For all you lighting fellas

[willpomroy]

Ok, So I have been pondering this idea for a while, finally got it on paper today. What do you think? Useful or pointless?

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[JIP]

We already have that it's called a digital camera

 

[Big Mike]

A small p&s digi-cam will do all of this.

 

[woodsac]

I'm not understanding the difference between this...and a regular point and shoot digital camera?

Why couldn't I use my more sophisticated dslr, with superior lenses, and a light meter? I'm sure that any advanced, handheld light meter would give far more accurate readings than this device?

Maybe I'm missing something. Can you elaborate more on your idea?

 

[willpomroy]

Please gentlemen. Read the description which I put hours into comprising before slating the idea. The fundamentals are - Pc sync cord socket and iso ranges of 100, 125, 160, 200. NO EXISTING COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA HAS EITHER OF THESE FEATURES. Sorry but it ****es me off a bit when people don't even bother to read what I've written. If you dont understand the uses of these features you shouldn't be posting in the advanced part of this photography forum.

 

[willpomroy]

In response to the last guy who posted - sorry I had posted before I had a chance to read. This camera is designed to be used in conjunction with a lightmeter. Lightmeter reading > this camera > Proper camera. Similar to polaroid film it just allows you to check lighting, but because you can match ISO speeds to the film you're using in your proper camera, you can just transfer the setting across from this camera to the proper camera when the lighting is correct. I do currently use a 20d or polaroid for checking exposure, however, the 20d doesn't have the iso range required, nor does any other pro dslr. Besides, A bit of a waste just to check exposure, I fear. By proper cameras I mean medium/large format cameras, both of which outperform any digital camera on the market today when used in the correct manner. (my basis for comparison is the hassy H3D)

Hope this clears up questions and issues.

 

[woodsac]

I doubt there are very many 'advanced' photographers that would sacrifice the quality of their semi-pro to pro cameras for a point and shoot!

The 'beginner' photographer is not going to understand what a pc sync cord is? You said it yourself.

I don't shoot medium or large format, so I can't say what the advantages would be? Would this possibly be better directed to film enthusiasts?

 

[willpomroy]

Absolutely, it is solely aimed at people requiring the quality of film and using studio flash lighting. Many apologies, didn't make myself clear enough, obviously. This camera is most certainly not intended to produce a final image, but it is far from point and shoot.

 

[Big Mike]

I see where you are going with this...but unless it's quite inexpensive...I don't see a big market for it.

If someone wanted to do this with a current digital camera...it need not have a PC socket...only a hot-shoe and an inexpensive adapter. Not many (or any) digital cameras have ISO settings to match all types of film...but the 20D (for example) can adjust exposure in 1/3 stop increments...which is enough for anyone who understands what they are doing...which I would hope a MF/LF photographer would.

Don't be so defensive...you clearly asked what we thought.

 

[willpomroy]

I see where you are going with this...but unless it's quite inexpensive...I don't see a big market for it.

If someone wanted to do this with a current digital camera...it need not have a PC socket...only a hot-shoe and an inexpensive adapter. Not many (or any) digital cameras have ISO settings to match all types of film...but the 20D (for example) can adjust exposure in 1/3 stop increments...which is enough for anyone who understands what they are doing...which I would hope a MF/LF photographer would.

Don't be so defensive...you clearly asked what we thought.

Absolutely. It is entirely a proof of concept and aimed at a niche market, I dont expect to ever see one, which is a shame. I do know exactly what you mean about using exposure adjustment, however it becomes complex to compensate ISO with exposure. It is something I can indeed sit and figure out, however I'd rather not, if you get my drift. The other simple advantage it would posess over say a 20D is simply size. Imagine a tool doing the same job as your large dslr that you can chuck in your back pocket with a lightmeter. Thanks for reading the tpoic, sorry for getting defensive, however you can understand that when people slate an idea without understanding it, it gets under my skin.

 

[JIP]

but if you are carryinn a medium format camera you will have loads of room in the camera bag you will be carrying so why would you "chuck" an expensive light meter in your pocket

 

[markc]

We are trying to understand it. Are you saying a digital back meant for preview only? I could see people finding that a money saver if it were cheap enough.

If you mean an actual camera, I don't see much usefulness to it. Most people I know use Polaroid film in backs and get expose through the camera that will be taking the actual picture. Otherwise you have to spend a lot of time matching the focal length, position, etc., of two cameras and swap them back and forth. If you don't, you don't get a good representation of the final image and might as well not use a Polaroid.

 

[Michael Humle]

Welcome to The Photo Forum!
I believe your concept is excellent for the multitude of profesional photographers who will not switch to digital. Particularly the medium format users who make up most of that multitude. Your concept appears to be small, simple, easy to use and hopefully not cost prohibitive. The question many photographers will ask would be about accuracy. I think you do have a marketable item and should consider the demographic.
keep something in mind...when you present an idea to this forum you are presenting it to very intelligent, imaginative and interested people. Once you hit the open market, get ready for just the opposite! I wish you all the best of luck in your pursuit.

 

[Michael Humle]

Sorry about the duplicate...slip of the finger on my keyboard....

 

[willpomroy]

Thanks for the ffedback michael! like i say, this is a proof of concept...I think what would be the best idea is a high quality compact camera with these features chucked in. I hope to god a manufacturer dreams it up.