Messages

91

Lenses / Re: A New EF 400 f/5.6L Before Photokina? [CR1]

« on: September 03, 2012, 11:33:02 PM »

I sold my original 400mm f/5.6 not long ago because I just didn't get time to use it anymore. However for the price and in decent light it was a great lens for a modest price. It was a bit like the 35L - not the greatest image quality in the world but it made me happy in a way that pictures from the 100-400mm didn't... and after using a 70-200 f/2.8 is ii, it was easy-peasy to handhold.

I helps that the images from the prime weren't being shot through a cloud of internal lens dust.

For me, it is a great option for serious hobbyists who simply can't afford to spend f/2.8 dollars and an upgrade (especially with IS) would be welcomed by many.

92

Sports / Re: 1DX & 500mm f/4L IS II Varsity Football

« on: September 03, 2012, 11:17:34 PM »

These are great. Really like the two final ones. They capture the kind of things that catch your eye during a break in play.

Thanks Dave!  I don't know if you can appreciate it in this small version but on my monitor, in the last image you can see the green football field and white lines in the coaches sunglasses.  I thought that was kind of cool and totally by accident!

I totally agree. There some seems to be so many points of interest  in what is actually a fairly uncluttered shot - you can see the field, the players are there, the assistant is in the background and the coach has got it all covered. The fact that he looks like he is saying something or just about to say something adds to it. It does what a good photo does and helps you to feel like you were there.

93

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Canon 5D Mark II or a Real Video Camera?

« on: September 03, 2012, 11:06:26 PM »

If you're doing any professional video I'd suggest getting a real video camera. I get frustrated with my attempts at non professional video on a DSLR. Poor focus control, poor live controls, poor viewing screen, poor audio control and input. If you're a poor indie filmmaker, or a Photog who wants occasional video it is nice, otherwise I wouldn't bother.

Well you seem to forget that i also wanna shoot pictures.
Also, I don't really agree with you on certain points; tried 7D (latest firmware) + 5d2 (magic lantern 2.3 firmware) and i didn't notice any of those things you mention.

I also tried real video cameras such as Z7, it of course feels nice, but i always prefer the colors & the DOF on a DSLR.

The bottom line is that where conditions, type of footage required and ability to plan carefully are optimal it is going to be hard to replicate the sheer beauty of DSLR video footage on anything other than a really expensive camcorder.

The versatility and optimisation of a 'real' camcorder is simply not present on any DSLR (that I could afford).

Your post seems to imply that you think you can pull off the video that you require with a 5D2 and the accessories that you have. If that is the case, then it shoots great stills.

For me, if you ever want to shoot video of something fast moving the 5d2 is out. My focusing skills just aren't there.

So far, you have specified

1. a single device
2. to be used for stills and mostly interview video

So the relatively affordable options:

1. T4i - good compromise for video and stills, cash left for mics etc.
2. 7D - price has dropped, APS-C slightly safer for video depth of field, good build quality, focusing would be a challenge on anything moving during video.
3. 5D2 - best still images out of my options, most difficult to use for video (most likely to encounter a situation where it is simply not useable), great video quality under optimal conditions.
4. The best camcorder for the price that you want to pay that shoots good stills. My XF100 shoots rubbish stills, so I can't help you there.

At anything under $2000 you are not going to get, brilliant versatile video capabilities and top shelf still quality. And if you find it let me know. It still comes down to what will you do the most and what is most importnat that you get right.

From previous posts I am presuming you don't want to spend a bomb. What is the actual budget?

94

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II Has Made its Way To Retailers

« on: September 03, 2012, 09:03:12 PM »

You can't get rid of the 24L.  No sane person, regardless of what they are shooting, that, once they have, can ever sell that lens.  That'd just be insane

May I ask why it is easier to get rid of 35L ?

My take is that on full frame the 35L is not great up to f/2.8.

95

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II Has Made its Way To Retailers

« on: September 03, 2012, 08:59:51 PM »

Interestingly, Teds Cameras in Australia has the website listing the 24-70mm ii as very limited stock, which has been changed from pre-order in the last day or so. Does this mean they have done their pre-orders and actually have available stock? Could it be!!!

96

Technical Support / Re: 5D mark II reading light wrong after fall

« on: September 03, 2012, 08:43:01 PM »

Maybe you dropped it through a wormhole that transformed it (would it be back or would it be forward - I dunno) into a pre duct taped 5D mark iii.

I know I shouldn't make light of your situation - dropping things sucks Hopefully you can get it sorted.

97

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Canon 5D Mark II or a Real Video Camera?

« on: September 03, 2012, 08:25:18 PM »

To paraphrase Paul13Walnut5, most devices are going to have a core use (something they are best at) but with many devices having additional capabilities it is tricky to make a decision. It sounds like you really need to think about what you want to focus on the most.

If it is video, there is no doubt IMO that there are better options than the 5D2 -- possibly the next (rumor only!)entry level Canon Full Frame, on the horizon - if you are set on full frame. The T4i is a great low cost suggestion, with a sensor that will hold up exceptionally well against most prosumer camcorders.

If you really want to shoot a lot of stills with a bit of video, the 5D2 could be very satisfying. I love my 5D2, because it is the best stills camera I have ever actually used.

If you want to shoot your cats chasing each other round the house you may as well throw the 5D2 out the window, or invest in some serious add-ons to make up for it's shortcomings.

I have found that the quality of my video has not improved dramatically based on which camera I actually use. I have multiple cameras but this is more about the right tool for the job rather than quality. The T2i stands up great.

My video improved most because of things I picked up over time like a decent tripod, slider, mics and editing software.

I am not saying that you necessarily need all of these, but something like a T4i would presumably leave some room in the budget (given that you are suggesting a 5d2) for a couple of add-ons that could improve your footage and final product no end.

These are just my suggestions and I hope mine and others are helping you.

98

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Canon 5D Mark II or a Real Video Camera?

« on: September 03, 2012, 06:14:08 AM »

Go for a T4i: Flip out screen very very useful for single operator.  Recording cap not so much of an issue.
Look at Beachtek DXA-5Da or DXA-SLR for a way of getting proper microphones into any canon DSLR.
Gives you single files & single unit to hold no synching or forgetting to hit record!

The APS-C cameras have more forgiving depth of field for video (you can still acheive the shallow DoF look) exhibited slightly less jello shutter too.

+1...totally agree.

I have a 5D2, T2i(550D) and XF100 camcorder.

For any work that requires flexibility the APS-C sensor is that bit more manageable. I definitely use the 550D for video more and with the updates now present in the T4i I imagine it is much more user friendly. It is possible that the 5D2 would be too limited if there is much impromptu/fast moving footage required.

I really like the XF100 - the sensor is average - but it has a great codec for edits (especially premiere pro)...but it is not good for stills.

A good tripod is a necessity - I use a Sachtler FSB4 and am really happy with it.

Overall, it comes down to what you really will do the most. 5D2 is great if you want good value with excellent still image quality, but if more than 50% of your use would be video I would look elsewhere.

good luck with it.

99

Sports / Re: 1DX & 500mm f/4L IS II Varsity Football

« on: September 02, 2012, 11:28:50 PM »

These are great. Really like the two final ones. They capture the kind of things that catch your eye during a break in play.

100

Animal Kingdom / Re: Birds with attitude

« on: September 02, 2012, 11:16:28 PM »

Ugly and/or attitude!

Is that a shoebill? We saw a coupleof those at the bird park in Singapore. I almost fell over...utterly mad!

101

Animal Kingdom / Re: Birds with attitude

« on: September 02, 2012, 11:12:26 PM »

Hi All,

Am from the Northern Territory of Australia.

Here are a couple of the loopier birds from around these parts.

All shot with a 550D and 400 f/5.6L.

Best wishes