Messages

4501

EOS Bodies / Re: New t4i with silent autofocus ef-s 18-135mm?

« on: February 26, 2012, 04:19:37 AM »

No USB in a lens. Perhaps USM?  It will likely have USM.

Hey, this *is* Canon rumors, isn't it? And a lens w/ usb is just as valid as any other rumor around here :-)

It was a question, not a rumor.

As to continuous autofocus while doing video, I really doubt it.  No one has figured this out yet, but there might be some very slow autofocus during video like the D7000.

While as a Canon user I am always happy to bash Nikon, I have to admit that the D7000 at least has a working contrast af at all. The "af" built into current eos bodies like my 60D is just a bad joke and imho simply made to put "af on video" in the tech specs, but no one in his right mind would dare to actually use it except on a still object. "Quick af" of course works, but is very loud and you've got a short blackout because the mirror flips.

Apparently, all the professionals who do use it, making commercials, TV shows, and movies are not in their right mind?  Its just that they know how to use manual focus, because professional film makers have always used manual focus.

Those of us who want a camcorder, have slim pickings.

4502

EOS Bodies / Re: DR and RAW bit depth on Canon's forthcoming...

« on: February 26, 2012, 03:57:09 AM »

You don't need to do the Stoffer Wedge Test, its been done many times.  You can see the usable DR range of competiting camera bodies here:

5D MK II         8.4 EV
Nikon D700    7.8 EV

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS5DMarkII/page25.asp

You can get more by manipulating RAW files, but the images tend to look flat and ugly.

I'd also like more DR, but, so far, no one seems to match film.

DPR test is ridiculous, it depends on nothing other than what tone curve is in the jpg setting.

You still get a tone curve processing in RAW.  you have to manulipate it to get a little more DR.  Then images tend to look flat.  DPR tells you the real world info.  Its like a statement of what you get off the showroom floor whan you buy a automobile, its what many, if not most get.

4503

EOS Bodies / Re: New t4i with silent autofocus ef-s 18-135mm?

« on: February 26, 2012, 03:49:08 AM »

I did note that the Nikon D800 has some sort of on-sensor contrast detect capability that will allow some level of continuous AF, so perhaps there is hope, just not so much.

4504

EOS Bodies / Re: New t4i with silent autofocus ef-s 18-135mm?

« on: February 26, 2012, 03:31:24 AM »

I'm sorry but does the silent autofocus motor as stated in the rumor for the new t4i and 18-135mm lens means it has usb? i looked online and i think that they're the same. and do you think the body+lens combo will cost more than 1000$? or should i get a used 60d and 18-135mm for that much. thanks

No USB in a lens.

Perhaps USM?  It will likely have USM.

As to continuous autofocus while doing video, I really doubt it.  No one has figured this out yet, but there might be some very slow autofocus during video like the D7000.

For now, you need mirrorless to get AF during video.

4505

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Outdoor Fashion Shoot

« on: February 26, 2012, 03:23:04 AM »

Lighting is going to be the biggest issue.  Unless there is good lighting, or you can use supplemental lighting and multiple flashes, shadors and unlit eyes will make for a disappointment.  To a person, everything can look well lit and fine, but a camera has much less DR than your eyes, and it will show.

4506

EOS Bodies / Re: DR and RAW bit depth on Canon's forthcoming...

« on: February 25, 2012, 08:42:43 PM »

You don't need to do the Stoffer Wedge Test, its been done many times.  You can see the usable DR range of competiting camera bodies here:

5D MK II         8.4 EV
Nikon D700    7.8 EV

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS5DMarkII/page25.asp

You can get more by manipulating RAW files, but the images tend to look flat and ugly.

I'd also like more DR, but, so far, no one seems to match film.

4507

Lenses / Re: Waiting for 100~400mm f/4~5.6 IS II.Who do know the actual day of its born?

« on: February 25, 2012, 06:07:40 PM »

The current type is old which producted from 1998. Now, I have one lens 70-200mm. But it is diffcult to snipe. I wish I can add from 200~400mm. Balance the cost and demand, 100~400 f/4-5.6 is so much suitable for me. Who do know it accurate day to deploy in market?

Rumors often do not actually happen.  A new 100-400mm L has been discussed for many years.  The cost of designing a new one that can outperform the existing one may be very high, so I'd just get the existing one and, if a new version shows up in the next few years, you can decide.

In order to keep the length short, Canon is using a rear focus design on the 70-300mm L, which will not accept a teleconverter.  You might want to use one someday.

4508

Lenses / Re: Canon 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS for motorsports ??????????

« on: February 25, 2012, 06:03:14 PM »

Last year I began photographing motorsports. I shot some super bike and GP car races on road courses and shot a lot of motocross and atv races. The gear I used was a 1D Mark IV along with my 70-200 f/2.8L IS II and 300 f/2.8L IS with great results.

I am fortunate to have full access to the motocross and atv tracks and end up strolling all over the track for extended periods of time. After a while, the gear package I mentioned above starts to take it's toll on me due to the weight. I am looking at possibly utilizing the Canon 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS to reduce the weight while retaining the focal length range. I have no concerns regarding the image quality of that lens. I know it's excellent.

What does concern me is that given it's slower speed, will it AF fast enough and accurately enough? I have no concerns on the road races as there is usually a lot of time to lock on and track the vehicles. However, on the motocross and atv tracks, the first glimpse I often have of the bikes and quads is when they suddenly appear over the top of a jump. Immediate and accurate AF is an absolute must in these circumstances. My f/2.8 lenses perform beautifully in that regard, but will the slower 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS be up to the task?

Has anyone out there had any experience they can share using this lens in a similar environment? Your input would be appreciated.

Everything about the lens is a step down, one other thing I'd be careful of, is shutter speed.  Can you get the shutter speeds you want at f/5.6 compared with your 300mm f/2.8?

Certainly, the IQ is not nearly up to that 300mm lens, nor the 70-200 either.

This is a case where I'd rent one first before making such a huge downgrade.

4509

Lenses / Re: Patent: Canon EF 35 f/2 IS

« on: February 25, 2012, 05:18:31 PM »

I noticed a interview with Canon from the CP + in Japan. 
http://www.megapixel.co.il/english/archive/28040

"Q: The new 24mm and 28mm seem to be really perplexing, they are not extremely fast, surly not cheap and have image stabilization which doesn't seem to be that necessary in such a short focal length. To top this you have the 17-55mm f/2.8 with IS which admittedly isn't a prime lens but can give you much more flexibility – so who is the real target audience here – videographers?

A: Videographers are indeed an ideal market for these lenses, but the main group who prompted the design of these lenses where in fact photojournalists. While a f/1.4 lens is desirable, they do tend to feature quite large optics. So for example in situations where photographers are trying to blend in and be less obtrusive, a lens with a smaller diameter is more suitable. We included IS to help these photographers to continue shooting in low light, even with smaller aperture that these lenses offer. It’s also worth noting the original versions of these lenses are nearly 25 years old. When designing their replacements we wanted to look forwards to ensure that these lenses enjoy a life span to match their predecessors."

4510

EOS Bodies / Re: 5dIII = 1ds mkIII THIS IS A GREAT DEAL! P.S. Is 1ds III a goner?

« on: February 25, 2012, 05:03:48 PM »

Adorama has 1DS MK III in stock for $USD 6999.

http://www.zoolert.com/canon-eos-1ds-mark-III-in-stock-tracker/

4511

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: ND Filter for video - how to use?

« on: February 25, 2012, 04:59:21 PM »

I doubt that a lighting kit used indoors will produce anough light to require a ND filter to let you use a lens wide open.  It will certainly not be a 10 stop ND filter.  ND's come in handy in bright outdoor sunlight to allow you to use a wide aperture and thus achieve shallow depth of field.  At ISO 100, you probably will not be able to use f/2.8, even without the ND filter.

4512

EOS Bodies / Re: 5dIII = 1ds mkIII THIS IS A GREAT DEAL! P.S. Is 1ds III a goner?

« on: February 25, 2012, 04:45:39 PM »

In 2 years, the 1Ds III will STILL be an amazing camera.  The other options out there don't change the fact that it has a great AF, great IQ, and all around great feeling. 

It's worth every penny -- especially as cameras with video capabilities start to dominate the market.  If you don't need that, buy 2 of them! 

They also don't change the fact that it's 7000 euros. And if I'm being paid 100 euros a shoot, how many years would it take for me to save enough money for one?

Used in the UK they are now about 2000 euros - about the same prince as a new 5DII, and you get a better camera if high iso is not an issue

If you can get 1DS III for that price, scoop them up.  Your price sounds like a 1D MK III price over here.

4513

EOS Bodies / Re: Eye Control Focus

« on: February 25, 2012, 04:23:02 PM »

I have not seen any leaks or serious rumors.  I would expect it in a top of the line sports body, not a wedding camera.

However, just like video, if a person did not use it, he could turn it off, so its ok as long as it doesn't up the price.

4514

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Act Of Valor shot exclusively on 7D & 5DII

« on: February 25, 2012, 01:42:28 PM »

The 5D shots tended to look pretty good and blend in for the most part, but there were some that were obvious and IMO noticeably poor. Banding in the sky, jello effect, pixelation from the codec. When they were there, they were noticeable to the point that my wife commented on it too and she's not in this business at all.
The movie itself? OMG it's awful! I get that the SEALS in the movie aren't actors, but then they shouldn't have tried to give them lines and make them try to act. It was unbearable to sit through their "acting" attempts.
I like action movies, I like war movies, but this one just wasn't a good movie at all. Go play Modern Warfare on Xbox instead.
No offense to Shane Hurlbut as the camera work is fine, but the script and the acting just aren't good enough to carry anything more than a trailer.

The critics are pretty down on the storyline, but it is going to make a lot of $$$  Low budget, high profit.

Its not my type of movie, so I won't be seeing it, but for a Indie film maker, its a big deal to get a film into wide distribution.  The cost of advertising and distribution are likely much higher than the cost to make it.

4515

PowerShot Cameras / Re: X10 vs s100

« on: February 25, 2012, 01:16:46 PM »

The image of the fireworks really shows the X10 issue with white orbs.  Apparently, they have not been able to fix it, and are saying that they meet specs.

It is much worse than the black dots that the 5D MK II had, and once you look and see them, you might be pretty frustrated.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/3340468423/fujifilm-x10-orbs-investigated-does-the-firmware-fix-work