Messages

16

EOS Bodies / Re: What do you want from the 5D mk III

« on: May 08, 2011, 08:07:19 PM »

Here's my wish list, most important first:


• At least two stops higher ISO without an increase in noise.  The improvement needs to be at the sensor level - not just postprocessing.
• Improved focus tracking of moving objects (athletes, birds in flight).
• Frame rate as fast as the 40D (6.5 fps), or better.
• Built-in wireless control.  Paying hundreds extra for an add-on device may have made sense ten years ago...
• Weight no higher than needed.  "Feels solid" can be just an illusion.
• The Mark II's 21 megapixels is already pretty good.  At some point you just waste storage space and transfer time.
• If video features are added, they should NEVER get in the way of use as a still camera.
• Wider dynamic range.  HDR from multiple exposures rarely gives what I want.
• A price increase is to be expected, but I won't pay 1D-level prices.

I'm asking a lot, but after all I have a perfectly good camera already.  A new one has to be compelling.

Steve

17

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D Mark III & More

« on: May 02, 2011, 03:35:25 PM »

Exactly what I wanted to hear!  I'm rarely limited by pixel resolution, but situations with moving subjects in weak light keep coming up.  A couple of stops higher ISO without an increase in noise will have me ordering on the first day possible.

Of course if I could get that in combination with the "frames per second" rate of my 40D, that would be even better.

Steve

Added: the noise reduction needs to start at the sensor.  Just processing it out in the Digic won't cut it.

18

Lenses / Re: Canon 70-200 f2.8 l usm

« on: March 08, 2011, 07:22:18 PM »

Wasted your money, no.  The lens you got is a fine piece of equipment.

For me, though, it would be the wrong choice.  I like really sharp results, and often end up with less light than I really want.  That happens frequently from indoor sports, to social events where a flash would be obtrusive, to dusk/dawn nature photography.  Having the IS is the key to getting some of those shots when the lens is already wide open (or close), ISO is as high as I can stand, and the shutter speed is still on the low side.

I'll partially disagree with an earlier poster about freezing motion.  IS won't stop motion blur, but it still helps to remove some of the other vibrations you get when panning with a moving subject.

Steve

19

EOS Bodies / Re: T3i vs. 60D

« on: March 03, 2011, 03:29:03 PM »

I have to echo the idea that ergonomics counts more than small differences in the specs.

Just an observation - more people complain about small grips than large ones.  People don't like plastic because they think it is "cheap".  People don't like heavy things.   But - you can't have something which is light, big, and made of heavy materials.

I was happy with the smaller grip on my Rebel (an older model), but I would not go back because of the control wheel on my x0D camera.  It has become essential to me.  Unlike most, I actually don't like the top LCD because you have to rotate the camera to see it, and on a tall tripod it can be impossible to use.

Final thought - if you like the 60D body style but not the price, consider a used 40D or 50D.  They are still great cameras.

Steve