So after hours of reading, I'm still not sure about the answer to 2 questions about the 5D mkIII, both of which are probably known by anybody who's been shooting a lot of video with one:

1) Are SD cards good enough for video? There is endless discussion about CF being faster, yada yada, raw burst rates, etc - I don't care, I only shoot video. Are SD cards (assuming class 10) fast enough for video use in either video codec mode?

2) Has the ALL-I vs IPB thing been resolved? All the reading I see shows a lot of disagreement as to which codec to use generally; All-I is better on paper but many people are getting same or better results with IPB. Anybody know? I generally have to shoot hours of interviews per day and so would rather have a more compact codec if there is no difference in quality.

Hi guys,

Just asking a little advice, basically I'm doing a production where I'll be filming a number of short interviews in office/business style environments, with very little/none outdoor or moving around shots. So I'm focusing on getting very good still/tripod shots for it and I'm slightly torn between which lenses to buy.

We have around a £3k budget for camera and lenses, and I'm looking at a 5D MK III with Canon lenses, either:

50mm f/1.4 and a 24-105mm f/4.0

or a 50mm f/1.8 and a 24-70mm f/2.8

I don't know whether it would be better to get the cheaper prime so I can get the larger aperture on the Zoom, or whether I should do it the other way round.

What would your guys suggestions be?

Thanks for your help in advance,

Gary

If this has been hashed out before, I apologize, but I did try to search the topic but only got ISO results

As an excited owner of a new 6D and got the 24-105 L with it I noticed a very noisy sound from the lens while keeping the shutter button half depressed (i.e. locing focus). I know this is the IS and even confirmed by switching it off and the noise goes away.

Now I understand that IS is actually a motorized movement of a lens group and thus expect a bit of a sound and all of my IS lenses does that, but this sounds suspiciously louder, louder even than my Sigma 17-50 F2.8 OS and that I did not expect.

Is this normal or should I take it back to the store? To describe the noise level is difficult, but it is noticebly louder than my 100L macro and as my Sigma

Thanks

I Have 70-200 f/2.8L II USM, and i need little longer zoom .

Is it worth buying 2x EF Extender III for 70-200 f/2.8L II USM (or) would it be better to go for 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Autofocus

Body: 5D Mark III

Please provide your valuable suggestions.

Thank you

I got my 6D yesterday and thought I will share my initial impressions. These impressions are from a Canon shooter coming from Rebel bodies (450D & 500D) and I thought it will help someone that is in the same boat as I was in figuring our whether or not to upgrade to the 6D.

What I use a camera for:
Family (with kids running around) and Travel. Nothing for payment

Physical Attributes
Weight: Heavier than anticipated and with the 24-105 kit much more than the Rebel. I had a 17-50 F2.8 Sigma on my Rebel which made it heavier than the out of the box kit already, but the 6D is beyond that. I am glad I have a Black Rapid strap. Would not like this around my neck. However, the balance (not tipping over so much) is better than my 500D/Sigma combo and although heavier, definitely usable all day long.
Size: I like the physical size over the Rebel. Using both hands on it feel much more comfortable. I handled a 5DIII&5DII in the store, and I prefer the 6D size. For me, coming from a Rebel, the 6D feels great in the hand while the 5DIII felt like a stretch.
Feel & Buttons: Everything felt better - body, buttons, shutter sound (love that ;D). I have to get use to using the top plate buttons, but the rest of the button layout felt very familiar even to the dated 500D.

Operation
Name an attribute, and it is better than the 500D, and you can't help but think that "this is how it is supposed to be". The level of customization really impressed me. I appreciate that the 5DIII and 1DX is even better at this, but coming from a Rebel, WOW! What I particularly liked is:
- C1 and C2 functions
- Minimum shutter speed setting
- Customisation options in general. Like AI Servo assignability to the DOF button, ISO limits, Different Focus points in Portrait v Landscapes
- Direct access to Drive, ISO etc. on top plate
- GPS & Wifi: Did not explore this other than pairing to my iPhone and (it has a slight lag) I can see this being handy for shots where I am in front of the camera with the family.
- HDR: I liked that this is built in.
- WB: I might miss a dedicated button for this, but the Q menu does accomodate this.

Performance
ISO: High ISO is so much better than the 500D. Expressing it in Stops is beyond my ability, but with the 500D I did not use 1600 (except in the rare circumstances where shutter speed was more important than IQ). Now with this I can see no problem going to 6400 and I think 12800 will become the new 1600 (which is still 1 stop below native max). So what is that 3 Stops ? Off course this is dependent on what you can tolerate in terms of noise.
FPS: It’s faster than my 500D so that’s an improvement for me and I see it as adequate for the "action" type shots I sometimes need.
Focus: I played with it indoors (dark outside) and with the 24-105, 50 1.4, 100 L Macro and 70-200 F4 Non-IS. My approach was not scientific at all but the focus on the centre point was snappy and quicker than my Rebel. The Macro was slow as usual. I used the outer points, and as I Rebel user could not complain about speed or accuracy.
Viewfinder: Forget that it is not 100%, this is much better/brighter than the Rebel's

Conclusion
Yes I am sure a lot of people can and will nitpick over many of the (missing) features. But coming from a Rebel, most will be blown away. So, is the upgrade worth it? Well, I felt I had to upgrade from my 500D. So it was either a 60D/650D (body only) at $800 or this. So does the extra $2000 ($1200 body + 800 lens) make you a better photographer? No, but it will make the pictures you do take look better, especially in low light.
Why not 5DII? I liked the smaller/lighter size, Overall newer tech, Digic 5+, GPS & WiFi options and I am confident that this will now last me a very long time.
Why not D600? To commited to EOS (Lenses and Flashes) and I handled it in the shop, it felt very foreign.

Our 70-200 f/2.8 IS mkI hit the concrete this year, and after sending it to Canon for a repair quote, it'd cost more to repair it than to buy another used one ($1500).

Canon shipped the lens back to me, so now the question is: What should I do with it?
Do people actually pay ok money for shattered lenses?

I've heard of people turning lenses into cool household items like teabag holders. Any neat ideas?

If you're curious, here's what Canon says needs to be fixed:
RING, FOCUS ADJUSTMENT
FOCUSING ASS'Y, USM
LENS ASS'Y, 1ST GROUP
FRONT RING UNIT
LENS ASS'Y, 3RD GROUP
ZOOM UNIT
KEY, GUIDE
BARREL, INTERMEDIATE
RING, FOCUSING

I saw this while I was at Fry's Electronics.:

Canon 5D III got picked as camera of the year by Popular Photography. I believed they compared to D800, Sony A99 and others....I didn't read it in detail

Hopefully a simple question. Can I use my camera as a advanced light meter for a medium format film camera? I could just get a light meter, but if I could see in advance exactly ( or very close ) what the image will look like, I would prefer that.

I'm thinking about picking up the 50 1.4 for a fast option instead of lugging my 24-105 around to family events etc. Is anyone using one on a 5d3? Your thoughts?

On the Facebook page of Lenscoat company, they announce that they have received the 200-400 from Canon for making the Lenscoat protection !

May be the ghost lens is arriving

I'm looking to sell at least one of my lenses but I'm stuck on which one. I shoot with a Canon 7d and here are the the lenses I have:

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM

Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC

I just got the Canon 17-55 and I love it so I know I'm keeping that one. If it helps, 90% of the time I shoot family, baby/children and high school senior portraits.

I've thinking about purchasing a second camera body. I currently have a 7D with the following lenses:

EF 35mm 1.4L
EF-S 15-85mm 3.5-5.6
EF 70-200mm 2.8 L IS II

I mostly photograph the kids (ages 7 months to 14) around the house, outdoors and at sports activities including from wrestling, cross country, football and baseball. The 7D really does a great job at the sporting events.

Recently, I've become more interested in landscape photography. We visited Arizona, Utah and Colorado for vacation last summer and I ended up taking hundreds and hundreds of landscape shots in addition to family shots at different places we visited.

I've been thinking a full frame camera will enhance my landscape photography IQ. I have been considering a 5D Mkiii's, but the new 6D looks like a good option for landscape photography also. Since I plan to keep the 7D for sports photography, speed really isn't an issue. I have enough money saved for either, so price isn't a primary concern.

Also, if I buy a FF camera, I will probably need to add a walk-around lens for the FF. My 35mm is a good lens for that, but I would have a gap between 35mm and 70mm (on the 70-200).

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Hi everyone,I have been using a 7d for about a year now and I know its limitations quite well.I am sure ff is the way to go for the future though I am pretty sure a 6d isn't the answer for a 7d user (atleast me).

I'm 17, still a student and 10 years away from a ff upgrade the 100 macro might as well be my last lens so I was wondering if its the right choice for a portrait/lowish light lens with a macro bonus.or should I consider something else within that budget (not the non l version I'm pretty sure about that too)

P.S- I love taking shots in low light and light painting (i know, 7d is a perfect camera for that) so I am pretty frustrated on being limited to bright daylight shots so any tips are welcome,after all in 10 years point and shoots will have better ISO performance so i'll make the switch then

Thanks in advance

P.P.S- this is my first post ,really interested on what neuro has to say

Hi everybody,

I have 7D + EF-S 10-22mm & i plan to buy the new EF 24-70 F/2.8L II USM, but im not sure this lens can give the top IQ on crop sensor like 7D.

Anybody 7D owner have this lens? maybe you can share your photo/review about this lens.

Thanks.

Hi. I was wondering if there were any rumblings about a Canon lens with similar specs?

Marty

Fyi: http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/11/canon-24-70-mk-ii-variation

I think this is really interesting and deserves a post over here, because Roger comes to the conclusion that even though the data shows a large variation, the real world difference (well, with the current mp count on Canon) is very small - though shows when pixel peeping or comparing a "good" 24-70 against a "bad" 70-200 or vice versa.

I think most people realize there is sample variation. But this provides a nice illustration showing just how random a test report comparing just one copy of each lens can be. Don’t get me wrong; those reports are totally worthwhile.

But we have to be really careful splitting hairs with camera lenses. With 70 copies tested, I’m comfortable the average (mean) resolution of the 24-70 Mk II is slightly higher than the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II at 70mm. But that difference is much less than the sample variation

Click to expand...

I'm wondering how much the difference between lenses will show up when used on the upcoming high mp ff sensors, or when being (dual-)used on crop with higher pixel density?

I see BHPhoto and Amazon have the Canon SX260 for quite cheap at $199. Any thoughts on if that is an Xmas discount or inventory clearing price, preparing for an update?

I'm mostly curious if people think the successor in the ultra-zoom point-and-shoot category will just have some marginal improvements here and there ... say 14 or 16MP, or something more revolutionary [touch screen interface? controls revamped, appreciably bigger sensor/better ISO?].

At $199/small size, I'm ok buying/carrying it as a one-trick-pony ... 500mm zoom. Eventhough I'm pretty confident I'll feel the pictures will look very flat ... they're better than nothing. But I'd also be fine spending $300-$350 for something tangibly better.

Also, is it easy to do exposure compensation on this camera? I hate not having EV control on a dial. That and Aperture priority + easy to change f-stop are my two key control concerns.


[context: I often carry around my trusty G10. I have some mid-level Nikon SLRs/lenses but am looking at the D600 once the dust/oil issue is resolved ... I've been interested in something with more tele- than the G10 I can use casually ... small/cheap and can keep in the backpack permanently. It looks like it also uses the same battery as my PowerShot D10, another "one trick pony" ... that's also a benefit.]


Thanks for any thoughts or feedback.

--psb

I know this is an old topic but I was wondering if anyone has figured out a "fix" or anything. Maybe the soft images are the result of 18mp crammed into a small APS-C sensor. Sometimes I get tack sharp pictures, but usually I just get average pictures, not as sharp as would be expected. Ive played around with the micro adjustment and it didn't seem to help. Main lenses I use are the 18-135, 50mm 1.8, and 70-200 f4 is usm.

I don't want to invest in a lot of money in glass until I hear from other photographers. I do a lot of photography in the streets with my canon 5D mark ii ( got from eBay at a amazing price!) . I don't have any lens at the moment. I'm thinking about the 24-70 mark 2 or should I just go for some primes for my work? What do you recommend me?

The question is phrased with few options on purpose. Did you use a UV/haze protective filter on your EF 70-200 f2.8L IS (I or II) during its most recent use?

The aim here is to assess filter use among a narrowly defined group. I have avoided asking do you "generally" use filters as this can lead to subjective "calibration" of the response to suit attitudes that are deeply held but not practiced.

Because ultimately, actions speak louder than well thought out intentions. We all know the usual arguments for and against using UV filters that proponents use to support claims. Some fall back on specific lenses, where IQ may suffer vs. need to protect the front element, and needing it to complete weather sealing etc etc...it is frequently a slew of compromise explanations.

Let us try and gauge what we actually do in practice by taking a lens owned by good many, granted not all; and of 'relatively' decent $ value; with consensus on high IQ (that could arguably be degraded by a haze filter). To increase the sample size, either of the 2.8L IS versions are ok. This lens choice also hopefully ensures we aren't sampling exorbitant superteles or the lower price range lenses; but, something narrowly defined, commonly possessed, yet valuable.

In voting, please let only your actions speak. No "oh I could have" or "oh I wish I had" answers... No fudging...simple question: did you have it on during its most recent use?

If you had to start all over and have only one camera and one lens, what would it be?
I'm selling my:
5d mkii
24-70 2.8
70-200 2.8
and my 580ex
and using as little of that money to reduce my gear.

My family comes first and life isnt free, but i dont want to give up on photography, which has been my life since i was 17.

I know the overall "profit" ill make wont be a huge amount, but im 25 with a 9 month old and every penny counts right now.

I picked my current gear for landscapes and portraits. So that's what im looking to still be able to do. I probably cant have the best of both worlds, and something that does both, isnt likely to do it as well as what i have. but downgrading for money is looking to be my only option right now.

I am using 5D bodies at present & am looking at upgrading to the 5Dmk111 to provide a better viewing screen for checking exposures & better quality files with upgraded digi 5 processor ,even though my 3x 5D are working perfectly& I'm very happy with results.
Understanding that if I want to use a CF & SD card to record Full RAW files simultaneously for back up purposes for wedding photography & that the write speed is governed by the slower write speed of the SD card internal canon connection. Does anyone know the resulting frame rate available? & is it really aproblem if I'm not shooting multiple frames.
Also I'm considering purchasing a "quantum blade battery" for those bright Australian summer beach shoots which drain AA batteries quickly so the flash keeps fully charged while being used heavily for fill flash. I think I prefer the blade to clip on & cable styles so the camera remains unattached to me . I have heard the blade causes interference on the 5D & I heard rumors some folks have had flash failures/burnout due to the constant power causing overheating ext, any opinions or experiences would be much welcomed B4 I spend any money. Thanks Pete

I switched from Nikon to Canon (am I the only one doing this too LOL) last spring before wedding season and did some research online... Really dug the specs on the 5D3 as well as the 600EX-RT flash system.

I made the jump and sold my Nikon kit which consisted of a D3s, D700, 3x SB-900, 24-70G, 70-200VR1, 14-24, and 50 1.4 I ended up buying a 5D2, 5D3, 5x 600 EX-RT, 35L, 85 1.8, 135L, 70-200L IS1, and 17-40. I really haven't looked back since and shoot 85% of the time wielding two bodies with the 35L and 85 1.8.

Here is what I love about the 5D3

The 600 EX flash system has changed the way I shoot, at any point during the day of a wedding I will have at least one additional light firing off-camera. What a wonderful system. It works flawlessly in group mode when I want to light up a reception hall with 2-3 lights. My only gripe is that it doesn't work the same with the 5D2. Canon claims it is the processor, but I think they just want to sell more new cameras

The 5D3 files I have shot look indistinguishable if not slightly better than my old D3s as well, which is a blessing given the smaller size. The ability to shoot smaller RAW files has also been a charm. During the reception and other boring parts of the day, I shoot away in mRAW as very few wedding clients need a 22MP file. Despite a smaller file size, I like to perfect WB and exposure (which usually needs very little tweaking)...

The focusing system is incredible in my opinion. People complain about it being confusing, but once you sit down and really put all the different focusing patterns and modes into practice, I rarely get an OOF shot even with a prime at ~f/2. Granted my keeper rate is much higher with the 70-200 f/2.8 IS, but I think that is just a function of focus speed with primes vs zooms, not anything to do with the camera. I did notice the camera focused a little slower with the 600EX AF assist beam, so I did a little test. I have my DOF preview button set to switch between SERVO>ONESHOT when I hold it down. I noticed that the camera focused much faster in SERVO mode without the AF assist beam (which it doesn't use anyway) even in very dim lighting. Now even in ONE SHOT, I only use the AF assist beam when it is absolutely pitch black which is almost never these days since video guys always have their annoying video lights on heh. From my experience using zone focusing/tracking, the 5D3 tends to get "thrown off" by objects in the background much less than any of my Nikons, even the D3s.

Perhaps the one "awful" thing about the 5D3 is the dark AF points in low light. My Nikon cameras always had a red square and it made moving AF points around in low light a breeze. I have learned to adapt to how my 5D3 works in this regard, but I am hoping for a FW update to remedy this at some point. Not keeping my hopes up, but it would be nice.

As far as dynamic range, maybe my exposures are just really nicely lit because of how often I use the off camera flash system. I don't really ever need to push or pull my RAW files more than 1EV, so maybe I'm not seeing this lack of dynamic range so many people have complained about. There are certainly merits to having more dynamic range, heck I wouldn't argue against it. For landscape and studio shooters, I'm sure the D800 is a better choice, but right now the 5D3 is the best camera I have ever used for a wedding, right ahead of the D3s.

So overall I really have nothing bad to say about the 5D3. I view it as a baby D3s. I shot just over 35 weddings this past season and it took only a couple jobs (second shooting for another studio in April) to get fully accustomed to the Canon controls. I actually prefer how ISO is changed on Canon bodies and I never even have to take my eye away from the finder. Despite some minor quirks here and there, the overall value of the 600EX-RT system more than makes up for anything I could complain about.

Am I just oblivious to problems or a lot of people just suffering from "the grass is always greener" syndrome because of the rave reviews the D800 gets on websites like DXO?

I can't find any company with more than 500$ insurance on camera(electronic) stuff around the globe (I will travel to Europe) (theft,loss etc ).. I'm kind of worried about this because I will bring for about 6000$ in gear . Is there someone who can help me with this? Thank you
I'm from Quebec, Canada so I don't think a USA insurance can cover me..