Archive for the “Cameras” Category

I was a Nikon user for many years. When digital hit, some of us pros felt abandoned. Our visual memory was programmed to see full frame 35mm proportions. We knew what lens would give us what angle of view. Canon came out with a full frame camera. At 16.7 mg, it meant double page spread at 300 ppi. It looked like Nikon had no intentions of following suit, and when they did finally come out with a full-frame camera it took them years to catch up. I switched to Canon and have not looked back.

Well my pair of Canon 1DS Mark II camera bodies have now become backups to my 5D Mark IIs. Having two means you have a back up and you don’t change lenses as often to avoid the dust problem as much as possible.  It’s full frame, 21 mp, and at less then half the price of my originals.

After a few ups and downs (mainly the mirror box assembly) and waiting on batteries, I have been using them for everything. The image quality is fantastic in my opinion. They are everything you would expect from a 21 mp full frame camera.  I am very pleased.

Since I am coming from a 1DS MKII the new camera feels much different.  I am not sure about the weather proofing and the durability overall.  The 5D MKII does focus slower.  I have noticed a difference.  The batteries seem to last forever and I am really enjoying the larger LCD.  I think the menu items are easier to find, although the mirror lockup is still pretty hidden.  Overall you can’t go wrong with this one.

My trusty tripod of 15 years died.  It was run over on a shoot.  Yes, run over.  I replaced it with an INDURO.  You really do get what you paid for.  It was cheaper than a Gitzo.  The first one I got had one leg that wouldn’t extend without standing on the tripod and pulling.  I sent it back to B&H (they are very good about returns). After about 6 months, the second one had a leg that sticked the same way.  Ebayed it. I bought a Gitzo and a Classic Rapid column.  I should have done this in the first place.  It’s great.