Canon SD-1000

[mimbresman]

I am a Canon camera fan. My first ELPH was the S-100. Nice camera back in the day, but it was stolen.

The replacement camera was the ELPH SD-450. Good camera, but now the display doesn't work due to salt water...one too many sea kayaking trips.

I replaced that with the Canon Powershot A-530. This camera takes excellent photos, has 4x zoom but is bulky. It uses (rechargable) AA batteries, but they don't seem to last as long as Canon's proprietary Li-ion battery.

I use my camera for a work and play, but found I was using the Powershot less than my previous ELPHs.

I just got one of Canon's latest ELPH models, the SD-1000. This camera is 7.1 M Pixels, 3x zoom, but it is extremely small and light. 3.4" x 2.1" x 0.8" (86mm x 54mm x 19mm), 4.4 oz (125 g). I'll be carrying this camera a lot more.

So far this camera is fun to use. I put it in my pocket, and forget about it. I pull it out when I need it. I couldn't do this with the Powershot and the older ELPHs which were still too thick to do this comfortably.

Still experimenting and of course it will have its limitations but this might be the ultimate (so far), Canon point-and-shoot camera.

Here's Patchez...(excuse his name...he's from Tennessee)
Milk at Wal-Mart (don't see milk like this in Venezuela)

[myron]

Nice call Mimbs, one of my all time fav's is my Cannon A-60. It's only two megerpixels,but it has an optical viewfinder and a 3X zoom with decent lens quality. I use Energizer lithium batteries in mine.

It's been everywhere man.

[mimbresman]

Myron,
Have you noticed that Canon is one of the only digital point-and-shoot cameras with an opticial view finder? That one detail sells it for me.

I am not a big fan of more Mega-pixels. The A-530 takes great photos with 5.1 or so. My other ELPHs with 2.1 or so.

This picture is from the A-530. I have a waterproof housing for it.

MM

[mimbresman]

Discovered that the SD-1000 video feature has a time lapse option. This is a 2 minutes, 30 seconds view in 10 seconds out my window. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o1eYh0DqC8)

[davkatreb]

All I know is that I traded my two Canon Ftb bodies (35 mm SLRs with mechanical shutter and automatic nothing) a 28 mm, 50 mm and 135 mm lens, an AE1 body and winder for an EOS with 35-105 zoom. I ain't enjoyed photography since.

Sigh.

[myron]

All I know is that I traded my two Canon Ftb bodies (35 mm SLRs with mechanical shutter and automatic nothing) a 28 mm, 50 mm and 135 mm lens, an AE1 body and winder for an EOS with 35-105 zoom. I ain't enjoyed photography since.

Sigh.

Dave, the good news is that all us digital kids have made the older 35mm's dirt cheep. I'm not trying to start any Nikon VS. Cannon debate, all I'm saying is that the build quality on this unit is top notch. I paid about $29 for the camera body and another $29 for the 50mm f-1.4 lens.
Adorama dot com

[mimbresman]

All I know is that I traded my two Canon Ftb bodies (35 mm SLRs with mechanical shutter and automatic nothing) a 28 mm, 50 mm and 135 mm lens, an AE1 body and winder for an EOS with 35-105 zoom. I ain't enjoyed photography since.

Sigh.

Yes Dav, These digital cameras are basically disposable after a couple of years. I've gone through 4 of them in 8 years. I still have my dad's Minolta SLR. Built like a tank. Metal body, about 4 lbs with lens. Takes killer photos.

[davkatreb]

Dave, the good news is that all us digital kids have made the older 35mm's dirt cheep. I'm not trying to start any Nikon VS. Cannon debate, all I'm saying is that the build quality on this unit is top notch. I paid about $29 for the camera body and another $29 for the 50mm f-1.4 lens.
Adorama dot com
Holy shit, Myron! SCORE!! I'd sooner have a nice old Canon, or even a Minolta for the simple reason that Nikon and Pentax aperture and focus opposite of Canon lenses. But if I ran across something like that old Nikkormat I'd still be on it like a duck on a June bug.

Always thought it was a pretty smart idea to make the shutter speed dial concentric to the lens. That way everything falls under one hand.

Which is one of the reasons I hate my EOS. In manual mode you turn this little wheel with your finger to change aperture settings. To change shutter speeds you must turn the wheel while simultaneously holding down a little button on the back. WTF?

Jeeze, all I ever needed was a 28mm lens with footage scale, some sort of camera body to attach it to and a roll of Tri-x. Just going out, finding images that speak to me and taking them back to my darkroom. More Diane Arbus than Ansel Adams. I miss it more than I can say.

[myron]

ducks (http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20191499.html)


june bugs (http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20%2099638.html)

[ironspoke]

Myron is right, there are some amazing deals to be had out there on ebay. I still love my Minolta XD5. I remember when I bought it as a 12 year old that it had features for the price that neither Canon nor Pentax had. Nikon was too much cash and you had to jump up to the Canon A1 to get all 3 modes. Again that was too much cash. The XD-11 had a few other bells and whistles but I settled on the XD5 and nearly 30 years later and that camera is still kicking.

I'm currently on the look out for a super wide angle lense for this camera. Have any of you shot with something like a 20 or 24mm?? I've always been amazed with some of the photos you can take with these things and one of these days I'm going to pull the trigger on ebay.

My next digital camera will be the Olympus Stylus 790 SW.

[mimbresman]

Myron is right, there are some amazing deals to be had out there on ebay. I still love my Minolta XD5. I remember when I bought it as a 12 year old that it had features for the price that neither Canon nor Pentax had. Nikon was too much cash and you had to jump up to the Canon A1 to get all 3 modes. Again that was too much cash. The XD-11 had a few other bells and whistles but I settled on the XD5 and nearly 30 years later and that camera is still kicking.

I'm currently on the look out for a super wide angle lense for this camera. Have any of you shot with something like a 20 or 24mm?? I've always been amazed with some of the photos you can take with these things and one of these days I'm going to pull the trigger on ebay.

My next digital camera will be the Olympus Stylus 790 SW.

The Minolta XD-11 is the camera I inherited from my dad's estate. Killer camera. I have several lenses for it. I like it a lot, but just too heavy for my needs right now. I use the digital camera as a classroom tool as well as for fun on bike rides, etc.

[Family Guy]

My wife is the photographer around our house, shot with this for years, belonged to her dad, bought new in the late 60's? Has a data back that stopped in the mid 80's. Still going strong, can also double as a mallet to drive in tent pegs:

http://www.four-thirds.cn/forum/attachments/month_0512/Canon-F1%201_3n72cm1YjqDD.jpg

My camera, picked it up in a pawn shop in Fayettesville, NC. Came with a great 50mm 1.4 lens, think I lost it in the dark at Mt snow about 5 years ago. Dumb, dumb, dumb. (me not the camera) While maybe not the tank the F1 is, still something like a armored car)

http://www.kameraschaetze.de/images/Kamera/Canon_A1.jpg

Christmas present to wife this year. Lotsa buttons and knobs, kind of a pain to change apertures, feels like a toy, seems to shoot great photos.

http://static.flickr.com/56/152386455_3fddcf95cf.jpg

[mimbresman]

Just made a cheap case for the SD-1000. Just duct taped the Tyvek sleeve the camera came in. Added a duct tape loop to tuck in the flap.

Cheap! Hecho en Venezuela.

[tryandgetme]

Christmas present to wife this year. Lotsa buttons and knobs, kind of a pain to change apertures, feels like a toy, seems to shoot great photos.

probably the biggest reason I went for a Nikon D70S instead of a Canon. Shutter speed on the trigger finger wheel, aperture on the thumb wheel (reversable). It also doesn't feel like a toy, it's got some heft to it and a good sized grip that fits my hands well. Nikon also puts out a nice piece of (gl)ass.

[ironspoke]

My wife is the photographer around our house, shot with this for years, belonged to her dad, bought new in the late 60's? Has a data back that stopped in the mid 80's. Still going strong, can also double as a mallet to drive in tent pegs:

http://www.four-thirds.cn/forum/attachments/month_0512/Canon-F1%201_3n72cm1YjqDD.jpg

My camera, picked it up in a pawn shop in Fayettesville, NC. Came with a great 50mm 1.4 lens, think I lost it in the dark at Mt snow about 5 years ago. Dumb, dumb, dumb. (me not the camera) While maybe not the tank the F1 is, still something like a armored car)

http://www.kameraschaetze.de/images/Kamera/Canon_A1.jpg

Christmas present to wife this year. Lotsa buttons and knobs, kind of a pain to change apertures, feels like a toy, seems to shoot great photos.

http://static.flickr.com/56/152386455_3fddcf95cf.jpg


Eric,
That A1 camera was the shit back in the day. I'm curious as to when they stopped making that model. I also remember the F1 was the camera that the pros used just prior to the release of the A1. That is some serious mid 70's stuff.

So now that we are on the topic of film SLRs...any suggestions for night photography? In particular I'm interested in taking pictures of stars so the camera is going to be pointed straight up. Film speed suggestions??? Can I get away with something slower, like maybe 100 and just go for the longer exposure?

It is super dark in my backyard and the stars are amazing.

[AM Radio]

Big
20198
"It is super dark in my backyard and the stars are amazing."

[myron]

So now that we are on the topic of film SLRs...any suggestions for night photography? In particular I'm interested in taking pictures of stars so the camera is going to be pointed straight up. Film speed suggestions??? Can I get away with something slower, like maybe 100 and just go for the longer exposure?

It is super dark in my backyard and the stars are amazing.

Nikon D50
2007/11/11 11:35:02.3
JPEG (8-bit) Fine
Image Size: 504 x 340
Lens: 50mm F/1.8 D
Focal Length: 50mm
Exposure Mode: Shutter Priority
Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern
30 sec - F/7.1
Exposure Comp.: -1.3 EV
Sensitivity: ISO 1600
Optimize Image: Normal
White Balance: Incandescent
AF Mode: Manual
Flash Sync Mode:
Flash Mode:
Auto Flash Comp:
Color Mode: Mode IIIa (sRGB)
Tone Comp.: Auto
Hue Adjustment: 0°
Saturation: Normal
Sharpening: Auto
Image Comment:
Long Exposure NR: On

[ironspoke]

So at 30 seconds you have the blur...hmmm. What if I want to avoid that? I'm thinking my existing lenses aint gonna open up enough.

[Family Guy]

I'll talk with my better half about night shooting. I ain't no expert. She's got the skills.

I've thought about selling my A-1, as having 3 SLRs(and a digital point and shoot) around the house seems kinda redundant, but I doubt I ever will, nice piece of hardware to pick up and use once in a while to remind me of how things used to work and feel. Not so much better as different, much like getting back on a rigid bike after a few weeks on a full suspension bike.

[north20]

The problem lies in the fact that stars, even when they look pretty bright to our eyes, are rather dim from a photography standpoint. The moon is an exception as it's sunlit, so you use a typical daytime exposure to photograph it.

For astro/star photography you have a few options. One, you can use a very high ISO/fast film in hopes of getting enough exposure before "trails" set in; lower quality images though. Another, very expensive option is to use low ISO/slow films and place the camera on a platform ( and by platform I mean a motorized and geared tripod ) that rotates in order to maintain position with the movement of the nighttime sky. The shutter is left on the "B" or bulb postion during exposure. Great quality images, but as I said, damned expensive generally. Yet another option, and the one I use, is simply to incorporate the trails in a creative way. Low ISO/slow film and the keep the shutter open during the exposure. You can leave the shutter open for hours and get very long, beautiful trails. Point the camera at the North Star and you'll get circular trails that are amazing to look at. Just need a tripod and a way to keep the shutter open for this method.

Btw, the last method I described -- with much shorter exposures ( like 15 to 30 seconds ) -- is great for photographing fireworks displays.

Lastly, if you check into this thread again dav ( or anyone else who may be interested ), I have a Canon FTb with some very slight brassing in a couple spots, along with Canon 28,50, and 135mm primes in like new condition that could use a good home. The only time I shoot film these days is with an ancient Ikoflex TLR; otherwise it's digital. So if you or anyone else is interested send me a PM with an offer.

[tryandgetme]

http://digiex.ca/upload/DSC_5424.jpg

61 seconds, F/4.5, 18mm, iso 400. The sun had set completely, by about 2 hours (it was about midnight in may). If you use a longer focal length, the blur will show up much more. Another note: don't use a UV filter, it'll do weird things on you.

You can get some neat shots with purposeful blur though, like shooting a tree sillouette (the sky lights up like daytime at 35 minute exposures) with the center of the frame looking at the north star, then it looks like the world is spinning, because the ground and tree is stationary.

Grab a tripod, a locking shutter release cable (or similar), a chair, and start experimenting. One thing that's interesting to me, is at these long exposures at the stars (greater than a minute), shutter speed has no real effect on the star's brightness, it only has an effect on background lighting and star movement. Aperture and iso will give you your star brightness.

[ironspoke]

Great pic Try,

See there is one of those very cool sub 24mm lense shots. I gots ta get me one of those things for the old Minolta.

Also, North...that moveable tripod sounds ridiculously expenseive. Like NASA type shit. Have you ever seen one of those things in action? I would never ever purchase one but I'm going to do some looking around the net for one just to see what its all about.

Thanks!!

[north20]

Also, North...that moveable tripod sounds ridiculously expenseive. Like NASA type shit. Have you ever seen one of those things in action? I would never ever purchase one but I'm going to do some looking around the net for one just to see what its all about.

Thanks!!



Well, I used the word "very" to describe how expensive it is, you used the word "ridiculously". Other adjectives that would fit are "stupidly", "hideously", etc., etc. :D

I don't really consider it an option per se; more as an example of what cool stuff exists to make great images.

[myron]

So at 30 seconds you have the blur...hmmm. What if I want to avoid that? I'm thinking my existing lenses aint gonna open up enough.

that was f-7.1.

thanks for the tip Try, maybe the uv filter explains the weirdness. I found out later it was some comet. It was only a 50mm.


that was a fine shot try.....

does it work as well with bi-metal?

[myron]

I am really REALLY intrigued by the new Nikon D-3 with 6400-ISO. I have a poster of a race motorcycle shot at dusk without flash rounding a turn, sparks flying from the knee pad with that camera at f-2.8. It's awesome. What sucks is that if you want a faster lens you have to add 2/3 to the price. Like a Nikon 85mm F-1.8 vs. a 85mm F-1.4. The camera companies must have something against churches or weddings.

I wish I was a rich dentist......

[ironspoke]

I picked up an astronomy book at the library today. Like I need another distraction. Ugh.

[tryandgetme]

that was f-7.1.

thanks for the tip Try, maybe the uv filter explains the weirdness. I found out later it was some comet. It was only a 50mm.


that was a fine shot try.....

does it work as well with bi-metal?

that blue haze in the middle was probably your UV filter. Nikon's purple noise is a side effect of REALLY long exposures (like 5+ minutes), you'd know it when you saw it, it's quite pink, but your long exposure noise reduction should take care of that fairly well, but the down side is it takes twice the time to take your shot.

bi-metal what? what's bi-metal? filter?

[tryandgetme]

I am really REALLY intrigued by the new Nikon D-3 with 6400-ISO.

Me too. When I go for a new car loan, I'll get them to double it so I can buy one.

[tryandgetme]

http://home.hiwaay.net/~krcool/Astro/asthwto/TriAst.htm

[davkatreb]

nice piece of hardware to pick up and use once in a while to remind me of how things used to work and feel.
"used to", my ass! That stuff will work long after you and I and all those digital toys are buried in the cold cold ground. "Used to"? WTF, you drunk or something? Jeebus, man, you make me wonder how my friction shifters manage to work, seein' as how they're obsolet an'at. And f*ck, don't get me started about my track hub. That shit went out with the Wright Brothers and it's still my favorite.

[myron]

I picked up an astronomy book at the library today. Like I need another distraction. Ugh.

wash you hands or you might contract ADHD...:)

[myron]

bi-metal what? what's bi-metal? filter?

..................

[tryandgetme]

ah. gotcha. is that a toast one?

[ironspoke]

wash you hands or you might contract ADHD...:)


I dont know about ADHD but seriously...every time I pick up a book that is not brand new and mine I think of the Flagged Book episode from Seinfeld. Andrew Carnegie certainly did a great job in creating one of the best library systems in the world here in Pittsburgh, but sheessh...who else has touched this book? And where has it been?

I even have different rules for books that are mine compared to loaners. I'm sorry. I realized how anal that is. :o

[tryandgetme]

hmm, maybe that's where I got my "never loan a book, always give it away" policy from. I always thought it was because books need to be collected by people, but maybe it was subconcious germophobia?

naaaah, I ate a spilled slurpee off of the sidewalk once in highschool.

[Family Guy]

"used to", my ass! That stuff will work long after you and I and all those digital toys are buried in the cold cold ground. "Used to"? WTF, you drunk or something? Jeebus, man, you make me wonder how my friction shifters manage to work, seein' as how they're obsolet an'at. And f*ck, don't get me started about my track hub. That shit went out with the Wright Brothers and it's still my favorite.

I'm sure your work tool box is stocked with tools from the 60's and 70's right? :rolleyes:

I know this stuff works, that is why, when appropriate, I use it.

[myron]

Originally Posted by davkatreb
"used to", my ass! That stuff will work long after you and I and all those digital toys are buried in the cold cold ground. "Used to"? WTF, you drunk or something? Jeebus, man, you make me wonder how my friction shifters manage to work, seein' as how they're obsolet an'at. And f*ck, don't get me started about my track hub. That shit went out with the Wright Brothers and it's still my favorite.


Mama dont take my Kodachrome away..............

[kpomtb]

Hey Mimbs,

Are you still happy with the SD-1000?

Any issues or anything that would make you pick a different camera next time?

Thanks,

[mimbresman]

So far I've been very happy with the camera. It has some nifty features I didn't know about, i.e., time-lapse video, and super fast frame video.
The battery lasts a long time, the body is very compact and light, so I can carry it easily in my jersey pocket or in my pants pocket at work.
Overall, I use this camera way more than the A-530 I replaced.
Note: I pulled out the A-530 the other day and it just felt massive. It has a 4x zoom which is nice, and some other nice features, but the body is too big and the AA batteries don't last long enough, even the rechargables.

[kpomtb]

Yes, I'm looking to replace one that has the AA batteries as well. Looking for something a little more compact to carry on rides and such.

Thanks

[mimbresman]

One of the best the things about the SD-1000 is the price. I was able to get one from Beach Camera via Amazon for about $175. Plus I got a second battery. I also recommend a 1GB or 2GB card. It'll only come with a 32MB card.
Also a bonus with the Canons is they have a view finder which is nice, especially when you turn off the display to save battery power (what I did in Scotland with the A-530).

[kpomtb]

I saw one here at $169.00. Definitely would get a bigger memory card. I saw 1 gig cards for $10 today.

Thanks for the input. I think I might just click the shutter on one of those.

[mimbresman]

Just found this link. $159 and a kit with extra battery for $175.http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SD1000-Digital-Optical/dp/B000NK8L6W

[kpomtb]

That's a good deal, but I'm feeling my basic American need for instant gratification coming on. For a few dollars more I can have one tomorrow. :D

[kpomtb]

Instant gratification won.
I wish they shipped with a fully charged battery. That really slows down the instant part.

[kpomtb]

Here's a sample of the new pixels. This was on zoom, not Macro. I didn't want to get any closer to the stinging little suckers than this. By the way that is right next to the door to the restroom at one of the trailheads. That keeps most of us peeing on the bushes.

[kpomtb]

Here's one from the trailhead looking out across the park. So far I like the camera. Need to really read the directions and figure things out. I tend to just try things til I figure them out, but I'd probably take better pics if I new what all the settings were.

[mimbresman]

So you got the SD-1000? Check out the time lapse video. Its a fun feature. There are also 3 digital zoom features the menu. The first setting is 1.5, the second is 1.9, and the third is the standard digital zoom that I don't really ever use. The 1.5 will set the camera pre-set setting to get a little closer to the action, then used the standard optical zoom to get in even closer. Same with the 1.9 zoom.

[kpomtb]

Yes, picked it up this morning. Really like the size of the camera. Much smaller than the previous camera with the AA batteries.

I'll have to check out the video features and the zooms.

[mimbresman]

Did you see the cheap case I made for mine (pg. 1)? I duct taped the Tyvek sleeve the camera is packed in. I am still using. It works well.

[kpomtb]

That looks good cause it won't bulk up the camera too much. If you get a good padded one, then what's the point of buying the tiny camera? I had a little case here already I used today. I need to find a way to keep it on my camelback strap. If it was easier to get to, I'd probably take more pics.

[myron]

That looks good cause it won't bulk up the camera too much. If you get a good padded one, then what's the point of buying the tiny camera? I had a little case here already I used today. I need to find a way to keep it on my camelback strap. If it was easier to get to, I'd probably take more pics.

Note on tiny cameras and not very padded cases:

I have a Nikon L-4,actually I have had two of them. As the LSD screens get bigger, they get easier to break. I dont worry about the added bulk these days. It beats looking at a screen of black runny shit. These days I carry an SLR in a well padded pack.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-100-AW,2034,4.htm

[kpomtb]

Funny the little case I have is a Lowe Pro. It's not all that big. In the case it's only about the size of the old camera. I will probably carry it in the case. It would suck to smash the thing.

[tryandgetme]

Note on tiny cameras and not very padded cases:

I have a Nikon L-4,actually I have had two of them. As the LSD screens get bigger, they get easier to break. I dont worry about the added bulk these days. It beats looking at a screen of black runny shit. These days I carry an SLR in a well padded pack.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-100-AW,2034,4.htm

the 200AW you can pack a small lunch in as well as the 80-400mm...

did you find the rain fly in the velcro pocket in the bottom?

thats my all time favorite bag series....swing, zip, shoot, zip, swing...camera out, shot, and back in, before security even realizes I had a camera.

[myron]

the 200AW you can pack a small lunch in as well as the 80-400mm...

did you find the rain fly in the velcro pocket in the bottom?

thats my all time favorite bag series....swing, zip, shoot, zip, swing...camera out, shot, and back in, before security even realizes I had a camera.

I likes them too. I can stop and snap a pic from my bike without making such a big deal out of it.

If a 80-400 fits with a small lunch would a 70-200 fit with a big lunch? I tend to get hungry.

I did find the fly. At first I thought it was missing.

[kpomtb]

Apparently the new SD1000 has some type of built in wildlife repellent. 2 rides with it and seen nothing. Tried to get some pics of a couple of buzzards sitting on the side of a ravine we rode through but could not get to the camera fast enough. Need to figure out a way to carry it on the front straps of the camelback where I can get at it faster.

[bdee]

I received a Canon ELPH SD 750 for Xmas this year and love it. I don't really geek out over camera info, just learn to use them and go. That said this new one is way easier to use than the Finepix it replaced. The size is a huge plus as I'm not as worried about killing it on MTB rides. The new camera + iphoto = lots of time killing fun. :D I do have an older (70s?) camera that I used in school when I took photo classes as part of my fine arts major (before the switch to the ever useful Art History major..).

A recent pic from the new one, heavily manipulated in iphoto:

[ironspoke]

I toyed with the idea of going for the art history major. I instead opted for the ever so useful English degree. Nice pic.

[ironspoke]

This was taken with my new Olympus 790 SW. I'm still trying to monkey around with it but some of the features are pretty slick.