Messages

16

Reviews / Re: Review - Google Glass

« on: May 04, 2013, 12:38:34 PM »

As I recall, you were a contractor involved with the software end of it.  I find it exciting to have someone posting at CR who is involved.
 
Why not contract Craig (CR Guy) about a article for the CR Reviews page.  I'm sure he would be interesting in posting a in depth review of the camera.

I'm an independent developer ... I could do an article but I'm rather tired of it after being interviewed with WSJ, BBC etc blah blah. If Craig asked I'd probably do it though but I'm too lazy to ask myself

So when will you be allowed to share the pictures you take?

It's my device so I've been sharing copiously. Check out my Plus account above or YouTube account (same name) for plenty of examples.

With all the paranoia around regarding authorities and public photography I can see many places treating this as a ‘spy’ cam and reacting accordingly, fascinated to see how this technology progresses.

I think the spy cam ideas are overblown. There are way better spy cams out there, check out the Memoto for one.

Could you tell us a little more about them, apart from the camera. What are they like to wear, what do the weigh, what are your thoughts on the security issue (anyone can pick them up and use them), how is it to read an email on them, what apps are you using? That sort of thing.

I've been posting copiously on Google+ so I encourage you to check there. In brief they are very comfortable and when you add in the phone call, SMS, email and new apps being developed (including by me ) then it's a hands down winner. Getting an email and responding to it effortlessly in a few seconds while you're doing whatever is really neat. It actually is easier than a cell phone.

'm mostly interested in the HUD aspect. What kind of info does it display and how easy is it to see?

Check my YouTube for a video showing the HUD menus (search for Dan McLaughlin Glass). It's quite readable at 640x340 IIRC. Given the relative focal lengths (approx 4') you don't want to read a novel on it however.

've said for a while, as a motorbike rider, that the next big innovation will be HUD for speedometer, gear position info etc.

Check out the motorcycle video a friend of mine and fellow Glass Explorer - Noble Ackerson - put on Google Plus. Also some neat sports ones. I'm neither into bikes or sports but he is a good source

17

Reviews / Re: Review - Google Glass

« on: May 03, 2013, 11:20:35 PM »

Thanks Mt Spokane,

That is the interesting thing about this, the shots I'm getting from Glass are far better than I expected. The head/tripod idea is just a thought as to why this would be. When taking video I have to be careful not to pan my head too fast, we do that faster than people are comfortable viewing. But for stills I and others have done side by side comparisons with DSLR's and found them to be quite good, taking into consideration sensor size, etc.

No trade secrets, the device is in the wild now. By stability I just mean that something on your head is going to be more stable than a iPhone camera in your hand cantilevered out from your body at the end of your arm.

From a convenience standpoint it's no comparison, I'm getting about 60 shots a day with it easily whereas before I'd be lucky to get 60 a week with a regular camera. And I'm getting better, more candid shots. Check this out

https://plus.google.com/101918765439807869784/posts/KDDixNu833G

I was getting interviewed by the WSJ on this one. Technically it's not the best shot, if I had a DSLR with a circ polarizer and flash it would be better. But I never would have gotten those expressions - I was being interviewed.

So here's another thought - this may be the fantastic street camera.. Why? Nobody knows you're taking a shot. I'm a terrible candid and street photog but with Glass I'm getting some really good and interesting shots.

18

Reviews / Re: Review - Google Glass

« on: May 03, 2013, 05:24:02 PM »

Without "proof of life" I'm inclined to call BS.

Oh my, a BS detection expert. How about a photograph of me with Sergey Brin sporting Glass?

https://plus.google.com/101918765439807869784/posts/K8bUd8tJFFb

At any rate if you could get up the effort to do a search you'll see I've been posting here about Glass and saying I'll get it and do a review. I just didn't know I'd be the first.

And please no more droll comments about f8, extenders etc ... this is a new type of camera technology, if you want to strap a 24-105 to your head be my guest.

19

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.

20

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Tripod and multiple camera straps

« on: May 03, 2013, 03:47:38 PM »

If I understand your problem - using a strap and attaching to tripod without hassle - the Kirk security strap is the best solution IMO

http://www.adorama.com/KIRSS1.html?gclid=CL_wksvZ-rYCFWRyQgodrRkAfQ

I love this strap. It has a dovetail on the bottom which clamps to any Swiss-Arca system in seconds. I love how it keeps my lens pointing outward (in the orientation I use) while moving. Basically it's the bomb as far as I'm concerned.

21

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Introducing the MōVI Stabilizer

« on: April 05, 2013, 06:04:10 PM »

Pretty cool but not a lot of details - or non from what I can see - on how it works. I picked up from a forum on their site that it take LiPO batteries, indicating it's an active system of some kind. Any idea?

EDIT: OK I see from some of the other comments that the active part is for controlling the pan. Neat ... is the stabilization purely mechanical then?

22

Lenses / Re: New 100-400 to Launch with EOS 7D Mark II [CR2]

« on: March 27, 2013, 07:29:31 PM »

I'm glad I didn't buy a used 600mm. I'd like a longer reach, but a brand new 100-400 with the latest IS would fit the ticket, for much less money.

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

« on: March 21, 2013, 05:52:41 AM »

Update; I ended up passing on it. I'm not really ready for such a lens now, I'm going to stick to my plan and probably get one when I 'retire' in about 8 years. By then maybe they'll have released the 200-400 

24

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

« on: March 20, 2013, 10:20:49 AM »

Yeah I have a tripod and monopod that can handle it (Gitzo + RRS).

By way of potentially spending more of your money, you may have a ballhead that can support the weight (my RRS BH-55 would do fine) but you don't want to use a ballhead with a long supertele.  If you don't have one, you'll want to get yourself a gimbal head - a Wimberley II or RRS PG-02.  The problem with a ballhead is that the weight is balanced above the pivot point, meaning a high potential for the lens to flop over, minimally slamming the lens into a tripod leg, possibly pulling the whole rig to the ground.  With a gimbal, the weight is balanced below the pivot point (in effect) which means if you let the lens go, it just stays put. 

Thanks, good points. Yes I have the RRS BH-55 too, also their big monopod head.

I'm familiar with the issues you mention because another hobby of mine is astronomy (now there's an expensive hobby!) I have a small 'hiking' portable Cass with the following mount

https://www.astronomics.com/astro-tech-voyager-altazimuth-mount_p15058.aspx

It's got a different sized dovetail but maybe there's an adaptor out there. It's a great mount.

Or maybe I'll just buy the Wimberly or more likely the RRS.

Or maybe just the monopod, I'm used to hauling telescopes around so I'm kind of laughing at a 11 pound lens. No idea, we'll see.

Oh, and if you don't have one you may want to consider a leveling base for your tripod.  No need with a ballhead, but makes life easier when using a gimbal.

Excellent tip

25

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

« on: March 20, 2013, 09:22:18 AM »

OK thanks guys.

I decided to get it, I can afford it, I would like it, and it seems like too good an opportunity to pass up.

I decided to view it basically as a rental or try before you buy. I'll use it to decide how much I like wildlife photography, if I do then I got a great lens for a great price. If not then I can always sell it.

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Lenses / Re: Question for owners of Canon 200mm f2.0 and 70-200mm f 2.8 II lens

« on: March 20, 2013, 06:44:33 AM »

I don't have the 200/2 (so why am I replying?  ) but I don't understand this lens. The 70-200 is nearly as good, more versatile, smaller, lighter and cheaper. Other than for a few specialty uses why would you buy or use the 200? I think even the review here recently focused more on the use case of it being a good portrait lens. What else would you use the lens for?

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

« on: March 19, 2013, 03:38:25 PM »

Oh man, you guys aren't helping my bank account.

Seriously? Aggggggggg, indecision ....

Ok, I'll help.  No, don't buy it.  Don't buy something you weren't in the market for just because it's a good deal.  Good deals come and go all the time.  $5k is a lot of money to me, I wouldn't spend it on something I don't really want.  Recognize that you're asking for advise on a forum full of people that are obsessed with gear, and weigh accordingly.

As far as buying and reselling, make sure your friend is OK with that.  I'd assume she's giving you the family friend discount, it'd be rude to turn around and sell it for cash.

Thanks, I appreciate that. Still don't know what to do.

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

« on: March 19, 2013, 10:23:18 AM »

Oh man, you guys aren't helping my bank account.

Seriously? Aggggggggg, indecision ....

29

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

« on: March 19, 2013, 05:44:52 AM »

Yeah I have a tripod and monopod that can handle it (Gitzo + RRS).

I'm just not sure if I'm ready for a lens that big, I've been waiting until retirement to get into the big boys.

30

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

« on: March 18, 2013, 07:47:14 PM »

It's from a old friend of my Dad's so the source is totally trustworthy. I think I heard she does some Nat Geo photography but that might be hyperbole.

Anyhow she wants lighter lenses (getting older) and is upgrading to the II's. I'm not really looking for a 600 and not looking to spend this much, but I'm wondering if it's a deal I can't pass up?