Messages

1

Software & Accessories / Re: Need help with developing in LR

« on: January 26, 2013, 08:25:48 PM »

Define "crappy"?

Also, what are you doing with these photos? Just displaying them on screen, or printing them?

You should probably be doing a bit of sharpening and adding contrast, but IMO you're unlikely to get the best from each of a range of individual shot by just applying standard settings. If you don't really enjoy fiddling with this kind of stuff, that's probably a trade-off you'll have to determine for yourself... 

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Software & Accessories / Re: Rucksack Camera Bags

« on: January 26, 2013, 08:19:32 PM »

The one thing I really want from a camera backpack is fast access to my gear. Not being an open invitation to thieves is a verrrrrry close second.

I have two camera backpacks I absolutely love; one is the F-Stop Kenti, and the other is a European Crumpler model (their ranges for some reason vary massively from continent to continent).

The Crumpler is smaller (sometimes too small, which is why I also have the Kenti) and has no laptop section, but it's well thought-out, with a camera section at the bottom and a daypack part at the top - the camera section is quickly accessible through a side door, which is a must-have for me, whereas the daypack part opens towards the body, which I find extremely reassuring. Plus, it absolutely does not look like a camera bag. The trouble is, they no longer make this marvel of a bag, and haven't replaced it with anything comparable.

The Kenti similarly has a camera section with side doors at the bottom, which fits my 7D, 70-300 L, EF-S 10-22, EF-S 60mm macro, the cheapo nifty fifty plus a few bits and pieces; a 13" laptop pocket; and an expandable daypack section at the top that you can get quite a lot of crap into if necessary. It's not quite as casual as the Crumpler, but it doesn't scream "camera bag" either. I can wholeheartedly recommend it if it's big enough for your gear. (F-Stop will, in my experience, respond quickly and helpfully to "will my gear fit in this bag" questions on their customer service site.)

Before I acquired either of those two bags, I had a close look at the Lowepro Fastpack 350, which was far too bulky for me, and the Tamrac Evolution 8, which I just somehow didn't like much. But that's obviously a matter of taste, personal priorities and the amount and type of gear you have.

3

Software & Accessories / Re: Black Rapid and dropped camera?

« on: January 07, 2013, 07:41:52 PM »

I am always a bit tense and inadvertently hold the camera with my free hand.

I do not think Black Rapid will fail but this paranoia is my own personality issue.

I'm the same, though I use a Luma Loop, as I don't trust the tripod socket method of attachment. I only let my camera dangle when I'm changing lenses and find myself short of a third hand with which to rummage in my bag. Walking around, I'd just be too nervous, no matter how much I trust the strap.

4

Canon General / Re: Recommended photography books

« on: December 26, 2012, 05:22:10 PM »

The genius of Photography (book and dvd):

Very interesting well assembled charting of the social impact and role of photography.  Join some contemporary masters as work.  Not a learning book, more an enjoying experience.

I second this recommendation; the DVD is absolutely brilliant - informative and entertaining. (I have the book too, but haven't yet given it the attention it deserves.)

5

Software & Accessories / Re: Mini Tripod?

« on: December 01, 2012, 09:03:23 PM »

The smaller 'Zoom' model was not rigid enough for my camera, and sagged under the weight even though the specs said it should have been ok.

I haven't tried the Focus, but I had the same experience with the Zoom - it wasn't strong enough to hold my camera (7D with a not-very-heavy Sigma 28-105 mm).

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Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Looking for small flashes

« on: October 02, 2012, 09:23:02 PM »

I have this: http://www.amazon.com/Metz-Mecablitz-Digital-Macro-Flash/dp/B001MYLCO6/

I rather like it, though I don't use it an awful lot (simply because I don't do all that much macro photography). Unfortunately, it's not all that much cheaper than the Canon macro flash.

7

Lenses / Re: 70-300mm For my 5DM2

« on: September 25, 2012, 03:11:34 AM »

Having had both the 70-300 in both versions, there is a HUGE difference in image quality from the the non-L to L.

Seconded. I also find the IS far better on the L version.

8

Software & Accessories / Re: Joby Gorillapod for ground level Macro work?

« on: September 24, 2012, 10:06:51 PM »

I've used the SLR Zoom, but gave up on it because it wasn't stable enough to hold my 7D and a Sigma 28-105 lens. Can't say how much better the Focus is, but I'd be wary to be honest.

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Adobe RGB or sRGB please?

« on: September 24, 2012, 09:49:43 PM »

I'm currently doing a course on colour management for digital photography, and the instructor told us to always shoot Adobe RGB.

As I understand it, the reason is that because the Adobe RGB colour space is larger than sRGB, you will have more colours to work with in post, even if you then convert your final output to sRGB.

Or what curtisnull said while I was obviously typing too slowly...

10

Software & Accessories / Re: GPS, does anyone really use this???

« on: September 17, 2012, 09:04:54 PM »

I'd use it if I had a camera that had it built in. I tend to wander around for hours taking photos, just following my feet, and do sometimes have trouble figuring out afterwards where I took some of the resulting pics.

I wouldn't pay extra for it, buy a module or include it as a decisive factor in a camera purchase decision, though.

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Software & Accessories / Re: Carrying comfort F-Stop Satori EXP vs. normal hiking backpack ???

« on: September 11, 2012, 01:27:29 PM »

Not sure this is much help, but I have an F-Stop Kenti and find it pretty comfortable.

Also, their customer service is very quick and happy to answer questions, so if you have specific questions about the Satori that might help you decide, you could try contacting them.

12

Software & Accessories / Re: another Gitzo question

« on: September 05, 2012, 11:05:37 AM »

I use the Markins Q3T, which is light and can hold a lot of weight.  I recommend it highly.

Thanks! I'll give that a look, though I do have my fiscally irresponsible eye on a Really Right Stuff ballhead/L-plate combo...

13

Software & Accessories / Re: another Gitzo question

« on: September 03, 2012, 01:49:41 PM »

I love my Gitzo Traveller tripod, and the bag that goes with it (same design as the one linked to) is nice and sturdy, but the Gitzo ballhead I have is another matter - it doesn't seem to hold anywhere near the weight it's supposed to, and the quick-release plate is awkward and drives me nuts. Could just be my copy, I guess, but I'm about to replace it because it's just such a hassle to use.

14

Lenses / Re: Do you switch off IS in sunny days?

« on: August 22, 2012, 09:06:36 PM »

I mostly leave the IS on, or turn it on again immediately after tripod use, because I've found that I'm so used to its beneficial effects that I end up wildly overestimating my ability to shoot handheld if it's off. I produced a whole bunch of blurry shots one fine morning because I thought I could easily handhold 1/30 sec or thereabouts - which I can, with the cheapie nifty fifty. With the 70-300L, not so much...

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Site Information / Re: In Sympathy for CR Guy

« on: July 17, 2012, 10:49:14 PM »

My condolences to you and your family. Wishing you all strength at this difficult time.