Messages

31

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: My never ending Focus woes with my 5DMK3

« on: January 12, 2013, 02:09:14 PM »

There's a very good video on B&H Learn in Depth on Canon AF. It comes in 3 parts.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/indepth/photography/tips-solutions/look-canon-autofocus-system-part-1

It explained to me what each Focus points looks for & what is special about Cross-type points. How to use servo etc

I think the problem is that the car has no contrast points for the AF to lock on to. Or more specifically aiming all the focus points at the car is not the right way. You have to aim one of the little boxes at a point with contrast that contains either a horizontal or vertical line.

Plus you have to give the AF system a moment to focus & lock the target.

32

Software & Accessories / Re: Are lens skins worth it?

« on: January 12, 2013, 01:33:22 AM »

I bought the grey camo lens coat for my 70-200 2.8 II. Not for protection of the lens but more for protection for me. Walking around the city with a big white lens screams "mug me".

The lens without the cover always draws comments & that just creeped me out. With the cover no one says a thing.

33

Lenses / Re: Canon 100mm macro IS vs non-IS - any further input?

« on: January 11, 2013, 11:53:53 AM »

I've had both versions of the lens. I kept the L.

Obvious reasons, IS, weather sealing & L glass.

The problem I had with the non-L is hand-held in darker situations & keeping shutter speed over 1/100 with a T2i (limited ISO performance).  Of course, it's now a different story with 5D3 high ISO. But it's also nicer for the photo to keep the ISO down, regardless of the camera's strengths.

34

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: The AF Setting Guide Book for 5DM3 and 1DX

« on: January 08, 2013, 09:49:44 PM »

I found this B&H Learn In Depth video to be helpful. There are 3 parts.

A Look at The Canon Autofocus System Part 1
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/indepth/photography/tips-solutions/look-canon-autofocus-system-part-1

35

Canon General / Re: necessity of photography school

« on: January 08, 2013, 04:43:07 PM »

Plus, imo, you'd get more comfortable shooting with your own style rather than having a set system made by someone else.

Fine Arts courses specifically teach you to copy the style of the artists. So that when you do develop your own style, it will contain elements that you like of the Great Masters.

36

Canon General / Re: necessity of photography school

« on: January 07, 2013, 02:09:49 AM »

Thanks FatDaddyJones

37

Canon General / Re: necessity of photography school

« on: January 07, 2013, 12:34:43 AM »

can anyone recommend an online course?

38

Canon General / Re: Photography magazines

« on: January 07, 2013, 12:23:13 AM »

Magazine subscriptions are much cheaper via itunes/ipad. It takes a bit to get used to. But i am to buy magazines from all over the world. And they are much cheaper than news stand prices.

39

Software & Accessories / Re: Black Rapid and dropped camera?

« on: January 06, 2013, 02:56:40 PM »

I have the BlackRapid Curve. I just bought it and had the same concerns. The web site asks you to check the screw everytime you use it. They also advise that you use the connector to torque up the 'tightness', until you see the rubber compress. They have an instructional video.

I have used mine with a 5D3 + 20-200 2.8 II and it was amazing. However get used to placing your hand on the camera and 'guiding' the lens to the ground as you kneel.

40

Canon General / Re: Photography magazines

« on: January 06, 2013, 02:04:24 PM »

+1  on PhotoPlus Canon Edition for starting out.

You can get more in-depth information for free online. But sometimes its too much information and hard to digest.

Social photography groups are fantastic. But be wary of picking up 'not quite right' information etc

Best way is a little bit of each.

41

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Thinking of downgrading my 5d3 system

« on: January 06, 2013, 01:48:49 PM »

The weight is a huge factor. I have tried many straps to help me carry the 5D3 around. I finally got around to buying the BlackRapid Curve. AND WOW! what a difference.

The 5D3 plus 70-200 2.8 II was finally easy to carry. Plus it hangs around hip level, so it becomes discreet. When it's around my neck everyone comments about the size of the lens. But around the hip, no one noticed.

I recommend you try the BlackRapid Curve with a small lens. Go 'classic', ie photograph with a normal prime. The normal prime will force you to be more creative and think it terms of framing to get the shot.

Then decide whether to jump ship.

42

Lenses / Re: IS sound probleme 100 2.8 L IS USM Macro with my EOS 5D MK III ?

« on: January 04, 2013, 04:54:24 PM »

I haven't heard any noises in the same setup; 5D3 & 100L Macro. But then again I wasn't looking for it.

43

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Moving to FF Canon vs Nikon - I'm Confused...

« on: January 02, 2013, 03:42:45 PM »

I too 'jumped' from the Rebel T2i (550D). But I bought the 5DM3 at full market price.

Price will (almost) always reflect current purchaser demand. Basic economics the price consumers will actually pay intersecting with how much the producer can actually (or are willing to) supply.

Canon & Nikon technology will always keep up with each other, as best they can, with strong consideration towards their core markets.

If you're not happy with their current line-up of product offerings (or the price you will pay), then obviously, you are do not fall into one of their current target markets. This will change over time as prices adjust to market forces.

If you are truly interested in photography. ie the actual photographs as a result of the camera person's skill and expression.

Then I suggest you list your photography goals and the technology that will best help you achieve those goals. Select the system that you feel will best assist you.

Remember cameras come and go. ie you are prepared to ditch you 550D and move on. The high price of lenses and accessories (spent over time) will force you to stick to either Canon or Nikon.

If it is the trophy object (camera, car etc) that gets your rocks off. Then does it truly matter which camera you actually purchase... Buy the one that says WOW to you and makes you walk that bit taller.

The only reason that I buy Canon was that when I was prepared to buy my first dslr, the 550D was the best in the market, at a price that I was willing to pay, at that specific moment in time. I am now invested into the Canon system. I choose not to know anything about any other Camera manufacturer, as I am not prepared to devalue what I have already spent.

44

Lenses / Re: Ipad app by Canon

« on: January 02, 2013, 03:02:07 PM »

I use Canon Buddy (ipad & iphone).

It has lists of Canon Lenses for EF & EF-S, Sigma DC & EF, Tamron Di & Di II, Tokina EF & DX, Carl Zeiss ZE. There is also a favorites screen for lenses you want and lenses you own.

45

Software & Accessories / Re: AFMA advice sought

« on: December 30, 2012, 11:37:49 PM »

I just ran FoCal for the first time on my late 2011 17" Mac. There were a few hiccups. One was I had to reset some of the settings on the camera to re-run tests. Some tests just crashed. However, it was the first time I was running the software, so quite probably it was down to me not understanding what I was doing.