CAMERA DATA
Presented here is data about how some of the images on this website were made.
Until 2018, events were typically covered with two cameras -- a Sony a65 or a77-II DSLT mounting a Sigma 18-250mm zoom lens and/or a Sigma 150-500mm zoom lens, plus a Panasonic HDC-TM900 High Definition Camcorder. A GoPro is occasionally employed.
In 2018, our primary still image camera is the Sony RX10-IV with a built-in lens that has a 35-millimeter equivalent coverage of 24 to 600 mm focal length, and a one-inch sensor.
Results achieved may vary from photographer to photographer and even between two seemingly identical pieces of equipment, but we hope technical data on our results will be of interest to you. Examples of images from this site are reproduced below with as much data as we have available. For some older images, data may be incomplete or estimated.
Our own HD video was usually shot at 1080 60p until 2016 when we added a Sony FDR-AX53 video camera; we have some older SD video we shot with a 3CCD Panasonic PV-GS120 camcorder years ago, and video we acquire from other sources varies in file size and format.
LEFT CLICK ONCE ON AN IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT AND READ ITS DATA
Until 2018, events were typically covered with two cameras -- a Sony a65 or a77-II DSLT mounting a Sigma 18-250mm zoom lens and/or a Sigma 150-500mm zoom lens, plus a Panasonic HDC-TM900 High Definition Camcorder. A GoPro is occasionally employed.
In 2018, our primary still image camera is the Sony RX10-IV with a built-in lens that has a 35-millimeter equivalent coverage of 24 to 600 mm focal length, and a one-inch sensor.
Results achieved may vary from photographer to photographer and even between two seemingly identical pieces of equipment, but we hope technical data on our results will be of interest to you. Examples of images from this site are reproduced below with as much data as we have available. For some older images, data may be incomplete or estimated.
Our own HD video was usually shot at 1080 60p until 2016 when we added a Sony FDR-AX53 video camera; we have some older SD video we shot with a 3CCD Panasonic PV-GS120 camcorder years ago, and video we acquire from other sources varies in file size and format.
LEFT CLICK ONCE ON AN IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT AND READ ITS DATA
Sigma Site -- using Sigma 18-250mm and 150-500mm lenses
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The Warbird Roundup video to the left was made with two cameras. The tripod-mounted views of aircraft dramatically dropping into view on landing and rising majestically in takeoff were shot with the Sigma 18-250 lens at 250mm, mounted to a Sony a77II DSLT.
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Miscellaneous Photo Examples
COTTON CARRIER CAMERA HOLSTER
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Cotton Carrier makes a growing line of camera carry and support systems that we find useful in minimizing the weight of carrying heavy cameras and lenses for hours. We purchased the Cotton Carrier Wanderer Side Holster. It fits over many belts; we use it with a GI-style web belt. The holster uses Cotton Carrier's patented quick twist lock system to keep a camera holstered, yet quickly available. We also use Cotton Carrier's long safety strap to protect the camera from dropping to the ground in case we miss the holster. The safety strap is loose and adjustable so it does not impose the camera's weight like a neck strap would. As an affiliate with Cotton Carrier, we receive a portion of sales revenue when you purchase through the link by clicking HERE.
Cotton Carrier offers a customer discount coupon by clicking HERE. In Checkout, look for a MUSEUMERICA discount coupon from our other website.
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Cotton Carrier Wanderer Side Holster (above)
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IMPRESSIONS OF EQUIPMENT
Sigma DC 18-250mm 1:3.5-6.3 Macro HSM Zoom Lens:
This all-in-one compact telephoto lens packs a remarkable range of focal lengths into a small unit. For most of our shoots, this one lens does everything we want, and it stays on the camera body for quick use at a moment's notice. While it is possible that longer lenses and those with less zoom range might make technically better images, the all-around versatility of this lens trumps that, in our opinion. We regularly publish our work using this lens.
Mated to a Sony a65 or a77 DSLT body, this Sigma lens does double duty as a video lens. Panasonic HDC-TM900 High Definition Camcorder: This HD camcorder is several years old, but still has a strong following due to its image sharpness and the ability to record in 1080 60p. In addition to a flip-out screen, the Panasonic HDC-TM900 has an eye-level viewfinder, an option we consider mandatory for our equipment.
With a home-designed shoulder mount, we can use compression against the body to get a steady grip on the camcorder for hand-held shots and reasonably long telephoto panning shots. It also delivers reasonably good still images that we frequently use in our productions, although in our opinion they are not as good as those from a good DSLR-style camera. We are well-pleased with the results we get with this camcorder. Sony FDR-AX53 4K Camcorder Okay, the Sony FDR-AX53 4K video camera introduced in March 2016 got our attention. Not so much the 4K as some of the other features. The ability to shoot 1080P video at 120 frames per second opens up a lot of slo-mo and smooth panning and hand-held options we have already used.
Sony is famous for their Balanced Optical Steady Shot, and so far we find it to be the best optical stabilizer we have used. Downside to this new cam? In our experience it sometimes does not focus as quickly as needed. We are experimenting with manually focusing at our desired distance and shooting that way. I guess what the world needs is a blend of Panasonic and Sony, taking the best features from each. We've posted two of our test videos using the Sony FDR-AX53 at right; see how you like our results. |
Sony RX10-IV Camera: Okay, this is our favorite go-to camera for action. Great clarity and easy to carry along with our Sony FDR-AX53 video camera. We're unabashed Sony fans.
Sony a65 DSLT Camera Body: Sony jumped out in front with its DSLT translucent mirror technology that allows fast, well-featured video shooting capabilities in a solid DSLT camera format that also delivers high-quality 24.3 megapixel still images. A digital viewfinder as well as a flip-out screen make this a versatile unit.
We are very happy with the results we obtain with this camera and our Sigma 18-250 zoom lens. Sony a77-II DSLT Camera Body: Like the Sony a65, only more so! Fast auto focus with many focus spots, good heft to the body; we feel this is a perfect match for the big Sigma 150-500mm lens.
Sigma 150-500mm APO DG OS 1:5-6.3 Zoom Lens: This big zoom lens reaches out to 500mm (nearly 800mm with APS-C sensor cameras) and does so with clarity. We appreciate its image quality and its handling, even for its hefty size and weight. Optical stabilization is available in the lens, or it can be turned off for use with body-stabilized camera systems.
Sony FDR-AX53 Video Camera First Look:
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IMPRESSIONS OF SOFTWARE
Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 11 and 13 Most of the videos produced for this website and our YouTube channel have been edited on Sony's powerful yet inexpensive Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 11.0. We sampled several good prosumer-level video editing programs, and Sony Vegas Movie Studio resonated with us. It is well-featured for editing and cleaning up materials.
Sony's newer iterations of Movie Studio include ever-more-powerful tools. We've been using Sony Movie Studio Platinum 13 on some projects, and have found that some of the newer tools are backward compatible with our tried-and-true Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 11.0. We use Version 13 on the road. Many video and still imaging software suites offer trial access before you buy. We like to sample different programs; you may find the software that suits you best by sampling several. |
Adobe Photoshop Elements We have always been impressed with the powerful tools packaged in each succeeding issue of Adobe Photoshop Elements. Yes, even more powerful tools are available in higher-end offerings from Adobe, but the Photoshop Elements offering has hit the sweet spot of reasonable economy and powerful image editing software. And you can still buy it on CD and load it and own it, surrendering nothing to the cloud if that is your preference.
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