Messages

61

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D Split? 5D X & 5D Mark III [CR1]

« on: February 10, 2012, 02:19:13 AM »

The part that doesn't make a whole lot of sense is why would they develop a new FF 22 MP sensor for the 5D Mark III when they just released another FF 18 MP for the 1D x. The difference in resolution between 18 and 22 is so small it's barely worth the cost and effort that must have went into R&D unless one is suited for video while the other for stills, doubt it. On the other hand, if Canon is going to release a FF 45 MP sensor, they must have developed a whole new sensor technology to overcome noise because with the current technology, that thing will be next to useless above ISO 1600.

I agree - does not make business sense to have 3 FF sensors out there.  Look ho they recycled the APS-C sensors and 1Ds / 5D mark II

62

EOS Bodies / The Price of Full Frame

« on: February 10, 2012, 01:50:15 AM »

Just read the rumour about the 5 Series split. I was wondering, with the D800 announced and priced ($3-$3,5k body) and Canon bound to respond within this same spec and price range (it seems for both), where does this leave average photographers - whether enthusiast or pure amateur/hobbyist.

I am almost certain there are more casual (even pro's) photographers out there that are PRICE sensitive rather than SPEC sensitive.  In the film days, full frame cameras were truly available in all shapes, sizes and prices. 

Being a 60D user, I regularly contemplate my upgrade path. The 7D is a very specific cam - well sealed & sports level AF. And FF appears to be that next step in IQ, low noise and DOF control everyone raves about.

What I would like to see is a rebel FF body - Call it a 6D or whatever:
- 1DX Sensor - this will give Canon another body to get volumes up on the sensor
- Upcoming 70D body and Movie features - another re-use
- Current 7D AF - paid off tech

Priced at at under $2k body only.  I can then either use F4 "L" zooms or 3rd Party lenses, with a non-L primes for low light (seeing that the new 24-70 is another price shocker).

Outside of 7D users, I guess most APS-C users are also not too heavily invested in glass, and if so, I suppose some of that is crop body specific in any case. So moving to full frame is not really "switching systems" for most APS-C users. So from where I am sitting a low cost FF body might just steal some other brand customer to Canon also.

Yes the 5D mark II will be available soon second hand, but Canon doesn't make any money from that.

Am I really alone in thinking, as a Hobbyist, that a $2k FF body will be awesome and the current Price trend seems ridiculous? Can Canon make money with such a lower priced FF body with parts from the wheely bin, bearing in mind future L lens sales? Will this cannibalize sales of other bodies? Or does every single FF user out there crave for the 36MP 61 AF pt monster at $3,5k body only as rumoured?

63

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Shooting professional sports (NHL) with a DSLR - access denied!

« on: January 19, 2012, 07:53:18 PM »

quote author JR
I wonder how the "no detachable lens" rule will apply - or if it does get applied - to small mirrorless cameras with detachable lenses?

quote author dilbert
For sure they would need to adjst for that.  I just could see them refusing a small camera because it is detachable lens!  Then again I am sure they have not thought about it yet!

At the Calgary flames venue my T1i and lens (not big and definitely not white) was not allowed because of the interchangeable lens rule.  I took it with for memories photo's (17-50 F2. as it was our first hockey game and would never have been able to get action shots with it.  However, my wife's GF3 with intergangible lens was fine - because the security guard said P&S cameras are allowed.

So next time I will take the "P&S" with a longer lens (14-140) in another pocket because don't worry, P&Shoots are allowed.

64

Lenses / Re: 24-70 or 24-105

« on: December 27, 2011, 02:33:04 PM »

For portrait isolation consider a 135 f2 L. There are few lenses that do what the 135 can for that application at that price range. The amount of OOF Blur goes up with a longer lens for the same framing/F stop value.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I am focussing on zoom lenses as I will be using it in the same manner as the Sigma 17-50 - main travel lens.  Now the Sigma definitely did not reduce the background to a total blur (even at F2., I am just trying to find out if the F4 with the longer focal length (70mm+) and full frame combination will at least match that???

65

Lenses / 24-70 or 24-105

« on: December 27, 2011, 12:18:45 PM »

Hi All

I am sure this topic has been posted in the past, but I cannot find it.  Twinning to my post under "Bodies" category regarding switching to full frame, I also need some input on deciding what lens to get, as my current lenses are crop only.

Current Lenses:
Used Most:  Sigma 17-50 F2.8 OS - Love this lens and use it the most.  F2.8 and OS is great but I sometimes feel the reach is not enough (especially trying to get that isolated portrait).  I will probably keep this attach to the Rebel as a backup

Somewhat used: Tokina 11-16 F2.8 - Must say, the 24mm end on both these lenses will probably be satisfactory at the wide end.  And the F2.8 was rarely used for outside landscapes. Will probably sell.

Primes (at least these will work)
50mm F1.4 - I am looking forward getting more use out of this one on full frame
28mm F1.8

So I am mainly thinking of trying to replace the Sigma like-for-like.
The 24-70 matches in F stop, but loses the IS and is 10mm shorter in reach (which was already a limitation on the Sigma)
The 24-105 has the IS and additional reach which is appealing but loses 1 stop of light.  But it is lighter smaller and would be bundled to my purchase.

So from experience using these lenses, should I be overly concerned about the F4.  Will I get decent OoF areas on it especially for potrait isolation?
Indoors I guess I can always go for one of the primes if need be.

Opinions welcome thanks

66

EOS Bodies / To switch or not to switch?

« on: December 27, 2011, 11:57:03 AM »

Hi All

I am currently on my second Rebel body, but with the decreasing price of the 5D Mark II, I am starting to consider going full frame, otherwise it will be the 60D or its successor.  The switch is not that easy for me, because my 2 most used lenses are crop only.

Background, I am an enthusiast only, and most of my photo's revolve around family and the trips we make.  Photo's are thus a mix of landscapes, indoor/outdoor architecture and family (groups mosthly)

So I want to solocite opinions:
1 - Why people (non-pro's), similar to my use, made the switch (outside of weddings and studio photogs)
2 - Why people DID NOT make the switch

Negatives I am concerned about (due to my expected use)
- Lack of pop up flash for quick fill flash
- Size and weight compared to Rebel and 60D

Positives I have identified
- Better low light performance
- Better "apparent" depth of field
- Have some weather sealing

Again for my use, the lower quality AF and burst rate are not important (I am used to a  Rebel), but maybe this played a big role for people who didn't switch.

I am mostly aware of the pure technical differences between the 5D and 60D.  I am more concerned with actual experience using it.  I.E. was it everything it was made up to be when you switch.  Or what is bothering you with the 5D.  Or what specific qualities are stopping you from switching (apart from price off course)

Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

67

Lenses / Re: Effectiveness of IS

« on: April 12, 2011, 06:09:50 PM »

Thanks alot Tom for the time explaining your opinion on the IS.  It is greatly appreciated.  I will save up a bit more.  Also, thanks to the others fr shuch quick replies

I wasn't really thinking of the 17-85.  More towards the Tokina 16-50 F2.8 (for price and I love my 11-16).  But I thought I should explore the real advantage of having F2.8 no IS vs f3.5 with IS.  But your right, to freeze movement you need to speed up shutter speed, which although it has IS, F3.5-5.6 can not necessarily do in all situations.

68

Lenses / Re: What other lenses for my 60D

« on: April 12, 2011, 12:55:18 PM »

I am also considering that focul range to add to my kit as a walk around lens.

I will through in the Tokina 16-50mm F2.8.  Less common and without IS not that straight forward of a choice.  But if you have used an Tokina ATX Pro lens you can't ignore the build and feel of these lenses.

My problem with the Canon is its price.  You can add some decent filters (ND, Polarizer) to your kit and still be left with some change if you go for any of the 3rd party option.

So I am looking forward to people's suggestions, especially on the IS importance

For full frame, when is the question.  On  a crop body, I am certainly looking for hat 16/17mm wide end, and for street, zoom is important.  So if you are not upgrading within the foreseable future, stick with one of these choices, and sell them when the time comes. You do not want to feel short changed at the wide end while you want to take pictures NOW

69

Lenses / Effectiveness of IS

« on: April 12, 2011, 11:35:41 AM »

Hi all
I am a newbie to forums in general, but after learning so much from communities like these, I know this is where help is at hand

I am looking to replace my walk around lens. I like the kit's range, more than the 18-200mm (I have one), but I would like better quality.   So without going into optics and IQ (there is a lot of posts on this) of the step up alternatives, I need some OPINIONS on the effectiveness on IS (real world)

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm would have been the awnser, but it is out of the question expensive. So I am looking into 3rd party 2.8F's.  Owning a Tokina 11-16, I love the build quality and colour, and naturally lean towards their 16-50mm option, but it has no IS. 

The Canon kit for example is only 2/3rds of a stop slower at 3.5F (wide side) and 2 stops at tele.  If IS is supposedly giving you 3-4 stops help, does no IS F2.8 give you a real advantage over F3.5-F5 with IS.

(I know about the Sigma and Tamron options, but this post is to understand the real world effect of IS)

Thanks in advance for the insights