Messages

16

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS 6D Official Specs

« on: September 16, 2012, 11:29:56 PM »

I think we should withhold judgement until we see IQ and noise control from this 20.2 megapixel sensor. Because in the end, isn't that what really matters?

Let's say it's stellar IQ... as good as the 5D3 (it won't be better, Canon's not going to put their best in a 6D and second best in the 5D3).   Then so what?  It's a great sensor in a hobbled body for $2k... who's buying it?

The price gap is too large to entice an average consumer up from the Rebel line.  And the features are not up to spec for working pros.   There is no question that it's an entry level FF... but what are the features (other than the sensor) that make this better than a 60D?  And if the only benefit over a 60D is the sensor... then how many customers are going to pay that much more for a FF sensor when the vast majority of Rebel customers don't even know the difference.

Guy walks into Best Buy to buy a Canon DSLR.   Salesperson shows him a 60D for $900 and a 6D for $2000.  Same body and specs but 6D is FF... what's the customer going to buy?  Is the salesperson going to be able to explain the benefits of FF... many of the salespeople probably don't even know themselves.

Sure there are many folks on CR reading this right now salivating that they can get a FF camera for $2k.... but nobody on here is an average consumer... we are all camera enthusiasts reading up daily on how great FF is... so the person this is targeted for is a person that is lusting after FF, is unwilling/unable to pay $3500 for a 5D3, and doesn't need the AF and speed of a 7D.  How big is that market?

I disagree on your assessment of this body.  While I agree many people are underwhelmed by this offering, let's keep in mind that Canon is still in "catch up mode", trying to deal with how it will respond to the D800.  This was likely in the pipeline long before some high MP body was conceived, and I think it fits in to the Canon lineup quite nicely.

That said, I think this body has a place in the toolbox for many working pros.  I, for one, would much rather have an affordable full-frame back-up body for events/weddings.  Don't get me wrong, the 7D has worked as a solid back-up for me thus far, but it has left a lot to be desired in the realm of low-light situations where AF and noise management are critical.

With the ISOs and (most likely) reduced noise over the crop-sensor of the 60D, this will become a go-to back up for budget conscious pros.  I think it will be immensely popular with pros, and enthusiasts who are just looking for a little "more."

17

Technical Support / Re: 5D MarkIII - Shutter Hangs on last shot when taking HDR

« on: September 01, 2012, 01:01:27 PM »

ROFL this is the funniest thread i have read in a while

+1 

 

18

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / PocketWizard BETA w/ 5D3 Support is Here!

« on: August 31, 2012, 04:39:53 PM »

PocketWizard fans REJOICE!!!

http://www.pocketwizard.com/support/downloads/beta

They've dropped the beta firmware for their Mini/Flex units with 5D3 support!

19

Portrait / Re: Need help with group picture!!

« on: August 29, 2012, 03:25:21 PM »

Your image is fine.  Sharpness, vibrance, contrast, and highlights are just a matter of personal taste.
If you plan to print it, it will be fine as well.

+1

There's only so much you can do with a wide group shot like this.  There are a few blown highlights in the banner and in some foreheads, so maybe tweak your recovery (or highlights, depending on which version of LR you have).  But other than that it looks fine to me.  Send 'er off to the client!

20

Abstract / Re: Light Painting!

« on: August 24, 2012, 07:06:48 PM »

THIS IS AWESOME!!!!!!!! bwaaaahahahhaah.... I LOVE IT!  Makes me smile.

What did you use for your drawing light source?  I must try this!!!!

21

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Wide angle lens for EF-S?

« on: August 23, 2012, 06:35:50 PM »

Another +1 for the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8!  Just make sure you get the MKII version, the original has some problems with AF on newer Canon bodies.

22

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: What size Softbox

« on: August 23, 2012, 11:04:43 AM »

...
I do a lot of event work for DU, and two Alien Bee B800s with 42" shoot-thru umbrellas do the trick every time...

justsomedude, would you mind sharing a link of an example of the umbrellas you mention?

Of course, no problem at all!

I use the Westcott 43" shoot-throughs with my Alien Bees.  Product link here:
http://www.amazon.com/Westcott-Optical-White-Collapsible-Umbrella/dp/B00009UTZA

You'll also need some hot-shoe/umbrella adapters for your stands and lights.  Check these out:
http://www.amazon.com/Calumet-Umbrella-Adapter-Shoe-Mount/dp/B000TL3IPY

Here's my basic group/photobooth setup.  Just two lights at 45-degree angles to the group:

setup by akphotodenver, on Flickr

Just pretend my Alien Bees are your 580 and 430 flashes.  You will probably need to reduce the output on your 580 to keep the light equal.   Also, ignore the second set of flashes in that photo (closer to the backdrop).  Those are just for lighting the paper to get a white background.

Remember, the good thing about shoot-through umbrellas is that they just spray light everywhere.  But the bad thing about shoot through umbrellas is that they spray light everywhere.    So if you have really bright colored walls, just be aware of color casts.

23

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: What size Softbox

« on: August 23, 2012, 01:58:27 AM »

So I currently have a 580exii and 430 exii and am currently using a gary fong diffuser on each. I'm looking to improve the softness of the light by starting to experiment with a softbox. The one I'm looking at is:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0089JYJ1U/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=AL7LHK6Q9LVTS

Some of the reviews mention it only being good for one person. I'd like to be able to use it with groups as well. Will this not work for that due to the angle of light transmission? Thanks.

Please don't take this the wrong way (I know everyone takes things personally on the internet), but it sounds as if you need to understand a little more about light before you start buying more gear.  Check this link out for some softbox basics.  I only caution you on your purchase because of my own experience; I've bought tons of gear only to learn later that it wasn't what I needed.  Buy once - buy right.

"Softness" is created by increasing the size of the light source relative to your subject.  This is why bare speedlites, no matter how close they are positioned to your subjects, produce hard shadows.  This is why the sun, a tiny spot in the sky, creates really unflattering light when it is at high angles... the shadows just kill portraits.

So, by increasing the size of the light source relative to your subject, you create a softer light that can "wrap" around body features.  This fills in shadows, and creates gradients from light areas to dark areas, which is that "soft" look everyone comes to know from a softbox.  This is why people are saying your 24" softbox may only be good for one person.  At that size you can only place it so far from your subject before it becomes a point source.  With that dimension you wouldn't get much use out of it beyond a key light for headshots, or maybe a gridded rim/effect light in a full body shot.

As I mentioned, a softbox will end up being a point-source if it's far enough away from your subject.  This is why those on-flash softboxes really don't have a significant effect for shooting event candids.  Going from a 2"x3" bare flash, to a 6"x10" soft box, is still a point source when you're 10'-12' from your subject! 

Now, come full circle to your question about lighting groups of people.  I wouldn't worry about softboxes and instead simply worry about trying to light them evenly.  Large reflective, or even shoot through umbrellas, are good for this kind of work.  Don't get me wrong, you can make softboxes work with groups, but like keithfullermusic pointed out, yer gonna need a few of them.

I do a lot of event work for DU, and two Alien Bee B800s with 42" shoot-thru umbrellas do the trick every time...
2012 August Hood Presentation-41 by Daniels at University of Denver, on Flickr

24

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS 3D X [CR1]

« on: August 22, 2012, 04:50:31 PM »

Nikon fanboys dislike this news 

why?? I'd rather 36MP a tons of DR than 46MP and old school DR. I'd rather options for 5 and 6fps than stuck at 3.7fps no matter what.  I'd rather a 5D3 or D800 than these potential specs.

You've made reference to poor DR in two posts now, regarding a possible 3DX sensor's performance.  First, a huge caveat - we're all arguing about a presently fictitious/rumored camera body - so claiming the status quo will remain, or that Canon will make some giant leap is in the realm of pure speculation.  That said, I'm going to speculate... 

The key thing I draw from the "leaked specs" is the point about it having improved heat dissipation for "industry leading low ISO performance."  This is supported by the leaked specs capping ISO at 6400, with ISO 50 being native, expandable to ISO 25.  As a result, I would anticipate significantly improved noise and DR over existing sensors.  Otherwise, Canon would be dead in the water with a 46 MP camera that is essentially a 5D3 with double the resolution.  Not much to gain there, and no one would dump the money on it.  But hammer home some sick new low ISO performance, and it could be a hot item.  I think this will be an offering on an entirely new level ... something we haven't seen yet from Canon.

As I've stated before, I just hope it's real.

25

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Eye-fi card and 5D3 experiences

« on: August 22, 2012, 12:41:41 PM »

I use my Eye-Fi the same as many others have reported... RAW to CF, small JPG to Eye-Fi which transmits to my ASUS tablet for client preview.  Even then, the experience can be glitchy.  The range is really limited to 15'-20'... and don't even think about transmitting through walls.  And even then, the xfer rate is slow... so I would caution against transmitting RAW files. 

To get the best response/load times for previews, you have to limit the file-size to small JPGs, and keep the preview device no more than 10' away from the camera.

I hope this helps.

26

PowerShot / Re: Over-exposition lines in PowerShot S100 photos

« on: August 22, 2012, 12:36:16 PM »

Do you think it could be a defect in the sensor?

Most definitely a defect.  That looks hideous.

If you still have the receipt and are inside your return window - exchange it for a new body.  Otherwise, call up Canon Irvine for service (and DEFINITELY SEND IN the sample photos when you send in the unit for repair!).  They are pretty quick with turnaround.

27

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS 3D X [CR1]

« on: August 22, 2012, 12:07:06 PM »

  If you're that bothered by the skin tone reproduction by today's DSLRs, hire a professional processing lab to do the final touches on your shots.

If you're recommending something like that, you're really not getting my point...

You don't have to be a high paid fashion/car photographer to be able to appreciate that.

TG, I do get your point, and appreciate the "quality" improvements a Hasselblad offers over a 35mm camera.  To me, and for the work I do in photography, a MF camera simply has no real world practical application (especially at the $30k price tag).  That said, I think you're trying to compare cameras that are designed for totally different user groups, totally different markets and totally different applications. 

So while I understand there's "room for improvement", somehow wishing your dSLR to be a MF camera doesn't seem like a valid point to be making.  At least in my opinion.

28

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS 3D X [CR1]

« on: August 22, 2012, 10:31:43 AM »

Canon is obliged to meet the challenge imposed by Nikon D800. I believe this camera will appear. The price tag will be around ( in my opinion) $4499 - 4990.

Based on the 5D2, 5D3 and 1DX pricing, I agree that the price will likely be in the $3,995 ballpark, if not breaking $4k entirely, as you suggest. 

However, this really puts Canon in a pickle if it's running next to the D800.  They'll have to make significant improvements over the D800 to justify the pricing, and market it in a class of its own, since anyone can be off and running at 36MP for only $2,995 right now.

My point, as I hoped others would notice: there is a real, tangible, visible difference in MF files vs dslr files when it comes to colour. (think transitions/gradations/subtleties in skin tone) It's not necessarily 'more' ,like mega pixels, but rather higher sensitivities...

There was a

D800 vs. Hasselblad	Small | Large

video review done by some NYC commercial photographers that got into this issue.  But this was really their only primary complaint.  If you're not a $20,000/wk fashion photographer, or selling your photos to Christian Dior for the next 50' banner ad in Times Square, it's hard to justify the investment in a Hasselblad H back.  That said, what you get for 3 grand in a D800 is still mind blowing as far as I'm concerned.  If you're that bothered by the skin tone reproduction by today's DSLRs, hire a professional processing lab to do the final touches on your shots.

29

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS 3D X [CR1]

« on: August 21, 2012, 11:22:44 PM »

if it also gets the low iso noise of the 18mp sensor there are going to be ALOT of tears

I probably should've been more clear in my first post; I don't think this body will be remotely close to the 7D.  In fact, I don't think it's going to be in the same universe.

I just think that Canon had this sensor/body in the works for quite some time.  The 7D was years in development itself, and just based on the MP count, it looks like that research has progressed to bring us the 3DX.

I'm glad Canon cut the ISO at 6400, and has a native ISO 50 with an expandable 25.  This is clearly a studio unit (perhaps some solid landscape applications as well) that will have some killer low ISO performance.

I just hope it's real!

30

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS 3D X [CR1]

« on: August 21, 2012, 07:27:31 PM »

With the specs listed, I really wonder if Canon started this project years ago with the development of the 7D...

Canon APS-C sensor: 22.2mm x 14.8mm
35mm Full Frame: 36mm x 24mm

Just going by the sensor dimensions, the 18 megapixel sensor on the 7D is equal to a 47.3 MP sensor when expanded to full frame 35mm.  The leaked numbers of a 46MP sensor are just too close for coincidence.

My curiosity is piqued.