Messages

91

EOS Bodies / Re: DxOMark Sensor Performance: Nikon vs. Canon

« on: October 12, 2012, 01:32:39 PM »

I think everyone agrees, that Nikon's files look better, no matter what the process was behind it.

And I find it really really annoying, that this is the only thing Nikon is better in - there are not many more areas in which competition would force Canon to work harder.

Could you please present any other examples in other areas, where Nikon would be better than Canon?

I would say auto flash / daylight balance, and multizone light metering. IMO, this has always been Nikon strength, although Canon has progressed here. Their flash fill in system is simply unbeatable (no need to compensate the strobe output in most cases) same with the matrix metering that in most cases gives a better evaluation of the lighting, the system invented with the Nikon FA has constantly been refined and is more efficient than Canon's. I had a Nikon F4 back in 1992, and it was night and day with Canon's exposure system. Canon worked to catch up, and is much better nowadays, but still Nikon started 30years ago with the matrix metering and still has some advance in that domain. They were first to use matrix metering, to use the focusing distance to refine the flash balance, and to use a RVB matrix to refine metering even further.

Many will think it has less importance with digital, since you can still adjust the exposition with the curves, but in the good old times of E6 films, these features were a huge advantage over Canon's light metering system.

92

Video & Movie / Re: 1DC vs C300/C500 for pro video

« on: October 11, 2012, 08:41:46 AM »

Makes sense, so you means these cameras are more likely to be sold to renting companies ?

93

EOS Bodies / Re: Looks like the 6D may not be so bad after all

« on: October 11, 2012, 08:36:15 AM »

Indeed - I've got €5000 lying around waiting to be spent on Canon equipment, but the current €3000 5d3 + €2500 24-70 (excluding equipment like cf cards yadayada) simply don't seem like a very sweet offer to me.

I have exactly the same problem

94

Video & Movie / Re: 1DC vs C300/C500 for pro video

« on: October 11, 2012, 08:27:58 AM »

The c100/300/500 handle like a camcorder, have a more video orientated interface, decent audio inputs and options, sdi interface.

Although the full frame sensor offers even shallower depth of field, very shallow depth of field is attainable with the super 35mm sensors, as for APS-C.

The c300 & c500 come in versions with either EF mount if you want to use photo lenses, or PL mount, if you want to use proper cinema lenses with mechanical iris, focus endstops, retianed back focus through zooms etc.

I really cannot emphasize enough that if you are using a camera specifically for video then the c100/300/400 are the way to go.

Thanks Paul, I was wondering what market target is the 1DC aiming at, since aside from the bigger sensor advantage for some type of video, it's more a still camera than a video one. My ignorance in video matters tells me that people who need to film 4K are full time video pros who need a dedicated video tool, while people who shoot pro stills have a decent tool with the 1Dx. I mean is there such a market for people who shoot pro stills and 4k video in the same time ?

95

Lenses / Re: Vintage primes set for different photography styles

« on: October 11, 2012, 08:15:50 AM »

Just to add to my previous post, my Chinese adapter was just a Nikon to Canon ring with no glass element, so IQ was preserved, it's just that it was too un-practical to use. I saw the Ed-Mika adapters, it looks quite impressive, though not cheap (price for quality), but with good FD glass it might be worth it....

96

Video & Movie / Re: 1DC vs C300/C500 for pro video

« on: October 11, 2012, 08:04:28 AM »

Thanks for the fast answer, the DoF makes sense, I was confused by the "super 35mm" sensor of the C500, that's obviously the cinema format of the 35mm film.

I am a bit less ignorant...

97

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon TS-E 24 f/3.5L II

« on: October 11, 2012, 07:41:22 AM »

One thing I forgot, the 24mm TS-E is compatible with the extender 1.4 (though I can only speak for version 2), that gives a very decent 34mm TS-E.

I am quite interested in that 1.4 extender and would appreciate some more info if you dont mind..when you say decent, would that be at max shift also and would you say its good enough for professional use..?

I actually use it for work were the 24mm focal is too wide, there is a slight loss in contrast / sharpness, but for me, the IQ loss is marginal, considering you get a very useful focal for a TS lens. I did not notice any problem with max shift, but of course what is acceptable is highly subjective.

Do you already have a 24mm TS-E ? If yes, you could probably rent a 1.4x extender to make up your own mind.

 Once again for me, the results are surprisingly good, though I always use a stable tripod, a cable release and LiveView focusing to minimise vibration and guarantee perfect focus.

98

Video & Movie / 1DC vs C300/C500 for pro video

« on: October 11, 2012, 07:10:57 AM »

Question : I am mostly ignorant about video matters, can someone explain the interest of a 1DC camera versus a C300/C500 dedicated video camera?

 No irony here, just an honest question, I don't understand the advantage of a DSLR for pro video.

99

EOS Bodies / Re: DxOMark Sensor Performance: Nikon vs. Canon

« on: October 11, 2012, 06:06:29 AM »

Indeed, a sad time. I liked Velvia 50 in my old yashica TLR.

You should post your portfolio. You've got some good stuff here, and forget about ze gear. It really doesn't matter as much as some posters make it out to be. 

If I had the time, I'd re-purchase some of my old 4x5 gear again.

+1

I never sold my 4x5, going out for landscape with my Linhof is a pure refreshment, it's a kind of back to the roots, and the results are far from ridiculous...

100

EOS Bodies / Re: Big Megapixel Talk [CR2]

« on: October 11, 2012, 05:59:36 AM »

Imho atm Canon is hard-pressed to catch up to reality and sanity again. Given the current feature/price combinations this doesn't seem to be the usual volatile "AMD in front of Intel, then the other way around" situation, because once AMD falls behind Intel they concentrate on releasing products with more attractive prices. Conservative Canon with its immovable userbase seems to try "more of the same" no matter what the competition is up to (like 6d vs d600).

+1
I was strongly thinking about the race between Intel and AMD, or Nvidia and ATI (sorry AMD again). Here we have a highly competitive market, 2 different situations; with processors,  AMD clearly lost the race against Intel, and generation after generation , their CPUs are disappointing performance wise, hence they now compete on the price segment.
In the graphic card race, AMD is much closer to Nvidia and release their GPU generation shortly before Nvidia, as soon as Nvidia shows its own new gen GPUs, AMD is quickly reacting by adjusting the price, so that the performance/price ratio stays decent compared to the concurrence.
I know digital SLRs are a bit more complex than a graphic card, but when we speak sensor tech, IMO Canon is, for the time being, behind Sony/Nikon, but instead of adjusting the price accordingly, they just raise it, strange sense of marketing....

I do not want here to enter the debate where the new 4.25D Mk7 has a better AF or can reach 508.000 ISOs, when Nikon can't. We talk about high megapixel cameras for users who have some need for. Who are the people who need such cameras ? Likely people who do high end work where technical quality is a must (beauty shots, art reproduction, architecture, landscape, ...). We are talking about people who need a specific camera for a specific task, and the closest tool to their requirements is medium format. Here, super high ISO, amazing framerate and combat AF systems are irrelevant, the only requirement is a GOOD sensor, with as much DR as possible, the most faithful color reproduction and a high resolution.

Problem is pricing of MF systems is closer to real estate than cars. So a lot of people, including pros, can not afford such systems. In the good old days, a SINAR system was f.....g expensive, but you would keep it for 20 years. How long is the lifespan of a DSLR ?
It makes sense to produce FF DSLR that fit that niche, and even at 8-10k, it would be reasonable for lots of pros IF the camera can really deliver. For now, the only camera that comes close to that IQ is the D800(E), sold for 3k+. My point is that Canon will have to release a sensor AND body that crushes it, if they want to sell it 3 times the price. Though I am not sure it requires the 1D form factor, a 5D3 body would more than do the job, and would be a better answer to the D800(E).

One last word about the D1X merge, some see it as the best of both worlds, well I don't. Sport / wildlife photographers have lost the reach with their lenses, and studio / landscape photographers have lost their pixels, looks like it was mainly targeted at news pros who need speed, WA lenses and extreme reliability. It's a strange move, since pro shooters have specific needs that require specific cameras, and Canon is proposing only one answer to these needs. Their offer was IMO better scaled with the previous DSLR generation.

101

Lenses / Re: Vintage primes set for different photography styles

« on: October 08, 2012, 11:36:08 AM »

Sorry, I did not know about that for the FD mount. Now you say it I had one of these Chinese adapter ring I used when I switched from Nikon to Canon to mount my 105 micro Nikkor on the 5D2.

So I guess we are talking M42 mount here.... The Takumar 135mm f3.5 has an excellent reputation, but don't forget the longer the focal, the more extension you will need, but for the price, it's difficult to go wrong. Be careful to take only Takumars and SMC series as I think the Super-Takumars are not multi-coated and could give you some surprises with the colour rendition.

102

Lenses / Re: Switching Canon 70-200 2.8L to Tamron 70-200 2.8 or not?

« on: October 08, 2012, 05:29:52 AM »

Then it sounds like you would benefit from a larger sensor, so choice would be either 5D2 (AF and high ISO will probably not suit your requirements), 5D3 (the closest to what you seem to be looking for), or wait a bit to give a try to the 6D when available.

For a 7D2, it sounds like you'll need some patience

I still do not think the lens will change much, since contrast is not something the 70-200L is lacking, unless the surface coating has been badly damaged.

103

Lenses / Re: Vintage primes set for different photography styles

« on: October 08, 2012, 05:15:19 AM »

What kind of adapter are you planning to use ? Most of the adapter for DSLR conversion use an optical system (like a converter) to achieve the proper flange distance, so it's likely your IQ will suffer from it.

In macro lenses the best is probably the Nikkor 55mm f2.8 (truly a stellar lens), it can be found on eBay for 100-120$, for the same amount you could get a Canon FD 100mm f4, and for 50$ a Canon FD f3.5.

For telephoto you could get the Canon 100mm f2.8, this is an excellent lens that can be found around 100$, though the 100 F4 macro could be used as well. An FD 135mm f3.5 goes for around 50$.

35mm f2 or even 1.4 are considered fast lenses, and therefore quit a bit more expensive. I still use from time to times my Canon new F-1, and bought recently a minty FD 35mm f2 for about 120$, IMO this is a decent price.

I am mainly advertising for Canon FD for one reason: they are as cheap as a major brand lens can be, simply because the FD mount has completely disappeared. You will get superior quality at a bargain price.

Nikon and Pentax are excellent as well, but since their mounts are still compatible nowadays they are much more expensive on the second hand market. Olympus OM are good, but IMO a bit overrated and overpriced.

Hope this helps.

104

Lenses / Re: Switching Canon 70-200 2.8L to Tamron 70-200 2.8 or not?

« on: October 08, 2012, 04:45:23 AM »

Hello, can you be more specific about your IQ problem ? You speak about not being happy with your camera and want to change the lens. These are 2 different problems. I can't talk about the 7D since I don't have one, but I can give you my opinion about the lens.

I am not sure you would improve so much the image quality with the Tamron, you can go here :

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=242&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=470&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

to get an idea about IQ of the 2 lenses compared. Some focals seem to be a bit better with the Tamron, some better with the Canon. The main advantage of the Tamron is it's closer focusing distance, that gives it more possibilities, BUT you would loose the USM AF and the quality construction of the Canon L.

Honestly, I think the Canon 70-200mm L 2.8 is not the issue here. Yes they are newer and slightly sharper lenses nowadays on the market, but unless you would want to upgrade for 70-200mm 2.8 II, (which I agree Canon has once again a bit overpriced), I think you will regret the field qualities of the Canon.

Thousands of pro photographers have found the Canon 70-200 f2.8 being a good enough lens for almost everything, IMO the switch to Tamron won't change much to you IQ. Maybe you got a bad one, but on my own I have the IS version of yours, and I don't think the V2 of this lens would change my IQ in such proportions it's worth the money. To be honest I never thought about replacing it, as it still does the job more than I would have expected.

This being said more information about your IQ problem would help to give more specific answers.

105

Software & Accessories / Re: What are most people using for processing RAW

« on: October 07, 2012, 12:40:36 PM »

Thanks 816 for the tip, I'll keep learning the software, I admit the possibilities seem endless, it's just that coming from the old film world, I find digital is sometimes distracting from photography itself, lots of time spent on learning software, even though I am introduced to digital since I bought my Coolscan 4000, 15 years ago. I'd like to keep it more simple, but it's the way it is, one must follow the progress....