Topics

31

5D MK III Sample Images / Post Your 5D Mark III Bird shots (cropped or uncropped) here

« on: June 08, 2012, 10:57:04 PM »

This is a Nutmeg Mannakin spotted in the tall brush at Newport Beach's Back Bay Eco Reserve.  The bird can't sit still for more than a moment.  He constantly hops from one branch to another.  This is a crop off a JPG original shot in RAW.  Cropped dimensions are 1567x1044.  It's razor sharp.  I'm not so sure I need that 7D anymore.  Specs are ISO 640, 1/1600 and F6.3.


Nutmeg Mannikin (Lonchura punctulata) aka Spice Finch by Revup67, on Flickr

32

Third Party Manufacturers / D800 not so great afterall...it has its shortcomings too

« on: June 06, 2012, 09:11:56 PM »

Just came across this article.  it's candid and true to the point and not by any company but by a photographer.

http://www.cinema5d.com/news/?p=11652

Seems like the D800 has its downsides as well..

I'm glad I got my 5D MK3

33

5D MK III Sample Images / 5D MK3 and 24-105L in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

« on: May 30, 2012, 05:06:18 PM »

It was a tough choice as to deciding which single lens to take to Cabo San Lucas.  I had to travel very light.  I opted for the very versatile 24-105 and was pleasantly surprised at the amount you can crop without losing IQ.  Normally I would shoot bird pics with a 7D and 400mm L to get that razor sharp closeup.  However take a look at the crop on this bird shot cropped from 5760x3840 down sampled to 1768x1777.  Mistakenly, I had shot the whole trip in L JPG not RAW.  So the bird shot is a JPG of a JPG.  Shooting some of these landscape scenes at 24mm was excellent as again there was plenty to crop away without losing IQ.  I will say in the darker areas (not here) I did notice some banding that folks speak of.  Fortunately there weren't many of those shots.  Note the last photo of the villager playing guitar was shot at ISO 3200..most impressive IQ.


Female Hooded Oriole by Revup67, on Flickr


Land's End Cabo San Lucas, Mexico by Revup67, on Flickr


Land's End Baja Mexico by Revup67, on Flickr


Beamhouse operations by Revup67, on Flickr


Mira Flores Villager by Revup67, on Flickr

34

5D MK III Sample Images / 5D Mark III HDR Process vs. Photomatix 4.2 with 16-35mm L USM 2.8 MKII

« on: May 16, 2012, 01:39:07 AM »

Just got the camera yesterday and had a chance to do in camera processing which for the most part is not that bad.  very flat natural look (see image CanonHDR.jpg).  If I were to offer any improvements beyond the natural flatness (use DPP latest version if you have a bit more control there) it would be how much is actually cropped to straighten the image.  With inside 5D MK3 HDR processing the image is cropped quite a bit to align all 3 RAW files however with the latest Photomaxtix Pro software 4.2 little or no cropping is done.  Almost all or the entire frame of the image is salvaged as well as an incredible amount of HDR control is offered.  Note the fence on the left side.  Within the Canon HDR some of it is gone however Photmatix (below Canon) saves the entire pixel frame.

Image taken at 20mm, 1/640, 5.6, M mode, ISO 100, AF Manual.

(Stupid me, forgot the lens hood - note diffraction)

35

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Possible 5D MK3 Annoyances

« on: May 15, 2012, 02:31:10 PM »

Possible Annoyance #1 - While in AF menu, sub menu 4, "Single point AF" cannot be unchecked.  As you scroll to uncheck the menu allows all other choices to be unchecked except choice 2, "Single point AF".  This is not so with the 7D as you can uncheck and check whichever ones you want.  Though on page 100 it does state this option cannot be turned off.  Not sure of this logic especially if all I want is Zone Af and Auto Selection as on example.

Possible Bug #2 - Page 236 in the manual it demonstrates how to utilize other features while in Silent Control Mode/Movie Mode such as audio level recording, shutter speed, ISO, EC, and Aperture.  I tried but was unable to access these options unless I am actually recording.  In speaking with Canon Support (Jeff) he offered a work around and that was:  to change Shutter use the M-fn scroll wheel, to change ISO use the ISO button on top of camera, to change the audio recording you must go into the Menu (button) Camera icon #4 choice #4 called Sound recording and change Auto to Manual.  Then you will be able to see the audio LED's on the back while in Movie Mode.

Possible Annoyance #3 - after pressing the Q button, the menu lacks any AF point selection choices as with the 7D.  Instead we have a less frequently used WB +/- function.  Fortunately there is still a small area of blank space next to the Aperture listing that perhaps Canon can squeeze in the AF point choices.  Currently the only place to access AF selection is with the upper right button.

36

EOS Bodies - For Video / Silent Control Feature on the 5D Mark III - bit confusing but here's how

« on: May 14, 2012, 08:59:59 PM »

I'm not sure how many of you have had a chance to explore some of the video features this camera at such an early stage but they are fantastic.  One via the Menu (at least from my perspective) however was a bit befuddling at first attempts.  This feature is called Silent Control.  In order to access this menu the camera must be in Live View first as you cannot find this option in the normal still image menu area.  Once in Live View, jump to Menu 1 (with the camera icon), then the 5th (final sub menu).  There you will see 3 choices. Use the rear Dial to go to choice 2, Silent Control, and choose "Enable".  Tap the Shutter release button so you are back in Live View and press the Stop/Start button to begin recording (yes you must begin to record to access this next feature).  Next press the Q button while recording and you will see a new menu come up (the options in this this new menu depends on whether you are in P, Av, Tv or M - M mode offers the most choices) or see owner's manual page 236 for what is enabled here or disabled.  From there you can literally tap the Top, Left, Right or Bottom of the rear Dial to change any setting such as ISO, Aperture, Shutter, Exposure & Sound.

Hope this helps everyone.

37

EOS Bodies - For Stills / 5D Mark III - Out of the Box Default settings that should be changed

« on: May 12, 2012, 08:02:02 PM »

Anyone have any comment on this?  My camera finally arrives Monday and am curious for global input from  the forum users on this site that wish to cast their opinion about menu options that are recommended to "turn on" and to "turn off" or things to avoid.

I'm an advanced user and know the 7D real well.  I realize the above is a broad question and if it helps any I primarily shoot landscapes, stationary objects such as flowers, buildings, minimal portraits, some wildlife such as deer or birds and insects.  I shoot only RAW and use only Av, Tv and M modes.

I'm basically looking for "don't bother with X as an example" and why.  Hoping there's a few 5D Mark iii users out there that know this camera well enough now that can make these opinionated statements.  Thank you all in advance for reading.

38

EOS Bodies / It's OK to Rant and Gripe Here but .....

« on: May 09, 2012, 11:21:32 PM »

So many of you have great ideas and suggestions for software and firmware upgrades to improve the Canon products.  It seems as though everyone is sharing/ranting/griping here but is anyone submitting their thoughts to Canon?  This rant and rave reminds of me of when people complain or talk about someone behind their backs.  The communication never gets to the culprit and so they keep doing what they are doing and the complainer keeps complaining.  An endless loop.

I do hope some of you or most of you send these excellent suggestions directly to Canon.  That way they are aware of the suggestions, gripes etc and deploy these via firmware, updates, upgrades etc. if and whenever possible.

Ex.  I wrote to Canon support the other day about DPP not offering a very simple command called RENAME.  RENAME should appear in a right click (i.e. context menu) on a photo but does not.  Each to time I rename an image I have to shell out to Windows Explorer and perform this task.  (Yes I am aware of the batch process but that is multi stepped. I also know you can rename a folder but why no single photo/file?)   I finally got fed up and instead of griping here I wrote to support and received the following reply from Rodney in Canon Support:  "We appreciate your continued correspondence regarding the EOS 5D Mark III and Canon software.  A rename option in Digital Photo Professional is a very good suggestion.  We thank you for this feedback and I will make sure to pass this along towards the appropriate parties for consideration. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance with your inquiry about the EOS 5D Mark III and Canon software.  Thank you for choosing Canon."  So let's take all of these great suggestions and get them in the hands of the people that can do something.  To get you started here's the email for EOS Canon support:  eosdigitalsupport@cits.canon.com. Lastly (and I hope you do send your valuable comments to them) please share with us the reply you have received.

39

Portrait / We, The Photographers......Self Portaits..a Who's Who on CR

« on: April 26, 2012, 09:12:42 PM »

I thought to come forward and reveal this faceless person.... so here I am.  Who's Next? and a nice to meet you.


Stretching My Imagination by Revup67, on Flickr

40

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Canon 5D Mark iii Product Advisory just released 4-23-12 at 7pm PST

« on: April 23, 2012, 11:54:00 PM »

Canon Support just informed me of this - note the line on the serial numbers of your cameras that are affected

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_5d_mark_iii?pageKeyCode=prdAdvDetail&docId=0901e02480538fc7

It seems all this concern may have been for nothing and the delays it caused were fruitless based on this advisory..uggh.

41

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Canon 5D Mark iii and 64Gigabyte SD card

« on: April 23, 2012, 05:55:47 PM »

Has anyone tested any SDXC 64 gigabyte cards on the Canon 5D Mark iii?  I called Canon they have only tested up to 32 gigabyte SD cards.  My concern is being able to have the 5D Mark iii properly format and utilize beyond 32 gig on the 64 gig card with the FAT32 file system.

Looking only for replies from anyone that can confirm full use (or beyond 32gig) of the of the allotted 64 gig of space.  I'm not concerned about speed on this thread or why one should use a CF card vs. an SD or the Windows FAT32 file system structure

Many thanks for your assistance

42

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Canon 5D Mark iii with 24-105 --> $4169 USD

« on: April 23, 2012, 04:36:19 PM »

All - I spoke with August at J&R Music in NYC (I've been buying from them since the mid 70s - trusted source).  Though not on their site, August gave me the OK to put this listing here.  if you call him directly he will sell you the 5D Markiii with the kit lens for $4169 vs. $4299.  Their number is :  800-806-1115 his extension is 1041.  They are (like most resellers) presently out of stock on this item but they expect shipment soon.  Their web site is jr.com.  You must ask for August as no other sales rep will offer this price.

43

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 5D Mark II Noise article

« on: April 05, 2012, 02:03:12 AM »

The author writes

The Mark III crops at low ISOs are more attention-grabbing than the Mark II at first glance, but this really is just down to sharpening. Take the Mark II image and apply greater sharpening..,

Please someone correct me if I am wrong but I disagree here.  Once you apply a sharpen at any magnitude you increase noise.  Did the author overlook this aspect?  If this is true then no they are not similar and the 5D III would clearly outperform the II.

Open to anyone's comments on this.
Article link http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_III/high_ISO_noise.shtml

Thanks

Rev

44

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Clean Your Camera With Water Hose ?

« on: February 17, 2012, 09:21:52 PM »

I am skeptical of this type of cleaning..anyone?

http://9gag.com/gag/1673742

This might be a joke though note all the comments - I don't buy that cleaning method. Just what we need are hard water stains on the mirror for starters. Then there's the rust / corrosion factor.  Being in IT, I've opened PC's near homes on the beach and they were rusted with corrosion inside.

45

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Image effects with EOS 7D possible ?

« on: February 11, 2012, 12:24:53 PM »

While on a heavily shaded dirt hiking path the other day, I loaded my 15-85mm on the 7D with a tripod and had approximately 60 feet of dirt trail in the view finder at 18mm.   I was attempting to create a "blurred trailing effect" from a cyclist but failed.  Much like a stream of car lights at night when you slow the shutter speed down.  I was using a nine stop Hoya ND400 filter with the lens and had the lens open for about 3 seconds.  The exposure was decent despite the heavy contrast however the cyclist didn't appear in the image as he rode the 60 feet of trail.  It was as if the event never happened.  I finally got another cyclist after shortening the shutter speed to about 1/10th (see attached image) but he was a short blur within the 70 feet and not the effect I was aiming for.

Perhaps this is not do able in shaded daylight but if anyone has any ideas that would be great.  Perhaps my 580 EX II using multi flash would resolve this?  Open to any thoughts, this is new ground for me.

Actual 1/10s image attached