Forums > Photography Talk > Has any used a high end compact camera photo shoot

Photographer

Thornwood Studio

Posts: 72

San Diego, California, US

A short list of interesting cameras: Sony NEX-7, Fuji X-Pro 1, and X-E1, Panasonic Lumix DMC GH3 are all high end compact cameras, that appear to have a capability to produce excellent quality results.  One well known HDR blogger has notably, stopped using a DSLR in favor of the Sony. 

I personally like the heft and size of DSLRs,  but there is no denying the trend.  I have handled the Sony and was somewhat impressed with it's ease and speed of handling.

Was just curious if any members here, have begun using a compact camera for model shoots?

Or do you feel that size counts when shooting models?  On the other hand, for street shooting I think size counts (in a small way )...  Just for being less conspicuous.

Jul 13 13 10:45 am Link

Photographer

R.EYE.R

Posts: 3436

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

I am just waiting for SONY's move on FF mirrorless. If they announce it soon I will be jumping ship.
Taking my kit from ThinkTank packed with SLRs and lenses, I can simply have a small backpack with NEX and series of Contax-G/Leica-M glass, making me a happy bunny.

I was considering new Leica-M digital, but I am not sure I want to part with $8k for body only.

Jul 13 13 11:00 am Link

Photographer

ontherocks

Posts: 23575

Salem, Oregon, US

there have been some good threads on the fuji.

for me the x-pro1 is complementary to my 5DMKII. it doesn't replace it. just two totally different ways of shooting, different autofocus, just very different.

for me the fuji is more for taking your time and the 5DMKII is for capturing the precise moment of interest.

we use both at weddings (the wife takes the fuji and i take the canon). i wouldn't even try to shoot a wedding with the just the x-pro1 (just too sluggish and on-camera flash is harder because it doesn't balance as well).

zach arias is a huge fuji fan. you can read his blog for more of what he thinks.

we have used the x-pro1 on model shoots (available light ones) and for senior shoots. it makes great pictures, just kind of sluggish. plus the fuji eats batteries.

Jul 13 13 11:02 am Link

Photographer

Bare Essential Photos

Posts: 3605

Upland, California, US

Thornwood Street Studio --

Thornwood Street Studio wrote:
A short list of interesting cameras: Sony NEX-7, Fuji X-Pro 1, and X-E1, Panasonic Lumix DMC GH3 are all high end compact cameras, that appear to have a capability to produce excellent quality results.  One well known HDR blogger has notably, stopped using a DSLR in favor of the Sony. 

I personally like the heft and size of DSLRs,  but there is no denying the trend.  I have handled the Sony and was somewhat impressed with it's ease and speed of handling.

Was just curious if any members here, have begun using a compact camera for model shoots?

Or do you feel that size counts when shooting models?  On the other hand, for street shooting I think size counts (in a small way )...  Just for being less conspicuous.

You forgot about the Canon EOS-M. It's built like a tank and rips out incredible images! I know, I have one and have used it on several shoots.

Unfortunately, it doesn't have a viewfinder and can only be used for natural light shots. I've asked Canon to create a firmware to include two increments to its LCD focus illumination from default, 3 sec., and 5 sec. so one can focus in a low light setting, such as a studio, and be able to recompose before the focus illumination goes out. The Pocket Wizard III mates very well with it.

Also, you're able to use various Canon lenses using the adapter.

Jul 13 13 11:24 am Link

Photographer

Thornwood Studio

Posts: 72

San Diego, California, US

Looked at Zack Arias' blog. Thanks for the tip.  Looks like good reading on this subject

Jul 13 13 11:36 am Link

Photographer

Jerry Nemeth

Posts: 33355

Dearborn, Michigan, US

Bare Essential Photos wrote:
Thornwood Street Studio --
You forgot about the Canon EOS-M. It's built like a tank and rips out incredible images! I know, I have one and have used it on several shoots.

Unfortunately, it doesn't have a viewfinder and can only be used for natural light shots. I've asked Canon to create a firmware to include two increments to its LCD focus illumination from default, 3 sec., and 5 sec. so one can focus in a low light setting, such as a studio, and be able to recompose before the focus illumination goes out. The Pocket Wizard III mates very well with it.

Also, you're able to use various Canon lenses using the adapter.

I would have no problem using the Canon G1 X for a photoshoot.  I used it all week and did not pick up my 7D even though I had it with me.  The G1 X produces fantastic images.

Jul 13 13 03:31 pm Link

Photographer

Jay Leavitt

Posts: 6745

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

I've used a low-end compact camera recently at a shoot - sometimes its fun to push yourself by using less than ideal gear.

Canon G2 and cheap flashes:

https://jayleavitt.com/links/brittney_G2.jpg

Jul 13 13 05:27 pm Link

Photographer

Zack Zoll

Posts: 6895

Glens Falls, New York, US

I use the NEX 7 ... if you're okay with manual focus, the access to legacy lenses means that it makes better large prints than any other DX format camera on the market.  Even the D7100 is worse in my opinion, as the highlight range is a little shorter.  I sold my D7000 because it sat unused once I got my NEX-7, and I had a 28-70 and a 70-200 for it to boot.  The fact is that if speed isn't a priority, those lenses just can't compete with the Zeiss or Schneider lenses that are on eBay in funky mounts for $200-$500 each.

But if you're not cool with manual focus, the mirrorless cameras are just more cameras, and don't really offer much other than a smaller package.

The Sony lenses are amazing for the price, as are the Fuji lenses - both seem to take nicer pictures, or have better build quality, than what Nikon and Canon has at the same price.  Often, they take nicer photos AND they're built better.  And the m4/3rds stuff is great too, although I find the extra crop to be a big problem when using legacy lenses.

But none of those companies have anything that competes with the high-level Nikon or Canon gear, as far as AF goes.  The Pannys are close, but not quite there.  Until someone makes a full-frame mirrorless, and pro lenses to go with it, you should be comparing them to what you can get with other crop-sensor cameras.

Jul 13 13 06:32 pm Link

Photographer

Jakov Markovic

Posts: 1128

Belgrade, Central Serbia, Serbia

A good photographer is define by his end result, not equipment.

Jul 13 13 07:00 pm Link

Photographer

Photomezzo

Posts: 288

Venice, California, US

I use the Olympus OM-D with the 45mm (aka 90mm) f1.8 (aka F3ish) lens when shooting models on the beach in LA. It is disarmingly small and I shoot looking at the back lcd not through the viewfinder--the whole look screams amateur which is perfect.

I've shot some lookbooks and the cover of a trade publication with the OM-D and no one has questioned the quality of the images. The camera does have its quirks (mostly AF) but its a rewarding camera to use. (Using an EVF in a darkened studio with strobes is a bit of a challenge though).

One feature that is cool is the ability to shoot in 4x3 format (model 9in x 12in size) or to crop down from 4x3 to 3x2 (regular 8in x 12in size). Neat.

Jul 13 13 07:04 pm Link

Photographer

DELETED-ACCOUNT_

Posts: 10303

Los Angeles, California, US

I switched to the NEX-6 about 5 months ago when my D7000 bit the dust.  It is capable of doing maybe 90% of the stuff I used to, and for most model tests it's perfectly fine.  The only things I dislike in comparison to the dSLR's I was used to are the pathetic battery life, the poor lens selection, and the small buffer.  There's only been a couple times I missed my Nikon in the last half a year though.  Even if/when I do go back to Nikon I'll keep the NEX around for location shooting or simple test shoots.  For paid work I borrow a friends SLR though, most clients aren't going to be amused or understanding if you pull something that looks like a toy out of your backpack.

Jul 13 13 07:10 pm Link

Photographer

Bephoto

Posts: 106

Buffalo, Texas, US

Back when I was looking at buying a Canon G11, I found a web page of a guy that did a model shoot at the beach with one. The best thing about the G11 (and most other compacts) is its x-sync is 1/2000 so he was able to overpower the sun with just a speedlite. The high res shots looked great (for web images).

Jul 13 13 07:51 pm Link

Photographer

Jay Leavitt

Posts: 6745

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Ben Travis wrote:
Back when I was looking at buying a Canon G11, I found a web page of a guy that did a model shoot at the beach with one. The best thing about the G11 (and most other compacts) is its x-sync is 1/2000 so he was able to overpower the sun with just a speedlite. The high res shots looked great (for web images).

Same reason I keep my Nikon D40 - though I might trade it for a 70/70s for 1/8000 instead of 1/4000.

Jul 13 13 08:35 pm Link

Photographer

RSH-Photography

Posts: 759

Austin, Texas, US

Here's an image from my port that I took with a Fujifilm X10 using natural light ...

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/1 … 90adba.jpg

Jul 13 13 08:43 pm Link

Photographer

Deep Exposure

Posts: 41

Madrid, Madrid, Spain

I use the Fuji X-Pro 1 in many occasion with excellent results. Solely with the 14mm f/2.8 lens for close quarters as small rooms and bathrooms with very limited light... Great in high ISO and raw file format to always have with you

Samples

https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/32166474

https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/32166478

https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30937146

Jul 13 13 09:00 pm Link

Photographer

Ralph Easy

Posts: 6426

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

X10

Fantastic low light shots: Takes four exposures in high speed and combines them into one image, reduces noise and blur, as the shutter fires at many times faster than the required slow speed.

Video AF is better than a DSLR, stereo sound capture with built in 2 microphones, and fully manual fluid zoom.

A great back up for stills or video.

https://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/productimage_8192.jpg?width=800&height=600&nostretch&v=1

Here's a sample taken at night, no flash used.
http://500px.com/photo/28364241

.

Jul 13 13 10:05 pm Link

Photographer

Artful Figures

Posts: 124

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

For the past 9 months I've been doing model shoots with the Sony NEX 5N with the electronic viewfinder and an adapter for my manual Leica M-series lenses. Awesome combination!  I'm more of a natural light shooter and I think the NEX is perfect for that type of photography. The NEX is small, lightweight, quiet, and I'm able to shoot well over 1500 shots on a single battery charge. Here is a link to my Flickr photos showing some of my shots taken with the NEX:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=5152678 … mirrorless

Glenn

Jul 14 13 12:28 am Link

Photographer

NTN Photo

Posts: 114

Baltimore, Maryland, US

I use a Fuji X-E1 and a X100s every now and then at shoots. To be honest I like the x100s for just carrying around everywhere and not so much for photoshoots. It's a great street camera and a great camera to have with you with friends and family. The X-E1 I'm using more now that I got a M mount adapter for it and can use some nicer lenses on it. I'm not really as crazy about the Fuji lenses as some other people are. I don't know I think I just prefer the look of full frame...when I shoot these side by side on a shoot with my Nikon full frame they don't quite hold up. The problem is ergonomically I love shooting them. I love old manual film cameras and I like using the older style aperture rings and dials on the Fuji vs the Nikons, but IQ wise I prefer my images shot with my Nikon.

Here are two images from shoots 18+
http://ntnphoto.tumblr.com/post/4992058 … lysha-nett
http://ntnphoto.tumblr.com/post/5484189 … at-hedlund

Jul 14 13 05:17 am Link

Photographer

Will_DB

Posts: 250

Bristol, England, United Kingdom

It's all about the light, so I imagine a decent compact would be capable of good results - provided it has a hotshoe or wireless flash capability.

I bought a NEX camera for general photography, and it's ideal for holidays and hiking. I go prefer the handling of a DSLR when you need to take shots fast and intuitively though. I have a Pentax K30 as a main camera which is small, cheap and very nice to use.

Jul 14 13 10:40 am Link

Photographer

RSH-Photography

Posts: 759

Austin, Texas, US

Another image taken with the Fujifilm X10, this one the MM POTD18+ contest winner for May 15, 2012  ...

https://www.modelmayhem.com/contests/po … view/26119

Jul 14 13 10:46 am Link

Photographer

Jason Haven

Posts: 38381

Washington, District of Columbia, US

Most of my port is X-Pro1

Jul 14 13 10:52 am Link