Messages

241

Lenses / Re: Aperture pronunciation - "F one point four" or "F one four" ?

« on: July 23, 2012, 09:36:04 PM »

What an esoteric community - It would take me a while to work out what a thirty five point four is.  Being a bit simple, and liking things easy, I'll vote for the "point" too.  But I think most people wouldn't have a problem either way.  F/14 would be "F fourteen" anyway, not "F one four".

Just learnt that US Air Force photographic reconnaissance aircraft from 1930 to1948 were designated the F1 to the F15.  Very appropriate.

242

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Is it my camera, my flash or just me?

« on: July 23, 2012, 06:43:09 AM »

Make sure the autofocus mode is in One Shot [ie not AI Focus or AI Servo].

243

EOS Bodies / Re: first pic of canon mirrorless?

« on: July 22, 2012, 02:54:59 AM »

Who is this camera geared towards? Point and shooters that want to feel like they have a small dsrl?

If the pricing is acceptable, it autofocuses with EF lenses and it has an EVF, I bet most buyers will be current Canon DSLR users who want something smaller and unobtrusive (but high IQ) when going to parties, the beach, pubs, mountain biking etc etc.  It will be the people on this forum that snap them up. 

And I think Canon got it right by releasing the budget model first.  Right now, few people are going to drop $2500 for a mirrorless FF when they've just bought (or are saving up towards) a feature packed 5Diii.  But if there's an APS-C one for around $400-$600, most of us will consider it very tempting. Very, very tempting.

I currently use a Olympus PEN when my Mamiya medium format or 1Ds aren't really appropriate. (And I know many other use Sony's for the same reason).  I love my little Olympus, but I'd drop it in a flash if the new Canon satisfies my criteria (reasonable price, EF compatibility and EVF).

244

EOS Bodies / Re: Should/can Canon keep making its own sensors?

« on: July 21, 2012, 03:16:10 AM »

If Canon became a pure marketing company, selling a camera made of components from other supplier's spare parts bins, it would quickly dissolve into irrelevance.  I'm not keen for that to happen and encourage Canon to keep making their own sensors. 

Despite numerous claims that Sony sensors are better, where is the real world proof?  They might have a slightly different "look", but better?  I've never taken a photo and thought it would be better if I'd used a Nikon or Sony.   

Anyway, arguments about sensors pale in consideration to the real issues - black and white vs colour, negatives vs transparencies, Velvia vs Provia vs Astia, kodak vs Ilford vs Rollei vs Fuji vs Fompan vs Agfa vs .... If only there was one film!

245

EOS Bodies / Re: first pic of canon mirrorless?

« on: July 21, 2012, 02:46:23 AM »

I'm reasonably ok with this.  But I'm anxiously waiting for confirmation of an external electronic viewfinder.  For any semi-serious photographer, this is a "must have".  Very curious about those camera strap connectors.  Looking forward to more details.

246

Lenses / Re: Question...To UV or not to UV...that IS the question!

« on: July 19, 2012, 09:02:06 AM »

I've no idea if a UV lens significantly distorts or degrades the image, but for what its worth, I rarely use one.  The only time I put one is when I'm shooting in dusty or dirty conditions (eg rally car races).  They are easier to clean and give me a little peace of mind when there are rocks flying around.

The only time I've ever dropped a lens (a 17-40), it had a UV filter on.  It fell on its side.  But the UV filter smashed into tiny pieces.  The lens itself was fine.  Cleaning all of the tiny shards of glass from the front element and filter thread was a time consuming process, as I didn't want to scratch it.  I thought I was quite lucky as the broken glass could have easily damaged the lens.

247

Portrait / Re: Goat Portrait

« on: July 18, 2012, 05:46:03 AM »

Wow, a goat topic.  OK - Not technically a portrait, but just wanted to warn everyone about this guy.  He lives on  top of Cheddar Gorge in the UK.  A nice place to picnic (see photo 2).  But this guy thinks he owns the place and likes to push people around.  A bit of a bully.  So I'm naming and shaming!

248

Portrait / Re: My photos look so dull

« on: July 18, 2012, 05:11:30 AM »

The 50mm should be fine.  I see that some of the sample photos were taken with more expensive lenses.  But really, this would only produce minor differences.  I've got a 50 / 1.8 myself and have never thought it lacking.  A couple of tips for using the lens:

1.  Buy a lens hood and use it.  Doesn't have to be the overpriced "Canon" one.  Just pick up a cheap one off eBay.
2.  It doesn't produce optimal results when you are aiming in the direction of the sun.  Try taking photos with the sun behind you (so that your shadow is pointed towards the subject) and see if this makes a difference.

I don't know if all of your photos always look like this.  If so, play around with some contrast and saturation settings until things start looking better.  But I suspect that your photos were just taken on an uninspiring,  dreary day.  If your subjects aren't in great light, the camera is unlikely to make things look better.  Taking photos in the early morning or late afternoon usually produces the best results.

You might notice that the sample photos were taken with a flash - The sparkle in the boys' eyes gives this away.   Try using a flash yourself (if outdoors, try it on a very low setting for a little fill).  Bouncing the flash off a wall or ceiling also works well to give a nice diffuse light.  The other advantage of using a flash is that you can keep your subject well lit, but reduce the background brightness slightly (making your subject stand out more).  Some fun things to try.

249

Site Information / Re: In Sympathy for CR Guy

« on: July 17, 2012, 07:52:44 AM »

I'm so sorry.  Our deepest sympathy is with you.

250

EOS Bodies / Re: 2023: a look into Canon's flagship body

« on: July 17, 2012, 05:16:19 AM »

I doubt there will be dramatic differences.

After thinking long and hard about Canon's decision not to incorporate new technologies and connectivity into their higher end cameras (eg bluetooth, wifi...), it recently occurred to me why.  As best as possible, they build their cameras to be future proof.  They don't want their cameras stuck with old technology.  And who knows what the computing and networking landscape will be like in 20 or 30 years time.

Therefore, my guesses: -

1.  The 1DX4 will be a DSLR;
2.  Incremental sensor developments.  Probably under 36mp;
3.  It will work faster.  More fps and faster autofocus;
4.  It will have a touch screen;
5.  Memory cards will be cheaper with more capacity;
6.  Minor battery improvements;
7.  It will offer focus bracketing.  This is where the camera makes incremental focus adjustments for macro focus stacking;
8.  The autofocus will see improvements to tracking.  It will be better able to identify moving subjects and lock on them;
9.  Buffers and write times will be concepts from the past.  It will keep taking pictures for as long as you can hold down the shutter buttons.
10.  By popular demand, the sensor size will change to 27x32.
11.  Canon will have a mobile app for the Android and Windows market for full remote control of the camera.  (They will briefly have an Apple app in 2015, but this will be pulled in retaliation after Canon loses a patent infringement case against Apple.  This is after Apple releases the iCam which takes the world by storm to become the number one selling camera.  Who'd have thought taking photos could be so easy?  It only has one button!  You just press it and the photo is there.  And it automatically uploads it to cloud storage, facebook, myspace, your blog etc.  And it will be white.  It will be so cool. The sensor size will be in the same ratio as the iPad - Canon mirrorless people with an old school 24x36 sensor will be very jealous about the sensor size).


The 1DX4 will be marketing at sports and nature photographers who will welcome its rugged nature and responsiveness.

However, most people will be using the cheaper 5D6, with its high MP count.  The 5D6 will still use the 24x36 amateur sensor format.  It will be a bit slower, with less weather sealing.  But essentially the same camera as the 1DX4.

Below that, it is mirrorless models marketed to the masses.  (or at least those who don't want an iCam).

251

Landscape / Re: Need critique please

« on: July 16, 2012, 06:00:07 AM »

I'd also crop out the carpark.  If you feel like a short drive back there, maybe try getting down low and closer to the sign.  With the slope of the land, you might be able to avoid the carpark entirely.  Perhaps take in more of the trees to the right.  Anyway, hindsight is always 20:20.

252

EOS Bodies / Sensor Format

« on: July 15, 2012, 12:37:37 AM »

After a rather stressful printing exercise trying to make 36x24 images fit nicely into 8x10 frames, is anyone else hoping the new canon mirrorless cameras will have a more printer friendly sensor ratio?   

Why do shops favour 8x10 frames with very little choice in the 8x12 range?

253

Site Information / Re: Optical Technician ?

« on: July 10, 2012, 06:35:36 AM »

Most lens designers have degrees in physics.  I assume that would also apply to camera lens designers.  But I've always had the impression that the lens designers for Canon and Leica were a very small, select group of people.  I doubt they have a lot of job vacancies.  Its good to set your sights high, but as stated above, I'd contact the companies directly to see what they look for.  Canon runs a graduate program.  Perhaps look into that.

Also, its often joked that Canon is run by accountants, not photographers.  Perhaps as one of their senior cost cutting, feature cutting, profit maximizing accountants you could have a real impact on their camera design.

254

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Is the future of DSLRs FF only?

« on: July 09, 2012, 05:10:46 AM »

Yes - In the next ten years, Canon will cease APS-C DSLR production as part of a move to APS-C mirrorless cameras.  They'll still make FF DSLRs as there will still be demand at the higher end.

255

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D Mark II with my 3 lenses question

« on: July 02, 2012, 12:24:53 AM »

Your lenses are good choices and are great lenses.  I essentially used the same lenses for a few years.  Late last year, however, I purchased a 135mm / f2.  Since then, I've barely used the 70-200.  Although you lose the benefits of the zoom, you gain much more light gathering ability.  Its also sharper at f/4, smaller and black (so stands out less).  I think if you start doing more weddings, some faster lenses would be good options - and would consider the 24-70, an 85mm or 135mm.  But other than that, stick with what you have until you clearly identify that something is lacking.

I've been on a flash buying spree over the last year.  Bought my latest one last week.  It is a Nissin Di866 Mark ii (a decision I made after reading a few comments on this forum - thanks guys and girls).  They're cheap - $240.  The advantage of it over the Yongnuos is that it offers HSS and I felt this justified the increased price.  Played with it all weekend.  It works well.  On the downside, it makes a funny crackling sound.  I initially thought it was broken, but apparently that's what they do.