Messages

46

Lighting / Re: Fauxtographer Ruins Olympic photos.

« on: July 03, 2012, 12:11:08 AM »

I have a feeling the photographer did not have unlimited access to these folks.  Probably less than a minute each, because there were 100s of other photographers, all waiting their turn.  You get what you can and hope for the best.

One thing for sure, I don't think any of these shots will make to a box of Wheaties!  LOL

47

Lenses / Re: Good, inexpensive zoom lens? Beginner here.

« on: July 03, 2012, 12:02:44 AM »

For my 2 cents, I can recommend the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 with vibration control, and the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS.  I paid $450 for the Tamron (Simply Electronics) and $190 for the Canon lens (Amazon).

Both of these lenses are good for stills, and I don't know about video as my Rebel XS can't perform the feat.

Take some classes as suggested, and go out and shoot everything and anything.  I have started schlepping my camera everywhere, and looking for an excuse to photograph stuff.  Go to events, feed birds, visit the zoo, line up your family members for mug shots.  LOL   Take pictures of the moon... 

Take pictures of flowers, bugs, anything... and be prepared to throw out a lot of shots.  I took 270 frames at the local nature center last weekend, and only kept 31 of them.  Last month I took photos at a military rein-actor event and only use my 50mm prime.  I took pictures of an indoor tennis match, and the lighting sucked, as did my 18-55mm kit lens (f/3.5-5.6), so I shot it all at 800 and 1600 ISO.

Most important is to have fun and enjoy your new camera.

48

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon Mirrorless Information [CR1]

« on: July 02, 2012, 11:38:08 PM »

OK, as much as I was looking forward to this camera, I have to pass because  of the "lens thing". 

WHY, WHY, WHY are they changing the mount?  It doesn't matter, they are doing it, and I am NOT biting!

What a crying shame...  60D here I come!

49

EOS Bodies / Re: The 7D for half price

« on: June 30, 2012, 03:08:40 PM »

I have heard there was a firmware HACK that activated Spot Metering on a600D/T3i.  If these two cameras (7D and 600D) are so close in hardware specs, it would be nice if the 7D firmware could be applied to a 600D to activate the hidden features.  I don't think this is possible.... but I could be wrong.

50

Lenses / Re: Looking for reviews of the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8

« on: June 30, 2012, 02:11:30 AM »

I want to thank all those that kicked in their 2 cents.  Looks like it's a mixed bag.  I want to replace my kit lens from a Rebel XS.  I am not making money on any of my photos, and have no delusions about that, so spending 2.5 times the coin on a Canon lens of comparable status, is out of the question.

I just took delivery of this lens, and I have to say, the build/construction of the lens is not what I expected. 

      1. It's heavier than any of the Canon lenses I own.  This is not a bad thing, but it did surprise me.

      2. When I unboxed it, I found out why...  The lens is a whopping 72mm in diameter!  I wasn't sure how it would fit on my Rebel XS... but of course it was fine.

I have taken some indoor shot of my lazy cat, and have plans to take it out "in the wild" this weekend, but so far I am happy with the lens.

As stated in the manual - which is a boring read, but necessary - the VC kicks in a split second after the shutter button is half depressed, and last for a split second after you release the button.  I find it far more smooth than the Canon 55-250mm IS lens once it gets started.  The stabilization on that lens hops all over the place when racked out to 250.

51

EOS Bodies / Re: Is SLR dead?

« on: June 28, 2012, 12:00:15 PM »

I am reminded now of people using their iPhones and iPads to take photos.  They are seeing what they shoot, and in some cases, as large a laptop screen.  If that detail can be shrunk and/or projected into a usable viewfinder, the problem is solved. 

Talk about a dead camera type...  point and shoots are slugging it out with phone cameras on an minute-by-minute basis.

52

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5DIII Price Drop

« on: June 28, 2012, 11:50:26 AM »

Upon further "shopping", I see that 60D prices are also falling, and that there are two "versions".  US Retail, and NOT...  Of course, the NOT pricing is lower.

SCORE!  We Win!

53

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5DIII Price Drop

« on: June 28, 2012, 11:43:22 AM »

Best Price Photo also has them for less.
https://bestpricephoto.com/h/product_info.php/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-digital-camera-body-only-p-20686?osCsid=45373c1c61e92a639e48344158daf288

Interesting... but still out of my reach - unfortunately.

54

EOS Bodies / Re: Is SLR dead?

« on: June 28, 2012, 11:38:45 AM »

We must be at some sort of tipping point for the cost of a small {O}LED viewfinder to a glass and mirror version.  With Google gearing up for a pair of wearable glasses, and the Television market embracing {O}LED screens at more affordable prices, it will be inevitable.

I think the design of a mirror-less camera can be identical that of current models, so why people are so resistant is puzzling.  Less moving parts is always a good thing for longevity of a product as well.

I am surprised it has lasted this long.  With everything moving to Solid State, the DSLR is one of the last hold outs.  I expect it "won't go easily" either.   I have been investing in better glass these days, so as long as the new models accept these lenses, I am ready for the change, ...whenever it comes.

55

Portrait / Re: My photos look so dull

« on: June 25, 2012, 11:45:42 AM »

Have you tried using the different camera STYLES?  Those might be an on camera option if you can't afford a software solution.  You can also change the STYLE settings to get even more.  Be aware they are only good for JPEG files and you won't see much [any] change in RAW files.

56

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: T4i/650D DigitalRev review.

« on: June 25, 2012, 12:40:40 AM »

I would be upgrading from a Rebel XS, so this camera is like a god send!  I am mainly interested in the ISO "power up", but the other stuff is always welcome.  Topping out the ISO at 1600 on my XS... SuX!  Not to mention the riot of noise I get at that ISO.

I was looking hard at the 60D, but I think this 650D/T4i will get my cash in the end.

Great review.  I am going to look up more from this site.

Mark L.

57

Animal Kingdom / Re: Kitty

« on: June 25, 2012, 12:05:17 AM »

Here is Tigger...  He's lost his bounce after turning a year old, but he loves to lounge around.

58

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: June 24, 2012, 11:57:20 PM »

WOW!  My picture can't stand up to the clarity of this group, but here it is anyway.
I need a bigger lens or visit a ZOO!
Shot with my trusty Rebel XS and the Canon 50-250mm f/4-5.6

59

Lenses / Re: Sigma/ Tamron 17-50 lens

« on: June 23, 2012, 01:25:26 AM »

I thought I saw an article on DxOMark with a comparison and they recommended the Tamron, but that they were both better than the kit lens that Canon provides.  I am waiting with baited breath for my Tamron - ordered last week.

I found Simply Electronics to have pretty good pricing on the Tamron.

Mark L.

________
UPDATE 7-2-2012
Now that I have a few hundred shots with this lens, I am really happy with it.  I took it into an old growth forest in dark shade, and took shots I know would have been more difficult with my Canon kit lens (18-55mm) handheld.  The images are clear and clean - when I got the focus point correct... I'm still learning.

I have a birthday party to cover this weekend, and will have more.

60

Lenses / Looking for reviews of the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8

« on: June 15, 2012, 03:00:54 AM »

I realize there are two versions of this lens (with and without image stabilization),  so thoughts on either would be appreciated.  To begin with, are Tamron lenses any good?  I see they are much less expensive that Canon or Nikon, or even Sigma ...  That usually does not bode well.

Thanks,
Mark L.