What are the best resources to use in deciding what to buy?

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litenshade

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Brian
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I wanted to see some results from raw files taken and processed myself for deciding on a partial system, and got puzzling results, as well as practical difficulties.

How do you go about making your choices for new equipment?

My last experience follows, basically it’s more about the above, skip it if it's too long.

I went into a camera shop and took some test shots with Sigma 10mm and Nikon 20mm lenses on a Nikon d5100 (APS-C), and a Canon 8-15L and Canon 28mm on a Canon 5D2 (full frame).

The assistant was not too familiar with the camera menus. They tried hard, but could not transfer the files either to my laptop, or any of the five computers in the shop. When I finally transferred the images at home, both Nikon combinations showed better sharpness, contrast, and colours, despite being of lower spec. I find this confusing.

Is quality control of cameras a problem, or could there be other reasons?
 
if the assistant was that unfamiliar I wonder if the cameras were set up differently?
Tbh with modern DSLRs given the same light, exposure settings, equal quality of lenses etc. you should be able to process either RAW from their defaults to be pretty indistinguishable.

The APS-C will have slightly more DoF at the same apertures which may cover any front or rear focus better than on FF.
The Nikon has a more modern sensor with better DR & also higher MP per unit area should lead to slightly better detail.

I would go more on ergonomics & any particular system requirements that you may have

P.S. don't forget to look at Pentax & Sony as well ;)
 
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Main point:

Thanks for the reply. Setup differences were likely. I would be happier with more knowledge of the cameras I am trying, and am looking for an easier way to obtain this. I’ve never owned a conventional DSLR.

Other issues, please feel free to chip in on individual items;

I’m not sure about the lens quality, I’ve had unexpectedly poor results from certain high end lens makes in the past.

Is it possible to quantify sensor improvements generally? One of my interests is deep shadow detail.

I’m supplementing a medium format digital system based around a totally manual film camera, and a surprisingly simple raw only digital back. I’m comfortable with this kit.

I’m after a fisheye + conventional DSLR (cheaper than medium format which is around £3K s/h just for this lens). It’s also likely to be used for candids and astronomy, with another lens. (I’m not too concerned about hydrogen alpha transmission as I also have a dedicated astro camera). Something faster than medium format for action would also be useful, and is easily fulfilled.
 
One source of where to get information would be here on TalkPhotography :shrug: ; only, I'd suggest doing a search by the lens / body you're contemplating and ask specific questions!

Another good source, I find, is http://www.dxomark.com/, they've got good tests on a number of bodies & lenses.

Finally, from my personal experience; I wouldn't take just the one source, but a variety couple that with my own improvised Life Cycle Management (LCM) analysis before I narrow things down even further.
 
OK point taken.

Thanks for the link, I find that one much easier to navigate.
 
I agree with checking multiple sources, and trying to find people who have used the lens for a decent length of time, not just a reviewer shooting cards!

I like:
http://www.pixel-peeper.com/

There is also a fantastic one where you can compare lenses on cameras even with TC's etc, it IS only test cards but gives you an idea... damned if I can remember the link though!
 
litenshade said:
Is it possible to quantify sensor improvements generally? One of my interests is deep shadow detail.
Click to expand...
Nikon/Sony sensors tend to do shadow recovery noticeably better than Canon.

have you narrowed down to which particular fisheye in each system you would be likely to buy & compared price/performance?
 
Wow! pixel peeper is great for browsing!

I’ve not found that many options. Considering shadow recovery, and general image quality, these are what I’m looking at. I think they need to be recent. The price is not too critical, but I don’t want to double this.

Nikon body D3200 (latest processor, but smaller pixels) or D5100 with a Nikon 10.5mm lens.

Will the Sony SLT A37 take a sigma 10mm?

Are there any good options I’ve missed?
 
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