Jorge Torralba Suggests We Think Twice Before Upgrading to the Newest Equipment

Shot With My Nikon F2 on Kodak TMax 400 Film

 

It's so easy to get caught up in the new equipment upgrade cycle. If you know me, you know that I love my old cameras. And, I still love to shoot film. I find it very rewarding, and while the results may not be as predictable (or confirmable) as shooting with the latest digital equipment, sometimes they can be outstanding.

 

I just found Jorge Torralba's blog, where he's written about resisting the urge to constantly upgrade. Specifically, he writes about his beloved Nikon AIS 50mm f1.2 lens, and how he enjoys using it on a film body (in his case the Nikon F6), as well as his Nikon DSLRs.

 

(Click Here) to read Jorge's post and see his images made with this classic, ultra-fast Nikkor lens.

 

My problem is that I simply love cameras. Old or new, big or small. So, even though my Nikon F2 is a great example of a camera that I love and will continue to use, the new Nikon DF is calling my name. I have not yet pulled the trigger, but it's on my mind.

 

So, I fully appreciate Jorge's point about appreciating the gear you have. I simply add to that the desire to test and enjoy the latest options, as well. In truth, Jorge shows images with the 50mm f1.2 on his Nikon D3S and D4 as well, which tells me he has the same approach.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

DMC-G5 Is Now Available in the USA

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

Image Source: shop.panasonic.com

 

I see that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 is now available in the USA.

 

(Click Here) to read about the G5 at dpreview.com

 

(Click Here) to buy it at Kenmore Camera.

 

So where am I on this camera? Well, I'm not sure yet. It is the obvious upgrade to the DMC-G3, which is my standard kit. Is the upgrade worthwhile?

 

The G5 brings increased maximum iso setting (moving up from 6400 to 12800, like the GX1). However, what's not yet clear is whether the sensor is really up to it. I am looking forward to seeing how much better the new 16Mpixel G5 sensor is than the 15.8 Mpixel G3 at high iso.

 

Continuous shooting is increased to 6 frames per second (fps), above 4fps on the G3.

 

Two things that do matter to me are a better grip than the G3, and longer battery life. However, this means a different battery size. Therefore, keeping one G3 as a backup to the G5 is not a great plan; I would need to carry two different chargers when I travel.

 

Things I personally care less about include a higher resolution LCD display, more video options, and digital filters.

 

I think I'm going to wait and see if the rumored DMC-GH3 gets announced in September as expected.

 

If I have to go to a new battery anyway, I may want the really high quality video and audio features of the GH3 (including external stereo microphone jack). That could come to good use in my music project.

 

So, if you want that G5 right away - it's at Kenmore! Get it while it's in stock. I'll wait a while.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com