I think its time to start a thread where people can talk about what they LIKE about the new cameras released by Canon. Lately, it seems there has been nothing but whining about one minor discrepancy or another, and all the GOOD stuff that Canon has packed into both the 5D III and the 1D X is being ignored and buried under too much complaining.

So, this is the OFFICIAL thread where you can come to chat about the things that you LIKE! The things that will make your life as a photographer, professional or otherwise, easier and more enjoyable, thanks to one of the huge number of improvements in these two cameras.

If you are hear to complain, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. There are a good dozen threads on this forum perfectly suited to those of you who wish to bitch and moan. THAT IS NOT WELCOME HERE!!!



Personally, I like the following:

1. The new 61pt AF system that has a whopping 41 cross type points, as well as no less than FIVE double-cross type points in the center (diagonal and standard cross types overlaid on top of each other.)
- As someone who does bird photography and wildlife photography, I would have been quite pleased to get something like the 7D's all cross-type 19pt AF system in the 5D III. I'm extremely happy to see Canon's best AF system in both the 1D X and 5D III.

2. The 100% CF viewfinder with transmissive LCD heads up display.
- I have this in the 7D, and its truly a beauty. Its great being able to change the grid display, or even disable it and just have a clean, empty viewfinder. The AF point display with the transmissive LCD is far nicer than it was before. All content on the transmissive LCD is semi translucent, so it never fully obstructs your view of your subjects...only augments it. Very glad this made its way into all of Canon's new cameras.

3. In the case of the 5D III, I'm happy they used 6fps rather than 4.5fps (as was rumored a few times.) Combined with 18 continuous RAW frames (which is actually more than the 7D which can do 15), this really makes the 5D III a solidly viable candidate for higher action photography, such as birds and wildlife.
- Frame rates much less than 5-6 per second make it difficult to capture enough shots such that you get a high enough percentage of keepers. Its not surprising Canon did not put in a higher frame rate, given what appears to be the 144mb/s maximum throughput for a single DIGIC5+, and 6 22mp frames per second comes out to around 135mb/s. I'm glad they pushed it as far as they could without increasing cost even more with a second DIGIC5+.

4. The noise characteristics of Canon's new sensors seem to have been significantly improved!
- Despite all the speculation about zero improvement in DR (which really only seems to apply at ISO 100, assuming its true), Canon has definitely improved the characteristics of their noise. There does not appear to be any more fixed-pattern noise at all, even at low ISO's in the shadows. There does appear to be some vertical banding, however in most of the sample shots so far, it doesn't really seem to be a problem. The bulk of noise, even at high ISO, appears to have far more pleasing and random characteristics than it did in the past. Even without improved DR, thats still a huge improvement over prior Canon sensors, and I'm pretty happy about that.

(Possibly more to come, not enough time to think of more.)

Is something going on with amazon? Seems as if all the lenses are third party now or sold through vendor.

Explore Additional Canon Mount Lenses Sold by Amazon.com We’re currently unable to offer the full selection of Canon lenses for purchase directly from Amazon.com, although they may be available from other sellers on the website. However, be sure to check out these Canon-compatible lenses from other brands such as Tamron, Sigma, and Rokinon that are sold by Amazon and qualify for our FREE Super Saver Shipping. Shop now.

Click to expand...

I was thinking perhaps Canon's possible upcoming price fixing in regards to the sale of camera bodies is affecting amazon somehow.

Hi all,

In 4 weeks time our first baby arrives!!! I currently have the Canon EOS 450D however want a camera that shoots HD video as well to capture our babies first years.

I've been looking to upgrade to the 600D but my only reservation is the lack of auto focus in video mode. I want to ensure shooting video is easy enough for my wife to be able to do.

With that in mind should I get the 600D or hold off till after the babies born (borrow a mates HD camera in the meantime) and see if the next version has auto focus (when ever that comes out)?

Interested in your thoughts (unless there's another video/photo camera out there for me... I'm open to going compact and ditching the DSLR if I need). I'm one of those amateur photographers whose scared to come out of P mode that looks to look professional with a DSLR though I probably don't need one

Thanks in advance!

I have noticed that the major retail stores on line are having trouble keeping 1D4 bodies in stock? Is this because of reduced production, increased demand or an effort to bump up preorder/sales of the new 1Dx? I also noted that 1D4 bodies are selling like hot cakes on eBay! Like many of you, I would like to sell one of my 1D4 bodies and buy a 1Dx. Not because I am dissatisfied with the 1D4, on the contrary, I have nothing but praise for my two 1D4s...I would just like to try the 1Dx. Maybe I will be able to test drive one before deciding to sell one of my 1D4 bodies. I guess the good news to all this, is that I shouldn't have any problem selling one of my 1D4s, as one is very low mileage (5000) shutter actuations. For those that are out there who appreciate the capabilities of the 1D4 and are trying to find one, the current lack of availability must be frustrating. I hope Canon will continue production of the 1D4 until it is clear that the new 1Dx will satisfy the needs of ALL pro/aspiring pro photographers! Right now, I carry one of the 1D4 bodies and my 5D Mk II for most work. However, the 1D4 ends up being the body of choice almost all of the time. Hopefully, the 1Dx would be a good compromise to the dilemma of carring two different bodies (FF & 1.3), to cover most situations.

Please forgive this rant but there are times when I find instruction manuals so annoying! I understand there needs to be a section of 'get out' sentences for the terminally stupid for legal reasons, but this time I think that Canon believes the 5D MkIII will be bought by the mentally deficient.

Page 36

On turns the camera on !

'Off' turns the camera off & it will not operate! (How many people would expect it to continue working after it's switched off?) There's even a diagram of how to turn it on & off.

Page 39

A whole page dedicated to how to change a lens. What are people doing buying a camera like this if they don't even know how to change a lens??

Page 40

An entire page about how to zoom a lens! and how to then detach it again (Obviously they're too dim to reverse the attachment instructions)

Page 41

How to attach a lens hood ! (for goodness sake if you can't work this out you shouldn't be allowed out alone!)

Page 42

The image stabiliser a whole page which basically amounts to turn it on & take a picture!

Page 43

How to hold a camera (because you're obviously not clever enough to work it out)

Page 44

How to press the shutter release (sheesh!)

Sorry for the rant, but this is supposed to be a 'high performance' professional digital camera, it just insults the intelligence of users to tell us these things, and wastes our time having to plough through them.

I'm also not sure you can have an approximately 100% viewfinder, it's either 100% or it isn't (approximately 99% perhaps).

Health & safety are incredibly important issues for photographers, cabling & electrics in studios are risks to be aware of, and outdoors there are far too many Utube clips of photographers walking backwards to compose shots, and falling down flights of stairs, or into water features, all things we should all be aware of, but the level of these instructions are frankly insulting.

Rant over - smite away!

I thought I saw a post on this forum addressing the video quality comparison between the two cameras but cant find it, so asking the question: Is there any improvement in the video of 1dx in comparison to 5d3?
I use the bodies for stills, but make some money renting out my gear to short film makers.
I want to buy the 1dx for my wildlife photography but only if I think I will recover some money thru rentals (which is entirely by video guys).
If I rent out the 1dx at the same price at 5d3 would I be able to get more rentals from people who rent just 5d3?
Thx much.

The rumored zeiss super wide angle lens is finally there:

http://blogs.zeiss.com/photo/en/?p=1567#more-1567

I would like to buy a nifty-fifty (most likely the 50mm 1.4). I'd like it for portraits but want it for music/concert photography (right between the stage and the crowd, where the security personnel stand...if I can figure out a way to get a media pass without paying extra to the tour organisers ).

But while some people say everyone should have a 50mm in their lens collections, one of my teachers (I'm a photography student) have said that some people find 50mm lenses boring, etc. So what's the next best kind of lens? I guess my (stretched) budget wpuld be up to $1500 including the B+W filter I would buy. What does everyone think of these 'kits' and which one is better? http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Filter-Accessory-Digital-Cameras/dp/B002PX21JS/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1331887805&sr=1-7 or http://www.adorama.com/CA5014AFUA.html

I don't need this lens (canon branded or otherwise) but I would like it. I guess the alternatives would be a prime such as the 24mm/35mm or the 17-40mmL. Any suggestions/advice is appreciated.

Nothing special, just some unboxing pics and small test images from others

hi, so Ive been asked to do a quinceaneara i will be paid for it. i currently have 60D body, with 60mm f2.8 macro, 18-135 f3.5 and 70-300 L and going to be getting the ex 580 II or EX 600 flashes soon. i have been looking at another lens to ad before this for this kind of events this just little incentive. what would be a good lens to get? i was looking at the ef 35mm f2 and ef 85mm 1.8 any suggestions?

While reading through the manual today I found it odd that the 24-70mm f/2.8 is classified as group B which gives it only a single dual cross-type AF point.

Can anyone explain why this and other f/2.8 lenses are put into group B and even group C (no dual cross-type)?

Thanks

With the 5Dmk3 vs D800 being the most contraversial release in photographic history
I was just wondering when everyone thinks that things are going to return to normal around here?

Please this poll is just for fun, try to lighten up guys

For instance, CR reported that Canon has patented a 35/2 IS lens. Does this mean that other manufacturers cannot produce a 35/2 IS (or VC or VR or ...)? Or does it mean there's a thingamajig inside the lens that has been patented? Or does it mean the optical formula has been patented? Or ... ? As an aside, I seem to recall that many years ago Konica/Minolta had a patent on a 24-105 lens, and that Canon couldn't produce theirs until it received "permission". Any thoughts from someone who knows these things?

I'm looking to upgrade my Canon T1i after 2 years. I'm not sure which one I should upgrade to though. I'm not thinking about going full frame either, it doesn't really suit me.

My approximate budget for these two cameras is around $1700:
-If I purchase the 7D, I'd only be able to get the body. It's not that much of a big deal seeing that I already have some lenses (Canon 18-55, 55-250, and a Rokinon 35mm) But I'm worried that having a 7d with kit lenses, isn't going to really benefit me, seeing that most people say it's the glass that really makes the images. But I do like the 8fps burst rate, fast AF, and the amazing low light performance.

-If I purchase the 60d body, I'd be left with about $500-ish, which means that I could save a bit more and get the Canon 15-85mm lens. But to me, I honestly don't see it as a full upgrade from a Rebel camera. It's more like a SUPER Rebel. I just don't know if it will be worth it in the end.

Can I get everyone's opinion to help me figure out which camera to get?

(My main focus is portraits, landscapes, group events, and occasional basketball games)

Hi All,
I'm starting to get into photography and I have been shooting for about 6 months with handy me down gear from my older brother. Right now I shoot with a Canon 20d while using a couple non L-series and a couple sigma lenses. 4 out of 5 are EF mounts. With the new 5DIII and the D800 out in a couple weeks, I was wondering should I upgrade to them or buy a 5DII with kit or without and buy a nice lens (24-70 L-series). I will be using it mostly for still photography. I like nature pics with lots of landscapes and some animals. I want to get into portraits of people as well. My 20d seems nice but I think I have already started to outgrow it. I am not interested in canon's rebel series. Thanks!

with the release of the manual it seems that the 5d wont be compatible with UHS-1 SD cards? like this

http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Extreme-UHS-1-Memory-SDSDXPA-016G-X46/dp/B005LFT3MA/ref=sr_1_12?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1331862876&sr=1-12

doesnt make much sense. could it be compatible in the future with firmware? i guess it can only go up to 30 mbps instead of 95

Sony produced the 36mp sensor for Nikon but is still using 24mp sensors in it's current crop of cameras.
If they created a 36mp sensor for Nikon are they holding onto 48mp sensor for their next line of camera and if so will people who are switching to Nikon then be switching to Sony?

A poster in another forum subject suggested that the Canon 100-400 isn't weatherproof.

I have a few questions regarding that statement as he did not reply to it:

Does your comment on the 100-400 lens reflect on the L series as well?
Why would they not make an L Series weather proof?
And one more ???? How can you tell if you have water damage inside?

Wow, I can't believe something so simple as AutoISO is STILL not usable! Good grief!

1. In Auto ISO M mode there is no EC allowed again!

2. So then you are like well they added min. shutter speed to Auto ISO now so at least we might be able to often get away with using Av mode instead. BUT, they make the maximum allowed min speed only 1/250th??? They limit it from 1 second to 1/250th?! What!? What does 1/250th do you for action?? And if you are using 1 second long exposures and stuff you surely have enough time to adjust the ISO as needed manually anyway.
Wow. It is so beyond absurd. Why on earth do they limit it? It makes no sense.

And of course will they fix it in firmware? Not unless by new firmware you mean $4500 for the 5D4. (and even then, after almost 20 years dare we hope they finally hit upon a truly usable AutoISO? I'm not sure.)

I mean it would be soooooo easy to fix in firmware and I wouldn't make a big deal, but we all know it's like pulling teeth to get them to fix anything like that in firmware.

At least they did finally decide to listen and outline the histogram so you can see it in bright light but just as I was happy about that and the the AutoISO Av shutter limits then I see min shutter speed can be set from 1 second to 1/250th. arrrrrrrrr I mean they focus the limit on the very speeds where AutoISO is LEAST useful!

Just read the manual of the 5D III, 1/250 as fastest time for auto iso is bloody stupid. Still usless for sport and action. Might be of use for weddings but that its. Why are they doing this to us?

EDIT:

Stop arguing whether you need it or don't, no one cares, there are a lot of people who find it useful, if you don't you don't have to use it.

Fact is there are fast moving situations you want to shoot that might change from sunlight to shadow. And if you change ISO values you loose important moments. Sure you can just shoot everything with 6400 or higher to be on the save side. But its just damn convenient to have the camera user lower ISOs and faster times wich results in better quality if the light allows it.

And why not be angry about this feature? For me this would have been the main reason to upgrade from II to III. Because i shoot under those conditions a lot. And i thought they finally did it, then i read the manual and found that ridiculous limit for the shutter speed. As they said the II has Auto ISO i thought i can use it, and now 2 camera generations (7D was in between) later they still haven't figured it out

Using TV doesn't help either because you cant shoot everything with 2.8

And M, makes no sense at all Sure you could set your limit time, but in AV you could get faster if the light allows it. And in M, the camera has to use higher ISOs because 1/800 F4 just doesn't work in bright sunlight with ISO 200, and its not allowed to use faster times in M. So no gain in picture quality there.

Fact the camera is rubbish and useless in my opinion as a MII owner. And yes other people might like, want different features. Thats called freedom of thought.

If you also think this is rubbish, fill out a Canon online contact form and tell them, maybe they will do something about, they activated the F8 autofocus for the 1DX didnt they? Maybe there is still hope.

Hy have a simple Question, i didn´t test it yet, but will the IQ and maybe the DR raise if you choose less MP on a 7D (cause i own one) or any other Model??

With Friendly Regards

Colin

I know no one can answer this for sure because the lens is not out yet but I just want to know what people think.

the new Canon 24-70II is 82mm the same as the 16-35II. Do you think the issue with the filter will be the same? Meaning you will need a slim filter with no internal threads because of the wide angle? If this is so does that mean no canon lens cap, you will need a slip on like the B+W Slim filter.

I may be way off in asking this but Im just curious.

Thanks
F

I have the 24-70 2.8 L II on preorder and dying to see som test shots with this lens and if possibly mounted on the 5D mrk III (which I also have on preorder).

Has anyone here seen images and/or impressions posted yet?

Secondly, has the availability date for the lens been confirmed anywhere yet?

Thanks!

First off, this isn't another 5DIII vs. D800 debate. It's just that megapixels seems to be a hot topic lately, so I stared pondering the practical advantages of resolution. Perhaps I'm more fortunate than others, because while many have expressed the need to print 30x20 enlargements, I don't. For editorial work, a typical two-page spread measures 16x10, and there are only one or two of those per story layout.

In the early days of digital, resolution was a huge factor. The 8 megapixel 20D was the first affordable body that could be interpolated up to produce file quality sufficient for a two-page spread. The next quantum leap came with the 1DsII, which produced gorgeous 17x11 files at 300 dpi. Since then, however, the 21 mp files from the 1DsIII and 5DII have been somewhat under-utilized in the editorial world. Larger files certainly give art directors more flexibility for layouts and cropping, but the instances where you need to crop excessively or turn a horizontal composition into a vertical (or vice-versa) are few and far between. Uploading 21 mp TIFF files onto a publisher's FTP server when you're on a tight deadline can get quite cumbersome as well. Don't get me wrong. I'll take as many megapixels as a manufacturer will give me, but the current lineup of bodies certainly offer more than enough for my needs.

So, where do camera manufacturers go from here? The market is in an interesting position right now where the megapixel count of point-and-shoots is approaching that of flagship bodies, and a $500 T2i puts out as much resolution as Canon's $6,800 1Dx. How's a first-time DSLR buyer, who equates overall image quality to megapixel count, supposed to make sense of this?

At the prosumer level, I suppose the reception of the 5DIII and D800 will give an indication of the real-world value of ever-increasing resolution. Obviously, the D800 has proven that you can have phenomenal resolution and phenomenally low noise. At the APS-C level, however, I'm curious to see how things pan out. It looks like we're well on our way to having 30-plus mp sensors on crop bodies, primarily for marketing purposes. Are there ever going to be ad campaigns to attempt to educate consumers of the other factors affecting IQ and overall camera useful, or will manufacturers perpetuate the strategy of cramming as many megapixels on a tiny sensor as possible?