I was very interested in this posting because i recently bought a digital SLR, a Nikon D 50 which has 6 Megapixels. I bought the digital camera because i presently use slide film, and both slide film and slide film processing will go the way of all things within the next few years. I have only had the camera for a few days and believe me it is a learning curve. One thing about 6 Megapixel digital SLR’s is there is virtually no time lag between the time you pu***he button and you snap the shutter so the train you photograph hasn’t gone a mile down the track and away from you.
Depending on the brand, it is currently possible to buy 6 Megapixel digital SLR’s for about $600 with an 18 - 35mm f/3.5 - 5.6 zoom lens, and from what i have learned it seems 6 Megapixels will be adequate for non professional photographers. According to the article that eastside downloaded the Sony digital SLR is rated at 10 Megapixels, and will sell for $900 list body only, and $450 -$700 for a zoom lens. I am not sure what advantage 10 Megapixels brings in railroad photography. However, as wth most digital cameras the prices will drop so I would not be surprised to see 6 Megapixel digital SLR’s costing in the neighborhood of $400 - $500 in a year.
More info:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0606/06060501sonydslra100.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/Camera_System/pixel_quality_01.htm
http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/Camera_System/pixels_01.htm
I really like the dpreview.com site–lots of very useful information.
There’s also an excellent review of the system (and it looks like Sony intends to compete head on with the big guys…this is indeed a system camera, and with the CZ glass is meant for more than just the amateur) over at:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/alpha100.html
Glad to see that KM will live on quite well. Hopefully this’ll put some pressure on Canon and Nikon to keep developing good cameras, and really push prices down a little (The A-100 is supposed to sell aroun $900 for the body and $1000 with an 18-70 kit lens). That’s a lot of camera for that price.
This is because Sony bought KM and is completely taking over their digital camera market.