Messages

31

EOS Bodies / Re: Describe the 6D in one word...

« on: September 17, 2012, 03:06:39 AM »

So I guess the intro-FF line is here to stay. While the 5D2 fits quite well in this bracket, it is after 4-years old technology. While it is cool to see a replacement in this category, it is a pity that they remove the CF card slot.

In a way, this is like the expected replacement for I'd expect back in March... if that was the case, there would have been less complaints in the price area.

32

EOS Bodies / Re: EOS 1DX vs. EOS 5D MARK III for Weddings,

« on: August 23, 2012, 01:29:19 PM »

5D3 x 2

If nothing else, you'll have two lenses ready for work at anytime.

PS: That wide angle lens is useful when out of the blues a random relatives want you to take a group picture of him/her with high school buddies...

33

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Had my picture taken with the President today...

« on: July 31, 2012, 11:08:26 PM »

Still using 5d2's? That's kinda a surprise. I would have figured 1D's, or 5d3's by now. Interesting.

Hehe - I thought there would be some discussion along those lines.

Personally, if the gear is working... and you're used to it... why not keep on trucking?

Well, there's probably a camera gear storage somewhere in the building. The photographer's not going to bring his whole collection there 

As for using the 5D2... it's a reliable body despite its age, and if there's no problem with it why replace it? Then again, taxpayers will not be too thrilled about having to pay for replacements each time a new professional camera becomes available. There is a limit on how you can use public money after all 

34

Lenses / Re: New Tilt-Shifts in 2013? [CR1]

« on: July 31, 2012, 02:00:12 AM »

A tele-end TSE lens would be great to the current lineup (though I haven't tried the 90 TSE, it seems like a lot of people have high regards for it).

At least it will be very helpful when shooting fireworks + bridge from faraway, where you end up with too many black space when using the 17 TSE and cropping can only do so much....

35

EOS Bodies / Re: A New 100-400 & Coming Announcements [CR2]

« on: July 27, 2012, 02:31:18 AM »

Just a little wish: hope Canon puts the hybrid-IS on this new 100-400L. It's a pity that the new technology doesn't get much use...

36

Lenses / Re: The one waiting the new version of 100-400 IS, investegation

« on: July 24, 2012, 10:28:19 PM »

The good thing about the L lenses is that existing models have been around a long time and their quality have been tested (and they're made to last... which is something that seems to be missing from a lot of other consumer products nowadays  )

But even if a new one does come out, it's going to be probably a year or two before the prices settle to a more affordable range (look at the 70-300L prices today vs. when it first came out).

So I'd say the wait time for me would likely be release time + a year or two...

37

Canon General / Re: Tips for Shooting Fireworks

« on: July 24, 2012, 02:53:56 AM »

My 2 cents:

Don't expect too much during your first run. Usually it takes several visits (and since any given event usually happens once a year, it could mean several years...) to get the things right, such as finding the best positions. Of course, there's also luck - like the weather conditions.

Next you'd want to collect all possible information beforehand, including program brochures, pictures from previous events, etc. as reference. This is especially useful in events where there's multiple fireworks sessions.

In my opinion, the most important issue is knowledge of which direction the wind blows at the time of the event. It could mean a successful session vs. one good photo with the rest in smoke.

Also, you might want to take some photos of the surrounding beforehand, so you can combine them with shots of the fireworks itself on your computer.

38

Lenses / Re: Lenses that inspire you?

« on: July 24, 2012, 02:29:17 AM »

TS-E 17mm.

Using TS-E lens force me to slow down and set up my tripod before I take pictures. That sort of cooled down my trigger-happy use of DSLR and forced me to survey scenes before making decisions. Of course, it also introduced me to the world of tilt and shift...

39

Lenses / Re: The one waiting the new version of 100-400 IS, investegation

« on: July 24, 2012, 02:25:02 AM »

Yeah, I was holding off on that for quite a while. At one point I was wedging my bet between the 100-400 or 70-200 MK1... I went with the 70-200 and was scorched by the result (the MK2 came out 6 months after I got the MK1).

Since then I have decided to wait it out.

40

EOS Bodies / Re: No Full Frame EOS-M EVER?

« on: July 24, 2012, 02:19:16 AM »

My 2 cents:

Well, assuming that Canon does come out with a FF-sensor-embedded body the size of the M9 or Xpro1... I wonder how much that's going to cost? (Even the XPro1's body price is a bit on the high end, and that's only with the APS-C sensor).

Then there comes the economical sense of making FF lenses for these EVIL full-frames ... I don't think people can stand a camera with the body size of Xpro1 combined with a 24-105L. If Canon indeed have the skill of making a EF-M lens comparable to the quality of it's current L line, you'd see DSLR being deserted as people pick up the lighter body yielding the same FF quality as the 5D3 and 1DX in droves... and they can probably kiss goodbye to the L lenses and face the fury of those photographers who are heavily invested in the current lineup. That's not a venture to be taken likely.

My original guess about which company would have invested in a EVIL FF body was Fuji, but they settled with the APS-C sensor in their Xpro1. Even a company w/o existing lens burden decided on the APS-C, I doubt any of the other company would risk it.

Well, in conclusion, coming up with something that soccer moms can easily use make a lot more economic sense than starting a EVIL FF system from scratch and targeting the high end market which is already been partially claimed by Leica and (to some extent) Fuji.

41

EOS Bodies / Re: M Lens Mount Full Frame?

« on: July 24, 2012, 02:01:10 AM »

Specs aside, my gut feeling is that the EVIL bodies will be the future home of APS-C sensors.

The next era's "split" will be APS-C EOS EVIL/FF EOS DSLR (especially considering that there's
the rumored entry level FF coming soon...)

42

Canon General / Re: Prices of canon gear in Japan & China vs Canada

« on: April 23, 2012, 01:59:37 AM »

From what I know, Hong Kong has some pretty good price (there's also the gray vs. official merchandise price difference too). However, I would strongly suggest finding reputable stores when looking for the goods... while the asking price might not be the best, it's at least somewhat "safer".

You might also want to do some research on sales tax refund for foreign visitors in those countries.

(of course, you can pretty much forget about warranty if ur buying abroad)

43

Lenses / Re: Does anyone use the lens hood on their 35/1.4L? Or any other lens?

« on: April 23, 2012, 01:36:52 AM »

I'd rather the hood take the damage when moving among crowds. At least replacing the hood is a lot more affordable than replacing the lens.

44

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5D MKIII vs 1Ds MKIII

« on: April 19, 2012, 05:55:35 AM »

In that sort of rain I'd always use a rain sleeve like the Think Tank Hydrophobia or one of the Canon versions. There's just no point taking a chance - even a small nick on the sealing of a lens (as happened with my 70-200 II) will compromise the weatherproofing on a 1-series body. Unless you're a PJ or in a war zone, why not just use simple protective gear for your camera?

That's a valid point - although can you change lenses with one of those sleeves attached?

Nah, there's velcro straps that wraps around your lens to keep the rain sleeve in place.

If you're going to change lens, either find a sheltered position from the rain or carry two cameras - each with a rain sleeve.

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Gear Choice - suggestions appreciated

« on: April 19, 2012, 05:51:48 AM »

If you're interested in landscape, you'll probably need a wider lens than the 50mm. I would probably suggest something like the 10-22mm to handle landscape shots (and there are many places in China with breathtaking scenes).

Hope this helps.