Messages

1

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D3 Spot Focus Question, and Advice on Accessories

« on: November 04, 2012, 09:14:41 PM »

+ 1 on all accounts from Neuro.

I use the Blackrapid RS7 strap and it's one of the better investments I've made for walking around.

That does seem comfortable for walking around. However, the way it attaches to the tripod mount, and its thick shoulder pad fabric, I may have problems fitting it attached to the 5D3 inside a relatively compact holster-style camera bag, such as a Tamrac 5625, LowePro AW70, or a Think Tank 20 V2.0.
 
Thanks

2

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D3 Spot Focus Question, and Advice on Accessories

« on: November 04, 2012, 09:00:18 PM »

As to the camera bag, I can speak to the think tank holsters being excellent, and are great for if you need to use it with a bigger lens (it expands)

I just checked it out on their web site. Looks great, especially the expansion feature. I will consider that also.  Thanks.

3

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D3 Spot Focus Question, and Advice on Accessories

« on: November 04, 2012, 07:54:32 PM »

Focus-Recompose - it's showing you the focus point you used to lock focus, wherever that point ends up in the final composition. The camera doesn't know which direction or how far you moved after locking focus.  If you lock focus and recompose, you're moving the focus-lock point location away from the subject you focused on, and that's how it shows up in the image.  FYI, the technique works ok for 'slow' lenses, but with fast primes shot wide open it results in a backfocused shot, due to the geometry (in fact, it does at narrow apertures, too, but the DoF is deep enough to mask the focus error).  Side note - have you considered back-button AF? It's a handy technique that lets you control focus independent of the shutter button.

Screen protector - I don't bother. The outer glass surface is scratch resistant and easily replaced (by the user, with a part from Canon).  A screen protector also adds glare, to which the bare screen is pretty resistant.

Neck Strap - skip it. Get a Blackrapid strap that puts the weight on your shoulder, much more comfortable.

Camera bag - a Lowepro Toploader Pro 65 AW would also work. I have one, love it, also have the Pro 75 AW for longer lenses (100-400, 70-200 II, etc). The 65 AW holds the 24-105, 16-35 II, etc., up to the 100L Macro IS.  With the Lowepro, you can use their other products with SlipLock attachments to attach to the side of the 65 AW - a Lens Case for a second lens, QuickFlex pouch for a Speedlite flash, etc.

CPL - possibly. The B+W Käsemann line has no color tint (many CPLs do), and is robustly sealed.  I have many B+W filters (UV on almost all lenses, Käsemann CPLs in 77mm and 82mm, 3-stop and 10-stop NDs in multiple sizes), all are excellent.

Hope that helps...

Neuro,

Thank you for your quick feedback on all items. I will check into those accessories.

So, on the focus-recompose operation, my procedure is correct, meaning that the AF point is locked on initial subject, even though the LCD can only show where the point ended up in the final composition as I moved the camera (not the true focus point). I hope I understand that correctly.

By the way, I do remember your past comment on this forum (on another subject) regarding the problems with the focus-recompose method for fast prime lenses and close subjects.

Thanks again.

4

EOS Bodies / 5D3 Spot Focus Question, and Advice on Accessories

« on: November 04, 2012, 06:01:09 PM »

Spot Focus & Re-Compose:
I am a bit confused on the "spot focus and re-compose" function, as to how it works on the 5D3.  I do the usual: Spot focus on a subject and Press Shutter half-way to lock focus, and then re-compose the frame before taking my shot.  However, when I view the shot on LCD afterwards, with the AF point display active, I find that it does NOT show the AF point on the initial subject on which I had locked the focus on (even though that subject does appear to be in focus also!).  Did the focus point really shift to the spot right before I took the shot, or does the LCD display show it at the wrong spot? Has anybody else tried this also?

Screen Protectors:
What is your personal experience and opinion on using "Optical Glass Screen Protectors" for the rear and top LCD's on the 5D3?  There are several products in the market claiming to be wear-resistant, abrasion-resistant, scratch-resistant, multi-coated with 95%+ light transmitting rate. Do you use them, or do you prefer keeping the LCD's clear from protectors?

Neck Strap:
To replace the flashy OEM neck strap that comes with the 5D3, with a Black and more plain and simple, yet durable and strong replacement neck strap, which product(s) would you recommend?

Camera Bag:
As a Small Hoster-Type camera bag, that would fit the 5D3 with the 24-105 kit lens attached, the best product I could find, so far, is the "Tamrac 5625 Pro Digital Zoom 5" bag.  For those who use that bag for this camera, what is your experience with it?  Any other similar feature bags (Small and Holster-Type) you can recommend?     
 
CPL Filter:
Trying to decide between the 77mm CPL filter from "B+W KSM F-Pro MRC" and "Hoya Pro1 DMC". Obviously, B+W is more expensive. My question is for the 24-105 L lens, would I notice the difference between those two CPL's?
 
I appreciate all feedbacks.

5

EOS Bodies / Re: Comparing 6D with 5D3

« on: October 16, 2012, 11:38:44 PM »

AF Center Point:   -3 vs. –2 EV   = 6D is 33% more sensitive in low light

EV, like stops, is log₂.  So, not 33% more sensitive, the 6D works in half as much light.

But of the two, I'd still pick the 5DIII.

I finally pulled the trigger and got the 5DIII. The AF system is truly amazing, and capable. I am glad that I made that choice.  I must admit that Neuro's comment had an impact, as I find his knowledgable comments very informative.

The price was a bit above my original budget, but I feel that I got my money's worth. It is an amazing camera......

6

EOS Bodies / Re: Comparing 6D with 5D3

« on: September 28, 2012, 12:25:52 AM »

Sry, its a bit off topic but WHY THE HELL does it say "AE Bracketing +/- 3 EV) in almost every report I read? You can bracket up to 7 shots +/- over 8 EV, thats a lot! I was confused when I read that the 5D III had only +/-3 beacuse I thought its not better vor HDR than my 7D, but +/- 8 stops is a lot. Although I had the 6D in my handy on tuesday, I didn't check if its the same with the 6D. But it's not ok to write "AE Bracketing +/- 3EV", because it would mean its the same as for example the 7D where you can only take 3 shots up to +/- 3EV, thats it. With the 5D III its the same if you want to take 3 shots, but you shouldn't leave out that you can get a whole more EV range when you push up the shots. Whats your opinion on that?

According to the 5D3 manual (page 170), the camera brackets the exposure up to +3 stops. This can be done with 2, 3, 5, or 7 shots.  So, regardless of the number of shots, the AEB is still within +3 stops.
 
It then says you can set Exposure Compensation (which is another + or -5 stops) in combination with the AEB. I am not sure if the Exposure Compensation can be bracketed (on the + and -) similar to AEB, or is it set only in one direction (darker or brighter). Perhaps those who have tried it can verify this.
 
In either case, the specs for 6D and 5D3 seem to be similar on this feature.
 
Despite all the other differences (minor or major as noted by others); for me, the biggest question is how 6D's new AF system will perform. For this, I will wait until 6D is released, tested, and reviewed....Unless 5D3 price gets closer to my budget   

 
 

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EOS Bodies / Re: Best FF option

« on: September 24, 2012, 09:31:18 PM »

If the 6D turns out to be as good as the specs indicate, then 5D3 would drop in price. I am not sure about the $2500 though!!

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EOS Bodies / Re: Comparing 6D with 5D

« on: September 24, 2012, 04:38:27 PM »

Many interesting comments so far. Thank you, all. It may be worth the wait to see how the 6D will actually perform, when it comes out in stores in quantities........around Christmas?

It may turn out to be an excellent FF camera, with a simple yet useful AF system, which would make it a big hit, as it finally replaces the 5D2. However, that may affect the sales for the 5D3. But then again, Canon may announce the 46MP 5D X around that same time, just to change the moods, and please the Pro's in another way...

9

EOS Bodies / Re: Comparing 6D with 5D3

« on: September 22, 2012, 09:31:45 PM »

The important thing, is can you take good photos with it.  Many of the features in the 5D Mark III are for advanced users and would go unused on upgraders from P&S or Digital Rebels. 
 
The 6D has a MSRP almost $1500 less, and it will drop just as initial prices always drop after the initial crowd gets theirs.  If I haden't snagged one of the $2750 5D Mark III's from Adorama, last week, I'd be interested.  I really see little advantage to the 5D Mark III for my photography, but I do like to wait for hands on experience and not just buy on specification promises.  I would be expecting that like my 7D, I could see the larger AF points in low light.

I am sure that I would be using most of the features that the new camera would offer, whether it is the 6D or 5D3. That is one of the reasons for me to upgrade at this time. What I am mainly debating is how much better (or more useful) is 5D3's 61-point AF system over 6D's simple one.  Even though there are other spec differences between the two cameras (which are very important to others, such as the FPS and VF), to me the difference in the AF systems is where "most of" the price difference is at (i.e. about $900 gap). Am I the only one here who thinks that way?

So again, if all things were equal (at least for the sake of this question), would I miss 5D3's Pro AF system for many situations, if I went with the 6D and saved the $900?  Saving money is always important, but when I upgrade and make this investment, I don't want to lose on an important/essential feature.

Thanks for your feedback.

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EOS Bodies / Re: Comparing 6D with 5D3

« on: September 22, 2012, 08:37:11 PM »

AF Center Point:   -3 vs. –2 EV   = 6D is 33% more sensitive in low light

EV, like stops, is log₂.  So, not 33% more sensitive, the 6D works in half as much light.

But of the two, I'd still pick the 5DIII.

Thanks for that. This is a great forum, as I learn something new every day.

11

EOS Bodies / Re: Comparing 6D with 5D3

« on: September 22, 2012, 08:30:15 PM »

Thanks for the response, wickidwombat.

I agree that comparison is not quite that simple; as some items do carry more weight than others, based on what is important on one's shooting needs. So, your points are well taken.

When I pull the trigger to upgrade from my crop sensor XSi to a FF, and spend the mega bucks, naturally I expect the new camera to be quite capable and useful for every situation. I do a lot of landscape, fair amount of indoors low-light, and some events photography (indoor concerts). Regarding the AF system, would you think 5D3's system is easy to understand and use, and would it be hugely advantageous over 6D's super-sensitive center point low-light AF?

Also, another question I have, which really applies to both cameras, is that since they don't have pop flash, how would you manage the highly back-lit subjects without a fill flash (that is if you don't have an external flash with you). I am a bit concerned with spot metering the main subject, which could wash-out the back ground (i.e. would lose the nice blue sky background on a sunny day).

Thanks again.

12

EOS Bodies / Comparing 6D with 5D3

« on: September 22, 2012, 07:34:44 PM »

After comparing several key specifications between 6D and 5D3, below is my summary on how the two FF bodies compare (at least on paper):

MP:      20.3 vs. 22.3   = 5D3 is slightly better
FPS:      4.5 vs. 6.0   = 5D3 is 33% faster
Processor:      Same Digic 5+   = Tie
Metering:      Same 63-Zone   = Tie
ISO:      Same Range   = Tie
AF Points:      11 vs. 61      = 5D3 is “a lot” better
AF Center Point:   -3 vs. –2 EV   = 6D is 33% more sensitive in low light
Max. Shutter Speed:1/4000 vs. 1/8000   = 5D3 is 1-stop faster
Max. Sync. Speed:   1/180 vs. 1/200   = 5D3 is slightly faster
Silent Shutter:   Same      = Tie
Shutter Cycle:   100k vs. 150k   = 5D3 has 50% longer shutter life
View Finder:   97% vs. 100%   = 5D3 is slightly better
LCD:      3.0” vs. 3.2”   = 5D3 is slightly better
Exposure Comp:   Same +/- 5 EV   = Tie
AE Bracketing:   Same +/- 3   = Tie
Cards:      1 SD vs. SD+CF   = 5D3 is better
Custom Modes:   C1,C2 vs. C1,C2,C3   = 5D3 has 1 extra Dial Mode (C3)
AFMA:      Same      = Tie
HDR:      Same with 3 Exp.   = Tie
Multiple Expos:   Same 9 max.   = Tie
Scene Intel. Auto:   Same      = Tie
Built-in Wi-Fi:   Only in 6D   = 6D is better
Built-in GPS:   Only in 6D   = 6D is better
Size:      6D ~ ¼” Smaller   = 6D is slightly smaller
Weight:      27.2 vs. 33.5 oz   = 6D is 19% lighter 
Current Price($):   2,100 vs. 3,000   = 6D is $900 less

Obviously 6D is a “mini 5D3” with slightly less features that can be bought at $900 less than the current 5D3 price on eBay. The main difference between the two specs (at least to me) is the AF systems. 5D3 uses the 1DX Pro system, while 6D uses a simpler system that has a more sensitive center point, which is a huge improvement over the older 5D2.

Therefore, for me the decision is should I spend $900 more to have the Pro AF in 5D3, or save the money and get the smaller and lighter 6D which would be great using the Center Point focusing (lock focus and re-compose) ………It may be an easy decision for some, but I am still debating!!  Of course, both prices may drop also, but the gap probably stays about the same.
 
What do others think?