Messages

46

Software & Accessories / Re: Needing a primer on batteries

« on: October 08, 2012, 07:29:08 AM »

I have a few OEM batteries, but the costs outweigh the brand name.

I use Wasabi LP-E6 betteries in my 7D, 5D II and 5D III. They are available on Amazon for $15.99 each and work with the Canon charging unit. (Though I use other chargers as well).  They are 2200mAh which is more powerful than Canon's OEM battery.

The important thing about the Wasabi's is that they have a chip onboard that allows them to communicate with the cameras, giving full available power remaining info.  MANY of the other cheaper brands do NOT communicate, and so you don't know how close they are to running out.  I also have a Wasabi LP-E4N spare for my 1DX which also apprpriately communicates.

Having all the spares is important to me as all my cameras are gripped, and I use two batteries in each.

Take a peek:
http://www.amazon.com/Wasabi-Power-Battery-Canon-LP-E6/dp/B0041MY32Y/

47

EOS Bodies - For Stills / New 1DX and 24-70L II lose their cherries together (1st shot)

« on: October 07, 2012, 03:35:12 PM »

This is the very first click out of my new 1DX and new 24-70L II. Sigh... no longer virgins! 
No changes to menus. Just put on the lens, went outside, turned the camera on, aimed and shot. (Just wanted to see what came out)

Pretty impressed with result.  Now to have fun with the menu's. That will be exciting... maybe!
Camera came back with f/7.1, 1/400, 160 ISO

48

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Some clarity on the 1Dx = 1Dc minus firmware... and a solution.

« on: October 07, 2012, 12:17:37 PM »

Well, after digging deeper, it appears that Canon's focus is on marketing primarily to high-end pure cinematographers... and as was stated by one of their reps, they are essentially charging what they believe the market will bear.

So, from a business perspective, that's the proper price point. Perceived value and a willingness to pay for it.
I wish that it were available for we lowly simple pro-level guys, but apparently Canon feels there are enough buyers equal to James Cameron to justify the price.

For what it's worth, Apple has the same pricing formula, and I have certainly helped them maintain their 40-60% profit margin over the last six years!

49

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Some clarity on the 1Dx = 1Dc minus firmware... and a solution.

« on: October 07, 2012, 11:45:38 AM »

Here's a link to a review that has direct answers from Canon regarding this issue. I also agree that $6000 is heavier than needed, but it would still be excessively more in the EU.

http://www.eoshd.com/content/9044/exclusive-canon-confirm-1d-c-4k-dslr-is-same-hardware-as-the-1d-x

50

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Some clarity on the 1Dx = 1Dc minus firmware... and a solution.

« on: October 07, 2012, 10:35:49 AM »

The CR guy can see which country I'm in because of my IP address. But I can block or hide my IP address from any internet Proxy Server (some hackers can actually have a different IP address display e.g. to show that they're in New York when they're actually in Poland!). So your GPS idea would not work - hackers would find a way around it.

Secondly, why on earth would Canon Inc. or any other consumer electronics manufacturer wish to sell a 'dumbed- down' product for more money in Europe than a superior one (in capabilities) in the USA for less money (as prices there are already cheaper even accounting for FX rates + local taxes)?

Apple Inc. does not have a British iPhone 5 that is inferior to a Norwegian (non-EU) iPhone 5, nor would they ever consider doing that to their product lines. Can you imagine an Australian iPad 3 have lower resolution than an American iPad3. The 1DX is the 1DX no matter where you buy it in the world, and that is how it should be.

To your first point. You are correct. I spend time in Germany and Nigeria for work, and when I'm using the internet there, I use a VPN to make it look like I'm originating in Miami, Florida. Works great.  Having said that, the impetus here is for Canon... not the end user... to be exonerated from liability of paying EU tariffs. If a hacker bypasses a GPS (VERY DIFFICULT), then it's on the camera owner, not Canon.

To your second point. I am not suggesting a "dumbed down" product. I'm saying eliminate the 1Dc designation, and offer an "upgrade" to the 1Dx which would cost MUCH lower outside the EU due to the rules in Europe.  Europeans already pay tons more for various foreign items and then VAT on top of that.

Finally, in no way am I suggesting that EU citizens  should be given a lesser product.. only that the rest of the world could have a 4K Video camera upgrade capability for a LOT less money, while having the same capability in the EU would just be subject to existing, crazy, penalizing laws, and cost the equivalent of $5-6000 more. The point being that EU citizens and organizations should be fighting THEIR penalties and not subjecting the rest of the world to their laws.  In North America, we are NOT the EU, and shouldn't be subject to EU nonsense.

51

1D X Sample Images / Re: Any Thing shot with a 1Dx

« on: October 07, 2012, 10:14:27 AM »

From what I hear, Canon Rumors only advertises with tattoos on foreheads. Wrists get covered too often.

52

Software & Accessories / Re: Help suggest a Tripod for Landscape, low angle shots

« on: October 07, 2012, 10:10:19 AM »

I have the carbon fiber Manfrotto. Outstanding! Macro work with it from low level is easy and painless. Well designed.

53

Lenses / Re: Canon 16-35mm II + Reikan FocCal Pro --- Tips

« on: October 07, 2012, 09:57:08 AM »

Hoping Canon software engineers get off their butts and get the 5Dlll and 1DX programs up to speed soon.

I have 11 Canon lenses I want to calibrate within both of those bodies, and Reikan FocCal Pro is not able to work as designed yet for them... especially on a Mac with Mountain Lion (10.8.2).

Will jump on Reikan software just as soon as that's available!

54

EOS Bodies - For Video / Some clarity on the 1Dx = 1Dc minus firmware... and a solution.

« on: October 07, 2012, 08:41:19 AM »

There was recently a long thread regarding the reality that the Canon 1Dc is mechanically identical to the 1Dx and is simply a firmware difference... that costs an additional $6000.

Most placed the blame on Canon; calling it a ripoff and gouging. BUT... that is NOT the case.

As it turns out, this is in response to European Union rules. The EU considers 4k video, even on a still camera, as a Professional VIDEO camera, and the taxes, duties, and other trade tariffs are excessive. Canon cannot sell the 1Dc in Europe as a Still Camera.  This is EXACTLY the same reason that still cameras like the 1Dx have a video recording limitation of 29:59 minutes. At 30:00 capability, it becomes a "Video Camera" under EU rules.

This is screwing non-EU consumers because Canon is wary of getting slammed for violating EU rules, and probably afraid that offering the firmware upgrade only in non-EU countries would cause an underground blackmarket of product making its way to the EU. (Much like the graymarket here)

There IS a potential solution that I thought of....one that could solve the geographical issue. It's not something that Canon probably would have thought of though.. (Canon is not know for thinking "outside the box")

They could upgrade the 1Dx's with firmware that would REQUIRE the use of a Canon GP-E1 GPS unit that would have to be on the camera in order to film in 4X.  The firmware would bar the use of 4X when the GPS unit showed the location to be anywhere within the EU... or within any OTHER country that had the same type of penalizing tariffs.  Simple, and easy to do in firmware. I'd pay $1000 for the upgrade and buy the GP-E1 if that were the case.

Thoughts?

55

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Watch this leopard attack... and LISTEN to the Canons!!

« on: October 07, 2012, 08:00:22 AM »

No, I'm sure it's Canon. The Nikon burst modes sound slightly different. Also the AF lock sound is definitely Canon.

You're right about "late to the party" though. I thought the same thing. The folks in the safari vehicle must have been on Siesta time... like the leopard until it went into its own "burst mode"!

56

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Watch this leopard attack... and LISTEN to the Canons!!

« on: October 07, 2012, 06:52:48 AM »

This video has been posted on The Blaze of a Leopard attack on Impalas.  It was filmed with a Go-Pro cam mounted to a vehicle.  The cool thing is to listen to the unmistakable alert sound of Canon cameras indicating AF and either a 1D Mk IV, or 1DX hammering away during the attack.  Awesome video!

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/suspenseful-viral-vid-impala-doesnt-stand-a-chance-against-this-leopard/

57

Lenses / Christmas today in October!! Woohoo!

« on: October 05, 2012, 06:49:54 PM »

Santa just came in the disguise of a UPS man!

NewEgg came through with my 24-70 ll, AND Amazon with my new 1DX.  Fun this weekend!!!


OK OK.. crappy pics, but taken quickly with my iPhone5!

Happy days!

58

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5dmark3 custom function setting for 61ptAF

« on: October 05, 2012, 03:54:03 PM »

Get Canons new AF Function Guide here:

http://learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2012/1dx_guidebook.shtml

It is for both the 5D3 and the 1DX

Go to the bottom left of the page for the download link. It is an AWESOME guide!

Cheers

59

Software & Accessories / Re: What are most people using for processing RAW

« on: October 05, 2012, 02:47:30 PM »

For Mac folks. A very reliable source (who I won't out) has told me that Aperture 4 is getting very close to being done.

I would expect it by the new year.  He didn't say what's new, but DID say it is a MAJOR upgrade, and the price should remain the same in the App Store ($79.00)

60

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Canon 7D - should i wait or not?

« on: October 05, 2012, 08:49:58 AM »

Why a 7D???  This is why!  This target drone goes from 0-250MPH in 1.3 seconds. This was the 13th shot in a extended burst during the launch. The only other camera to confidently capture this shot would be the 1DX. You'd have to be really lucky with cameras that have lower burst rates. Better to guarantee that you'll get "THE" shot.

Taken on a Military Sealift Command Supply Ship supporting an International Naval Exercise near Singapore.