Messages

106

Lighting / Re: How about this strobist set up?

« on: May 22, 2012, 10:51:30 PM »

I got this crazy idea to attach my Speedlites to my shoe adapters to create this crazy contraption I didn't fire the flashes like this because I have to buy more AA batteries. This requires 32 of them. I'm guessing the effect would be similar to a ring flash. One very expensive and heavy ring flash  I wouldn't realistically try using this setup because it's heavy, awkward, and not that sturdy. Just did it for fun and thought I'd share 

Hilarious!!!  Well done.  Now put it on amazon and sell it for $10,000.00. 

107

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: RAW vs JPEG debate in the light of 5DIII improvements

« on: May 22, 2012, 10:42:44 PM »

My experience with the 5dIII has been that my raw files need less work in post than on my 7d or t3I.  I don't shoot jpeg because I like the option of maximizing the potential of each photograph.  I don't have any deadlines and so time isn't an issue.  I suspect that it might be a big issue if I had to process a 1000 photographs by Wednesday. 

108

Animal Kingdom / Re: How much time do you spend in post ?

« on: May 21, 2012, 11:20:36 PM »

I typically spend 5 minutes give or take on keepers and sometimes longer for really good content that could have been shot better.   

109

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Entry-level video production

« on: May 21, 2012, 03:45:21 PM »

Finally, they need to seriously consider what editing software they're going to use, after all, Adobe Production Premium CS6 would blow 100% of their budget, not to mention having really powerful PC/Mac to edit (need a serious graphics card either NVidia or AMD with at least 1 Gig of Video RAM to process HD video files). I spent 1.5 times their total budget on a custom-built PC that runs Adobe Premiere Pro with GPU-acceleration (utilising fully the Mercury Playback Engine). My other computer a 3Gig dual-core 64-bit Windows Professional laptop will not even playback full HD video in real-time (and it has a 17" 1600x1024 screen).

Seriously, they need to consider computer hardware + software too (unless they already have them) and I would advise doubling or trebling that budget. No point capturing great 1080p video if you cannot process or edit it.

I second DB's recommendations.  I would also recommend using lynda.com monthly subscription to learn Premiere Pro if you don't already know it.  I spend a weekend with it and got the basics down with no sweat.  Now of course I have to go back over it again and again (the tutorials) until I really get it!  It's worth the extra money to have a no nonsense tutorial you can access day or night (assumes internet connection).  You can even "rent" premiere pro from adobe if you don't want or need it full time.  Good luck and have fun.

110

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Documentary 5D mk iii setup

« on: May 19, 2012, 09:31:09 PM »

I'm looking at the same issues for the same reasons and so this thread is very welcome.  I appreciate both the post and the response.  Any other experiences or recommendations would be welcome.

111

Lenses / Re: Your dream 50mm f/14

« on: May 18, 2012, 12:45:39 AM »

Build quality. Center sharpness wide open. Hard stop manual focus.

Yes, all three................

112

EOS Bodies / Re: NEED HELP W/LENSES: What should I get next...?

« on: May 17, 2012, 11:56:57 AM »

I wrote a post about this. It might help

http://www.phildweddingphotography.co.uk/index.php/2011/10/the-best-lens-for-wedding-photography/

That's a nice synopsis of lens for weddings.  Good to know.

113

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: SmallHD vs Zacuto Z Finder

« on: May 14, 2012, 08:06:37 PM »

That does look nice.  I'll have to look into that further.

114

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Need a tripod, any suggestions?

« on: May 14, 2012, 06:05:37 PM »

I use a Manfrotto set up with 055XPBOB tripod (167.73) and a fluid head 701HDV (124.99).  They work great for video and even stills.  I wouldn't recommend them for a long hike though as it is a heavy set.

115

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Waiting for the EOS-1P?

« on: May 11, 2012, 01:17:52 AM »

Well, I don't know about the others but my competence was certainly in question when I started using the 7d.  It took me months of working with the camera to gain acceptable images with it and I assume that my proficiency will continue to improve.  I thought my camera was defective too but the previous owner had great pictures with it and I couldn't very well say that the camera had favorites. 

116

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Waiting for the EOS-1P?

« on: May 11, 2012, 12:55:04 AM »

When I first got my 7d I struggled to get good image quality and had a lot of issues with noise, primarily in dark conditions.  I complained here about it and got a lot of good advice about the camera and that was to continue to experiment with it and find a way to work with it.  There is no doubt that the 7d can be difficult to work with but it is well worth the trouble to keep at it.  Now I wouldn't get rid of the 7d for anything.  When used properly it is a powerhouse of a camera and well worth the trouble.  I use it for BIF and when you see those beautiful images show up you take a deep breath.   

That being said my 5d3 should be here this weekend and we'll see what that is like but regardless the 7d will continue to be a favorite in my toolbox. 

117

Canon General / Re: Tattoos for Photographers

« on: May 10, 2012, 11:05:27 AM »

The elbow one was pretty cool, but my money would have gone to more gear. 

My 0.23 (CPI) 2012.

118

EOS Bodies / Re: Curious about B&H & mkiii shipments

« on: May 09, 2012, 08:07:52 PM »

I just got my tracking number for fed ex for 5d3 from Onecall.

119

EOS Bodies / Re: Curious about B&H & mkiii shipments

« on: May 09, 2012, 02:40:47 PM »

Update: I, like so many of us ordered one last night, and Onecall is sorting through the orders to match time and inventory.  The manager appears to have placed "back order" on the orders until they determine if they have enough inventory.  They say I'm getting the one I ordered.  I ordered 9:27pm PST.  If you ordered from them I would call them to verify.

120

Lenses / Re: Canon 100-400mm on 5D Mark III

« on: May 09, 2012, 01:10:34 AM »

I love my 100-400 mm and its old push-pull.  I can't wait to try it on my 5d3.  I use my 400 on BIFs and love it.  You have to get used to having such a limited field of view but like most things, you learn to use it and wind up with great pictures.