I haven’t done a “Photography News Round-Up” in a while; mostly because I usually post items of interest on my Facebook page which then gets posted on Twitter. So if you are already following me there, the following items won’t be news to you. For everyone else, I wanted to get you up to speed on some things you might have missed last week.
First up: from Nikon Rumors, the Nikon D90 is now officially on the “discontinued” list. It was replaced by the D7000 last year.
In other Nikon news: a guest post on Nikon Rumors last week tested the sharpness of 16 different lenses. There’s a slideshow gallery and you can view the larger images on Flickr.
Over on the Canon Rumors site, there’s word that there may be updates to both the 1.4 and 1.8 versions of the 50mm lens.
You probably read in a previous postabout price increases for camera lenses and bodies most likely due to supply disruptions in Japan. Well, if it’s any consolation, Canon Rumors is also reporting that 3 lenses are part of Canon’s spring rebate program. They are:
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 ($150 rebate)
EF 75-300mm f/4.5.6 ($50 rebate)
EF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6 ($100 rebate)
Not exciting enough?Well there are also reports that Best Buy has started a price war on many Nikon and Canon lenses and bodies. I checked the prices against Amazon, and if they are true, then they really look like good deals. The 5D MKII, for example, is listed at $2124 with in-store pick-up only. But when I checked on the Best Buy site for stores in the Orlando area, not only was the price around $2800, but they were out of stock. If you’re interested, click the link and check it out for yourself. Let me know if you have any luck. Happy hunting!
One question I get asked a lot is “which DSLR should I get”. Whether it’s a first purchase or an upgrade, the answer usually depends on what type of shooting you want to do and your budget.
About a year ago, I found a Web site that makes it easier to find what you’re looking for. At Snapsort.com, you can learn about cameras, explore different types or just type in your budget and kind of camera you’re looking for; whether it’s a DSLR or point-and-shoot. But the tool I like and use the most is the compare feature.
[Disclaimer: Snapsort is holding a contest for anyone who blogs about the site, but that is not why I am writing this. I've known about the site for a while and I refer people there often. I just referred someone there a couple of days ago, so I thought I should let other people know]
What I like about the compare feature is being able to compare the specs of two cameras side-by-side. The site used to declare a “winner” which I disagreed with. Now it just gives each camera a score and gives a recommendation. I even take this with a grain of salt. You see, the “winner” or recommendation is based on specs; but your needs may be different. Compare, for example the Canon 5D MKII with the 1D MK IV. The 5D is full frame but shoots just under 4 frames per second. Where the MK IV has an APS-H sensor and shoots 10 frames per second. Which is better? It depends on what you shoot. A sports shooter would love the MK IV where a landscape photographer would choose the 5D. Still, being able to see the specs side-by-side for yourself is a quick and convenient way to decide. The cameras are evaluated on things like resolution, ISO, viewfinder coverage, LCD resolution, video capabilities and more.
Nikon and Canon’s Web sites let you compare its models; but the Snapsort site lets you compare any make with another. So you can compare Nikons with Canons or Sony’s etc. Apples and Apples or Apples and Oranges. Pretty handy if you’re trying to decide which brand to go with.
The comparison gives you reasons to consider each camera and gives you a list of competitors to consider.
To find the right lens, use the tools at LensHero. Simply input your camera, budget and what type of lens you’re looking for and it spits out recommendations complete with specs, prices and reviews.
So if you’re struggling with choosing the right camera or looking to purchase that next lens, these two stops will make researching a lot easier and help you make the right choice.
I just discovered a known issue with the Pocket Wizard firmware for Canon. I use the PW Mini and Flex units. The vast majority of the time, I’m just firing one remote speedlite and it works just fine. The problem started when I tried to add a second 580 EXII onto the camera. In case you’re not familiar, here’s the set-up: The Mini sits on the camera’s hotshoe and triggers the Flex which has a flash mounted on it. I then slide another flash onto the mini. The instructions say that the unit on the mini must be set to “master”. I followed all instructions and nada.
So I called tech support and they told me it’s an issue with the latest firmware (which I faithfully update). They sent me some files where I can revert my units to the previous firmware and told me the next update should clear it up. I just reverted the firmware last night and the system works perfectly.
This may not affect you if you never have a speedlite on camera while triggering another off-camera; I rarely do (mind you, I’m not talking about using an on-cam flash to trigger another as with Canon’s wireless controls or Nikon’s CLS). But the product should work as advertised in the moments when, say, you want to use an on-camera flash for fill. Or another instance that I found myself in when I wanted to use high-speed sync. As you may know, HSS or Auto FP for Nikon users, is a great way to shoot at shutter speeds above your camera’s sync speed (around 200th/sec). But doing so comes at the price of power. So having a second flash firing in HSS (even if it is on camera) is a good way to compensate.
If you’re having the same issues, now you know what it is.
From the good folks who take apart DSLRs, comes this video of a look inside a Nikon D7000 . (Don’t bother with the audio, it’s not in English).
It really reminded me of this:
In other Nikon news, Nikon Rumors is reporting that the D5100 release is just weeks away. It could have 11 auto-focus points and possibly a 16.2 MP sensor. Detailshere andhere.
Tripods are like camera bags. You spend a lot of time researching for the one that suits your needs and not long after you’ve found the perfect one you find you need another one.
When choosing a tripod, make sure it’s a solid one. That last thing you want is to put your thousand-dollar DSLR on a 20-dollar tripod from Best Buy. It might get you by for a little while, but if you want to get serious about taking rock-steady and tack-sharp images, then you need to step up to the professional level; and as you’re about to find out, it’s not as expensive as you might think thanks to a little known brand.
So when do I use a tripod? Whenever my shutter speed is below 1/60th of a second. Or when shooting portraits and I need to lock down my composition for repeated shots.
My first tripod is the one pictured above; the Manfrotto 190 CX PRO3 Carbon Fiber. I was attracted to carbon fiber from my days shooting TV news. The carbon fiber sticks were rare and on the few occasions I got to use one it was a dream compared to the big, bulky tripods needed to support a huge television news camera.
Pros and Cons
There’s nothing wrong with my tripod. It’s super light, which is great ’cause my camera bag is a back-pack and the tripod attaches to it and I hardly feel the weight. Another cool feature is the center column can go vertical which, when you spread the legs, allows your camera to be just inches from the ground; great for low angle or macro photography.
Check out this review for close-up pictures and images of the different configurations.
The only drawback is a purely aesthetic one. I was surprised at how thin the legs were. Sure, this contributes to the low weight, but when I look at my tripod, it just doesn’t look professional; at least not like the sticks I used in news or see other pro photogs using. Then there’s the concern that thin legs can lead to instability, not that I can report that problem.
Hey, Nice Legs!
Let’s face it, “carbon fiber” is sexy. It sounds a lot better than “aluminum”. I use an aluminum Manfrotto for my interior/architecture shoots and it’s not that heavy. The legs are thicker, and two of the them are padded (adding, in my opinion to that professional look) so I’m not sure I’d want to carry it on my back for extended periods of time; but what I’m saying is, aluminum has come a long way and you can save money by forgoing the “sex-appeal” of carbon fiber.
The problem with carbon fiber, of course, is cost. The big names like Gitzo, Manfrotto and Slik charge a hefty premium for its respective carbon fiber line.
Induro CT-213 Carbon Fiber Tripod
I don’t know how I first heard of it, but there’s a company called Induro that makes relatively inexpensive tripods, both aluminum and carbon fiber. Some of their legs+head kits go for as little as $136.
Well, there has to be a catch, right? Maybe poor quality? So I researched and found only positive reviews, including this oneby Scott Bourne. He reviews the CT 414, Induro’s largest carbon fiber. I have my eye on the smaller CT-213 pictured above. I don’t have it yet so I can’t tell you what it’s like; but I like what I’ve seen and read.
Heads
There are essentially two types of heads; ball heads and pan/tilt. Ball heads give you quick adjustments. I use the Manfrotto 322 RC2 joystick style head.
Manfrotto 322 RC2
There are more traditional ball heads, I just liked the pistol grip of the RC2. I also use a pan and tilt model for my interior work. I find it gives me more exact movements on three different planes or axis.
But what if you could combine a ball-head with a pan/tilt and achieve motion on FIVE different planes? That’s just what Induro did with the PHQ 3.
Induro PHQ3
Again, I don’t have it yet, but Scott Bourne reviewed the PHQ3 here. What’s so special about it? Well I can’t say it any better than this video from the company:
I know this seems like a love-fest for Induro. I may be infatuated, but remember, I have not tried these products. Induro also makes more affordable heads (both ball and pan/tilt). I suggest shopping around and comparing the brands and models. Manfrotto is a well known name with some affordable options and Scott Kelby swears by the Really Right Stuffbrand.
Weigh Your Options
One last consideration is the weight of your gear. Check the specs of the tripod AND head to make sure it’ll hold the gear you have now and plan to use in the future. On my 190CX, for example, I can mount a Canon 40D with battery grip, flash and lens (either the 17-55 or 70-200) with no problem. But when I tilt the whole rig vertically, the head starts to slip; just too much weight. The box or instructions for your equipment should list its weight (usually in grams). Add this up and if you need to, look for a grams-to-pounds converter on the web.
Also make sure the legs extend as tall or collapse as low as you need it. The number of sections (more sections usually means lighter, but less stable), the type of feet and features like the moveable center column I mentioned are all things to consider.
A good tripod will last you years but it likely won’t be your only one.
[NOTE: If you came to this blog post looking for information on the 5D MKIII, this post was written in Jan. 2011. The latest news is that Canon may announce the MKIII on March 2, 2012. Check the Canon Rumors site linked below for the latest.]
If you follow the Canon Rumors site, then you know there’s been lots of buzz about the replacement for the 5D MKII. The rumors vary on release dates, even naming convention and a possible 28MP sensor.
Well, PC World just stirred the pot a bit by listing its most anticipated cameras of 2011. Among them is the 5D MKIII. Here’s the juicy part:
It may offer a 24 Megapixel sensor and dual DIGIC 4 processors. The 3-inch display may be an articulated LCD screen with 1.04 million dots. What is more, it may be touch sensitive, making it the first full-frame camera with such technology.
The article says to expect it before the end of June. We shall see. It also says it could be called the 6D and I disagree with that. The lower the number the higher the class; hence the 7D is not as advanced as the 1D series but it is more advanced, than say, the 60D. So to call it the 6D would imply that it’s not as good as the 5D MKII. Why would Canon update the MKII and not make it significantly better? I would say it might be called the Mark III or the 4D.
Also on the list is a Panasonic Lumix which makes a perfect segue into a bit of news I spotted on the PetaPixel site. The company just announced four new Lumix compact cameras. Hit the link for the details.
Lastly, Joe McNally and David Hobby (Strobist) are going on tour! No, it’s not a rock concert, but no two people rock more when it comes to off-camera flash. It’s called the Flash Bus Tour and it might be coming to a city near you. If you want to learn hot-shoe and off camera flash, you must go. Just don’t throw your panties on stage…Just sayin’.
A month or so ago I read an article that asked whether point-and-shoot cameras were going the way of the 8-track; some obsolete technology replaced by something better. That “something” is smartphones. Everyone, it seems, has one and the phones feature cameras. So not only do people always have cameras on them, but with apps they can alter and edit the photos.
Well, it looks like camera companies are responding by slashing prices. Check out this article which states some cameras with more features are selling for less than $100.
What do you think? Less demand means lower prices. Is this a last gasp?
Speaking of prices, a fellow photographer posted this interesting tidbit on Facebook. If true, it looks like Canon will be increasing the prices on their lenses come February 1. Honestly, the lenses I want are so expensive, a few extra bucks doesn’t make that much of a difference! Sad, huh?
In other news…I started reading the PetaPixel blog last fall and in December I was added as a contributing writer. Well on my twitter feed yesterday I saw something from Westcott Co. linking to a short film posted on the PetaPixel blog. So I check it out and it was from June of last year, but it was new to me.
It’s a short film called “Leave Me” by Daros Films. It centers around a broken Canon DSLR and a husband trying to reconnect with his wife. It is powerful, moving and very creative…
First, Nikon is extending their instant rebates on select camera/lens combos through January 29th. So if Santa didn’t bring you that toy you wanted, you can still pick it up yourself.
Lastly, Lexar announced the first 128GB extended capacity memory card.
The maximum data transfer speed is 20MB and will sell for the low, low price of $699! Why do you need that much memory? Well, with today’s DSLRs capable of shooting full HD video, you’ll want to capture more than a few seconds.
- If you have 14-minutes and 43-seconds, then you must watch this video of two of my mentors; Scott Kelby and Joe McNally talking to each other about photography.
- I spotted this very cool item on the PetaPixel site:
Camera Speaker from gadget4all.com
It’s a speaker that looks like a life-sized Canon DSLR with a 24-105mm L lens. You’ll notice it says “Caoon” instead of “Canon”. It can play audio files from a USB, SD card or from a device plugged in to the included 3.5 audio cable. It sells for $82.99. Click the image to go to the site.
