Messages

31

Canon General / Re: Nepal Expedition

« on: March 07, 2013, 08:30:13 PM »

I would probably take both.  There may be times that you will not want the DSLR, so the smaller camera will be helpful.  However, this sounds like a trip of a lifetime and as such, I would bring the DSLR to get the best shots possible.  The plastic bag suggestion is a good one.  If you can get insurance for your camera and lens, that will put your mind to ease so that you can enjoy the trip.  Have a great time! 

32

Landscape / Re: How Would You Edit This Landscape Photo?

« on: March 07, 2013, 07:16:48 PM »

Since this isn't my image, I tried to push it to its limits. Its messy in places but eh, hope you like it.

This is awesome!  Love it.

33

Landscape / Re: How Would You Edit This Landscape Photo?

« on: March 07, 2013, 07:14:02 PM »

Little tweaks here and there in Adobe Camera RAW and Adobe Photoshop CS5.

34

Software & Accessories / Re: Discoverd LAB color Sharpening, Never going back to traditional sharpening.

« on: March 06, 2013, 07:14:31 PM »

Thanks for posting this.  Have you tested this technique against using unsharp mask on an RGB image?  If so, what were the results?

35

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Is this true

« on: March 06, 2013, 06:38:30 PM »

Hehehe...plus he looks like a mix between Anderson Cooper and Ellen Degeneres with that grey hair and jacket...difficult to take him seriously 

See that woman in the video?  That's his wife.  I'd say he is doing just fine.

36

EOS Bodies / Re: Need help. Canon 60D for sports--is it better to pony up for the 7D?

« on: March 06, 2013, 12:58:47 PM »

There have been several suggestions about getting the 70-200.  Although the different variations of this lens are awesome, you may get hassled using a long white lens in an arena (I have).  If you decide to upgrade your glass, you may want to consider the black 200 f/2.8 II.  New or used, it is a very good lens at a reasonable price.

37

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Is this true

« on: March 06, 2013, 08:55:30 AM »

I shot with both cameras of the same subject: a clouded leopard.  The shots were fairly comparable in sharpness.  What struck me is that the noise profile of the 5D3 was more like monochromatic film grain in comparison to the 5D2, which has color noise in the shadows.  I found that the noise software I used -- Imagenomic Noiseware -- seemed to work a little better on the 5D2 than the 5D3.  These were not controlled tests; they were mere observations with only a few photos.

38

EOS Bodies / Re: Need help. Canon 60D for sports--is it better to pony up for the 7D?

« on: March 06, 2013, 07:59:35 AM »

The only challenge you will have with the 60D are AI Servo shots, which is where the 7D has a significant advantage.  Your photography at games is going to be a mix of shots, not just action.  In that regard, the 60D should be adequate.  If it were me, I would give it a try with the 60D.  If you find after a while that you simply not getting the shots you want, trade up.  Buying a 7D used or refurbished would save you money.

If it matters, I have taken a number of shots at pro baseball games and I find that the really interesting shots are not the action ones.  Rather, it is the shots of players goofing around with other players, players thinking about the game, etc., are the ones that I enjoy the most.  Basically, it is the experience of the competition rather than just the game play that makes for interesting photos.  In that regard, I have gotten awesome shots with both my 60D and 5D Mark II, neither of which is known as an auto-focus powerhouse.

39

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Amazon vs B&H for purchase?

« on: March 04, 2013, 12:49:15 PM »

Amazon gets their products directly from Canon, just like B&H and Adorama.  There are third party sellers on Amazon that you should research before buying from them, but Amazon does not sell counterfit, and you should not spread rumors thru your ignorance.  Adorama also sells thru Amazon!

I don't care if it is Amazon directly or through their third-party sellers.  I am cautious about purchasing from a market place in which counterfeits are sold -- Amazon is a market place, and counterfeits are sold there.  I stated as such  I am not ignorant.  Watch your tone.

40

Software & Accessories / Re: Good GND filter to go with new Lee system

« on: March 03, 2013, 09:10:09 PM »

Hm, he says the Cokin Z system is significantly cheaper, but while the adapters are cheaper the main holder is about the same. I went with the Lee at any rate.

Me too.  He uses his kit differently than I do, and I rarely use the holder -- I usually hand-hold my ND grads.

41

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Amazon vs B&H for purchase?

« on: March 03, 2013, 09:08:16 PM »

I buy a lot of stuff from Amazon.  However, I only buy top camera gear from Canon, B&H, and Adorama.  I simply don't trust Amazon due to my concern that some of their products are counterfeit.  I had a customer service issue with B&H and it was zero hassle.  If it were me, I would buy from B&H.

42

Animal Kingdom / Re: images from our Aug -Nov 2012 photosafari

« on: March 02, 2013, 10:52:42 PM »

Love your site.  Wonderful shots!

43

Software & Accessories / Re: Good GND filter to go with new Lee system

« on: March 01, 2013, 11:22:47 PM »

Personally, I plan to get a 4" CPL...

You can also slide a round polarizer into a holder.  I haven't tried it, but it appears simple enough:

Lee versus Cokin Z-Pro Filter Holder; which one is better	Small | Large

44

Software & Accessories / Re: Good GND filter to go with new Lee system

« on: March 01, 2013, 11:16:33 PM »

I recommend the 4" x 6" (or 100mm x 150mm) sized ND grads.  You can hand-hold them, even with gloves, and use them in either the Lee or Cokin Z-Pro holders.

Below are links to the filters I have:

3-stop hard (4x6):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/87388-REG/LEE_Filters_9NDGH_4x6_Graduated_Neutral_Density.html

2-stop soft (4x6):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/87380-REG/LEE_Filters_6NDG_S_4x6_Graduated_Neutral_Density.html

Here's a link to the Formatt 3-stop reverse ND grad (4x6):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/811292-REG/Hitech_HT150NDRG0_9_4_x_6_Reverse.html

45

Software & Accessories / Re: Good GND filter to go with new Lee system

« on: March 01, 2013, 07:59:17 PM »

NA, any suggestions for a soft 3 stop then? I like the idea of Glass of course, resin is find too I guess.

Glass can break, resin can scratch.  It's a toss up, but I prefer resin.

If you shoot a lot of sunrises and sunsets, you may want to consider a reverse ND grad, which is a hard edge that is darkest in the center of the grad and lightens as it goes up.  I would definitely consider it a secondary filter, not a primary filter, unless you intend to only shoot sunrises or sunsets on a horizon line.