Topics

1

Technical Support / EOS Utility/FoCal not recognizing 5D3 in Win8 64-bit

« on: November 09, 2012, 11:59:11 AM »

Very weird issue here, but when I connect my 5Dmk3 to my desktop (windows 8 64-bit) it detects that a 5Dmk3 has been connected and I can copy pictures down and it tells me how much battery and card space is left.  However, when I launch EOS Utility (2.12) or FoCal (1.6), neither software registers that the camera is connected to the machine.  Here's where it gets weirder, everything works fine on a laptop with win7 and on another laptop with the same build of windows 8.  I'm using the same usb cables and whatnot. 

So I gave Canon customer support a call (amazing support btw), but they were at a loss for words as to why it wasn't showing up.  Was just wondering if anyone here might have a possible solution or something I could try.

2

Software & Accessories / How do I get GPS data into Lightroom

« on: September 23, 2012, 06:58:53 AM »

I have a the GP-E2 and i can see my track in the Map utility software from Canon and can export that to Google Earth, but I can't import that into Lightroom 4 because it only supports Tracklog files.  I know nothing about GPS formats and was wondering if anyone knows how I can geotag my pictures in lightroom from my tracks from my GP-E2

3

Technical Support / New camera and Lens calibration

« on: August 15, 2012, 12:19:33 AM »

I've seen some posts online saying that lenses under warranty get one free lens calibration or if your body is under warranty, they will calibrate all your lenses and body once.

Has anyone had experience with this? 

Also my understanding was that AFMA was specifically for AF, and by doing a lens calibration there is the chance of your lens getting better IQ than when went in.

4

Software & Accessories / Circular polarizer on a UWA lens

« on: July 19, 2012, 08:37:53 PM »

I've been seeing conflicting opinions on whether or not to use a polarizer on a wide angle lens.  I've seen alot of reviews where people mention that because of the wide DOF, you'll uneven light levels across the scene when using a circular polarizer.  But then on the other hand I see other blogs where people say the complete opposite, that for taking photos of landscapes it is a must.

Can anyone shed some light on what the issues are and when it's ok to use a polarizer on a UWA lens.  Specifically thinking about the 16-35L

5

Canon General / Is the 8-15 fisheye on FF a good replacement for the 10-22 on a crop

« on: July 12, 2012, 07:51:02 AM »

I currently have the 10-22mm on a 550D, but will be upgrading to a 5dmk3 at some point this year. 

My question is that I do alot of landscape shots while hiking (though without a tripod).  I know that I can't use the 10-22 on the 5d, but was wondering if the 8-15 fisheye might be a good FF replacement for the 10-22mm.  Looking over my stats in LR for the 10-22 lens, i find that over half the pictures are at 10mm and alot of the times i wish it was a little more wide.  I personally like the distortion on the 10-22mm but if it was a little stronger, I'm sure I would like it.  Hence why I started looking at the fisheye.  I figured anytime the distortion is not what I wanted, I could just apply the lens profile in LR, though I realize it will result in some cropping of the picture.

I'm just starting out in photography, but it seems that the 16-35L is an ok lens, but not an amazing lens like the fisheye or the 10-22.  Long term, I would probably get the 14-30L lens (if Canon ever decides to make one), but think in the short term i could get away with just the fisheye.  Oh, one last thing, the fisheye is $600 USD cheaper than the 16-35L in Japan, which is also a factor.

So my question is, does this logic seem sound, or is the 8-15 a really niche lens that won't really fill the gap of the 10-22 for purposes of hiking and landscape shots.

6

Canon General / Should I get the 5dmk3 now or wait for possible unannounced 24-70mk2 kit

« on: July 12, 2012, 07:39:38 AM »

I currently have a trip to Maui planned for the first week in Oct. and my wife told me it would be a great reason to go out and buy a 5dmk3 (Yeah I was shocked too).  My issue is that I lack lens to really take advantage of the 5dmk3 if I pick it up.

Have the following lenses
10-22
18-55
18-200
100 macro (non-usm)
35L
50 1.4

With the idea to fill out the gaps in my kit, I had gone ahead and pre-ordered the 24-70mk2 back in March.  Recently, I heard of 5dmk3 24-70mk2 kits on pre-order in Australia and thought that if there is a kit, I might as well get the kit to save a few hundred dollars.  With the idea of picking them both up this week and then having 2.5 months to play with the lens and the camera to get a feel for when I go to Hawaii.  However, now that the 24-70 has been delayed to the end of Sept.  I am concerned that the lens won't arrive in time before i leave, and even if it did and i got the kit, it would only give me a week or two to play with the camera and get used to it.

Now, if there isn't going to be a kit, then I would just go ahead and pick up the 5dmk3 now (or wait at least until after the announcement coming later this month).  Though be gimped with my lenses as I really prefer shooting on my 10-22mm.  So far this year, this lens accounts for over a 1/3 of all my pictures.

7

Software & Accessories / Are lens skins worth it?

« on: June 21, 2012, 03:03:04 AM »

I came across these today at B&H and was wondering if anyone has tried them and if they really are easy to take off and help prevent minor abrasions and such. 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/814210-REG/LensSkins_LS_C2470XXXBS_Lens_Wrap_for_Canon.html

I think they look cool, but might be labeling myself as a noob if i were to go out shooting with them

8

Software & Accessories / Do you need to use a hood when taking pictures of the sun

« on: May 11, 2012, 01:34:58 AM »

Seems like a silly question, but when using a solar filter and taking direct pictures of the sun  that if you are looking right at the sun there is no flare whatsoever, but just wanted to see what other's opinions were so as i prepare for the solar eclipse next week.

9

Canon General / Crop factor for macros

« on: May 11, 2012, 12:53:30 AM »

I was just reading a review(http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.8-USM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx) where it should a difference between 3 focal lengths of macro and how it affects bokeh.

I'm familiar with a focal length crop factor of 1.6x for APS-C sensors, but my question is does this affect MFD or maximum magnifcation as well?

I'm specifically curious as i have a non-usm 100mm Macro lens with a 550D but am planning to upgrade to a 5dmk3 and 100L in the near future and am curious how the magnification may change and bokeh.

10

Software & Accessories / Alternate uses uses for solar eclipse filters

« on: May 08, 2012, 08:04:55 PM »

Is there any use for a ND100000 filter outside of taking a solar eclipse?

The only thing I could think of is doing a super long exposure in the city to remove people.

11

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / New to flash photography - softbox or diffuser and other must have accessories

« on: April 02, 2012, 11:17:52 AM »

I just picked up my first ever flash, the 600ex-rt and wanted to know if there are any accessories that are a must to bring the versatility of a Flash.  I was thinking a softbox or a diffuser, but to tell the truth i couldn't tell the difference between the two of what they actually do.  Also is the wired cord for the hot shoe something i should get, or would I just be wasting my money?

I don't have a studio, nor am i really interested in getting stands or anything, but would like learn more about photography in general by just getting into it.

12

Lighting / Where can I download the 600EX-RT manual

« on: March 21, 2012, 10:01:27 AM »

I live in Japan and just picked up the new 600EX-RT (cause I had no previous flash) and of course the manual was in Japanese. I had planned to just download the manual from online, but canon doesn't have it listed for download at http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_600ex_rt#ServiceAndSupport

anyone by chance have it or know where I can download it?

13

Canon General / Should I move up to FF or get more lens

« on: March 13, 2012, 05:29:05 AM »

Probably a ton of other posts like these here already, but I thought I'd ask specifically for my situation.

I currently have the following gear

• 550d
• aluminum tripod
• 10-22mm EF-S
• 18-55mm EF-S
• 18-200mm EF-S
• 30mm 1.4L EF
• 50mm 1.4 EF

I mainly enjoy shooting landscapes, buildings and night photography.  I've only been serious shooting for about 6 months.  I don't make money of my pictures as this is just a hobby.  And moving to FF, in particular the 5dmk3, interests me for low light performance as the biggest issue i have is with my night shots and AF in low light.

What I wanted to ask, would you recommend that i just get the 5dmk3, where I could only use the 35mm and 50mm.  I'd be pretty limited by my glass, and after dropping $3500, it'd be a while before i could get more glass.  Though eventually i'd like to get the 24-70mm mk2

Or would you recommend I spend more money on gear and glass to make the move to FF lens painful when  it happens?  That and i could work more on my shooting skills and get more experience.

If i picked up more gear, I'd be looking at

• ND filter
• 6xx Flash
• lightroom
• possibly a macro lens

Picking up the 5dmk3 would be a stretch financially, but doable, and the gear no sweat.

14

EOS Bodies / Why the Japan hate Canon

« on: March 02, 2012, 01:04:12 AM »

So where the 5dIII is selling for $3500 USD in the states... Those of us in Japan get it at the lovely price of $4100 at today's exchange rates...  This is why I buy all my canon stuff from the states...  Was figuring it was goign to be more normalized with current exchange rates.. but apparantly not.

15

Japan / gear insurance in Japan

« on: January 30, 2012, 01:12:39 AM »

Was just wondering what people use for insurance on their camera gear?

I looked into renter's insurance to see if it would cover my gear and was told it would only cover my gear if i'm "under a roof".