Messages

106

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS 6D in October? [CR1]

« on: August 10, 2012, 11:07:08 AM »

Anyone who is concerned about autofocus performance should read this article by Roger Cicala:

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/08/autofocus-reality-part-3b-canon-cameras

It tells us why the autofocus performance of the 5D III and the 1DX are so superior to previous models.   It's not just more cross-type sensors.  Briefly, Canon has finally gone to a true closed loop system.  Previous autofocus systems are now obsolete for serious work, in my opinion, and it's about time!  I am so sick of messing around with inaccurate and unpredictable autofocus.  Having to send lenses and bodies in for focus calibration all the time is ridiculous.

Who knows which system the rumored 6D will get?  I know I will wait to find out before I make my next FF purchase.  I don't need many of the features the 5D III offers, but I must have that autofocus system!  LOL

107

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 7D and 5D II that different?

« on: August 09, 2012, 10:17:42 PM »

I use a 7D and a 5D Classic.  Once you get your Lightroom process figured out for each camera, you have to pixel peep to see the difference. 

I use the two cameras almost interchangeably in my work, but if I want shallow DOF, I use the 5D, deep DOF, the 7D.  If I shot sports or other fast moving subjects, the 7D would be the choice for sure.  It is a much faster handling/focusing camera.

In portrait work, the 5D gives smoother skin tones, while the 7D picks up every pore and blemish, probably due to the greater megapixels.  I really do prefer the 5D for portraits.

I haven't used them much in low light.  I normally keep both set for ISO 100 and never go over 800.

108

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Roger Cicala on Canon Autofocus Reality

« on: August 09, 2012, 10:07:53 PM »

This series of articles goes a long way to explaining why the autofocus system in Canon DSLRs is so mysterious and unpredictable.  Both the body and the lens have to be in perfect calibration, unless they both happen to be off in a way that cancels out the error, I guess.  But then there are issues of focus shift within the zoom range too.

I'm in the market for a new full frame camera to replace my 5D classic.  It will be interesting to find out if the rumored entry-level FF camera will have the new focus system like the 5D Mark III and the 1DX.

A year ago I was tearing my hair out trying to find a zoom lens that would work well with my 5D Classic, when even my prime lenses would not focus as predictably as I wanted.  Then I picked up a cheap and very well used Tamron 28-75 which happens to focus perfectly.  Very sharp lens too.  I was shocked.  But now I'm a happy camper and can afford to wait while the new FF models are introduced and tested.

109

Lenses / Re: New 17-55 coming soon?

« on: August 08, 2012, 12:34:58 AM »

I had one with a loose zoom assembly.  You can imagine who that messed up the photos!  It took Canon service three tries to find the problem.

Of course that was partly my fault because I kept telling them that the lens had a front or back focus problem.   

110

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Roger Cicala on Canon Autofocus Reality

« on: August 08, 2012, 12:29:43 AM »

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/08/autofocus-reality-part-3b-canon-cameras#more-8458

I think this is a very important article.  It addresses my concerns about the Canon autofocus system better than any other article I've seen and will influence my future buying decisions.

What do you think of it?

Mike in Portland

111

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 5D Mark III - Price Drop Details

« on: August 03, 2012, 05:37:57 PM »

Abes of Maine:  3199 USD  free shipping

112

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: No more Katzeye for Canon 5D Mark II?

« on: August 01, 2012, 10:40:26 PM »

Will a screen for a 5D classic work?  I have a BrightScreen #5 I'd like to sell.

113

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 5D Mark III - Price Drop Details

« on: August 01, 2012, 05:19:31 PM »

Freeman, I was just going to make that exact post.  You beat me to it!

114

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Canon EOS 5D Mark III Price Drop

« on: August 01, 2012, 04:13:53 PM »

I saw 3K deal for new 5D3 on Craigslist and that was really attractive.  However, I don't know if the warranty can be transferred to me or not.  Any advise?

Cliff that's a great question.  I've been wondering if a Canon warranty can be transferred from the original buyer to another person.  Does anyone know?  Maybe Mt. Spokane knows?

115

Canon General / Re: Canon's list of authorized dealers - how accurate?

« on: July 30, 2012, 06:59:47 PM »

OK, I looked up these Canon Dealers in Oregon:

Camera Works NW:  they are a used camera and repair shop, they say they are an authorized Canon Dealer, but they don't offer any new Canon cameras.

Camera Connection:  they do repairs and printing

Advanced Photo and Imaging:  they offer printing and framing

Comp-View Inc:  They sell video conferencing systems to corporations

Dot Dotson's:  They apparently have a retail camera store along with their printing business, but they don't advertise it much on their site

Focal Point Enterprises:  can't tell what they sell, but it does not appear to be cameras.

116

Canon General / Canon's list of authorized dealers - how accurate?

« on: July 30, 2012, 06:23:19 PM »

I've noticed that some online sellers are calling themselves Canon dealers (or implying that they are) but they aren't on the list that Canon has published here:

http://www.usa.canon.com/CUSA/assets/app/pdf/dealer/CanonAuthorizedDealers.pdf

It makes me wonder if the list is up to date.  Just for fun, I have started to look up some of the dealers who are on the list to see if they really exist.  I've only done two so far. 

I looked up Ruthie's Jewelry and Photography in Oregon.  Google shows a business by that name in the high desert town of Burns.  No mention of camera sales on their website.  Anyone who has been to Burns knows that there isn't a real Canon dealer there, unless they are selling cameras to the cows and antelope.

I also looked up "The Camera Center" in Oregon.  There was a business by that name in Roseburg, but their website appears dead.

Let's have some fun and look for more non-dealers on the list.  I have a hunch that it hasn't been updated in a while.

Mike

117

EOS Bodies / Re: Upgrade from my T3i Need Advice!!

« on: July 29, 2012, 10:52:14 PM »

Why did you sell your T3i?  What wasn't it doing that you needed it to do?

118

EOS Bodies / Re: Mark III price dropping

« on: July 27, 2012, 04:21:21 PM »

I check this link periodically to see what the price is doing:

http://www.canonpricewatch.com/product/03868/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-III-price.html

It seems to be updated about once every day or two, so it isn't perfectly accurate.

119

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Hilarious 1D vs 5D scene from Veep TV show

« on: July 27, 2012, 04:02:25 PM »

Thanks for posting that link!

120

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Canon 7D, 5D2 or wait for cheap FF body from Canon?

« on: July 27, 2012, 04:00:46 PM »

I'd say to wait for the new FF body to appear and for the 7D software update. Then you'll be able to make a more informed decision. 

Also, you might want to keep an eye on the Canon refurbished website and see what they are offering through the Canon Loyalty program.  That gives you a 20% discount off the refurbished price if you send in any old Canon camera, working or not.