Do people still use DSLRs?

I've been perplexed in some ways recently about something.  Is there a current shift away from DSLR into phone cameras?  We know how easy it is now to pull out a phone from your pocket and capture that moment appearing in front of you.  You do that often enough, and you will build more and more reliance on your phone for everything you do everyday:  web surfing to read this article, phone calls with your friends and family, playing games all day long, and taking the occasional pictures.  Sure, it may not be as good as a modern DSLR but heck some phones are darn good these days, and the best camera is the one you have with you!

Despite the convenience of the phone, I still prefer to carry my DSLR when I'm on a hike or when I travel somewhere.  The speed of the DSLR, the ability to quickly zoom in and out with a real optical lens (vs. digital zooming), and my familiarity with my DSLR are reasons why I like to carry 2 kg of hardware with me.  I have to admit however that once, I was hiking up Grouse Grind in Vancouver, I was carrying a D300 with the 18-200mm and you can imagine how heavy it felt after half-way up the mountain!  Well, I wasn't in too good of a shape back then in around 2013 I believe.

More and more though, I find it harder to sell an older DSLR.  A Nikon D7000 is still a very capable camera.  My copy is 13 years old now but is still churning out great photos and it's highly dependable.  How do you convince someone that they should get a DSLR?  A phone camera is all most people need these days.  At parties, I see people whipping out their phones.  I don't see people branding their DSLRs anymore.  So, a D7000 is having a hard time sitting on the shelf not getting picked up, unless I guess it's free for the taking.  A used D7000 these days should still bring you $300, but even at that price, I see ads lingering on Kijiji for weeks on end.  What's going on, I'm thinking?  Have consumers really abandoned the DSLRs and are the DSLRs now only of the professional photographers' domain?  I'll have a firm answer in a month or so when I'll see how many of the same D7000 ads still remain on Kijiji.

ChatGPT: Be Careful with Product Comparisons!!

Well, I had to ask ChatGPT that it thinks about buying a Nikon D7200 vs. a D7500.  It still has more to learn some facts.  It gave some puzzling answers.  FYI, the reason I went with a D7200 instead of the D7500 is for the dual memory card slot.  I didn't want to lose that feature of the D7000.  I also didn't care much about the articulating screen and thought it might break easily.

Question:  Why should I buy a Nikon D7200 instead of a Nikon D7500?

ChatGPT's answer:

The choice between the Nikon D7200 and D7500 depends on your individual needs and preferences, as both cameras have their own strengths and weaknesses. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between the two:

1. Sensor: The D7500 has a newer and slightly higher resolution 20.9-megapixel sensor compared to the 24.2-megapixel sensor on the D7200. However, the D7200's sensor has been praised for its excellent dynamic range and low-light performance.
2. Autofocus system: The D7500 has a more advanced autofocus system compared to the D7200, with 51 autofocus points compared to the D7200's 51-point system. Additionally, the D7500's autofocus system is capable of tracking subjects more effectively in fast-paced action scenes.
3. Video capabilities: The D7500 has some advantages over the D7200 in video capabilities, with 4K UHD video recording and the ability to shoot slow-motion footage at 1080p.
4. Price: The D7200 is typically less expensive than the D7500, which may make it a more attractive option for those on a budget.
5. Lens compatibility: Both cameras are compatible with Nikon's F-mount lenses, so you should be able to use any existing lenses you may have with either camera.

Ultimately, the decision between the Nikon D7200 and D7500 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize video capabilities and autofocus performance, the D7500 may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize image quality and low-light performance, the D7200 may be the better choice.

ChatGPT: Remote Smoke Smell from Camera

Funny.  I started playing around with ChatGPT.  I was curious to know what it would say about cleaning a camera of the smell of tar and I was surprised what it came up with!  See it for yourself.  I asked it, "How do you clean a camera that has the smell of smoke tar?" and this was the answer I got:

Cleaning a camera that has the smell of smoke tar can be a challenging task. Here are some steps you can take to try and remove the smell:

1. Remove the battery and memory card from the camera. This will prevent any damage to the camera's electronics and data.
2. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe down the exterior of the camera. Pay special attention to areas where smoke tar may have accumulated, such as around the camera's buttons and dials.
3. If the camera's lens has a removable lens hood or filter, remove it and clean it separately with a microfiber cloth. If the lens itself has smoke tar on it, use a lens cleaning solution and a lens cleaning cloth to gently remove it. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the cleaning solution and cloth.
4. Place the camera and any removable parts (such as the lens hood or filter) in a sealed container with odor-absorbing materials such as activated charcoal or baking soda. Leave the camera in the container for several hours or overnight.
5. After removing the camera from the container, use a soft brush to gently sweep away any remaining odor-absorbing materials from the camera's surface.
6. If the smell persists, you may need to seek professional cleaning services or consult with the camera manufacturer for advice.

It's important to be gentle when cleaning a camera to avoid damaging its delicate components. Additionally, you should avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions that could further damage the camera or affect its performance.

This is so surprising to me as ChatGPT understands context.  This is not like washing tar off a wall.  This is for a camera so it knows about the battery and memory card and how to treat the camera lens appropriately. 

Here's another answer it gave me with the following question:  "how to remove the smell of tar from a camera".

If you're trying to remove the smell of tar from a camera, there are a few things you can try:

1. Wipe the camera down with a soft, dry cloth: Start by wiping down the camera with a soft, dry cloth to remove any loose tar or debris that may be on the camera.
2. Use a cleaning solution: Mix equal parts water and vinegar or rubbing alcohol and use this solution to clean the camera with a soft cloth. Be sure to wring the cloth out well so that it is just damp and not soaking wet. This will help remove any remaining tar residue and neutralize the odor.
3. Baking soda: Another option is to create a paste of baking soda and water and use it to scrub the camera. This will help absorb any remaining odors and leave the camera smelling fresh.
4. Let it air out: Once you've cleaned the camera, let it air out in a well-ventilated area for several hours. This will help any remaining odors dissipate.

It's important to note that if the tar has seeped into the internal components of the camera, it may be difficult or impossible to remove the odor completely. In this case, you may need to take the camera to a professional for repair or replacement.

Amazing! 

HDR vs. D-Lighting vs. Normal

Images from the Nikon D7200 shot with three different modes:

1) HDR on high

2) D-Lighting on high

3) Normal without HDR or D-Lighting

There isn't much of a difference between Normal and D-Lighting in this case.  The photo in normal mode is as close to what I see with the naked eyes.  The HDR photo brings out more details of the dark areas but it doesn't look natural, does it?  I would use it outdoor when I'm encountering high contrast scenes.  If I had the D7200 when I was in Arizona, I could imagine many of my shots could have turned out way better.  My phone camera was able to do auto-HDR so some photos from it turned out better than my DSLR's.

Nikon D7200 Shutter Life Expectancy

From https://www.olegkikin.com/shutterlife/nikon_d7200.htm:

My D7200 has low shutter count so I'm expecting to be able to use it for 10 years or so.

Nikon D7000 Shutter Life Expectancy

Since I've purchased the D7200, I wanted to tell the D7000.  I became curious as to how long it will keep working.  The shutter count is around 86,700.

Here is a graph of actual shutter counts before a D7000 would die from https://www.olegkikin.com/shutterlife/nikon_d7000.htm:

So, the survival rate seems to drop drastically after 50,000 actuations.  Is my D7000 on its last leg?  There are a couple of cameras still going strong after 500K actuactions!  I'd be happy if mine reaches Nion's stated shutter life of 150K which appears to me like an overstatement if the estimated survival rate is only about 60%.

Removing Smoke Smell from Camera Body

Recently, I purchased a second-hand Nikon D7200.  My D7000 is doing quite a job and pictures are great except for the lack of HDR.  While the D7000 supports Active D-Lighting, there are times I want to push the limit of its dynamic range capabilities.  In fact, my phone's HDR could do a better job with image details than my D7000 in high-contrast situations!  The D7200 supports HDR so I decided to go for it.  I didn't want to invest $1200+ in a new camera body as I've done with the D80 and D7000 when they first came out.  This time around, I decided to purchase a used one with a low shutter count.  I thought I bought an excellent camera, and it is, except that it reeks of cigarette smell!

When I tested the camera, I was outside standing in the cold.  My nose couldn't pick up the smell when I held the camera up to my face.  It wasn't until I brought it home that I immediately realized how bad it was.  My bad.

So, what to do?  I have an ozone making machine but I fear it could damage the plastic and rubber parts of the camera.  I've read about vinegar, activated charcoal and baking soda.  I also happened to have eTSP (phosphate-free) so I decided to use a cotton swab with diluted vinegar and then eTSP to do two first rounds of cleaning.  I applied the vinegar on all surfaces and use a damp microfiber cloth to remove any residues of the vinegar.  I did the same with eTSP.  The cigarette smell was still noticeable.  I then tried baking soda as it was also readily available.

The camera is now sitting in a cardboard box with a layer of baking soda.  The camera body sits on top of rails I made so it doesn't touch the baking soda.  I would then close the box and tie a plastic bag over the box. 

It's been 6 days.  Most of the smell is now gone!  The cardboard box itself was absorbing some of the smell but baking soda must also have absorbed a good chunk of it.

It's working but the camera still smells a little and I doubt leaving the camera body in the box with baking soda like that would remove the smell completely.  The source of the smell is still embedded in the rubber parts of the body and there is no air movement to draw the source out so I think I will have to use a bit of elbow grease to remove it.  I'm thinking to create a paste of baking soda with a bit of water and use a toothbrush or coton swab to scrub the rubber parts.

If that doesn't work, I might get activated charcoal from Amazon here:  https://amzn.to/3Y6WZiq

That's for the next post.

UPDATE:  The paste of baking soda didn't really help to remove the smell.  I ended up using some toothpaste and a toothbrush to rub over the rubber parts.  It doesn't actually remove the smell but it hides most of it with the toothpaste smell! :-)

UPDATE:  It's been almost another week, now sitting outside of the baking soda box.  The rubber parts still smell of the cigarette tar.  Folks, please don't keep your cameras in a smoke filled room if you ever plan to sell it later.  Maybe keep it in a plastic bag.

UPDATE - March 4, 2023:  It looks like the smell is really sticking hard to the rubber parts.  I picked up the camera after three weeks and my hand stinks of tar!  I don't really want to take it outside during the winter now, or the tar will transfer over to my gloves!  It's going to take a long time for this smoke smell to disappear.

UPDATE - March 4, 2023:  Well, I took the camera out for a walk around town.  I used a sling to carry it so it's always slung around my hip.  I used it every now and then.  I think the bit of wind and the handling of the camera outside helped to remove more of the smell.  Now, it still smells of tar but there is also the freshness of winter air!

Cleaning the Sensor

While I wouldn't touch the focusing screen again, cleaning the sensor is still something I'd do on a periodic basis.  If you use your DSLR on a regular basis, there is no escaping from getting dust on the sensor.  (To be more specific, it's not the sensor you'd be cleaning.  It's the sensor filter in front of the actual sensor and shutter.)  I think it's something everyone that shoots on a regular basis need to learn to

do.  Sure, you can send the camera to a shop to have it cleaned but it's really an easy and quick job.  There are many good YouTube videos that show you how to do this but the tools you'd need are as follows:

1. For dry cleaning:
1. Use an air blower first.  You can get one from Amazon:  https://amzn.to/3xU0TAI 
2. If there is still dust, use a statically charged brush.  I bought a Visible Dust brush:  https://amzn.to/3IWGm4R 
3. I haven't tried a cheaper alternative to the Visible Dust brush but this could work equally well:  https://amzn.to/3SxdpiV
2. Wet cleaning:
1. If the dry cleaning methods don't work, the dust bunnies are bonded to the sensor filter.  You'd have to rely on a wet cleaning method.  This kit on Amazon works well:  https://amzn.to/41ozrse

For wet cleaning, you don't need to fear much about touching the sensor filter.  The swabs are very soft and are lint free.  Being lint free is so important--don't even think of using a cotton swab to clean your sensor!

Dust bunnies will sometimes ruin your pictures so it's important that to do regular maintenance of the sensor.

Spec of Dust in the Viewfinder - a Nightmare

The other day, I noticed there was a spec of dust in my viewfinder of my Nikon D7000.  I thought it might have been sitting on the mirror so I brushed the mirror clean, but it persisted.  I thought it might have been on the bottom side of the focusing mirror so I cleaned it, but it still persisted.  I wasn't sure what to do as I thought it must be inside the pentaprism box and it's always scary when you disassemble anything inside the body of the D7000!  I've cleaned the sensor before so I feel confident working a DSLR but have no idea what to do with the pentaprism.

I ran across this YouTube video that was very helpful:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEejMwrRoSM.  The video was for the Nikon D40 but it gave me enough confidence to try the same on my D7000!  It was simpler than I thought but it was at the same time tricky.

Removing the bracket that holds the focusing screen up was simple.  You'd just use a tweezer of my Leatherman Wave tool to nudge the bracket slightly toward the front of the camera and the bracket would flip out.  Putting the bracket back in was more difficult.  I had to use the plastic end of my tweezer and the plastic end of a toothpick from my Wave to push the bracket back into place.  I eventually found later instructions for doing this:  https://www.focusingscreen.com/work/d7000en.htm.

Anyways, after I managed to remove the bracket, the focusing screen would easily drop out.  I handled the screen with a lint-free micro-fiber cloth and never with my fingers!  You use your fingers and I can guarantee you will leave your fingerprints on it!  Tips:  In the video above, they have a tweezer with rubber ends.  That's the best way to handle the screen.

Once you take out the focusing screen, you can use an air blower to blow away any dust that might sit on the screen.  Do this in a dust-free room or you'll likely introduce more dust between the pentaprism and the focusing screen, like I did, and it will become a nightmare trying to remove more dusts out!  I had to remove the focus screen 4-5 times until I gave up with cleaning it!  Now I have more dust specs in the viewfinder.  Gggrrr..

The moral of the story is, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!  It was a tiny spec of dust--nothing to fret about and now I've got more dust in there!