Messages

166

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Finally Ready? [CR2]

« on: March 29, 2012, 07:49:10 AM »

Smirkypants, when you cite 77% more than your Nikon 200-400 f4, of course a number of factors come into play:  a) you have a refurbished item that is always cheaper, b) the Nikon lens is an older design / model (so while it's a good lens from all accounts, it's street price is understandably lower than a new lens), c) the Nikon doesn't have the dedicated and built in 1.4x teleconverter!
Paul

a. Older design: May 2010 is an old design?
b. Refurbished: It's $7000 new (street) and the list is $8400. Still a huge chunk of change difference.
c. Dedicated teleconverter: A nice feature that's not worth $2600 (list) and $5000 (street).

A birder can still get a Nikon 200-400 brand new + a brand spanking new d800 that has a "built in" 1.2 (25MP files) and 1.5 (16MP files) teleconverter for less than just the 200-400/1.4x will cost when it comes out (if it comes out). New lenses don't get discounted for a long time, unless they are dogs that don't sell. The 400/2.8 II is still $11,500 at your favorite dealers. A sports photographer is 80% of the way to a D4 with the price difference.

I did the math. I bought the Nikon. I also bought a 5D3 because I have a fantastic array of Canon lenses. Oh, my difference in price is also a 5D3 + 24-105 kit + 600EX-RT.

IN-SANE.

Smirkypants,

a. I said 'older design' not 'old'. Nikon's 200-400 f/4 is older than Canon's yet to be released one. Fact.
b. Your post was comparing a list price with a refurbished price and citing 77% difference. I was pointing out you can't compare apples to oranges. Fact.
c. I never made any indication of the value for money of the Canon vs Nikon, but again pointing out that the Nikon doesn't have a teleconverter built in. One can't compare apples with pears either. Fact.

I never made any reference to the Nikon D800's 'megapixel cropping ability', as that wasn't in the post I was commenting on. There are so many variables, the post I made commented on the need to accurately compare apples with apples. Fact.

It's not true that new lenses 'don't get discounted for a long time unless they are dogs that don't sell'.  Even recently (ie in the last few years), I've bought a number of recently released lenses (Canon 70-300mm L, Canon 100mm macro, Canon 15-85mm, Sigma 10-20mm EX, etc) that were released under a year earlier, for substantial discounts compared to the initial street prices.

One needs to know where to look and how to buy to obtain such savings. All my lenses I bought new (not used, not refurbished, not display models), and are exceptional copies - ie sharp, boxed, etc. I have had friends who have done the same, also with other brands. I'm not saying all lenses get cheap after a few weeks or months. Therefore my statement remains: Fact.

If I was in your shoes I might have also got the Nikon 200-400mm, and maybe a Nikon 800D. I have a number of friends who have the Nikon 200-400mm f4 lens and take great photos with it, just as I have friends with other tele lenses (Canon, Sigma, etc) - and who take great photos with those lenses.

As I've said for many years, it's the photographer that truly counts at the end of the day. Of course having appropriate quality equipment is very important too, particularly in challenging photographic situations... and I've had my share of these too.

All the best with your photography. After all that is what it's all about. And I will continue to enjoy my photography.

Paul

167

EOS Bodies / Re: DXO vs Reality

« on: March 28, 2012, 11:41:02 PM »

I've also found DxO's camera sensor tests to be quite meaningless, when relating to the real world. They don't weight the criteria used in their tests well, imho. Often sensors which are given 'high' DxO ratings, don't perform as well across a number of 'real life situations' as other sensors which are given lower DxO ratings.

There are many other websites that cite themselves as professional, systematic, etc - whereas there are SO many variables, and if they don't get 1 thing just 'spot on' - it can ruin the overall results.  I recall one site that tested scores of lenses, but many of them at their very minimum focusing distance (MFD) - where some lenses (even high quality ones) are not at their sharpest... and the results were very skewed.

Another site I came across a few weeks ago - the testers only tested the 'minimum focal length' (eg 70-300mm @ 70mm - and all at f8) - and only a certain 'part' of the overall image (centre pixels).  It was crazy how some average quality lenses were ranked the same as others which were much higher, just based on that.

I have a marketing management and accounting degree, so I understand about corporate logos, branding, sponsorship, 'marketing words', etc - very well.  So that could be an issue... but I doubt that DxO would test eg Nikon more favourably just because of that (they could open themselves up to legal action if that were the case....)

Having said that, I do like DxO's Optics Pro software a LOT.  So I'm a customer of DxO's.  I won't be so 'put off' by the annoyances I have with DxO's sensor test not to use their good stuff!

Cheers.

Paul

168

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Finally Ready? [CR2]

« on: March 28, 2012, 10:57:03 PM »

I must say that when the first mention of this lens was made (pre-announcement announcement thingy) - a shiver ran down my spine!      I thought "Now THAT could be a great lens! Some serious birding / distant wildlife potential in a lens, right there!" I applaud Canon on the idea of a built in tele-converter.... which I expect is tailored to the lens' optics.

Of course I knew the price would be high.... initially I thought / heard maybe around $7k / $8k.  But it appears it could be more than that, from what we're hearing.   

Wickidwombat... I know what you mean!  It might end up being worth a trip to another country (eg Hong Kong, SE Asia, US, etc) to source it, if the price difference in Australia is so big. Even after paying import duty / tax ... one can still save this way. Only thing is you might not have a local warrantee......   

Smirkypants, when you cite 77% more than your Nikon 200-400 f4, of course a number of factors come into play:  a) you have a refurbished item that is always cheaper, b) the Nikon lens is an older design / model (so while it's a good lens from all accounts, it's street price is understandably lower than a new lens), c) the Nikon doesn't have the dedicated and built in 1.4x teleconverter!

The Canon 100-400mm lens design isn't my style.  Plus I either preferred a 'very portable telezoom' or a 'quality large superzoom'.  The 100-400mm didn't quite fit either camp in my book, but I know it works for many people, I bought the Canon 70-300mm L IS USM, which I'm very happy with. Awesome image quality, very portable and gives me great flexibility (up to 480mm equivalent on my 7D).   

Of course, the Canon 200-400mm is going to be a BIG lens, and I probably won't buy it - seeing as I would rather use $11k (or more?!) for other purposes, eg donating to charities, supporting friends that live in developing countries, as well as other things in my own life.  However maybe I'll rent it sometime... it would be awesome to have a day or weekend dedicated to some birding with such this lens.

I look forward to seeing some reviews... and more importantly photos from this lens when it (eventually!) becomes available.   

Regards,

Paul

169

Lenses / Re: What lens are you patiently waiting for?

« on: March 28, 2012, 08:43:54 PM »

I'm also looking for a new 50mm from Canon.

• Needs to be full USM, not the 'half baked' variety like the current 50mm f1.4
• Needs to have great IQ* wide open, across frame. Tack sharp from f2.2/f2.5
• Bokeh quality needs to be great
• Should ideally have internal focus
• Should not have much focus breathing
• Needs to be free of decentering issues
• Can be f1.8 (if sharp at that), or f1.4 if not being huge / expensive
• IS would be a bonus, but not necessary
• Eventual street price up to $600 without IS, $800 with IS

(*I definte IQ as being: very sharp, good contrast, natural rich colours, low distortion, minimal vignetting, low CA)

Paul

170

Lenses / Re: Walk around lens suggestion

« on: March 28, 2012, 08:34:03 PM »

+1 for the Canon 15-85mm IS USM.

I own this lens. It's great as an all purpose. I find the zoom range of the kit lenses (18-55mm) too restrictive... and while I like the low light capability of the 17-55mm f2.8, it's still too short on the tele-end for my liking. Plus the 2mm on the wide end DOES make a difference.

My copy of the 15-85mm is sharp wide open, good corner quality, great contrast and nice colour. With the 4-stop IS and USM, it's a very good 'go to' / walk around lens.  Good wide angle for landscapes, tele-end for portraits (sweet bokeh for a zoom). It also has decent macro capability for flowers, larger insects (obviously not true 1:1) possibility.  My 15-85mm gets the most general use.

The other lenses I have are the 70-300mm L (yes it pairs with the 15-85mm very well as a '2 lens travel kit). Also have the Canon 100mm USM macro, Sigma 10-20mm and kit 18-55mm.  Let us know your decision, sanjosedave.  I think the 15-85mm would work very well on your 60D.  (It works splendidly on my 7D).

Best regards and happy photography.

Paul

171

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

« on: March 20, 2012, 08:10:16 PM »

Paul those are great shots!    Thanks for sharing.   Would you mind sharing your settings?   I'm specifically interested in what AF mode you use when shooting in AI Servo (moving/tracking subjects). 

I've been experimenting with different modes (single point expansion, zone, etc.), and have not come to any real conclusion.   I do realize it depends on what you are shooting, distance, and so on.

Hi RC

I am glad that you appreciate the photos that I took and posted in this thread.  THANKS!! 

Sure, I don't mind sharing my settings.  Just to give you a bit of background, I 'came up' through the ranks of initially using a film P&S, then some Fuji digital P&S, then a Canon 350D DSLR in 2005 and a Canon 7D about 2 years ago.  With each change of camera I had, I learned more about AF and had better bodies to practice with. Particularly with the faster response of the DSLRs... and the 7D captures many 'action' photos that I couldn't have with my 350D.

What I've found to be the best settings on my 7D for a 'bird in flight' (BIF) with a (relatively) busy background is the 'AF point expansion'. I keep the selected AF point over the bird, and it tracks well using AI Servo.  If the bird is large, I can even use single point AF with AI Servo.

However with the photos that I took of these rapidly and erratic moving 'Little Wattlebirds' in flight, was the Zone AF. The reason is that the birds were quite close, and with the larger area of AF points selected, I was more likely to get an active AF point to pick up the birds against the mainly clear blue sky (there were a few clouds or at times trees near / in the frame when they were flying around -but most of the time it was clear blue sky). 

The birds were catching insects mid-air, and thus flying and swooping suddenly (they were perched, semi-hidden in branches - waiting till an insect (or many!) would come within certain distance - and they would go in for a meal! Taking these photos was a real challenge.  I found the most successful setting for my camera was to have it on Manual (ie shutter speed of about 2500 and aperture f/5.6), with Auto ISO.  (I like that even though I normally have ISO set to 1 full stop settings - ie I change between ISOs 100, 200, 400, etc -  with Auto ISO it can go up and down in 1/3 EV settings!)

I was using my 70-300mm L lens which is very sharp wide open, also f/5.6 at 300mm - this was the best setting. The birds were so close that often I was not shooting them at 300mm as they were either too large to fit in the composition, OR too hard to 'find' at 300mm after they had launched in flight from the tree. (There were several birds around, perched across 2 trees which I was standing near / almost under!) So I usually had my lens at around 70mm - 100mm, hand on the zoom ring - and when a bird took off  I then brought my camera to my eye quickly - and got focus on the bird, then zoomed in sufficiently (keeping AI Servo going all the time) - then 'snap snap snap' took a few photos in rapid succession.   

The 8 fps really helps in situations like this.  Plus of course, it is basically essential to have a super fast focussing USM lens to capture these types of photos.

I hope sharing my strategy and settings is helpful to you, RC (and to others who may be reading this thread).  I am happy to share my experience (as I do with my recipes!)... we're not in competition!!   

Best wishes

Paul

172

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

173

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

174

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

175

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

176

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

177

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

178

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

179

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

180

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