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Ever "rediscover" a gem that still defies the odds?

Started Jul 25, 2018 | Discussions
GeraldW Veteran Member • Posts: 8,872
Re: Ever "rediscover" a gem that still defies the odds?
3

Plus 1.  Good post.  As I said earlier in this thread, I still have the S90, A710IS, and A720IS; but I've also had several Pro 1's, and a long list of G's (G5-G15) and SD's. I also have an Olympus Stylus 1, a really good model from 2013 with a 1/1.7" sensor.

IMHO, the 1/1.7" sensor never got proper appreciation.  the 10 & 12 MP versions were the heart of some excellent cameras.  It was smallish; but enough bigger than the 1/2/5" and 1/2.3" to make a significant difference.  Enough difference to turn in some really nice images.

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Jerry

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OzarkAggie Senior Member • Posts: 2,153
Re: Ever "rediscover" a gem that still defies the odds?

GeraldW wrote:

Plus 1. Good post. As I said earlier in this thread, I still have the S90, A710IS, and A720IS; but I've also had several Pro 1's, and a long list of G's (G5-G15) and SD's. I also have an Olympus Stylus 1, a really good model from 2013 with a 1/1.7" sensor.

IMHO, the 1/1.7" sensor never got proper appreciation. the 10 & 12 MP versions were the heart of some excellent cameras. It was smallish; but enough bigger than the 1/2/5" and 1/2.3" to make a significant difference. Enough difference to turn in some really nice images.

The Pro 1 has a 2/3rds sensor with 8 mp which compares favorably to the 1" sensors with 20 mp considering the size of the photosites. Images are quite clean. Maybe this weekend I'll post some images.

The G1 has that odd sensor with the C-M-Y-G color array. I could never get the magenta out of the blue skies until I shifted to the Lab color space.

The A590IS is still my favorite pocket camera. Slips into my jeans front pocket but the grip sticks out enough to make it handy. I'm not sure they planned for it to do that specifically yet it's a real plus.

Maybe we need an antique forum.

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GeraldW Veteran Member • Posts: 8,872
Re: Ever "rediscover" a gem that still defies the odds?

As I mentioned, I've had several Pro 1's (6 actually) so I'm very familiar with its plusses and minuses.   Little noise reduction made the low ISO shots very good, as it had a great lens; but at higher ISO, the noise got pretty bad.  It also needed IS.  I liked the handling and controls.   It was a love-hate relationship, for sure.  Late production examples were significantly better than the early ones.  I really hoped for an updated version, a Pro 2; but it never came.  IMHO the closest camera to a Pro 2, to date, is the Olympus Stylus 1.  It has all the features of the Pro 2 that I wanted, except an ability to mount filters; but I eventually figured out how to do that in a convenient way.

The Sony 2/3", 8 MP sensor was pretty good and the basis for the Nikon 8700, Sony 828, Minolta A2, and Olympus C8080.  It apparently got an unannounced midlife update to the micro lenses, so the dreaded Purple Fringing was less of a problem on later production.

And yes, I'd enjoy seeing your Pro 1 shots.

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Jerry

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Hike Pics
Hike Pics Senior Member • Posts: 2,918
Re: Ever "rediscover" a gem that still defies the odds?

Seems that whole range of 1/1.8" to 1/1.63" was forgotten by the end of the "Digicam Era". It looks like Canon had the highest number of models. Even Hewlett-Packard had 8. I have a Polaroid i832, which is the only model they did with a 1/1.8" (as far as I have been able to research)

I agree about the "antique" forum. I have wondered for some time why there is no "Other Cameras" forum.

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GeraldW Veteran Member • Posts: 8,872
Re: Ever "rediscover" a gem that still defies the odds?

In addition to cameras and photography, I'm also a long term hi-fi enthusiast/hobbyist.  My favorite web site is the Audio Asylum, and my favorite forum is Vintage which is supposed to be about stuff 25 or more years old, although not always observed.

I suggest Vintage as a forum name for older cameras.  Given the short period digital has been around, I wouldn't put a time limit on it.  My Olympus Stylus 1 was introduced in 2013 and it's already an oldie.

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Jerry

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I2K4
I2K4 Senior Member • Posts: 1,441
Re: Ever "rediscover" a gem that still defies the odds?

I like the idea of a "Vintage" or "Oldies but Goodies" DPReview forum, that might cut across the manufacturers. Amazon owns DPReview, so searched for the A80 that was my first Canon and it still sells used ones for $11 (and also sells the User Guide for $11.) The classification cut-off might be models the manufacturer no longer lists for sale, but still could well be a profit center for Amazon itself. Unfortunately, Amazon does not still sell my very first digital cam, the HP315.

I'd expect individual camera brands and models would be threaded under that forum and could turn up some interesting images, along with informed how-to and where-to-get discussions.

ANAYV Forum Pro • Posts: 23,927
Re: Ever "rediscover" a gem that still defies the odds?

OzarkAggie wrote:

GeraldW wrote:

Plus 1. Good post. As I said earlier in this thread, I still have the S90, A710IS, and A720IS; but I've also had several Pro 1's, and a long list of G's (G5-G15) and SD's. I also have an Olympus Stylus 1, a really good model from 2013 with a 1/1.7" sensor.

IMHO, the 1/1.7" sensor never got proper appreciation. the 10 & 12 MP versions were the heart of some excellent cameras. It was smallish; but enough bigger than the 1/2/5" and 1/2.3" to make a significant difference. Enough difference to turn in some really nice images.

The Pro 1 has a 2/3rds sensor with 8 mp which compares favorably to the 1" sensors with 20 mp considering the size of the photosites. Images are quite clean.

Maybe at base ISO...but at ISO 400 and higher, the 1" type sensor is clearly the better sensor...dynamic range, lower noise...and the fact that you can even choose higher ISO settings...what does the Pro 1 max out at? ISO 800? Not really a low light camera.

Oly , Nikon and Sony also had their 8MP 2/3" sensor versions same year as Pro 1 (thanks to Sony). Even Samsung made a H U G E 8 MP 2/3" camera..3.5" LCD...and the lens was like a bazooka

The G1 has that odd sensor with the C-M-Y-G color array. I could never get the magenta out of the blue skies until I shifted to the Lab color space.

How about Sony's 4 color sensor ..was it the 8MP 2/3 sensored 828 ?

Had loads of PF/CA...the joke with that camera was something about the fourth color on there short lived tech of the day..that it was purple.

The A590IS is still my favorite pocket camera. Slips into my jeans front pocket but the grip sticks out enough to make it handy. I'm not sure they planned for it to do that specifically yet it's a real plus.

Maybe we need an antique forum.

Nice to go visit memory lane. Still have some old cameras...like the S30.

But...we've come a long way in many areas.

Better high ISO I.Q. faster fps burst rates, better, higher resolution EVF and LCD's..

Not to mention AF speed, assignable function buttons, dials and rings, etc.

Then theirs high definition video, touchscreens, slow motion video, 4K video...(for those who shoot video)

ANAYV

OzarkAggie Senior Member • Posts: 2,153
Re: Ever "rediscover" a gem that still defies the odds?

The point is that some of us still have these cameras, and like to use them occasionally. The A series was great for slipping into a jeans pocket because the grip stuck out enough that it wouldn't go all the way in, and since it's plastic it's very light. Great for street photography. Would a G9 be better, yeah - but you can't buy one for $50 or less.

I can only imagine your take on guys shooting film. Corn flakes too soggy this morning?

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GeraldW Veteran Member • Posts: 8,872
Re: Ever "rediscover" a gem that still defies the odds?
1

The Pro 1 started at ISO 50 and went to ISO 400; but compared to other cameras, or a good light meter, it was really ISO 100 to ISO 800.   The noise levels were more appropriate if considered in light of the true ISO.

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Jerry

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ANAYV Forum Pro • Posts: 23,927
Re: Ever "rediscover" a gem that still defies the odds?

GeraldW wrote:

The Pro 1 started at ISO 50 and went to ISO 400; but compared to other cameras, or a good light meter, it was really ISO 100 to ISO 800. The noise levels were more appropriate if considered in light of the true ISO.

I thought the ISO was limited. Yes..for it's time, it was good, Jerry.

I was commenting on compared to todays 1" type sensor. Technology does move on..sensors are better today...but old cameras still give their special 'look' to images.

that's why I still have a few of the 1.1/7" type sensors

Canon S30,S60 (IR modified)...Canon S90....Ricoh GX100...Panasonic LX3.

Would be cool If I did a test between S90, GX100 and LX3. Same sensor, 2 of 3 same lens reach.

I remember my S30...it went to ISO 800 (2003), where the S40 and G2 (or G3) had ISO 400 max.

Some say due to lower pixel count on same sensor...but that was unique at that time...a camera with ISO 50 to 800.

Yes, I recall Canon's ISO was 2/3 to one stop off when Phil Esky (or was it Lesky?) was reviewing back in the day.

ANAYV Forum Pro • Posts: 23,927
2/3 vs. 1" type sensors

OzarkAggie wrote:

The point is that some of us still have these cameras,

Oh.....gee...That's what I thought too..and shared a few of my photo's from over 10 years ago Last year I bought a S90 in mint condition, box, manual..everything...for $42.00 !

Ricoh GX100 bought 6 months ago for around the same. So I knew the point already

and like to use them occasionally. The A series was great for slipping into a jeans pocket because the grip stuck out enough that it wouldn't go all the way in, and since it's plastic it's very light.

I loved my A620...or was it the A610? 10MP. The following year they added O.I.S.

Great for street photography. Would a G9 be better, yeah - but you can't buy one for $50 or less.

I can only imagine your take on guys shooting film. Corn flakes too soggy this morning?

Oatmeal this morning...came out just right

Well...this is what you said:

"The Pro 1 has a 2/3rds sensor with 8 mp which compares favorably to the 1" sensors with 20 mp considering the size of the photosites. Images are quite clean."

Compares favorably to the 1" sensors?

How?

Which camera with 1" sensor do you have?

My experience is that the 1" sensor has less noise at all ISO settings than the 2/3" 8 MP sensor, Sony made..back in the day.

Thus my reason for my comments...nothing to do with Film, Cornflakes, etc, just on your opinion that the 2/3" sensor compares favorably to the 1" sensors.

Perhaps I should of made it more simple:

They don't.

(Just my opinion...but based on some experience with digital ..since 2002)

ANAYV

sueanne
sueanne Forum Pro • Posts: 21,078
Re: Ever "rediscover" a gem that still defies the odds?
1

Excellent 

Chaplain Mark wrote:

Had a brief visit with my old Nikon Coolpix 995, which I had purchased new in 2001 and had given away more than 10 years ago.

That old dog is still functioning and making pictures....

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