I've been somewhat reluctant to upgrade my DSLR, since I don't use it very much. For most of my excursions a DSLR is too cumbersome and heavy, since I prefer to move with lighter gear. The compact camera Canon S90, which I bought this summer, is one of the absolute best compact cameras when it comes to image quality and it is truly pocketable. I've been very satisfied with it. However, a DSLR gives better image quality, especially when it comes to dynamic range and high ISO images. The sharpness is also better, though this depends heavily on the quality of the lens. I've been photographing with Canon EOS cameras since 1990, and have some nice lenses. I bought the 6 MP
EOS 300D, the first consumer priced DSLR, when it came in 2003. While its image quality still is better than the best compact cameras of today, it is somewhat slow. To replace it I bought a second hand
EOS 40D. With its 10 MP it has a lot less pixels than the newest ones, but the pixels should be very good. It also has a lot more direct controls than the 300D and a very nice viewfinder. If I had more money to use, the natural choice would of course have been a
60D, but for most practical purposes, the difference in image quality is marginal, though the 60D has some ergonimical advantages, most notably the tiltable back display.
I also contemplated the
Sony NEX series as an alternative. The concept is great, but the lens selection very limited and to replace my current lenses would be very expensive and they are not even available yet for the Sony NEX. The mirrorless design does seem nice, but in practice the cameras are still not small enough to be truly pocketable.
It remains to be seen how much I will use the camera when riding my bike. I would probably need a minimal backpack for it. The
Lowepro Slingshot 100 AW seems nice: small enough and quick access to the camera.
Below are a few test shots. The first one would really need a HDR technique for optimal result, but this photo still shows the difference against the S90: There are lots of details in the highlights (sky), while the foreground is still not too dark and noisy. This would not be possible with a compact camera (except for HDR imaging).
The Pugsley got a front rack, and hence should be ready for the
beer ride next weekend.
I'm waiting for my new Lowepro Slingshot 102 AW! it will carry my humble Nikon D40 on my next rides!
ReplyDeleteI think is a good choice!
I just got a D40 recently and use one of these to hold it while riding.
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I have it hooked to the bad so I can't drop it when I take it out...very secure and out of the way. I have it up on my chest about as far as it will go so my legs don't hit it when pedaling.
I think my first choice would be the LowePro Slingshot option. A chest mounted bag would probably be quicker, but maybe it would feel a bit restrictive?
ReplyDeleteI returned the camera today, since the shutter button did not work reliably (I googled this to be a typical problem). It will be repaired and should be ready this week.
I wear the chest mount along with a hydro pack in back and really don't notice it much but you may not agree ;-)
ReplyDeleteI got the 40D back from the repair and they had replaced the shutter button. Fortunately it did not happened after a couple of months, since that is supposed to cost close to 200 €.
ReplyDeleteI also bought a SLIK SPRINT MINI PRO GM II tripod, which seems to be the smallest tripod I can get away with. It should be stable enough if used at a low height.
The LowePro Slingshot 202 AW was much too big. I will have to check out the 102 AW version when they get after a few weeks.