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Should I replace my zooms with primes?

When I was showing my vintage automobile images to a gallery owner he remarked that my images would look even better bigger and with a prime lens.

Now I know that primes are largely sharper than zooms. So should I switch from zooms to primes or buy certain primes to compliment my zooms?

The lenses I currently have are:

Canon EF-S 10-22
Canon EF 17-40 L
Canon EF 28-80 L
Canon EF 100 2.8 Macro
Canon EF 70-200 2.8 L.

I will be replacing the 28-80 L with the 24-105 L when I get the 6D body + lens kit.

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Sigma Corporation’s new Mount Conversion Service enables lens use across camera

Found on dpreview:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/08/01/sigma-us-announces-mount-conversion-service-for-recent-global-vision-lenses

"Sigma has announced a 'Mount Conversion Service' for any of its recent 'Global Vision' lenses - a paid-for service designed to reduce the uncertainty of changing camera systems. The company says it will charge between $80 and $250, plus shipping costs, depending on the specific lens. The Global Vision range currently includes seven lenses - from the huge 120-30mm F2.8 DG OS Sport for full-frame DSLRs, down to the 19mm F2.8 DN Art for Micro Four Thirds. The company has also extended the warranties on all new products to four years."

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Picture styles

Which one do you use, for what kind of job and why?

When I have complete control of the lighting, like on a set, I usually try to get an in-camera look as near as possible to the final look I want to get, so I usually create a specific style for each film, modifing an existing style or creating a new one with that infernal tool that is Canon's Picture Style Editor. Unfortunately I don't know about any other software that can do the work...

When I don't have control over the lighting and I know I won't have much time for the color grading, like when I'm shooting events or corporate videos, I usually choose the "Neutral" style, setting sharpness to "0" and sometimes lowering the contrast as much as possible.

When I don't have control over the lighting but I know I'll have time for a proper color grading, I often use the Technicolor CineStyle v1.0, which is the only "flat" style I really like. And the only one I know that is able to increase so much the DR, without showing too much noise.

These are the picture styles I tried so far:
Technicolor CineStyle, Marvels Cine, cineplus Picture Styles, Canon Video Camera X-Series Look, Flaat picture styles, ExtraFlat Picture Style, Superflat Picture Style

What about you?

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Wide angle lens' for crop sensor camera

I just took the plunge and ordered myself a 60d upgrading from a 450d. I also bought the EF 35mm f/2 (not the new one with IS) because I wanted a fast prime for general shooting to replace the 18-55mm kit lens that came with the 450d.

I am an outdoors person so I love to shoot landscapes so I have been looking for a good wide angle prime for this. After having the EF 35mm for a while, I would like to get a wide angle prime lens over a zoom. The wide aperture for shooting in low light or nighttime situations and the great amount of control over the depth of field. I don't need the flexibility of a zoom (however I am open to zoom recommendations) as landscapes are more about composition than framing (and you can always crop it later if you want). I am leaning away from a fisheye lens because of their distortion and if I were to use one I would end up correcting every image anyway. I would also like something that I could throw a rectangular ND Grad on for certain situations

Here is what I have found so far in my budget (<$700)

Right now i'm not sure what to go with. There doesn't seem to be very many options in the segment. I can't be the only one with this problem.

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Help me price used equipment please!

Hey guys there's a few lenses I'm interested in that are for sale on Craigslist first is a canon 500mm 4.5L next is a canon 300mm f4L non is and last a new 16-35 2.8 version I. I'm most interested in the 500 but they all interest me for the right price. What's the value on these lenses? And I'm aware about them being older, but I am currently using a 20 year old 20-35 2.8 (which I love) and a 20+ year old 80-200 2.8(also love) thanks guys

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New Canon VIXIA Mini Compact Personal Camcorder Offers a Unique Feature Set Inspiring Shooters to Be

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<p><i>The New VIXIA mini Compact Personal Camcorder Features an Ultra Wide-Angle Lens, Full HD Video, Vari-Angle LCD Monitor and Slim Ultra-Compact Body with Built-in Stand, and Allows for Convenient Hands-Free Shooting with built-in Wi-Fi</i></p>
<p><b>Melville, N.Y., July 31, 2013</b> – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the new VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder. The creatively designed VIXIA mini personal camcorder allows shooters to easily record their hobbies, special interests and memorable moments hands-free, and then share those videos and images on their favorite social networking sites or their own blogs via built-in Wi-Fi or via the free Canon Movie Uploader app*.</p>
<p>The VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder features an ultra wide-angle Canon f/2.8 fisheye lens (160 degree movies / 170 degree photos) allowing a user to shoot from unique and creative perspectives while including their surroundings to make their videos and images more interesting. By utilizing the Wide Mode users can give the viewer a full view of their surroundings and then switch to Close-Up Mode to provide emphasis on a particular subject. While in Close-up Mode, users can record a centered 1920 x 1440 resolution image with little distortion. They can also quickly toggle from one shooting mode to the other, or switch back and forth between video and image mode, by touching the camcorder’s innovatively designed 2.7-inch capacitive-tilt touch panel LCD display. Attached to the camera by two parallel hinges, the Vari-Angle LCD monitor allows for various shooting styles, including low-angle shooting, normal and high-angle-shooting and self-shooting.</p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p>In addition, the camcorder’s 12.8 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor combined with the Canon DIGIC DV4 Image Processor creates the Canon HS SYSTEM, allowing shooters to capture and record stunning Full HD video in MP4 format as well as jpeg still images to a removable microSD card, all in the exceptional image quality standard that the Canon line of VIXIA camcorders are known for. The camcorder’s video image quality is further enhanced with the use of a Mechanical Shutter for the recording of moving subjects with little distortion. Beyond delivering high-quality video, the VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder also records high-quality audio thanks to its built-in stereo microphone. By using Audio Scene Select modes, users can choose an audio scene that matches their surroundings such as music or speech or even suppressing road noise.</p>
<p>“The new VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder marks the birth of an innovative video camera designed specifically for the social media savvy user,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “This uniquely styled compact personal camcorder allows users to shoot, view and share videos and photos of themselves enjoying their hobbies or special occasions with family and friends.”</p>
<div><b>Tools to Become the Star</b></div>
<p>The Canon VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder comes with a feature set that puts the user in the driver seat, expanding their creativity, allowing them to not only be the director of their videos or images, but also the star. Mirror Image Recording/Playback lets users view the scene they are recording in real time so they can watch as they record. So whether they are shooting their latest blog post about cooking a favorite Italian culinary delight, or filming a practice golf swing to help perfect their back stroke, the VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder is a versatile and convenient tool.</p>
<p>New Special Scene Modes such as Food & Fashion, Sports, and Macro provide users with advanced presets to help capture impressive images even under difficult shooting conditions to prevent over/under exposure. For those looking to shoot in a fun and unique perspective, the camcorder’s Slow Motion or Fast Motion modes provide imaging effects that allow creativity in controlling space and time. Slow Motion allows shooting video at a choice of two slow motion speeds – 1/4x (VGA) and 1/2x (720p) allowing viewers to easily see and closely examine video of dancers or other fast moving subjects. Fast Motion allows shooting at two fast motion speeds – 4x and 2x – ideal for speeding up footage of cooking, makeup, nail art, etc.</p>
<p>The camcorder’s Smart Auto Mode allows the beginning user to capture those spontaneous moments with a touch of the screen. Smart Auto intelligently selects one of 38 predefined situations to give outstanding video and still image output.</p>
<p>The VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder comes with a built-in adjustable stand allowing users to tilt and elevate it up to approximately 60 degrees providing a new way to record video hands-free, and the camcorder’s tripod socket also allows for flexible positioning of the device. And an automatic lens cover helps protect against scratches and dust when the camera is not in use.</p>
<div><b>Advanced Connectivity to Help Users Share Their World</b></div>
<p>Once a user has recorded their video blog, or a day at the park with the kids, it’s time to share the video or images with friends, family and fans. The VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder comes with built-in Wi-Fi allowing users to quickly share their video and photos to social networking sites like YouTube and Facebook, or they can be sent directly to their PC. A user can also upload their video or still images taken with the VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder from virtually anywhere by downloading the free Canon Movie Uploader app onto their iOS supported device.*</p>
<p>The Live Streaming feature allows for users to view and record on their iOS or Android device when they download the free Canon CameraAccess2 App**.The Canon CameraAccess2 App is available for download on both iOS and Android supported smartphones and tablets. The Live Streaming feature also allows a user to control the VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder from remote locations.</p>
<div><b>Pricing & Availability</b></div>
<p>The VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder will be available in black and white and is scheduled to be available September 2013 for an estimated retail price of $299.99.1 An optional VIXIA mini carrying case and strap are scheduled to also be available September 2013 in black or white for an estimated retail price of $14.99.1 For more information, and a full list of product specifications, visit <a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/vixiamini" target="_self">http://www.usa.canon.com/vixiamini</a></p>

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What's Coming August 21, 2013? [CR2]

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<p><strong>What to expect on August 21, 2013

</strong>First, we’re told by a great source that only PowerShot announcements will take place on the 21st. We’re also told not to expect anything “high end”, nothing like the Sony RX100 II. I would imagine at least a few new PowerShots will have features that go along with sharing photos.</p>
<p>Which brings us to…. as some have pointed out, the invitation shows a cloud and not an EOS, PowerShot or EF logo like most invites. There’s a good chance that this is for the Project 1709 photo management service. You can visit it at <a href="https://www.project1709.com/" target="_blank">www.project1709.com</a>.</p>
<p>I have feelers out to see if anything bigger in the way of an EOS camera is to be announced or showcased. There is always a possibility of a “development” announcement, as that can afford Canon time to actually get a product to market.</p>
<p>More to come…</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

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What's so bad about HDR?

I don't get why HDR is laughed at like it's an Instagram filter... I mean, I guess a "purist" would say its like driving automatic in a sports car—or at least that's the same vibe I pick up when I see photographers discuss it—though it really doesn't seem like there is any good reason to scoff at it. Personally, I'm not a fan of the photos that are blown out or as I like to call it, "Lisa Frankensteined," where it looks like the photographer went full retard with the effect sliders... but I think in general, and when used tastefully (like anything really), it's pretty useful.

Anyone who thinks HDR is ridiculous, I'd like to hear why..

PS - Or is it like I'm suspecting: The people complaining are the same people who bitch about less experienced photographers using expensive pro gear, manual-only snobs, and "its not the gear, its the photographer" preachers.

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3rd Party Flashes vs. Canon's...

Hi All, once again I come for your advice. I just got my 5D Mark III to go along w/my 5D Mark II. There's still a few items I need (such as a grip for the MK III--I much prefer a grip as my MK II already has one), but of immediate need, I feel is another flash...a stronger flash! I currently have only the 430 EX II. I've been looking at the refurbished Canon 600 EX-RT offered by the Canon store for $440, but it's out of stock. I'm also looking at the YN 568 EX II. Any of you have any positive experiences with 3rd party flashes? If so, which one in particular do you recommend? Thanks!!

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Which gel holder for the 600ex-rt - original or 3rd party?

I'd like to buy effect and color correction gels for my 600ex-rt flashes, and there are decent offers from the UK cut for the original Canon gel holder - see http://flashgels.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=13

However, I'm not so sure if the Canon gel holder is really the way to go, and the flash afaik won't recognize 3rd party gels anyway so there's no need for large gels that cover the sensor... Questions:

* Do you use the Canon gel holder with the 600ex-rt or did you buy other holders (which) that take other/smaller gels (which?)?

* Do you use a plastic gel holder at all or simply velcro-strap the gels to the flash (with the added advantage that this method works on all other flash types, too)?

Thanks!

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Which coldshoe for 600ex-rt type (sealed hotshoe) flashes?

I'm very good at loosing small plastic parts, so I'd like to stock up on some coldshoes for my flashes. I've already tried to order one version, but it doesn't really fit because the rubber part on the hotshoe gets crammed inside the coldshoe, there is no lock and the flash tends to fall off (picture of this version attached, it's the black gadget). Before I waste money on other overpriced plastic pieces:

* Did you find any type of 3rd party coldshoe for putting on the ground that is equivalent to what Canon delivers (no, thanks, I'm not buying an original Canon part for this :-p)?

* I also need a foolproof coldshoe just to attach the flash to a bracket or tripod, something like the blue thing in the attached picture, but I'd be ok if it was cheaper than this patented version...

Thanks for any help, I cannot predict how these ebay offers really fit and I'm not willing to pay €20 in a local camera store for e 2 ct plastic piece, call it principle if you like :-o

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"My Menu" settings, what do you register?

Here are mine, with the logic behind them (5D3):

External speedlite control: to control flash on or off, mode, curtain, manual strength. Very useful with ETTL triggers.

Expo comp: bracketing, HDR, EV

Custom controls: for switching on/off back-button quickly when handing to other people (better than green box IMHO, especially if i have settings dialed in with flash)

LCD brightness: not the best pick, since auto is fine, but nice to have the option for playback

Custom shooting mode: awesome for setting a scene on the fly. I rarely set my Custom modes permanently, and if i did, i'd forget what mode is what (and different lenses may make them irrelevant). I usually set an ideal C mode for flash, and one for shooting wide open. It's nice to set the wide open one to shoot with the external flash disabled, so that i can go from flash to wide open with one twist of the control dial rather than the multiple steps involved in changing via manual controls (turn off flash, adjust ISO/shutter/aperture)

ISO speed settings: for limiting Auto-ISO ranges in specific shooting conditions and minimum shutter speed.

honorable mentions: Image quality, Number of Bracketed shots (for 3/5/7 HDR), Highlight alert (blinkies sometimes bother me).

(T2i/550D has a function for "Shutter/AE lock button" which directly addresses back button focus. Also has an "ISO Auto" function for max ISO)

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Just got my 5D Mk III (Refurbished) &....

Hi All, so all my postings regarding the 5D Mark III & w/all your helpful responses have gotten me to this point. I just got my 5D Mark III !!! I'm 1/2 excited & 1/2 don't-know-if-I-should-be-concerned. I just got my 5D Mark III, and this being my first refurbished purchased ever (bought it directly from Canon Store), I have slight reservations. So, I come to you all for some questions I'm not sure about. First thing I checked was to see was the serial # and see which batch this body belongs too...to my slight concern, the 6th digit is a "1", so this belongs to the very first batch. And of course this being refurbished, should I be concerned? If so, what should I specifically look for. Good thing is, it came with the latest firmware update, version 1.2.1 (so I can be somewhat confident Canon looked into & tested this camera & updated the latest firmware before putting it on sale). I just wanted to throw this out and see what I should be concern and look for in particular?

Also, which site is the 'most accurate' in checking out the shutter count for this body?

Thanks again all!!

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Where does the 24/35/50/85mm standard originate? Is it arbitrary?

Why are the standard focal lengths for primes the following?...

24mm
35mm
50mm
85mm

I understand why they are spaced relatively evenly. But couldn't it just as practically be the following?...

20mm
32mm
47mm
80mm

Ultimately, it seems like the "standard" lengths are probably arbitrary in their origins. Probably the first person to pick the original standard focal length was making a technical decision, rather than an aesthetic decision.

History buffs... bring it on!

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Canon primes

Note: This post is part rant, part food for thought. Comment as you see fit, but I have no questions to be answered or advice to be given at this time.

I currently shoot with mostly L's, including the 70-200 f/4 L, 17-40 f/4 L, and the 135 f/2 L. I also have a 50 f/1.4 in the stable. I'm considering rounding out my prime collection with a 35, 85, and possibly a wide at some point in the future. The 85L and 35L produce some impressive images, many seen right here in the CRF. Then, I look at images produced with their non-L counterparts, the 85 f/1.8, and the 35 f/2. Many stunning images to be had there as well. So with a 2-3x difference in price, what's the difference? Build quality, for one, as well as that extra stop or two of light. Better glass. Better sharpness when shot wide open, not to mention better bokeh quality. There is indeed a difference, and I'm not going to pretend there isn't.

But that's not to say that the non-L 85 and 35 primes are poor lenses. They can help meet your photographic needs without sacrificing image quality on a noticeable scale. If I can't put an 85mm f/1.8 on my 5DmkII and get a really good portrait...it's not the equipment's fault. And if I can't get good images with that lens, moving up to the L isn't going to help me out, either.

I've scrimped, saved, and made deals along the way to get the setup that I've got right now. I like to joke that I drive an Old Lady's car so that I can shoot with a Big Boy's camera. And there's some truth to it.

So, I could scrimp, save, and make deals so that I can get an 85L and 35L in that bag in the future. It might take me a few years. And in the end, I would have some incredibly awesome glass. Or, I could eat beans and rice tonight, and then rice and beans tomorrow night, and afford the non-L lenses in a matter of a few months. That's that much more time I could spend shooting with those lenses. Time I could be getting great images and putting them to work for me. That's worth something.

I know that there are opinions on both sides of the issue. Those are just the things I'm wrestling with right now.

Get out there and shoot something meaningful today.

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Canon 50/1.8 MK I

I finally found this lens on eBay for a reasonable price, I bought it and took a few shots. I know that it has the same optics and diaphragm of the MK II, but I was wondering if it has also the same anti-reflective lens coating, because it looks to me that it doesn't handle flares and ghostings as well as the MK II. Anyone knows?

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People that don't shoot in manual...

...annoy me even more than those that don't shoot in raw.

What is it that folk find so difficult about choosing an appropriate shutter speed, the DOF they desire and then selecting the necessary ISO?

Obviously you then make off's where necessary...

I actually tried Tv & Av once, what a palava. settings all over the place, complete lack of control of anything. I have a friend that only shoots in fully auto (a Nikon user) and to look at his exif data is painful... he is a beginner and his composure nor his focussing is spot on yet but he refuses to learn even the simplest things about taking control of his own photography and not letting a daft camera take control.

The only non-manual thing I'll accept is the EX580's ETTL and that's only because it's a right bastard to operate.

so yeah, sell me the other options I've got to work with...

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Manufacturer attempting to censor reviews they don't like

All the buzz on the various video sources I check, a worrying trend, thankfully in the age of the internet and social networking, the embargos of old no longer work.

The film-maker, Den Lennie has stood his ground, the specifics of the product may not be of wide interest, but the politics of whats at work here should be, especially as CR posts reviews, and forum users are usually quick to have their say on great or not so great products.

And if anybody with a product is watching... this just isn't how to handle criticism. When folk like Philip Bloom join the debate then you can assume that your target audience is watching. Some folks hang on his every word... and spend according to it.

https://www.facebook.com/DenLenniefstopacademy

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Firmware Updates for Canon EOS-1D Mark III, EOS-1Ds Mark III & EOS-1D Mark IV

HTML:
<div name="googleone_share_1" style="position:relative;z-index:5;float: right; /*margin: 70px 0 0 0;*/ top:70px; right:120px; width:0;"><g:plusone size="tall" count="1" href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2013/07/firmware-updates-for-canon-eos-1d-mark-iii-eos-1ds-mark-iii-eos-1d-mark-iv/"></g:plusone></div><div style="float: right; margin:0 0 70px 70px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" data-url="http://www.canonrumors.com/2013/07/firmware-updates-for-canon-eos-1d-mark-iii-eos-1ds-mark-iii-eos-1d-mark-iv/">Tweet</a></div>
<p><strong>From Canon USA

</strong>Canon continues to update older professional DSLR bodies. I must say I’m pleasantly surprised they’re still supporting the Mark III bodies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>The following fixes have been incorporated in the new firmware</b></p>
<ol>
<li>Resolves the following phenomenon: when the camera is not attached to a lens, power consumption may be higher than usual, causing premature battery drain.</li>
<li>Resolves a phenomenon in which “Err 02” may be displayed when the shutter is released without a lens attached.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Download the firmware

</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/eos_slr_camera_systems/eos_digital_slr_cameras/eos_1d_mark_iii#DriversAndSoftware" target="_blank">EOS-1D Mark III v1.3.2</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/eos_slr_camera_systems/eos_digital_slr_cameras/eos_1ds_mark_iii#DriversAndSoftware" target="_blank">EOS-1Ds Mark III v1.2.3</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="http://usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/eos_slr_camera_systems/eos_digital_slr_cameras/eos_1d_mark_iv#DriversAndSoftware" target="_blank">EOS-1D Mark IV v1.1.4</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</p>

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Why is metering not linked to AF spot?

Hi guys,
I just read that on Nikon bodies spot metering is linked to the selected AF spot, while on canon bodies (such as my 6D) it is not, 1D bodies being the exception. My question is why? Is it expensive or more difficult to construct or is it just a software limitation for marketing purposes that could be changed with magic lanter or sth.?
Thanks
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