Thinking of quitting my D7

I have just got back from a few more weeks away, in Tuscany and Paris, without my D7, of which I have cracked the lens and it is away getting repaired.

I have been extensively using a Olympus 2100UZ and had occasion to use the new Canon S40. (I have nice friends!)

Both focus soooo much faster than the D7 that I am dreading going back to it. Over the last 8 months have missed a large quantity of photos because of focus speed problems, and indoors a lot of dud photos because they are out of focus. While away I also had the pleasure of using a 35mm SLR and far out .... it can focus and take 6 photos in under a second ...

Not really sure where to go from here.

Steve

All of these beasts are compromises - even the DSLRs - try lugging one of them around for a whole day! My first Digicam was a DSLR and I bought a D7 as a stop gap - I sold the S1 while it was still worth a bit and will probably go back to a DSLR in the next couple of months. However, while the D7 has its problems, they are fewer than I expected given the difference in price etc. and relatively good picture quality.

These are my thoughts for you:

Going DSLR is a big, expensive step up. I read a post today where someone was saying that if the Nikon 5700 retailed for close to $1500, he would just go the next step and buy a D60. Sorry, the price of a D60 doesn't even start at $2000 - you would have to spend about another $1000 minimum on glass to do it any justice. $3000 or $800 - there's a big difference and that's for you to decide. Another big issue with DSLR's is the weight - they are very heavy - look at the specs for them and add the battery in. How do you want to use the camera and at that weight, are you likely to have it on you when you wish to use it?

The run of the mill digicams (G2s, D7(i)s, 5700s) are all compromised in some way or another. There is no doubt in my mind that for most D7 owners, the lens (it's range and quality - particularly the 28mm end) was a big factor in the decision. For their choice, they get to make do or find ways around the cameras other shortcomings - battery life was one - now they all carry lots of sets of NiMh and no more problem. AF is an issue - but there are ways to help yourself. Learning how to use the manual focus through the EVF helps enormously for indoor shots. Updating the firmware helps too. The point is that you need to try to identify what the important features are for you and which one's you can live without. Then compare all the similar models, read their forums carefully, find out what their shortcomings are and make a decision. Easy, isn't it. It would take you months to do it properly... Otherwise, you could just buy one that looks good, makes you feel good and get out there with your finger on the trigger and have some fun.

Steven Christall said:

I have just got back from a few more weeks away, in Tuscany and
Paris, without my D7, of which I have cracked the lens and it is
away getting repaired.

I have been extensively using a Olympus 2100UZ and had occasion to
use the new Canon S40. (I have nice friends!)

Both focus soooo much faster than the D7 that I am dreading going
back to it. Over the last 8 months have missed a large quantity of
photos because of focus speed problems, and indoors a lot of dud
photos because they are out of focus. While away I also had the
pleasure of using a 35mm SLR and far out .... it can focus and take
6 photos in under a second ...

Not really sure where to go from here.

Steve

Click to expand...

Forgot an important point - In my opinion, the D7 is not a good choice as a point and shoot. If this is your requirement, you would probably be better served with something else... Good results from the D7 require a little more effort, but when you get them, they are good...

Steve Christall said:

I have just got back from a few more weeks away, in Tuscany and
Paris, without my D7, of which I have cracked the lens and it is
away getting repaired.

I have been extensively using a Olympus 2100UZ and had occasion to
use the new Canon S40. (I have nice friends!)

Both focus soooo much faster than the D7 that I am dreading going
back to it. Over the last 8 months have missed a large quantity of
photos because of focus speed problems, and indoors a lot of dud
photos because they are out of focus. While away I also had the
pleasure of using a 35mm SLR and far out .... it can focus and take
6 photos in under a second ...

Not really sure where to go from here.

Steve

Click to expand...

Steven Christall said:

Steve Christall wrote:
I have just got back from a few more weeks away, in Tuscany and
Paris, without my D7, of which I have cracked the lens and it is
away getting repaired.

I have been extensively using a Olympus 2100UZ and had occasion to
use the new Canon S40. (I have nice friends!)

Both focus soooo much faster than the D7 that I am dreading going
back to it. Over the last 8 months have missed a large quantity of
photos because of focus speed problems, and indoors a lot of dud
photos because they are out of focus. While away I also had the
pleasure of using a 35mm SLR and far out .... it can focus and take
6 photos in under a second ...

Not really sure where to go from here.

Steve

Click to expand...

As Don quite rightly pointed out in his first response to your post...

Have you updated the firmware in the camera?

WAIT - don't forget that a NEW firmware upgrade is coming that should address these shortcomings and basically give us D7 owners a D7i. As the others posted here, this camera takes WORK - it's best when not used as a point-n-shoot. It's great, even with its faults. All cameras have faults, whether size, cost, complexity or quality. IMHO the D7 is a great compromise camera that'll be getting better in the next few months.

Silicon Junkie© said:

Silicon Junkie© said:

Steve Christall wrote:
I have just got back from a few more weeks away, in Tuscany and
Paris, without my D7, of which I have cracked the lens and it is
away getting repaired.

I have been extensively using a Olympus 2100UZ and had occasion to
use the new Canon S40. (I have nice friends!)

Both focus soooo much faster than the D7 that I am dreading going
back to it. Over the last 8 months have missed a large quantity of
photos because of focus speed problems, and indoors a lot of dud
photos because they are out of focus. While away I also had the
pleasure of using a 35mm SLR and far out .... it can focus and take
6 photos in under a second ...

Not really sure where to go from here.

Steve

Click to expand...

As Don quite rightly pointed out in his first response to your post...

Have you updated the firmware in the camera?

Click to expand...

Steve Christall said:

Both focus soooo much faster than the D7 that I am dreading going
back to it. Over the last 8 months have missed a large quantity of
photos because of focus speed problems, and indoors a lot of dud
photos because they are out of focus.

Click to expand...

So sad to say of a brand who gave the world the first true autofocus
SLR.

But, on the other side, a true artist can developed a new way to shoot photos, forcing the camera shutter with long exposures (1/30 sec or upper) and/or having pictures more or less intentionally blurred, as you could expect in a Lynch movie. That's creativity!

Thanks to the big M for that.

Anfy

"The spoon doesn't exist"

Steve Christall said:

I have just got back from a few more weeks away, in Tuscany and
Paris, without my D7, of which I have cracked the lens and it is
away getting repaired.

I have been extensively using a Olympus 2100UZ and had occasion to
use the new Canon S40. (I have nice friends!)

Both focus soooo much faster than the D7 that I am dreading going
back to it. Over the last 8 months have missed a large quantity of
photos because of focus speed problems, and indoors a lot of dud
photos because they are out of focus. While away I also had the
pleasure of using a 35mm SLR and far out .... it can focus and take
6 photos in under a second ...

Not really sure where to go from here.

Steve

Click to expand...

-------------------------------------------------------------
STEVE, if you can't handle the D-7, by all means get something else!
Why confess to us? You have to read the manual, and learn what you
can do with the D-7. IMHO, it seems you wanted a point&shoot and
in my 50years, I have never cracked a lens. I have TWO D-7's with the
original firmware since July of last year. Very happy with the results, so
hope you find the right (tank constructed) camera and enjoy it.

--
Clifford
http://www.imageevent.com/cdbrown

Compared to my fully kitted Dynax 7 the D7i feels like a toy, it does however have its uses - thats why I bought it- for instant assesment of pictures,web pics, grab shots etc. I dont expect much more out of it, its not a pro camera and will never compare to the like of the Dynax 7, so dont be suprised when a decent 35mm outclasses it. I am doing a head to head assesment of picture quality soon of the D7i vs my 35mm setup (canoscan FS4000us, Dynax 7) should be interesting

steve

. While away I also had the

Steven Christall said:

pleasure of using a 35mm SLR and far out .... it can focus and take
6 photos in under a second ...

Not really sure where to go from here.

Steve

Click to expand...

--
if it moves 'shoot it'

I have a D7 also, I've been using it for a couple of months and I've been VERY happy with the images I've captured with it. The quality is amazing. That said, I agree with you on the autofocus issue. I knew about it beforehand, so I've been compensating for it. My general photographic habits generally don't require a really fast autofocus so it's never really bothered me. Purchase of 2 extra sets of 1800mah batteries were no big deal either.

I do however feel your pain though, I went back to my old Maxxum 400si for a time and had forgotten what a snappy autofocus was like. It took a little bit of transition time to get back to using the D7 again, but once again I was, in general, rewarded with very satisfying images.

Finally, the straw that broke the camel's back, I was working at a trade show at the Javitz convention center not too long ago. Canon was also having their annual Digital Solutions Forum there, after stopping by all the stuff that was pertinent to my trade I also went by the digital cameras and played with the D60 a bit. I'm now one of the many who are on the endless waiting lists for my D60 to arrive as the trade-in value on my D7 dwindles.

So that's where I decided to go when I was in your situation. I'm kind of still in that situation a bit because I'm wondering every now and then if I'll come to my senses and cancel the order since its cost is significantly more.

-Mike

PS- I would've been more than happy to stay with Minolta if they'd have released a DSLR

Steve Christall said:

I have just got back from a few more weeks away, in Tuscany and
Paris, without my D7, of which I have cracked the lens and it is
away getting repaired.

I have been extensively using a Olympus 2100UZ and had occasion to
use the new Canon S40. (I have nice friends!)

Both focus soooo much faster than the D7 that I am dreading going
back to it. Over the last 8 months have missed a large quantity of
photos because of focus speed problems, and indoors a lot of dud
photos because they are out of focus. While away I also had the
pleasure of using a 35mm SLR and far out .... it can focus and take
6 photos in under a second ...

Not really sure where to go from here.

Steve

Click to expand...

Clifford,

Isn't it amazing that people are willing to spend as much money as what a D7 costs without going to a dealer and testing one first? Or, at least doing extensive research on the camera and ordering from a dealer that is willing to accept it back within a reasonable time if it doesn't meet expectations.

And then........They feel compelled to whine to satisfied users as if they should/could do something about it. Go figure.

Steve Dean

Clifford said:

Steve Christall said:

I have just got back from a few more weeks away, in Tuscany and
Paris, without my D7, of which I have cracked the lens and it is
away getting repaired.

I have been extensively using a Olympus 2100UZ and had occasion to
use the new Canon S40. (I have nice friends!)

Both focus soooo much faster than the D7 that I am dreading going
back to it. Over the last 8 months have missed a large quantity of
photos because of focus speed problems, and indoors a lot of dud
photos because they are out of focus. While away I also had the
pleasure of using a 35mm SLR and far out .... it can focus and take
6 photos in under a second ...

Not really sure where to go from here.

Steve

Click to expand...

-------------------------------------------------------------
STEVE, if you can't handle the D-7, by all means get something else!
Why confess to us? You have to read the manual, and learn what you
can do with the D-7. IMHO, it seems you wanted a point&shoot and
in my 50years, I have never cracked a lens. I have TWO D-7's with the
original firmware since July of last year. Very happy with the
results, so
hope you find the right (tank constructed) camera and enjoy it.

--
Clifford
http://www.imageevent.com/cdbrown

Click to expand...

Steve Dean said:

Clifford,
Isn't it amazing that people are willing to spend as much money as
what a D7 costs without going to a dealer and testing one first?
Or, at least doing extensive research on the camera and ordering
from a dealer that is willing to accept it back within a reasonable
time if it doesn't meet expectations.

And then........They feel compelled to whine to satisfied users as
if they should/could do something about it. Go figure.

Steve Dean
---------------------------------------------------------------

Click to expand...

Steve, How well said. A Real photographer knows his/her's camera!
Doesn't need auto-focus, auto-exposure,and motor-drive to function.
For those types,-- believe it or not there was a time when we didn't
have those crutches, and some of the Greatest photographs ever
taken were done then. In fact, some of these whiners will never
master any camera or take a trully great photograph.

Clifford
http://www.imageevent.com/cdbrown

Steve Christall said:

I have just got back from a few more weeks away, in Tuscany and
Paris, without my D7, of which I have cracked the lens and it is
away getting repaired.

I have been extensively using a Olympus 2100UZ and had occasion to
use the new Canon S40. (I have nice friends!)

Both focus soooo much faster than the D7 that I am dreading going
back to it. Over the last 8 months have missed a large quantity of
photos because of focus speed problems, and indoors a lot of dud
photos because they are out of focus. While away I also had the
pleasure of using a 35mm SLR and far out .... it can focus and take
6 photos in under a second ...

Not really sure where to go from here.

Steve

Click to expand...

Hi Steve
I didn't see you in Tuscany

I spent my two week hoilday, mostly in norther parts of Italy shooting exntensively using my D7i
It is a great camera and cos I have carried lots of batteries
AF is fast enough
Please quote for a price for repair and yours can be upgraded

A friend of mine bought a little Cannon A20 and used it to take photos of hiis newborn son last week. I went though all the settings with him, but he managed to have the camera set at 640 x 480 in the delivery room. Sad thing, as those are truly once-in-a-lifetime shots.

Some people are just not suitable for interfacing with electronic or mechanical devices!

Cracked lens? Steve needs a less taxing hobby.

Stan

Claymore said:

Steve, How well said. A Real photographer knows his/her's camera!
Doesn't need auto-focus, auto-exposure,and motor-drive to function.
For those types,-- believe it or not there was a time when we didn't
have those crutches, and some of the Greatest photographs ever
taken were done then.

Click to expand...

This is a lot of baloney. Cameras made for manual focusing have very clear optical viewfinders and mechanical focus rings.

I can EASILY manually focus my 35mm Canon SLR, but it's hit and miss using an EVF and fly-by-wire focus. Non-SLR digital cameras force you to rely upon their rotton AF because the manual focus is such a poor afterthought.

You may like what you have, but to bash someone for whom it doesn't work shows nothing but shallowness and lack of understanding.

Even if famous photographers of yesderday had cruddy, low resolution EVFs to work with, that doesn't mean someone's wrong for wanting something better that is available today.

One size does not fit all. Grow up and stop circling and chanting; school's over.

Clifford said:

Steve Dean said:

Clifford,
Isn't it amazing that people are willing to spend as much money as
what a D7 costs without going to a dealer and testing one first?
Or, at least doing extensive research on the camera and ordering
from a dealer that is willing to accept it back within a reasonable
time if it doesn't meet expectations.

And then........They feel compelled to whine to satisfied users as
if they should/could do something about it. Go figure.

Steve Dean
---------------------------------------------------------------

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

In fact, some of these whiners will never

Claymore said:

master any camera or take a trully great photograph.

Clifford
http://www.imageevent.com/cdbrown

Click to expand...

I don't thinlk the EVF is a big problem to focus, it only takes some times to get use to it. In the old days, when the split image focusing was not available, with the ground glass it was so dark and very difficult to focus. If you are a photographer, you should know cameras with changable foucusing screens; some of the them are difficult for many people to focus too! However, there are reasons instead of only one focus method, but it is beyond the topic here. Actually I like the EVF more than the LCD.

As I posted the pictures before, there are four closeups, three of them are manully and only one closeup I use auto so I can show people that D5 has no problem in AF.
http://www.dbase.com/anadigi/d5

thabear said:

Floating_Fotoman said:

Steve, How well said. A Real photographer knows his/her's camera!
Doesn't need auto-focus, auto-exposure,and motor-drive to function.
For those types,-- believe it or not there was a time when we didn't
have those crutches, and some of the Greatest photographs ever
taken were done then.

Click to expand...

This is a lot of baloney. Cameras made for manual focusing have
very clear optical viewfinders and mechanical focus rings.

I can EASILY manually focus my 35mm Canon SLR, but it's hit and
miss using an EVF and fly-by-wire focus. Non-SLR digital cameras
force you to rely upon their rotton AF because the manual focus is
such a poor afterthought.

You may like what you have, but to bash someone for whom it doesn't
work shows nothing but shallowness and lack of understanding.

Even if famous photographers of yesderday had cruddy, low
resolution EVFs to work with, that doesn't mean someone's wrong for
wanting something better that is available today.

One size does not fit all. Grow up and stop circling and chanting;
school's over.

Clifford said:

Steve Dean said:

Clifford,
Isn't it amazing that people are willing to spend as much money as
what a D7 costs without going to a dealer and testing one first?
Or, at least doing extensive research on the camera and ordering
from a dealer that is willing to accept it back within a reasonable
time if it doesn't meet expectations.

And then........They feel compelled to whine to satisfied users as
if they should/could do something about it. Go figure.

Steve Dean
---------------------------------------------------------------

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

In fact, some of these whiners will never

Floating_Fotoman said:

master any camera or take a trully great photograph.

Clifford
http://www.imageevent.com/cdbrown

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Sorry should be http://www.pbase.com/anadigi/d5

AnaDigi said:

thabear said:

AnaDigi said:

Steve, How well said. A Real photographer knows his/her's camera!
Doesn't need auto-focus, auto-exposure,and motor-drive to function.
For those types,-- believe it or not there was a time when we didn't
have those crutches, and some of the Greatest photographs ever
taken were done then.

Click to expand...

This is a lot of baloney. Cameras made for manual focusing have
very clear optical viewfinders and mechanical focus rings.

I can EASILY manually focus my 35mm Canon SLR, but it's hit and
miss using an EVF and fly-by-wire focus. Non-SLR digital cameras
force you to rely upon their rotton AF because the manual focus is
such a poor afterthought.

You may like what you have, but to bash someone for whom it doesn't
work shows nothing but shallowness and lack of understanding.

Even if famous photographers of yesderday had cruddy, low
resolution EVFs to work with, that doesn't mean someone's wrong for
wanting something better that is available today.

One size does not fit all. Grow up and stop circling and chanting;
school's over.

Clifford said:

Steve Dean said:

Clifford,
Isn't it amazing that people are willing to spend as much money as
what a D7 costs without going to a dealer and testing one first?
Or, at least doing extensive research on the camera and ordering
from a dealer that is willing to accept it back within a reasonable
time if it doesn't meet expectations.

And then........They feel compelled to whine to satisfied users as
if they should/could do something about it. Go figure.

Steve Dean
---------------------------------------------------------------

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

In fact, some of these whiners will never

AnaDigi said:

master any camera or take a trully great photograph.

Clifford
http://www.imageevent.com/cdbrown

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Between this and your ...

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=2683471

... post your not an happy bunny!!!

You'd be better off finding a digicam that'll make you happy again.

You should have posted your online gallery to show that you are a fine photographer!

thabear said:

This is a lot of baloney. Cameras made for manual focusing have
very clear optical viewfinders and mechanical focus rings.

I can EASILY manually focus my 35mm Canon SLR, but it's hit and
miss using an EVF and fly-by-wire focus. Non-SLR digital cameras
force you to rely upon their rotton AF because the manual focus is
such a poor afterthought.

You may like what you have, but to bash someone for whom it doesn't
work shows nothing but shallowness and lack of understanding.

Even if famous photographers of yesderday had cruddy, low
resolution EVFs to work with, that doesn't mean someone's wrong for
wanting something better that is available today.

One size does not fit all. Grow up and stop circling and chanting;
school's over.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thabear, I thought the door to the Sony cage was open again. You

Click to expand...

couldn't even sign your name. You're even to young to know there was
a time, long,long ago -- when there were NO SLR's . Don't you know
these are exercises in trying to make people THINK! It's a shame, the
other camera forums are so poor, that lots of you come over here to
learn. School is always in!

Clifford

Floating_Fotoman said:

http://www.imageevent.com/cdbrown

Click to expand...

Yes, you're absolutely right. Cameras with manual focusing rings and optical viewfinders ARE easier to use. But those features are available in digital cameras as well. Given that fact, why would anyone buy a camera with an EVF and fly-by-wire focusing, and then sit around and belly ache about it? Go buy what works for you and not something that doesn't. Anyone that spends their hard earned cash for a camera they have not researched enough beforehand deserves to get stung. Be man enough to admit your mistake, learn from it, and move on. The rest of don't need to hear about your incompetency as if it were our fault or that of the manufacturer.

If you buy a product that works, then it stops working, you have a legitimate gripe. If you buy one that doesn't suit your needs, you will find the person to blame as close as the nearest mirror.

Steve

thabear said:

This is a lot of baloney. Cameras made for manual focusing have
very clear optical viewfinders and mechanical focus rings.

I can EASILY manually focus my 35mm Canon SLR, but it's hit and
miss using an EVF and fly-by-wire focus. Non-SLR digital cameras
force you to rely upon their rotton AF because the manual focus is
such a poor afterthought.

You may like what you have, but to bash someone for whom it doesn't
work shows nothing but shallowness and lack of understanding.

Even if famous photographers of yesderday had cruddy, low
resolution EVFs to work with, that doesn't mean someone's wrong for
wanting something better that is available today.

One size does not fit all. Grow up and stop circling and chanting;
school's over.

Click to expand...

Yes I agree it is a far more capable camera, and that is why I bought it .. I guess I am frustrated at its short comings, in that in "point and shoot" circumstances it falls short, and a lot of cheaper digital cameras do not!

I am away diving this week, but have a point and shoot! 35mm I am taking ....

Steve

Donsta said:

Forgot an important point - In my opinion, the D7 is not a good
choice as a point and shoot. If this is your requirement, you would
probably be better served with something else... Good results from
the D7 require a little more effort, but when you get them, they
are good...

Click to expand...