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Canon General / Re: your scariest photography moment?
« on: March 12, 2013, 01:49:31 PM »
An 11 year old running and kicking my 5Dii with 24 1.4 Lens on it, which I had set on top of my camera bag. Lens busted.
M
M
June 19, 2013, 12:56:23 AM
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EOS Bodies / Really...How "Bad" is the T3i For Video?
« on: March 09, 2013, 10:09:29 PM »
So as some of you know I do a lot of camera tests and photography training videos. One of my Models, Annie, which has made numerous appearances on this very forum, has a Canon T3i and has started making some of her own exercise training videos.
She came to me recently and asked what I thought about the quality of the video because it was shot on a lowly T3i and something interesting happens when I watch....I can't seem to notice anything super bad about the quality. In fact....I don't even notice anything bad! She keeps bringing these videos over and showing them to me asking me what I think and Im like....uh...
Is it just me or does anyone else notice the same thing?
PS- You are welcome.
She came to me recently and asked what I thought about the quality of the video because it was shot on a lowly T3i and something interesting happens when I watch....I can't seem to notice anything super bad about the quality. In fact....I don't even notice anything bad! She keeps bringing these videos over and showing them to me asking me what I think and Im like....uh...
Is it just me or does anyone else notice the same thing?
| Small | Large | |
PS- You are welcome.
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EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 6D vs Nikon D600 Epic Shootout Video
« on: February 16, 2013, 03:09:53 PM »
@Old Sarge- Thank you for your support, I very much appreciate it.
@Albi 86- It seems as though you didn't watch very carefully. On nearly all of your points I either agree with you or provide evidence to the exact contrary. No hard feelings. I really like the D600.
Thanks guys!
MM
@Albi 86- It seems as though you didn't watch very carefully. On nearly all of your points I either agree with you or provide evidence to the exact contrary. No hard feelings. I really like the D600.
Thanks guys!
MM
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EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 6D vs Nikon D600 Epic Shootout Video
« on: February 15, 2013, 12:43:06 PM »
The main thing I learned from doing these tests is that both cameras have strengths and weaknesses. The thing that drove me crazy on the D600 was having to exit Live View to change my aperture (?!?!), the sensor oil problem and high ISO noise were also bothersome, those things said, if Nikon can fix them, it really is a nice system.
The 6D is better than the general consensus. I also think the 9 cross type squares on the D600 compared to the 6D are a wash, simply because those 9 squares on the D600 are all in the center, not much difference in coverage than Canons 1 central square.
Ive read so many reviews that the 6D cannot be used for shoot sports, which just isn't true. The D600 is marginally better (about 10-15% more accurate) for subjects moving towards and away from the camera, but that doesn't mean the 6D wont work. Its works fine.
The 6D is really a low light specialist for its focusing and high ISO noise. As a wedding photographer, I would much rather have the 6D in my bag.
To answer Badger- the Crash Course Camera series is primarily aimed at beginning and intermediate photographers wanting to learn their new cameras. I assume the viewer knows nothing about either photography or their camera and try to get them shooting on an advanced level by the end of the DVD. (not an easy task). I spend about 40 minutes on the introduction to video, basic setup, basic shooting, terminology, workflow, why certain frame rates, etc. Nothing too fancy, but enough to help a pure beginner get started.
For in depth knowledge on DSLR video shooting, Dave Dugdale has a very solid website called www.learningdslrvideo.com and has videos on the T4i and T3i.
MM
The 6D is better than the general consensus. I also think the 9 cross type squares on the D600 compared to the 6D are a wash, simply because those 9 squares on the D600 are all in the center, not much difference in coverage than Canons 1 central square.
Ive read so many reviews that the 6D cannot be used for shoot sports, which just isn't true. The D600 is marginally better (about 10-15% more accurate) for subjects moving towards and away from the camera, but that doesn't mean the 6D wont work. Its works fine.
The 6D is really a low light specialist for its focusing and high ISO noise. As a wedding photographer, I would much rather have the 6D in my bag.
To answer Badger- the Crash Course Camera series is primarily aimed at beginning and intermediate photographers wanting to learn their new cameras. I assume the viewer knows nothing about either photography or their camera and try to get them shooting on an advanced level by the end of the DVD. (not an easy task). I spend about 40 minutes on the introduction to video, basic setup, basic shooting, terminology, workflow, why certain frame rates, etc. Nothing too fancy, but enough to help a pure beginner get started.
For in depth knowledge on DSLR video shooting, Dave Dugdale has a very solid website called www.learningdslrvideo.com and has videos on the T4i and T3i.
MM
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EOS Bodies / Canon 6D vs Nikon D600 Epic Shootout Video
« on: February 15, 2013, 01:09:52 AM »
I know I havent posted for a while, but I wanted you guys to see this comparison video Ive been working on for the last few weeks. Ive gotten some great input from everyone here so suggestions for improvement on future videos are welcome.
Between the D600 and Canon 6D it Compares the Following:
- Servo Focus
- Low Light Focus
- Iso Comparisons for Video, JPG, RAW Banding
- Portraits
- Video Tests for Moire, Aliasing, Dynamic Range, Color, Sharpening
- AWB, HDR Modes
- Live View Operation & More
Worth seeing in HD if you have a good connection.
Both are great cameras, but I think the 6D is a much better low light camera, perfect for wedding photographers. Yes, the D600 has a slight edge for sports shooting, but the 6D performed very solid as well. If anything, the 6D's major weakness is moire and aliasing for video, if video isn't a concern for you, its a fantastic camera. Also, the focusing systems on the 6D are not nearly as bad as they are made out to be and again, the central square is awesome in low light. (You can watch the D600 completely fail here without it's AF lamp).
It was a fun comparison to do and I learned a lot. Looking forward to hearing what you guys think.
Best wishes
MM
Between the D600 and Canon 6D it Compares the Following:
- Servo Focus
- Low Light Focus
- Iso Comparisons for Video, JPG, RAW Banding
- Portraits
- Video Tests for Moire, Aliasing, Dynamic Range, Color, Sharpening
- AWB, HDR Modes
- Live View Operation & More
Worth seeing in HD if you have a good connection.
| Nikon D600 vs Canon 6D Epic Shootout Comparison | Small | Large |
Both are great cameras, but I think the 6D is a much better low light camera, perfect for wedding photographers. Yes, the D600 has a slight edge for sports shooting, but the 6D performed very solid as well. If anything, the 6D's major weakness is moire and aliasing for video, if video isn't a concern for you, its a fantastic camera. Also, the focusing systems on the 6D are not nearly as bad as they are made out to be and again, the central square is awesome in low light. (You can watch the D600 completely fail here without it's AF lamp).
It was a fun comparison to do and I learned a lot. Looking forward to hearing what you guys think.
Best wishes
MM
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Lighting / Re: Getting started with 600EX-RT, advice?
« on: December 28, 2012, 05:07:05 PM »
I know Im a little biased, but this is pretty dang good: http://www.canontrainingvideo.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=43
MM
MM
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EOS Bodies / Re: 6D vs 5Diii vs 5Dii - Speedlite AF Focus Beam Assist Tests
« on: December 24, 2012, 10:42:25 PM »
Just an update on the tests. I've done tons more with different speed lites, targets, etc, most of this has been 6D vs D600 type stuff. Ive even recorded video of how I do the tests so you guys can see and I will post the video here when it is done.
I am not seeing any difference between the 600 or 580 Speedlites. I did look into the auto focus settings on the 5Diii, but as another forum reader pointed out, most of it has to do with AI Servo type shots (which doesnt require a focus lock) to take the shot.
I should probably add a note, as I did on the Canon Forum about why I am going back and forth between the 2 differnent targets at different distances; Target 1 serves mainly to defocus. If im just aiming at target 2 and focusing over and over, its not a good measurement of the cameras ability to get that initial focus.
Another point is that the average focus times for each shot work out to:
5Dii - 1.5s
6D - 1.7s
5Diii- 2.33s
But this is not what is happening. The focus lock on Target 1 (in good light) is always very quick, almost instantaneous.
Focusing on Target 2 is taking longer than these average times. In fact, most of the time is spent on Target 2.
It is hard to be precise, but I would say the times are closer to:
5Dii - 2.2s
6D- 2.5s
5Diii - 3 + s
I have a Sekonic 558 Light Meter that seems to be unable to measure the light Im shooting in which would be ideal to know, and am waiting on my new meter - that should help to know exactly at what point it starts to struggle.
M
I am not seeing any difference between the 600 or 580 Speedlites. I did look into the auto focus settings on the 5Diii, but as another forum reader pointed out, most of it has to do with AI Servo type shots (which doesnt require a focus lock) to take the shot.
I should probably add a note, as I did on the Canon Forum about why I am going back and forth between the 2 differnent targets at different distances; Target 1 serves mainly to defocus. If im just aiming at target 2 and focusing over and over, its not a good measurement of the cameras ability to get that initial focus.
Another point is that the average focus times for each shot work out to:
5Dii - 1.5s
6D - 1.7s
5Diii- 2.33s
But this is not what is happening. The focus lock on Target 1 (in good light) is always very quick, almost instantaneous.
Focusing on Target 2 is taking longer than these average times. In fact, most of the time is spent on Target 2.
It is hard to be precise, but I would say the times are closer to:
5Dii - 2.2s
6D- 2.5s
5Diii - 3 + s
I have a Sekonic 558 Light Meter that seems to be unable to measure the light Im shooting in which would be ideal to know, and am waiting on my new meter - that should help to know exactly at what point it starts to struggle.
M
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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: UPGRADING 7D to FF Please help!!!
« on: December 20, 2012, 02:18:08 AM »It seems undisputed that if Wi-Fi and GPS aren't that important to you, and money is no object the 5DIII is probably the way to go. You won't be disappointed in the downgrade in the focusing system of the 6D. (which is just fine as far as I'm concerned). Yes, the 6D does better focusing in low lighting, but that doesn't mean the 5DIII is bad.
The only camera I might leave off the list is the 5DII. It would seem that both the 6D and 5DIII are upgrades to the II.
+1
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Underwater / Re: Advice on inexpensive underwater system
« on: December 19, 2012, 07:42:22 PM »
I did a video recently on this. Hope it helps:
If you are just getting started, a Go Pro really is a cost effective way to go.
M
| Underwater Photography - Underwater Housings | Small | Large |
If you are just getting started, a Go Pro really is a cost effective way to go.
M
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EOS Bodies / Re: 5Dmkiii difficulty focusing with flash infared at receptions
« on: December 14, 2012, 04:35:37 AM »
Ill post some of my info there. Sounds like the engineer wants some specific information.
M
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EOS Bodies / Re: Moving to 6D from 5DII
« on: December 13, 2012, 10:59:37 PM »Michael,
In the ISO video test can you tell if the noise performance is better because of any default camera setting? The noise does appear better with the 6D compared to the 5DIII but the picture also to me appears softer. Is it possible that the default noise reduction is set higher than the 5dIII?
Or maybe this is a better way to ask the question - can the noise reduction be set on the 5DIII so that image quality is the same as what you show on the 6D? (Might be a dumb question - I don't mess with video).
Good question. It was set to Standard Noise Reduction on all 4 cameras I tested. (5Dii, 5Diii, Nikon D600, Canon 6D)
I also got the RAW plugins today that allow me to open the 6D RAW files in PS & LR, Im checking out the banding, etc, and it looks like the 6D is about a stop better than the 5Diii. 5Diii starts to fall apart at 6400, 6D is comparable at 12800. Ill redo the test and actually post the files for everyone to look at for themselves so they can judge.
M
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EOS Bodies / Re: Moving to 6D from 5DII
« on: December 13, 2012, 04:53:40 PM »
Ive owned a 5Dii for 4 years and am still keeping it, mainly for diving. I have also been shooting with the 6D for nearly 2 weeks now. There are 3 main differences you are getting with the 6D:
1. Better Central Focus Square
2. Better High ISO Noise
3. Wifi Tethering
Granted there are a few other differences here and there, but in my opinion, and it is only my opinion, these three are the biggest. Is it worth the extra $300?
Ive also posted a video on Youtube showing side by side comparisons of the 5Dii vs 6D with ISO noise in low light:
And have focus speed tests on my blog: www.michaelthemaven.com
M
1. Better Central Focus Square
2. Better High ISO Noise
3. Wifi Tethering
Granted there are a few other differences here and there, but in my opinion, and it is only my opinion, these three are the biggest. Is it worth the extra $300?
Ive also posted a video on Youtube showing side by side comparisons of the 5Dii vs 6D with ISO noise in low light:
| Canon 6D vs 5DII - Is the 6D worth the extra cost & why? Comparison Tutorial | Small | Large |
And have focus speed tests on my blog: www.michaelthemaven.com
M
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EOS Bodies / Re: 6D vs 5Diii vs 5Dii - Speedlite AF Focus Beam Assist Tests
« on: December 12, 2012, 02:11:30 AM »
I can check both of these. Good insights.
M
M
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EOS Bodies / 6D vs 5Diii vs 5Dii - Speedlite AF Focus Beam Assist Tests
« on: December 11, 2012, 09:12:42 PM »
Had several requests to measure the focusing speed of the 6D vs 5Diii vs 5Dii using a Speedlite (in this case 600ex) in low light conditions. Its a redo of the other focusing test I did this week, only this time using the red-af assist light.
Target 1 Evenly exposed at 1/60, 2.8 ISO 400, about 20 feet away
Target 2 Underexposed about 7 stops with the same settings, about 4 feet away
I ran each camera through 30 focus locks back and forth.
Interesting results:
Canon 5Dii - 45 seconds
Canon 6D - 52 seconds
Canon 5Diii - 70 seconds
I should note 2 things: the 6D does very well even without the AF assist beam. The 6D & 5Diii both feel as if there are 2 stages of focus, a larger followed by a smaller step. The 5Dii seems to lack this.
Let me know if you guys have any questions.
MM
Target 1 Evenly exposed at 1/60, 2.8 ISO 400, about 20 feet away
Target 2 Underexposed about 7 stops with the same settings, about 4 feet away
I ran each camera through 30 focus locks back and forth.
Interesting results:
Canon 5Dii - 45 seconds
Canon 6D - 52 seconds
Canon 5Diii - 70 seconds
I should note 2 things: the 6D does very well even without the AF assist beam. The 6D & 5Diii both feel as if there are 2 stages of focus, a larger followed by a smaller step. The 5Dii seems to lack this.
Let me know if you guys have any questions.
MM
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EOS Bodies / Re: 6D vs 5Dii - The End of an Era?
« on: December 10, 2012, 02:00:26 AM »
I can test for video sharpness. I need to point out, the 6D has the same compression settings as the 5DIII (All-I, IPB). Image quality does not appear to be identical, the moire on the 5Diii looks significantly cleaner to me, but I will do some different sharpness tests of the 5Diii vs 6D this week for those interested.
M
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