Messages

151

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 7Dmk2 any rumors??

« on: March 20, 2012, 07:32:57 PM »

Nice shots Paul!

I really wanted to get a 7D because its smaller than the 1D but when i compared it I still found the aging 1D to be better i was very sad, I really hope the 7Dmk2 fixes up the sensor
and I am sure they will give it the 61pt sensor too, I'm pretty confident the 7D2 will stay APS-C as much as i wish for an APS-H small form factor i doubt i'll see one 

also unfortunately I expect any 7Dmk2 to come in at around $2500 which will make alot of people unhappy
me included but that seems to be the way of things

Ideally it would be nice if it were closer to $2000 but thats wishfull thinking

I posted some pics from the 1D3 with the 600f4.5 FD lens here
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php/topic,3594.0.html

Thanks wickidwombat

Yes I can imagine that even an ageing 1D body will have some advantages over the 7D.  However for me, the 7D hit the right balance, between handling, image quality and price. While I have plenty of disposable income to afford a higher end camera, I aim to be a good steward of money - particularly donating to worthwhile causes around the world.

When I compare the 7D to my 350D, the level of improvement on noise quality isn't that much, but it does have the advantages of more pixels and higher ISO settings. The biggest improvements for me were much superior AF, handling / usability, etc.

I bought the 7D quite early on at a 'bricks and mortar shop' - so prices for it were fairly high; but I needed to as I am the designated photographer for charity camps I lead. These camps are for children in vulnerable situations. So I wanted a camera body that would work in that setting (good AF, solid body, higher ISO than my 350D could offer), and so the 7D definitely does very well for me. Also purely as a camera when used for the personal 'hobby' side of things, it does very well (my main genres are landscapes, wildlife and macro). 

While the sensor isn't nearly as good as the 5D or other FF versions, when it came out - it was the best APS-C camera on the market, and still is one of the better handling and suited AF systems of crop sensor camera bodies.  I really dislike the 5D and 5DmkII AF points all being clustered in the centre.  The new 5DmkIII 61pt AF (same as the 1DX) is a big improvement in this regard.  I'm not sure that the 7D will inherit this though.... I'm happy with the 7D's current 19pt AF - as they are all cross-type and very responsive.

I agree with you that the 7DmkII won't use a APS-H sensor (personally I think Canon won't produce another APS-H sensor). I prefer the APS-C anyway - and look forward to some improvement in the replacement (mainly in ISO noise, sharpness and dymanic range). I don't want / need more than 18MP. Even slightly fewer MP would be ok by me.   

If such an improved 7DmkII will initially retail around AUD$2500 and will reduce a bit over time, that suits me (if I will need to replace my 7D... but it could be I don't need to!)

Thanks for your kind words on my photos..... I looked at your photos in your 600f4.5 FD lens thread, and posted a reply there too. Good wildlife shots!   

Regards

Paul

152

Lenses / Re: 600mm f4.5 FD

« on: March 20, 2012, 07:15:22 PM »

Hi wickidwombat

Phew!!! I'm glad that your lens and camera are safe. Good catch!   

I like the photos in this post, particularly sized down a bit they look very decent. And usually a 600mm lens is huge and expensive, so for what it is, looks like you've got a good setup to reach 600mm.

The first photo of the kookaburra (with the lighting on it's head) and both kangaroo photos are well composed.  Thanks for sharing some of our awesome Aussie fauna on this thread. 

My longest lens is my 70-300mm L.  While I would love a longer lens, (eg in the 500mm to 600mm area) - I can't justify the cost and weight. As I try to get as close as I can to birds and wildlife, often 300mm is long enough (anyway on my 7D it is equivalent to 480mm in 35mm format, so that's not bad).

Best wishes

Paul

153

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 7Dmk2 any rumors??

« on: March 19, 2012, 08:31:29 PM »

While I have been following the 'relatively' recent rumours and then announcements of the 1DX and 5DmkIII... it is the 7DmkII that I'm really most interested in.   

The reason is that I have a 7D and I do not plan to move to a FF camera (at least, not at this stage). I enjoy photography as a serious and passionate hobby, and I take photos covering a wide variety of situations and genre.

I'm very happy with the 7D, though I do acknowledge actual image quality could be improved upon (noise at both low and higher ISO settings and dynamic range). There are also other improvements that could be implemented in a 7D replacement's handling and functionality too... However having written that, I find the 7D the most suitable camera for my needs and price range.   

Personally, I don't think that the 7D successor (aka 7DmkII) will be an APS-H camera.  Actually I think that the APS-H sensor won't be produced by Canon any more, for any camera.  Particularly with the announcement and release of the 1DX, I think the current / new Canon focus will be on APS-C for budget / entry level and 'reach' - and FF for megapixels and professionals.

I have a core set of lenses that I'm very happy with (including the Canon EF-S 15-85mm USM IS and the Sigma 10-20mm EX - which are only suitable for Canon APS-C  cameras). I also love the 70-300mm L on my 7D (giving me the 'equivalent' of a 112 - 480mm in 35mm format). The Canon 100mm USM macro rounds out this 'core lens set'.   

So as a few people have already mentioned, I hope that the major improvement to the 7D will be better image quality (eg less noise at all ISOs). If they improve the AF and FPS, that will be a bonus.  But I'm very content with the current 19 cross-type AF points and the 8 FPS.  For example 2 weeks ago I took a series of bird in flight photos that I'm very happy with, and have received a lot of praise and appreciation from many people, including many serious photographers.  See the photos attached to this post (note they have been downscaled for web).

Therefore I'm looking forward to what the future holds. I doubt that I'll 'jump' at the new 7DmkII when it's released, unless my current 7D is dead or 'on the way out' - and the 7DmkII street price upon release seems right. I expect I'll wait till I'll really need a replacement / new camera. Who knows, that might be when the 7DmkIII is being rumoured about... or even released. I used my Canon 350D from 2005 till I got my 7D in late 2009, and I use my 350D as a backup, and it still takes good photos (even with a high - over 80,000 shutter count!)   

Best regards....

Paul

154

Landscape / Re: Sydney Harbour Landscape

« on: March 19, 2012, 07:34:05 PM »

Bennymiata

Great shot! I particularly like the colours of the 1st photo -those shades of blue - and with the lighter sky / dark clouds and lights (on bridge and in the city)  make a beautiful balance.

As an Aussie... it's an emotive and iconic image of our largest city - though I'm also glad to say I don't live in Sydney - as at this stage in my life I prefer the quieter pace & more community orientation of Adelaide... 

Also, thanks wickidwombat for your images... a nice different perspective.

Cheers. 

Paul

155

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5D Mark III quick control dial not responding occasionally

« on: March 19, 2012, 01:35:33 AM »

Hi Turbocharged (and welcome to these forums).

I have a Canon 7D, and I have the same experience as you state with your new 5DmkIII (That is, after zooming in to review a photo, the quick control wheel on the back of the camera body does not move to the next photo).

However this is NOT a 'problem' I believe, but a built in function of the camera/s.  So when one zooms in, the joystick can be used to move the 'zoomed in' part around, but the quick control wheel will only move to the next photo when you are viewing the full photo (or from memory, a page of 'multiple photos' (eg 4 photo thumbnails, or 9 photo thumbnails).

When you say that it doesn't happen every time, I think you need to 'zoom back out' to 100% (rather '1 full image displayed on the screen') to progress to the next one.  That's my thought....

I hope this helps.

Paul

156

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Canon 7D vs Canon 60D - Can't decide which to upgrade to.

« on: March 19, 2012, 01:28:37 AM »

I have the Canon 7D, upgrading from the Canon 350D (so yes, it was a huge upgrade). Image quality of the 7D is superior, but moreso the AF, handling, and advanced capability of the 7D were bigger improvements than 'raw' image quality. Having handled a number of xxD cameras, the 7D is definitely a step up from 60D. But obviously, the 60D is a step up again from the xxxxD / xxxD lines.

Buying good glass is, however, more important in most situations than newer / better bodies. After upgrading to the 7D I now have lenses that I'm very happy with (eg 15-85mm, 100mm macro, 70-300mm L and Sigma 10-20mm EX).  In recent months I've sold the 28-135mm, 100-300mm, 50mm f1.8. (I still keep the 18-55mm kit lens, 'just in case' or for a lightweight walk around on my 350D, OR to possibly give away).   The only lens I'm now looking for is a new / improved Canon 50mm f1.4 or f1.8 (which doesn't have to be an L... but I must be true USM for me)!

So I agree with the advice you've received about getting a new lens first (eg the 15-85mm) and waiting till the 7DmkII or other new xxD (eg 70D) might come round, to make your decision.  The 15-85mm IS USM is just SUCH a great, versatile, sharp lens - the USM and IS are fantastic too.  So seeing what the next round of Canon 'mid range' cameras have to offer in terms of handling and AF is important, to ensure that you can have a suffiently powerful AF for 'basketball games' and 'group events' - as this very important in my opinion and experience.

All the best. 

Paul

157

Lenses / Re: Good/Better/Best Macro for T3i

« on: March 15, 2012, 05:40:08 PM »

A cheap entry level macro lens would be the 50/2.5 which is a 1:2 lens rather than the majority of the ones mentioned here which are 1:1.

To the OP original question

*All Canon*
Good = 50/2.5
Better = 100/2.8 or 60/2.8 EF-s
Best = 100/2.8 L

A buddy of mine has the Tamron 90 and says it is good.

+1

I have the Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM macro, and it's very good. Sharp, great bokeh, etc.  As I do nearly all my macro hand-held (and all my serious macro is hand-held) - I decided I didn't need the L and saved a couple hundred dollars that way.  I also use my 100mm macro as a casual portrait lens too.

Paul

158

Lenses / Re: I'm in a lens pickle

« on: March 06, 2012, 08:37:18 PM »

As you wrote:
   "I am basically just an all around photographer who does a significant amount of video work as well. would prefer to stick with canon L lenses"
my advice would be NOT to sell the 24-105mm lens. It's such a convenient focal range, good quality, has IS, USM and it is an L lens.  So it is easily a 'go to' lens for FF.

Maybe a prime, such as a 35mm f1.4 L, 50mm f1.4 (or 50mm f1.8 if you want to try something cheaper) or a 85mm f1.8, or even 135mm f2.0 could be useful for your video work, or to present you with more options for depth of field control.

As we are not sure of your photo shooting style, I am not sure the 16-35mm f2.8 L is a suitable lens for you, as it's more of a specialist lens (ultra wide to wide on a FF).

All the best. Hope you'll get out of your pickle.

Paul

159

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 7D Mark II specs wishlist.

« on: March 05, 2012, 10:49:35 PM »

I am a photographer who owns and uses the current 7D extensively, and I really like the camera. It is a very good step up from other APS-C cameras.

My 7DmkII wishlist is:

• 5 Custom settings on mode dial (get rid of "Creative Auto" and "Full Auto")
  
• Apart from that keep the body the same
• At least 2 stops cleaner 18MP APS-C sensor
• Improved DR at all ISOs, especially at 100 and 200 (for landscapes)
• Exposure bracketing allowing up to 9 photos (+/- 5EV)
• Dual Digic 5+ (one dedicated to AF)
• Built in interval meter
• Price AUD $1800 - $2000

Possibly / optional (points below not critical to me)

• Possibly up to 30 AF points (all cross-type, need to be well spaced out
• ISO up to 25,600 (or 51,200 - even if noisy)
• Fast & full time AF for video & Live View - linked to AF button (can use FT MF on USM lenses)
• Dedicated mirror lock-up button, or assignable to an existing button eg MFn
• Sturdy flip out screen (useful for macros)
• Option of 12fps @ 8MP or 10 fps @ 10 MP
• Dual cards (SD backup for ultra critical events / photo outings)
• With these 'optional' points included above, price AUD $2000 - $2200

Am I being unreasonable?

Paul

Really like your list, especially two additional Custom Functions in place of the CA and A modes (I think P is more than enough for "auto" modes)  I've always felt there should be 5 custom modes on all bodies! 

Also like the additional bracketing.  I usually bracket in 2/3 stops but I'd love to do 9 - 1/3 stops.  (Ya, I know I can do 3 sets of 3 by dialing the pointers more and less exposure, and sometimes I do.)

I use to wish my 7D had interval function like my P&S S80 but after I bought a TC-80N3 I'm more than happy to have this function as an accessory (and I'm sure Canon liked the extra bucks).  A built in intervalometer would probably add $150 to the body.

For mirror lockup, I have an option for that under "My Menu"

Thanks RC for your reply to my post.  (+1)   

Glad to know that you also see the convenience of those Custom settings on the mode dial. Why someone needs CA and Auto is beyond me. If I 'lend' my camera to someone, it's usually for 1 type of photography (eg 'photos of their children at soccer'- and I preset the certain custom setting and tell them to always have it on eg C3 - and give a few quick pointers about that style of photography.

I totally agree, so much handier to do many multiple exposures if eg can do 9 in a row, rather than '3 x 3'. Particularly if you don't have a tripod with you (eg using a rock, tree, etc). Thankfully the 8fps helps to capture the frames quickly (good for HDR).

In my case, I bought a Hahnel Giga T Pro II for Canon (bit less than $100) - which provides a good set of interval and remote functionality (particularly handy that I can sit inside and take photos many metres away with my camera outdoors). I use it (usually on a tripod obviously) for time-lapse photography, occasionally landscapes, macros and self-portraits or other detailed work) But yes, it would be good if even a basic interval meter could be built in... (without raising price, surely it's just a software / firmware possibility!)

Thanks for reminding me, yes I also have the Mirror-lock up function listed on 'My Menu' too. Sometimes I forget that I added it there several months ago (and go to "Custom settings"). I've set up so the Custom menu pops up whenever I press 'Menu' - and this is another very user friendly touch with the 7D, that adds to it being a powerful tool.

As to a few other postes mentioning it might be unrealistic to expect 'lower noise' (eg 1.5 to 2 stops better than the 7D) from an 18MP APS-C... I think it can be done... yes also by Canon... but surely the sensor will have to improved substantially. Technology does still afford us this scope, even with the dense pixel ratio. 18MP is just such a good size for me (for cropping, enlarging, etc). One can hope... and provide it on a 'Wishlist' at least!

Cheers all. I enjoy posting on these forums.

Paul

160

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Waited for the 5DMkIII for so long. But an inbuilt flash is so handy! 7DMkII?

« on: March 05, 2012, 10:34:41 PM »

Yes, I feel like a pop-up flash is a great convenience because, I can use it to:

• assist with focus when in very dark shooting environments (strobe flash quickly, then push flash down, and set lens to MF
• add fill light when I don't want to carry around extra weight / inconvenience - ie my external flash (Nissin 866ii Pro)
• trigger my external flash, or add additional lighting effects (eg external on the side, and still use the pop up for direct fill)

While I don't do much flash photography, I definitely prefer to have the integrated pop up flash, rather than nothing. And knowing how to use even the pop up flash can still improve certain photos! Obviously external flashes provide more power, flexibility, creativity, etc - but a simple pop up flash with ETTLII is still very handy.

Paul

161

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 7D Mark II specs wishlist.

« on: March 05, 2012, 05:10:34 PM »

I am a photographer who owns and uses the current 7D extensively, and I really like the camera. It is a very good step up from other APS-C cameras.

My 7DmkII wishlist is:

• 5 Custom settings on mode dial (get rid of "Creative Auto" and "Full Auto")
  
• Apart from that keep the body the same
• At least 2 stops cleaner 18MP APS-C sensor
• Improved DR at all ISOs, especially at 100 and 200 (for landscapes)
• Exposure bracketing allowing up to 9 photos (+/- 5EV)
• Dual Digic 5+ (one dedicated to AF)
• Built in interval meter
• Price AUD $1800 - $2000

Possibly / optional (points below not critical to me)

• Possibly up to 30 AF points (all cross-type, need to be well spaced out
• ISO up to 25,600 (or 51,200 - even if noisy)
• Fast & full time AF for video & Live View - linked to AF button (can use FT MF on USM lenses)
• Dedicated mirror lock-up button, or assignable to an existing button eg MFn
• Sturdy flip out screen (useful for macros)
• Option of 12fps @ 8MP or 10 fps @ 10 MP
• Dual cards (SD backup for ultra critical events / photo outings)
• With these 'optional' points included above, price AUD $2000 - $2200

Am I being unreasonable?

Paul

162

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 5D Mark III: Some perspectives/concerns

« on: March 04, 2012, 06:30:56 PM »

Quite a number of years ago, when I had been in the world of DSLRs for a while and had the 350D, a friend of mine (who had just purchased an entry level Nikon DSLR) said I should've got a Nikon instead of a Canon. My friend's reasoning was as follows "because there is a talented, independent person on the internet who says Nikon cameras are superior, and they are so good - and no one pays him to say or write that, so why would he?  His name is Ken Rockwell".  My friend also gave me the link to Ken Rockwell's website.

I looked at Ken's website and had the BEST laugh I had had for a long time.          A lot of his pages share absolutely information of no value, or even worse "rubbish". (I had used my DSLR enough to know that a lot of what Ken said was wasted webspace). Many of my photos, even with the years of using Fuji digital P&S were far superior to any of the 'best photos' Ken has shared.  Ken contradicts himself (over the years) in so many different ways:
"You need primes!"  vs  "You need superzooms!" 
"Brand matters" vs "Any brand is good" 
"More megapixels are better"  vs  "You only need about 3 megapixels really" 

It IS so funny seeing him 'beg' for his children's education fund, family running expenses. Oh dear... if only he knew that I would never give him a cent, as I give to the REAL needy in the world (eg folks in refugee camps, or those in developing countries affected by natural disastors).

Ken can be the digital photography comic relief (just as this thread shows) when things get 'too' serious!!!     

Ok... back to photography, and the 'real deal' - and I'm looking forward to reading more about the 5DmkIII... and seeing more photos taken from it soon!

Cheers.

Paul

163

Lenses / Re: Where do you sell used lenses

« on: March 03, 2012, 11:41:16 PM »

I sell mine on gumtree (the Australia equivalent of Craigslist).

Gumtree provides you with free ads (sell, swap or buy) , and you can meet face to face (do this in a safe, public spot) to try / purchase, etc. I've had success in selling 3 Canon lenses that way in recent months.

I sold the lenses below what I got them for, but I expected that, and the reason I sold them for cheaper was:
 - I had a LOT of use over several years
 - they were not L lenses
 - each lens had been superceded in more recent years with superior products (ie newer / better lenses available).
So I was happy with getting at least some decent money for them, but having a clear conscious I was selling them for a reasonable price.

Gumtree really worked for me! 

Paul

164

EOS Bodies / Re: Introducing the Canon 5D Mark III

« on: March 02, 2012, 01:15:13 AM »

Thanks Craig for your great spot on recent CR3.   

From the actual released specs and if Canon has implemented their R&D well, this should be an awesome FF camera. Great IQ, very strong AF, etc.   

I'm looking forward to the reviews, and seeing great photos from it.

Who knows I may even buy it somewhere down the line....

Paul

165

EOS Bodies / Re: Just preordered the 5DIII, price is definitely $3499.99

« on: March 01, 2012, 05:14:18 PM »

I've seen the 5DmkIII listed on Teds (here in Australia) for AUD$4200 body only, or AUD$6800 with "24-70mm" (I note it doesn't say "24-70mm II"!)   

My experience over several years is that Teds list / marked prices are usually higher than some other bricks and mortar stores, however some Teds staff are willing to give a generous discount / reduction.   

As with most electronic products, I expect the price of the 5DmkIII to reduce as time progresses, so that probably by the end of 2012 it will be selling substantially cheaper, and there will also be products available via SE Asia or the grey market, cheaper again. 

I look forward to people buying, using, enjoying the 5DmkIII and sharing great photographs from it.   

Happy photography everyone!   

Paul