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Hobbies & Interests => Arts & Photography => Topic started by: bulbasaur on May 30, 2015, 12:34:18 AM

Title: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on May 30, 2015, 12:34:18 AM
I was at an event, and this older guy pulls out a video camera, and his wife pulls out a digital camera.  Usually, this is nothing special.  However, the video camera was HUGE!  It looked like it was running a full size VHS tape.  The woman's digital camera was about the size of a tablet with a 2 inch LCD.  They were older, so maybe they weren't aware of newer stuff.  Or, maybe they are just satisfied with what they got.  This got me thinking about the history of the cameras I owned.  Here is an ongoing list of the cameras I have owned (excluding phones/tablets)...
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on May 30, 2015, 12:44:52 AM
1.  Polaroid One Step

For as long as I remember, my parents were really into photography.  It seemed to be their way of keeping the memories.  They had a camera of their own, but I was never allowed to touch it.  So when my 5th grade teacher brought in a camera to be given as a prize, I knew I just had to win it. 

My 5th grade teacher actually brought in several prizes on the first day of school.  She added prizes throughout the year.  To get a prize, you had to buy it in an auction at the end of the year using the class money she handed out as reward.  Needless to say, I tried my best to earn as much as I could. 

On the day of the auction, I raised the prices of other items so my classmates would spend their money.  When the camera came up, it was easily mine.  This would be my first camera and the start of my life in photography.

The camera itself was a lot of fun.  The fact that it was instant made it special.  The downside was that the film was expensive and hard to find.  Plus, you couldn't take a lot of shots unless you also carried a lot of refills.   Regardless of its shortcomings, I loved this camera.  The camera currently sits in my old bedroom in my parents' house.  My mom put it in a plastic bag so it wouldn't get dusty.  It probably still works. 
(http://cdn.agilitycms.com/polaroid/MediaGroupings/1143/ONESTEP_600_00.jpg)
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on May 30, 2015, 01:16:52 AM
2.  Canon EOS 650

Remember that camera my parents never let me touch as a kid?  Well, they eventually let me inherit it.  This is the camera I used to learn about cameras and photography.  Anyone still remember how to use film?  Film seems like a lost art these days.

Because of this camera, I have had a decent loyalty to Canon ever since. 

The camera eventually broke, and the cost of fixing it wasn't worth it.  It was thrown away.  Looking back, I should have kept it for my collection.
(http://www.mrmartinweb.com/images/camera/slrauto/eos650.jpg)
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on May 30, 2015, 02:37:25 AM
3. Canon Elph

Even though I really enjoyed photography, I didn't enjoy lugging around the big camera.  I also didn't like the lack of features of a cheap disposal one.  I decided to get a point and shoot. 

In the early days of point and shoot, a person had to choose between APS or digital.  Digital quality wasn't as good as APS.  However, digital gave a ton of conveniences (conveniences that we take for granted today).  I ultimately decided on APS and chose the 1st generation Canon Elph (it might have been 2nd).  I loved the style of this camera.  It would influence another purchase many years later. 

The only thing I disliked about this camera was that it wasn't digital.  I didn't have this camera long before everything went digital.  The camera was eventually sold on eBay. 
(http://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/Cooltoys/Canon.jpg)
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on May 30, 2015, 02:45:20 AM
Disposable Cameras

These don't really count as cameras I owned because they were meant to be thrown away, but I feel I should mention them because of the history I have with them.  Kodak and Fuji were the main sellers.  I bought these on random occasions, such as fishing trips, hikes, road trips, picnics, etc.  I pretty much bought these when I felt like taking a picture but didn't think to bring  camera beforehand.  Also, at one point, these cameras were popular to use at weddings.  One of these cameras would be put at each table for people to use. 

I can't remember the actual models or designs of the ones I used, but here are some sample pics...
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FT8sNyAaL._SX466_.jpg)
(http://img.timeinc.net/time/photoessays/2010/100_gadgets/camera/fuji_quicksnap.jpg)
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on May 30, 2015, 05:03:00 AM
4. Canon SD100

I finally got tired of APS, and digital photography seemed to be good enough for point and shoot now.  So what do I get?  Canon SD100.  It was at a whopping 3.2 megapixels!  I had so much fun with this little camera.  Selfies and random pictures are all the norm now, but I was doing those things way before with this little toy. 

Unfortunately, I eventually found myself not using this camera as much.  As a result, I sold it on eBay.  Another camera that I would miss. 
(http://vijay.bhatter.com/canon_powershot_sd100.jpg)
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on May 30, 2015, 09:02:41 AM
5. Fujifilm FinePix A203

After I sold my Canon SD100, I later began to want a small camera again.  However, I didn't want to spend a lot of money on one.  Around the same time, a friend was starting his own eBay store, and he had some cameras.  He said he'd sell me one with no profit if I found one I like.  He had some nice cameras that were well below retail, but still above what I wanted to pay.  I was about to give up when he grabbed a FujiFilm FinePix A203.  He said that it didn't sell for the price he wanted, so if i wanted for cheaper I could have it.  He was selling it for cheap, and I wanted one, so I took it. 

I didn't expect much from it, especially at just 2MP.  However, I ended up really liking this camera.  People would give me funny looks when I pulled out this camera, but it took really good pictures.  The colors were quite good.  In comparison to my old SD100, the A203 pictures looked more natural.  Plus, the A203 ran on AA batteries.  I was always really bad at charging, so having AA batteries were useful.  And because the camera was cheap and made of hard plastic, I didn't feel worried about during harsher weather and activities. 

The biggest downside of the camera is that it uses xD card memory.  Anyone remember the memory card wars?  I guess they are still sorta going on today. 

The camera currently sits in my parents' home beside the volleyball trophies. 
(https://www.fujifilm.co.jp/news_r/img/nrj981.jpg)
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on July 09, 2015, 07:22:34 PM
6. Sony H1

This would be my second Sony digital camera experience, but my first Sony purchase.  I felt I wanted something more than just point-n-shoot, but I didn't want to invest in a SLR either.  I decided to go the Mega Zoom route.  I only paid $75 for this camera from my same eBay buddy.  I really liked the camera.  It ran on regular AA batteries, but it used Sony memory which is a negative.  The pictures were okay for the time I bought it, but it doesn't hold that well anymore. 

The camera is currently in my office, but it doesn't power on.  I've been meaning to get it fixed, but it just doesn't seem worth it anymore. 
(http://sta.geg.cz/camera-picture/sony-dsc-h1.jpg)
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: Missterious on July 10, 2015, 09:56:42 AM
Yea tell me about it. I've been out of the loop and need a new camera. So confusing out there with all the selections and new stuff.
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on July 10, 2015, 10:23:53 AM
What do you have and what are you looking for? 

Yea tell me about it. I've been out of the loop and need a new camera. So confusing out there with all the selections and new stuff.
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on July 10, 2015, 10:33:54 AM
7. Canon SD1000

After using the Sony H1 for a while, I once again wanted a pocket camera (Have you noticed a trend of me wanting and not wanting a pocket camera?).  I really had some good times with my little cameras in the past, so I wanted something similar.  As it turned out, Canon updated their line with the SD1000.  It had the same look as the original Elph, and it has the same design as the SD100.  It was exactly what I wanted. 

I still currently use the camera.  I have tried to retire it a few times, but circumstances keep bringing me back to it.  It is not a rugged camera, but I abuse it quite a bit.  The camera is old now, but I still like it.  Maybe I will try to retire it again soon.  We'll see...
(http://www7.pcmag.com/media/images/171760-canon-powershot-sd1000.jpg?thumb=y)
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: Missterious on July 10, 2015, 10:50:36 AM
What do you have and what are you looking for?

Right now only have a Canon point and shoot that I don't even use. I use my iphone for photos most of the time now. But we've been wanting a dslr to take high quality family pictures. Went browsing online. Stick to Canon because hubby says so. So decided maybe the T5i or 60D. Don't need anything too fancy but not too low end either. Then I keep browsing and there's mirrorless cameras now? I don't even know what that is but its supposed to take as good a photo as the typical dslrs but smaller and more compact. So then I lean towards the Panasonic G7 with 4k video. I mean I'm just confusing myself by doing all this research.
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on July 10, 2015, 11:04:14 AM
I have the 60D!  I'll post about that later.   :D

People tend to stick to certain brands when it comes to cameras.  If you are going to jump ship, Nikon has apparently surpassed Canon in quality. 

And yes, phones are overtaking point-n-shoots.  My little cameras are just for trips now. 

Isn't the 60D an older camera now?  I've had mine for quite a while now.  In any case, get what feels good.  Unless you are a professional, the photos will probably come out pretty good.  I like the 60D over the T5i, but that is just me.  Personally, I say get the cheaper body and spend a bit more on the lens.  Better lens = better photos. 

Right now only have a Canon point and shoot that I don't even use. I use my iphone for photos most of the time now. But we've been wanting a dslr to take high quality family pictures. Went browsing online. Stick to Canon because hubby says so. So decided maybe the T5i or 60D. Don't need anything too fancy but not too low end either. Then I keep browsing and there's mirrorless cameras now? I don't even know what that is but its supposed to take as good a photo as the typical dslrs but smaller and more compact. So then I lean towards the Panasonic G7 with 4k video. I mean I'm just confusing myself by doing all this research.
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: Missterious on July 10, 2015, 11:21:43 AM
Yes I was watching reviews and kit lens were eh. But dang good lens cost a ton.
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: Missterious on July 14, 2015, 09:36:00 AM
I just came across the Canon g7x. A vlogging point and shoot with excellent image quality; nearly as good as dslr. Cost is up to $700. I really want to try it out. But for $700 (maybe add a couple hundreds) I can get a decent dslr or micro 4/3 already. The debate is going on in my head.
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: FetishDream on July 16, 2015, 06:21:05 PM
Before digital camera, I was too stupid to not know how I would get them pictures from my camera to load onto my computer so I ended up buying this one here. 

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OxYHqkqiSQ8/TMz0rRYNotI/AAAAAAAAAUI/G_zlwpSXLPM/s1600/Sony+Mavica+FD75+DigiCam+(3).JPG)

It holds media onto a 3.5 floppy when our computer and lappies were big with floppy drives. 

A friend took a picture of me over the weekend.  Camera looks like digital but shoots out Polaroid.  She said $20 for a 20 shot refill and I'm like..what? 

(http://argos.scene7.com/is/image/Argos/2449542_R_Z001A_UC17556935?$TMB$&wid=312&hei=312)

Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on July 25, 2015, 05:12:26 AM
Did you ever decide on one?  You seem to be flip flopping between a ILC and a SLR. 

I just came across the Canon g7x. A vlogging point and shoot with excellent image quality; nearly as good as dslr. Cost is up to $700. I really want to try it out. But for $700 (maybe add a couple hundreds) I can get a decent dslr or micro 4/3 already. The debate is going on in my head.
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on July 25, 2015, 05:22:13 AM
Sony TX-30

Do you remember that Sony commercial with Steven Tyler?  I always like the design of simply flipping the lens cover down and taking a picture.  Well, a few years later, I found myself in need of a rugged camera because I was going do some outdoor traveling., At the time, Sony was promoting TX-30.  I liked the TX-30 because it didn't look like a rugged camera.  The camera worked great.  It was a relief that I didn't have to worry about it breaking in the rain, dirt, etc.  And yes, I got it in electric blue. 

The camera was unfortunately stolen when my car was broken into (It wasn't the only camera was stolen).  Even though I miss the camera, I miss the pictures on it more.  On a good note though, the cops actually caught the guy.  Maybe I'll tell that story in another thread...
(http://store.sony.com/SNYNA_27/pimg/pSNYNA-DSCTX30~L_main_v500.png)
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: Missterious on August 05, 2015, 06:41:52 PM
I've been wishy washy on what I want. I need to stop researching and keep wanting something more and more and more. I think I've decided on the Sony a5100 especially for portability and its cool features. My sister has the a6000 but I like the flip screen on the 5100 for selfies plus the two aren't much different so they say. I heard the a7000 is coming out soon. Don't know if I should wait for it or not. I still plan to get the Canon 70D later on for the more serious family photos. I really want a touchscreen and the 70D also has wifi features and you know it's all about that nowadays.

I've also lost one of my cameras while out partying. I was so so so so sad because all my memories and photos in it were lost. Now I barely have any photos of myself and my kids from several years back. I didn't have it saved anywhere else.  :(
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on August 05, 2015, 08:32:43 PM
From what you describe, I would suggest an ILC.  SLR gives better quality, but what good is an SLR if you don't want to (or won't) carry it around.  Plus, ILC cameras are more fun. 

I wouldn't wait for the next cool camera.  I suggest to just pull the trigger and buy the one you like that does everything you want.  If you wait for the next cool camera, then you will always be waiting because there will always be a next cool camera. 

Have you considered that you could have both and ILC and SLR?  I don't know your budget, but maybe go for an older model on both.  The lens you have for each would still be good for future upgrades, so you can always sell the body.  Canon and Nikon SLR cameras have decent resale value. 

I've been wishy washy on what I want. I need to stop researching and keep wanting something more and more and more. I think I've decided on the Sony a5100 especially for portability and its cool features. My sister has the a6000 but I like the flip screen on the 5100 for selfies plus the two aren't much different so they say. I heard the a7000 is coming out soon. Don't know if I should wait for it or not. I still plan to get the Canon 70D later on for the more serious family photos. I really want a touchscreen and the 70D also has wifi features and you know it's all about that nowadays.

I've also lost one of my cameras while out partying. I was so so so so sad because all my memories and photos in it were lost. Now I barely have any photos of myself and my kids from several years back. I didn't have it saved anywhere else.  :(
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: Missterious on August 06, 2015, 12:26:30 AM
I am going to get both types of cameras. The a5100 will travel with me most times. SLR will come and go with me as needed. I am aiming for quality so I will have to lug it around. I am also going to invest in a good prime lens for a better quality. For the past several years I've been taking pictures only on my iphone and then I thought, damn I need to get a camera. Cellphone pictures don't look so good when blown up to print. I don't even have any family photos!! I should start now.
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on August 06, 2015, 08:03:37 PM
Did you settle on the 70D as well?  Two nice cameras at once, and it's not even Christmas yet.  :)

I am going to get both types of cameras. The a5100 will travel with me most times. SLR will come and go with me as needed. I am aiming for quality so I will have to lug it around. I am also going to invest in a good prime lens for a better quality. For the past several years I've been taking pictures only on my iphone and then I thought, damn I need to get a camera. Cellphone pictures don't look so good when blown up to print. I don't even have any family photos!! I should start now.
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: zena on August 09, 2015, 02:26:21 PM
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Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: SummerBerry on August 12, 2015, 10:54:18 AM
I've been wishy washy on what I want. I need to stop researching and keep wanting something more and more and more. I think I've decided on the Sony a5100 especially for portability and its cool features. My sister has the a6000 but I like the flip screen on the 5100 for selfies plus the two aren't much different so they say. I heard the a7000 is coming out soon. Don't know if I should wait for it or not. I still plan to get the Canon 70D later on for the more serious family photos. I really want a touchscreen and the 70D also has wifi features and you know it's all about that nowadays.

I've also lost one of my cameras while out partying. I was so so so so sad because all my memories and photos in it were lost. Now I barely have any photos of myself and my kids from several years back. I didn't have it saved anywhere else.  :(

No one want to lose memories.  I usually buy a new memory card each time one is loaded.  I also would print the photos along with a cd copy of all the images along with index.  After that I put everything away safe.  I don't even allowed my kids to take out picture from the photo album without permission.  The only photos I need to recovered are from my old blackberry phone that I loaded to the desktop or computer harddrive.  I didn't get a chance to print them out and then my desktop stop working. 

I don't take picture as much as I did before but my kids always snapping photos everywhere so I just make sure they send it to me so I can save, load and print them.  I tell them if they keep saving it and never print it they will never have memory.
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on August 17, 2015, 06:55:37 AM
Canon 40D

The Canon 40D would be the first SLR camera I would buy for myself.  I got it for nostalgic reasons.  It had a similar look and feel to my parents' camera.  I really liked this camera.  I had a lot of accessories for it, and I took it on quite a few trips abroad. 

The camera suffered the same fate as the Sony TX-30.  It was stolen from my car.  The cops surprisingly caught the guy, but all those pictures are gone forever.  The thief apparently sold the camera off for drugs.  WiFi and a cloud is the way to go now.  That way, pictures are always backed up somewhere. 
(http://www.letsgodigital.org/images/producten/1467/testrapport/canon-eos-dslr.jpg)
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on September 01, 2015, 08:46:09 AM
Canon 60D

After my camera was stolen, I wanted to replace it.  The new 60D just came out, so it was the obvious choice.  The 60D was better in some ways, but worse in other ways.  I like the layout of the 40D better, but some of the aesthetics of the 60D were nicer.  The 60D felt more like the "Rebel" line which I don't like as much, but it's not bad either. 
(http://fotozerkalka.ru/images/catalog/canon_60d.jpg)
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on November 10, 2015, 10:42:06 PM
Olympus TG-4

I just bought a new camera yesterday.  I am doing some outdoors stuff for my next trip, and I wanted a rugged camera.  My previous camera got stolen, and I don't trust using my phone.  After some research and some hands on shopping, I settled on the Olympus TG-4.  So far, I really like the camera.  We'll see how it holds up after this trip and a few more. 
(https://www.fotokoch.de/bilddaten/bildgross/olympus-tg-4-schwarz_73086.jpg)
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on November 14, 2015, 09:46:11 PM
People don't have the patience to actually hold their cameras anymore.  It more like, "If I snap 100 shots, one should turn out okay."  That is why GoPro is popular.

There's one thing I miss about the old days.

-Excluding when I'm taking pictures with the guys (well the older guys, my nephews and them youngbucks are different).

You only took a few shots, sometimes two just incase.  It was never 100x retakes.
Title: Re: The Camera History
Post by: bulbasaur on January 28, 2016, 12:46:59 AM
Camera Envy 1: Fujifilm x100T

Sometimes carrying a dslr is just too much work.  This camera is in the running for something portable but still able to give me something close to dslr functions. 
(http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_x100t/img/index/img_main01.jpg)