Compel me to not buy an SD14...

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Archive 2008 · Compel me to not buy an SD14...

VetraLens
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p.1 #1 · Compel me to not buy an SD14...

I just noticed that Cameta has SD14's in stock for $349.95

I almost pulled the trigger when they were $450, but hesitated because I shoot Canon and don't really want to waste money duplicating a system. However, I'm slowly breaking intto more wedding/portrait work, and another backup body can't hurt. The Foveon sensor has always intrigued me, and I think this might be a low enough price for me to be unable to resist. So, I'm begging the good people of FM to convince me I don't need an SD14.

I'd be interested in hearing from:
a.) Those that shoot/shot a different system, gave into the Foveon buzz, and were let down.
b.) Those that shoot/shot a different system, tried Foveon, and were impressed enough to stay dual-brand.
c.) Anyone that loves or hates their SD14 (or both) and what their reasons are.

Thanks!

Dec 27, 2008 at 12:10 AM

Greg Campbell
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p.1 #2 · Compel me to not buy an SD14...

Some of this may sound harsh, but a little 'tough love' never killed anyone.

How about:

1) Apart from curiosity and instant ego gratification, what possible need do you have for the dumb thing?

2) More to the point, what does it do that your Canon can't?

3) How many sigma lenses will you need to buy as well?

4) Do you really need to blow more hard earned money on disposable digital garbage?

5) If you're determined to toss umpteen hundred bucks, at least buy something unique and useful. Maybe a MF system? A programmable motorized panoramic mount? How about plane tickets and a trip to Yosemite/Yellowstone/SF/NY/etc? Yikes, you might even get to photograph something. Doesn't that sound better than flopping about in a paralytic daze, worrying about your equipment.

Dec 27, 2008 at 01:16 AM

ulrikft
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p.1 #3 · Compel me to not buy an SD14...

He states that he wants a backup body, that takes away 1, 2, 4 and 5, there are mount-conversion kits for those who want to use canon lenses (with af) on the sd14 too..

but nevermind me..

Dec 27, 2008 at 01:26 AM

VetraLens
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p.1 #4 · Compel me to not buy an SD14...

Yow. And I thought my momma was bad!

Greg Campbell wrote:
Some of this may sound harsh, but a little 'tough love' never killed anyone.

How about:

1) Apart from curiosity and instant ego gratification, what possible need do you have for the dumb thing?
Well, like I said, I am in the market for another backup body. This is currently cheaper than any Canon body available.

2) More to the point, what does it do that your Canon can't?
Touché

3) How many sigma lenses will you need to buy as well?
Precisely why I'm asking. Are the (assumed) pros of the Sigma system worth duplicating lenses for? But, realistically, just 2, maybe 3.

4) Do you really need to blow more hard earned money on disposable digital garbage?
Of course! I'm a Generation Y American!

5) If you're determined to toss umpteen hundred bucks, at least buy something unique and useful. Maybe a MF system? A programmable motorized panoramic mount? How about plane tickets and a trip to Yosemite/Yellowstone/SF/NY/etc? Yikes, you might even get to photograph something. Doesn't that sound better than flopping about in a paralytic daze, worrying about your equipment.

Thanks. You just gave me more things to buy! Where did I put that credit card...

Kidding. I'm actually a very responsible consumer. I've never paid retail for a single piece of photographic equipment, I usually only buy a new piece when I sell an old one, and I always buy one or two steps behind the technological curve. Hence, I'm considering the SD14. Plus I haven't bought myself a Christmas present, and I met my saving goals for the year. And I got straight A's this term (okay, only two classes, but still). My OP was equal parts serious and tongue-in-cheek, but I honestly do thank you for the perspective. And anyway, isn't this the Alternative Gear forum? Since when is any kind of justification needed for buying a new piece of gear?

Dec 27, 2008 at 01:31 AM

HansenTsang
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p.1 #5 · Compel me to not buy an SD14...

You will have to start collecting lenses from scratch.

Dec 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM

Grant808
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p.1 #6 · Compel me to not buy an SD14...

VetraLens wrote:
b.) Those that shoot/shot a different system, tried Foveon, and were impressed enough to stay dual-brand.

I fit this category...and might be one of the few Canon wedding shooters who has a full SD-14 'backup' system.

I think you should try it if you are curious.

You can easily adapt M42 lenses.

The SD-14 is too slow for my taste to be my primary camera for events or weddings. But I keep the platform going for the preferred image quality and the hope that Sigma will do better handling/performance wise with the SD-15 and future cameras.

My main preferences for Sigma/Foveon are for the color accuracy with subjects like flowers, and detailed subjects like macro or landscapes.

Dec 27, 2008 at 06:55 PM

AJ Nadershahi
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p.1 #7 · Compel me to not buy an SD14...

Greg Campbell wrote:

3) How many sigma lenses will you need to buy as well?

Everyone else pretty much refuted the other points, here's my contribution.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/675852

Dec 27, 2008 at 11:59 PM

Beni
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p.1 #8 · Compel me to not buy an SD14...

Backup means that your main camera can go down and you can go on shooting without blinking an eye. That means using the same lenses, same crop factor and for many, same camera layout. What you are talking about is a backup SYSTEM and that will cost a lot more than a double of your canon camera, will take up a lot more bag space and probably provide worse functionality.

Dec 28, 2008 at 09:43 AM

Greg Campbell
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p.1 #9 · Compel me to not buy an SD14...

Hey! Nobody has refuted anything!

The EOS mount hack is nice, that's the only thing that makes sense, IMO. Is the OP willing to have this done? I still say that buying a pile of Sigma lenses is an utter waste of $. Take a trip to Hawaii instead.

Beni is right - a backup body is just that. If you want a silly new camera system, go ahead and buy it.

(Gen Y = "Y not?!") Just don't go around rationalizing it by calling it something it's not.

-Moo

Dec 28, 2008 at 04:44 PM

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