Sony: panoramic sweep: ideas

[sky_surfer]

I have been interested in the Sony cameras that have the sweep panoramic function. I went to the Sony Store yesterday, and unfortunately after holding the most expensive sony camera, I still could not get a rep to help me. One said he'd be right back... Long story.. but service is disappointing. If this was a car dealership I would not go back.....

Anyway, I might have to buy the camera online... but whatever... My real question is:
Does anyone have any feedback on these cameras ?

I would like a DSLR.. as I don't want a point and shoot camera... but it's alot of money so I am kinda stuck.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Nicole]

Is there a specific camera you were looking at?

I have an NEX-3 that I use as my P&S when I don't want to lug the big stuff along. In any case, one of the main reasons I got it was because of the sweep panorama function. And since that's the main thing you asked about, I'll talk a bit about that.

So, the sweep pano is great, when it works. I've yet to get to the point where I can get it to work right 100% of the time. I've had the camera for about 6 months now. Now, that said, when it works, it works pretty good. Sometimes the lines between the frames are kind of noticeable. But for the most part I've been quite happy with it. The best part is that I don't have to go through and stitch it myself. The worst part is that it can be a right PITA getting the timing right as you sweep.

So, a few examples from the sweep pano function:







This next one you can see the lines a bit like I was talking about.



Meanwhile, I've never actually had a good experience at a Sony store. I had one that said to me: Oh, you may as well go somewhere else, we don't have any and we'll be way more expensive *shrug*. So, I generally shop elsewhere.

[jml79]

If sweep is a major feature you want then you can get one of 6 models that have changeable lenses.

DSLR
A560 or A580

SLT
A33 or A55

Small form
NEX-3 or NEX-5

The A5xx are sony's current top of the line crop sensor DSLR's. They are traditional cameras with mirrors and all the mechanical parts that any Canon or Nikon would have. The A580 has a higher resolution and larger buffer than the A560

The Axx camera's are a sort of high-bred camera called an SLT. They work mostly like a DSLR except how the mirror works. They have some rare video abilities and can shoot insanely fast for this price range. They are smaller in size than most other DSLR's while still retaining full DSLR functionality. The oddest thing about the SLT cameras is that the eye piece is actually a mini LCD screen. Some hate this, some love it.

The NEX camera's are very small for a changeable lens camera. They have the same sensors and electronics in them as SLR's but they don't have an eye piece. You use the screen on the back all of the time. More like a point and shoot camera. They have their own lens system so there is not nearly as many lenses available for the NEX as there is for the other camera's I mentioned. They also have to use a slower autofocus system than the others above.

Personally I would buy an A580 but the A55 would be something to consider. The NEX is cool but I prefer larger cameras. Even the A55 has barely enough room for my bear paws.The NEX also doesn't have as many options available as the other 2.

Good luck. I have tried to not get to geeky. Best go out and play with all 3 types to see which one is your compromise in size, price and features.

[sky_surfer]

Thanks for the honest assessment and candid remarks. As for the image that shows the lines... .my question is.... Do you just NOT print that pic as the lines are showing ? or is it when you enlarge the size that the lines become more obvious ?

Thanks much for your help.

sky

Originally Posted by Nicole

Is there a specific camera you were looking at?

I have an NEX-3 that I use as my P&S when I don't want to lug the big stuff along. In any case, one of the main reasons I got it was because of the sweep panorama function. And since that's the main thing you asked about, I'll talk a bit about that.

So, the sweep pano is great, when it works. I've yet to get to the point where I can get it to work right 100% of the time. I've had the camera for about 6 months now. Now, that said, when it works, it works pretty good. Sometimes the lines between the frames are kind of noticeable. But for the most part I've been quite happy with it. The best part is that I don't have to go through and stitch it myself. The worst part is that it can be a right PITA getting the timing right as you sweep.

So, a few examples from the sweep pano function:







This next one you can see the lines a bit like I was talking about.



Meanwhile, I've never actually had a good experience at a Sony store. I had one that said to me: Oh, you may as well go somewhere else, we don't have any and we'll be way more expensive *shrug*. So, I generally shop elsewhere.

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by sky_surfer

Thanks for the honest assessment and candid remarks. As for the image that shows the lines... .my question is.... Do you just NOT print that pic as the lines are showing ? or is it when you enlarge the size that the lines become more obvious ?

Thanks much for your help.

sky

It's pretty noticeable at any size when you wind up with that problem. I have to say it seems to happen more when it's a bit darker out (e.g. it usually shows us when I try to shoot around sunset), but I've also found that I'm getting the problem less frequently as I use it more, so it's probably also a speed issue on my part In any case, I'd say that when it happens they really aren't worth printing, and you'd notice as soon as it winds up on the computer. Not quite so noticeable on the screen, but definitely noticeable on the computer even before getting to 100%.

[Biomech]

Can I ask what store you went into / country? I live in the UK and work in one.
It's worth noting that the sweep panoramic feature comes in 2 types. The original "Sweep Panorama" and "Intelligent Panorama". The difference being that the newer iP variant will detect movement and maintain those parts of the picture. The original would chop people up as they walked past.

The NEX camera's are built extremely well, but you'll find yourself either paying a fortune for the limited E-mount lenses or getting the A-mount (alpha) lens converter. For what I'm planning to do this year, I'm getting ready to buy an A55 SLT.

You can also get iP on the DSCHX5V, it's a compact but has manual overrides. No RAW though

(awesome shots ^^ btw, some of the best I've seen)

HTH

[sky_surfer]

Well, I was most importantly interested in this panoramic feature.. but maybe I should look at other cameras, but I have never used the software to do 'stitching'. Do all descent digital slr's come with software that would allow stiching.. or do I just use some kind of 'photo shop' ?

sky

Originally Posted by Nicole

It's pretty noticeable at any size when you wind up with that problem. I have to say it seems to happen more when it's a bit darker out (e.g. it usually shows us when I try to shoot around sunset), but I've also found that I'm getting the problem less frequently as I use it more, so it's probably also a speed issue on my part In any case, I'd say that when it happens they really aren't worth printing, and you'd notice as soon as it winds up on the computer. Not quite so noticeable on the screen, but definitely noticeable on the computer even before getting to 100%.

[sky_surfer]

I went to the Sony store/outlet in wrentham Massachusetts USA.

Those cameras are alot of money, and when you don't get service, I see it as a prelude to what is going to happen if there is something wrong with the camera. Thus I don't like to spend that kind of money, and then continue to have poor customer service.

Originally Posted by Biomech

Can I ask what store you went into / country? I live in the UK and work in one.
It's worth noting that the sweep panoramic feature comes in 2 types. The original "Sweep Panorama" and "Intelligent Panorama". The difference being that the newer iP variant will detect movement and maintain those parts of the picture. The original would chop people up as they walked past.

The NEX camera's are built extremely well, but you'll find yourself either paying a fortune for the limited E-mount lenses or getting the A-mount (alpha) lens converter. For what I'm planning to do this year, I'm getting ready to buy an A55 SLT.

You can also get iP on the DSCHX5V, it's a compact but has manual overrides. No RAW though

(awesome shots ^^ btw, some of the best I've seen)

HTH

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by sky_surfer

Well, I was most importantly interested in this panoramic feature.. but maybe I should look at other cameras, but I have never used the software to do 'stitching'. Do all descent digital slr's come with software that would allow stiching.. or do I just use some kind of 'photo shop' ?

sky

I believe Canon distributes stitching software with their cameras. Otherwise there are free options out there for stitching photos together (like Hugin). I have to say, even stitching can have problems sometimes, and although I love the results I get when I take the time to do it, I also love the fact that I can get it done in basically one fell swoop. So when I stitch my panos together I use Photoshop, which works well, just time consuming and money consuming So, you can do a pano with any camera if you have the inclination to do so. And doing it yourself will give you much more control over the pano. So, it really depends what you want whether you want to consider another camera. For me, I'm not sure it would be a killer feature if it was my only camera. However, it was one of the real tipping points for me when I decided on the NEX.

[cullenairy]

Hi I have a Sony NEX 5 not had it long but have used the panoramic sweep and am getting good results. it does take some practice with sweep speed and steadiness.
You can sweep left to right or bottom to top it also captures the image in 3D with some nice results,would recommend this camera.