Messages

1

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Why is my 5D3 so noisy???

« on: May 24, 2013, 12:12:25 AM »

ETTR explained:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exposing_to_the_right

Sure, use ETTR if able to avoid blowing the highlights.  If all fails, a really good noise reduction software like Neat Image or Noiseware Pro can save the day IME.

2

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

« on: May 21, 2013, 04:18:08 PM »

Has anyone done any testing on the SL1 sensor to give an idea of what might be in store for the 70D? It seems odd that you can buy one at B&H but no one has done an in-depth review.

According to this comparison, SL1 IQ doesn't seem exciting at all, which I expect to be the IQ of 70D. 
If Canon is listening, who cares if iso is expandable to a gazillion, I just want super-clean at iso 3200.  Really.

Canon SL1 / 100D Rebel Hands-On Review | with Canon 7D & Nikon D7100 low light comparison	Small | Large

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Software & Accessories / Re: Adobe to Stop Making Packaged Software

« on: May 21, 2013, 04:01:25 PM »

Because of their introductory pricing, I suspect many will access the service for the first year, while holding on to those copies of CS6.

I'm also thinking about going to CS6 from my current CS5 and watch how things go with subscription model, but what about this Adobe Application Manager that I apparently am forced to download for CS6 and all the complaints about it on the web? 

What truly useful feature does CS6 have over CS5?

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Software & Accessories / Re: Flickr is now 1 Terabytes!! For everyone!!

« on: May 21, 2013, 03:34:21 PM »

Anyone figured out where the "Actions" tab is now on flickr (sure hope it's there there!) where one could choose "View Exif info"?

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Software & Accessories / Re: Adobe to Stop Making Packaged Software

« on: May 10, 2013, 12:39:18 AM »

Please sign this online petition. I do not know if it will do any good, but it is certainly more effective than just sitting around on this forum complaining: http://www.change.org/petitions/adobe-systems-incorporated-eliminate-the-mandatory-creative-cloud-subscription-model#share

Signed and shared.

Same here.

6

Software & Accessories / Re: When and how to use DLO in DPP

« on: May 07, 2013, 03:47:40 PM »

It is going to depend on each individual image and the way a user perceives it.  I do not believe there is any magical number that works for all.

You're killin' my dreams buddy

So, are there images you shouldn't bother using this tool on?  How do you know when going through this step isn't going to result in an appreciable difference?

Should I basically just use it like sharpening?  View at 100%, start at 0, go up until I see problems, then back it down?  Then recheck at normal viewing size?

Remember, your CR2 files grow to very large size, 3X their normal size, so its not something to use on the 800 images you shot last night.

For images that need DLO, I apply DLO in RAW, convert to JPEG, then I un-apply DLO before closing the RAW, so the RAW size does not increase 3x.  Undoing DLO is very quick unlike applying it. 

DLO doesn't appear to make much difference when viewed on small screens or prints, but viewed large, it really does great for things like chromatic aberration, color fringing, and sharpness, better than the traditional ways of lens correction and sharpening IME in that results look more natural. 

7

Software & Accessories / Re: Adobe to Stop Making Packaged Software

« on: May 07, 2013, 01:20:08 PM »

Okay, one more thing. We can complain all we want on this forum, but please, also go to one or more of the public Facebook pages for Adobe, such as https://www.facebook.com/Photoshop?fref=ts and post a comment there.

Companies don't like public humiliation and in this era of the Internet and social media, it can be the most effective tool. Please, go post your opinion and urge others to do so as well.

Good idea.  Left my comment on their FB page as well. 

8

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Samyang 24mm f/3.5 ED Tilt-Shift in Stock

« on: May 06, 2013, 08:17:10 PM »

According to Lensrentals test, the Samyang has even less resolution than Canon 24-105, nevermind the Canon TS-E.  Samyang's much-higher barrel distortion of 2.3% vs. 0.9% for the Canon is also concerning.  Oh, well, I guess my TS-E 24 II is not going anywhere soon.  I was secretly hoping the Samyang would come close, enabling me to sell it to free up some funds, but I don't think so..

9

Software & Accessories / Re: Adobe to Stop Making Packaged Software

« on: May 06, 2013, 07:09:16 PM »

Jeez, time to sell off Adobe stock methinks.

10

Lenses / Re: 35 & 85 or 50 & 100 for photographing kids

« on: May 05, 2013, 01:42:36 PM »

Although I own and love all my L primes, 35L, 50L, 85L II, 135L, if I wanted maximum specialness, I reach for the 85L.  If you plan just a bit ahead, I don't find 85 too long on full frame indoors at all.  Sure Sigma 85 f/1.4 will be "close," but for that last 5%, there is nothing for portraiture than 85L at f/1.2 IMO.  Below is indoors at f/1.2, available light. 


EOSD1995 by drjlo1, on Flickr

11

Lenses / Re: Stuck on whether to return sigma 35mm for 35mm 1.4L or 35f2 is

« on: May 04, 2013, 02:09:38 PM »

To the OP...isn't the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 the one that can be configured via a computer without having to send the lens to Sigma?  I thought it had the ability to adjust front / back focusing issues until you get it correct. 

Kind regards,
Jason

 
At some future point, you can pay $$$ for a tool that will let you adjust focus accuracy of the lens so that it may match what you already paid for.  Sigma has promised it, but hasn't delivered it.

About two weeks for $59 with software. Not too shabby.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/909813-REG/Sigma_USB_Dock.html

Congratulations KKC. I know you're going to love that lens.

It's nice of Sigma to actually deliver the USB dock, but the fact is Sigma should tighten up its QC process so we don't NEED to use the dock.  Still, I am glad to see this safety net of sorts from Sigma..

12

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: The Camera Store TV t5i Hands On

« on: April 28, 2013, 10:36:53 PM »

Top notch review, I appreciated it.

I thought it was funny, but if one is after a more useful Camera Store review, their Metabones Speed Booster review was VERY informative!  They had the Canon 85L on Sony NEX shooting at f/1.0..

http://youtu.be/tVOhac0FQkw
	Small | Large

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Wedding expert suggestions desired...first time.

« on: April 28, 2013, 10:11:45 PM »

Pretty much any gear can be made to work, but I would have at least one fast prime in the bag for when darkness hits and flash is not wanted or effective enough.  Doesn't have to be fancy, maybe 50 f/1.8 or 1.4..

14

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 Apo Sonnar T* ZE in Stock at B&H

« on: April 24, 2013, 08:57:01 PM »

Ok, I'll start the ball rolling.

I own the Canon 135f/2, I admit up front I have never owned a Zeiss Lens, but I've heard/read great things about them, but, the Canon 135f/2 is just a superb Lens, would the Zeiss be any better do you think ?? I understand the Zeiss lenses are Manual Focus, and for me although not a Killer, I have the 17 24 TSE Canons, it does make life a little more difficult, I sold my Leica M9 for this reason, lovely camera but the Manual Focus became an issue for me (Age Factor). Si I'm really interested to hear opinions on the Zeiss versus the Canon.

I use Canon 135L as well as 24 TSE II and have owned MF Zeiss.  Manual-focusing a wide angle is WORLDS easier than 135mm, so if MF is already an issue with Leica, I would stick with Canon 135L, which as we all know is a superb lens.  Who knows, from preliminary reports, the Zeiss 135 may have less CA and sharper wide open, but do we really need sharper than 135L?  Zeiss also costs double the current 135L street price and is heavier. 

15

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Zeiss 135mm f2 Apo Sonnar Preview

« on: April 22, 2013, 04:56:51 PM »

Looks to be a great lens, but it still has no AF, weighs a lot (2.02 lb), and costs double the current 135L price