Messages

46

Landscape / Help Me Get Better - Crashing Waves

« on: November 16, 2012, 07:22:10 AM »

The clouds didn't cooperate for a nice colorful shoot, but I figured it would give me good experience on shutter speed and aperture to get the affect I wanted.  Overall, I'm not that impressed and I was hoping to get some advice so that when the clouds and my schedule do cooperate, I can take better pictures.  Thank you in advance.

47

EOS Bodies / Re: A Brief 2013 Canon Roadmap [CR1]

« on: November 16, 2012, 12:28:29 AM »

While I personally don't mind carrying the 28-300L around for a day at an amusement park (and have done so, in fact),  that's a Canon-centric viewpoint (not misplaced here, just saying) and Roger doesn't seem to have that mindset. 

While the IQ is not as good as the Canon L-series lens, Nikon's 28-300mm FX-format lens is cheaper than both Canon's and Nikon's 17-55mm f/2.8 IS/VC offerings, and it's about the same weight and (retracted) size as those 17-55/2.8 lenses.  True, it's about $400 more than the APS-C superzooms, but a FF camera is more costly, so that's not unreasonable at all, IMO, and doesn't make the 'one lens solution' club very exclusive for (Nikon) FF shooters.

Admittedly I don't know much about Nikon, so good to know someone out there has a reasonably priced superzoon for FF.  Since you mention that you actually carried the 28-300L at an amusement park all day, what are your impressions of the lens (from a father's viewpoint)?  I'm curious because I'd use it for pretty much the same thing.  I'm guess it doesn't do so well indoors, but that's not what it's made for.

48

PowerShot Cameras / Re: G15 or G1X for my mom???

« on: November 16, 2012, 12:22:51 AM »

P&S rarely have the AF chops if your mom is trying to capture good photos with kids and pets.  In fact, it's pretty much the reason I stepped up to a T2i and the lenses I choose (the 70-200 is obviously for outdoors). 

If she MUST have a P&S, then either of the ones you mentioned would work, and so would the S110, S100, and S95 (S95 currently 35% off in canon refurbished store).  The S series has the advantage of being smaller, which will fit in her purse better like you mentioned.

However, don't expect miracles from the AF on any P&S.

49

Lenses / Re: Best Lens for photographing children

« on: November 15, 2012, 01:29:17 AM »

FF 5D3 is the camera. ... I am trying for tight shots of their face or at most them interacting with an object or another kid.

Have to say...I read that, and I immediately think 135mm f/2L.  It's just about the perfect lens for tight portraits on FF. 

You might have the issue with people stepping in front, but even awareness of your presence won't prevent that.

If you are taking inside shots though, the 85 1.8 might be a good choice too.  Depends on the house layout, but I'd be afraid that the 135 might not let me get enough in the frame.  At least with the 85 you can always crop down.

50

Portrait / Re: Shooting a soccer portrait for a friend

« on: November 14, 2012, 02:44:35 AM »

I think it would help the image if the background was less distracting.  I like the pose and what you were going for though.

51

EOS Bodies / Re: A Brief 2013 Canon Roadmap [CR1]

« on: November 14, 2012, 02:31:46 AM »

Nikon's 28-300 costs around $1k, while its 18-200 is $850 (new prices), so the gap in price is closing. I predict that the performance gulf between these two lenses will also be nullified whenever the next 28-300 comes out, considering how much of both Canon and Nikon's attention is going to developing new full frame lenses. I wouldn't be surprised if Canon developed a similar non-L lens considering the popularity of Nikon's 28-300.

Tamron 18-270 currently $550.
http://www.adorama.com/TM18270PEOS.html

52

EOS Bodies / Re: A Brief 2013 Canon Roadmap [CR1]

« on: November 13, 2012, 10:54:19 PM »

18-200mm is equivalent to 29-320mm on FF, and both Nikon and Canon offer 28-300mm full frame lenses.  My 28-300L does very well as a 'one lens solution'.

Neuro, problem is that the 28-300 is $3k.  The 18-200 and 270 can be had for $500-$600.  Big difference for a dad wanting to take decent pictures on vacation.  Also, I don't think I'd want to carry the L-series glass around my neck all day at Disney World.  I think on technicallity Roger is incorrect, but on intent he is spot on.

53

Technical Support / Re: Best Methods For Long Term File Storage ??

« on: November 13, 2012, 08:54:03 PM »

I recommend Synology and WD Red Line drives.  Synology is a great "NAS" and if you get a 2 bay solution, you can add a second drive later.  Synology software is also much better thatn Windows Home Server 2008.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JJLZ7G/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_5?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005YW7OLM/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

54

Landscape / Re: Shooting a moonrise - Need advice

« on: November 10, 2012, 12:43:42 AM »

Thank you everyone for the replies.  Unfortunatley (or fortunately for my wallet), I'm going to be at work for the whole night, so I'll have to hold off on moon shooting for a few more nights now.  However, the clouds are looking quite wonderful for a spectacular sunrise.  I'll be sure to post them tomorrow morning.

55

Landscape / Re: Shooting a moonrise - Need advice

« on: November 09, 2012, 04:46:04 AM »

They recommend shooting at around F11.
If possible set the ISO to 100.
Shutter speed would want to be at least 1/125 ~  1/1250 as the moon is a moving object

LOL, seriously?  I thought you were joking until I read the article, and then I realized you weren't kidding.  I'm going to be shooting near some rocks, so I am hoping to get a little flash to still a wave crash and then a longer shutter speed to get the moon and the ocean reflection.  I'll have to try and experiment.

56

Landscape / Shooting a moonrise - Need advice

« on: November 09, 2012, 02:40:17 AM »

I figured I'd take the opportunity on night shift to get a few shots of a moonrise along the beach.  Does anyone have any advice on when the best lighting would be for reflections on the ocean (i.e., how long after the offical moonrise)?  Any other advice that you could offer too would be appreciated (besides bringing a tripod) such as color temperature settings, wide or narrow aperature, etc.  I know it's going to be a waining crescent, so light is going to be minimal.  Camera and lenses are limited to what is listed below (no high ISOs for me).

57

Portrait / Re: Political Portraits - Warts and All

« on: November 04, 2012, 01:09:47 AM »

1)  It's a toad
2)  It's called humor a few days before the election.

Lighten up people

58

Portrait / Political Portraits - Warts and All

« on: November 03, 2012, 08:16:41 PM »

Close up of Nancy Pelosi.  Canon T2i with EF 85mm at f/1.8, 1/500, ISO 400.

59

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 1Dx simple DR stress test

« on: October 19, 2012, 07:42:20 PM »

Can we all agree to just ban Mikael?

60

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Upgrade or Add

« on: October 09, 2012, 01:09:33 AM »

As you can hold off your purchase for a few month, I'd suggest go with 6d with 24-105L.

I agree with this sentiment.  The 24-105L is usually available as a kit with the higher end camera bodies and you can buy both at considerable savings.

I would say that the 430EXII might be a better option for you.  It's plenty powerful for the 24-105L and it can be a slave to the 580EX if you ever decide to get more flashes.