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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Fast Response Cameras?
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07/13/2008 09:34:46 PM · #1
My F717 is definetly long in the tooth.

Worst part is the shutter lag. Wasn't bad for it's day, but even when manual focused, and using wired remote, the response is very sluggish.

Looking for something that will sync with the flash at relatively high speeds, and will take the picture when I pust the darn button...

Just spent two hours trying to capture a splash. Never did get what I wanted.

About $1,500 is my limit for new camera and lens. (Thinking D SLR)

Am I being realistic in my quest?
07/13/2008 09:45:36 PM · #2
Take a look at a Canon 40D with the 28-135mm IS lens. Canon has a $200 instant rebate until July 19th.
07/13/2008 09:48:19 PM · #3
Or a used 30D/40D. I'd keep the 717. Worth more than you'll ever get for it.
07/13/2008 11:24:53 PM · #4
Thanks for the suggestions.

Definetly keeping the 717. It does infra red with no mods, so I'll use it for that if nothing else.
07/13/2008 11:28:21 PM · #5
When you say splash, you mean IreneM style?

Used Nikon D50 / D70 (x-sync @ 1/500) ~ $350
SB 800 - $310
Macro lens - $350-800 (lots of options in this range, depending on what you want)

07/13/2008 11:34:35 PM · #6
Basically along that line.

The response is so slow on my camera, that I had to raise my arm over my head to drop and catch as the splash was made. Even then, response was not completely predictable. Did manage to get the camera pretty wet, as the velocity when the item hit the liquid was getting high.

The 717 will sync at 1/1000, it just takes a bit to think about when it wants to take the picture. If I had two cameras, there might have been a picture of me hitting it with a hammer at that point.
07/13/2008 11:44:30 PM · #7
Well, you don't actually need the camera to sync at a high shutter speed... even 1/1000 isn't enough to freeze the water. A speedlight like the SB800 has a flash duration in the range of 1/10000 when you use it on 1/16th power (can't remember the exact number)...

So, if you're in a fairly dark environment, you can shoot at a really slow shutterspeed, like 1 second, and fire the speedlight when you want to make your exposure. You could even do that with your current camera... just buy a used SB28 or something for 80 bucks, focus the camera manually, set a 1-2 second exposure and turn the lights out. Open the shutter, drop the water, and trigger the flash when the water hits.

Message edited by author 2008-07-13 23:44:55.
07/14/2008 01:46:05 PM · #8
I can get up to 30 seconds on the shutter now.

I have a Sunpak 622 Pro Super. (Talk about overkill...)

At this point the question becomes, how do I see the drop hitting to know when to fire the flash?

Must be a way, I'm just dense at the moment.
07/14/2008 02:01:06 PM · #9
Originally posted by ambaker:

I can get up to 30 seconds on the shutter now.

I have a Sunpak 622 Pro Super. (Talk about overkill...)

At this point the question becomes, how do I see the drop hitting to know when to fire the flash?

Must be a way, I'm just dense at the moment.


Use a sound trigger:

Sound trigger
07/14/2008 04:00:07 PM · #10
Originally posted by ambaker:

Looking for something that will sync with the flash at relatively high speeds, and will take the picture when I pust the darn button...

About $1,500 is my limit for new camera and lens. (Thinking D SLR)

Not D-SLR, but as fast as they come and well under $1500: Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1
//www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08010601casiof1.asp

It captures 6 MP at 60 FPS (7 FPS with Flash!), and will store up to 60 frames from before you click the shutter. So if you miss the crucial moment by a fraction of a second...you still get it!

Probably overkill on the shutter response side, and does not give you the lens flexibility of a D-SLR.

Message edited by scalvert - Fixed link, typos, and a slow leak in your front tire..
07/20/2008 06:21:20 PM · #11
Originally posted by fsteddy:

Take a look at a Canon 40D with the 28-135mm IS lens. Canon has a $200 instant rebate until July 19th.


Ducked in under the deadline yesterday. Looked at both the 40D and the D300 Nikon. Got the 40D, with the 28-135mmd IS lens, and the 70-300mm IS lens. Best Buy had $400 off that combo. Over my original target, but doable. I looked hard at the Nikon. But at a $1,000 difference, my current level of ability could not justify it.
07/20/2008 07:08:03 PM · #12
Originally posted by ambaker:

Originally posted by fsteddy:

Take a look at a Canon 40D with the 28-135mm IS lens. Canon has a $200 instant rebate until July 19th.


Ducked in under the deadline yesterday. Looked at both the 40D and the D300 Nikon. Got the 40D, with the 28-135mmd IS lens, and the 70-300mm IS lens. Best Buy had $400 off that combo. Over my original target, but doable. I looked hard at the Nikon. But at a $1,000 difference, my current level of ability could not justify it.


Congrtats on the 40D. You will love it!
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