Messages

106

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: 650D (T4i) or 600D (T3i)

« on: June 20, 2012, 02:50:42 PM »

From a video point of view I would be interested in if the new 650D is any cleaner in the shadows and at higher ISO's.  The Q-scale function also interests me (user set video bitrate)
...
I don't run ML.  Camera does all I need without it, so for me that wouldn't be a deal breaker.

Paul - You make very good points. The Q-scale is interesting. Since you mentioned that you don't use ML, you might or might not already know this: ML allows you to set a higher (or lower) bitrate on the 600D/T3i (which sounds like the Q-scale).

By chance, I was experimenting with this recently and it works - though not without some qualifications. The ML bitrate multiplier has been reliable for me at 1.4x (with audio on). Of course, this comes with a resulting larger file per minute of video. With audio disabled, I was able to go up to 2.3x reliably. I can achieve 3.0x in a low dynamic range environment (even with audio). Of course, the benefits of a higher bit rate are also less apparent in the latter case.

The highest (video-only) resulting average bit rate that I was able to achieve without the camera stopping the recording was a little north of 100 Mbps. Again, I shot at 3.0x indoors, but the resulting bitrate in that situation was only around 70 Mbps. Quite nice resulting picture, though not night and day compared to 1.0x. And, a test at 0.2x at 7 kbps was completely watchable, though I wouldn't ever use it for a serious video. Of course, the bit rate can't solve the 600D's moire/aliasing problems nor can it increase the actual resolution. But, it does what it does.

I mention this in case you tried ML a long time ago and might consider it again, given your interest in Q-scale. The latest version (from December) has been very stable on my 600D.

107

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: 650D (T4i) or 600D (T3i)

« on: June 16, 2012, 09:38:21 AM »

Now that it is confirmed that the 650D/T4i cannot do 3x-10x zoom and that it suffers from as much moire/aliasing as the T2i and T3i, I see no reason for anyone interested in video to buy the T4i UNLESS the autofocus is a key feature for them. Plus, Magic Lantern already works on the T3i.

If my I needed to replace my T3i or T2i, I would get another T3i.

I hope that the 7D or 60D replacements improve on the moire/aliasing. Until then, the T3i is the camera to beat, in my opinion.

108

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: 650D (T4i) or 600D (T3i)

« on: June 11, 2012, 10:37:17 AM »

Ben,

I'll assume that auto focus during video isn't that big of a deal to you. If it is, then read no further and just buy the 650D, since the 600D doesn't have it.

I have a 600D/T3i. As you mention, the 3x zoom is a great feature of the 600D and I still have not found out whether the 650D has it. If the 650D suffers from the same moire/aliasing issues as the 550D and 600D and doesn't have the 3x-10x zoom, then the 600D is a clear winner to me, since the 3x function also serves to eliminate moire on the 600D, without a loss in resolution.

If the 650D has less moire issues than the 600D and better ISO performance, then I'd opt for the 650D. However, I suspect that the 650D does not significantly improve on moire/aliasing or ISO performance, or else this probably would have been trumpeted by Canon. If you can wait, then wait for some people to do hands-on tests of the video with it.

Finally, a very large advantage of the 600D over the 650D right now is the ability to install Magic Lantern's firmware upgrade that gives a lot of very nice video features.

109

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Philip Bloom Comparison 5d3 vs D800 vs D4

« on: May 23, 2012, 04:30:46 PM »

the problem is that the killer dslr doesn't even had 4:2:2 output and the codecs fall appart easily with motion, and additionally it's Full1080p mode doesn't resolve detail to be called true 1080. this makes the D800 the better "killer" IMO for a lot of applications.

psolberg - Do you have a link to where someone has tested or established the actual video resolution of the D800? I've done shot my own test charts with the 5D3, but I've not yet seen the same done with a D800.

110

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Sharpening 5D Mk III - red problem and solution

« on: May 18, 2012, 03:47:47 PM »

Man it's very hard to tell the difference between those.  Are the supposed artifacts on top and bottom of the label or on the left and right?

I agree, especially on the Vimeo video. But it is clear on my full resolution previews from my NLE timeline. Look at the 200% zoom screen capture at full resolution (i.e., open the attachment and view at 100%). It is all over the label on the far left, to a lesser extent on the unsharpened footage second to left, and not an issue on sharpened and chrom blurred shot on the far right. Look at the label wherever the red borders another color.

You can only really sharpen the footage a very minimal amount, artificial sharpening can make any image look like crap if turn it up too far.

Agreed. Although, if you watch the video, do you think I've sharpened too much? This is actually sharpened a bit more than I NORMALLY do, but not more than I've EVER done - and I understand well the points you make that too much sharpening can give a video a, well, video look. Thus, I'm generally conservative with my sharpening, which is why I didn't like the effect it had on red.

My point isn't about sharpening in general. It is about sharpening with red objects. I think you'll find wide agreement that sharpening, in general, is beneficial to 5D3 footage -- I don't think I'm out on a limb on this one. As I said in the video, ANY amount of sharpening that I would add with a shot with red in it would reveal these artifacts of the red object.

I'm not claiming any dificiency in 5D3 footage. Indeed, the chroma blur trick probably is as effective on any other footage for which this issue arises. I would say, if you don't find this to be an issue in your footage, then ignore the chroma blur trick. For those that do, I offer this tip that I've found to work for me.

111

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Sharpening 5D Mk III - red problem and solution

« on: May 17, 2012, 05:43:54 PM »

Here's a shot at normal resolution, which shows that the artifacts are visible, even without zooming in.

112

EOS Bodies - For Video / Sharpening 5D Mk III - red problem and solution

« on: May 17, 2012, 05:42:40 PM »

It is well known that video from the 5D3 benefits from sharpening. However, I was noticing some rather unattractive artifacts when sharpening shots with red in them. The red would pixelate or "ring" at the borders with other colors.

The solution I've found (that others might already know about) is to use a chroma blur filter prior to sharpening.

The frame grabs below show what is going on. You can check out my short video about this, if you're interested. Any comments or other tips to deal with this are appreciated.

https://vimeo.com/42314148

113

Macro / Re: Gross me out

« on: May 14, 2012, 11:06:12 AM »

I posted this in another thread, but it seems appropriate for the gross factor to also link it here:

Some Days...	Small | Large

114

Macro / Re: I don't normally do a lot of macro....

« on: May 14, 2012, 11:04:13 AM »

I don't do a lot of macro either. Since these cameras have video functions, I'd thought I'd share my first ever macro with the Canon 5D Mark III, 70-200mm IS 2.8L, and Kenko extension tube. It is also appropriate for a Monday morning. The video is less than 1 minute long:

Some Days...	Small | Large

115

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Video processing software for the 5d3

« on: May 06, 2012, 11:23:52 AM »

Look in Premiere Elements. There should be a "Sharpen" effect that you can apply to a clip. This is what Philip Bloom is talking about. There isn't anything special about sharpening in Premiere Pro vs. any other editor. I use the Sharpen effect in Sony's Vegas Pro. The point is that sharpening benefits many 5D3 clips. 

116

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: 5D ii / iii recording limit

« on: May 04, 2012, 09:48:50 AM »

ok, so what's this tax!? is it really worth the loss of customers that you get over Canon (or insert other dslr video maker) paying a little extra for production with this tax (am I understanding what you said correctly)?

are there more outside sources about this? I would like to learn more.

Here's one, but I'm sure you can use Google better than me to find other articles about the EU video camera tax. http://www.ephotozine.com/article/eu-add-import-duty-to-digital-cameras-5905

It is apparently close to 5%, according to the above-referenced article. That's about USD175 (I assume wholesale) that doesn't go to the camera manufacturer or the retailer at all. No one is losing relative sales to a competitor, since all manufacturers are subject to this tax.

Having said that, if you need to record continuously longer than 30 minutes, Canon and others have full lines of proper video cameras that can do that.

Other than the 5% of the time that I shoot a long-form program/event, I have not found this to be a problem. In fact, I'd guess that at least 60% of my shots are less than 1 minutes and the other 35% are less than 5 minutes. 

117

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: What do you recommend? 7D 60D T3i T4i

« on: April 30, 2012, 09:12:30 PM »

If you plan to do a lot of video, then the flip screen on the 60D and T3i are critical.

The video image quality among the three are said to be about the same.

I only have the T3i, but specifically chose it over the 60D. My main reason at the time was that I wanted to put the extra $200 to $300 into lenses. My reason now (the original one still stands) is the 3x zoom feature that peederj mentioned. It has been a true life saver in a couple of situations. Plus, it is just really handy. The 60D doesn't have this capability. Put the extra $300 (or, if you're able to afford the 7D, then the extra $700) toward a good lens to benefit both stills and video. I recommend the Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 lens.

And, I would wait another couple of weeks. You still might end up getting the T3i, but you might be able to get it at a cheaper price.

118

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon Rebel T4i [CR2]

« on: April 30, 2012, 08:53:12 PM »

I have the 550D and 600D, and recently acquired a 5D Mark III (though it really belongs to my wife for photos). I only shoot video and couldn't have justified getting the 5D3 on video alone. While the 5D3 has clearly superior video capabilities than the 600D, I still use my 600D (a lot). 600D has better ergonomics for me and, with Magic Lantern, better "features". I've even been able to cut the 5D3 with the 600D where even sometimes I can't tell which was used after the fact.

Improved video capabilities (note that I didn't say features) would interest me. Here's my wish list for the 650D/T4i:
1. No moire
2. Improved effective video resolution (not sensor MP) to be true 1920x1080.
3a. Clean HDMI out (won't happen, but a guy can dream), or
3b. A 4:2:2 codec (again, a guy can dream)
4. Improved low light/high ISO performance

Note that none of these is what I consider a "feature". To me, they are capabilities that result in better images, not just easier images. I'm not interested in video features. I have plenty of those with the 550D, 600D, and Magic Lantern (thanks Alex!). A video AF is next to useless for me, and I take a lot of "live" shots.

If the camera only offers any of 1-3, I am very likely to get it (actually, one 3 option alone would sell it for me). Eliminated moire isn't a must-have for me, as long as they leave the 3x zoom in it (which eliminates moire, albeit at crop, but not resolution, cost). If it has any 2, I almost surely will get it. I'm looking forward to the actual announcement.

By the way, I just don't understand why someone who is getting a DSLR for video use would get a 550D rather than a 600D/T3i. The flip screen and the 3x zoom that eliminates moire are well worth the premium. For stills, I don't see why anyone would get the 600D over the 550D. I think the fact that the 550D outsells the 600D says why people buy these cams.

119

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: 5DMK3 Video Zoom

« on: April 07, 2012, 12:54:01 PM »

Yes it is quite possible the humble t3i in 3x mode is recording a better resolution than the 5d3. I confirmed the lack of moire days after the T3i shipped. I would like to do that test given I now have one of each and lenses capable of the task but I need to figure out how exactly to do it and get some time on my hands. But that will be absolutely explosive if it comes out that last year's Rebel does better video than the 5d3. The Rebel at least has the zoom feature which the 5d3 hasn't. I think the next Rebel will have even more features the 5d3 hasn't and Canon is going to be seen as saying "you either buy our most expensive (C300) or our cheapest (Rebel) but we don't want you buying anything in between for video! Go away!"

That's quite a leap, Peederj. I've done the tests and the 5D3 kicks the T3i's ass, zoomed in or not. Plus, the T3i's resolution at 3x zoom is only barely better than at no zoom (I think it is on the order of 25-50 more pixels in width and height that is being taken from the sensor in crop mode -- you can check the Magic Lantern code to see the actual resolutions).

You can see all of the resolution tests (e.g., 5D3 vs. 600D/T3i and T3i zoomed and not zoomed) on my Vimeo page: https://vimeo.com/album/1866033.

120

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: 5DMK3 Video Zoom

« on: April 06, 2012, 05:20:41 PM »

The T2i/T3i have the ability to record a low resolution video using only the center portion of the sensor, which is what the OP is referring to.  Some HD purists call it "gimmicky" primarily because it only records in standard definition, not 1080 or 720, so they find it to be useless for their highbrow purposes.

bp is correct. The 5D does have the 5x and 10x "zoom to focus" feature. But you can't record this. I understood the OP to be asking about recording, not punching in for focus.

Just to clarify: The 550D/T2i does not record the zoomed/cropped video at HD resolution. However, the 600D/T3i DOES. The T3i has a digital zoom feature that essentially uses a cropped part of the sensor, effectively zooming in. This is recorded at "full resolution." Indeed, the 3x zoom is actually a bit higher resolution than the T3i not zoomed in (both record at 1920x1080 but their actual resolutions are in the neighborhood of 1600x900). Because the sensor is not downscaling, the zoom feature also eliminates moire - a very nice feature to have sometimes.