Topics

1

EOS Bodies - For Video / Need help with video lighting!!!

« on: May 14, 2013, 11:25:05 PM »

What should I get?

I will be shooting a variety of indoor and outdoor. I want to have a variety of lighting options for different situations.

It would seem like I could save money with CF bulbs from Home Depot. But last time I went, I couldn't figure out what to buy. What brand and color temp of bulbs is good? I'm looking for good prices, over quality (unless it's worth it to spend a little more).

What about modifiers? A friend of mine was telling me "china balls" are good modifiers. Where might I get something like that in Los Angeles?

I have a softbox... what's the best way to rig up a bulb in that?

What about spotlights or big fill lights?

Your help is greatly appreciated!!!

EDIT:

I have refined my question...

If you were just starting out with video and needed an inexpensive lighting kit for indoor shooting... what would it be?

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Lenses / Sigma 35mm f/1.4 -vs- Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ...for video

« on: March 28, 2013, 02:24:31 AM »

Has anyone used the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 for video?

For DSLR, the Zeiss 35 f/1.4 appears to be the reigning 35mm champion for video (with a price to match). The Sigma, on the other hand, is known to be an incredible bargain and top IQ/AF performer. But I haven't been able to find much on the Sigma, as it relates to shooting video.

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EOS Bodies - For Video / Alternatives to 5D MK3 viewfinder adhesive mount?

« on: March 06, 2013, 05:11:45 PM »

I'm putting together a Canon 5D III video rig. The rig will be built on a Redrock Micro Shoulder Mount. I have everything picked out except the viewfinder.

Is it possible to find an optical viewfinder that doesn't require an adhesive attachment? Or are there alternative ways to attach these normally adhesive-attached viewfinders?

Ideally, I would like to use a Kinotehnik LCDVF or a Zacuto Z-Finder. I'm wary of using an adhesive frame, both because of the removal hassle and because I will shoot a lot of stills w/o the extra viewfinder.

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Software & Accessories / Which Thunderbolt external drive? 5400rpm? 7200rpm?

« on: March 05, 2013, 08:17:36 PM »

I'm putting together a small video editing setup. Here's what I have:

Macbook Pro w/ 16GB RAM and 7200rpm drive (ports: Thunderbolt, FireWire 800, USB2)
Adobe Premiere CS6

What external drive (and speed) will give me the optimal speed/price ratio?

With prices coming down, Thunderbolt seems to be the way to go. But I don't know whether I will get a significant performance difference between a 5400rpm and a 7200rpm external Thunderbolt drive.

5

Site Information / Why do some posts get locked for no apparent reason?

« on: September 22, 2012, 04:39:33 PM »

Dear Moderator(s),

A group of posts got locked in the "EOS Bodies - For Video" today, but it's not clear why. I'm confused.

Is there an explanation?

6

Lenses / 135mm + 1.4 extender _VS_ 70-200mm f/2.8 IS mkI

« on: August 30, 2012, 03:42:38 PM »

I have the Canon 135mm L. It's my longest focal length.

If I want to shoot at longer focal lengths, would it make more sense to get an extender for the 135mm... or get a lens that has/includes a native 200mm length? Image quality is important. And I don't mind changing lenses (I'm mostly a prime shooter anyway).

I'd like to avoid paying an extra $1000 for the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS I, when all I really want is that 200mm length. Or how about the Canon 200mm f/2.8 L? My concern with the 200mm f/2.8 L is the lack of IS. Of course, that's also an issue for the 135mm + extender (but extenders are cheap, and if the IQ is 90% of a non-extended lens, I could probably settle for that until I have more funds).

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / How do I avoid "stars" around street lights?

« on: August 26, 2012, 02:58:41 AM »

Here's an example of what I don't want.



And here's an example of what I DO want...

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Lenses / What can tilt-shift lenses do that post-production cannot?

« on: May 10, 2012, 03:00:50 AM »

I'm debating the Canon 14mm f/2.8 L -vs- the 17mm TS-E f/4 L. What I'm looking for is the least possible distortion, but I'm also willing to spend a lot of time in post editing. I don't need it perfect SOOC. But I also don't want to spend 30 minutes on each and every image.

Tell me something I can do with the the 17mm TS-E, that I can't do with the 14mm + software.

If you've got any 17mm TS-E images showing results unique to that lens, it would be super appreciated.

9

Lenses / Why no L zooms between 35/50mm and 100/135mm?

« on: May 07, 2012, 08:20:27 PM »

For me, 24-70mm is too short and 70-200mm is too long (and heavy).

On a full frame, it seems like a 35-85mm or a 50-100mm would be more useful/versatile for weddings and photojournalism.

Is there a reason why there is nothing between the 24-70mm and 70-200mm models?

10

Lenses / What is the most EXOTIC Canon lens?

« on: April 11, 2012, 04:38:10 AM »

By "exotic", I mean extreme or unusual. It could be specs, rarity, price, quality, etc. Whatever you think constitutes extreme or unusual... post it.

Let's include both current AND discontinued lenses.

11

Lenses / Which Canon lenses DON'T need an update?

« on: April 10, 2012, 02:37:23 AM »

Is there any Canon lens that DOESN'T need an update. Or at least, for which it is unlikely that an update will make significant improvements.

1. IQ and sharpness
2. Great AF
3. Reasonable weight
4. IS, if appropriate

From what I hear, it sounds like the following lenses are pretty damn close to perfect (given current technology)...

TS-E 24mm f/ 3.5 L II
24mm f/1.4 L II
100mm f/2.8 L macro
200mm f/2 L
300mm f/2.8 L II
400 f/2.8 L II

And maybe the new 24-70 f/2.8 L II will be added to this list??

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / What is 5D3 maximum optimal ISO ??

« on: April 01, 2012, 05:20:00 PM »

When does the ISO noise start to get noticeable on the 5D3 ?

I'm also curious from the standpoint of using fill light and recovery in post.

13

Software & Accessories / connect people with their photos

« on: March 22, 2012, 02:55:05 AM »

I want to take picture of hundreds of different people at a party, and have a system whereby I can connect individuals with their photos.

Has anyone heard of a system that can accomplish this?

14

Lenses / Is a heavier lens more steady?

« on: February 18, 2012, 06:13:09 PM »

Some people say a heavier lens makes it more steady in their hands.

For me, it always feels like extra weight increases camera shake.

Or maybe it's just that longer/heavier lenses have a longer focal length that makes the shaking more noticeable?

Any thoughts?

15

Lenses / Will the price of a used Canon 24-70mm L mk1 go up now?

« on: February 08, 2012, 12:32:40 AM »

Considering the steep price increase, will used copies of a Canon 24-70mm L mk1 start to increase?

Any guesses on where the used cost will be in a few years?