Is an 8x10 camera right for me?

[RelBill]

Hello, I am interested in 8x10 as I have read in my research that this format produces more textured sand. I really want to produce large prints for my family and friends. I am not a photographer, I have however started reading all I can on the subject. I have a digital SLR and I am taking pictures at least twice a week to learn photography. My question is can a digital back be used to obtain the quality of print that I can get with an 8x10. Thanks for any help that you can give me. Also if you can suggest any books would appreciate it.

[RelBill]

Sorry, I am nervous as I like to be well read and honestly I am having a hard time finding material. To help with my question I want to take landscapes, portraits and family group pictures. The landscapes will include a lot of tropical locations as I travel a lot.

[Neal Chaves]

The easiest and least expensive way to do what you want is with an 8X10 camera and film. Even a 4X5 film cannot resolve the crystalline nature of snow and sand or the tiny bubbles in the water or wine the way an 8X10 can. My old $200 Umax scanner at 1200 dpi makes a 100MB file from an 8X10 B&W negative. Price the ability to do that with digital capture.

[Peter De Smidt]

The easiest and least expensive way to do what you want is with an 8X10 camera and film. Even a 4X5 film cannot resolve the crystalline nature of snow and sand or the tiny bubbles in the water or wine the way an 8X10 can. <snip>.

A 2x enlargement from 4x5 will capture just as much "crystalline nature of snow and sand" as a 2x enlargement from 8x10. The prints, obviously, will be a different size.

[Neal Chaves]

Yes, of course. I should have added "in the 11X14 and 16X20 enlargements that I usually make".

[Lenny Eiger]

Sorry, I am nervous as I like to be well read and honestly I am having a hard time finding material. To help with my question I want to take landscapes, portraits and family group pictures. The landscapes will include a lot of tropical locations as I travel a lot.

There is a lot of information right here. The question of whether a digital can "match" an 8x10 is a clear "No". I think we can all agree on that.

However, I think there is a different question you should be asking. It takes a lot of commitment to lug around an 8x10 camera, with all its holders, lenses, tripod, etc. It's heavy. Especially if, as you say, you are "not a photographer". When you describe that you want to take family group pictures on has to look at the type of print quality you want.

Generally speaking, most photographers carrying around 8x10's want the ultimate in print quality. For others its the process of shooting with a large format camera that makes them go to the bigger cameras. That said, I don't need museum level print quality for my family's portraits or travel photos.

I think you would do better to define the print quality you want first, then decide what camera can supply that for you.

[prendt]

There is a lot of information right here. The question of whether a digital can "match" an 8x10 is a clear "No". I think we can all agree on that.

I appreciate your positive attitude in the matter. If only all could say the same!

[Alan Gales]

Sorry, I am nervous as I like to be well read and honestly I am having a hard time finding material. To help with my question I want to take landscapes, portraits and family group pictures. The landscapes will include a lot of tropical locations as I travel a lot.

There is no way that I'm going to use my 8x10 for family group shots. Yes, it can be done but it's just not practical. When I shoot group shots I shoot digital and chimp like a wedding photographer. I'll even plug into a laptop when I think I'm done to make sure no one moved or closed their eyes.

I shot a 5 generations photograph not long ago with one subject being a baby. I was keeping my eye on the baby to catch a smile from her. My step daughter has ADD and moved in quite a few of them. It's a good thing I shot digital and checked! I had to reshoot one of the poses.

The family who wanted prints didn't want anything larger than an 8x10 print anyway. Most wanted 4x6.

[Jim Noel]

There is no way that I'm going to use my 8x10 for family group shots. Yes, it can be done but it's just not practical. When I shoot group shots I shoot digital and chimp like a wedding photographer. I'll even plug into a laptop when I think I'm done to make sure no one moved or closed their eyes.

I shot a 5 generations photograph not long ago with one subject being a baby. I was keeping my eye on the baby to catch a smile from her. My step daughter has ADD and moved in quite a few of them. It's a good thing I shot digital and checked! I had to reshoot one of the poses.

The family who wanted prints didn't want anything larger than an 8x10 print anyway. Most wanted 4x6.

Maybe you aren' going to use an 8x10 to photograph your family, but Iuse either the 8x10, or when most are around,the 7x17.

[Alan Gales]

Maybe you aren' going to use an 8x10 to photograph your family, but Iuse either the 8x10, or when most are around,the 7x17.

I'm glad that you can do it, Jim! How do you get them all to hold still?

For me 8x10 is fine for a portrait of one or two people. When I get too many subjects it becomes a real challenge!