Messages

16

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Review - EOS 6D By Gizmodo

« on: January 03, 2013, 09:29:07 AM »

The video quality on the 6D is essentially the same that we've been used to and creating workflows around for the past few years. Yes, the sensor makes for some moire if you are shooting that type of patterned subject, and yes Canon really should have fixed that by now, but to say that if you'll be shooting video you need a Mark III is a little ridiculous.

This single failure ruins the 6D as a viable alternative to the 5D3 for professional video.

Seriously? I just shot for a week in Mexico with the 6D and the video turned out great. There was even a shooter with the Mark III who was blown away by the quality of the 6D's video in low light.
We get it, the 5D Mark III shoots great video, but saying that the 6D can't be used professionally because it has the same issues that other professional cameras have had for years is a bit off, in my opinion.

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Yet another second body/backup camera question

« on: December 28, 2012, 08:28:41 AM »

I always tell people that the 5D Mark II didn't magically become a bad camera when the Mark III came out. I have one and still use it all the time, and recently these forums have shown me how many people still use the original 5D "Mk I"! I love the look of full frame, but I know tons of photographers who use one ff and one crop just to have the option of the extra reach, plus the frame rate of the 7D is awesome. You won't regret either!

As far as RAW performance, as long as you're using Adobe Camera Raw, Lightroom, Aperture, or something similar, noise shouldn't be an issue from the 5D around 1250 and 1600. You can honestly take 2500 or higher, but you'll be trading for sharpness. It all depends on your preferences and post-production methods. The Mark II has a pretty good center point for AF, and in low light especially I wouldn't even have the others enabled. I've heard good things about the 7D's AF but I can't speak on it directly.

Don't know if flashes fit into your shooting style, but a well-utilized shoe mount flash can make ISO worries and low-light focusing issues a thing of the past (mostly).

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Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Zeikos Lp-e6 battery does not work with canon charger that came with 6d

« on: December 24, 2012, 06:48:42 PM »

I have a bunch of Wasabi batteries that I used with my 5D Mark II. They'll power the 6D as long as they're charged using an old or offbrand charger (not the new one that came with the 6D) and the camera won't show a readout of how much battery is left. Very inconvenient, so right now my Wasabis are backups and my Canon's are the primaries.

19

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Only 1 lens

« on: December 11, 2012, 01:16:52 PM »

I agree with the multiple users suggesting the t3i, and t4i. Sure the kit lenses aren't the sharpest things in the world from a professional standpoint, but these are extremely capable cameras (& lenses) that can get great results for plenty of people. Technology keeps getting better and better but people seem to often forget that these "entry level" DSLRs are much more powerful than the professional ones not that long ago.

I say get a t3i or t4i kit package, and when you're in a better place financially start upgrading lenses.

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Suggestions for a first monopod for a 5D3...?

« on: December 05, 2012, 07:38:15 PM »

This is without a doubt the best video monopod I've ever used: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/737980-REG/Manfrotto_561BHDV_1_Fluid_Video_Monopod_W_Head.html

+1 I have this Monopod and it superb + it has the 501PL quick release plate, as I also have the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with 701HDV head, I can switch across between them. I'm probably going to get a 055MH05-Q5 Manfrotto ball head after xmas and that also uses the 501 quick-release plate (you can buy extra plates for around  21 euros or <$30, if you wanted to use them for lights, speedlites etc. or if you wish to keep one permanently o your new 70-200 and another on your DSLR)

I can also vouch for the 561BHDV-1. It's really a tremendous thing (though a bit pricey) and it works with the 501 QR system I use on my tripod -- a HUGE benefit. Quick release plates are much more useful when you can change between stabilizers quickly.

Which is why instead of the 561BHDV-1, I'd recommend the 560B-1. It uses the same QR system as your tripod. Only downside is that it doesn't have the video head, but my first monopod didn't either and it was still a fantastic tool for photo and video alike. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/434422-REG/Manfrotto_560B_1_560B_1_Fluid_Video_Monopod.html

I wasn't sure about the feet at first, but the first time you use a monopod with a fluid cartridge and feet your mind is completely blown. Also, I've used the RC2 based monopod with an XH-A1 on top boomed over a crowd and never had any fear about stability. Lock it down tight and you should be ok.

21

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Canon EF 50 f/1.4 for $299 at B&H

« on: December 03, 2012, 11:11:48 PM »

Also $299 on Amazon if anybody prefers: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Standard-Medium-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B00009XVCZ

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Third Party Manufacturers / Re: 4K 15 FPS

« on: November 29, 2012, 08:00:21 PM »

Depending on the type of motion being filmed (slower/less complex would be better), the 4K mode could potentially be time-stretched in post-production into perfectly usable footage. Same concept behind the HDR workflow in Magic Lantern.