Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/08/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Dear Luggers - >I understand the achilles heel of digital cameras is >digital storage. >Even a 16MB smart media card will only hold 4 "high" >resolution pics >from a 1.5 or 2.x megapixel camera. Even with a >handful of these pricy >cards you will have to edit and transfer the data to >a laptop every day. Who >would want to do that on vacation? And carry a laptop? As stated earlier in my previous Europe advice post, I will be carrying a Sony S70 digital camera ALONG with my 2 M6s. The sony s70 camera is pretty amazing -- with its effective 35-105 / 2-2.5 Carl Zeiss zoom lens and 3.3 megapixels, I've taken some very high quality shots printed on a color printer. Resolution wise, I would argue that at 8x10, the quality is pretty close to 35mm shooting 400 grain film. Here's the proposition - I normally get about a 4-6% hit rate on true "keeper" shots shooting with 35mm. On a normal trip, I would carry about 30 rolls of film (or 1000 frames), costing around 150 bucks for 40 to 60 "keeper" shots. With the digital camera, I get to review and delete "bad" shots and retain the keepers. 40-50 full res shots fits on a single Sony 64mb memory stick, which costs about 120 bucks. Afterwards, I can download these prints on my computer in about 5 minutes, through the supplied USB cable. Using the photo software, I can print these "keepers" on a standard inkjet (Epson 870, $300) for about 0.25 - -0.50 per 8x10, at a rate of 2 per minute. Overall, just a bit cheaper and faster than regular 35mm. So why aren't my Leica's on eBay? Here's why: 1) At 100 speed, there's no comparison in resolution 2) Can't do true black and white without manipulation 3) No "decisive moment shots" - digital camera needs to process exposure for at least a second b4 shooting 4) Drop the M6 - no problem. Drop the S70 - big problem. Overall, I would argue that this digital camera is certainly not a significant burden or cost to use. Just wait until Leica unleashes its first 6mp digital camera in a year or so... Cheers, Peter __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail – Free email you can access from anywhere! http://mail.yahoo.com/