how is the Pentax Optio E10 6 megapixel digital camera for railfanning and close up shots of models? (model trains, that is[:-,])
my parents are thinking of finally gettig a digital camera so we dont have to rely on disposable cameras with no zoom. (i lost our film camera at the springfeild train show last year.[:o)][censored])
GEARHEAD426
Gear…While the Optio E10 is likely a nice general purpose camera and would do a journeyman’s job for railfanning applications, it’s specs do not suggest that it is very applicable to close-up model/layout photography. Normal minimum focus on the E10 is 20", while macro will give just 2". HOWEVER, the maximum focal ratio is a very poor f/4.8 . In other words, the depth-of-field especially at macro and even at normal minimum focus, is likely to be very shallow. Very tight right-angle (side-on) views of specific locos or rolling stock will come out ok but everything else in the scene will generally be quite soft.
I have a (significantly) more expensive Pentax istDL with a maximum focal ratio that reaches f/37 and that provides outstanding DOF for model and layout scene photography (see image below). My advice would be to try looking a the specs of other moderately priced digital cameras in the Pentax line for something with a significantly greater range in f-ratio than the E10 if you want to obtain good layout photos.
(shot with Pentax istDL working at f/37 - immediate foreground 3" from lens, background 3’-4’ away)
CNJ831
It’s not very well rated.
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/pentax-optio-e10_reviews.html
You can spend slightly more. Between $159 and $189 at a discount and get a much better camera. Image Stabilization, 6x optical zoom and a fast lens with macro. And there must be a ton more in this price range too. I have the 8 meg Panasonic Lumifix FZ30 and I love it.
I too have the IstDL DSLR, and that is a great camera for what it Cost me (AUD$799) with two lenses.
If price is a problem, I suggest you check out the Fuji range, more specifically the Finepix S5200, S6500 and S9500, I know I got TrainboyH16_44 onto one, and he is rapt, I owned the S5200 before upgrading to a DSLR and it was a great little camera, it had 5.1mp 10X optical zoom Macro, and was favourably reviewed by many photography magazines, as a great budget fixed lens SLR, I think that should serve your needs for railfanning and model work just fine.
edit: found the S5200 on the digital camera site from above,
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/fuji-finepix-s5200_reviews.html
If your parents can afford to, I’d highly recommend this camera.