Messages

1

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Unimpressed with 6D + 24-105. Am I doing something wrong?

« on: May 20, 2013, 03:11:06 PM »

The white balance is different between the two pictures.  The Oly is warmer and more pleasing to the eye, IMO.  You may need to do auto focus micro-adjustment (AFMA) with the 6D and the 24-105.  If you want to be apples to apples in your comparison shots, you will need to line up things like WB, etc.

But, also look at the detail in the background.  The blur is much better with the 6D.

2

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Autofocus speed (6D vs 5DIII)

« on: May 17, 2013, 09:46:03 AM »

Popular Photography tested the AF speed of both bodies from EV -2 to EV 12.  I don't have the results in front of me but I remember comparing them and they were close or the 5DIII was faster at each stop.

http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2012/07/camera-test-canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-dslr

I believe they conduct their tests with the 50 mm f/1.4.  Which would have enabled the f/2.8 AF points in both lenses.  The 100-400L would only enable the f/5.6 AF points.  So your test was different.

That said, I own both the 5DIII and 100-400L and haven't had any concerns regarding AF speed.  But, I agree with the other response.

3

EOS Bodies / Re: No 7D Mark II in 2013? [CR2]

« on: May 06, 2013, 10:35:32 AM »

<p>2014 will be the year for high-end DSLR cameras from Canon, consider this a down year for bodies.</p>

How do you figure the last line?  What bodies are due to be updated in 2014?  I can see a new rebel and a new 7D.  Maybe we get the "High MP" body.  But it seems last year was the year of the high end DSLRs with the release of the 1DX (announced the proceeding fall), 5DIII, and 6D.  I wouldn't expect those to be replaced until 2015-2017.

Anyway, this rumor just makes me happy that I went ahead and bought a 5DIII.

4

Lenses / Re: Do you still love 24-105L?

« on: April 26, 2013, 09:20:21 AM »

I am still getting used to the 24-105.  Thus far I like it.  I can't say I love it but it is growing on me some.  I am already plotting to either add primes or upgrade to the 24-70 II. 

I just upgraded from the 7D and EFS 15-85 to the 5DIII 24-105.  While I am not going back, I have to say, I did absolutely love the EFS 15-85.  My images are better with FF, I love the AF and the high ISO performance, so I am not going back, but I loved the sharpness across that huge focal length range of the EFS 15-85.  The 24-105 feels stunted in comparison and then the lower IS performance is noticable.

5

Software & Accessories / Re: Lightroom 5 Beta new features

« on: April 25, 2013, 01:34:06 PM »

Huh, I wonder if the 2500 pixel "off-line" mode is in direct response to the D800...

6

Lenses / Re: 400mm L f/5.6 vs 100-400mm L IS f/5.6

« on: April 20, 2013, 07:56:52 PM »

For good measure, here is TDP's comparison at f/5.6:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=278&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=113&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=7&APIComp=0

The prime beats the zoome at the corners pretty consistently, but in the center, it is darn near dead even.  Plus, the zoom has IS and 100-399 mm.  I find even the 2 stops of IS on the current version to be very helpful and while I probably use my 100-400 @ 400 mm 80-90% of the time, but when I want that other range, it sure is nice to have. 

As with many others, I would love to see a replacement for the 100-400L.  If they give it 4 stop IS, complete weather sealing, and get is sharpness to rival the 70-300L or the 70-200 mm f/4 IS....I am absolutely willing to pay a premium.

Until then, I am happily taking pictures with my 100-400L.

7

EOS Bodies / Re: 21mp Sensor in the 7D Mark II? [CR1]

« on: April 19, 2013, 07:15:17 AM »

18 MP. 21 MP. 24 MP. Even 15 MP.  Frankly, I don't especially care.  If it does a full stop or more better in terms of high ISO noise performance for RAW images vs. the 7D, a 7DII will be interesting to me. If not, no interest.

+1. And it better be more  .

For most, price point will also matter.  I know Nikon is typically considered Canon's competition, but in this case, I think Canon's own 5DIII is giving the hypothetical 7DII a lot of competition as the prices get closer.  Canon had either get the 7DII specs (or an improved spec, such as DR) closer to the 5DIII if they want to price the 7DII >$2,200 or shoot for the 1 stop improvement and be sub $2,000 with the 7DII.

What would get my interest is the "mini-1DX" rumor with new sensor tech, 1.5-2 stop ISO performance, the finer grain noise of the 5DIII, and improved DR.  That said, it is seems more and more likely that the 7DII will be more of a nice but modestl upgrade (1 stop ISO improvement, modest new sensor tech, 10 fps, hopefully better AF) but be priced at $1,600-$1,700.  That would be a great camera for a lot of people, just not one I'll buy.

8

Software & Accessories / Re: Wrist or Neck strap

« on: April 15, 2013, 04:12:47 PM »

Count me in the black rapid camp. 

9

PowerShot / Re: SX50 outperforming 5DIII +100-400mm

« on: April 15, 2013, 11:41:11 AM »

Thanks Alan, please keep us posted. 

I recently upgraded from the 7D to the 5DIII.  I have pretty much decided to sell my 7D, but am among those that have thought about keeping it "for reach" with the 100-400L.  I am aware of your and others who have argued that there isn't much to that.

But now, perhaps I sell the 7D, and pick up the SX50.

10

Software & Accessories / Re: Help me finalize my tripod & ballhead choice

« on: April 15, 2013, 09:57:38 AM »

You haven't really said what use you are trying to build your tripod for, so I'll assume general purpose.  But if you have big lenses, you need to think bigger tripods/ballheads.  If you are trying to build a travel/hiking tripod, then you would be concerned about size and weight.

For general purpose, I'd go with the GT2541 or the GT2531 for tripods (if you don't go up to RRS).  For ballheads, look at the RRS BH-40 or the Markins QT3 or Q10.  Your next decision is which plates to buy.  If you buy a ballhead with a quick-release lever, you should stick to one brand.  I use RRS plates.

 A long write up on this is here:
  http://community.the-digital-picture.com/showthread.php?t=7067&page=4

11

Lenses / Re: Which Lens ... 24-70 II or primes?

« on: April 11, 2013, 09:05:13 AM »

I just sold my 24-70 II last week...i found it a good, sharp lens...but also kind of boring. With my prime Lenses i can get more pictures that just "pops" out.

For me...the primes are the way to go 

I don't have hands on experience, but am debating the same thing.  I just upgraded to the 5DIII and currently have the 24-105 f/4.  I am plenty impressed with the 24-105, but I am even more impressed with the comments and reviews I have seen of hte 24-70 II.  So I have been debating, sometime in the next year, do I sell the 24-105 and buy the 24-70 II or do I start collecting primes.  I am also making the same debate in the 70-200 mm range (70-200 f/2.8 II vs primes at 85, 135 and 200).

I am coming down on DOF.  The DOF of f/2.8 at 10 ft is 11.1 ft @ 24 mm, 4.4 ft @ 35 mm, 2.1 ft @ 50 mm, 1 ft @ 70 mm, 0.7 ft @ 85 mm, and 0.27 ft at 135 mm.  Compare to f/1.4 at 10 feet focus distance and you get a total depth of field of 4.7 ft at 24 mm, 2.1 ft at 35 mm, 1 ft at 50 mm, 0.5 ft at 70 mm, 0.35 ft at 85 mm, and 0.14 ft at 135 mm (granted, the 135 is f/2, which has a DOF of 0.2 ft).

So from 70-200 mm, I am currently thinking I will get the 70-200 f/2.8 over primes, eventually, as f/2.8 gives me most of the DOF I will need (I am a hobbiest, not a pro).  But you start getting down in the 24-35 mm range, and I can see how the DOF would limit your "artistic" ability.  If I had to buy my kit right now, I'd probably keep my 24-105 as a walk around lens and buy primes at 24 mm, and 35 mm.

I am coming to this decision a little reluctantly as I have seen so much love for the 135 f/2 and the 24-70 f/2.8 II.  So I may still change my opinion, but I am currently thinking those may be luxuries for much further down the road...for me, that is.

12

EOS Bodies / Re: Is it too late to buy a Canon 7D?

« on: April 09, 2013, 04:52:21 PM »

Is it too late to buy a 7D?  No.  If the camera meets your needs it is never too late.  The 7D is a great camera.  Is something better about to come out?  Who knows.  The announcement could be a 70D, a 7DII, or something else.

My point is simple, buy what meets your needs at the time and don't look back. 

13

Software & Accessories / Re: Ballhead for a RRS TVC33

« on: April 08, 2013, 10:17:54 AM »

Looks like you are going for a larger/very solid tripod set up.  I'd consider the BH-55 (maybe the BH-40), Arca-Swiss Z1, Kirk B-1, and Markins Q20. 

I am an amateur as well, but here are some reviews:
http://www.bythom.com/support.htm
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Arca-Swiss-Monoball-Z1-Ballhead-Review.aspx
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Kirk-BH-1-Ballhead-Review.aspx

14

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon Announcements on April 23, 2013? [CR2]

« on: April 08, 2013, 09:47:34 AM »

But that is exactly the reason that has most people on this forum up in arms, they AREN'T keeping up with advancements in new technology, they are simply rereleasing the same camera over and over again in different configurations. The average consumer may not notice or even care, but we dedicated shooters and die hard Canon fans do!

Fine. But, 'we dedicated shooters and die hard Canon fans' make up an infinitesimal fraction of their market. The vast majority of dSLR buyers are 'average consumers'.

And last week one of them came to me for advice on which camera to buy, saying all their friends had Canon. My recommendation? Nikon, followed by showing him DxO's evaluation of the Canon vs Nikon cameras and telling him to visit some stores and try them both. He bought Nikon. I just can't in all honesty recommend Canon DSLRs to anyone.

I should probably just ignore this thread, but I hope you showed your friends this from DXOMark:
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Publications/DxOMark-Reviews/Which-lenses-should-you-choose-for-your-Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-III/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-III-vs.-Nikon-D800-Competition-is-closer-than-expected

There was a thread dedicated to this here in CR last week.  Turns out even DXO, when they connect the lens to the camera and evaluate the "system" are seeing that Canon and Nikon are a lot closer than it would appear.  Roger/lensrentals found something similar when selecting his camera. 

15

Site Information / Re: Love or Hate Canon Rumors Forum

« on: April 04, 2013, 05:46:51 PM »

I stopped reading for awhile.  But to be honest, there seems to be a bit of an upswing in the quality of some of the threads.  So I have been reading more often for awhile now.  Ironically, it seems that the fewer "rumors" the better the content of the forums.