Messages

1

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D Specs [CR2.5]

« on: May 31, 2012, 04:07:10 PM »

right, good catch.  So its only useful for out-of-box jpeg with no post, works only for lenses that the mfg is motivated to include, can't be updated without a firmware flash, and the feature has the potential to damage the final result.  I suspect this is a marketing job to convince buyers that it is good,  but as a practical matter it would only benefit those who use the DSLR as a point-and-shoot and are more likely to stick with the kit lens --  and in these situations the user is less likely to even know or detect the benefit and hard pressed to know if it is working well or not!

I do tend to disagree here. I would love my current body to have in-camera CA correction. Why you ask? I don't want to do anything in post but try to get it right when opening the shutter. I'm only a beginner, but I try to learn, and I tend to think that it may be harder but is more rewarding, even though I know that a little bit of post could do wonders.

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EOS Bodies / Re: Is video raising cost of bodies? Is it wasted for many shooters?

« on: May 13, 2012, 06:49:13 PM »

Video is not the reason this thing is more expensive. The 5D2 HAD video when it came out and it did not cost this much. Getting rid of video will not change the fact that Canon is getting greedy.

No, getting rid of video won't make the US Dollar  buy more Japanese Yen.

If that was the issue, then almost all new Canon products would be seeing a massive price hike like this, and they aren't.

Then I wonder what explains the high growth of lens prices (http://www.canonpricewatch.com/canon-lenses-better-stocks/) for some years now... Compare to the USD value against the Yen: the dollar lost ⅓ of its value against the yen in five years!
Should have Canon (a Japanese company, may I remind you, whose accounts are done in Yens) really followed it, a lens costing $1000 (= 120000¥) in August 2008 should be $1500 now!

For every product that's gone up in price, I can name one that's stayed the same. Their printers, their powershots, the starter DSLR line, etc.

That's because they're completely different products! Lens are to be expected to stay to the same price over large amounts of time, whereas printers, and low-end DSLRs are only on the market for a (low) fixed amount of time and discontinued. Moreover, they could even almost be sold at a loss as that would be tallied on the accessories (ink and lenses, respectively).

And, on Canon's point of view (accounts in Yen, again), the 5D mk3 cost less for the US consumer than the 5D mk2: 5D2 (+24-105) list price was $₂₀₀₈3499, which is 420,000¥, whereas the 5D3 (+24-105) is $₂₀₁₂4299, which is only 340,000¥!

3

EOS Bodies / Re: Is video raising cost of bodies? Is it wasted for many shooters?

« on: May 13, 2012, 06:01:11 PM »

Video is not the reason this thing is more expensive. The 5D2 HAD video when it came out and it did not cost this much. Getting rid of video will not change the fact that Canon is getting greedy.

No, getting rid of video won't make the US Dollar  buy more Japanese Yen.

If that was the issue, then almost all new Canon products would be seeing a massive price hike like this, and they aren't.

Then I wonder what explains the high growth of lens prices (http://www.canonpricewatch.com/canon-lenses-better-stocks/) for some years now... Compare to the USD value against the Yen: the dollar lost ⅓ of its value against the yen in five years!
Should have Canon (a Japanese company, may I remind you, whose accounts are done in Yens) really followed it, a lens costing $1000 (= 120000¥) in August 2008 should be $1500 now!

4

EOS Bodies / Re: Is video raising cost of bodies? Is it wasted for many shooters?

« on: May 12, 2012, 08:28:20 AM »

Once you have LiveView (and I doubt many people would want that removed, no matter how vocal they are about video), video is nothing than recording that feed. Adding a sound chip, a mic and a speaker is not much at all hardware-wise.
Software-wise, you mostly need to code that h264 encoder -- once it's done, you can just reuse that for every other product. Obviously, Canon already had that for the compacts and video cameras, thus no need to recode it. So what's missing? Some UI and polish.
Video came basically at no cost for Canon. Why bother? That's a no-brainer.

5

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: IPAD 3 = Lame

« on: March 09, 2012, 06:56:02 AM »

As for me, I use Archos' tablets: USB host port, 250GB hard drive option (which is quite nice to dump memory cards to), with DSLR Controller which is quite nice, and the 8" one fits perfectly on the back pocket of my Domke F-5XC (even though I prefer and use the 7").

Well worth having a look!

6

Lenses / Re: Lens hoods and pouches now included with all non-L lenses?

« on: December 07, 2011, 11:36:06 AM »

That's pretty interesting. Where do you live? I wonder whether there are any other cosmetic changes, like the switches.

7

Software & Accessories / Re: Monopod (or tripod) buying advice

« on: December 04, 2011, 11:01:00 AM »

Pretty interesting, thank you
On the other ones I saw (not Redged), you had to attach the center column to the leg to use as a monopod, ending up quite big even closed.

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Software & Accessories / Re: Monopod (or tripod) buying advice

« on: December 03, 2011, 01:22:02 PM »

what do you mean? One of the tripod legs can be srewed off. So you only deal with the leg = monopod

I meant, when closed off in monopod mode, it's quite bigger (like 70cm IIRC) than a dedicated monopod (more like 55cm).

true. I use my monopod when sitting next to a soccerfield. So the height is okay for that use.
I have to agree, willrobb is right. I searched for something that fits my needs and may not fit your needs

The Redged has been compared with other tripods by some photomagazines  And, it actually got very good reviews. That is also why I bought it.
The price, yes, it may be a bit expensive. I paid 299 euros which I thought was not expensive since I got two-in-one. And it is carbon and good quality.

But, as I did, you have to put your list of criteria and make your decision based on those criteria.

It's what I'm trying to do, and all your comments are very helpful Thank you very much!

9

Software & Accessories / Re: Monopod (or tripod) buying advice

« on: December 03, 2011, 11:37:55 AM »

Exactly. Both are steadying devices, but each has different strengths and weaknesses.

Monopods are great for providing a little extra support with a heavy lens and for squeezing a bit longer exposure out of a camera. They are good for sports and wildlife with a long lens because they help provide some support. They are super portable, so if you are trying to follow something that moves, they work very well. Also, you don't have to be so careful about setup, since you can often just tilt the monopod one way or another to frame the scene the way you want it. A monopod used with the lens' IS can be a good combination in some circumstances. But, a monopod will do you no good once you get into long exposures.

Yes, supposed so.

Tripods are great for long exposures that are impossible to hand hold. If you need rock-solid support a tripod is the way to go. But, tripods take time to set up and frame the shot. It's hard to use a tripod on any moving subject and you're likely to lose pictures trying to set up and take down the tripod. IS is useless on a tripod and in fact, can cause problems.

Strangely enough, I'm more than extremely patient with people, but not while doing stuff

I don't really agree that a closed tripod is a good substitute for a monopod, but that's just me. I tend to use my monopod about 4 to 5 times more frequently than my tripod, but again, that's just my shooting style.

I also think that I'd use more the monopod than a tripod.

BTW, I just spent a week in Provence end of Sept., early October. We flew into Nice, drove to the Canyon du Verdon, then went to St. Remy-de-Provence, where we rented an apartment for a week. The light is incredible. I can really see how it could drive Van Gogh insane trying to capture the light. I'd go back in a second.

Didn't get the opportunity to go to South of France, but it's planned One of the most incredible things I saw was the sunrise on the Grand Canyon during a road trip in the USA in summer 2009. It was amazing, breathtaking!

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Software & Accessories / Re: Monopod (or tripod) buying advice

« on: December 03, 2011, 11:24:43 AM »

Thank you for your replies

[snip]
Gitzo gear is bit more expensive, but if it fits your budget it will last you for ever!  Good luck.

I studied Gitzo proposals (plus they're originally french, even if manufacturing is now in Italy ): even if good quality, they're kinda pricy (the Giotto's is 48€, whereas your Gitzo is 199€); as everything I'll be putting on it is lightweight, I guess I don't need something that sturdy.
I also watched Manfrottos, like the 680B and 294A4, which seem pretty neat, except that they don't extend as much as the Giotto's.

I, personally, like the idea of flexibility. And something light to carry.

So I purchased a tripod that includes a monopod. So two-in-one! Meaning I can detach one leg and use it as a monopod. The tri-/monopod is carbon. Very light to carry. And in its smallest size it is only 45 cm so easy to take in a / or on a backpack

For the monopodable-tripod, it's a neat idea, but it seems that they are pretty big when in monopod mode, and can't extend that much.

Mine is a Redged TSC-428G (special edition)

It's the first time I hear about Redged, how do they compare? Yours is kind of pricy, too, I'm looking about the other models.

Depends on what you are planning to shoot.

If you are planning to use your long lens in low light with a bunch of other photographers in the same space, or for wildlife where you don't have time to set up and you want some basic stabilisation, go for a monopod. If you want long exposures at night with any lens you currently own, or have time on hour hands, get a tripod.

I'm more thinking about using it while wandering about, be it in the city, or in the country (planning a road-trip in Ireland for next St Paddy's). My point was that I could use the monopod while walking, and the Gorillapod for long exposures at night.
I'm not a sport photographer nor wildlife, I'm more a "casual" one, mostly with friends or when walking around.

Basically your gear at the moment doesn't sound too heavy. Get a decent tripod and put the legs together and use it as a monopod if needs be, then you have all your other bases covered.

That's an interesting point, I didn't really think about it.

11

Software & Accessories / Monopod (or tripod) buying advice

« on: December 03, 2011, 05:40:45 AM »

Hi all.

I've been looking for a monopod (or a tripod) for some time now. I currently have a Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom with a Joby Ballhead X (so Arca-Swiss compatible); it's great, I've been able to take many shots (especially group) using whatever was available to put it on, but still, you don't always have something to do so.

My gear is currently made of a 500D (Rebel T1i), kit 18-55 and 55-250, 28 1.8 and Lensbaby Composer Pro.
I'm thinking of buying a 85 1.8, a 430EX Ⅱ (or 320EX), and 100macro, nothing heavier, due to my bad back.

So the heaviest lens I currently have is the 55-250, the heaviest I'm ever likely to put on it would be a 100macro USM.

I'm searching for something a bit lightweight (again, due to my back), and that extends quite a bit (I'm 183cm). Yes, I know you don't need something that extends that much (size of head, camera, level of your eyes), but I'd rather get something a little bit bigger for versatility.

My research made me think about the Giotto's GTMML 3290B, which seems pretty bang-on. Unfortunately, It seems the carbon version one (2290) is nowhere to be found — I live in France, btw, don't mind ordering overseas.

Does anyone have a better suggestion? I'm still not decided for lever or twist locks: what are opinions?

Any head suggestion? I'm thinking more of a ballhead than the Manfrotto 234.

Moreover, my current bag is the unconspicuous Domke F5XC, which I love; I can put everything I need inside it: body with lens attached, two more lenses (never do so, but still), the Gorillapod with head, a 50cl water bottle, some filters in a B+W pouch, and a book
For the monopod, I'm thinking about a Gitzo GC3320 holster, so that I can put either the Gorillapod or monopod on it — any record with it?

Thank you all

12

United States / Re: Prime lenses you currently own or on your wishlist.

« on: December 03, 2011, 03:16:01 AM »

I currently own (with a crop body):

• Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM,
• Lensbaby Composer Pro with Double Glass Optic,

and wish to buy:

• Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM,
• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM.

I know it's strange to get a Lensbaby as a second lens (not counting kit 18-55 and 55-250), but I was really intrigued by the look and feel of it, and thought it would be a great lens for parties. Unfortunately, when you've got some quantity of alcohol in the blood you can't be bothered to manual focus: I took one photo, thought it was unmanageable, and quickly swapped it for my love, the 28 1.8 — wish it had IS though, for that kind of parties =)
However, the Lensbaby is really nice for street photography or candid portraits =)

13

Lenses / Re: I wish I'd never sold my.....?

« on: November 30, 2011, 04:46:10 PM »

I don't really sell that many things at all, and being a relative newcomer in the photography world I still have everything I bought.

However the one and only thing I regret selling is my MG TF 160... Such an extremely great little car! Pretty sure I'll buy another one some time.

14

Lenses / Re: Minimalist photography

« on: November 13, 2011, 09:55:15 AM »

My current setup, a X00D body with an EF 28 f/1.8, pleases me enough: it's small and light so that you can bring it almost everywhere with you. Add an EF-S 55-250 IS or an EF 70-300 IS when you need to go tele, and you're pretty much done.

Sure it certainly won't bring super duper sharp pictures as with some other setups listed here, but so what? You'll be enjoying your time, and that's what's important, and won't have pain all over your shoulder

No, minimalism is about fundamental features.
A 1000D, an 18-55 kit lens and an EF 85mm f/1.8 will do. If you can’t take great pictures with that combination, anything better is a waste of money.

Funny that I ended up with a prime standard and kit zoom tele and you the other way

This said, my dream minimalist setup would be a NEX-7 with the Zeiss 1.8/24

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EOS Bodies / Re: This & That

« on: October 06, 2011, 11:22:15 AM »

The EF 28mm f/1.8 USM makes a great normal lens for the APS-C cameras in my opinion. It has almost been stuck to my camera since I got it.