F707: A few pics from Big Sur

We just got back from our camping trip to Big Sur.

I've posted a few shots from the trip but this Otter is my favorite.

http://www.pbase.com/image/3103602

Your comments and critiques are always welcome!
--
Steve
Proud New DSC F707 Owner

Otters are great subjects for photos. You got a good one too. I would suggest cropping the image for less of a bullseye look:



I placed the nose of the otter on the upper right thirds nodal points which gave the otter a nice full frame look. I also darkened the water to give the otters head a little more definition. Finished up with a saturation boost of 15 which made the water look a tad bluer and the seaweed more golden.

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Shay

My Sony F707 Gallery: http://www.shaystephens.com/portfolio.asp

Steve - that's a great otter shot. I recently purchased my Sony Cybershot F707 and just love it. I am curious; where did you purchase your conversion lenses, specifically the telephoto lens?? The only thing Sony seems to offer for this camera is the 0.7 wide-angle conversion lens. Thanks for any info you can impart.

Thanks Shay!

I cropped it very much like that for a print I just made and I like the way the otter fills the frame.

I just got my F707 at the end of May so I still need practice at keeping things out of dead center.

--
Steve
Proud New DSC F707 Owner

Thanks Sandy,

I guess I got lucky with my teleconverter lens... It's a Sony VCL 1558A (1.5x) that I bought off ebay for $40. Its well used but seems to work well (for the money.) Sony also makes a VCL-1758A (List price: $400) which I have seen selling for about $250 when you can find them.

Many people here like the Olympus B300 (avg. price $300) which is 1.7x and I think Canon makes one, too.

Once its attached, the camera is very heavy and needs to be supported with a hand under the barrel and it makes fast shooting very hard to do.

I would recommend shopping around for the best deal possible on a "quality" teleconverter lens (read all about them here 1st!) And meanwhile, get used to the camera "as is."

--
Steve
Proud New DSC F707 Owner

You have some nice photos there. I liked #1512 and that stone is really interesting. A man bending over a woman? Very nice quality photos. I was out there a few years ago and saw some of those spots you had photos of. Brought back some nice memories. Just beautiful out that way.
Bill B

Lens Envy said:

We just got back from our camping trip to Big Sur.

I've posted a few shots from the trip but this Otter is my favorite.

http://www.pbase.com/image/3103602

Your comments and critiques are always welcome!
--
Steve
Proud New DSC F707 Owner

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, Steve. I did a lot of research before deciding on the F707. I am an Olympus fan at heart and have a point and shoot Olympus D-400 zoom that I purchased about three years ago. I love this camera but was ready to "step up" to one that provided me with more creative options. After reading the reviews and comparing the Olympus E-10, E-20n, Canon, and a few others, I found that the Sony F707 provided more bang for the buck and actually edged out the others in photo quality and options for less $$$. My only complaint has been with the media; those Sony Memory Sticks. My camera absolutely hates it when I remove the stick and use the USB reader to download. After reinserting in the camera I always get a "Memory Stick Error" message. Oh well, guess I can live with that as long as it's not damaging the stick and it still allows me to format it. I've ordered the wide-angle lens and external flash, now looking at the LowePro Magnum AW Pro camera bag as this Sony bag is a joke. I need something larger to carry the camera AND all the goodies. Thanks again, Steve. I'll keep my eyes open for a telephoto lens.

Sounds like you have a SanDisk memory stick reader... I'd return it if possible. I almost lost a whole 128mb stick (80+ photos) when my Sandisk reader corrupted the files BEFORE I could download them! Aaarrrggghhh! Fortunately, this forum helped me find a free software program that rescued the files (search my previous posts for the link.)

I'm using a LEXAR reader now with no problems.

As for a case, I got a Tamrac 515 and a few add-on pouches but now I'm kinda partial to my Domke vest which allows me quick access to just about everything I want to carry. Sure my kids are embarrased to be seen with me when I wear it but that was bound to happen anyway - vest or not!

On this trip, I found that swaping lenses was more trouble then it was worth and the results weren't always worth the effort. The extra lenses are great in specific situations but you won't want them on all the time.
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Steve
Proud New DSC F707 Owner

My wife and I spent our honeymoon traveling up the coast several years ago. We have been back a few times but this time was the first where I had a decent camera. I think that area is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Glad to trigger some good memories!

Next time we go, I hope to drag our kayak along with us to get a few more intimate Otter pictures!
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Steve
Proud New DSC F707 Owner

Yep, you got it right. A SanDisk reader. I'll see if I can return it for a Lexar. I'm so glad I found this forum. What great information! I've found a Lowepro bag on EBay that I'm currently bidding on and could save as much as $100-$150. If that falls through I'll check into Tamrac. I want something large enough to fit the camera, accessories, all additional goodies I purchase AND my little Olympus too. If I'm on a trip and exhaust my two 128 mg memory sticks in my Sony, I've got that little Olympus to fall back on which, by the way, still takes excellent shots even though it's only a 1.3 mg. Thanks again for the info Steve.

So cute! I love otters. He's got a great expression on his face!

Amy

Very impressive photos!

I was wondering why my memory sticks kept getting corrupted everytime I downloaded the photos and put them back into the camera. Lol.

Anyway, my somewhat noob'ish question would be regarding the teleconverter lens. One's currently for sale from some bloke in the U.K., and has been something I've been keeping my eye on for a while, but do you need to purchase any other adapters or devices to attach the lens onto the F707?

I'm reading up on past threads concerning this matter, and weighing whether or not I'm going to get the wide angle lens first, and any thoughts about your converter lens would be appreciated.

The reason I ask is that I just tried my luck at another of Sony's non-accessories from Best Buy and got burned because the two were completely incompatible. No thanks to their Product Specialist who said it'd work, lol.

Thanks.

Chris W.

Lens Envy said:

Thanks Sandy,

I guess I got lucky with my teleconverter lens... It's a Sony VCL
1558A (1.5x) that I bought off ebay for $40. Its well used but
seems to work well (for the money.) Sony also makes a VCL-1758A
(List price: $400) which I have seen selling for about $250 when
you can find them.

Many people here like the Olympus B300 (avg. price $300) which is
1.7x and I think Canon makes one, too.

Once its attached, the camera is very heavy and needs to be
supported with a hand under the barrel and it makes fast shooting
very hard to do.

I would recommend shopping around for the best deal possible on a
"quality" teleconverter lens (read all about them here 1st!) And
meanwhile, get used to the camera "as is."

--
Steve
Proud New DSC F707 Owner

Click to expand...

--
W Y A T T
Hobbes : What if the public doesn't like your work?

Calvin : They are not supposed to like it. This is avant-garde stuff! I'm criticizing the low brows who can't appreciate great art like this!

Lens Envy said:

We just got back from our camping trip to Big Sur.
I've posted a few shots from the trip but this Otter is my favorite.

http://www.pbase.com/image/3103602

Your comments and critiques are always welcome!
--
Steve
Proud New DSC F707 Owner

Click to expand...

Hi Steve... I want you to know.... the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur area is my most favorite place in the whole world. If I had unlimited wealth, I would choose to have a house there.... perched on one of the bluffs overlooking the ocean, just as in some of your gorgeous photos! I was lucky enough to get to live there (Monterey) for a couple of years.... over 40 years ago. I have been back many times just to visit, and it is still as beautiful as ever.

You have captured the essence of that wonderful place with the photos in your gallery. Seeing them makes me want to go back there again! You are an artist! Thanks for sharing....
--
Rick A.
Johnson City, TN

Thanks Chris!

Yeah, sandisk isn't the only reader that does this but LEXAR is the only reader that doesn't (so far as I know.) I'd recommend the LEXAR above all else. The sony stuff is just too pricey.

Christopher Wyatt said:

Anyway, my somewhat noob'ish question would be regarding the
teleconverter lens. One's currently for sale from some bloke in
the U.K., and has been something I've been keeping my eye on for a
while, but do you need to purchase any other adapters or devices to
attach the lens onto the F707?

Click to expand...

The wide angel lens requires a step up ring from 52mm to 58mm. It has no effect on the picture but is just another thing to deal with when all you want to do is take pictures. It really isn't much of a bother but I wish I didn't have to use.

The teleconverter lenses should NOT require any step up or down rings.

Its my opinion that you'll probably use a telephoto lens more then the wide angel unless you do lots of indoor, architectural or group photos.

There are lots of great posts on lenses here and I can't think of a better place to get your education. I learn something new here everyday!!

--
Steve
Proud New DSC F707 Owner

Wow Rick, thanks!!

I don't know about being an artist - but I can say words mean a lot to me since you're familiar with the territory.

If I had a chance to live in the area, I would need to be pryed off the porch with a crow bar before I'd leave. Its absolutely beautiful and the temperature is more like I like then here in "the valley" near LA...

--
Steve
Proud New DSC F707 Owner

Thank you for the information again! I'm now engaged in a fierce mortal combat over a Sony VCL-1558A 1.5X converter lens but hopefully I shall come out victorious.

I prefer working outdoors, do I'll be taking a bye on the wide angle lens for the time being. Lol, between the lens hood, polarizing filter, UV filter and remote switch, and camera bag, I've probably splurged 200-300 so far on accessories alone.

Much cheaper than my Rebel 2000 EOS...strangely enough.

Chris

Lens Envy said:

Yeah, sandisk isn't the only reader that does this but LEXAR is the
only reader that doesn't (so far as I know.) I'd recommend the
LEXAR above all else. The sony stuff is just too pricey.

Lens Envy said:

Anyway, my somewhat noob'ish question would be regarding the
teleconverter lens. One's currently for sale from some bloke in
the U.K., and has been something I've been keeping my eye on for a
while, but do you need to purchase any other adapters or devices to
attach the lens onto the F707?

Click to expand...

The wide angel lens requires a step up ring from 52mm to 58mm. It
has no effect on the picture but is just another thing to deal with
when all you want to do is take pictures. It really isn't much of a
bother but I wish I didn't have to use.

The teleconverter lenses should NOT require any step up or down rings.

Its my opinion that you'll probably use a telephoto lens more then
the wide angel unless you do lots of indoor, architectural or group
photos.

There are lots of great posts on lenses here and I can't think of a
better place to get your education. I learn something new here
everyday!!

--
Steve
Proud New DSC F707 Owner

Click to expand...

--
W Y A T T
Hobbes : What if the public doesn't like your work?

Calvin : They are not supposed to like it. This is avant-garde stuff! I'm criticizing the low brows who can't appreciate great art like this!

LOL you guys are just too funny!

You buy this VERY expensive camera with lenses and all and cut back for the peripherals.

I figured I would get the Sony stuff to make sure it all worked well together. I( I did save a lot of money though on the 128mb sticks by IO Data, Lexar, and Sandisk and no problems with them.)

It's been several years with my PCMCIA card and a few months with my memory stick reader and they have worked flawlessly.

Happy Shooting.

D.

Lens Envy said:

Yeah, sandisk isn't the only reader that does this but LEXAR is the
only reader that doesn't (so far as I know.) I'd recommend the
LEXAR above all else. The sony stuff is just too pricey.

Lens Envy said:

Anyway, my somewhat noob'ish question would be regarding the
teleconverter lens. One's currently for sale from some bloke in
the U.K., and has been something I've been keeping my eye on for a
while, but do you need to purchase any other adapters or devices to
attach the lens onto the F707?

Click to expand...

The wide angel lens requires a step up ring from 52mm to 58mm. It
has no effect on the picture but is just another thing to deal with
when all you want to do is take pictures. It really isn't much of a
bother but I wish I didn't have to use.

The teleconverter lenses should NOT require any step up or down rings.

Its my opinion that you'll probably use a telephoto lens more then
the wide angel unless you do lots of indoor, architectural or group
photos.

There are lots of great posts on lenses here and I can't think of a
better place to get your education. I learn something new here
everyday!!

--
Steve
Proud New DSC F707 Owner

Click to expand...

--
DeeDee G.
http://www.pbase.com/deedee_g/root