie and when you run the movie you can move left to right or right to left. It's pretty fun stuff.
Anyway, the arcsoft site has a free download of the panorama maker software so you can try it out.
Have fun!! :D

Miss_Liss

03-14-2007, 08:15 AM

Ooo lucky you, I'm jealous. I've made a note of the make and model because we'll be in the market for a new camera pretty soon. Your gorgeous pics made me smile :) Would you mind if I put the gazanias as my desktop background? I'm in the mood for a "spring-has-nearly-sprung" change :D

SheRa

03-14-2007, 08:27 AM

congrats! the pix look great. i'm soooo jealous of your macro lens - that's going to be my next purchase for my digital rebel.

cookieee

03-14-2007, 08:37 AM

Thanks Ham, the yard is coming along great. Hey! Does this mean we will be getting great pictures of your recipes that you make now?

Hammster

03-14-2007, 08:44 AM

Hammster

03-14-2007, 08:45 AM

Thanks Ham, the yard is coming along great. Hey! Does this mean we will be getting great pictures of your recipes that you make now?

Mmmm, possibly. ;) Any excuse to use the camera. :D

Hammster

03-14-2007, 08:48 AM

congrats! the pix look great. i'm soooo jealous of your macro lens - that's going to be my next purchase for my digital rebel.

Luckily I didn't have to buy a macro lens. The camera has the "closeup" (looks like a flower) setting on it and the lens that came with the camera (18 - 55 mm) is the one to use with the closeup setting. The other lens that came with the camera is a 55 - 200 mm. So I have pretty good coverage for now. :D

Gracie

03-14-2007, 09:06 AM

The difficult part is taking the photos correctly. You have to take a series of photos, 2 minimum, and each photo must overlap the previous photo by about 25%. Plus you want to make sure you keep the camera height exactly the same for each shot.

Thank you for this information.

So do you use a tripod? There's no adjustment button in the software for inadvertent height differences?

Loren

Jezebelly

03-14-2007, 09:07 AM

Beautiful! What an srtistic eye you have! TY!

I've got spring fever now. :D

Hammster

03-14-2007, 09:21 AM

Thank you for this information.

So do you use a tripod? There's no adjustment button in the software for inadvertent height differences?

Loren

You can use a tripod. I don't. There are some adjustability features in the software for inadvertent height differences. You just don't want to be, say, half a frame high or low. I don't think you could adjust for that much difference. It's really not hard to hold the camera at a consitent height as you take the pics. It's a bit harder to ensure you get about 25% overlap because you have to remember where the previous picture ended so you can be sure to get the correct amount of overlap. I've been doing this with both my film SLR (I have the pictures put on CD as well as getting prints) and my digital point and shoot. So, it really is easier than it sounds.

Here is a photo of a Zen Garden in the Japanese Garden in Portland Oregon. I took 4 shots and stitched them together with the Panorama software. This was with my digital point and shoot, so not the quality of my new Nikon, but it gives you an idea of how a stitched shot looks with the software.

http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL839/4412770/15542165/237732549.jpg

RunnerKim

03-14-2007, 11:03 AM

Beautiful. Love the vibrant colors.

I've also used Arcsoft's panorama software. Mostly to stitch together things I've scanned (12x12 scrapbook pages) but I did do a Mt. St. Helen's panorama. It wasn't a great day (not that clear) so I'm hoping to get back some other time (with my tripod) to do it. The software is really easy to use.

Kim

TKay

03-14-2007, 12:01 PM

I've never heard of the panorama softward. Great tip. I will someday shed my digital ignorance and get into using the computer for making the most of our pics. At this point, I rely on dh to set up the camera, upload the pics and figure out how to store them. I've stayed out of it, not being technically savvy enough to figure it out myself (even though I know it's supposed to be easy). But since we've recently misplaced our digital camera, we may be in
the market for a new one. At that point, I just may actually do the research and learn to use one properly.
Looks like you're more than just an amature at this, Hammster. Great photos. Glad you're enjoying your new purchase. Isn't that the best? When you get something new and are absolutely thrilled that you got it? What fun.

Hammster

03-14-2007, 12:07 PM

Looks like you're more than just an amature at this, Hammster. Great photos. Glad you're enjoying your new purchase. Isn't that the best? When you get something new and are absolutely thrilled that you got it? What fun.

Thanks TKay :o . I am so happy with it so far.
I should mention to everyone who may consider buying it that one of the changes Nikon made for this camera is that the autofocus motor for the lens is in the lens, not in the camera body. So, you have to buy special lenses for this camera if you want to use the autofocus feature. You can use older lenses that don't have the motor in the lens, but won't be able to use the autofocus feature with the older lenses. It's not a biggie to me because I'm totally starting over, but it could be for someone who might have wanted to use old lenses.

Grace

03-14-2007, 12:23 PM

I just bought myself a Kodak Easyshare V570 point and shoot and it has two lenses built in (regular and wide angle) and it has the panoramic software built intp the camera as well, so you can shoot the panaramic shot right on the spot. It takes the first shot, saves it, and then sets you up for the middle shot by covering a tiny sliver of the one side of the screen with the last shot - so when you look at the viewfinder, you can align it with the last shot before you take the next shot. It does that one more time for the last shot, and then automatically stitches them together right then and there. It's awesome. LOVE my panoramic shots! Here's one I took in January on Ft Myers Beach.

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos2523/4/5/32/26/83/5/583263205403_0_ALB.jpg

While it's a point and shoot, and not as fancy/high quality as your nice new camera, Hammster, this one is tiny (fits easily in dh's shirt pocket) and only cost $250. So for those that can't afford the $800 camera (I myself would have loved the Rebel XL!), or don't want the big, bulky camera to schlepp around on vacation (that's the real reason I went for the Kodak one), but also want panoramic capability, the Kodak is a nice 2nd choice I think.

Hammster

03-14-2007, 12:55 PM

While it's a point and shoot, and not as fancy/high quality as your nice new camera, Hammster, this one is tiny (fits easily in dh's shirt pocket) and only cost $250. So for those that can't afford the $800 camera (I myself would have loved the Rebel XL!), or don't want the big, bulky camera to schlepp around on vacation (that's the real reason I went for the Kodak one), but also want panoramic capability, the Kodak is a nice 2nd choice I think.

I couldn't agree more, Grace. I'm just tired of shlepping (to borrow your word) 2 cameras. But I still want the quality my film camera provided for macro photography and my point and shoot was just never that good at macro stuff. Those point and shoots definitely have their place and there are some great ones out there for sure. Sounds like you found the camera that works for you and that's most important.

Grace

03-14-2007, 01:00 PM

Yes, I'm loving it. Very glad I bought it. I didn't mean to steal your thunder and wouldn't have posted at all but for the people who didn't know anything about panoramic capabilities. I only pointed out my camera because you can do it without the software and a computer. But I agree that your nice camera IS nice! And I love the idea of those really high quality photos. My friend who is half Indian just went on vacation to India and took photos. They were absolutely AMAZING and the only question I kept asking was, if he was a professional photographer (he's not) and what kind of camera he used! It was a rebel LX. So I have been hankering for one ever since.

But enjoy your new toy! And I enjoy your photos. Keep sharing more if you're so inclined!!

Hammster

03-14-2007, 01:16 PM

No worries Grace. No offense taken or thunder stolen. It's always good to explore other options. We got our sons some p&s digital cameras (Canon's) that have the built in panorama feature too. It's kind of neat. Do you think you have enough control over the final product from within the camera? In case of a mistake or something happens during the shot? Does it allow you to adjust for misalignments in each shot? That's great if it does. When the shots are misaligned it can make the picture come out kind of funny looking unless it gets noticed and fixed. I recall our son's cameras actually had a built in frame that was brought into the view screen when panorama mode was selected. That really helped frame the shots accurately. Isn't digital photography fun? No wasted film and corrections on the fly and at the moment. :D

lindrusso

03-14-2007, 01:41 PM

Nice!

I'd love a digital SLR with a macro lens for my blogging, but no way I can justify that kind of money for a little old hobby!

I've managed to make do with my 5 year old p&s Canon by using its limited macro capability and putting the camera on manual. Doesn't do manual focus, though - that's what I really want...........

Hammster

03-14-2007, 02:01 PM

Nice!
I'd love a digital SLR with a macro lens for my blogging, but no way I can justify that kind of money for a little old hobby!

I was lucky in that the company I work for funded our bonus at 15% of what we earned for the last quarter. So I had enough for this camera and a nice dinner out. :D Otherwise I couldn't have justified the cost either. And...I'll recoup a little of the cost when I sell my other 2 cameras.

I can't wait to use this camera in Bryce Canyon and Zion which is where our hiking trip is this year. Bound to be beautiful with lots of photo ops.

lindrusso

03-14-2007, 02:36 PM

And...I'll recoup a little of the cost when I sell my other 2 cameras.

Now there's an idea. I do have some stuff I could hawk. Wonder if DH would mind if I sold all that china and crystal we never use......... ;) :D

Thanks for sharing the flower shots. Things are brown and grey here in PA and will be for at least another month or so - those flowers brightened my day. :)

Hammster

03-14-2007, 02:59 PM

Thanks for sharing the flower shots. Things are brown and grey here in PA and will be for at least another month or so - those flowers brightened my day. :)

Feel free to use them as your desktop wallpaper. :D I notice my coworker brought in some yellow roses with orange tinged edges. I think my camera will reappear here at work tomorrow. :D

Hammster

03-14-2007, 03:45 PM

Now there's an idea. I do have some stuff I could hawk. Wonder if DH would mind if I sold all that china and crystal we never use......... ;) :D

It took some doing to convince DW of my purchase. She asked me, "you're going to sell the old stuff, right?" So, that was my go ahead to buy it with the understanding that the old stuff will go bye bye.
One thing we've been starting to do anyway is simplify. So, Craigslist has become our friend lately. :D

Hammster

03-15-2007, 12:55 PM

A pretty yellow and orange rose from co-worker's desk and rock rose from my front yard.
Feel free to use them as your desktop wallpaper. :D

http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL839/4412770/15542165/238016595.jpg

http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL839/4412770/15542165/238016599.jpg

Gumbeaux

04-10-2007, 07:19 PM

Hammster,

I accidentally ordered a Nikon D40x and it is being delivered tomorrow.

Let me explain. This camera was for sale on Amazon and you couldn't view a price on it unless you put it in your shopping basket. Well, after I put it in my shopping basket, I forgot to remove it. A couple of days later I ordered a car charger for my cell phone and the camera was still there and I didn't notice. I clicked hurriedly and didn't catch it when I checked out. I got the confirmation email from Amazon and that's when I noticed what I had done. I went to my account to delete it and got the message that I couldn't delete it and if I wanted my money back I would have to accept the shipment and then send it back.

Well, I wanted this camera anyway so I think I'll keep it. My wife thinks I making all this up. :rolleyes:

Hammster

04-10-2007, 07:25 PM

D40x is the 10mp version, correct? What I've read so far is to get the D40 and not worry about the more megapixels. The camera is basically the same and the additional megapixels aren't worth the extra cost.
I'd suggest returning it, getting the D40 and putting the extra cost towards goodies for the D40. But if you decide to keep it I know you will enjoy it anyway. Have fun, take lots of annoying pictures and post them here. :D

Gumbeaux

04-11-2007, 10:51 AM

Yeah, it's the 10 MP version. It's kinda a tossup wheter to get the D40 or the
D40x. You can get more goodies with the money saved buying the D40 but in my case I do a lot of Photoshopping, cropping, etc. where I "through out" a lot of pixels so I went with the D40x. I could have probably bought the D80 but I think I will replace my camera every five years so I didn't want to spend that much. About every five years there are enough improvements to justify replacement, so I didn't want to buy a more expensive camera than the D40x.

It sounds expensive replacing a camera every five years but not for me. I was used to spending a couple of hundred a month on film and processing in the past when I used my film cameras a lot.

Hammster

04-11-2007, 12:26 PM

You might want to read this;
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm
It gives some very interesting insight on megapixel "hype".

Also, are you aware that the D40 and D40x don't have an autofocus motor in the camera body? What that means is unless you have lenses with autofocus motors in the lenses, and are compatible with Nikon, the autofocus feature of the lenses without motors in the lens won't work. You will have to use manual focus only with those lenses.

None of this is intended to deter you from keeping the D40x, just info in case you weren't aware and aid in your decision on whether to keep the camera.

bobmark226

04-15-2007, 07:06 AM

I'm in the process of considering a new Nikon. My once state of the art digital Minolta is sadly aged and while it still takes a fine photo, it seems to have metering problems in bright light.

Anyway...one thing that keeps me confused, probably because I've never stopped to give it serious thought, but need to now that I'm buying, are the focal length equivalents between digital and regular lens lengths. Unless the online text for the lens tells me, I never know off the top of my head what, say, an 18-55 mm digital lens is equal to.

Is there any way this can be calculated, or is there a simple table somewhere online?

Thanks,
Bob

Gumbeaux

04-15-2007, 10:16 AM

Bob, the conversion factor for most cameras is 1.5x or 1.6x depending on the size of the sensor that is in the camera. Use the 1.5 factor for Nikon.

The 18-55mm digital lens that the D40 & D40x typically ships with, converts roughly to 28-85 mm lens on a film camera scale.

Gumbeaux

04-15-2007, 04:52 PM

Today was the first sunny day since I got my new Nikon D40x so I was eager to take some test shots is the back yard. I intentionally pushed the resolution of the lens and sensor to the limits to see what would happen. The first picture is red clover growing along the highway behind my house. The second photo is that same picture cropped to show more flower detail. I was very impressed with the sharpness and detail that this picture held even though this was taken without a tripod.

The third photo is a fire ant mound taken without a tripod. The forth is the same picture that has been cropped. Again, I was pleased with the detail that was held. You can now clearly see the ants carrying the eggs that were disturbed. The pictures will look even better when I start using my tripod and stop the lens down to increase the depth of field.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/bayoutitan/Clover.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/bayoutitan/Clover2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/bayoutitan/Ants-2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/bayoutitan/Ants2.jpg

syzygy

04-15-2007, 05:21 PM

<ant photos> Creepy! http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d151/HKamper/Gifs/Yikes_anim.gif
But quite impressive http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d151/HKamper/Gifs/rockon.gif

Enjoy your new toy!!!

Gumbeaux

04-29-2007, 05:42 PM

I went on a photo safari in my yard a few minutes ago and took these pics.

The bird nest has a lot of eggs in it doesn't it? I don't think I've ever seen that many eggs in a nest. My dog and I help build the bird nest-there are dog hairs and dryer lint in it. ;)

It was fun shooting bees. They would become so heavy laden with pollen that it was hard for them to fly.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/bayoutitan/Bee4.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/bayoutitan/Bee3.jpg