Topics

1

Software & Accessories / LR untrustworthy; other import software options

« on: May 13, 2013, 06:48:32 AM »

LR keeps choking on video files. They've always had bad support of video but this goes beyond. I'm frequently getting errors importing video now. My method is to import via LR - change the file name to an extended date, convert to DNG and backup original file to secondary location. Then I run a script which backs up the imported files to a server.

Guess what? It choked a video file, and messed up the backup copy. The backup copy should just be a copy, right? No, somehow Adobe managed to actually screw up the backup version. The file is clipped and messed up.

Fair warning, I've about had it with Adobe and all their products. LR is slow and now I'm sure I can't trust it. I'm even wondering if I made a mistake converting all my pictures to DNG - how many applications other than LR support it?

Anyhow I've rewritten my script to run the command line Adobe DNG converter for importing - keep LR out of the picture entirely. I rarely do a much editing on the computer, I'd rather be shooting.

Any other pure import options?

2

Reviews / Review - Google Glass

« on: May 03, 2013, 03:52:46 PM »

And now for something completely different ...

So I happened to get the first pair on the West Coast which was fun, and have been using this new device for about two weeks. Focusing on the camera aspect, I'm finding it takes remarkably good pictures and video, and I think I know why. One, there's no zoom, so no crummy plastic zoom lens hunting around. Two, it sits on the best tripod you have - your head. By best I mean the most readily available, convenient and stable. It even auto-tracks your subject?

Anyhow it beats the hell out of using a cell phone camera, but the video and stills aren't as good as my S100. But when you add in the stability and orders of magnitude better convenience it's a winner. It's my new go-to for snapshots and videos.

3

Lenses / 600mm f/4l IS for $5k - good price?

« on: March 18, 2013, 05:10:43 PM »

Is this a good price for this lens without a scratch on it?

4

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Why does Canon watermark their manuals

« on: March 10, 2013, 07:07:42 AM »

with the word "Copy"?


It's a PDF. Electronic copy. By definition. They can't send me an 'original' PDF, those bits (or the representation of them) were sent over a dozen networks to get to me.

But right in the middle of the damn thing I have to stare at this watermark on every page. Is this because if I somehow managed to print it, in the same small form factor they do (bound and sized appropriately), that it would be obvious I was making a fake. Seriously? 

5

Lenses / 200-400 f/4 L IS vs 100-400 vII (hypothetical)

« on: March 04, 2013, 06:37:47 PM »

I max out at 200mm with the 70-200 f/2.8 II and have been holding out for a 100-400 II which will come eventually, probably in the not too distant future would be my guess. I can wait however so no major problem either way.

Now we know Canon is coming out with the 200-400, and while it will be horrifically expensive I could swing it. I'm looking to use a longer lens for wildlife photography.

So I've not used any of the L telephotos, any thoughts on these choices versus any of their other tele's from folks more experience than me? Consider issues such as weight, usability (short and long focal lengths), etc. Thanks for your thoughts!

6

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

« on: February 27, 2013, 09:11:31 PM »

I got the Lee Big Stopper, kit and 82mm adaptor. Can't believe they charge (and I paid for) for these things. Of course everything else is exponentially more expensive.

Anyhow I could use a grad. I'm looking at this new one from B&H which should be top of the line

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/900553-REG/B_W_661075266_100_x_150mm_701.html

but it's crazy expensive. Other suggestions?

7

Third Party Manufacturers / Google Glass

« on: February 26, 2013, 08:41:29 AM »

So I've been taking an interest in small sensor cameras - the Canon S100, my cellphones, the Memoto and Google Glass. Under the adage of "the best camera is the one you have with you" I've been working on these cameras to see how good I can get with them.

On Glass, I'm a software engineer by day and will be one of the first in the world to have a pair as part of the original "Glass Explorer" program, probably in the next month. I also was selected to take part of the "Glass Foundry" event where I got to spend a few days with it at the Google office.

I'm excited about using this new platform, and am interested to see what I can get with an "always there POV" camera

8

Third Party Manufacturers / Thoughts on Zeiss Canon 5 lens kit?

« on: February 25, 2013, 06:26:57 PM »

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/818396-REG/Zeiss_410951_0000_032_ZE_SLR_Lens_Case.html

• 21mm f/2.8 Lens
• 28mm f/2 Lens
• 35mm f/2 Lens
  
• 50mm f/1.4 Lens
  
• 85mm f/1.4 Lens
  

Thoughts? Better to buy them individually? Instead of the lenses given what would you substitute?

9

Lighting / When do _you_ use a bare bulb diffusor?

« on: January 31, 2013, 08:08:56 AM »

You know, those cheap little frosted white plastic boots that go on the end of your flash?

I was at an event this week with a hired photog to capture portraits and the event. I was surprised to see he didn't use a softbox or umbrella, he just had a 580ex on a stand with a bulb diffusor. The photos are being used for PR and are pretty important, each one had to get approved, so I would have thought he'd have a more elaborate kit (I stupidly didn't think to ask him). I got to chimp some of the shots which looked good, so maybe he knew what his business was, but I haven't had good luck with those things, no matter how easy they are to use. Am I missing out on something?

10

Reviews / Kirk Security Strap review

« on: January 30, 2013, 07:14:48 PM »

Review of  http://www.kirkphoto.com/Kirk_Security_Strap.html

Background, I haven't used the popular BlackRapid strap or other variants. My issue with the BlackRapid is that you have to screw something to the bottom which precludes easy Swiss-Arca plate usage. I know many got around that by using a SA clamp, but the setup seems kludgy to me. Additionally the BlackRapid solution seems over engineered to me. As an engineer I would opt for a simpler design, the swivel buckle, screw in attachment and such looks like too much, never mind adding a Swiss-Arca clamp, which also makes it much more expensive by the way.

Enter the Kirk Security Strap which had the features I wanted on paper.



A built in clamp. A strap which attaches directly to the clamp. Minimal failure points and foo. How does it stack up?

The claim to fame of the BlackRapid is rapid shooting. Important to professional event shooters, less to me, but as it turns out I suspect that is more marketing than reality. As it is the Kirk has zero issues with rapid deployment. Instead of sliding the camera along the strap, a move that seems error prone, with the Kirk you can simply raise the camera to eye level without readjusting anything. It just folds more or less in half with the padded part staying in place. When done drop it back down, zero fuss. Frankly it seems like LESS fuss than the BlackRapid, but as I say I haven't used that one.

Second, how does it 'sit' when by your side? It comes from the factory with the clamp knob toward you. This is a neat feature, what it means is that because the clamp naturally lines the camera up in a particular orientation (front-back) the knob is always there giving some standoff distance between the camera and you. Keeps the back of the camera from knocking into you. Cool.

Third it has a rail on the bottom for quick mounting on a SA system.

Fourth I'm not a walking advertisement. No logos blasted over it, the unit is extremely lightweight and low profile.

That's the good. The less good is that the strap isn't a super deluxe item. Fine by me, actually perfect for me, I don't want some overdone solution. Just a simple strap thank you. If you don't like it, it can be easily replaced at any rate.

Also with the default strap it wants to go over one shoulder (at least for me), not across your chest to the other shoulder. Again my preferred approach, I like being able to quickly take it on or off. If you prefer across the chest then replacing the strap with a longer version will do it for you.

That's my take.

11

Site Information / Forum recommendations

« on: January 30, 2013, 11:03:42 AM »

Please let me know if there is a way for me to change some of these, I haven't found it though

• Remove or extend the login timeout, I constantly have to keep logging in unlike every other forum I've been on
• Get rid of the "somebody posted while you were typing" thing, which requires you to hit submit again. It's never or rarely relevant and is just annoying. Nobody does this anymore
• Combine forums or repurpose. The categories/forums doesn't make sense, seems like there's duplication and there's other forums that could be added.

Thanks

12

Software & Accessories / Need help with developing in LR

« on: January 25, 2013, 06:56:30 PM »

Hi Guys,
   I need some tips for developing my pictures. I'm a software engineer so I'd rather not spend a lot of time twiddling with images (I'd rather be writing software). Here's my workflow

• Shoot everything in Raw + JPG (JPG is to have a camera development reference)
• Import into DNG in LR
• Auto apply a Camera Dual Illuminant profile on import (I love camera calibrations) from XRite ColorChecker
• Auto apply lens corrections on import
• I usually shoot a frame with the ColorChecker, if so then apply WB from that

I like the calibrated colors I get usually. Sometimes I'll twiddle the exposure or colors if its a good photo. But usually my photos look kind of crappy, what else should I be doing?

13

EOS Bodies - For Stills / I love big gear

« on: January 22, 2013, 06:51:36 PM »

As a counterpoint to the posts on here complaining about the size of a DSLR, I'm here to say I like it that way! I spend the weekend with a



Lowepro Pro Trekker strapped to my back with 35 lbs of stuff. Great exercise! And I knew I wouldn't miss any opportunity. I had a full Gitzo and RRS tripod system for doing panoramas, plus about five lenses and flash system. I had it covered! It was comfortable and really strengthened me up (I went with a buddy who had his backpack filled with unusable stuff, just for the exercise) Compared to that, holding the DSLR with a single lens is nothing! If I feel like a small setup I throw a pancake or other prime on there, it's nothing.

So you can keep your puny girly man Leica; it's a DSLR for me anyway.

14

Software & Accessories / Camera or lightmeter?

« on: January 18, 2013, 10:05:38 AM »

Which is better for managing exposure? It seems to me that the camera is because it measures the actual light received. For example, using a light meter on a black backdrop won't tell you how to expose properly, it seems, but I'm not knowledgable on the subject.

15

Software & Accessories / Shooting in the rain

« on: January 13, 2013, 10:40:05 AM »

Recommendations for a good "Camera Condom"? You know, these various bags you can get to cover your camera for bad weather.