Depth of Focus (was: digital camera capabilities / was Re: 1000+

On 27 May 2007, at 08:19, Brent Hilpert wrote: I believe this is where non-brand models often fall short - it's worth doing a little homework on the optics of models you're interested in, to see what the camera buffs say. if the owner of a ?2000 12mp digital SLR says they use a particular $200 model of compact for their family snapshots then it's probably a good bet. Take, for instance, this photo showing the disassembly of a PS3. I mention this because my PS3 is one of those with the fan-noise problem :( and Google turned up this series when I was looking last night. In the article a "thumbnail" of the image is shown <http:// www.therealps3grill.com/PIC_0020thumb.jpg> with the explanation that a "warranty void" sticker is removed & a screw is found underneath that. One might think that the larger 1600 x 1200 view of the image would enable that screw to be seen clearly, however that is not the case <http://www.therealps3grill.com/PIC_0020.jpg> :( It is clearly out of focus. According to the EXIF this photo was actually taken with a digital camcorder - a JVC GZ-MC200 - but it's the sort of results I'd expect For me now SLR is king - I like to be able to see exactly what I'm framing and I like to be able to change lenses as needed - but I've found that even when taking eBay pictures any simple viewfinder makes a heck of a difference. I "upgraded" a couple of years ago from a cheapo Kodak to a much-newer and very much nicer Olympus with twice the megapxiels; unfortunately the Olympus had no actual physical viewfinder and holding it at arm's length to view the LCD induced so much shake the images were much much worse. If nothing else a simple viewfinder allows you to stabilise the camera by resting it against your face when taking the photo. That camera buffs are known to spend hundreds of $currency on tripods is illustration of how important stability is during the exposure period, and holding the camera at arm's length is NOT conducive to that. Stroller.