Messages

1

Software & Accessories / Re: Screen protector question

« on: May 23, 2013, 10:19:12 PM »

so is that correct the LCD screen cover cannot be replaced seperately?

It was replaceable separately when I shot with the 1Ds, overpriced clunker that it was...
10 minutes over the counter at CPS and no charge. Obviously if the damage goes deeper than just the LCD screen cover, then it's a different story.

-PW

2

Software & Accessories / Re: Screen protector question

« on: May 23, 2013, 10:14:15 PM »

The glass used by Canon for the screen is so astonishingly tough, the only people who would say you need protection are the manufacturers of the protection.

-PW

Remember this post?
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=14604.msg264771#msg264771

Hah! I missed that thread. It seems I have just been incredibly lucky. Forget everything I said on the subject. Buy protection...

-PW

3

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Why is my 5D3 so noisy???

« on: May 23, 2013, 10:07:22 PM »

When shooting higher iso's, ETTR is an absolute 100% must.
Right from the start I've been astounded how much detail there is in 5D3 highlights before they blow to 255.

Modified technique on your part should deliver fantastic high iso 5D3 image files.

-PW

4

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Canon 5D Mk3 Reliability

« on: May 23, 2013, 07:54:42 AM »

My 5D3 needed a new shutter in the first 10 days. It was the first in Australia. Other than the inconvenience,  it didn't fuss me all all. Just one of those things. CPS fixed it in 48 hours and loaned me a 1DX for that period.

Since then it's had constant and frequently heavy daily use and has delivered flawless performance just as one would reasonably expect.

Any mass produced item is going ship the occasional flawed unit...that's reality. Why sweat the small stuff? I wouldn't let isolated cases undermine the accurate perception that these are generally utterly reliable cameras.

-PW

5

Reviews / Re: Can we have a 16-35 2.8L II review next please?

« on: May 22, 2013, 10:25:09 PM »

Can we have a 16-35 2.8L II review next please?
Umm... That's it really.
Please!! 

Do a Google search for Canon 16-35 f/2.8II review and you'll have enough reading matter for a full 24 hours.
And you'll learn a lot about the 16-35...

FWIW, my experience with the 16-35 f/2.8II is that is is a competent though imperfect lens. I think you'll see that born out when you read some of the 100's of reviews for this lens that you will find on the www.

-PW

6

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5D Mark III inability to use AV mode with any flash

« on: May 22, 2013, 10:19:14 PM »

No Aperture Selection When Using a Flash in AV on the Mark III, NOT GOOD!

I'd say it's a Nissin thing or user error...I've used 5D3 with AV and 580exII multiple times per week since the 5D3 first shipped. No problems over here...

-PW

7

Lenses / Re: Can the 70-200 2.8L II IS replace my 100L and 135L?

« on: May 22, 2013, 07:47:17 AM »

Can the 70-200 2.8L II IS replace my 100L and 135L?

In a heartbeat...yes.

-PW

8

Software & Accessories / Re: Screen protector question

« on: May 21, 2013, 09:32:06 PM »

The glass used by Canon for the screen is so astonishingly tough, the only people who would say you need protection are the manufacturers of the protection.

I shoot every day with two-three bodies and have done so with digital for all of this century. I smashed a screen on a 1Ds when it flopped back on a tripod that wasn't locked. Canon CPS fixed it for free in 10 minutes. I very slightly damaged a screen on a D30  (not to be confused with the 2006 30D) after it bashed continuously against a belt buckle while attempting to ride a horse. I'm not especially careful with my gear, and other than those two careless mishaps every screen I've had has been pristine at the end of 2-3 years of hard labour when the bodies are upgraded.

Save your protection for other fun pursuits.

-PW

9

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Am I crazy to sell my Canon gear?

« on: May 21, 2013, 04:09:33 AM »

I don't want to give up photography. I just want to be able to take good pictures for my personal portfolio! So I'm considering selling all of my Canon gear (Canon 5Dc, 17-40mm, 50mm, and 70-200mm) and buying a smaller set up that is unobtrusive.
I planned on getting this set up:

• Sony NEX C3 w/ 16mm f/2.8
• Sigma 30mm f/2.8
• Sony 50mm f/1.8

I'd much prefer to have your current setup than the kit you have suggested.
Seeing as you asked, to answer your "am I crazy?" question....I say yes.

-PW

10

Software & Accessories / Re: Web Gallery Plugin/Software - recommendations?

« on: May 20, 2013, 09:21:52 PM »

I just use Lightroom. I understand that they might not be up to some clients specs...

Yes the LR web gallery presets are useful, and can be made to look quite presentable.
Unfortunately they don't provide the option of displaying the filename in the thumbnail view.
For clients making high speed, deadline driven decisions this is a must.

-PW

11

Software & Accessories / Re: Web Gallery Plugin/Software - recommendations?

« on: May 20, 2013, 09:16:51 PM »

Caught this one when Sal Cincotta did a marketing your photography business on Creative Live.

http://slideshowpro.com/ - hosted, but monthly fees
http://slideshowpro.net/ - buy it to host yourself

http://www.creativelive.com/instructor/sal-cincotta

I haven't had a chance to play with it yet, but give it a go and let me know.

Slideshow Pro looks really great...but like it or not we're heading into the post-flash era.
Plenty of clients and AD's are viewing on iPads or actually request non-flash delivery.

-PW

12

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: 135mm f/2.8 (or faster) manual focus lens?

« on: May 20, 2013, 07:20:51 PM »

Are you sure 135mm will be long enough? I used to photograph my girlfriend performing classical recitals with a baroque ensemble and I found I needed 200mm for those tighter portraits, mainly because I had to stand a fair distance away in order not to be a nuisance to the audience. Very different from a pop concert where you can stand pretty much wherever you want.

Remember to use the 6D's silent shutter mode. 

+1 Often in these situations I'll at least take the 300is f/2.8  with with me, and often as not I'll shoot 25% of the job with it. You've got a few weeks. If you don't want to drop your $$ on a new lens right now, go to Gumtree/Craigslist/eBay and get a good pre-owned 135 f/2 or 200 f/2.8 or preferably a 70-200 f/2.8 (is or non-is) and sell it again when you've finished the gig. You probably won't drop a penny on it and if you buy smart you could make a small profit.

Another +1 for silent mode. I use it all the time on the 5D3.

-PW

13

Software & Accessories / Re: Web Gallery Plugin/Software - recommendations?

« on: May 20, 2013, 07:10:32 PM »

Doesn't anyone create client web galleries?

-PW

14

Software & Accessories / Web Gallery Plugin/Software - recommendations?

« on: May 16, 2013, 08:13:19 PM »

CS6 won't run the now ancient (though perfect for my needs) custom web gallery template I patiently built back in CS2 days. I find the web gallery templates available through Bridge and Lightroom don't quite cut it for showing commercial clients their images.

The Turning Gate http://shop.theturninggate.net/ on the face of it looked like a great solution. So I got the $25 CE3 Gallery plugin. OMG it's HUGE! It's bloatware! It's so complex and poorly designed it ultimately defeated me. The galleries it is capable of generating are mostly terrific, but the mud you have to wade through to get there takes far too long and pushed my blood pressure to dangerous levels.

Can anyone point me in the direction of good, viable web gallery creation software/plugins? I'm not after freeware necessarily, just something that looks professional, is configurable and just works.

Thanks in advance.

-PW


 

15

Lighting / Re: Buff Einsteins can use any Balcar accessory?

« on: May 16, 2013, 07:47:49 PM »

You're going to love the Einsteins. I bought one out of sheer curiosity when they first shipped. Now, a few years later my six Profoto 600 compact monos, two Profoto 2400 floorpacks plus heads and a raft of Profoto modifiers have all been sent off to eBay. 

Now I'm as happy as Larry with six Einsteins and a bunch of modifiers, triggers etc. Contemporary lighting techniques and the totally viable option of cranking up the iso on the 5D3 means you don't necessarily need two 2400 floorpacks belting out full power to get your shot.

AFAIA there is modifier interchangability between Balcar, Alien Bees, Einstein and/or White Lightning strobes. But with the amazingly low cost of PCB modifiers, this is pretty much a non-issue.

If you wanted another verification, join up and post a question on the PCB Forums.
http://www.paulcbuff-techforum.com/

-PW