Posts slowing down... sad.

[JimWolcott]

Only a dozen new posts/replies in the last 24 hrs.

Sad.

Seems all serious photographers/enthusiasts have moved to the Konica/Minolta SLR talk.

Which is doubly sad. Most of the posts there are "Gee, which cheap lens should I buy with that bargain 5D, instead of the already bargain 5D kit lens?"

This bodes ill for those of us lusting after a potential A3. Think KM marketing isn't watching this forum? Think again.

 

[Mashuga]

Sorry I couldn't resist. Yes it is slowing down. No passionate arguments of late. I think it would be sad if this forum were to die a slow death. I've always thought that the K-M DSLR forum and this should be together. I figure that with the market share that K-M has it isn't all that smart to divide this small group any farther. I hope it doesn't just take a new A3? to keep this group together. To me it isn't about the latest and greatest bells and whistles. It's about the pictures and ideas. I said that before. Any ideas how to light a fire under this group?
Well that at least one new post for better or worse.
--
Mashuga

 

[Bill Emery]

Maybe it's a case of ever striving for excellence , and this site has done too well. Those starting out are loathe to put what they consider their meagre effort up against some really excellent shots I have seen of late. I am probably doing the same thing, being my own harshest critic and not considering a shot worthy of posting. I sometimes wonder what others can see in a shot I've taken, when all I can see is out of balance composition, or some technical glitch. So I tend not to post it.

Maybe it's a combination of the above and a widening market, as more digicams become available from other makers, and some comments from disallusioned KM owners on this site haven't helped either. I too have noticed the drop off, as a check of the forum once a day a year ago, used to have a page or more of new posts, but now will usually have only half or less. Don't know the answer, but it is the evolution of things, and at 50, have seen enough things change in my life I wanted to continue forever!!

On a lighter not, the feel of this community is great, and just because there are less posts doesn't mean there isn't a lot of lurking happening. Enjoy what we have, things may just get better, or not, it is the nature of things.
Bill...............;-)

 

[saxe]

Very true. I have been making the same observation. The KM SLR forum is full of activity. No new equipment to talk about here. We should rather inspire each other to make the most of the camera we have. I just made an attempt at that in my 'From the Fridge' thread....
--
http://my.opera.com/rosviks/homes/albums/8569/PICT0756%20 (WinCE).JPG

 

[Iam3D]

Hey guys,

I fully agree with you on this. I am a part of the problem myself.... too much stuff going on in life to even get the camera out because of the new baby and stuff.

when this happened before, we started the challenge, when we saw the drop again, we did the "mini challenge"..... both seem to be doing well though..... why not enter? (like I should)

I am also under the "1 forum" frame of mind. we seem to be a loyal group us minoltians, and w/ IS, that makes it even worse for us to try to change...... so we would still be learning, but about our probable future camera.

just my 2 cents worth though
--

Never be afraid to try something new, an amatuer built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic.
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
'Failure is not an option. It's bundled with your software'

If Some Is Good, More Is Better, And Too Much Is Just Right.
I live in my own little world. But it's OK ... they know me here
http://www.pbase.com/mtf_foto_studies
http://www.pbase.com/shayfah

 

[morey000]

You seem to imply that KM is watching this forum, and if they would only see a throng of devout fans waiting to purchase their next product, then they would decide to make it. Sadly- it doesn't work that way. This forum (all of them) are filled with devout digicam techno geeks, as well as some pretty impressive photographers. We'll all move to wherever the best products are. KM had us with the Ax series- but... .what have you done for us lately?

Put out another class leading product- and we'll be back in droves.

Although, with the release of Raw Shooter and the firmware upgrade (thank you Minolta), you'll keep me using my A2 a little while longer. But don't wait too long...

JimWolcott wrote:
....

This bodes ill for those of us lusting after a potential A3. Think
KM marketing isn't watching this forum? Think again.

--

 

[GillesNZ]

I was wondering if the onset of the northern winter has sinply curtailed photgraphic opportunities. I've only been participating in this forum (actually, in any dp forum) since the beginning of the year, so I haven't a full year's cycle.

Summer's arrived here, and I'm personally feeling more enthusiastic about getting out there and shooting away. Winter was often too wet and dull.

--
Gilles Rabaud
http://www.pbase.com/gillesnz

 

[photophile]

Hi everyone - just nipped in from 'next door' (Olympus Talk Forum) to have a chat over the garden fence. Like yourselves, Olympus also have just the two forums - Talk and SLR. Although so many people have recently purchased the enter-level Olympus SLRs - they still continue to post their images/comments/virews etc in the Talk forum. One of the main reasons for this is that the Talk forum is seen as the 'spiritual home' where everything happens - whether you want to show others your latest moon shot, or a snap of your friends' daughters' second birthday. No one is berated or discouraged from posting anything.

The challenges have really got people snapping. We recently updated the rules for the challenges (previously the rules were felt to be too exclusive) and now - just about everyone who has a camera - whether a 3-lens kit bells-whistles set-up or a simple P&S enters with entheusiasm.

Other things we do over there are:

Seasonal pictures - daffodils in spring, holidays in summer, colours in autumn, snow in winter.

Trees, water, buildings, pets...you mention it. As soon as one person starts something - others can't resist joining in.

But it will need someone to act as the trigger.

Good luck. Hope the K-M Talk forum starts thriving again very soon.

--
AH

Olympus C-8080 WZ, Olympus C-750 UZ

 

[morey000]

Naw- probably not the weather. I'd say it's pretty clearly due to a lack of new products.

KM really hasn't produced any new products in 2005 worth discussing. The 5D is over on the SLR forum, the compact series, while probably fine cameras, don't tend to attract the digicam geeks, and adding another 1Mp to the Z series really isn't earthshattering.

The Ax series were true enthusiast cameras that offered something special and unique in the industry and brought us all together as we shared our experiences with the product. But, they're about running their course.

I haven't checked, but I'll bet the Panasonic forum is pretty active.

 

[Adam-T]

I tried to spice things up a bit with my A1 RAW thread (complete with workload and examples) and it got some decent reponses as well as hopefully helping some make the absolute most of this ageing camera ..

I also had the A2 thread which culminated in me keeping the A1 (the A2 I got used from a dealer has been returned) - also got some great responses and info posted (Nice to see PDM etc still read the forum)

but unless KM release a new A series cam (and not just another plastic cheaper version of an existing cam) all the KM talk is likely to move over to "where it's happening" (the SLR forum - especially now the 5D Kit isn't a lot more cash than an A200) as there isn't a wave of interest in the Z series and there never was bar the original Z1 due to competition from Sony, Canon, Kodak and mainly Panasonic in the megazoom IS range..

I guess all the "A" and "7" Chatter has all been done barring the odd firmware upgrade failiure and anything you need to know about these cams can be done with a search - FW 1.13 (A1) & 1.14 (A2) sparked off a bit of interest but even that's run its course so all that is left is the challenges..

Ahh well - it could be worse, other forums are just as dead or deader (Fuji SLR, Kodak SLR etc) and I'm sure that if anyone comes up with a new way to stretch the A and 7 series, it'll be posted - I tried to do my bit

--
Please ignore the Typos, I'm the world's worst Typist

 

[Staxis]

I guess all the "A" and "7" Chatter has all been done barring the
odd firmware upgrade failiure and anything you need to know about
these cams can be done with a search - FW 1.13 (A1) & 1.14 (A2)
sparked off a bit of interest but even that's run its course so all
that is left is the challenges..

I think you've hit the nail on the head. We know how to use our cameras now and are used to their quirks, sorry, features. We all should make an effort to post some of our pictures on the forum (I know I don't do this as much as I did).

--
When you've got a moment, have a look at my site:
http://www.wrightphotos.co.uk

Winner of the South West Rural section of the BBC's Picture of Britain Competition.

Greg

 

[Ransom]

Only a dozen new posts/replies in the last 24 hrs.

Sad.

Seems all serious photographers/enthusiasts have moved to the
Konica/Minolta SLR talk.

I don't know about you, but I am still quit serious/enthusiastic about my A2! Yes I intend to purchase a KM Dslr in the near future, but not as a replacement, simply a compliment!! And like it or not, I will continue to annoy you all on this forum!!..;-O).......

Which is doubly sad. Most of the posts there are "Gee, which cheap
lens should I buy with that bargain 5D, instead of the already
bargain 5D kit lens?"

Unfortunatly, all of those questions have been asked and answered many times here! The lack of a new and upgraded version is simply holding back those who are pixel happy instead of taking full advantage of the wonderful tool you already have!!!

This bodes ill for those of us lusting after a potential A3. Think
KM marketing isn't watching this forum? Think again.

Have you mastered the Cam in Hand???
I have'nt!!!!

What to do in the meantime!!!!
Challenges

The voting for KM Challenge #48 - "In The Air" is going on right now!

Get in there and vote even if you did'nt enter... Enter the next one and post some comments!!!!

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=16107036

KM MC Challenge #79 is happening right now! Post some images and comment if you wish! Just a Thought!!

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=16206330

DPR Macro Challenge #23 is at hand. Already seeing lots of KM folk there!! Join us!!!!

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=16210345

I am as guilty as the next here for not posting a lot, but it does come in stages.. As far as taking pics right now; my only excuse is lack of daylight!! (That's why I like the Macro challenges!!)........The 'Z guys are kickin our 'A guys butts right now in all these challenges!!! Whats up with that????

--
Cheers! Robert..

The only Stupid Questions are the ones that are never Asked!!

 

[bugzie]

yes, the point is to take photographs.

i only have a lowly Z6 but i'm having so much fun with it. have i taken the best photographs i can yet... no!

and i'm a bit mixed on the issue of getting a dSLR. all that stuffing around with different lenses. just getting a little too serious for mine. and a bottomless money pit.

i've always liked prosumers ever since they first came out. now that dSLRs are getting cheaper, i hope it's not the end of the prosumer. i'd like to see prosumers continue to develop... bigger sensors, better lenses, etc. so if km are listening in, here's a prosumer fan.

 

[Ransom]

yes, the point is to take photographs.

i only have a lowly Z6 but i'm having so much fun with it. have i
taken the best photographs i can yet... no!

A Quote from my post above! ..;-)'

"The 'Z guys are kickin our 'A guys butts right now in all these challenges!!! Whats up with that????"

Why do you say "lowly"?? The 'Z' series seems quite capable to me...Don't let the dslr folk get to you. The ultimate tool is the one in your hands!!!

--
Cheers! Robert..

The only Stupid Questions are the ones that are never Asked!!

 

[Steve Cohan]

Pentax 645 along with numerous 35mm bodies and an assortment of lenses. I am not interested in hauling around equipment anymore. I bought my first digital camera almost twenty years ago, the Logitech Fotoman. It took black and white photos about the size of a postage stamp. Over time, I bought and sold several digital cameras and started my Minolta voyage with the Dimage 7. It is slow but captures wonderful images. From there I purchased an A1 and then an A2, both of which I still own. I love these two units because they are easy to carry and capture wonderful images on a consistent basis. I have sold lots of images taken with both units. Although I am fairly skilled at post processing, I do not apply much to the images these units produce. I think they are both marvelous cameras. I understand that others must go through the stage of a DSLR toting large, heavy camera bags around. Some people must have the latest and greatest, even if they know nothing about photography. If one is a moderately skilled photographer, he can achieve excellent results with one of the KM prosumer units. I hope that KM will continue to produce high end prosumer cameras like the A2. I have to believe there are lots of shooters who don't want to feel like pack mules. I have learned a lot in this forum. One of the disappointments has been some over technical discussions while the submitting of images seemed to be secondary. There are always a lot of lurkers in every discussion group. I hope that some of you, myself included, will begin to submit more images. Let's hope KM produces another great prosumer unit.

 

[Sinnettc]

bugzie said:

and i'm a bit mixed on the issue of getting a dSLR. all that stuffing around > with different lenses. just getting a little too serious for mine. and a
bottomless money pit.

I recently saw a post somewhere about the Raynox DCR-2020PRO 2.2X High Definition Super Telephoto Conversion Lens and now I'm coveting lenses for my Z6 . . . let's see . . . 2.2 x 420 = 924mm! Wooohoooo! Bring on the wildlife! 8^)

Chris

 

[Ransom]

Don't need any lenses to participate!! I like your images in the dpr macro challenges!! Keep up the great work! I have an A2, But it seems as though the Z6 Rocks!!.. Bugzie calls it "lowly", but I beg to differ!
--
Cheers! Robert..

The only Stupid Questions are the ones that are never Asked!!

 

[Darrell Turner]

Actually Adam-T your post sparked a renewed interest in Raw Shooter for me. Since then I've not only gone back to using it to process my shots, but I also purchased a Spyder2Pro, calibrated my monitor and printer, and started reprocessing my shots from this time last year, when I initially bought my A2! I'm finding a renewed interest in the perfect shot and realist color. Thanks for the spark!!!

 

[ndh00]

Although I have just bought a DSLR, I agree with alot of what you say. I think the attention to aesthetic issues in this forum has been a very important factor in my staying with photography as a hobby, and that some great photos taken with the Z and A series cameras have been posted over the last year.

Someone mentioned the generally high quality of images on the forum as a disincentive to the less skilled to post. This is true to some extent but, as a learner, I find it helpful to post to the mini-challenges as seeing an image of mine next to others makes me look at it in a more rigorous and critical way - I usually think, 'OK picture, but.....'.

The technical stuff on the KMSLR forum has been very useful ,and there are some good images posted, but I still click on this forum first. I'll try to help out by taking the Z3 for a walk every so often.

Nigel

 

[KEITH-C]

Steve I know what you mean by all the fuss associated with carrying around a DSLR+ loads of lenses etc but I would urge you to consider a 5D + either the kit lens or with the recently released 18-200mm. That combination is slightly heavier than an A1 of course but you will soon get used to it & as a walk-round outfit you may never need anything more.

You will be blown away by the big increase in speed of operation & handling in general + the big increase in usable ISOs without image noise. You will also be impressed with the battery capacity. Try to fit it with a Sandisk Extreme 3 or Ultra 2 CF card for maximum speed of file writing & recall.

Keith-C