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I wanted a camera that doesn't exist, so I built it

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Re: I wanted a camera that doesn't exist, so I built it

#41

Post by tormeh »

I have to say I'm a bit unimpressed with the efforts of the MFT consumer system camera manufacturers. Panasonic creates excellent cameras, they're so big it lessens the appeal of the smaller mount. OM makes cameras of the right size, but it's releasing new models really really slowly, with mediocre sensors. The OM-5 mark II is a lame rehash. Only the OM-3 is somewhat exciting, but it sacrifices too much in terms of ergonomics to achieve an aesthetic I don't care about.

On the other hand there's no other class of camera that really works on vacation/travel and is meaningfully better than a smartphone. Oh, well.

Re: I wanted a camera that doesn't exist, so I built it

#42

Post by zipy124 »

Zak wrote: post #14
SilentM68 wrote: post #12

Wow, that's cool. If there is anything that can be patented, I'd make sure to patent it.

Something is terribly wrong with the patent system if anything about sticking the innards of a commercially-produced camera into a different-shaped metal case is patentable.

There are design patents specifically for looks[1], in other countries such as the UK where I am from this is known as registering a design rather than using the word 'patent'[2].

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_patent [2]: https://www.gov.uk/register-a-design

Re: I wanted a camera that doesn't exist, so I built it

#44

Post by james_in_the_uk »

tormeh wrote: post #41

I have to say I'm a bit unimpressed with the efforts of the MFT consumer system camera manufacturers. Panasonic creates excellent cameras, they're so big it lessens the appeal of the smaller mount. OM makes cameras of the right size, but it's releasing new models really really slowly, with mediocre sensors. The OM-5 mark II is a lame rehash. Only the OM-3 is somewhat exciting, but it sacrifices too much in terms of e…

The OM-3 is fine ergonomically, for me at least. The thumb pad on the back is very comfortable and balances the body very well. I held off buying one for a while because of ergonomic concerns but in practice it’s been great.

Re: I wanted a camera that doesn't exist, so I built it

#46

Post by Hamuko »

actionfromafar wrote: post #34
jagged-chisel wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I wouldn’t call it weird. But it’s unenforceable. This kind of thing works better with GPL. General use falls under GPL. If that doesn’t suit your commercial use, contact the copyright holder for another license. As it stands, I can use the MIT licensed project anyway I like, including handing it to a commercial entity for their use.

It's no more unenforceable than GPL is unenforceable. But MIT + weird condition is radioactive to anyone who takes licensing seriously. Might just as well write "for hobbyist use only".

It is more unenforceable since the LICENSE file in the repository clearly states that I can "deal in the Software without restriction", and that includes the right to "sell copies of the Software".

Re: I wanted a camera that doesn't exist, so I built it

#47

Post by blindstitch »

CarVac wrote: post #25
blindstitch wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Practically and ergonomically I prefer a centered lens. Your hand has to reach less far to reach the focus ring and aperture control. Most slr cameras have buttons on both sides of the lens, so developing muscle memory is easier when those actions are split between each hand. Rotation of the camera is also much more natural. It also centers the lens' pov between your eyes, matching their parallax, which is really imp…

Huh? You reach towards the lens from the bottom left and thus a centered position puts a corner of the camera body in the way.

I had my directions reversed, so the extra reach doesn't really apply, I suppose, but I think aligned to the right side (when looking into the lens) is even worse. I maybe see what you mean about your hand hitting the body, but i actually want that; my grip has me resting the body along much of my left hand and cradled in my palm. That is really important to stability for me, it gives me an extra stop to work with.

All personal preference I guess!

Re: I wanted a camera that doesn't exist, so I built it

#48

Post by tristor »

The camera they want is also the camera I want. I say this as someone who still regularly shoots with an Olympus Pen-F and also has a Fuji X100VI, and primarily shoots a Nikon Z8 but wishes there was a more compact entry into FF. I actually really like the m4/3/MFT format, especially for travel photography, but it's a struggle because the best lenses are Pana/Leica and the best bodies are OM/Oly, and neither has done much to really develop the technology in the last 10 years. MFT feels dead, but even as a dead format, nothing compares to the size/weight flexibility it gives you.

Re: I wanted a camera that doesn't exist, so I built it

#49

Post by wibbily »

amelius wrote: post #3

> the lens should be as centered as possible. I wanted to avoid that horrendous look of cameras with the lens as close to the left edge as possible (Sony a6000, I’m looking at you here). Funny, the things some people obsess about :)

The loveliest part of making your own gear is picking all your nits.

Re: I wanted a camera that doesn't exist, so I built it

#50

Post by Retr0id »

tormeh wrote: post #41

I have to say I'm a bit unimpressed with the efforts of the MFT consumer system camera manufacturers. Panasonic creates excellent cameras, they're so big it lessens the appeal of the smaller mount. OM makes cameras of the right size, but it's releasing new models really really slowly, with mediocre sensors. The OM-5 mark II is a lame rehash. Only the OM-3 is somewhat exciting, but it sacrifices too much in terms of e…

I'm very happy with my thoroughly behind-the-curve E-M10, and I'm secretly glad the newer ones aren't all that great because I don't have to spend money on upgrading.
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