Contact Me
This form does not yet contain any fields.
    Navigation
    Small Shooter Category Tags
    Featured Artist

    Join the NO DSLRs Flickr group here.   Each month I'll pick an artist and feature a favorite photo here with a link to the artist's Flickr group.  All rights reserved to artist.   

    The picture above is from Clancycoop.   Check out his Flickr site here.  He's got some very good HDR images and shot this shot with and Olympus EP-1.    

     

    Olympus EP-1 Resources

    Thursday
    Apr012010

    A look at the Ricoh GXR Camera

    I'll start today's post with a confession.  I am an early adopter and willing to try things.   Right now I'm smitten with the New Ricoh GXR interchangable camera system.  I blew it off on first impression, but am seriously considering adding one of these to my camera collection.   Let me explain.  

    Handling - I love my Panasonic GF1, but have some substantial issues with the handling and physical characteristics.   I still love it and it is my primary camera right now, but I can't help but long for better handling as I miss shots because of it.   On paper and in discussion with other users, the GXR answers those questions and addresses my issues.   The functionality and customization far surpass the GF1.    The build is superior and it provides a pretty darn good grip, which for me is critical as I often grab the camera while moving for shots like the one below. 

    Compact - While my Canon S90is is actually smaller than the GXR, the Ricoh is very similar to the GF1.   It's the perfect size for me.   Some might argue that the 50mm lens unit of the GXR is bigger than the GF1 with pancake, I would concur.   But....I don't own the 20mm pancake.  I've been shooting with the 14-45 and the Ricoh is actually smaller.

    Variability - I often switch camera I am taking based on the need.  Sometimes I want to carry the smaller and lighter point and shoot camera.  Other times I want to carry a larger camera for certain shots.   The Ricoh allows this....And retains identical operation between both formats.   This is a first and a significant reason that GXR appeals to me.   Right now, I have mulitple cameras that all operate with different operating systems, controls and menues.   The GXR could replace both my GF1 and my Canon S90.   Two cameras in one.

    APSC sensor - For several months over this past winter, I put my GF1 down and started carrying my Nikon D90 with 35mm (50mm equivalent).  I did this for the sole reason of image quality.     While the GF1 sensor is good, I am doing more with my images and like to shoot the larger sensor camera for images I have specific needs or plans.   

    DNG - I like shooting RAW DNG

    Many have argued that the price is high and the focus speed is slow.   I have also heard a good comment in that sensor technology is changing rapidly, new sensors would make the whole lens unit obsolete.   I will do my best to address my take on each of thes.     Also note I have not shot with the GXR.   These are my beliefs and relate to how I envision this camera in use for me.   

    - If focus speed is a deal breaker for you, then this is a big deal.   For me I can appreciate the fast focus of the GF1, but I don't require it for a great majority of my shooting.   If I need fast focusing or are taking images of moving subjects, I still use my Nikon DSLR.   To date, smaller cameras just can't match the speed, image quality and consistency of the images.   

    - Price.  It is expensive.    But...Add up the prices of my other cameras and accessories.    GF1 with 20mm is roughly $900.   Now...Throw in the Canon S90 at about $375.   That is 1275.    While the GXR with both lens units is roughly $1600, it is not THAT far apart and given what you get, the money may be well spent.  

    - Sensor technology.  This for me is the toughest one to address.   Sensor technology is changing rapidly.  It would be a shame to throw away a "lens unit" because a new sensor is out and requires new glass to go with it.   But...In my experience a photographer learns how to maximize what they have.   Lenses and cameras are tools and I think that each and every lens or lens unit is still a tool and can be used for certain jobs.    Maybe not all jobs, but I know I still use some old stuff and in reading reviews, the glass on the 50mm lens unit is superb.   

    For me, I am still thinking about it.   I just wish Ricoh would give a better road map of lenses with larger than compact sensors.  Right now that is the only piece holding me back from putting serious time and thought into selling current equipment and replacing with Ricoh.   

    Saturday
    Mar272010

    Panasonic GF1 - Midterm Report

    It's been quite a while since I've posted over here.   I have finally figured out what I want to do with this site.   You may notice I took some of the individual blog pages away.  I kept all the data for those and have consolidated the individual camera blogs into one single blog.   

    Additionally, I have been out shooting....A lot of shooting in fact.    I've primarily been shooting with my Canon S90is and my Panasonic GF1.   Today I bring you my mid term report for the lovely Panasonic GF1.   As with all my reports I will say that this is a non scientific update.  If you want to pixel peep, you should go elsewhere.  I do not have the time, equipment or desire.   This report is based on my experience with the camera as well as the photos that I've captured with it.  

    Contemplation - 45mm - ISO 100 - F5.6 - 1/1600

    I recently went on a family trip to Florida.  I struggled for some time thinking about what camera to bring.  I ended up bring my Panasonic GF1 with the 14-45 and 45-200 zoom.    I kept it small and simple.   I've been messing around with a lot of cameras recently and after this trip, I honestly must say that I don't know why I have been shooting other cameras.  I love the GF1.  

    While on this trip, I was reminded of the following about the GF1 and about small cameras in general

    - If it is small enough, you will carry it more.   I carried the GF1 with me everywhere except the day I forgot it in the hotel room.  DRAT!  

    - It is so much more unobtrusive than a larger DSLR

    - The GF1 is a really versatile and capable little camera.   I shot both video and stills with it.  I quickly changed lenses and got shots I would not have gotten with my pocket Canon S90is or my larger bodies "PRO" DSLR.   

    - I took a few of my favorite family pictures ever.  I have printed some up to about 11.5 x 8.5 with very, very good results.   

    - Very fast focus

    - An incredible camera for B&W "Street" style shooting.   I shot frequently between 400 and 1600 ISO and got some very good B&W shots.  The grain and texture of the B&W are really nice.    

    - I don't like where the video button is on the top of the GF1.  On several occasions I ended up taking video when I wanted to shoot resulting in a missed shot.  I wish it was in a different location.  I can't really decide where to recommend, but I know I'd move it.  

    - I still wish the camera had a bit more to to hold onto when you are removing it from a camera pouch/bag.  If you leave the camera on, you will likely be pressing the dial on the back.  Since I shoot in "A" 95% of the time, this either results in a change in F-stop or an exposure compensation correction.   More than once I had incorrect exposure because I quickly pulled the camera from the pouch and shot and afterward reviewed and saw the missed exposure.  This is my largest niggle with this camera.

    - After reviewing almost 500 pictures from Florida in varying lighting conditions, I think the auto white balance is a little inconsistent.

    - I really wanted the EVF in some of the Florida sun shots.   I missed a few shots or they were slightly off in my framing because I just couldn't see the LCD well enough.

    After the trip, I decided to invest a bit more in this camera.  In fact, I now think it will once again be my primary camera.    I plan to purchase the 20mm 1.7 along with an EVF.  

    In the rain at Cocoa Beach - 17mm - ISO 200 - F5.6 - 1/500

    I shot all images in color using My FILM 1 with a standard setting with saturation +1.    I then convert to black & white in Lightroom where I have a custom setting for a Dynamic Black & White.    It is just a bit different than the standard Dynamic Black & White on the camera.

    To view more images click on the new GF1 Gallery Page at the top of this page.   I added an "At the beach" gallery and I will be adding a few more.  

    Lastly, despite my little nitpicks, I gotta say it is an amazing little camera.   It's interesting to point out that after a 2-3 month love affair with the camera last fall, I put it down and experiemented with other cameras.  I even put it for sale.   Then, after realizing that my other cameras were either too big (Nikon D90 with 3 lenses) or too small with not quite enough IQ (Canon S90is) for my needs, the GF1 made the cut for my trip.   In the end, I could not be happier with my choice.  

    All in all, I am very, very pleased with this camera.   I'm looking forward to shooting with the 20mm 1.7, which I expect to stay on the camera 90% of the time.  I am also considering replaceing my Nikon D90 with a Panasonic GH1.  This will give me increased video capability as well as some additional speed and features.  

    Wednesday
    Feb032010

    Richard Franiec Custom Grip for Canon S90

    I posted  few weeks ago my initial (P)Review of the powerful Canon S90.    I love this litle camera.   However, it was too small and sleek for my hands.  I've almost dropped it a number of times.   So...I purchased a Richard Franiec Custom Grip from Lensmate

    This is a must have product for anyone that has an S90.   The grip is perfectly designed to fit both the camera and your hand.   I can grab the camera to pull from my pouch on my back pack with firm authority with no fear of dropping the camera.  It also improves one handed shooting by giving your middle finger a firm hold on the camera.  

    Mounting was simple.  Clean the area.   Test fit and placement.   Peal off backing on double sided tap, position and press.   Installation is complete.   This accessory adds so much to an already great camera.  I can't recommend it enough. 

    Note:  I have no affiliation with either Lensmate or Richard Franiec.

     

    Thursday
    Jan212010

    Poor Man's Leica

    I've been studying the Olympus EP1 and EP2 quite a bit lately.   One might ask why when I have a GF1?   Well....Let me tell you why.    I find myself wanting to shoot with a classic looking digital camera with old lenses.    I am seriously considering an EP1 with an adapter or two for some of my old lenses.   

    Why would I do that?   Besides that fact that I think it is fun, I want to slow down the picture taking process.   Digital has gotten so quick.   Snap.  Snap.   Snap.    Whoa!  I just took a bunch of pictures.   I'm too quick to shoot and I am snapping away and deleting later.   I want to slow down, focus on the composition, and manually focus on the point(s) I want.   I think it will improve my skills.   

    So....If any of you readers would consider trading me your EP1 body for my GF1 body, fill out the contact/submission form on the right of this entry or post a comment and I'll contact you.    

    So.....Here's to the poor man's Leica.   

    Monday
    Jan112010

    Initial Canon S90is (P)review

    If you've ended up here on NODSLR's you are obviously a camera junkie.   Chances are that you have also read The Online Photographers Camera of the year 2009.    If not, click here and read it. 

    I am a bit surprised that only one larger DSLR cameras were on the list.   Amazing.  I'd say proof that the camera world is anxious to embrace non DSLR cameras.   As I read the story, I can say I related to all of the stories and reasons given.   

    In my last post, I shared some of the cameras that I thought stood out and made an impact in 2009.   Today, I share my thoughts on a feature that I think could change small and serious cameras.   I am talking about the programable lens ring on the Canon S90is. 

    When I first read about this feature back at the release of the Canon G11 and S90is, I thought it was a little hokey.  In fact, I remember thinking it was a gimmick.   However, after just a little bit of use, I think it is a stand out feature.  In fact, I think it could be the stand out "feature" of any camera released in 2009.  

    I recently sold my beloved Panasonic LX3.  I sold it for various reasons but shortly after selling it, I found myself still wishing to have a true small camera.  I considered buying another LX3 as I've frequently stated that I took more "good" pictures with the LX3 than any camera I have ever owned.  It is that good.  But....Because I am a gear guy, I decided to pick up a Canon S90IS.   

    Why did I pick an S90IS over purchasing another LX3?   

    - Price - The S90IS is significantly (to me) cheaper than the Panasonic LX3.  Although prices have been dropping quickly on the LX3.  

    - No hotshoe - I don't need it and those features on the top of the LX3 make it just a tad cumbersome to remove from my pocket or pack while doing other activities.   

    - Try something new - I fiddled with it a bit at the store and quickly found that the S90IS is really well thought out and functional.  

    So....After a few hundred shots, here is my initial preview of the Canon S90IS

    - Lens ring - I love the lens ring.  Canon nailed it with this feature.   I shoot in A mode and use the lens ring for exposure compensation.  I love this because it's winter here in MN right now and I can quickly adjust the exposure even with large  and warm gloves on.  Even with gloves it's easy to turn, control and set for my desired exposure.

    - Simply an awesome little camera.   I'm still getting used the menu and controls as I was really dialed with the LX3's toggle button and menu system.   

    - Size is incredible and I truly take it with me everywhere with zero penalty.   

    - Image quality - I've only shot at ISO 80 and 100 but have found with the bright lens, I like it.  I've only shot JPEG because if I want a specific image or need a really high quality image, I carry my other camera.   

    - I miss the dynamic black and white setting of the Panasonic LX3.  Sure I can pretty much duplicate that look and feel, but Panasonic has the setting dialed.  I find I don't shoot black and white with the small Canon.

    - I wish it had just a bit more grip.  I'm going to try a custom Franiec grip and anticipate that will solve my problem.  I just want a bit more grip as I often grab my camera from my bag while riding or hiking and want just a little extra firmness and contact for the "grab".   

    - I'm still adjusting to the top zoom control. 

    - Dynamic Range doesn't feel quite as good as the Panasonic.   I'm not getting much out of playing with saturation, clarity or other adjustments in Lightroom.   It's pretty good though right out of the camera and I don't need to adjust much.   

    So...There is the initial preview.    After a 1000 shots or so I will do a bit more of a review.  Here is one of my favorite shots I've taken with the S90is.   Had I not had this camera I would have missed this shot altogether.  I got this shot because I threw it in my pocket.   

    Stay tuned this week.  I will be outlining some changes later this week to the NoDSLR's site.   

    Friday
    Jan012010

    Happy New Year

    Greetings NoDSLRs readers.  Hope you all had a great and safe holiday season.  Hopefully your stockings were filled with some well deserved photo equipment.  

    It's been a couple of weeks since I posted here.   Lots going on in my world and in the camera world.    I'll be spending the weekend updating the G11 reviews as well as a few others.  I also need to add the Olympus EP-2 to the Olympus pages.

    But....I am not writing today to talk about that.  I'm writing today to recap some of the very cool small but serious camera producst of 2009.  Here is my list of favorite products that I used, reviewed and or purchased in 2009. 

    1)  Panasonic LX3 - This is simply the benchmark for me when it comes to overall performance of a point and shoot.   As I look back over my pictures taken in 2009, many of my favorite images were taken with the LX3.   It is so versatile and when you add a Lensmate adaptor, it becomes even more versatile.    Some may argue it came out in 2008 but I didn't buy one until March 2009.

    2)  Panasonic GF1 and Olympus EP-1 - Micro 4/3rds is here to stay.   I can't wait to see this category develop.    I've shot the GF1 for several months.   

    3)  Canon S90IS - I commend Canon for investing in a compact camera with new technology, the programable lens ring.   This is a really fine little camera and the lens ring is a surprisingly functional and useful addition.    It has also given Panasonic a wake up call as many LX3 buyers have purchased the Canon because of the short supply of LX3's.  

    4)  Canon G10/G11 - This is the camera that I think sets the mark for contruction, look and feel.  It's external control are unmatched (in my opinion).  The G10 is the highest resolving compact I've ever used.  It is very, very good at ISO 80.  

    So...What about products I haven't used but still want to mention here?

    1)  Ricoh - I've got to hand it to Ricoh for a couple of reasons.  Their viral marketing of sending cameras from blogger to blogger is remarkable.   In addition, they also appear to listen to photographers in that the feature set, control and function of the cameras is realy unmatched by other camera makers.  They also took a bunch of risk with the GXR.   Not sure in the interchangable camera pod will catch on or not.  Time will tell.   Regardless, they should be commended.  The GRD III is a gem too.  I wish I had one.......

    2)  Leica - Wow, two killer compacts with the X-1 and the M9.   Neither of which you will ever see in my mitts, but they are showing both Canon and Nikon that higher end compacts are a niche that shdould be considered.  

    3)  Sigma - I love Sigma despite the slowness and 2-3 year behind the rest of the market feel.  I shot a DP1 for a bit.   Loved it but found it too slow for me to use effectively.  I still applaud Sigma for being the first compan to offer a large sensor compact.   Because of this, I think I'll always have a soft spot for Sigma.  

    Thanks for a great 2009 and thank for reading No DSLRs.  It's already come a long way since I started the site in October.     I've got some cool stuff planned for 2010.  Keep coming back.

    So....What will happen in 2010?   Stay tuned.   I'm going to go out on a limb with some predictions.  

    Happy New Year!

    Monday
    Dec142009

    My Panasonic GF1 Review

    As I look around the web, it is clear the GF1 has made a significant impact on the camera world.   1001 Noisy Cameras reports 35 reviews in its review cluster!  Not bad for a camera that is only a few months old.   Well....It's made quite an impression on me too.   I love this camera and since I got it, I've been shooting more than ever.    As you read this, please note I am no professional.   Rather, I would call myself and enthusiast and really am just learning the art of photography.    

    First, let me start with my kit.    I purchased the Panasonic GF1 with the zoom.   I considered the 20mm, but for how I planned on using it, I wanted a zoom and I could not find a place to buy the 14-45 if I had purchased the kit with teh 20mm.      I also purchased the 45-200mm zoom.    I plan to buy the 20mm too, but I will get to that later.

    I purchased this camera because of my experience with the amazing Panasonic LX3.  I shot this camera for months but wanted to do more with the images and wanted a larger sensor compact.  I was torn between the EP-1 and the GF-1 as I had some old Olympus 4/3rds lenses, but in the end the GF1 won out because I feel like Panasonic has been a bit more innovative with their cameras and because of my positive experience with the LX3.   

    I immediately fell in love with the handling of the GF1.   Part of this was the comfort I had with the LX3.   I like that there is not a toggle switch like on the LX3.   The GF1 has many of the same quick access menus as the LX3 and is navigated by the up, down, left & right arrows.   I do wish there was a way to change the order of the quick menu icons and functions.  Maybe there is, as I have yet to read the manual!  

    I only have one real beef with the handling and function of the camera.   I frequently ride my bike or hike with the camera.   I like to leave the camera on so it is ready for quick action.   When I reach down in the my camera bag or swing it around from the side and grab it, I often grab the camera and accidentally compress the dial on the upper right of the back of the camera.   This activates the exposure compensation.   I have often found that in my grabbing or swinging/grabbing of the camera, I have accidentally changed the exposure compensation resulting in missed shots and under or overexposed images.   This isn't necessarily a design or function issue, but for how I use the camera it is an issue.  This is happening because  the GF1 is pretty thin by design and doesn't really have anything to grab onto. I am now turning the camera on and off every time I put take it out or put it away.  Aside from that functionality issue, I have not one single niggle about the functions.    

    So...Here are my settings.  

    - I shoot in A (aperture) mode 99% of the time

    - 3:2 large image size

    - AWB 80% of the time

    - I still shoot JPEG because I'm an enthusiast and don't have a great workflow set up for RAW

    - I switch often between the 14-45 and the 45-200

    - I set up a My Picture mode to shoot both Dynamic B&W and Nature at the same time.   I like and use both often.

    What don't I like about the camera?  

    - No in body IS.   This almost swayed me to the Olympus.

    - Flash.  In on camera flash is very weak.   That's OK because I don't use it that often.   

    - Nothing to grab onto when you pick it up (see above)

    - the stock 14-45 seems a bit soft as you to the 45 end of it.  I've compared shots with the 14-45 and the 45-200 at the 45mm (90mm equivalent) and the 45-200 appears to be much softer

    - Colors are a little week or desaturated, especially when compared to Olympus J-pegs.  

    - Of Camera Flash - Panasonic is a bit behind here in functionality and technology and I'm just starting to play with off camera flash.  It's fun!   But I must also add that if you are requiring a good off camera flash functionality, you are probably not looking at this camera anyway.   I'm just mentioning it.  

    Now that I have used the camera for the last few months and shot over 2000 images with it, would I buy it again?    This is a very tough question to answer and right now.  The answer is NO.   

    In hindsight, I wish I would have purchased the G1 kit long ago.  I think that for how I use a camera, the G1 would have been better for me.  It is cheaper too.  I could have purchased the camera with the 14-45 and the also purchased the 45-200 and the 20mm.    This would have been a dream kit for me and almost as small.   The DSLR like grip would eliminate my issue with how to grab the camera and pull it out of my bag or off my back when I am riding or hiking.    It would have saved me money and I could have purchased the 20mm sooner rather than later.    It's got a stronger flash too.   Almost all the other functions are same or similar.   

    But....I will also say that if video is important, the G1 is out of the question as it doesn't have video and you will need to decide between the GF1 and the GH1.    

    All that said, the GF1 is my favorite camera purchase of the year.   I love it and I can't wait to one day also own the 20mm f1.7 as my take with me everywhere camera.    

    Last, but not least, check out my personal gallery of GF1 images on my other website.  Here is one of my favorite shots captured with the GF1.  

     

     

    Sunday
    Dec062009

    Small Fixed Lens Compacts

    Lately, I've been shooting the GF1 quite a bit.   I've also found that I'm leaving it at home a bit on "faster" and more "spirited" group rides.   Yet, I want to bring a camera with me on these rides, but it has to be light and it has to be fairly fast.   Because of this, I've been looking at small compacts again and thinking about a fixed lens super compact to carry with me.    Funny thing is, there are only about 5 cameras to choose from, 3 if you only consider current models from these brands.  

    - Ricoh GRD III

    - Sigma DP2

    - Leica X-1

    Wow!  When was the last time you actually only had 3 choices in a camera or camara accessory you wanted?  

    I can quickly rule the Sigma DP-2 out for operating speed reasons and the Leica X-1 out of cost reasons.  That leaves the lovely Ricoh GRDIII.   Let's take a closer look.

    I've been following the Ricoh cameras for a number of years.  I went to Japan several years ago and several of the people I met while on the trip were shooting Ricoh GX100's.  I also followed a few blog sites from Europe where the authors were using Ricoh cameras.     Everyone always told me the same thing, the build quality and the functionality were unmatched.   

    As I look more and more at the GRDIII, I think this is a perfect camera for riding.   Here is why.  

    - Incredibly small.   Dimensions are 108mm wide, 60mm tall and 26mm deep.

    - Weight.  Only 188 grams (without battery)

    - Fast.  Fast can mean a lot of things, but this camera has a bright and fast lens at f1.9 and has functions like snap focus that allow you to shoot quickly with a fixed focus distance without the camera searching around for a focal point.    

    - Takes AAA batteries in a pinch.   You won't get many shots, but given the ability to use them and that AAA's are available almost anywhere, you have a reliable back up source.   It also just so happens that my Princeton Tec headlamps also use AAA's so I usually have a spare set in my bike gear kit.   

    I'm pretty much set to add this camera to my list.   I've sold LX3.  I just want to do a little bit more research as I may also consider the Ricoh GX200 .   To that end, I added some new reviews to the Ricoh camera pages.    Here is a link to a 9 part review by Christian Sorega.   It is also added to the Ricoh Blog pages.  

     

    Friday
    Nov272009

    Lowepro - Off Trail One Camera Bag

    I like to carry a camera with me everywhere no matter the activity.  Recently, I've been getting a bunch of emails asking me how I carry my equipment while riding my bicycle?    I wish there was a simple answer.    Or should I say a consistent answer.   For me, how I carry my camera depends on what camera I bring with me, what bike I am riding and how long will I be riding  

    Which camera is pretty simple to understand.  It's about the size of the camera.   Which bike will tell me what other gear I will need to carry with me or on me?   How long tells me how careful I need to be about weight.  

    So...I will start with my most common set up.    My Lowepro Off Trail 1.  

    I have no affiliation with any camera maker or gear supplier.   This is a bag I bought with my own hard earned cash (About $50)   Why did I buy this one?  

    - It's light.  That's important to me as I will often carry this pack with me on rides of 50-100 miles.

    - It fits my gear.   My GF1 with either the 14-45 or the 45-200 fit perfectly in the center pouchs.  I then carry the extra lens in one of the padded lens holders and my phone, a lens cleaner, ultra light weight dry bag and a circular polarizer in the other.   

    - If I dont' want to carry all that stuff, I can remove one or both of the lens holders.   Sweet.  

    So far I've got about 8-900 miles in with this bag set up.  I've been very please with it.  I've used it on a few hikes as well.

    NOTES:   I don't carry a flash unit with me as I don't use flash in the type of photography I prefer.   If a flash matters, you will need to look at a larger bag.  Their are other sizes of the Off Trail series and a very similar and larger spec'd Outback series of waist packs for larger cameras and more stuff.   Lastly, If you buy one of these, remember that this is not a waterproof bag.  That is why I carry the dry sac/bag.  

     

    Tuesday
    Nov242009

    Updates

    So much going on and not enough time to write about it.   Here is the summary. 

    Ricoh GRDIII as a high ISO B&W camera at TOP.  Review added to GRD pages.  

    G11 review at DC Resource.   Also added a few other reviews to the G11 page.  

    Panasonic issued a firmware update for GF1 and lenses.   Link to Panasonic download site on GF1 page. 

    Last but not least, check out the featured artist, Clancycoop.   I added one of his EP-1 images to the right.  Check out his whole Flickr site by clicking the image or the link in the text below image.