Messages

16

Lenses / Re: 35L "focus stuck" after drop?

« on: January 10, 2013, 08:00:10 PM »

Have you tried checking the auto focus switch? Flip it back and forth to make sure it's not stuck in between?

17

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5D3 & 600ex-rt + AF assist beam = slower focus

« on: November 21, 2012, 06:53:49 PM »

I am sure this has been discussed before but I just can't figure out why the 5D3 focuses so slowly when the AF assist is enabled on my flash.  Many times I have been at a wedding reception and I get frustrated with very slow focusing issues related to the AF assist beam.  I have messed around with turning it on and off and there is a very noticeable difference.  For example with my 70-200 as long as I find an area of some contrast it will focus almost instantly even dark situations.  As soon as I turn it on it sometimes takes a full second or two to lock focus.  I remember my 5D2 having improved focus with the AF assist from the 580exII.  Is it a flash issue or a camera issue?  I know there are a lot of you who have the same problems.  Anyone find any solutions?  Most of the time I don't need the AF assist but when it is pitch black and I need it it would be nice if I could focus a little faster.  I just don't understand how the AF can be so great in almost all situations except this one area.  Of course when I call CPS they claim they have never heard of an issue.     

I was wondering how the camera was set up to shoot, was it in one shot mode or AI servo? Ps have you tried using center point only? I am interested in this set up myself but now am a little unsure i want to until the issue is solved.

18

Lighting / Re: Entering the world of needing a flash at darker weddings

« on: November 13, 2012, 09:32:49 PM »

I won't try and talk up any knowledge of external lighting I may have.

I have none.

But what I do know is that I have a couple weddings on the books with receptions in dimly lit restaurants and the 50D has laughable ISO qualities when it gets that dark, so I'd better start learning and move away from my comfortable world of natural light.

My budget for a single flash unit and any necessary accessories is about $400, but I can go higher if need be. Currently I'm considering a 430EXII and some sort of wireless/off camera trigger and on-flash softbox.

However, anyone in this section of the forums knows more than me, so I am very open to suggestions.

a 430 wont get the job done, a 580 is much more powerful.

19

EOS Bodies / Re: 46.1mp Canon DSLR Previewed at PhotoPlus 2012? [CR1]

« on: November 10, 2012, 09:07:12 AM »

When Nikon had a 12 megapixel flagship they tried to convince us that is all low light shooters should need, now we have a d800 which is a very very specific camera and the world is convinced we need megapixels on a level that would require special lenses perfect technique, tripods and a computer more expensive than our gear to process and store all those insanly huge images. In my humble opinion 21 megapixels is a pretty sweet spot for dslr.

20

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 24-70 f/4L IS Coming [CR3]

« on: October 31, 2012, 06:43:15 AM »

Its probably the kitlens for the 6d, but then it has to be small, light and cheap. So 450g and around 500$ street price? Everything else, doesn't make sense in my eyes.

I love the long end of the 24-105mm and that is the only reason i never switched to the 24-70/2.8.

Hmmm, what does this do to the 24-105L . . .

Why would anyone buy this over a 24-105?  I have  a 24-70 2.8 and unless the iq is stellar I can't see a use for an f4 lens in this length

21

EOS Bodies / Re: real-world autofocus on 5d2

« on: October 29, 2012, 04:49:41 PM »

The AF of 5D2 is old and is its single biggest weak point. It was bad at the time of introduction as well and I have missed a lot of shots because of that. The AF is also the biggest selling point for an upgrad to mkIII for me (I am using the 5D mkII).

But, with practise and skill I no longer miss too many shots.
The centre AF is great, the outer not so good, but if you know what type of contrast the AF-points are looking for you can use put them on that kind of part of your picture and they will work rather good.
You can also use a flash in the hot shoe to get infra red guiding light, or use the modeling light if you are doing wireless TTL. I actually keep a head lamp in my flash bag to use when light gets low; both to help with focus but also to keep the models pupils small.

Also, most times when I have missed focus I have been shooting at f/2 or greater; where DOF is small and so a slight movement of me or my subject results in a missed shot. This is disturbing in yet another way - in low light you usually go for those big apetures, and in low light things show less contrast, making it harder for the AF to nail focus.

Also, with small DOF, when focusing and recomposing you take a big risk since it takes time and you also do some movement. This in itself can result in shots out of focus.

So, does the 5D mkII (and classic) have outdated, obsolete AF? Yes.
Does that really matter? Sometimes, yes. But improved skill and a lot of practise will take you a long way. But you are going to miss shots as you practise.

You will have problems with the AF of the 5D II if you:
- Plan on shooting sport/wildlife
- Plan on doing a lot of  low light, short DOF, no flash (you can as you probably know have the flash to not fire, just help you focus)

In other cases, you should be fine. I am.

Live view is exceptional on the 5dII, there is no reason to pass based on shallow depth of field.

22

EOS Bodies / Re: real-world autofocus on 5d2

« on: October 29, 2012, 11:40:29 AM »

The center point is golden all the time, the outer points need very good light. I would say its a wonderful bargain of a camera right now for people that don't need sports autofocus and dont mind the focus and recompose method.

23

Software & Accessories / Need great Photo editing monitor

« on: October 24, 2012, 07:53:22 AM »

I am looking to buy a great photo editing monitor for still pictures, I dont know much in this area and could really use some input on what other people are using and like. I have an ati firepro v4800 graphics card and want a monitor that supports 1.07 billion colors.
Thanks in advance

24

EOS Bodies / Re: Excellent service at canon customer service centre- beyond words

« on: October 23, 2012, 10:09:59 PM »

You won't hear story's like that about Nikon repair service...

25

EOS Bodies / Annoying Digital photo professional bug

« on: October 21, 2012, 05:58:28 PM »

So here i was thinking my  24-70 was soft on my 1ds mark III, It turns out DPP sets luminance reduction to 2 by default even at ISO 100. I really wish canon would provide a better featured raw converter....

26

Video & Movie / Re: wedding video 5D mkiii Hillbilly music

« on: October 21, 2012, 06:44:39 AM »

The music was by choice of the bride and groom and was the same band that played for their wedding. Very diferent from any other video i've done before.

http://www.stockhammedia.com/2012/10/19/martinique-and-mark/

let me know what you think. Thanks!

Beautiful videography

27

Lenses / Re: Compare Canon 5D Mark 2 24-70L vs Canon 60D 17-55 APSC At Aperture F7.1

« on: October 20, 2012, 02:45:35 PM »

Previously we tested the Canon 5D Mark 2 with the Canon L 24-70 F2.8 lens vs the Canon 60D with 17-55 F2.8 APSC lens. At Aperture F2.8 the 60D setup is slightly sharper. Article found here.

Some dpreview commenters suggest that I should test the 5D Mark 2 setup at higher aperture. So we have both camera setups are on the table shot at aperture priority. ISO 100. Aperture at F7.1. Shutter speed is around 1sec. I tried mirror lockup but that does not make any difference. Both lens zoom in at their longest i.e. 55mm & 70mm respectively.

Here are the results

http://hkfreelancephotographer.com/5d2-vs-60d-test-at-f7-1/

I would say use live view on both cameras to nail focus then upload the results. That should take all focus issues out of the picture

28

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Your experience regarding the differences in IQ between 1Ds MkIII and 5D MkIII?

« on: October 17, 2012, 07:41:40 AM »

While I appreciate your photos, they prove nothing.  The thread asks about a comparison between the 1Ds Mark III and the 5D Mark III.  You posted photos from one of the cameras.  Ok?

I wish I had a 5d mark III for comparison, at best i was able to provide a few recent samples of a 1ds mark III, the 5d markIII i have no doubt is the better all arounder. I think the 1ds mark III is a an excellent bargain at this time for someone not needing all the features of the 5d mark III. There seem to be tons and tons of 5d Mark III examples online, perhaps a member here could supply an example or 2 . I to would like to see some comparison.

29

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Your experience regarding the differences in IQ between 1Ds MkIII and 5D MkIII?

« on: October 16, 2012, 09:46:53 PM »

This is another example iso 100, on camera flash just out and about but still a great example of how wonderful the IQ is on the 1ds MarkIII, Standard picture style contrast +1 color +1 no other adjustments

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Your experience regarding the differences in IQ between 1Ds MkIII and 5D MkIII?

« on: October 16, 2012, 09:20:31 PM »

I'm facing the upgrade dillema - should I get a second hand 1Ds MkIII or a new 5D MkIII...

For almost eight years now, I'm shooting with a 1Ds MkII
and I'm thinking that maybe it is time to replace it.

It is still doing a good job and my clients are happy, but...



I almost exclusively work in the studio, or outdoors in the range of 100-400 ASA.

I'm only interested in the image quality.


Can someone describe in detail, the differences in image quality between 1Ds MkIII and 5D MkIII?

I had a similar thread, I found a 1ds mark III for 2000 dollars in fantastic condition. There are many out there for 2500 that are in great condition.
I find it far superior in mid tone color to a 5d mark II, better shadows, less color noise. It is made for the work you want to do. I have a few pics to demonstrate