Sony 717 - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

06/25/2003 05:33:49 PM · #1

Woo hoo! I'm gonna get to use one of these for my job = )
Right now I'm using a Mavica FD-something, which is reeally bad compared to my S30. Any tips on usage for the 717? Unfortunately I won't be taking "artistic" photos. It's actually overkill for my assignment (cataloguing internal ladders in a factory), but I'll take it. I'll have to see if I can sneak in a pic for a challeng

Message edited by author 2003-06-25 17:34:47.

jimmythefish

Canon EOS-10D

06/25/2003 06:12:32 PM · #2

I love my F717. The thing that took a bit of adjusting to is the shallower depth of focus for a given aperture, so keep that in mind if you want everything sharp in your photograph. It's not DSLR-like, but moving from a camera with a tiny lens and tiny sensor, it can take some getting used to. It will also require a bit more post-processing to get a really sharp, contrasty image. I find that it takes very good quality images, but they're relatively flat out of the camera.

I shoot almost exclusively in aperture priority (A) mode - I find it's the best for controlling exposure. Definitely turn on and use the histogram (display button) as it's very useful for determining exposure. Also, use the preset white balance options whenever possible.

Have fun with it, you'll want one after you're done....

James.

JPR

Sony Alpha a55

Sony DT 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Super Wide Angle Zoom

06/25/2003 06:39:42 PM · #3

Originally posted by jimmythefish:

It will also require a bit more post-processing to get a really sharp, contrasty image. I find that it takes very good quality images, but they're relatively flat out of the camera.

Isn't that generally a good thing? Doesn't it come out better after post-processing if it's flat because it has more shades in acceptible levels?

I'm thinking of getting a 717 soon. Any suggestions about lenses, accessories, batteries, etc?

smellyfish1002

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

06/25/2003 06:47:47 PM · #4

I have a 717 and I've been very happy with it. I bought two extra batteries because I had 4 with my Nikon CP5700 and couldn't get through a daytrip without running out. Typically, one battery is good for a daytrip with the 717. A second one is nice, my third one was wasted money because I can't imagine ever needing it.

My experience is that reds are slightly oversaturated ascompared to other colors. Not bad to fix in post processing. I agree with the 'flat' comment. Post processing is necessary, but with great results.

I also shoot in aperature priority. Program gives very little control/flexibility. Aperature works great!

Overall, I like the 717 better than my Nikon CP5700.
It's a great camera to use until DSLR's are drastically improved upon...

JD Anderson

LindaLee

Canon EOS-40D

Sony DT 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Super Wide Angle Zoom

06/25/2003 07:38:44 PM · #5

I noticed in the off-center challenge, a lot of "close ups" of insects, etc., and they have absolutely amazing "focus" - by that I mean that the entire subject looks sharp and clear, and yet the DOF is great, with the background completely out of focus. HOW do they do this?? I have takens tons of shots and just cannot get anything that looks so great. What do you guys do to get great "macros/close-ups"?
Thanks, Linda

JPR

Sony Alpha a55

06/25/2003 07:41:02 PM · #6

lhall: keep believing... jk. I wish I knew! I think it has to do with lenses. I think they macro through a telephoto lens or something. The problem I have with my camera is that the macro only works when all the way zoomed out so I can't really get close enough for a good shot without actually scaring the subjects away. I'm waiting for a response to your question too.

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

06/25/2003 07:44:05 PM · #7

Macro using telephoto is one way for sure. Our camera can macro with a bit of zoom, but not much, I agree. Others have +1, +2, +4 close up lenses that magnify the shot.

jimmythefish

Canon EOS-10D

06/25/2003 07:48:32 PM · #8

Oh, for sure, the image you get out of it is great. It's just something to get used to, if you're coming from a digicam that's more aggressive with the in-camera processing.

I've got the Sony HGD0758 (wide-angle) and HGD1758 (telephoto) and love them both (now have a zoom range equivalent of 26-320mm), a 256mb MS Pro, 2 spare batteries (had 2 for my S50), leather case, and assorted filters. The case is key.

Originally posted by JasonPR:

Originally posted by jimmythefish:
It will also require a bit more post-processing to get a really sharp, contrasty image. I find that it takes very good quality images, but they're relatively flat out of the camera.

Isn't that generally a good thing? Doesn't it come out better after post-processing if it's flat because it has more shades in acceptible levels?

I'm thinking of getting a 717 soon. Any suggestions about lenses, accessories, batteries, etc?

Message edited by author 2003-06-25 19:53:06.

LindaLee

Canon EOS-40D

06/25/2003 08:20:53 PM · #9

Originally posted by JasonPR:

... I think it has to do with lenses. I think they macro through a telephoto lens or something. The problem I have with my camera is that the macro only works when all the way zoomed out so I can't really get close enough for a good shot without actually scaring the subjects away....

That is certainly one of the problems that I have had, but also, even when I can get THAT close, I can get the DOF, but NEVER get good clear focus of the subject (for instance, a spider on a web - the spider and the web right around him is in focus, but the rest of the web is fuzzy), throughout the shot. I just cannot figure it out - the rest of the f7x7 users must be using some tricky lenses/equipment for that!

Musicman

Sony DSC-F717

06/25/2003 08:29:14 PM · #10

Originally posted by lhall:

One way to achive this is to get away from auto focus. If I am correct your camera has a switch button on left side of the lens. Try switching it to manual. You can't use this in the point-and-shoot mode but can in the other modes. Zoom in on an object that has a background away from object. Then turn the ring in front of the camera to focus only on object. You may want to turn on display. On the left of the display you will see a hand/finger that will tell you how far your focus is to the camera. Give it a try and let me know if this helps or you need more info.

adding to message:
Forgot to mention. you need to have your F# at it lowest. example = F2.0
The apeture creates the DOF and the manual focus creates the clear focus. If you you the auto focus, the camera will try and adjust to what it see from farthest to closes and averages out. (I think) Either way the, the focus is not good. So, try the manual focus...

Message edited by author 2003-06-25 20:35:19.

Musicman

Sony DSC-F717

06/25/2003 09:32:16 PM · #11

Another of information is the tutorials link.
DOF Tutorial

LindaLee

Canon EOS-40D

06/26/2003 06:38:54 PM · #12

Originally posted by Musicman:

Originally posted by lhall:
I noticed in the off-center challenge, a lot of "close ups" of insects, etc., and they have absolutely amazing "focus" - by that I mean that the entire subject looks sharp and clear, and yet the DOF is great, with the background completely out of focus. HOW do they do this?? I have takens tons of shots and just cannot get anything that looks so great. What do you guys do to get great "macros/close-ups"?
Thanks, Linda

One way to achive this is to get away from auto focus. If I am correct your camera has a switch button on left side of the lens. Try switching it to manual. You can't use this in the point-and-shoot mode but can in the other modes. Zoom in on an object that has a background away from object. Then turn the ring in front of the camera to focus only on object. You may want to turn on display. On the left of the display you will see a hand/finger that will tell you how far your focus is to the camera. Give it a try and let me know if this helps or you need more info.

adding to message:
Forgot to mention. you need to have your F# at it lowest. example = F2.0
The apeture creates the DOF and the manual focus creates the clear focus. If you you the auto focus, the camera will try and adjust to what it see from farthest to closes and averages out. (I think) Either way the, the focus is not good. So, try the manual focus...

Thank you so much for this reply! I am so shocked that I have never tried this! Plan to try it out tomorrow and see how I do. Thanks again!

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

06/27/2003 05:10:37 PM · #13

Originally posted by jimmythefish:

Have fun with it, you'll want one after you're done....

James.

I already do want one = )
I've put so much into my S30 with accessories and whatnot that I can't justify spending $800 on a new camera (mine's only a year old too)

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

06/27/2003 05:19:57 PM · #14

Originally posted by Maverick:

3 months til hockey season...

The Stanley Cup Finals were what, last week? I have an idea ... if they create the brackets using ALL the NHL teams plus the top two minor-league teams they should be able to keep the playoffs going until after the start of the subsequent season. Of course, they learned it all from the NBA ...

Anyone want to lend me their 717 for the summer?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

06/27/2003 05:35:41 PM · #15

even so, i'm ready for some more hockey.

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by Maverick:
3 months til hockey season...

The Stanley Cup Finals were what, last week? I have an idea ... if they create the brackets using ALL the NHL teams plus the top two minor-league teams they should be able to keep the playoffs going until after the start of the subsequent season. Of course, they learned it all from the NBA ...

Anyone want to lend me their 717 for the summer?

smellyfish1002

Canon EOS-20D

06/27/2003 07:42:53 PM · #16

big Redwings fan here, and have been for years.
That doesn't go over very well where I live in Colorado.
Everyone I know is an Avs fan. They don't like my Detroit jersey!! LOL

JD Anderson