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    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.    

     

    Wednesday
    03Feb2010

    Richard Franiec Custom Grip for Canon S90

    DateWednesday, February 3, 2010 at 8:25AM AuthorGnat CommentPost a Comment

    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.

     

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    Thursday
    21Jan2010

    Poor Man's Leica

    DateThursday, January 21, 2010 at 8:02PM AuthorGnat Comment3 Comments

    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.   

    in
    Monday
    18Jan2010

    Panasonic GF1 for sale w/14-45 and 45-200mm

    DateMonday, January 18, 2010 at 9:00PM AuthorGnat CommentPost a Comment

    I may have gone off the deep end, but I've got some new kit in mind.   I love the GF1 but I've got something else on my mind for my small pro kit.   Since I buy my own stuff and don't have deep pockets, something has to go.    So....Here's the deal.  

    I'm looking to sell my GF1 kit.   Camera is in near mint condition.  I've shot about 2000 images with it.   

    $1000 shipped (Domestic USA Only) for camera and both lenses pictured above.   Price includes cables, chargers, CD, manual, etc.   Amazon pricing as of today was $899 for camera and 14-45 and the 45-200 zoom lens is out of stock (used to be just under $300).   All in all $1000 is really good deal for a really nice kit.      

    This is a like new camera.   

    If you are interested, please fill out the submission form just to the right of this post.    If the camera sells I will remove this post.

    Details. 

    Domestic USA shipping only

    Price is for camera, both lenses

    Cash, Money order, or Paypal.   Additional Paypal fees may apply if using credit card.

     

    tagged in
    Monday
    11Jan2010

    Initial Canon S90is (P)review

    DateMonday, January 11, 2010 at 8:11PM AuthorGnat Comment10 Comments

    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.   

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    Friday
    01Jan2010

    Happy New Year

    DateFriday, January 1, 2010 at 4:12PM AuthorGnat CommentPost a Comment

    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!

    in
    Monday
    14Dec2009

    My Panasonic GF1 Review

    DateMonday, December 14, 2009 at 4:00AM AuthorGnat CommentPost a Comment

    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
    06Dec2009

    Small Fixed Lens Compacts

    DateSunday, December 6, 2009 at 6:53AM AuthorGnat Comment5 Comments

    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.  

     

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    Friday
    27Nov2009

    Lowepro - Off Trail One Camera Bag

    DateFriday, November 27, 2009 at 10:28PM AuthorGnat Comment2 Comments

    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.  

     

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    Tuesday
    24Nov2009

    Updates

    DateTuesday, November 24, 2009 at 11:07PM AuthorGnat CommentPost a Comment

    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.  

     

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    Monday
    16Nov2009

    Observations of micro 4/3rds and an open invitation to camera makers

    DateMonday, November 16, 2009 at 10:08PM AuthorGnat Comment5 Comments

    My posts here have been a little sporadic lately.    It hasn't been intentional.   Nope.  I've been busy shooting a lot.    Mostly I've been shooting with the GF1, but I've also been shooting with my Nikon D90.   What?  I mentioned a DSLR here on the small shooter blog at NO DSLR's website.    Well, in the interest of full disclosure, I do own an DSLR.    Let me explain.  

    Not only have I been shooting a lot, I've been studying micro 4/3rds.    I've also studied the FLICKR user groups and what not and have come to a few conclusions.  I don't necessarily claim that I am the originator of any of this information nor do I guarantee it is true.  It is however, my experience.  

    So...Here are a few observations.  

    1)  If you are coming from a DSLR and looking for one of the current cameras to replace your DSLR, you may not be satisfied with what is on the market.   Don't get me wrong.  I love the my GF1.  LOVE IT!  However, I'm not ready to make this my only camera.   I do predict that someday it will, but right now the current crop of micro 4/3rds just don't quite offer enough speed and performance.  

    2)  If you are stepping up from a point and shoot, you will love the micro 4/3rds cameras...Other than the slightly larger size.   In my opinion, the GF1 and E-P1 outperform every small chip point and shoot camera on the market.   That is why you are now seeing the LX3 sell for under list price again and see Canon's brand new G11 sell for under $500 bucks as well.

    3)  High end point & shoots need to find a new way to survive.  Is it the Ricoh module/block system?  Is it super compact size?   Who knows but I think that Nikon and Canon need to figure it out as sales of their flagship point and shoots go elsewhere.

    4)  In reviewing Flickr galleries, it appears that both the Olympus e-p1 and the Panasonic GF1 appear to be bringing out the bokeh artist.    So many of the images shared in Flickr GF1 and EP1 groups are about the "bokeh" produced by these cameras.

    5)  Old lenses - Many photographers are justifying the purchase of micro 4/3rds to once again use some of the old lenses in their collection.   

    On a personal note, I love the GF1 but here is my open invitation for micro 4/3rd camera makers. 

    1)  I need a weather proof camera.  I don't need all the crazy features found on the current crop of micro 4/3rd cameras.    I need the basic functions of the GF1 or the G1/GH1 in a weather proof body.  I need a smaller pro/semi pro camera.   Someone needs to do this and don't tell me that the Pentax K-7 is in that category because I've held it in my hands and it's not anything like the EP1, GF1, G1 or GH1.  

    2)  I would like faster frames per second and better focus tracking.  This is pretty much the only reason I shoot my DSLR.   Bring it to 5 FPS and improve the continuous focus tracking.  

    3)  Lenses - Why can't Olympus (or Panasonic/Leica) produce higher quality lenses like they did with the 4/3rds format.   I shot an Olympus 4/3rds camera with high quality Zuiko lenses.   I miss them.   Folks will pay for higher quality glass.   Someone just needs to do it!   

    4)  Please adopt DNG like Pentax and Ricoh.    This will allow much easier digital workflow and increased immediate sales because folks would not have to wait for Adobe updates.  Just do it.   I also like the RAW button for shooting individual RAW shots.  That is a feature I would love.   

    OK....That's enough ramblings for now.  

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