The gamble

[prost 0]

Since I can not get anyone else to do it I think I am going roll the dice. Minolta has a new digital camera called the Dimage 7hi. The 7hi is mainly different from the 7 and 7i in that it has a much larger and faster cache. It is much faster than any prosumer digital camera out there. It has a remote shutter release option and its lense goes down to an effective 28mm. 5 MegaPixel. Seems like it will work great. A good review of the camera can be seen at http://www.dpreview.com.

[Deuce 1]

If you can hook the shutter release up, and it floats your boat otherwise, go for it! Please write a review for us vidiots when you do. (Hey QUADE, how 'bout that D-60!)

I'm really anxious to go digital because it will allow me to get instant feedback on my stills technique. I don't get to see many of my stills, and by the time I do I've forgotten the details of the shoot, and am just glad I've got the pictures framed well. I think it would be great, and that Minolta is about half the price of some of the "pro" digicams.

(Hey BONZO, how 'bout those Santa-helmet pics!)
-Guys and gals, the Bonz has this great Pro-tec with a Santa hat glued on, and I took stills of him jumping out of the Kingair with it a couple weeks ago.

[quade 4]

Quote

(Hey QUADE, how 'bout that D-60!)

Ok, Ok, I know, I know. I've been slackin'.

I have simply GOT to start it, huh?

BTW, did you see the article in Skydiving?

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[Deuce 1]

No, I don't get Skydiving

Is it on your website?

[AndyMan 7]

$1200 is still too much for me, when I know something perfectly usable will be $600 next year.

_Am

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[prost 0]

Not that it will probably make much difference but B&H will sell you one for $1049.

[prost 0]

As far as the shutter release, it already has a plug. You just have to buy the cable.

[quade 4]

Quote

As far as the shutter release, it already has a plug. You just have to buy the cable.

On digital cameras there will be two types of sockets. You'll want to find out what type this camera has before you really decide it's the right way to go.

The first type of socket is called a "contact closure". Basically, just close the circuit and the trigger is released. This is the type that you'll find on the Canon Rebel series FILM cameras. The Canon D60 has a slightly different socket (but still a contact closure), you buy a Canon remote switch and make an adaptor out of it, then you're good to go with the Conceptus. Same kinda deal with the high-price Nikons.

The other type of connector will be a computer connection -- most commonly a variation of USB. For this you'll need a special switch from the manufacturer or possibly a thrid party switch from a company like digi-snap.com.

Be certain you know what you're getting into before you take the plunge!

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[prost 0]

Good point but it is not as big of a deal for me because I don't like using any type of mouth switch and I was just planning on using the standard switch in my hand. That being said I am sure it is a contact closure because it uses the same switch as their 35mm cameras.

[quade 4]

Yeah, I just rooted around the Minota web site a bit and it -looks- like you're right. Still, if it were -me- I'd head over to an electronics store and lay my hands on one before placing the order.

BTW, I have a friend that's shooting the Dimage and he's getting good results. I just don't know that much about the set-up and cycle times, but since this is the new and improved model that's probably all irellevant anyway.

Go lay your hands on one and really see what it's like.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[prost 0]

I can't find the 7hi anywhere. I have looked at the 7i before and they are almost identical externally except the color. I want to just snap off some pics to see just how fast it is first hand but it doesn't look like I am going to find one anywhere around D.C.