Messages

46

Software & Accessories / Re: Backpack for photoequipment and hiking

« on: May 12, 2012, 11:36:46 AM »

F-Stop seems to be a good choice. Looks good.
I´m interested in the Satori Exp. If you take a smaller ICU inlay, thats smaller than the opening on the carrying side, does it cover the things you carry within the bag? Or is it open, so that the things outside of the ICU can be seen?
And how is the air circulation on the back and the carrying comfort?

I own a Satori Exp and a Loka as well as small and medium ICU's. As far as I can see the ICU's are all the same width, so even a small ICU is wide enough that nothing should drop out of your pack (see Dan Carr's review: http://dancarrphotography.com/blog/2010/11/02/introducing-the-new-f-stop-tilopa-bc-photo-backpack/ and scroll down to the pictures). The air circulation on the back is the only point that can be perfected on the F-Stop packs, the padding on the back panel is made from a relatively dense material and does not allow for very much air to reach your back. But apart from that, the packs are near perfect. For serious hiking or mountaineering (and depending on how long you want to be out and what you want to bring) I would consider the Tilopa BC because it is the most rugged one of the mountain series and its volume (48l) is pretty good.

47

Lenses / Re: Nepal/Tibet hiking with DSLR and lens - vacation feedback wanted

« on: May 08, 2012, 02:50:28 AM »

Thanks NWPhil for all the advice. Esp. rain sleeve and P&S. What make of tripod is that? Bag choice was why I joined the forum. As an ML I've got a very large 80lt pack with compartments and a 40lt daypack without. The one I was looking at (see link) had dedicated compartment in base and some room in the top for normal gear. Wondered if anyone had experience of these.

Have a look at this one http://fstopgear.com/en/product/mountain/tilopa-bc, they are awesome! I own two f-stop packs and can recommend them for pretty much everything from hiking to skiing or mountaineering. The Tilopa BC is 48lt and will take all your photo gear, water, extra clothing etc.

48

Lenses / Re: Nepal/Tibet hiking with DSLR and lens - vacation feedback wanted

« on: May 05, 2012, 11:24:33 AM »

Although I've never been to Nepal or Tibet, I have some experience with mountain hiking and carrying photo gear. In general I would agree with the other posters to go light. My standard setup is a 7D with 15-85 and 70-300, polarizers, spare batteries and CF cards. What to bring depends on what else you have to lug around and on how much time you have to take photos (there's not much sense in taking too many lenses if you have not the time to change them). And in my experience it depends also on the quality of your backpack. If you don't have one already, it really pays to invest some time (and money) on a very good pack that lets you carry relatively heavy loads comfortably for several hours and allows you quick access to your photo gear…
Most importantly: have fun and take care! 

49

EOS Bodies / Re: New Extensive Firmware for the Canon EOS 7D? [CR1]

« on: April 21, 2012, 05:28:47 AM »

* fully customizable Auto ISO
* EV +/- correction also working in "M" mode
* 3, 5 or 7 shot bracketing - user selectable

Add to that the capability to work with some decent GPS logging tools (not only the overly expensive Canon one that was announced with the 5DIII) and I'd be very happy indeed.

50

EOS Bodies / Re: Upgrading from "x" to the 5D3

« on: March 20, 2012, 09:43:01 AM »

Coming from the 7D (and keeping it)

51

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: DPP 3.11.10 and DLO Module

« on: March 18, 2012, 07:28:49 AM »

Is there a download link anywhere? I am very interested to try out DLO with my 7D/17-85 files – I guess DLO could help them a great deal in some cases 

52

Software & Accessories / Re: Looking for a new bag/backpack

« on: March 09, 2012, 03:17:50 AM »

+1 from me for the f-stop packs. Rather expensive but worth every cent. They are extremely well designed, versatile and nearly indestructible. Recommended for rough mountaineering and skiing as well as for strolling the city. 

53

Software & Accessories / Re: DPP v3.11 Digital Lens Optimizer - any thoughts or comments?

« on: March 09, 2012, 03:09:18 AM »

I assume such a feature would only benefit those shooting raw. Additionally, I doubt this feature will cause many to develop their raw files in DPP instead of Lightroom or the other 3rd party software available unless it performs some sort of mathematical magic.

If it helps getting more details in your pictures I'd think this was a great incentive to use DPP (I already do). And if they'd manage to make this function available for more than the newest models, that would definitely help. I'd love to process my 7D files with this function and thus be able to retain more details when applying NR in postproduction (NIK Dfine in PS5).

54

Software & Accessories / Re: DPP v3.11 Digital Lens Optimizer - any thoughts or comments?

« on: March 09, 2012, 02:21:04 AM »

2. DPP version
Which version of DPP wil be bundled with the 5DII ... v3.11.4 or a later version, e.g 3.11.5 ?
Is this version available for download already?

I can't comment on your first question but the DPP version now in circulation (v3.11.4) lacks this very interesting sounding function. So I would guess Canon will pack the 5DIII with a new version that includes DLO.

55

EOS Bodies / Re: Locking Mode Dial.

« on: March 07, 2012, 09:54:37 AM »

From a purely cosmetic/atheistic POV, the mode dial screams amateur, but functionality wise it fits the bill and moves easily... maybe too easily.  I'm thrilled the freaking thing has a lock now.

+1

56

EOS Bodies / Re: Why I think the 5D mkIII suits landscape photographers

« on: March 07, 2012, 03:40:29 AM »

I completely agree with the OP that the 5D III specs sound great for landscape and nature photography. This camera (with some decent glass attached to it) could certainly improve my landscape capabilities. I often shoot while hiking, mountaineering or skiing and therefore seldom carry a tripod with me. Clean higher ISO output would help me getting shots in some situations where my 7D simply does not deliver satisfying image quality.
I also like the fact that they put in better weather sealing and the GPS device sounds like an interesting addition for me too (although a very expensive one).

57

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D3 AA Filter?

« on: March 03, 2012, 04:58:19 AM »

According to Jeff Ascough, the AA filter is thinner: «Canon have made the anti-aliasing filter thinner to get higher quality - BUT - if you decide to put cheap lenses on this camera you may find them wanting.»

http://blog.jeffascough.com/photographers/

58

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Alternatives to the GP-E2 GPS Geotagger?

« on: March 03, 2012, 03:52:03 AM »

Hey Justin, thanks a lot for your answer! Much appreciated.

59

EOS Bodies / Re: Who thinks this is an ANTI-CLIMATIC product? As in, the 5DIII

« on: March 02, 2012, 04:49:05 AM »

For people expecting a baby 1DX at $2000 the 5DIII might be a disappointment. But if the specs we see on paper translate into clean high ISO pictures, snappy AF, better ergonomics etc. I would think of the 5DIII as a rather cool camera and I'd love to get one. The only thing that dampens my spirits a bit is the hefty price tag.

60

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Alternatives to the GP-E2 GPS Geotagger?

« on: March 02, 2012, 04:02:56 AM »

Geotagging my photos is an old wish of mine but until now I have not found a convincing solution for Canon/Mac users. 

From Canon's press release regarding the new accessories: «Compatible with the EOS-1D X, EOS 7D and new EOS 5D Mark III, the GP-E2 tags photos with longitude, latitude and altitude data as well as the direction in which the shot was taken, adding information to the EXIF file of the image.»

They state that the GP-E2 will be compatible with the 7D but on http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/gps_receivers/gps_receiver_gp_e2 they also say that half of its functions will NOT be available to 7d users: «†When the EOS 7D is used with the GP-E2 the following restrictions will apply: a) geotagging function will not work for movies while recording; b) geotagging features will not work for movies when using the Map Utility; c) electronic compass information and automatic time setting is not available; d) transmission via the hot shoe is not possible.» I'm not too bothered about the movie functions but the lack of compass information is rather disappointing – especially for a device with such a price tag (US: $390 / EUR: €279 / UK: £299.99 according to http://dancarrphotography.com/blog/)!

Are there any well functioning alternatives to the GP-E2 you guys know of? And perhaps a little less expensive than Canons' ?