Photos, what camera do you use?

[LeytonO]

As a supplementary question, what software do people use with their photography?
Looking for something half decent and ideally free. I don't do much with my photos other than basic editing.
Currently just use the Microsoft built in "Photos" software, but would be nice to have a few extra features.
Bit out of the loop with photo editing stuff, so don't know whats out there, cheers

I haven't used free software for years, but Gimp is the one I usually see recommended. For a reasonably priced non subscription package Affinity Photo is excellent.
My software of choice is Lightroom, been using it since version 2 and too invested now to change.

[Tim Marlow]

I’ve never used it (was a lightroom user) but you could try Nikons own NX Studio. It’s apparently free to download and will be tailored specifically to Nikon cameras. Lightroom will probably be better at catalogue stuff, but for basic picture editing NX Studio is probably fine.

[pjgtech]

Yep, I already have the Nikon NX software installed, it but seems a bit light on features TBH, but then it is free, so?

[dave]

For software the free package that comes with the Nikon can handle most things you need.

for paid packages:
if you want more Lightroom is great, particularly for cataloguing your photos, you can add tags etc which makes it easy to find photos of particular aircraft or vehicles I took at different museums.

If you really want to get into photo editing Photoshop is still the leader, but is overkill for most people.

[LeytonO]

For software the free package that comes with the Nikon can handle most things you need.

for paid packages:
if you want more Lightroom is great, particularly for cataloguing your photos, you can add tags etc which makes it easy to find photos of particular aircraft or vehicles I took at different museums.

If you really want to get into photo editing Photoshop is still the leader, but is overkill for most people.

Photoshop Elements is a cheaper scaled down version of Photoshop, more than enough for the enthusiast photographer.

[pjgtech]

Cheers will have a look....

[Tim Marlow]

Photoshop Elements is a cheaper scaled down version of Photoshop, more than enough for the enthusiast photographer.

Agreed, I used elements before I got Lightroom. The catalog feature is actually better than light room in my opinion….

[gothicgeek]

Fujifinepix Bridge camera with manual f stops and manual exposure. lots of light and use the self timer to take the picture, for figures usually about 1 to 3 seconds exposurfe, it gives a nice depth of field..

[wotan]

Krita is an online drawing package but it can also do everything you might want to do to photos. And it is completely free.

John

[gweller]

I mainly use a Panasonic GX9 with a 14mm-140mm lens fitted, photos taken in RAW format, and then processed in DXO PhotoLab.

[LeytonO]

I mainly use a Panasonic GX9 with a 14mm-140mm lens fitted, photos taken in RAW format, and then processed in DXO PhotoLab.

Good choice, I took literally thousands of photos on my GX9. Rear dial went a bit funky and it also started taking double shots with one shutter press.
Ended up taking my G9 a lot more and now I use it all the time.
Do wish Panasonic would make a GX10 with improved IBIS, AF joystick and a better evf.

[Valeron]

I haven't used free software for years, but Gimp is the one I usually see recommended. For a reasonably priced non subscription package Affinity Photo is excellent.
My software of choice is Lightroom, been using it since version 2 and too invested now to change.

I use Affinity too. I like it. It's the only package I've ever used though so can't compare it with others.

[spanner570]

i have two cameras.
One is a Panasonic FZ-35 bridge camera. Around £40 on ebay. I use this for my model photos and take it with me in my canoe. Cheap enough to replace if I accidentally drown it! It has a 16X zoom or down to close up. I don't far* about with settings, (Wouldn't know how to!) It's always on auto.

My other one is a Sony DSC-H400, around £100 or so get's you this. I carry it when I go out wildlife/bird spotting and taking pictures of the craters on the moon etc. How? It has a massive 63X optical lens,it can go up to 72X on digital, so I don't need to carry all the expensive extra lens's and unnecessary heavy clobber. I don't use a tripod, but use a tree branch or wall to steady the shot. Again, always on auto...

I've had both cameras for a good number of years and are still going strong.

Ron

[minitnkr]

I use an old Nikon CoolPix w/tripod. It has a pretty good macro feature. My only complaint is its' appetite for AA batteries.

[pjgtech]

I realised I had an old copy of Gimp on this laptop, have just updated it to the new version, looks like it will do most stuff and its free, so I'll see how I get on with that. Will have to spend a bit of time getting up to speed with it.......Cheers

[pjgtech]

OK, I take it all back.
After now having a more in depth look at the free Nikon software, (NX Studio) it is not basic at all, as was my first brief impression, and is in fact very detailed and does a lot more than I initially thought!
It can handle RAW data, manipulate almost every aspect of the image, edit almost every aspect of the image, deal with post production issues, eg: correcting over/under exposure, contrast, white balance, saturation, etc, etc.
So I think I'll stick with that for now. 8-)

[Miko]

I use my Motorola G54 mobile, it's good enough for my work, I have a better camera, a Panasonic Lumix FZ82D with it's massive x60 optical zoom bridge camera

Miko (if I use a better cam you'll see all the flaws in my builds! Whaaaa!)