Messages

1

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: What do you use to scan your 35mm negatives?

« on: December 16, 2012, 12:44:02 PM »

Here is a press release on the new Canon scanner:

"The CanoScan 9000F Mark II Photo Scanner provides consumers with an easy solution for all photo and document archiving needs. Capable of scanning a 35mm film strip with the film scanning guide and frame and Film Adapter Unit, precious photos from a family's history can be archived. The maximum optical resolution for the CanoScan 9000F Mark II Photo Scanner is 9600 x 9600 dots-per-inch (dpi) for film and 4800 x 4800 dpi for all other media. Equipped with Auto Document Fix, this feature analyzes and corrects to help ensure text characters stand out and are sharp and clear; and helps pictures to maintain their color, tone and contrast.

The CanoScan 9000F Mark II Photo Scanner will have an estimated selling price of $199.99"

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/about_canon?pageKeyCode=pressreldetail&docId=0901e024807339ad#

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Third Party Manufacturers / Re: What do you use to scan your 35mm negatives?

« on: December 15, 2012, 09:51:10 PM »

I believe Canon just announced a new scanner for film. I didn't see the specs but I think the retail price is $250. If I can find more info I will post it here.

3

Lighting / Re: Advice on Gray Fong's Lightsphere compared to Sto-fen Omni-bounce

« on: November 22, 2012, 08:34:29 AM »

I have the GF Lightsphere Collapsible and really like it plus it doesn't take up very much room in my bag. It's a nice defuser for what it is. I like that you can just pop the top out and fold the deal down to go back to normal flash without taking it off the flash. I also mount the dome different ways for different uses. because the dome sits in the cup it's easy to put a tissue in there to have it give off a much softer light.

I use the Lightsphere Collapsible with the dome installed and insert a 3x5 white card or even aluminum foil at the backside of the sphere to prevent "wasting" light away from the subject. It also focuses the light a little more forward, reduces battery drain, yet still produces a nice soft light (in a room with ceilings).

4

Pricewatch Deals / Re: EF 24-70 f/4L IS & EF 35 f/2 IS Preorders

« on: November 06, 2012, 09:55:04 AM »

How useful will the macro be? Dpreview says, "This all looks great in paper, but in practice things are a little more complicated, because the working distance in macro mode ends up being only about 3cm / 1.2" from the front of the lens to the subject. At this point, you're shooting an image area of about 51mm x 34mm (2" x 1.3") using a lens with a front diameter of 83mm (3.3"), which might make lighting your subject relatively difficult."

Plus, you would need adapters to attach one of the Canon macro-flashes.

5

Lenses / Re: Best solution for organizing numerous lenshoods

« on: November 05, 2012, 09:50:20 AM »

I attach a small self-stick label to the lens hood and use a marking pen to indicate its matching lens.

6

Lenses / Re: New 50 Finally on the Way? [CR1]

« on: November 04, 2012, 12:29:52 PM »

If the new 50mm is f/1.4 and has IS I would expect it to be at least as expensive, if not more, than the new 24 IS and 28 IS.

7

PowerShot / Re: Down to the RX100 or G15...

« on: November 01, 2012, 01:00:19 PM »

I recently bought the Sony RX100 for a trip. The G15 wasn't available at the time and I still haven't seen many detailed tests comparing the two cameras. I was looking for speedy autofocus and handling after having been disappointed with several Canon and Panasonic point and shoots. I am a lifelong Canon SLR user and have owned dozens of Canon p&s. Trying to stay with Canon I considered the S100 but the sensor is small and the focus a little slow (Canon says improved with S110). Also considered the G1 X or waiting for the EOS M. However, there are many reports that both suffer from slow focusing (and they are larger) while the RX100 seems mostly praised for good focus speed and handling (while being much smaller).

I haven't been disappointed with the RX100. There is a bit of a learning curve because the menus are different from Canon but overall the camera is fantastic. Focus and handling, even in low-light, are top notch - I never felt it lagged or hesitated. The auto settings work quite well but I also used the A/S/M settings quite a bit along with the flash for fill light. The flash is unique in that you can tip it the towards the ceiling manually with a finger for a bounce flash effect that makes a real difference/improvement. 20.2 MP gives you a lot to work with and sharpness and colors are excellent. I tried the Sony Raw software but I am more familiar with Adobe Bridge and will probably stick with it for converting/developing the Raw files.

Yes, the RX100 is small. For me that is one of its best features. I have large hands but have no trouble holding it, changing settings or taking photos. I found a small case to fit and have already taken the camera with me many places that I would have left a bigger camera behind, even a G12 or G1 X. Yes the RX100 is expensive, but I am very satisfied with the handing and great photos from such a little package. Now if Canon would just make something the size of the S100 with a bigger sensor and the capabilities of the RX100 I would buy it in a heart beat.

8

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Lens case for 70-200 f/2.8 II

« on: October 05, 2012, 11:03:12 AM »

Will the Lens Exchange 200AW fit the Canon 100-400 IS with hood reversed?

9

PowerShot / Re: Canon S100 vs Sony RX100

« on: September 16, 2012, 02:19:15 PM »

How well does the RX100 autofocus in low-light? I have found the Canon Powershots (although cheaper) to be frustratingly slow.

Also, does the RX100 have autofocus and auto exposure in Movie mode? Thanks.

10

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Canon USA August Rebates

« on: August 13, 2012, 01:18:30 PM »

I had the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS Telephoto Zoom in my cart at Amazon and the price went from $1463.67 to $1399 - not quite the full $200 rebate.   

11

Lighting / Re: 600ex-rt overheating?

« on: June 18, 2012, 12:30:31 PM »

I recently did a flash ratio test with the 600EX as master on my 5D3 and a 580EX as slave. I did 8:1 and 1:8 ratios and there was a distinct difference. I don't have my equipment with me at the moment and don't want to mis-remember the settings but it does work. Although the LCD display menus on the 600EX are much better than the 580EX it still requires consulting the manual too much for fairly simple settings.

12

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Manual Mode Exposure Question...

« on: June 12, 2012, 06:54:44 PM »

I use auto iso in M mode

+1

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: What modes do you usually use on your camera?

« on: June 12, 2012, 08:35:09 AM »

Manual with Auto ISO for action shots with wildlife (and kids - guess that's redundant).
Manual and set ISO for landscape.
P mode with flash so Auto ISO will go up to 1600.

14

Lighting / Re: 600ex-rt overheating?

« on: June 10, 2012, 05:53:15 PM »

This may be a dumb question but are you sure they were firing at only 1/64?

Try test firing one at 1/64 ten times in a row and see if it overheats and activates the red screen. Then wait and try 20. It shouldn't overheat at that power level.

15

Software & Accessories / Re: Adobe Lightroom 4.1 & Camera RAW 7.1 Final Released

« on: June 04, 2012, 05:01:32 PM »

My settings in LR 4.1 are all default. I don't see where there are options for sharpening or NR during Import. And I don't understand why they would affect the time it takes to render 1:1 previews once they are imported to LR.

Does LR apply camera settings for jpgs by default?

My issue is it takes way to long for CR2 files and Jpgs to render at 1:1 previews as you review them individually. And WAY too long to do them in bulk first.