Messages

16

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Nikon D800 Outed?

« on: November 21, 2011, 01:34:58 PM »

The term "megapixel race" is thrown around a lot, I think somewhat erroneously.  There is no "race," but rather progress.  As companies are able to deliver cameras that improve digital noise and add more sophisticated features while simultaneously delivering the OPTION of higher resolution (don't forget, you don't have to shoot full size RAWs), why wouldn't they?  Don't you think consumers would complain if they knew a technology was capable of 36mp but companies were only delivering 12?  I, for one, am happy that 35mm cameras are beginning to reach the resolution of MF, at least in terms of sensor capability. 

Some thoughts on the D800/5d Mark III: This may be the new look of the "studio camera."  Why do you need 1-series weather sealing in a studio?  I'd expect the new standard size cameras to present a full set of pro features in a compact body designed for studio work, but capable of light field work for photojournalists, landscape photographers, wedding photographers, and the like.  I think many photographers who started with film have never liked the large 1D body size anyway; I'd far prefer something to which I can attach a grip if I needed it, but otherwise could be compact.  The 5d Mark II with enhanced resolution, the new pro autofocus, 100% viewfinder coverage, two card slots, and a slightly extended battery life, plus unlocked software features, would pretty much fit that bill, possibly coming in at around $3,500.  Such a price point would leave open a spot for a re-packaged 5d Mark II sensor in a smaller body with fewer features for about $1,800.  Just some thoughts.  What do you all think?

17

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Nikon D800 Outed?

« on: November 21, 2011, 01:34:17 PM »

As companies are able to deliver cameras that improve digital noise and add more sophisticated features while simultaneously delivering the OPTION of higher resolution (don't forget, you don't have to shoot full size RAWs), why wouldn't they?

It's not an "OPTION".  Selecting fewer pixels to save to storage doesn't make those pixels any larger on the sensor, or give them another stop or two of sensitivity.  I don't need the ability map pixels 1:1 to billboards, but being able to shoot my son indoors without motion blur would be awesome.  Screw 36 MP.  Give me 12 with another stop or two of usable ISO / aperture instead.

Don't you think consumers would complain if they knew a technology was capable of 36mp but companies were only delivering 12?  I, for one, am happy that 35mm cameras are beginning to reach the resolution of MF, at least in terms of sensor capability. 

Would the same consumers eventually complain if, unlike the proles, they awakened and began to understood that diffraction is already making today's pixel densities worthless?  Will nobody be satisfied until we hit DLA at f/2.8?

18

PowerShot Cameras / Re: PowerShot S100 reviewed and compared to the S95

« on: November 11, 2011, 07:02:37 PM »

With respect to the stated loss of max aperture at the long end:  does that factor in the increase in focal length?  Ie., the S95 went to 105mm equivalent but the S100 goes to 120mm -- is the max aperture still f/5.9 at 105mm on the S100, or does it maybe match what the S95 offers *at 105mm*?  If it does, there really isn't anything lost.

19

EOS Bodies / Re: EOS-1D X Canon USA Press Release

« on: October 18, 2011, 04:12:20 PM »

Bye bye Canon, hello Nikon.

You won't be seeing me here anymore, good luck with new Prosumer 18mp camera kids, and keep an eye on EBay, all my lenses etc will be there soon.

Prosumer?  Stay away from the brown acid, son.  Hope you don't need a 135mm prime with that 36MP D800.

20

Canon General / Re: New EOS GPS & Bluetooth/Wifi Addon Introduced

« on: October 18, 2011, 02:02:28 PM »

One would think that nobody buys those overpriced, clunky WFT grips, but they're still making them.

In 2011 it blows my mind that a GigE interface is built-in, but WiFi isn't.

21

Lenses / Re: New Zeiss Lenses Shortly? [CR1]

« on: October 07, 2011, 02:05:34 PM »

Just one question I have.....how much?

This is Zeiss, after all, so the answer is "If you have to ask ..."

What is it with Zeiss and odd nominal focal lengths?

22

PowerShot Cameras / Re: Canon Announces the PowerShot S100

« on: September 15, 2011, 12:51:38 PM »

When did 24mm became *ultra*-wide ?

Since the zooms on compact / P&S cameras are quite often around 34 - 38mm equivalent.

23

Software & Accessories / Re: The Future of the Flash? [CR1]

« on: July 19, 2011, 02:22:50 PM »

Canon will release a new flagship flash, as well as a replacement to the 580 EX II.

As well as?  This is written as though the 580 EX II isn't the (surprisingly weak) flagship now.

24

Lenses / Re: Canon Announces EF-S 55-250 f/4-5.6 IS II

« on: June 13, 2011, 01:08:04 PM »

Plus, of course:

o) EF-s lenses have smaller elements
o) f/4 at 200mm is way larger than f/4 at 55mm
o) The target market for this lens is less tolerant of lucrative markup percentages

25

EOS Bodies / Re: Firmware - 5D Mark II 2.0.9

« on: May 31, 2011, 01:04:36 PM »

Huh?  I don't see any feature addition.

26

Canon General / Re: Patent - EF 35 f/1.4L II

« on: May 25, 2011, 01:18:01 PM »

Do those of you wanting more weather sealing really shoot in downpours?

27

Canon General / Re: Patent - EF 50 f/1.4

« on: May 25, 2011, 01:17:04 PM »

I wonder, though, if the EF non-L primes sell enough these days for Canon to feel that a redesign and everything associated with a new product is warranted.  In recent years there seems to have been a pattern of letting non-L primes wither.

28

Lenses / Re: EF 50 f/1.4 II & EF 50 f/1.8 III [CR2]

« on: May 13, 2011, 10:39:21 AM »

Having IS in a 50mm 1.4 would be ridiculously amazing for low light. a 3-4 stop advantage ON TOP of an f/1.4 aperture would have capabilities similar to the Noctilux (though your focus would no longer be razor thin, thankfully).

f/1.4 is still plenty thin, and IS would just add cost, mass, and would be something else to break.  Subject motion dominates anyway

29

Software & Accessories / Re: Radio in New Canon Flashes? [CR2]

« on: May 11, 2011, 11:08:35 AM »

are multiband radio's like you get in mobile phones to work in many locations - or mayebe even plug-in radio card's for different regions.

Other products manage to do the former, but Canon doesn't have much of a history of doing the right thing for the consumer.

The big question for me is why, in 2011, is optical triggering still the norm?  It seems like a technology from the 20's or something.

30

Canon General / Re: Earthquake Effect on Canon Products

« on: March 15, 2011, 07:08:34 PM »

I have to admit that I'll be leary of products made in affected facilities for a while after they resume production --  who knows what got shaken/abraded, and if the quake and/or damage spread dust around.