September 17, 2008

16

Canon, Gavin Seim, news, ProPhotoShow

Canon 5D Mark2 is here: Canon bites back (UPDATED)

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It was bound to happen sooner or later, but sooner finally arrived A bit later that some had expected, but it came. The Canon 5D MK II is official, and looking really good. It’s been announced for Nov release. Here’s my favorite highlights.

Update 11/08: The MK II is said to be shipping mid to lat November. The date is not solid as of this update.

  • 21.1-megapixel full frame sensor:
  • DIGIC 4 processor, significantly lower noise, ISO range of 50 to 25,600:
  • 1920 x 1080 HD video capture with mic input:
  • 3.9 frames per second (14 frame Raw burst):
  • 15-point Autofocus:
  • 3.0-inch Clear View LCD:
  • Live View Shooting:
  • Auto Lighting Optimizer (helps even out harsh lighting):
  • 10.0 & 5.2 megapixel sRaw mode:
  • Integrated Cleaning System:
  • Update: IR Wireless Trigger
  • Update: Auto ISO settings
  • Update: Image copyright metadata support

UPDATE2: With MK II Samples

Delivery is scheduled by the end of Nov. Body only price will be around $2700 USD. Kit version with EF 24-105mm f/4L IS  lens will be around $3500 USD

On a personal note I can say that I can’t wait to get this in my hands. Canon took too long to get it here, but from the look of it they’ll be back in the contenders ring with Nikon. Since this is their #2 pro body. I’m curious what the new 1D will bring us. It can’t be far behind, since the specs on this would turn the current 1D into an electronic oldie. There’s a few more views of the new MK2 below. What ya think? Lets get the comments rolling.

Canon 5D MK2 Rear

Canon also announced:

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August 9, 2008

0

Canon, Cool Gadgets, Gavin Seim, Nikon, ProPhotoShow, Review

Cool Product Of The Week. Kenko Extension Tubes!

419ffbsjutl_ss500_.jpgExtension tubes allow you to put a spacer between your lens and your body this giving you a close macro focus distance.

Canon sells these, but there a bit pricey, so I decided to try the Kenko brand. They work great! You still maintain the contacts with the lens so you have all the metering and AF (though manual focus generally works better when your shooting a macro). You aren’t adding any glass in between, so image quality stays good, and the tube attached just like a lens.

Now if your really into macro a dedicated lens would doubtless be better, but these tubes are pretty cool. I just stick a 25mm tube on my lens, and I’m off to the races! I find my 24mm works best on the 50mm range lens.Wider angels don;t seem to like the tube, but I think the 12mm might work better for those.

You can the the whole set of 3 for Canon, or Nikon off Amazon for about 160- bucks (as of writing) Or you can just get one tube and see what you think. If your getting one I’d say start with the 12mm, or 24mm for Canon or Nikon

Here’s a shot I took this morning with a 24mm tube on my Canon 50mm. I’ve always thought macro was cool, this is a great way to play with it and get great results..

macro toothpicks

Gavin Seim

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July 5, 2008

3

Nikon

Cool Photo Gadget Of The Week ~ Lens Pen

lens-pen.jpgThe Lens Pen is a pretty amazing gadget for under 10 bucks. No batteries, no hassle. Every photographer should have this gem in their kit.

There’s a multitude of lens cleaning products out there, but the Lens Pen allows you to easily clean or brush off a lens. really fast, really portable, and really reusable.

To the point! On one end it’s a cleaning pad that really works, and without any solution (takes off fingerprints too). The other end is a retractable brush for getting off excess dust. It’s all about the size of a large pen.

This one is Nikon branded, but it’s cheaper and works great. I have two of them. You can’t go wrong with theese… Gavin Seim

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