Scott's Photo Blog

How Good Is the Video From the New 5D Mark II? Pretty Damn Good.

Two readers sent me links to Vincent LaForet's video, Reverie, shot with Canon's latest DSLR the full frame Canon 5D Mark II.

How good is the HD video that a 5D Mark III DSLR can shoot? Well, if you have the professional equipment that LaForet has, pretty friggin' amazing. His short movie looks as good as anything you'd see in a movie or on MTV.

LaForet makes the most of some of a full-frame DSLR's strengths, including incredibly sharp focus and limited depth of field. He also uses the MTV-like technique of shooting in short clips - I haven't read yet how long the Canon can shoot a continuous HD clip, but I know that the Nikon D700 is limited to five minutes of HD video, and I think the Canon has similar constraints.

Will your videos look this good? It's important to remember that LaForet had a lot of resources at his disposal. Beautiful models, extensive lighting setups, exotic locales. He even shoots from a speeding sports car and a helicopter! He used no less than eleven expensive lenses for this shoot, and a third of the video is devoted to a long credit roll that lists all the people who make it possible.

So, while our results may vary, it's pretty eye-opening to see what a best-case scenario looks like in the hands of a master like LaForet.

Thanks for telling me about this Tony and Kevin!

A frame from LaForet's amazing Reverie, shot with a Canon 5D Mark II

Canon Rocks the House with the new 5D Mark II

Canon's latest and possibly greatest (even though it's not the cheapest) new full frame DSLR has revealed its specs: Let's herald the arrival of the Canon 5D Mark II. (What they didn't call it the 6D, I'll never know.)

I hate to pick on a specific journalist (see my post on the Canon 50D) but once again, Marty Katz of the NY Times amazes me by calling the announcement of the most-predicted camera ever a "September surprise." I can't think of an analyst or journalist, including me and Michael, who didn't foresee this camera arriving before the big trade show Photokina this year.

In any case, Katz breathlessly summarizes the camera's stats, although, once again, it's not clear if he's actually tested the camera, or if he's just restating Canon's press releases:

Cosmetically the same, the new version shoots full HD video and even better still pictures. The larger data stream from a 21-megapixel sensor is handled by more efficient amplifier circuitry and a new signal processor, the Digic IV, for a reduction in digital noise. Pictures are clearer and sharper, and a light sensitivity setting up to ISO 25,600 produces good pictures in very low light.

MPEG4 video can be shot for up to 29 minutes, depending on the content, at the high-definition resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels at 30 frames per second. A stereo external microphone can be connected, but the built-in mike is mono.

Here's some other pertinent features of the 5D Mark II:

• Live view shooting has face detection AF, which is very cool, although I don't think there's much point to shooting in live view with a DSLR.
• A continuous shoot time of up to 3.9fps. This is low compared to its competitors, but some analysts conjecture that this is a more honest estimate than the inflated claims that have been made in the past. Nevertheless, Canon rates the more-than-$1,000 less expensive 50D at much higher 6.3fps.
• It has the same high-resolution LCD of other new DSLRs, but DP Review finds that "Canon do seem (sic) to have made it even better with improved viewing angles and no less that three layers for anti-reflective material."
• The viewfinder has an improved 98% frame coverage, a personal best for Canon (and just about everyone else (but short of the Sony A900's outstanding 100% coverage).

Quoting DPReview again, the 5D Mark II is  "a camera that aims to leapfrog both its direct rivals, either in terms of resolution (in the case of the D700) or features (in the case of the DSLR-A900)."

Over on Imaging-Resource.com, Michael R. Tomkins reveals that Canon has lofty goals for the 5D Mark II "Along with a Digic 4 processor, this results in Canon making some very impressive claims about the EOS-5D Mark II. It was described to us as offering the highest image quality of any EOS DSLR to date."

Is Canon really saying that the 5D Mark II has higher image quality than their top-of-the-line EOS 1D Mark III and it's big brother, the 1Ds? Maybe. Technology does keep improving, and I can believe that the photos from a next generation camera are superior to its more expensive siblings.

However, the 5D Mark III lacks some of the pro-level features of those cameras, including faster frame rates, tougher weather sealing and built-in vertical grips. (BTW, are there any conspiracy theorists out there who think that Canon purposefully retarded the FPS rate on the 5D Mark III to maintain a market for the 1D's?)

The 5D Mark III's price of $2,699 is pretty good, maybe even great, for a camera with these specs. In fact, it's even cheaper than its closest competitors, the Sony A900 and the Nikon D700, which list for $2,999. And it's a friggin' Canon, people.

I still would have loved to see Canon kick everyone's asses by bringing it in for $2,499, though. I keep waiting for a camera company to give us AMAZING deals on it's bodies, knowing it will make up the difference by selling more lenses, flashes and other accessories. 

All in all, my faith in Canon is renewed with the release of the Canon 5D Mark III. Even if I can't afford it, I can still love it from afar.

Show Notes for The Digital Photography Show #97

Welcome to the expanded director's cut version of the The Digital Photography Show show notes.

Please consider nominating us for The Podcast Awards. Last year, we were so flattered and thrilled that you all got us nominated in two categories: People's Choice and Cultural/Arts. You can find the entry form here, and since they don't mind if you vote everyday, we don't either!

Today we're joined by Kerry Garrison of CameraDojo, a great resource for digital photography reviews and tutorials. Kerry talks about - and gives away - a sweet R Strap Camera Strap.

Don't forget to send us an answer to the trivia question by the date mentioned on the show for a chance to win the R Strap Camera Strap. You can write us here TheDigitalPhotographyShow@gmail.com. Be sure to put "CameraDojo" in your subject line.

Kerry and I also discuss Wescott lighting kits and why you should spend more on your lenses than you do on your camera.

As usual, Michael and I cover the world in digiphoto news. CNET had a video review of the upcoming Sony Alpha A900 which you can find here. As usual, Michael and I had different perspectives on CNET's review. I thought it was pretty damning; Michael is more inclined to hold his judgment. In the end, we both kind of agree - we'll  have to see more detailed reviews before deciding if Sony's first foray into the wonderful world of full frame sensors is a hit or miss.

I raved about the brilliantly-named Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28, a moniker which just rolls off your tongue, doesn't it? Read this review, which I found through the always-interesting Cameratown.

Don't those specs sound incredible? An18x optical zoom lens, 10 megapixel sensor, 2.7-inch LCD screen, face detection, a  mechanism that starts to focus even before you hit the shutter, RAW shooting ability and high-definition 1280 x 720p video? This sounds like a great camera for when I don't want to schlep the whole DSLR, but still want a wide range and the superior processing latitude you get with a RAW file. I may hop on the waiting list at Amazon.com, because they have the most liberal return policy I've ever encountered - they'll pretty much take back anything within the first thirty days, no questions asked. If you click through this link, you can join me there, or see a couple of other merchant choices, most of which have the camera in stock today.

Subscribe to The Digital Photography Show by Email and you'll get the posts announcing each new show in your inbox. That's gotta be better than most of your spam, no?

Wanna participate in the show?

• Send us an email at TheDigitalPhotographyShow@gmail.com.
• Leave a comment at www.TheDigitalPhotographyShow.com
• Call in a voice mail to US 301-637-7767
• If you're on MySpace, you can friend me!
• Join the listener-run (thanks Laurel and Frank!) Flickr group Friends of The Digital Photography Show at http://flickr.com/groups/thedps.
• Check out my first novel on Amazon.com - First You Fall. Fair warning -it's only for grownups!

Thanks! Scott

CNET Says Sony is Slowny

Last year, when Michael and I met with a Sony representative at a trade show, we were pretty psyched to hear about their upcoming full-frame DSLR, the Alpha A900.

But in a video review of the soon-to-hit-the-shelves camera, Lori Grunin (who, by the way, I love) comes to what I think are some pretty devastating conclusions.

First, the positives. Lori liked the camera's menu navigation and general feel, although she noted that the camera+lens was a pretty heavy combination. She also praised the camera's excellent battery grip and showed off the very-cool accessory flash that swivels in all directions. It also has a couple of other new technologies that might or might not be useful in actual shooting conditions.

But in the most critical areas, the camera sounds troubled. Lori says the image quality is "nice," noting that it "didn't blow me away." You have to watch the video to hear just how weak that "nice" sounds. It's the same "nice" I use when I hang my four-year old's finger-painting, that most resembles colorful vomitus, on the refrigorator door. "That's 'nice' honey," I say, while thinking "well, at least it'll kill my appetite; maybe I'll lose weight."

Even worse, she noted that the A900 is "slow," but which she means "it takes a relatively long time to focus."

A DSLR that focuses slowly? Isn't speed one of the major benefits of a DSLR? Fast focus times with no shutter lag? WTF is the point of a slow DSLR? How many people only shoot landscapes?

On the positive side, Sony's bringing this bad boy in at a buck short of $3,000. That's a pretty good price for a 24.6MP full-frame DSLR. But, still, function is everything, and if this camera strikes other reviewers as exhibiting the same flaws Lori found, I think it's in trouble.

The Digital Photography Show #96 - OnOne Software's $500 Giveaway

Today we're joined by Mike Wong of OnOneSoftware, who gives away a copy of the $499 Plug-In Suite 4. I say "$499" because that's what they charge for the bundle; if you bought the plug-ins individually, they'd cost over $1000! You can get the show here. 

"Suite?" They should call it "sweeeeet!" Cause it is. ("Sweet" instead of "suite." Get it? Funny, right? That's the kind of phonetic humor I just can't do on the show. See what you're missing?) Even better, although it's called the Plug-In Suite 4, it has six great plugs:

1. Genuine Fractals 5 Print Pro for high-quality enlargements,
2. PhotoTools 1 Professional Edition
3. Mask Pro 4 for removing backgrounds
4. PhotoFrame 3.1 Professional Edition for the perfect finishing touch to your photo
5. PhotoTune 2 for professional quality color correctionz
6. FocalPoint 1 for adding selective blur and vignettes to your photos.

Schwing! Be sure to send us an answer to the trivia question we ask on the show by Sept 30, 2008, for a chance to win this fantastic bundle: TheDigitalPhotographyShow@gmail.com.

Here's just a little something something I played with in FocalPoint. This effect took about 15 seconds to apply:

Before Focal Point:

After Focal Point: 

These is just my quick example, which would be pretty good if, for some reason, you wanted to call attention to the "staff only" warning on the sign. I used Focal Point's blurring capability to put the focus on the lettering. While I was in the FC control panel, I also threw in some vignetting to darken the edges a bit. See how the blur and light work together to draw your eye to what I want you to focus on? It was so easy. This is a plug-in I'm going to love playing with.

Visit the Focal Point homepage for some better examples and the free video tutorials.

In other news, Michael and I talked about the Canon 50D and the teaser ad for a possible Canon 5D replacement. Of course, that camera is just imagined at this point, but you can buy a 50D today!  Nikon's also been making news with the D90. David Pogue from the NY Times thinks the video capacity of this bad boy is nifty.

If you just click here to Subscribe to TPN :: The Digital Photography Show by Email you'll get the posts announcing each new show in you email. That's gotta be better than most of your spam, no? We’d love to hear what you thought of the show either here on the blog or at TheDigitalPhotographyShow@gmail.com. Wanna participate in the show?

• Send us an email at TheDigitalPhotographyShow@gmail.com.
• Leave a comment at www.TheDigitalPhotographyShow.com
• Call in a voice mail to US 301-637-7767
• If you're on MySpace, you can friend me!
• Check me out on Facebook, too!
• Join the listener-run (thanks Laurel and Frank!) Flickr group Friends of The Digital Photography Show at http://flickr.com/groups/thedps.
• Check out my first novel on Amazon.com - First You Fall. Fair warning -it's only for grownups!

Thanks! Scott

Love Before First Sight

If you've ever read personal ads online or in the newspaper - not that I'm saying that I have, mind you - you probably had the good sense not to fall in love until you, at the very least, actually met the author. If everyone was as beautiful and affable as their advertised selves, we'd have a lot of better looking people in this world.

But in an article on the upcoming Canon 50D, it seems to me that the author makes the mistake of becoming infatuated with a camera before they even date. In "An Upgraded Camera that Only Looks Familiar," writer Marty Katz gushes that "is a hot-rod sibling of the year-old 40D. It’s not just a cosmetic makeover. The 50D looks, feels and weighs the same, but the parts under the hood have been replaced with higher-horsepower components."

First of all, I have problems with that lede. It makes no sense. Katz writes that the 50D is "not just a cosmetic makeover," then explains that it looks, feels and weighs the same. If that's true, then it's not a "cosmetic" makeover at all.

But that's just style. I have a bigger issue when Katz goes on to write that the 50D gives you "faster, cleaner images" and that "the processor also focuses lenses a third faster." (Although, just to be bratty, I probably would have left the word "lenses" out of that sentence. What else would it focus? Its attention?)

My problem is: No where in the article is it stated or even suggested that Katz has ever used a 50D, let alone tested it vigorously enough to makes those assertions. My guess is that those claims came from Canon's press releases. So, shouldn't those sentences have started with "Accoding to Canon..." or some such?

This is the friggin' New York Times, people.

In truth, because the 50D crams a lot more megapixels onto a sensor that's the same size as the 40D's, I think the jury is still out on whether or not the new Digic IV processor can achieve what Katz calls "cleaner" images. If it can, more power to Canon. But I'll believe it when we see it in independent testing.

Take a look at the Times piece and tell me if you agree that it's a little too confident in presenting Canon's marketing claims as if they were proven fact.