Messages

1

EOS Bodies / Re: Possible positive 6D surprise? Should I wait?

« on: December 21, 2012, 12:57:31 AM »

The 6D high ISO images have a bit less noise than the 5D3 (not really significant IMO), but the 5D3 images retain way more detail, sharpness and DR at high ISO. The strengths of the 5D3 are much more valuable than less native noise and a softer image from the 6D. After all, that's what noise reduction software is for.

2

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: The seemingly amazing Sigma 35

« on: December 21, 2012, 12:49:47 AM »

I was playing around with my friend's Sigma 35 and it's a toy compared to the 35L. Aside from the difference in bokeh, I also found the Sigma wasn't as sharp as the L. Shot both lenses on the 5D3 and 5D2. I can't really say anything about build quality in the case of the 35L because it's barrel is plastic... although it still seems a slightly more robust (better plastic composition). Has sigma ever produced lens elements that are optically superior to the glass in L lenses?

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EOS Bodies / Re: Possible positive 6D surprise? Should I wait?

« on: November 24, 2012, 06:06:27 AM »

I haven't heard that the 6D sensor will perform better than the 5D3 sensor in low light. I would be shocked if it does in fact produce less noise at high ISOs. So if the 6D does perform better in low light... then I would be inclined to sell my 5D3 and downgrade to a 6D... but then I can't get past the fact that the 6D doesn't have a joystick or rear wheel for shooting efficiency so getting a 6D would never happen for me... There's no time to waste fussing around with the menu system to change critical settings like aperture and AF point selection at weddings. I still intend to rent a 6D once it's released just to see what it's all about and compare it to the 5D2 and 5D3... just to satisfy my curiosity  .

I have heard a similar rumor about the T4i having better high ISO performance than the 5D2 and that turned out to be false.

4

EOS Bodies / Re: Another Spec List for the Entry Level Full Frame EOS

« on: July 25, 2012, 02:24:29 PM »

Max 5D3 ISO is  102400

Rumors (and announcements) so far have used the maximum analog ISO, not the digital "High mode" value (because that's not actually an ISO; it's still the maximum analog ISO but underexposed and pulled up in post).


Having a 51200 maximum makes me think that they will use the sensor design from 1DX. If the official price will be 2000 USD, I'm interested again.

I think "maximum" is defined as expanded and not native ISO, as in "H1" and "H2". There is not way that a cheaper FF body will have a better native ISO range than the 5D3. Instead, it will probably be ISO 100-12800 native w/ H1-25600 and H2 - 51200.

5

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon's Next Full Frame Camera [CR2]

« on: July 25, 2012, 02:20:29 PM »

Apart from the new entry level FF camera, I would someday like to see Canon's true replacement for the 1Ds Mark III.  I don't think the 5D Mark III necessarily needs a replacement, since if you upgrade the metering, it's effectively a 1D-series in all likelihood.  How about a 3-series? 

Something tells me that the high megapixel FF body will fall in line as a direct 1DS3 replacement.  In theory it should deliver top image quality, but not necessarily the best ISO performance.  It seems that the 1DX is more of a replacement for the 1D4, but still might be a contender for top image quality at low ISO.

6

1D X Sample Images / Re: Any Thing shot with a 1Dx

« on: July 17, 2012, 08:47:29 PM »

That and a supertele lens.

Repeats to self...I will keep saving for the 500/4 II and not buy another lens before that...I will keep saving for the 500/4 II and not buy another lens before that...I will keep saving for the 500/4 II and not buy another lens before that (except maybe the 24-70/2.8 II)...I will keep saving for the 500/4 II and not buy another lens before that...

Best of luck with that! 

7

Site Information / Re: In Sympathy for CR Guy

« on: July 17, 2012, 08:32:26 PM »

Hi Craig,

I would like to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family for your loss. Take care and may the lord offer you comfort and give you strength to carry on.

Sincerely,
Brad

8

Lighting / Re: Multiple Flashes During Wedding Ceremony

« on: July 17, 2012, 08:24:47 PM »

I often utilize a second flash held by an assistant on a monopod synced up via pocket wizard in addition to an on camera flash on the pocket wizard transmitter hot shoe for longer shots or group shots.  In addition to adding better fill lighting, two flashes metered with ETTL, will consume less power to obtain a correct exposure so recycle time will also improve.  Another alternative is to use a constant light source directed by an assistant instead of a slave speedlite. This gives a nice effect, especially during wedding receptions, acting like a spotlight on your subjects while maintaining the natural appearance of the venue and mood lighting that is often set up in ballrooms.

9

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon's Next Full Frame Camera [CR2]

« on: July 17, 2012, 03:13:05 AM »

If this entry-level FF camera has the same noise sensitivity as the 5D3, a "silent" shooting mode, and options for setting minimum ISO/shutter speed, I'll surely be getting one.

If what you hope for turns out to be true, I might sell my 5D Mark 3 and buy one of these entry level FF just out of spite.

10

EOS Bodies / Re: Would you buy a new full frame camera for $1999 with the 5D Mark III sensor?

« on: July 17, 2012, 03:10:49 AM »

where the option for "nope, I'm broke after buying a 5d3?!?"  anywho i'm in that camp, but I wouldn't be objective to picking up a camera like this to go as my second body if and when the time comes to retire my 7d for good.

"Like" 

I admit I'll be a little upset if the 5D Mark III sensor shows up in a $1999 body in the same model year. But then I'm sure that even if it is the same sensor, Canon would probably spend a few extra dollars to re-formulate the algorithms for sensor efficiency and/or performance to make sure it doesn't come close to the noise handling of the 5D Mark III. Realistically, I'd expect 5D Mark II sensor characteristics or maybe even lower at 7D sensor characteristics.

11

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Is the 5D3 compatible with STM lenses (e.g., new 40mm f/2.8)

« on: July 17, 2012, 03:00:15 AM »

I didn't read too much into the STM but my understanding was that they facilitated continuous auto focusing while recording video with the T4i.  The 5D Mark 3 is not equipped with continuous auto focus while recording video so I don't think an STM will be beneficial.  Also, if the STM lenses are supposed to be known for quiet auto focus, are they being compared to non-USM or ring USM lenses? I don't know how much quieter you can get than a ring USM lens so maybe they are comparing the STM to the non USM lenses? Anyway, my take on continuous auto focus is that it is intended for casual shooting since any auto focus system is not accurate enough for pinpoint focusing of shallow DOF lenses. Any auto focus system will still hunt in video mode and miss focus so don't expect it to function like it has an advanced AI built in.  Learn manual focus for video if you need fast and accurate focus.

12

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon's Next Full Frame Camera [CR2]

« on: July 16, 2012, 06:46:01 PM »

I'm not saying that it will break if it's plastic, but rather wouldn't you expect a $2000 camera body to have better build quality; especially if it is going to cater to upper end enthusiasts and possibly professionals? I think it's pretty risky to be taking a plastic camera to shoots where you might encounter rain, high humidity, and extreme temperature changes (such as shooting outdoors in the cold and then going inside into a warm climate controlled environment where condensation will rapidly build on the camera). A plastic body will probably not have the same weather sealing as a metal body. When I first started shooting DSLR, I had my Rebel XT glitch out when condensation built on the body. But I vacuum sealed it with a few desiccant packs for a couple days and that luckily saved it.

Pretty sure we've been down this road before, but I'm too lazy to dig through old threads to find it...
My car has a bunch of plastic in it, and I'm pretty sure it does okay in rain, high humidity and extreme temperature changes.  Matter of fact, the space shuttles used plastic in all kinds of different applications (http://www.glenair.com/html/plastics.htm), so long story short, no plastic doesn't bother me in the least.

I think you missed a bunch of previous posts including the ones about the weather sealing of plastic "camera" bodies, but point taken anyway lmao

13

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon's Next Full Frame Camera [CR2]

« on: July 16, 2012, 06:39:12 PM »

the choice is a bit more complicated then 5D MK2 or MK3.... there is the D600 too.

for upgrader it´s maybe no real choice.. but let´s not forget the new DSLR customers.
and my fear is canon will lose many of them to nikon.

As for new DSLR buyers, I'm not sure that an entry level FF body would be a common choice.  Everyone I know who buys their first DSLR simply decides by asking their friends and family who are experienced or even sometimes inexperienced DSLR shooters what they use and why they use it. So I doubt the market will really change between Canon and Nikon. When a beginner comes up to me and asks me what brand I recommend and why, I tell them this: Both Canon and Nikon have great cameras and you will probably be happy with either. But I recommend Canon because the user interface is more intuitive to a beginner than a Nikon. This has always resulted in the new buyer deciding upon a Canon because they are usually worried about the learning curve and by no means ready to dive into advanced operations of a DSLR.  All the FF cameras offered will have advanced control layouts that facilitate shooting efficiency and that's something that I think new buyers are not ready for and don't really care to learn until they gain a better understanding of camera operation. In which case, that what upgrading is there for! muahahaha.

14

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon's Next Full Frame Camera [CR2]

« on: July 16, 2012, 06:18:24 PM »

I mostly agree with you. I do have a 60D (my first dSLR), and although I would have to agree that magnesium alloy bodies feel much better (took a couple shots with a friend's 5DmIII the other day), I don't think plastic is as bad as you put it. In other words, I can live with a little (too much) plastic. Sure I'll have to take care, but I would anyway, since I'll have paid $2,000 for it! (And, well, it's cheaper for a reason, after all.)
Many amateurs folks like me who are current Rebel and 60D owners and just can't justify $3,000+ on a camera will welcome the specs, I think, as it lets us into the FF world and plastic would be no step backwards anyway. I'd rather have a better focus system, better low-light capabilities and a pop-up flash than a better body, if I'm to choose (and I am, since I won't make any money -- at least soon -- from it). If I didn't care about money I would just buy a 5DmIII, another flash and a bunch of L lenses, but I'd probably have more camera than I need.
Well, that's just me, anyway... I understand that photographers who own lots of gear already won't be missing pop-up flashes and that kind of thing, but for a first FF, well, I think it'll be a great camera. It'll be just another soon-to-be-obsolete thing of the many things I own anyway, but one that was not so expensive and that fits my needs. Couldn't ask for more.
Plastic? Give me some! I can take it!

We'll have to see what actually becomes of this rumored entry level FF. As Canon-F1 just pointed out, the Nikon D600 is a plastic body that will be weather sealed. If Canon's version is equipped similarly, then I'm sure it will fit the demands of many more photographers. Heck, I might even buy one as a back up... Maybe get rid of my 5D Mark II's if it proves to be better.

15

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon's Next Full Frame Camera [CR2]

« on: July 16, 2012, 06:10:07 PM »

But I have never seen a plastic DSLR body that was weather sealed. So based upon past trends in construction, a plastic body would indicate no weather sealing.

until now.

sorry i have to mention nikon again.
one of the rumors about the D600 say it will have no metal body or more plastic then metal and it will be weather sealed.

we will see..

Apologies. I am not aware of specs regarding Nikon cameras. If they have weather sealed a plastic body, then I would certainly hope that Canon follows suite. It's not that I'm a Canon fanboy for not following Nikon cameras; but just that I have no place in my budget to even begin considering to purchase a Nikon camera, build a lens collection, and incorporate it into my shooting.