Messages

406

EOS Bodies / Re: Nikon D800 Canon 5D MkII comparison

« on: February 19, 2012, 12:22:25 AM »

Have to admit I quote enjoyed reading that bit of fun (then again it is 5 in the morning and I’ve got insomnia) what I do find interesting is the spec sheet comparison and just how well the MkII stands up. I wasn’t doing digital SLR photography four years ago so it really brings home just how much of a game changer it must have been when it was released. Put in a better AF and duel card slots improve the IQ at higher ISO a bit and those spec sheets would look very similar to me, and I’m sure that’s the least they will do.

407

Software & Accessories / Re: Photo editing software for a new user...

« on: February 15, 2012, 03:47:49 PM »

Zim, that hurts. Free software is free for many reasons. There are many developers and corporate sponsors out there giving up their free time and knowledge to bring us great software like Gimp, Firefox, Open Office, Linux, Apache... Please don't disrespect them. True, there is a lost of nasty free software, but there is also very good stuff. Even Mac OS is based on free software (BSD), as is Android. Probably even some of the firmware in Canon's cameras.

sposh I find it hard to believe I’ve hurt anyone but in case I really have I apologise.
I disrespect gimp (actually I think I dismiss it) and open office (you mentioned it) for that matter as it’s my opinion and I’m allowed an opinion as I believe that offerings will always remain underdeveloped compared to the offerings from Adobe, Corel, Serif, DxO. Please don’t put words in my mouth by lumping this opinion in with client/server software like Linux and Apache the original OP was asking about editing software and it was in that context that I made my comment.
I’ve been in IT for more years than I’m prepared to admit, I’ve run an adult training department I know the difference between learner friendly and user friendly. I know how much help and resource there is out there for mainstream. I’d also recommend getting a few copies of the likes of PhotoPlus magazine which exclusively deals with Canon gear and is great for the less experienced, but unsurprisingly doesn’t have many articles on Gimp.
In my opinion it’s wrong to recommend Gimp, go main stream is what I say, your opinion is different nothing wrong with that I certainly wouldn’t smite you or anyone else for it.

408

Lenses / Re: A Brief Hands-On With the 3 New Lenses

« on: February 15, 2012, 08:13:22 AM »

Very excited about those two primes. Really hope this will continue to 35 and 50. I agree with the article that a either a 24 or a 28 and a 35 would have been more logical but I’m sure Canon had their reasons and as long as a 35 and 50 comes around I’ll be real happy (and I don’t do vid)

409

Software & Accessories / Re: Photo editing software for a new user...

« on: February 14, 2012, 05:07:35 PM »

Have to agree DPP is a great place to start and it’s included with your camera purchase. Going further you won't do better than Photoshop Elements, Lightroom is superb though if you have the dosh. If you have no experience of graphics software I honestly would stay clear of freeware, it’s free for a reason.

Happy editing!

410

EOS Bodies / Re: IS vs IQ

« on: February 14, 2012, 12:44:08 PM »

This IS debate thing is really interesting to me. When I was (a lot) younger I could hand hold a 200mm lens at 1/250 quite successfully. I simply cannot do that now. In fact I need IS right down to 50mm now if I want to have a shutter speed less than light speed, I must have a very short frequency  , I’m talking sharp 12x10s + not 8x6 holiday snaps. I think in (my) real world you can have all the IQ you like, and I want a lot of that, but without IS it’s wasted on me. That’s why the new 24-70 was such a disappointment to me it’s clearly been designed for pro togs which is fine but where’s my choice? The EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM lenses do therefore make a lot of sense to me and if the 50 1.4 gets the same treatment then job done Canon that’s my choice (24 & 50) but I’d still rather of had one real high quality zoom to cover that range though, I’ll be amazed if the Sigma/Tamron offerings come close but you never know.

411

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Which Speedlite

« on: February 13, 2012, 03:13:12 PM »

580exii  + yongnuo external battery pack it's the right thing to do. Just need to get the finances sorted. I'm holding on to my eye teeth, right hand and granny for the 5dblaa. anyone wanna buy a spleen? 

Assume a 580exii will work with a new 5D!!!

Thanks eveyone for all for the advice

412

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Which Speedlite

« on: February 12, 2012, 07:41:00 PM »

  I think the Hubble is being powered by something that looks like that!!

413

Lenses / Re: Next 5D Kit Lens

« on: February 12, 2012, 03:11:52 PM »

I'd have thought if it can be bought with a kit lens it would be an IS lens

414

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Which Speedlite

« on: February 11, 2012, 08:03:47 PM »

....and the 430 doesn't support an external battery pack by the looks of things

hmmmmmm maybe have to divery some funds from somewhere else! 

PS Wouldn’t dream of doing a wedding, way too important a gig! have done a christening for a friend though, not for money and a long time age. Funny thing is that baby is getting married next year and I’m hoping to have a nice shiny new 5D-whatever by then. Again though wouldn’t dream of getting in the way of the pro photog, more fun doing peripheral/party stuff anyway.

415

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Which Speedlite

« on: February 11, 2012, 06:57:37 PM »

Thanks for all the replys.....

Comparing the  recycle times of a guide 43 flash with a guide 60 to full power is hardly fair.  If the gun need to fire at guide 60 then the Canon 430 won't be able to do it.

As I said in my original post "To compare like for like would anyone know what the recycle time for the Nissin would be at the equivalent Gn43?" I agree it wouldn't be fair. Maybe that wasn't the correct way to frame the question.

Using an external power pack roughly halves recycle times, the Canon has a Yongnuo version at about £35, but the Nissin doesn't seem to have an equivalent, and their own costs a ridiculous £245.

.... and MazV-L
I hadn’t considered this, assuming that the external source would be for more life only. +1 Spot on advice exactly the kind of thing I was concerned about not concidering/being aware of.

You could consider the Canon 580EX which goes for around £240 on Ebay but the II version isn't much more fetching around £275

If I can find a 580EXII for £275 that would be amazing but I have to admit I'm coming down on the 430 side at the moment, it’s fast enough as it is and if I need more a battery pack sounds like a perfect combo.

Regards
Z

416

Lenses / Re: Canon EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6L IS [CR10]

« on: February 11, 2012, 12:35:32 PM »

Isn’t it fluoride that gets you those sparkly clean pics? 

417

Lenses / Re: Canon EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6L IS [CR10]

« on: February 11, 2012, 11:43:40 AM »

Brilliant, is it wrong that I really really want a white Nifty Fifty. Come on Canon how long do we have to wait, if this isn’t released before the end of the month that’s it I’ve had it    Does Dulux do Nikon white?

418

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Which Speedlite

« on: February 09, 2012, 06:44:06 PM »

Thanks wickid, googling....... 

419

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Which Speedlite

« on: February 09, 2012, 05:39:10 PM »

Hi Diverman,
Thanks for the reply. I should have been a little clearer in that the 430 is on my short list because of it’s full power recycle time I’m sure it would be more than adequate for my needs too. It’s just that the 866 looks better spec’d overall to me hence the temptation but if it’s slower to use then the 430 is a no-brainer!

Regards

420

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Which Speedlite

« on: February 09, 2012, 04:08:56 PM »

I'm looking to buy a flashgun and have got the choice down to the following;

Canon Speedlite 430EX II
Guide No. 43 (at ISO 100/m)

Nissin SpeedliteDi866 Pro
Guide No. 60 (at ISO 100/m)

Both are very closely priced around £200 which is a good price point for me.

I’d like a fast recycle time. From what I can gather the Canon is around 2.5secs and the Nissin 5.5secs both on full power. To compare like for like would anyone know what the recycle time for the Nissin would be at the equivalent Gn43? as that would be enough for the distances involved where I need it faster.

Looking at all other specs I’m favouring the Nissin but would the Canon being a Canon give better overall integration and ease of use?

Any thoughts/advice most appreciated (inculding any others that you feel are better at around this price)