There is an abandoned SDIY line that crosses the Trolley tracks here in Chula Vista. The line does some street running on F street for a couple blocks but just dead ends in the middle of an intersection. The other side crosses the freeway and connects with the line to the old salt works. This line had small trees and lots of vegitation growing through the ties. A couple weeks ago a crew came through and cleared the vegitation blocking the signal. The next day those lights that I have never seen on are now lit up red. There is no way a train can run on these tracks due to all the obstructions (trees and fences). So why would they keep the lights on for a train that will never come?
Can’t say as to a reason, but I suggest going out asap and grab some photos!
I think I just might do that. But I will not be able to post till they get developed.
Developed? Developed? Oh yes…I remember. The process that film must go through in order for it to display the image captured in the camera. Kind of like using Mercury vapor as a catalyst for Daguerreotypes! He he he…
Your a real comedian Chris.
I know you are into cameras (that’s an understatement) but what about video cameras? The reason I ask is I have a Canon ZR10 that is capeable of takeing stills. The thing is you have to by a disk drive (I think that’s the only option) to get the stills out of the cam. I am wondering if it’s worth the effort to be able to do this. Any thoughts?
Can You get a download drive from Cannon.com? Danny
Yes Danny I can. I am just wondering if it’s worth it. Meaning are the pictures high quality.
Sorry, can’t help you too much here, Chad. I have enough trouble thinking about one frame at a time, let alone 30 per second. Rarely, I will shoot video for a photographer friend at a wedding or such. However, it involves higher end stuff like Canon XL1’s or XL2’s. He also takes care of all editing after the fact.
One of these days, I really should get into video a little more. It would certainly be an interesting challenge. With the range of DV capture and editing software out there, it wouldn’t take the commitment that it would have in years past, either.
At any rate, I will tell you this. So far, I have yet to see a video camera produce a still photo that I’d be happy with (keeping in mind that I’m kind of a nutcase about image quality, though). Someplace I’ve got a great forum link for video. I’ll see if I can dig it out, and I’ll send it your way. The guys there are really knowledgable, and would be able to answer your question much better than I ever could.
Sounds like someone was threatened with breach of contract and permanent removal of the crossing frog, compounded by pressure by FRA/CA-PUC’s inspectors.[:)]
Makes me wonder why they dont remove the crossing. It serves no purpose.
Yea, That’s kinda what I thought. I think I’ll pass on it. The camera does do nice video though, it’s stereo and has a kick a** zoom.
Generally speaking, larger sensors are preferable to smaller ones. It’s easier to control noise because individual photosites are bigger, dynamic range is better, etc. However, smaller sensors (such as those used in DV cameras) have a few advantages.
For instance, it’s much easier to make an insane zoom lens, complete with a healthy telephoto end on a small sensor. This isn’t confined to the realm of video either. Cameras like the Canon S3 IS have a 432mm (if I remember the exact number correctly…it’s over 400mm) equivalent telephoto end (although the WA end is a little lacking…only 38mm equiv. if I remember right). That’s a monster zoom range, complete with Image Stabilization.
Of course, noise can get to be a problem, even at moderate ISO’s. Still, it’s kind of cool to know you’ve got a pocketable image-stabilized super-tele ready if you need it. You never know when you’ll get the urge to shoot a head on telephoto and need some focal length!
Back to the original topic. The crossing may be interlocked to the point it was easier to leave the signal and pay the electric bill than to rewire the whole thing. Confirmaton it is red and lit could be tied together for the trolly cars.
Chris, I really think you would be impressed with the zoom on that thing. I have a 300mm and a doubler for my film camera and the video cam zoom is better then that. But it is rather noisey. I rarely max out the zoom though as it’s way to jittery without a tripod and my tripods are in storeage.
This weekend when I meet up with Brian will be the first chance to do some railfan video. I got the camera for free from my dad. He got it because a co-worker died and her husband didn’t want it. It worked great for a week or two but before I had a chance to do any train stuff it took a c*** on me. It has been in and out of the local shop ever sience December. Finally the last time they sent it to Canon and it seems to be working great so far. I just got it back last week. Fortunately I only paid for the original trip to the shop and the rest has been waranty service. So for a $35 accessory kit and the $100 for the repair I got a great little video cam.
Here in Florida, if a line is “banked” but not abandoned, they will NOT remove the signalling. In Venice, there is no longer a CSX (ex-ACL) rail line crossing US 41, but the signals and gates are all there just in case the line is one day placed back into service.
OK, But till a couple weeks ago they were dark. Well, actually I don’t know if the west one was because it was blocked by dense vegitation (they are both dwarfs). But I pass the east one several times a day every day and till two weeks ago never saw it lit. I think the next time I see a maintainance guy there I just might stop and ask.
Here is the crossing in question.
Yea, but I bet they don’t leave them lit. That’s what I don’t get.
Chad,
Should you find yourself still lacking focal length, you could always pick up one of these outfits:
http://www.dvinfo.net/canon/images/images17.php
[8D]
Yea, I’ll keep that in mind the next time I want to take a picture of a mosquito on the moon.[:D]