Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Photo of the Day August 2018
- Thread starter Hughmac
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
What a beast of a machine to have access to! If I recall correctly, that was the first of its type to have an accessible ink tank to be able to empty yourself, rather than having to call in a technician! Think of the panoramas you could print at 44" or 111cm wide! Pity I'm located on the complete other side of the world from you... And to be able to print at the stupid DPI rates that thing is capable of, well over 2,000 DPI I seem to recall.Beautiful. I have access to an Epson 9600 at work and plenty of Tecco photo paper if that helpsshipping might be a bit Leica though.
Leica means bloody expensive in photography talk!
Been a while since I posted in these threads......
Here's one of Diver, local identity, and one time free-diving record holder (hence the name) on his 70th birthday. I don't usually do posed shots, but in this case I pointed the camera in his direction, and he raised his beer and gave the thumbs up..... I got a couple of clicks. This one has been very popular on social media, a reflection of the popularity of the man rather than my photography skills.
Fujifilm X20: ISO 1600 @ f2.8 & 1/34 sec
Here's one of Diver, local identity, and one time free-diving record holder (hence the name) on his 70th birthday. I don't usually do posed shots, but in this case I pointed the camera in his direction, and he raised his beer and gave the thumbs up..... I got a couple of clicks. This one has been very popular on social media, a reflection of the popularity of the man rather than my photography skills.
Fujifilm X20: ISO 1600 @ f2.8 & 1/34 sec
Pacifica-20180428-112.jpg by Charles Martorelli, on Flickr
I am a big fan of macro and closeups......the new Sony RX10 M4 that I got a couple of weeks ago does surprisingly well with closeups but the actual minimum focusing distance is pretty far away. There are times when I would like to be closer to the subject that I'm shooting, even if it still isn't exactly within the category of what we all consider as "macro." Enter the Canon 500D Closeup Lens.... I already have one of these in the 77mm size that I'd bought and used a long time ago, so after seeing some mentions on DPR about how this could be an effective tool with the RX10 M4, I decided that rather than buying a step-up ring from the camera's lens filter size to be able to handle the 77mm I had, I'd just get one in the proper size (i.e., 72mm). It arrived today and I put it on the camera and experimented with a few medium-sized tomatoes I had, arranging them on the kitchen counter and taking advantage of the nice light streaming in my kitchen window:
I set a mirror off to the left to capture, reflect and add a bit of extra light. Voila! Probably should have stopped down a little more, though, and/or used EC for better control and maximum sharpness of all four subjects, but I was too caught up in keeping the darned tomatoes in position long enough to shoot and figuring out the exact right distance to be holding the camera.....
This closeup lens is by no means a replacement for an actual macro lens, but it does work nicely for situations with a fixed lens camera, where there is no possibility of changing lenses or adding extension tubes, etc. The minimum focusing distance is definitely reduced, which was my main purpose. I was able to get a whole lot closer to the subjects with the 500D closeup lens on the camera than I had been previously. This can come in very handy at times. That said, the 500D is pretty heavy, and I was concerned about adding that weight to the RX10's zoom lens, but in various comments I had seen online prior to making the purchase, if the user is careful in handling (putting the closeup lens on prior to starting up the camera) this should not be a problem. For one thing, one doesn't need to zoom the lens out into tele range all that much with this closeup lens, and that helps considerably. The lens is not extended all the way out there with this heavy addition perhaps putting extra pressure on it.
So anyway, that was today's experiment! I am really having a lot of fun with this RX10 M4, more than I'd expected, and it certainly beats the "bridge" cameras I remember from many years ago in what it can do and how it accomplishes that!
I set a mirror off to the left to capture, reflect and add a bit of extra light. Voila! Probably should have stopped down a little more, though, and/or used EC for better control and maximum sharpness of all four subjects, but I was too caught up in keeping the darned tomatoes in position long enough to shoot and figuring out the exact right distance to be holding the camera.....
This closeup lens is by no means a replacement for an actual macro lens, but it does work nicely for situations with a fixed lens camera, where there is no possibility of changing lenses or adding extension tubes, etc. The minimum focusing distance is definitely reduced, which was my main purpose. I was able to get a whole lot closer to the subjects with the 500D closeup lens on the camera than I had been previously. This can come in very handy at times. That said, the 500D is pretty heavy, and I was concerned about adding that weight to the RX10's zoom lens, but in various comments I had seen online prior to making the purchase, if the user is careful in handling (putting the closeup lens on prior to starting up the camera) this should not be a problem. For one thing, one doesn't need to zoom the lens out into tele range all that much with this closeup lens, and that helps considerably. The lens is not extended all the way out there with this heavy addition perhaps putting extra pressure on it.
So anyway, that was today's experiment! I am really having a lot of fun with this RX10 M4, more than I'd expected, and it certainly beats the "bridge" cameras I remember from many years ago in what it can do and how it accomplishes that!
Another cheap option is to get a set of extension tubes, to stick between the body and lens, which brings the focal length in much closer, with no cheap glass deteriorating your image. Just buy a cheap set that have the contacts, so that you can still control the aperture on the lens. For maybe $30, it's a cheap and effective option!
Actually, this isn't about choosing the "cheap" route at all..... I guess I should have been more specific, too. The Sony RX10 M IV is a so-called "bridge" camera with a fixed, permanently attached lens, so unfortunately there is no possibility of using extension tubes..... I've got and in the past have used Kenko Extension tubes with my Nikon DSLR and lenses and it's a terrific way to increase closeness; when connected to a macro lens, it's a way to really, really, climb right into your subject! Unfortunately, using Extension tubes is just not possible with a "bridge" camera or any camera where the lens is not removable. Neither is simply swapping lenses and sticking on a macro lens. The lens that is on the "bridge" camera is the lens that stays on the bridge camera. That is something which comes with the territory when purchasing and using a "bridge" camera with a fixed lens. There are those stepping up from P&S who buy a "bridge" camera with the idea that now they never have to change lenses and that this camera will do everything they could ever possibly want from a camera.... And there are those who, more experienced in photography in general, who buy a "bridge" camera with a keen awareness of what it will and won't do and the limitations inherent in that, and who also already have other photo gear, including DSLRs or mirrorless camera systems, so that the "bridge" camera is an adjunct, not one's sole camera.
In my situation, I bought the RX10 M4 a couple of weeks ago well aware of its limitations (that 1" sensor) and also its possibilities, and I had at least one immediate specific occasion where a "bridge" camera would fit the bill quite nicely, a situation into which i did not want to take a DSLR or lenses which had to be swapped in-and-out, and yet in which I needed and wanted a fairly long lens. My gamble on the RX10 M4 worked out nicely for me on that occasion and I've been enjoying using the camera around home as well, plus experimenting with it (i.e., today trying the closeup lens attachment). Does it replace a DSLR or a mirrorless ILC and lenses? No way, nor do I intend for it to do so. I'm still lusting after Sony's A7III and a couple macro lenses in addition to others, but the A7III and many of the lenses in which I'm most interested are really hard, if not impossible to get right now. Even B&H doesn't have that camera body in stock. It's frustrating, but that's the way life is, sometimes. Sure, I've already got nice stuff here at home, but, well, you know how it is when GAS strikes..... The purchases of the RX10 M4 and the RX100 M6 temporarily have eased that somewhat, but...well.... The good news is that each of them also will continue to serve in its own role within my photographic system regardless of whether or not I add anything else to it.
I hear what you're saying, and I know what you mean about most of those truly cheap sets of closeup lenses which come in various diopter sizes for only about $30-40 USD. Snort!!! That isn't what I would ever use. The Canon 500D closeup lens is not cheap by anyone's measurements, it's a pretty high-quality (heavy) hunk of glass and metal that one screws into the filter threads on a camera or lens, adjusted for any achromatic(?) distortions and the like..... The thing cost me around $125.00 USD, and having had experience some years ago with the 77mm version, I was pretty certain that what I was buying now would be satisfactory for the purpose intended. It's not something I'll be using everyday, but it is a nice addition to the RX10 M4 for those times when I am looking at something and thinking, "I need to get closer to this...."
Since I'm not shooting for National Geographic or any other major publication I have a lot more freedom and latitude in what I choose to shoot and the tools with which I decide to shoot my subjects!
Unfortunately, using Extension tubes is just not possible with a "bridge" camera or any camera where the lens is not removable. Neither is simply swapping lenses and sticking on a macro lens. The lens that is on the "bridge" camera is the lens that stays on the bridge camera. That is something which comes with the territory when purchasing and using a "bridge" camera with a fixed lens. There are those stepping up from P&S who buy a "bridge" camera with the idea that now they never have to change lenses and that this camera will do everything they could ever possibly want from a camera.... And there are those who, more experienced in photography in general, who buy a "bridge" camera with a keen awareness of what it will and won't do and the limitations inherent in that, and who also already have other photo gear, including DSLRs or mirrorless camera systems, so that the "bridge" camera is an adjunct, not one's sole camera.In my situation, I bought the RX10 M4 a couple of weeks ago well aware of its limitations (that 1" sensor) and also its possibilities, and I had at least one immediate specific occasion where a "bridge" camera would fit the bill quite nicely, a situation into which i did not want to take a DSLR or lenses which had to be swapped in-and-out, and yet in which I needed and wanted a fairly long lens. My gamble on the RX10 M4 worked out nicely for me on that occasion and I've been enjoying using the camera around home as well, plus experimenting with it (i.e., today trying the closeup lens attachment). Does it replace a DSLR or a mirrorless ILC and lenses? No way, nor do I intend for it to do so. I'm still lusting after Sony's A7III and a couple macro lenses in addition to others, but the A7III and many of the lenses in which I'm most interested are really hard, if not impossible to get right now. Even B&H doesn't have that camera body in stock. It's frustrating, but that's the way life is, sometimes. Sure, I've already got nice stuff here at home, but, well, you know how it is when GAS strikes..... The purchases of the RX10 M4 and the RX100 M6 temporarily have eased that somewhat, but...well.... The good news is that each of them also will continue to serve in its own role within my photographic system regardless of whether or not I add anything else to it.
I hear what you're saying, and I know what you mean about most of those truly cheap sets of closeup lenses which come in various diopter sizes for only about $30-40 USD. Snort!!! That isn't what I would ever use. The Canon 500D closeup lens is not cheap by anyone's measurements, it's a pretty high-quality (heavy) hunk of glass and metal that one screws into the filter threads on a camera or lens, adjusted for any achromatic(?) distortions and the like..... The thing cost me around $125.00 USD, and having had experience some years ago with the 77mm version, I was pretty certain that what I was buying now would be satisfactory for the purpose intended. It's not something I'll be using everyday, but it is a nice addition to the RX10 M4 for those times when I am looking at something and thinking, "I need to get closer to this...."
Since I'm not shooting for National Geographic or any other major publication I have a lot more freedom and latitude in what I choose to shoot and the tools with which I decide to shoot my subjects!
Last edited:
We have lots of professional printers at work but most don't get used all that often. If you only shoot for yourself, you don't have the need.What a beast of a machine to have access to! If I recall correctly, that was the first of its type to have an accessible ink tank to be able to empty yourself, rather than having to call in a technician! Think of the panoramas you could print at 44" or 111cm wide! Pity I'm located on the complete other side of the world from you... And to be able to print at the stupid DPI rates that thing is capable of, well over 2,000 DPI I seem to recall.
I think I have four printed pictures at home on the wall. I'm not likely to add anymore.
[doublepost=1534397438][/doublepost]
Nicely done. Glad your enjoying photography again.
All my pictures are taken in Ladakh region (India) thanks
[doublepost=1534413163][/doublepost]
This is the road to Heaven, if there is is one (leh India)
Last edited:
My bad, I didn't know that, I made the incorrect assumption it would have been a four-thirds format camera. Live and learn!
It is cropped already and i was trying to maintain a ratio of sorts but i could've cropped it a bit tighter maybe.
I couldn't believe my luck when he landed in front of me. I had literally just received my new lens through the post and this was about the fifth picture taken with it. Right place, right time. I'll have a dabble with some different crops/point of view.
Thanks for the comments they're always appreciated.
Thanks, AFB!! I am indeed enjoying photography again, and it feels great! Over the past several years for one reason or another I had pretty much put it on the back burner and rarely picked up a camera, just couldn't seem to get motivated.... Now I'm definitely having fun again!
[doublepost=1534429306][/doublepost]
I should have been more specific in my initial post, as of course it's hard to keep track of all the various cameras that are available these days! I should have remembered that not everyone would know what the RX10 is. After having had it for a few weeks now I can tell you it is a fun and quite versatile camera! The zoom lens has a remarkable range, from 24-600mm (35mm equivalent), really amazing! The RX10 series is the big sister to Sony's RX100 series, using the 1-inch sensor that is in those cameras but in size is akin to a small DSLR with a medium-sized lens on it. I can go out with the RX10 for a walk around our little lake here and shoot a variety of subjects without needing to carry a bagful of lenses. Great for travel, as is the pocketable Sony RX100 M6..... I've been very pleased with both cameras so far and as time goes on you guys will be seeing a lot of shots from them!
Last edited:
A bee enjoying his dinner.
Comments always appreciated.
Comments always appreciated.
Such an honor to be able to photograph this young lady.
razzzinfrazzzinphotoglozzzzoupzzzhamtinuploadzzzt!
every time today i wanna post a photo, someone has the same subject above me!
dont care!
hey, your pet? by expo bill, on Flickr
[doublepost=1534440899][/doublepost]
every time today i wanna post a photo, someone has the same subject above me!
dont care!
hey, your pet? by expo bill, on Flickr
[doublepost=1534440899][/doublepost]
who is older?..... that bridge or betty white?
Thats a cracker, Hugh. The cows look like they've never seen a photographer before!
I love the look of the vignette, was that done in pp or with a filter?
Thank you very much!
The cows were pretty interested in me, and some of them even started to wander over for a closer look.
The vignette was done later on by the way.
Cheers
Hugh
Perseids
August 2018
This was taken 2 days before the peak day of the Perseids meteor shower. It was the only clear night forecast in the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park. I've never ventured in here in the dark before, but I have never seen such clarity and truly dark skies directly overhead. The light pollution Northwards was evident as you can see, but directly overhead was breathtaking. I'll be back in winter when the clarity is even better. The photo doesn't do it justice.
Anyway, I captured 4 Perseids out of 250 frames that were 20s, f2, ISO 1600. I used 24 frames near the end of the sequence to stack, align and eliminate noise via Starry Landscape Stacker to serve as a base frame.With the resulting base frame, I then composited and aligned (the best I could, because Polaris wasn't in the shot) to show the meteors coming from the radiant of the Perseus constellation. When aligned, they were merged via masking and then stamped and from there, I made a few edits to bring out the milky way more (it wasn't the side featuring the brighter core area), reduce noise and speckling in the foreground loch etc. I only witnessed the rightmost meteor with my eyes, and man it was bright! Quite a bit of work involved, but I honestly thought I'd capture at least 10 meteors over the hour and a half of exposures. I may have managed that or more on the peak night, but that will be for another time.
Genuinely interested to see what people think about this.
August 2018
This was taken 2 days before the peak day of the Perseids meteor shower. It was the only clear night forecast in the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park. I've never ventured in here in the dark before, but I have never seen such clarity and truly dark skies directly overhead. The light pollution Northwards was evident as you can see, but directly overhead was breathtaking. I'll be back in winter when the clarity is even better. The photo doesn't do it justice.
Anyway, I captured 4 Perseids out of 250 frames that were 20s, f2, ISO 1600. I used 24 frames near the end of the sequence to stack, align and eliminate noise via Starry Landscape Stacker to serve as a base frame.With the resulting base frame, I then composited and aligned (the best I could, because Polaris wasn't in the shot) to show the meteors coming from the radiant of the Perseus constellation. When aligned, they were merged via masking and then stamped and from there, I made a few edits to bring out the milky way more (it wasn't the side featuring the brighter core area), reduce noise and speckling in the foreground loch etc. I only witnessed the rightmost meteor with my eyes, and man it was bright! Quite a bit of work involved, but I honestly thought I'd capture at least 10 meteors over the hour and a half of exposures. I may have managed that or more on the peak night, but that will be for another time.
Genuinely interested to see what people think about this.