Messages

16

Software & Accessories / Laptop for photo editing

« on: July 24, 2012, 06:38:37 PM »

It turns out that my current laptop can't really handle the images on my 5D3, so I'm looking to get a new one. I had bought a new one and got a hell of a deal on it, but I had to send it back to the manufacturer since there was something majorly wrong with it. Now a certain part is back ordered and there's no time line on when I'll actually get the replacement. So, I'm considering just trying to get a refund and get a different one. Here are my various options.

 (My biggest concern is whether it will be able to handle 126MB 16 bit TIFF files in Photoshop CS5 using the Nik plugins (sharpener and noise reduction) at a decent speed (doesn't have to be super fast, just decent))

 I've only listed relevant specs, as everything else is pretty much the same. I understand graphics cards really don't have any impact on photoshop (to my knowledge), but I've included them anyway)

Option 1: $1700 (this is the back ordered one)
-processor: Intel Core i7-2860QM (2.50GHz, 8MB cache L3, 1333MHz)
-graphics: NVIDIA Quadro NVS4200M Optimus technology (1GB)
-memory: 8GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2DIMM)

Option 2: $2600
-processor: Intel Core i7-3820QM (2.70GBz, 8M Cache)
-graphics: NVIDIA NVs 5400M Graphics with Optimus Technology (1GB DDR3 memory)
-memory: 8GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)

Option 3: $2300
-processor: Intel Core i7-3820QM (2.70GBz, 8M Cache)
-graphics: NVIDIA NVs 5400M Graphics with Optimus Technology (1GB DDR3 memory)
-memory: 8GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (2 DIMM)

Option 4: $2600
-processor: Intel Core i7-3820QM (2.70GBz, 8M Cache)
-graphics: NVIDIA Quadro K1000M Graphics with 2GB DDR3 Memory
-memory: 8 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (2 DIMM)

 Your thoughts? I'm particularly curious about memory. How much do you think I reasonably need? Would it be better to go with 1 DIMM or 2 DIMM?

 Any input would be appreciated.
 

17

Canada / Re: Selling my 5D1 w/grip, batteries, etc

« on: June 26, 2012, 07:48:17 PM »

Wow, that was fast. Sold it today via kijiji.

18

Canada / Selling my 5D1 w/grip, batteries, etc

« on: June 26, 2012, 02:24:45 AM »

I figure this is probably the best place to post this. Since I've got my 5D3, I'm looking to sell my 5D1. It comes with:

-BG-E4 battery grip w/ AA insert tray and cap
-x4 BP-511 batteries w/ charger
-up to x4 SanDisk Ultra II 4GB CF cards
-Canon EOS Digital camera strap

 Looking to get $600 CAD.

19

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Try putting this through DxOMark..!

« on: June 25, 2012, 01:05:25 AM »

This is similar to an idea I had while in the shower the other day. I wondered if you could develop a camera that could control the exposure of each pixel independently of the rest of the sensor so that literally every single pixel had the perfect exposure. Whether this is even possible is beyond me, as I lack everything but a very rudimentary understanding of this kind of engineering.

 While this isn't quite down to that level, the idea of using a bunch of small cameras to compose the larger image comes surprisingly close to my shower pipe-dream. I believe the GAIA satellite uses multiple sensors, but I'm not sure each one is exposed differently from the rest. *shrugs* 

20

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Smaller pixel means more noise can now be laid to rest!!

« on: June 25, 2012, 01:00:16 AM »

I'll concede that I think the D800 has the better sensor. I don't see this as showing how bad the 5D mkIII is, I see it as a testament to just how good the D800 is. Hats off to Nikon.

 However, I'd rather be out shooting and enjoying my decision, Canon or Nikon, than sitting on internet forums whining about it. I have a 5D mkIII and I like it. It's sensor may not be as good as the D800, but I'm ok with that because the 5d mkIII delivers for me.

21

Software & Accessories / Re: Camera bag recommendations for compact travel?

« on: June 23, 2012, 01:26:56 AM »

Your best bet is probably to find a camera store with lots of bags and go in and check them out. I find bags are a very personal choice.

 That being said, I recommend the crumpler backpack bags.

22

Software & Accessories / Re: Printing recommendation?

« on: June 23, 2012, 01:24:35 AM »

That's actually a fairly reasonable method Yellow, and with reasonably high-end monitor/printer and calibration you shouldn't have to go back and forth that often.  If you have the cash there are monitors out there that will alter the whites displayed on screen so that they look more like/match the paper profile you are printing to, rather than appearing so much like illuminated pixels, they also cost an absolute small fortune.

To the OP.  If you want something for small prints or just something cheap to test your colors or a crop of your image at full size, Canon's SELPHY line is both cheap and of fairly high quality.  You might want to read reviews because other vendors sell similar products that might be as good or better, I don't know because I was given a SELPHY and never considered it for purchase first, but the results it's capable of are quite, quite good and I have an older one.  For bigger printers, I don't know the current market at all and cannot help you, good luck though.

 Someone mentioned my name?! I'm popular!

23

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5D MarkIII Low ISO performance in shadows

« on: June 23, 2012, 01:22:54 AM »

I picked up my 5D mkIII the day it was released and haven't experienced any of these problems. I shot a sunset over at the reservoir last week, so lots of shadows. At iso 100 there isn't any noise, even if I really push the shadows in post processing. I did a few at iso 500 and it had just a touch of a noise, but it was what I expected, and no bad noise in the shadows, even when pushed in post.

 Maybe I just got a good one. I also don't shoot with highlight tone priority on. *shrugs*

24

Software & Accessories / Re: Printing recommendation?

« on: June 17, 2012, 11:33:48 PM »

I must confess that I'm not terribly knowledgeable when it comes to printers and profiles. I also find trying to figure it all out myself to be difficult and frustrating. This being the case, I tend to use the following method when making prints:

Step 1) Edit the photo on your comp so that you get the result on screen that you'd like to see in print (using a calibrated monitor, of course)

Step 2) Get a small print of the edited image from Step 1 made

Step 3) Compare the print to the on-screen image and determine what needs to be done. For example, if the print's colours are too cold, then warm them up a bit.

Step 4) Get another small print of the edited image from Step 3 made

Step 5) Repeat as necessary until desired print result is reached.

Obviously, if you know your printers and profiles then you'll be able to predict your print results without having to use such a trial-and-error riddled method. So take my method as a tentative recommendation as there are better methods out there.

25

Software & Accessories / DOF Calculator app

« on: June 17, 2012, 11:21:46 PM »

http://www.dofmaster.com/iphone.html

 Here's a neat app for those without sufficient experience to be able to eyeball or calculate depth of field off the tops of their heads. Basically, you input your distance from target, focal length, aperture, and it will calculate the nearest and furthest acceptable focus. It could be a useful tool, depending on what you shoot. It could also help you learn DOF. Anyway, I thought I'd pass this on.
 

26

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: What modes do you usually use on your camera?

« on: June 12, 2012, 02:42:27 AM »

I'm usually in Av, sometimes Tv. Sometimes I only go into manual sometimes.

 Fortunately, being a landscape shooter, I usually have time to take a bunch of test shots. Sometimes, if I'm in a hurry, I'll go start with -1 in exposure compensation and take one image at each increment until I hit +1.

27

Software & Accessories / Re: New Tripod (Help me spend my money)

« on: June 11, 2012, 12:57:01 AM »

As for a head, have you considered a geared head? It all depends on what you're shooting. I do landscapes and nature, so I usually have time. I use the Manfrotto 410 junior geared head... it's a bit heavy, but it allows for very fine adjustments. I can't imagine using anything else.

28

EOS Bodies / Re: New 5D Mark III Firmware Before the End of May [CR2]

« on: June 08, 2012, 04:18:23 AM »

I saw a few pages back that allegedly Magic Lantern can squeeze better dynamic range out of the sensor. If that's true, I wonder if Canon is working on something in that regard.

Soooo.... it's now June - any more news Mr. OP? Did this appear and I missed it?
Thanks,
M

Hey now, let's not shoot the messenger

29

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

« on: June 07, 2012, 04:24:45 AM »

Am I the only person whose native language is English and is having trouble understanding this guy's accent?

30

Software & Accessories / Re: Automatic Microfocus adjustment software

« on: May 30, 2012, 09:20:12 PM »

Just did a couple of test shots outside with my 24-105. I used FoCal to make the microadjustments. I have to say that I'm impressed with the difference.

really?

i'm sorry but both look pretty blurry to me 

The shallow depth of field wide open and close up makes that type of image difficult to evaluate.  Its not the best to demonstrate a sharp image.
 
I would post a before and after, but my 24-105mmL was near perfect out of the box.

 I can already hear the words "cop out" ringing in my ear, but the jpgs posted do not do it justice. When I look at the RAW files at 100% it's really a noticeable difference. Even looking at them on the back of the camera it's a noticeable jump in sharpness. But, I shall continue to tinker and try to provide some better examples.