Messages

1

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Crazy... go Nikon?

« on: March 17, 2013, 05:37:53 AM »

I used to be like 90% of you guys - thought nikon glass sucked and their bodies confusing.

Now i live on the otherside - traded 1Dx and 5d3 for a D4 and D800 couldn't pay me to come back to canon.

Try the new G primes (the 1.8 lenses are beyond words) - personally not a fan of the 14-24 but the lens doesn't suit me (i dont usually shoot under 24mm) i actually prefer the 17-35 - although most d800 shooters go for the 16-35 f4 vr for the resolving power.

the d800 needs a good technique to get the most out of it (obvious for landscape - mup, exp delay, tripod etc) - if you expect to run and gun stay with a 5d 2/3 really wont make much difference. But when you finally get your technique down packed the rewards are eye popping.

fair warning - my d800 left side af module was out from factory but i have a local repair shop in my city so it was a day to fix and back to shooting the following morning.

honestly rent one out for a weekend - and try and leave any bias at home - it took me a while to suck it up and treat the nikon gear as just another camera - my bias held me back until i viewed the first couple of shoots where i finally got to see what the hell all the fuss was about IQ/DR on the Nikon side.

2

EOS Bodies / Re: 7DII and D400 Specs

« on: March 04, 2013, 10:23:58 PM »

Sorry the only reason i chimed in was to bring in the correlation of higher megapixel aps-c not necessarily being a bad thing, if anything its a testing ground for the next set off FF sensors for each manufacturer.

The D800 has the same density as a 18 MP APS-C and its performance is stellar. The new generation 24MP aps-c's dont seem too bad either, but will require refined glass much like the 7D did.

Green tint on the D4 no, even my left focus array wasn't a problem.

D800 on the other hand, I got re-calibrated for left focus points being out and I got the workshop to custom calibrate the LCD (definitely green). Luckily in the city I live in we have a Nikon repair shop so its a same day procedure.

I personally dislike the size of the D600 - the camera and the images are nice but I can't physically hold the unit cause its just too darn small.

But that could be said about all Nikon bodies as I find the D4 just a touch too small in comparison to my old 1DX - that grip was perfect for my hand.

No reason at all to be sorry! 

Regarding the green tint of the LCD, what caused that?

It's interesting you mention the size of the Nikon D600 being too small.  I didn't realize it was much different than the 800.  That said, I find the 800 (and 700) too big...or rather, the reach out to the shutter button, seems like it is perched out on a ledge a long ways ahead of the front of, say a 50mm lens.  It's probably not actually that far, but it feels it.  I wear a size 10 glove, my fingers aren't overly stubby, but it does feel like you need 6 inch long fingers to get the right grip, on Nikon's grip.  By contrast, all of Canon's bodies feel like the same fit in my hand, going from XXD series to 1 series.  I notice the increased size and weight of the body, but the grip feels the same.  I enjoy the grip, and it's odd how after a while, it feels like you're not holding anything in your hand.

I also think the size of the control dial on the back of the D800 is silly.  It's not much bigger than my finger...at least Canon's dial is the right size.  I wouldn't want to get used to that.

Nikon seem committed to these ergonomics, so I don't see myself ever using one.  I also don't like their lens lineup as much as Canon's, nor do I like the fact that many of their non-super-telephoto lenses, are priced above a similar lens offered from Canon, yet are sometimes an older design, that can even be inferior in some ways.  The Nikon 135 f/2, is the best example.

All of that said, I still like what Nikon was able to achieve with the D800.  When it first came out, I was trying to decide how much I wanted one, and if I was willing to sell my Canon lenses.  It turns out the choice to stay with Canon wasn't very difficult at all, for me.  For anyone (like yourself) who likes the D800 more than Canon, I can certainly understand why you would switch!  It sounds like you're putting it to good use...no doubt better use than I'm able to do with my photography at the present.  I don't blame Canon for this at all though, it's only myself.

No idea what caused the green tint - nikon doesn't officially say it's an issue, the stand that nikon takes is the cameras meters are the most sensitive to date and the wb is more accurate then previous models - I have sat with nps(cps) on so many occasions - unofficially - they have confirmed there is a beta firmware in the works which I will get my dirty hands on to test soon enough that is meant to fix this problem that isn't a problem lol!

I never found the shutter release positioning to be awkward surprisingly - its actually more comfortable on the D4 (enhanced ergos) - I used to miss the control wheel off my canon but tbh the layout on the d800 makes more sense then the d4 in terms of fec control is in an awkward place on the d4 - albeit its in the same spot on the Canon 1 series anyway - on the d800 its instantly accessible with your left index as it hugs the camera body left of the lens mount

Nikon does need to get rid of that ridiculous D-Pad - they copied canons joystick and improved on it with "click to EL" but then duplicates the controls on the D-Pad, I have asked that each direction become programmable but i suspect that's too much of an ask.

I initially hated nikons lens line up - I refused to believe anything could be better then my old L glass - I really missed my 300 f4 IS (I never needed a f2. but I honestly love my 24-70 2.8G (spanks both MK I copies I had on canon) the 70-200 VR II is excellent and but I feel it doesn't quite match the IS MK II in terms of VR - the nikons is better balanced in hand but its about half an inch longer so just a touch harder to pack. I love my 85 1.8G and my 50 1.8G - I miss my 85 1.2L but the 1.8 trilogy from nikon is superb - out resolves nearly all the 1.4 glass on either brand. Regard to the 135 f2 - yes the canon is gorgeous - no question, but I actually rather like the 135 f2 DC - its a very unique lens the defocus control is "interesting".

I still have my canon film bodies - I'll never give them up but at the end of the day they are all just recording devices - It's just what works better for what you do

On a side note - if you pick up a d600, d800 or d4 vs their older bodies - the vf markings and controls are Canonesque - by default... older nikon shooters have to revert to non factory settings if they want to use the unit how they always have - for example: how they are used too where the light meter is + 0 - not - 0 + (and seriously it makes no sense being + 0 -  right? ) they even allowed for easy ec via thumb controls ala canon. It's as if they built these units with the mindset of allowing for the transitions between the brands. Outside of the missing wheel it felt like second nature for me - honestly. Pick up a D700 and it's all backwards.

3

EOS Bodies / Re: 7DII and D400 Specs

« on: March 01, 2013, 02:01:50 AM »

Sorry the only reason i chimed in was to bring in the correlation of higher megapixel aps-c not necessarily being a bad thing, if anything its a testing ground for the next set off FF sensors for each manufacturer.

The D800 has the same density as a 18 MP APS-C and its performance is stellar. The new generation 24MP aps-c's dont seem too bad either, but will require refined glass much like the 7D did.

Green tint on the D4 no, even my left focus array wasn't a problem.

D800 on the other hand, I got re-calibrated for left focus points being out and I got the workshop to custom calibrate the LCD (definitely green). Luckily in the city I live in we have a Nikon repair shop so its a same day procedure.

I personally dislike the size of the D600 - the camera and the images are nice but I can't physically hold the unit cause its just too darn small.

But that could be said about all Nikon bodies as I find the D4 just a touch too small in comparison to my old 1DX - that grip was perfect for my hand.

4

EOS Bodies / Re: 7DII and D400 Specs

« on: February 28, 2013, 07:43:32 PM »

This was an interesting discussion!

Then it went a little south lol!

I loved my 7D and agreed the MK II lenses just shine. If Canon can clean up that read noise/low iso noise then the 45MP FF variant will be a winner.

The D7100 is no way by any means the flagship crop/DX (SD card with 1sec buffer ?? please who you trying to kid?!) So the D400 is inevitable - thankfully.

One thing I learnt going from a 5d3 to a D800 for studio - especially being as skeptical as I was initially - the resolving power and dynamic range/skin tones of that finely packed sensor is amazing. Needs only the best glass and technique and yes to get the most out of it you can't stop down too far - f5.6-f6.3 is peak, more then f8 and you see visible diffraction at 100%. However a little sharpening in post and that clears up nicely and the moment you scale down the image for A4 print its even more impressive.

My D4 - which gets used for everything but studio work - it is awesome in it's own right, however I am constantly wishing for more resolution and very interested to see what the evolution of the 24MP APS-C yields in terms of 48MP FF for the D4x.

5

Canon General / Re: Canon to Update Firmware for 5D MK III and 1D X AF with Speedlight Assist Lamp

« on: February 06, 2013, 06:43:40 PM »

I left the canon camp due to this primarily (PITA at weddings). Hopefully they fix the 12fps af servo issue on the 1DX but I am glad I didn't wait around for a fix.

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 1D X AF in Low Light action

« on: December 13, 2012, 09:38:36 PM »

well, I read this and it really makes me miss my D4!


It is now 2 months that I own my 1dx + 24-70 f2.8....I have gone through several shoots and lots of Canon pro input(reduce burst, use different cases for AI Servo) in order to get something decent and consistant using 1dx in low light but I have just been disapointed.

The only way I have found to get something better is using "one shot" and snapping faster (as soon as focused is achieved)...

let me tell that it's very frustrating...everytime I read these threads!

 but as you all know, once you get to learn the camera's ability you seem to get around it and make the best of it...but having Canon employees telling me that it's normal that it misses some shots ...I beg to differ....never had to even think about missing shots before this.

They all have their pros and cons it's just what you can put up with.

I couldn't stand the 1DX/5D3 in terms of low light focussing combined with that af assist issue.

I don't miss my 1DX or 5D3's -- if anything i miss my 7D (ripper of a camera) but since the d4/d800 combo - yes there are a few issues with custom functions not executing and live view is still stuffed (no exp sim on the d4/d800 but the 600 works fine??)  but nothing that would stop me from getting my work done.

Canon need to fix a few issues - and its not like we haven't tried to help them (hell we've isolated the issues down to the sequence).

7

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5D3 & 600ex-rt + AF assist beam = slower focus

« on: November 12, 2012, 12:23:34 AM »

Would be nice see them fix this problem - but with so many people raging and no word from canon on a fix it will more then likely be a 1D4 af assist bug - that doesnt exist.

I had 1DX and 5D3's all exhibit same issues with af assist and low light. Forgetting the 1Dx servo issue - the af assist through my reception/wedding photos killed canon for me, I don't have 2-3 sec per shot to wait.

Impacted my work substantially so had no option but to switch - sadly, but surprisingly eye opening (d4+d800 and about to get my second d4) to the point where you couldn't pay me to go back.

I still believe its the size of the af points being too small - great for handoff in servo but it impacts initial lock.

8

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5D3 & 600ex-rt + AF assist beam = slower focus

« on: October 19, 2012, 01:15:08 AM »

Happens on the 1DX too...

Personally reported to canon months and months ago - heaps of post all over the web if you good 5d3 wedding low light focus issues, 1Dx wedding low light focus issues, 1dx 5d3 reception issues etc...

They didn't care tbh - it's not a problem apparently.

9

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 1DX - Ai Servo Issue - Low light focus failure! Final Update 05/09/12

« on: September 16, 2012, 07:52:34 PM »

Anyway - since I hadn't heard from Canon, chasing it up every day I actually switched over to a D4 setup...

Just curious...what lenses are you routinely using with the D4, and are you pleased with the Nikon counterparts to the Canon lenses you used previously?  Or by D4 did you mean 1D Mark IV?

Actual drive speed of the lenses on a probody feels to be as quick as the L grade ef ultrasonics, if not a little quicker (again that could be the fact they are quieter and the af on the d4 (in my experience) is just quicker overall)

This seems odd to me as every major head-to-head comparison between the 1DX and D4 reach the exact opposite conclusion that the 1DX is much faster in focusing etc.  Not trying to accuse you of anything just curious if this has to do more with the lenses you primarily shoot with.  Also as someone who used to shoot with Nikon pro bodies myself I can say that the Nikon 24-70 is simply amazing.  Can't wait to try out the new Canon 24-70.

Don't get Me wrong - in good light the 1DX/5D3 AF (esp AI Servo) is sensational - in the conditions i shoot - eg receptions halls, the 1DX/5D3 struggles where the D4 just works. The fact i could make it fail in broad daylight by focusing a grey object in single shot together with the other issue of 3sec af lock when using a flash mounted was the final nail.

For the record - we originally isolated my set of lenses when I sat with canon cps and we were trading bodies and lenses with nil effect.

Not saying the switch over has been smooth - nikon have their own set of problems - but nothing i cant live with.

I can't for the life of me understand why the camera is rated to -2ev though?! if canon themselves tell me its -0.5 ev at 10fps. The issue isn't the 10fps its the modification to the focusing system, ie. it wont focus - when 12 fps is engaged as accurately or as fast as when 10 fps is enabled. I'm very surprised this was kept quiet through the Olympics - i don't see how the shooters there weren't affected.

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 1DX - Ai Servo Issue - Low light focus failure! Final Update 05/09/12

« on: September 05, 2012, 11:59:41 AM »

Anyway - since I hadn't heard from Canon, chasing it up every day I actually switched over to a D4 setup...

Just curious...what lenses are you routinely using with the D4, and are you pleased with the Nikon counterparts to the Canon lenses you used previously?  Or by D4 did you mean 1D Mark IV?

Nikon D4 - I have only replaced my core lenses: 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8 VR II and the 50 1.4G (which frankly is superb). Build wise the nikkor glass on the face value seems to be built better and nice little touches such as the front element on the workhorse glass has a visible rubber gasket. The tripod collar on the 70-200 on a probody acts as a stand in landscape mode. All lenses I have purchased so far have come with bags/pouches and hoods.

Majority of their lenses are sealed and have rear rubber gaskets (G's anyway) including the 50mm 1.4.

IS to me seems better then VR II however that may just be because VR II is quieter and *feels* like it isnt doing much - no more then 1/3 stop at best if anything.

70-200 2.8 II vs 70-200 VR II - I'd probably give it to canon in terms of wide open sharpness (let's face it, it's a killer lens) 24-70 Nikkor hands down (the two ef 24-70's I owned were horrible) and the 50 easily the nikkor - fast quiet accurate - and doesnt hunt. Actual drive speed of the lenses on a probody feels to be as quick as the L grade ef ultrasonics, if not a little quicker (again that could be the fact they are quieter and the af on the d4 (in my experience) is just quicker overall)

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 1DX - Ai Servo Issue - Low light focus failure! Last Update September 2012

« on: September 05, 2012, 05:57:23 AM »

Final update on main post

Finally

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Canon EOS-1D X Firmware 1.0.6

« on: August 28, 2012, 08:11:56 AM »

Doesnt fix af lowlight or servo bug - ba bow

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Speeding up 1DX foc lock... Any tips?

« on: August 28, 2012, 05:02:03 AM »

I gave them a month and a half - I'm already pricing up my Nikon kit (I'm not going back to a 5D2 setup) - It's unfortunate as I have shot Canon exclusively but I can't afford to have a lowlight camera/system that cant focus...

And you'll have another kind of issues with Nikon 
I believe if a camera doesn't work for you, it's a reason to improve your workflow first, and just then think about jumping to the other side.

Oh I most certainly will ! No Question - but it's a lesser of 2 evils. I can handle a camera that's a little green - I can't handle a camera that doesn't focus in a reception hall, if Your income is based on you not missing moments then You have to make a decision. As stated originally a 7D and 5D2 kill the 1DX in lowlight - and I have been more then patient with Canon. The 1DX is meant to last me 3 years but I can't work with a camera this slow. Under normal circumstances - fixing workflow would be adding af assist which only makes it slower...

I have tried but its obvious there wont be an immediate fix.

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Speeding up 1DX foc lock... Any tips?

« on: August 27, 2012, 07:28:31 PM »

I’m finding forum entries like this one really worrying.

Reason if you can be bothered reading, not relevant to thread though:
The 5d3 ticks all the boxes for me and I’m building up my resources to afford this with kit lens. I’m never going to earn money with this camera so the cost is a big deal and I won’t be buying another one any time soon. The problem I’ve got is that almost the very first thing I’ll be using it for is a very important (personally) wedding reception next year and if pros are having problems then I’d likely be sunk. Canon (well these posts) sure aren’t making it an easy decision to buy at the moment. I’m wondering if I should forget any FF body until all this is sorted, get a 16-35 L and use it with my current 500D on center point & 430EXii? I’m assuming that a 24-105 on a crop would be too long. The good news is that I don’t have to make any commitment until next April at the latest but if I got the 16-35 that would be at least 7 months of fun.

Are there any pros/advanced users on the forum that disagree with these findings?
Do you think there is any chance of Canon responding to these issues?

Forget a wedding reception with a 5d3 or 1dx for now until they fix the issue or recall the units. If they release a ff with the 7D af then there isn't any issues imo (7D af is fine in lowlight). ATM canon have had ample time to reply to Me (had tickets out weeks before the Olympic games) but still nothing.

Ironically the 24-105 is my favorite lens on my 7D (I tend to prefer to shoot long then wide and at 24mm on crop you dont tend to get much warping of people in groups as you do on FF) - get a 580 and or 600 - it's 1 stop of light difference in power output and completely worth every extra $.

15

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Speeding up 1DX foc lock... Any tips?

« on: August 27, 2012, 07:24:41 PM »

I have had complaints in to Australian CPS for a month and a half - still waiting for responses on the AI Servo bug, 600EX flash lockup bug, Low light focusing bug. A month and a half... And I chase it up daily, most of the time to radio silence (especially after I nailed down the issue and made it repeatable with the help of the guys here).

The last thing I got from CPS was the Canon Inc 1DX techs are still in london and havent replied to back to him...

I gave them a month and a half - I'm already pricing up my Nikon kit (I'm not going back to a 5D2 setup) - It's unfortunate as I have shot Canon exclusively but I can't afford to have a lowlight camera/system that cant focus...