Why is almost everybody using SLR cameras?

[FrancoR 0]

Something i have noticed is that all freefall photograpers use SLR cameras. Why is that so? Onyl because of the remote?

Any regular camera should be able to produce good pictures during a skydive, there is usually enough light for infocus, clear pictures. One the other sides SLR cameras have big lenses that create the possibility for line snags.

A friend of mine bought a Ricoh Caplio G4 wide. It seems like its suitable for skydiving. The lens is a 28mm (equivalent to 35mm) the delay for the picture is 0.14 sec and compared to other digital cameras it has a good lens. 3 megapixels should also be enough for most pictures.

There has got to be a solution to the remote button, even if it is a small electric actuator that will push the button.

Franco

PS: No, i am certainly not going to go for still pictures with my experience.

If it does not cost anything you are the product.

[airgord 1]

I can't speak for everyone else, but I use an SLR because it is easier to set the camera on auto and let it pick settings on it's own.

[vdschoor 0]

Quote

I can't speak for everyone else, but I use an SLR because it is easier to set the camera on auto and let it pick settings on it's own.

Hmm.. I think for a lot of people, that's exactly why they are not using the small automatic cameras.
They like to work with the settings and at least set the camera up somewhat manually.

I think the reason for SLR is speed and versatility, a lot of SLR cameras are way faster than any compact camera. Also, you can put different lenses on them for different purposes.

There are numerous reasons why, pretty much anyone that's a little serious about photography goes with an SLR.

Iwan

[chachi 0]

Well, most use a digital SLR for a few reason. The most common are:

~Resolution: My 10D is 6.3MP, so is the rebel, the other common one. 3.0MP is decent but not really for anything over 8 X 10, depending on the compression.
~Remote: Most consumer digital don't have one.
~Speed: I can take 9 pictures in 3 seconds with 10D before it needs to even think about delaying for a buffer.
~Settings: Automatic settings suck.
~Versatility: I use my camera on the ground also, I can go from 10mm - 500mm or anywhere in between just by changing lenses.

All in all the latest digital SLR's are far superior to a regular digital camera.

~Chachi

Edited for spelling, come on Sangiro, we need a spell check option like my email.

[jeremyneas 0]

Personally:

1. Lens versitility, i can switch up lenses for different types of jumps.

2. 35mm SLR's are cheap! (depending) so if i smash it up, no big whoop, they get cheaper every day small digital cameras get more popular, everyones makin the switch.

3. Rugged as hell. Unfortunately for #2, i can beat the eva-livin-shit out of my Elan, jump it in freezing cold, rain, desert, mountains, snow, mud. I can bang it, bash it, touch it in that special way.

4. Don't need a screen to see my options. I can fully operate the camera on the top of my head without looking at the buttons.

5. Speed baby. Gotta snap dem pics fast sometimes.

6. Now there was mention of hooking an electronic actuator up to the cameras 'shutter release'. Sounds like a pain in the ass operation. But poineers must do what they must till some manufacturer starts setting the stage (i.e. Conceptus with a single unit that hooks directly to canons remote release, no sauter)

7. Film is cheeper for commercial skydivers. We buy a $1 roll of film for our SLR and hand it to the customer for them to develop later. As opposed to what? Downloading to a disk(s) $$ (bro, 1 3.5" won't cut it), printing all the photos out $$$$. Some customers develop at Wal-mart, some at a professional studio, let them decide what to do, in the end they are happier with the choice, and you save mula (i forsee this changing in the not-so-far future)


As for Digital SLRs:
Now don't get me wrong, I think that digital SLR's are the wave of the future, just not ecomonical for 'right now'...but soon they will be the standard.

As for the little hand held Elph likes:...my little $550 4 Megapixal baby isn't going into that harsh skydiving enviroment, it stays at home with the kids and the holidays, we leave the rough stuff for the big boys