Canon 6D Dominates Low Light Focusing Test vs 5Dii, 5Diii & Nikon D600

Area256 said:
Area256 said:
skitron said:
Area256 said:
...I will have a 60D and 6D tomorrow for some rough analysis.

Let me know what you think of the way 6D renders colors and lighting dynamics. Now that I've moved on from testing to actual pictures, I am not liking what I am seeing in this respect. I'm shooting RAW and the the 6D files have a very different character than do 5D2 files imo, and not in a good way.

I processed a few shoots of the same scene with same settings (ISO 100)/lens with the 60D and 6D, then looked at the RAWs in CPP. Both were basically identical in terms of color and DR (although CPP was applying the same tone curve so that should be expected). I don't think there was a major difference between the 60D and the 5D2. So I'm not sure what's happening in your case.

I also tried pushing the shadows in both, and didn't notice any real difference between the 60D and 6D. A tad better in the 6D, but nothing to write home about. The area the 6D really seems to shine is high ISO, where it clearly dominates the 60D. But again, color looks the same on both.

I just tried Capture One. Images look almost exactly the same as CPP. And I got very impressive shadow detail recovery on the 6D in Capture One. Sadly I think your camera must be a bad copy.

Mine very well could have been a dud but I was thinking I'd like the improved video of 5D3 anyway so just went ahead and did it. I'm sure I'll like the 'even better' AF though the 6D AF was fine in my book.

Yes, the Capture One v7 shadow recovery tools are pretty amazing.
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Speedlite 550ex for DSLR's?

Hey guys, just saw this thread again and it's responses...

The issues that I have noticed with 550's and the 5D mark III are just when one flash is on the camera, with or without a Stofen diffuser. The camera will not give the right exposure, mostly underexposing. Same flash on the 5D mark II and no problem at all.

When using both the 550's with one on the camera as master, and one being triggered off camera to the side as the slave there are no issues at all and it works as expected with the 5D mark III.
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A little mod I came up with

Using the ST-E3-RT is wonderful. Before going Canon RT I had a transmitter mounted to my Sekonic L-358 and fired my flashes via a receiver on the camera. That all changed with the Canon transmitter.

I now use Auto Reset Cordless Flash mode on my L-358. Carrying around the Transmitter was a pain when I needed two hands. I cut a spare mini stand (the one that comes with a flash) down to size and attached a spare Black Rapid connector. It now hangs from my belt or belt loop and I make all the adjustments at location. When done I just pop the transmitter on the camera.

This is my second mod. It was hard to lock the foot on the generic mini stand and I did not want to wreck the rubber seal. I cut up the foot that came with the flash and ordered a new one from Canon.

_S7A9539.jpg

Seeking sky advice

sdsr said:
As others have explained, the phenomenon you're experiencing is unavoidable much of the time. But if you don't already shoot RAW and use software to adjust your photos, you may be in for a pleasant surprise; in Lightroom 4 (I used to think DxO was best at this of the various products I've tried, but LR4 seems even better - which isn't to say there isn't software out there that's even better) you can reduce the exposure of the highlights without darkening the rest and, depending on the RAW file (I have no experience with your camera), may be able to restore much or even all of the missing color in the sky - and, in the process, you'll restore definition to the twigs, pine-needles etc. on the edges of the trees. I'm often amazed by the details LR4 manages to conjure up.
Yep LR4 does pretty well in getting what is there out, but if there is no detail in the RAW then you are screwed.
I bracket if not certain, I did it to have the potential of doing HDR, but have given up on that now.
As soon as I can afford them I'll be getting some grad NDs.

Cheers Brian
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300MM lens advice

A bit late here, but I'm another owner of the 120-300 OS current version, not the S/A/C generation one, if that's even out yet?

Anyway, is it fast at AF? No. It's mediocre. Wouldn't count on BIF shots if they're heading quickly towards or away from you, but side pans wouldn't be a problem.
Is it sharp wide open? No. I couldn't quantify it, but it is not bad, but not critically sharp. It noticeably improves when you stop it down a bit. This also applies with the sigma teleconverters attached. Stop down a little from wide open and it sharpens up. More than usable wide open, but it isn't the best.

I have previously owned the EF 300/2.8 non-IS. I would rate the AF speed and sharpness as about equal. The Canon had much worse vignetting though.

Note I primarily got the Sigma to work with teleconverters as I needed to go beyond the reach of the 100-400L. In that sense it makes a great complement.

I got my Sigma about a year ago, and prices have dropped about 20% over that time especially since they announced the new version. Right now I think it is a bargain, a great lens for the money as anything else like it is significantly more expensive. The successor model is rumoured to be the same optical formula, with improvements to build quality. Take that for what its worth.
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Authorized and unauthorized dealers

Dylan777 said:
You will not get 1yr Canon warranty. Canon will ask for original receipt from authorized dealer(s) ONLY

hahaha sounds like someone is butthurt after paying $3500 for a 5d3. As the poster above me has said, it makes no difference where you buy from, purchase away! If there had been a 5D3 for $2500 9 months ago then I probably wouldn't have gone Nikon.
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17-40mm F/4 L or 16/35mm F/2.8 L I

msmith0807 said:
AudioGlenn said:
I'm in a similar predicament. coming from the 10-22 on a crop, I really liked 10mm. My main concern isn't the extra stop of light as I will probably be shooting at f/5.6 to f/8 anyway. I've read that in UWA lenses, 1 mm makes a big difference. Is the difference between 16mm and 17mm significant?

Canon has a decent lens comparison tool so you can see the difference in focal lengths. Give it a try, hope it helps. http://canonlenses.ca/Get-a-wider-perspective

I just recently went through the same decision process as well. Bought a 5d3 about a week ago and was trying to decide on what UWA to get to replace my 10-22. Decided on the 16-35 f2.8 II. So far I couldn't be happier with my choice.

OMG, this is awesome. I am facing the same dilemma as AudioGlenn, this comparison tool is what I have had been looking for to confirm the 1mm difference between 17-40 and the 16-35!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!
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Canon 7D AF Performance Under Low Light Shooting Conditions

I had to use ISO 4000-5000 at a recent Sci-Fi convention. Flash was discouraged and I had to use the 70-200 f/4 for the reach. Took a bit of post, but I got a couple good shots. AF didn't really give my any trouble, just lack of shutter speed. Next year, I'll be better prepared and try to get a better spot so I can use my tripod/monopod.
8236033045_aa7962b585_c.jpg

1/50, f/4, ISO 4000, 154mm
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Canon 6D Wifi Linking with iPhone 5

Rienzphotoz said:
tron said:
A chinese wireless adaptor costs a few dollars. I cannot imagine that the solo photographer will be able to change 6D's settings and shoot with his camera at the same time anyway. So a remote shutter release is usually enough. Plus, I do not think that composition can be changed remotely by the camera itself! ;D
Just like a 800mm lens is sued for certain purposes and not for wide angle compositions, the WiFi feature too has certain uses and changing composition is not one of them. ;D
You can get a Chinese motorcycle for $400, so why do people spend a lot more for branded motorcycles? ... every product has a customer base, those who can afford will buy the branded stuff and those who are on a budget will buy the cheaper options ... different strokes for different folks.
A 5DMkII or a 5DMkIII either with a remote release are not exactly cheaper options ::)
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Manual focus lens on the 5D Mark III, What do I need to know?

I personally always shoot with manual focus; I mostly use Samyang 35mm f/1.4, Samyang 14mm f/2.8, SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 and SMC Pentax-M f/4 Macro. These are all great lens at a great price. For all of them except the 14mm, I use the live view and zoom inside the picture to fine focus; it is easy and pretty quick and mostly, it is the best way to nail perfect focus every time, especially at a wide aperture. However, it can cause problem when shooting fast action, but it is perfect for landscape, portrait, etc. With the 14mm, for anything farther than 2m, I use hyperfocal, and I use live view for near subjects. The live view is by far the best way to do your manual focus in my opinion, but if you are using UWA, hyperfocal are really fine.
If you want to calculate the hyperfocal of your lens, I recommend this site:
http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html
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Upgrade from 40D or upgrading lenses

I think the 40D is one of the best crop cameras Canon has made. I've sold and repurchased several of them as friends and family wanted a good DSLR without spending a lot of $$. I finally replaced my last 40D with a 60D (same sensor as the 7D). Meh. 60D is fine, faster fps, etc but I'd take another 40D in a heartbeat. I also agree, stay away from the 50D. Increased pixel density was a mistake.

My suggestion - UPGRADE GLASS with good EF or L lenses. KEEP 40D unless you need better focusing.
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70-300L for Outdoors?

I've certainly had no cause to suspect the lens, so it is possible I have a bad or mis-matched TC. To be honest I just used it a few times, wasn't terribly happy with it, and haven't gone back to it. All I can go by is my experience with this one model.

The AF is definitely slower with the TC, but it's not impossible to use. I felt like this was a case where a focus limiter would be handy, as the slowness was compounded by missing focus a little more often, and having to rack through the range. Even so, I was able to hand-hold 300mm in fairly low light and get ok results.

A bit more perspective, my 70-300L was an upgrade from the older version of the 70-300 IS (non-L). This was the first L lens I had. Perhaps if you already have a stable full of L lenses your perspective might be different, but I think this lens is the bees knees.
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17-40L vs 24-105L

bobthebrick said:
I'm probably leaning slightly towards the 17-40 because:
  • It's wider and gives me more room for landscapes
  • With an extension tube it gives some crazy macro photos
  • I've used the 24-105 and hadn't found anything 'special' about, the photos didn't seem to have much spark

I'm currently looking for a cheaper used 17-40 (not easy in Germany since there's no well-stocked Craiglist or such) and did a lot of research and asking around before that - and the only reason to get the 17-40 is either dual-using it on crop or for the ultra-wide angle if you need it like group shots in a constrained space.

For landscape you should look at your current shots and determine if you really need something wider than 24 on ff, landscape is not necessarily equivalent to "taking it all in".
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D600 Review with images

AdamJ said:
gmrza said:
Don't you know:
  • Nikonrumors: Website where people whine about Nikon and threaten to switch to Canon
  • Canonrumors: Website where people whine about Canon and threaten to switch to Nikon

Minor correction:

  • Nikonrumors: Website where people whine about Nikon and threaten to switch to Canon
  • Canonrumors: Website where people whine about Canon and threaten to switch to Nikon, or already use Nikon and endlessly promote Nikon

And then there's that one Sony user :P
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Renting 6D or 5D mark iii plus lenses?

I agree with Pitbullo but it would help if you mentioned what lens you are most comfortable shooting with and what your goals are with the pictures. Are you trying to achieve portraits that isolate your girlfriend, landscapes with her in the foreground, mostly indoor, outdoor, day, night, etc. Since it sounds like you will want to do it all, I would get wide lens like the 17-40 or 16-35 and a longer lens like the 24-105. Or you could even get a Tamron 28-300 VC ultrazoom for walkaround. If you want nice portraits, get a 28/1.8 or 50/1.4. Both would double as nice low light primes. It all really depends on your style of shooting. And don't forget a flash for fill. Good luck and hope you have a good time!
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