Messages

46

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: First flash unit advice?

« on: March 19, 2013, 12:07:54 AM »

I have a Nissin Di866ii which has a similar GN to the 600EX of around 60.  Compared to a 430EX, the increased power is noticeable and handy.  But the extra power isn't enough to give me dramatically improved capabilities.  Therefore, I'd make my decision on the cost vs functionality of the flashes.  Are there any features that are must haves?  The 600EX is a well regarded flash.  Aside from the power output, there are a number of important features in the 600EX that interest people - the main one being the radio triggering (assuming you're looking at the 600EX RT).  The radio triggering will form the basis of Canon's flash units for the next XX years, and is something to consider if looking to future proof your system.

If you want my opinion (bearing in mind that I'm just a weekend hack who has never taken a professional photo in my life), if you just want a flash that works well, the 430EX is a great choice.  Good mix of power and features.  They are well made and should just keep going.  It can also be used as slave if you get into more advanced flash set ups.  Therefore, even if you move on to bigger and better things, this will always be a handy flash to own. (BTW, there have been a lot of rumors about the 440EX-RT which should be even better.....but, of course, waiting around for fictional products to materialize is rarely a prudent strategy.)

The big advantange of the 600EX RT is the radio triggering, but you only get the full benefit in a multi 600EX flash environment.  Which is costly. 

47

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Which camera brand you actively use, other than Canon?

« on: March 15, 2013, 02:08:15 AM »

Mamiya.  Occassionally Yashica and Minolta.  You're missing all of the cool brands.

48

Canon General / Re: Which eye do you shoot with?

« on: March 14, 2013, 06:18:09 AM »

Left eye.  And I'm right handed.  I understand the benefits of using the right eye, but it just doesn't work for me.

My natural tendency is to close my right eye.  But if I do this too much, I end up with a sore eyes and a headache.  Ultimately, the view from both eyes won't align for a period of time.  No idea why.  I have to consciously will myself to keep both eyes open.

49

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: DxOMark trashes the Leica M9 sensor

« on: March 13, 2013, 04:58:54 AM »

Another compelling reason not to switch to Leica.

But seriously...

Assuming their image quality actually is worse, it just means Leica buyers are probably putting more emphasis on portability, precision, quality workmanship and exclusivity. I don't think anything has changed here in the last 100 years.  And despite a low ranking, you'd be a brave person to say that Leica's produce inferior results.  Therefore, what's the use of the ranking anyway?  Are they really meaningful in any useful way? 

Interestingly, the low marks didn't seem to have affected the brand's prestige or sales.  The same might be said of Canon's marks vs Nikon. It would seem most people view DxO Mark as little more than a scientific curiosity.  Not something you'd base a serious purchasing decision on.

50

Software & Accessories / Re: IMac vs MacBook Pro vs Custom PC for editing?

« on: March 12, 2013, 04:15:49 AM »

...I haven't decided which direction I want to go on monitors yet, probably either a pair of Dell U2410 or U2412M monitors.  Those are about $400 and $300 each respectively. 

FWIW, I recently picked up a U2412M.  I'm impressed.   I know there are bigger, better and higher resolution monitors out there, but for $279, they are very good value.

51

Lenses / Re: Bridge not sharp - why?

« on: March 11, 2013, 01:22:11 AM »

Could the cable remote also have triggered the AF at the time of taking the photo resulting in the camera focusing on the wrong spot?

52

Canon General / Re: crap portraits of me

« on: March 10, 2013, 04:39:49 AM »

I'm often out in remote areas with nobody to help, so I've become adept at using a wireless remote and/or timer.

Thinking about it, the only time strangers take my family photos is when they come up and offer.  And generally, they know what they're doing.  In the same way, if I see someone taking a photo of their family, I'll often volunteer to take the shot so that the whole family can be in the photo.  Sometimes I won't even charge for this   There is a good spirit of camaraderie amongst photographers.

53

Lenses / Re: your goto everyday lens and why?

« on: March 04, 2013, 01:35:42 AM »

135mm f/2.  I love the focal length.  Most of my photos are of family and friends, and this lens is ideal for that.  Its long enough for some wildlife and sports.  Interesting and different enough for some landscapes.  The f/2 aperture is extremely useful when it starts to get dark.   It's not excessively big or heavy - you can carry it around all day.  All up, there is nothing this lens can't do and there is no lens that I like more.  Except maybe my 40mm.

54

Lenses / Re: Keep or sell??

« on: February 28, 2013, 10:31:49 PM »

Sell it.  You don't use it.  You're not going to use it.  What's the point of having it?

Use the proceeds to buy a 40mm f/2.8.  It will look prettier on your shelf.

55

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: FULL FRAME MIRRORLESS

« on: February 28, 2013, 04:57:30 AM »

A little surprised.  But then again, Samsung are marching towards worldwide domination in all things electrical from phones, to tvs to whitegoods.  I'd heard that their camera division was coming under increased pressure.  What better way to stand out?  Give the people what they want.  I wonder what their lenses are like?

56

EOS Bodies / Re: Pixel density, resolution, and diffraction in cameras like the 7D II

« on: February 28, 2013, 04:46:28 AM »

....here is the comparison shots i did.... the FF combo is noticably sharper...

Yes, but could you convince anyone that they were real?

Jrista, nice post.  In an ideal world, we'd all be shooting with the world's best equipment.  But as mentioned in one example above, due to financial constraints, many people are focal length limited or shooting with crop sensored cameras.  So its interesting to read about the positives of increased megapixels.

If people like you are taking a real interest in how some aspects of the 7Dii sensor might perform, I'm also hoping that the Canon engineers are also taking it seriously, too.  Wouldn't the world be an interesting place if the 7Dii had a spectacularly good sensor that rivalled some FF cameras at low ISOs?

57

PowerShot / Re: Compact Camera suggestions?

« on: February 27, 2013, 10:40:23 AM »

The Pentax K-01 with 40mm lens is looking well priced at $358.  Very good APS-C sensor, ISO up to 25,600, f/2.8 lens, compact camera simplicity.  Although lacks a viewfinder and AF isn't as quick as a DSLR.

58

EOS-M / Re: Future EOS-M Lenses

« on: February 27, 2013, 05:33:59 AM »

Unfortunatly, no long glass is available yet for micro 4/3

99% (or more?) of long lens use is for sports or wildlife.  Micro 4/3 isn't quite there yet.  The AF systems, while improving, currently isn't suited to this.  For example, its very, very difficult to get a good bird in fight shot.  Most people who can get a decent shot are using old-school manual focus lenses with adapters.  But, the next OM-D should move things up a notch.  Panasonic are also promising something special.  Following that, I'd be surprised if none of the m43 lens manufacturers (and there are 20 or so companies involved) didn't release a decent 200mm (AKA 400mm) or 300mm (AKA 600mm) lens.  After all, the real interest in micro four thirds lenses is in fast primes.

Ignoring arguments about aperture equivalence and sensor noise, an M43 300mm/f4 is going to be a lot more affordable and easier to handhold and use than the Canon 600mm.

59

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Can't they make 28mm F1.4

« on: February 27, 2013, 03:48:11 AM »

28mm is so 1980's!

(Actually, I'll take that back.  I could have sworn that was a fast FD 28mm lens.  But even back then 24mm was were all the cool people were hanging out.)

60

PowerShot / Re: Compact Camera suggestions?

« on: February 26, 2013, 04:08:22 AM »

If he likes smaller cameras, have a look at the Panasonic G3 ($249 at B&H without a lens).  The kit lens is an extra $99, but there are a number of lens options that would also keep him under budget.  Its a little bigger than traditional point and shoots, but should be a better performer overall.