Messages

1

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 28mm F/2.8 IS USM $399 from Adorama !!

« on: June 17, 2013, 11:16:36 PM »

This is what I keep hearing from folks at some of the clubs I visit.

I have the 24mm f/2.8 IS and it is a stellar lens.  The image rivals my 24mm f/1.4 L II easily and for video on a stabilizer it is second to none for Canon video enabled DSLR bodies.  It has relegated the 24 L II to night time time lapse and and low light HDR work.

If I was using full frame mostly, I'd jump on that 28mm IS in a second.  The image quality is simply incredible if my experience with the 24mm IS is anything to go by.

Cheers,
Pete

I tried to resist but went ahead & picked one up.  Already got confirmation that its packed & ready to ship. 

I wasn't going to buy it since I'd rather try out the 24mm is.  But after looking up the used prices for this lens, I figured (justified?) that I could play with it for a few months (or a year or so) & then sell it for a small profit. 

If there turns out to be a problem with the lens, or the order gets cancelled or something, I'll come back & post.  That way everyone that resisted can say thank god, or "Yeah, knew it was too good to be true".  Or maybe, "HA! You get what you pay for!!"...

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Site Information / Re: banning people for nothing at canon rumors

« on: June 13, 2013, 05:26:55 PM »

Are we SURE he's banned and didn't just finally sell all of his gear and move to Nikon? 

sorry, but that was Fun-e

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EOS Bodies / Re: T2i Upgrade Help Needed

« on: June 12, 2013, 09:58:31 PM »

I just noticed that you still don't have a speedlight.  I think it will be better for you to buy that first for portraits.  Portraits do greatly benefit from external flash even taken at high ISO.  Try setting your ISO at 1600 and use a flash and everything will be a lot less noisier.  I too would want to upgrade to 6D but there are things you should try out first.  Later on, flash is still useable on 6D so nothing is wasted. Heck, even ISO 3200 would look ok if taken with flash and exposed correctly. You can use LR later to take out some of that noise.  For landscape, i believe you almost always use tripod for long exposures so ISO 100-200 might be sufficient already for most of the time. Don't be so hasty in buying camera bodies.  Wait a little bit for the 7d2 and the new high mp bodies and you might get good discount on 6d.

+1

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Pricewatch Deals / Re: Canon EOS Rebel SL1 in Stock at B&H Photo

« on: May 29, 2013, 08:47:07 AM »

Got to play with camera in very limited manner (security monitor attached, no sd card).  It seems to be a shrunk, plasticy T3.  Not that thats all bad.  Definitely smaller.  It looks a little ridiculous, & feels akward, with the 18-55is stm attached. Can't imagine a better/heavier/longer range zoom would do anything but make it even more akward.  I had thought about getting it as a 2nd back up/casual use body once price comes down (& it goes on the CLP/refurbished list on sale).  But until canon comes out with a 35mm & 50mm equivilent pancake thats pretty good, I don't really see the point.  Even then, it seems to sized almost perfectly wrong.  Its small enough to be kindof akward to shoot with but almost too big to slip into your jacket pocket.  Honestly, I'll probably pick it up regardless (if its cheap enough) unless the EOS M2 is another failure here in the US & that pricing drops as fast as the EOS M did....

**Anyone out there thats thinking about buying & has medium to somewhat large hands & isn't used to the smaller mirrorless systems, I strongly recommend you go somewhere & play with it b4 you order.

 Fyi, the 1st place that had this camera in our area was, believe it or not, Sams Club.  Which I guess is appropriate given the mass market segment that targeted by Canon.  Maybe Target or Walgreens will get it next? 

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EOS Bodies / Re: New AF Technology Coming in July? [CR1]

« on: May 26, 2013, 07:43:11 AM »

It has happened in the past that things were marketed as brand-new but actually turned out to be minor tweaks.

We'll see...

Albi86, that sounds terribly cynical.  Canon would never over hype market/mislead its loyal customers! Never!! Perhaps you are one of the nay sayers that believe the T5i was not a long awaited, major leap forward in the Rebel line(I mean the mode dial goes ALL the way around now!!!)?

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EOS Bodies / Re: New AF Technology Coming in July? [CR1]

« on: May 25, 2013, 02:21:47 PM »

“D— —– —- AF”

I don't think that's the name of the new technology, I think it refers to what we've had in the past.   Before I got my 5D3 I was always saying:  Damn autofocus!

"Damn autofocus..." was my 1st thought also. 

Someone else said it's 6 times faster than the EOS M.  Nothing personal about that input but hummm, isn't 6 times zero (or almost zero) still zero?

But on a serious note, I've been thinking they would make at least 1 major/substantial change in the 70D & maybe this would fit the bill.  If they can give a much faster/more sensitive autofocus to the 70D & EOS M, they'll still have plenty of room for an upgraded crop sensor like 7D2 (ie: 10-12 fps, mag body, full weather sealing, dual digic 6, the new af system, etc.).

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EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS 70D Coming in July? [CR2]

« on: May 21, 2013, 11:49:45 PM »

I'm both excited and disappointed. I've waited a long time for 70D announcement, so that's exciting. However, if mass-production issues for the new sensor are what's holding up the 7DII, then it's likely that the 70D will have the same sensor as the SL1 and T5i, so that's kind of disappointing.

Maybe I'll just be really optimistic and hope that not only does the 70D have the new sensor tech, but that the 7DII will therefore also be announced some time this year. Of course, frustration arises out of unmet expectations. I should probably keep my expectations low...

My bet would be that, had new sensor production gone as planned, the 70D would have the new tech (and have been released quite a while ago), but that since it didn't, and they have to release something, they'll do the best they can with all non-sensor improvements and send it out to market.

I'm expecting:

• Metal body (or mostly metal)
• Improved weather sealing
• AFMA
• Slightly improved AF system
• 12,800 ISO (expandable to 25,600)
• A few more creative filters

They might also throw in WiFi and/or GPS, depending on how much they feel they need to compensate for the incremental sensor upgrade.

We'll see...

PS: I really like the swivel screen. First used it on my ever-faithful A80 and currently enjoy it on my G12. Both screens function and articulate as the day they were new (despite some hard use). Knock on wood.  I can't imagine not having it, especially since many of the photos I take are from low(er) positions...

I'm expecting

1) a nob that goes ALL the way round
2) a 7 instead of the 6 in the 60d badge
3) 12800 iso will look like a cat vomit after eating a pack of m&ms

Sorry, guess it  because 1) its late & I'm tired & 2) I'm totally past ANY interest in guessing about the 70D.  Because if I had been drinking milk when I read wickidwombat's comments, the milk would have squirted out my nose.  Pretty far too.

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Lenses / Re: Canon 40mm vs 50mm f/1.4

« on: May 06, 2013, 01:31:33 PM »

Pensive tomato, Dude the 40mm is $80 refurbished at Canon USA right now.  Probably sold out but if not, just pick one up.  For that price you can do your own comparsions & then use it as a body cap-or paperweight!- if you don't like it (or just stick it on your back up or sell to friend).  Good luck! sk

FYI, The wider angle than the 50mm is nice & the colors seem better than on Canon's old 35mm f/2 (somewhat comparable price range).  I do like using it on my 5D2 for fun but not when I'm shooting anything serious.  & the focal length on either of my back ups (both are crop sensor) is not really very functional.

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Lenses / Re: 70-200mm f/4L IS USM for $629 at RitzCamera -mistake or fake?

« on: May 06, 2013, 01:12:47 PM »

I couldn't bring myself to order one, under the just "to good to be true..." theory.  Although I do hope some of the orders are honored (give that Ritz is trying to restablish their name/market), I will definitely kick myself for not being brave enough to give up my credit info.

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Lenses / Canon 70-200mm f/4 L-Series IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens $611.09 shipped at Ritz..

« on: May 06, 2013, 12:46:20 PM »

Was anyone able to pick up one of these?

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EOS Bodies / Re: Well done Canon - Canon Rebel T5i available early

« on: April 20, 2013, 12:06:52 PM »

T5i also has all cross type focus points.

Yeah, but the Canon bashers do not want to see the positives.

Hum, didn't the T4i have all cross focus points??

Mind you, I don't mind this $$ grab by canon by tweaking & renaming the T4i. Given that I'd like to update my P&S (a T2i) to something w/ a touchscreen.  & the T5i will likely push the T4i refurbs/CLP's down in price within the next 6-12 months (the black friday sale should be nice this year for the T4i, 60D, 7D & maybe even the 5D2/3??). 

But I'm truly curious, does anyone really believe that the T5i is even an incremental upgrade? I understand that it may be a little embarassing to hard core Canon fans but I really don't care what Canon does with their rebel line.  If it helps Canon stay profitable, I really don't mind. 

Honestly, some of their marketing descions on lens offerings (focal lengths, etc.) is what aggravates me...

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EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Canon Refurbished

« on: April 20, 2013, 09:24:19 AM »

1. How often do sales occur with Canon? Right now I can get a MK III for 2800 (body only) do you think that will go down in the next month or so?  worth waiting or just buy now and be happy?

They go on sale pretty often. Sometime more often than others so it must depend on inventory and launches. You can count on at least 3-4 times a year but probably every other month.  You could save 15%-25% on the 5D2 & MAYBE 15-20% on the 5D3 (they don't always put it on sale).  Is the 300-500 bucs worth waiting for?  Of course the answer to that is totally dependent on your patience & need.  Me, I always try to pay less for tech that depreciates fairly quickly with time. 

2. I've read a little on CLP but there wasn't a great single post/article I could find as I do not understrand it.  I do not have a P&S I just have the 60D (seems like I could get 500-650 for it which would be better than the CLP unless I misunderstand)

DONT CLP your 60D!  Do what one of the posters recommended: pick up an old, well used or broken Canon (you can find them at yard sales, craigslist, ebay, etc.) and use that. 

Reference selling your 60D-if you're not good at moving things online, try posting a notice on your local camera club website or at their meeting, etc. Fyi I sell all my old equipment online thru e-bay or amazon.  You take a hit on their commision but its much easier, & probably safer, than craigslist. 

4. Any good articles/videos on creating a low-budget setup for doing run-gun etc. documentary work... I already have:

  -NTG-2
  -H4N

for audio... do I need wireless mic? lavaliere?

I can't give any input on video other than since it seems to be a crucial reason for your purchase, you need to give the extra $$ for the 5D3 serious consideration.  My friends that use Canon for their video, all sold their 2's & bought 3's within 6 months of 5D3 launch.  None of them regret it. 

My only 2 real suggestions on video are: 

1.  Download & use magic lantern once you make your purchase and get familiar with your camera.  If you aren't already using it on your 60D, you're going to find it very helpful once you get used to it.  I like using it for stills & it's really designed for videography.  I imagine you'll wonder how you got by w/o it.

2.  Condsider getting a battery grip.  If you can handle the size, its makes handling & shooting much easier.  But it definately adds to the weight & size so test it out with your favorites lens attached and see if you like it. 

Most of my video fiend friends also use stablizers, rollers? (looks like a skateboard), special lighting, etc.  And they ALL use very good mikes.  I can't help on any of that. But they tell me that the camera itself isn't even half the cost of their set up.  & when they say "set up" they are not counting all the lens they own. Just their 1-2 main prime lens (they mostly seem to prefer prime lens for video) plus the rest of their video equipment...

Last post for me so good luck on your documentaries. Take care, sk

13

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Canon Refurbished

« on: April 20, 2013, 12:03:57 AM »

I still shoot with the 5D2 & I love it.  I rented the 5D3 & it is a better camera but the real difference seems to come mainly in speed of focus & video.  I do almost exclusively landscapes and portrait/group shots.  For that, the 5D2 is probably 90-95% of the 5D3.  If you do sports or children candids, you'll probably prefer the 3.  But regardless, you'll love either one you pick. 

Canon has been doing an excellent job of refurbishing their DSLRs & lens (their P&S cameras, not so much).  But the warranty is only 90 days so make sure you FULLY test the camera when you get it. 

My only suggestion is that you should either wait for a sale or check out CLP.  Canon will typically go 15-20% off (even the 5D3 was marked down 15% once) for a sale but sometime go up to 30% off.  If you don't want to wait for a sale then call them about the Canon Loyality Program.  That will get you about 20% off some of their cameras, not sure about the 5D2 or 3.  Bear in mind the program is to encourage Canon users to upgrade.  You'll have to send them a canon P&S or something.  The say it has to be non-working but I haven't heard anyone getting their $25 used p&s back from canon if it actually works. As one of the previous folks indicated, take a few minutes to read up on the program before you call.

Take care, good luck & good shooting!

PS: the refurbished lens I've picked up from Canon (about 5-6 total) have all been just fine.  Couldn't tell the difference between them and brand new lens. 

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Pricewatch Deals / Re: Canon EOS M w/22mm f/2 STM $399 New

« on: April 13, 2013, 11:54:47 AM »

When it goes to $299 US or even $349 US (w/ a real warranty) maybe I pick up a few for my neices & nephews. Okay, I'd probably keep one or two myself-I mean who doesn't want to test out the 22mm f2 pancake?? Otherwise, $400 from an e-bay dealer with severe warranty reputation issues-no thanks.

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Pricewatch Deals / Re: *UPDATE* Canon USA Rebates Starting April 14, 2013 [CR3]

« on: April 13, 2013, 11:50:06 AM »

Sorry, but YAWN ....