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Sony a7R III Review

March 4, 2019 by Jason Savage 2 Comments

Sony Alpha Camera

After finally having some time in the field with Sony’s a7RIII I thought I would share a few of my thoughts on their high resolution performer. 

Initially impressions were high when I received this last year. As with the a9 the body is nearly identical and a majority of the button layout as well. 

My first thoughts: 

Body ergonomics and size are very nice. Some have complained about the body not fitting well in their grip and having the pinky dangle aimlessly, which I can see happening for some. However I didn’t find this to be too bothersome. In addition I added a Really Right Stuff L plate to mine, so this was really a moot point on my end. 

I do like the aestihiccs of Sony’s body . Sony has always had a strong vision with their design not only with their camera line but with all their electronics. I certainly think this carries over well to their Alpha lineup. 

I do have one gripe though (as noted on the a9) and that is Sony’s lack of weather sealing on the bottom of the camera. Roger Cicala did a complete breakdown of this on Lensrentals which illustrates this particular shortcoming. 

It’s not a deal breaker for me, but I know it has been for some, especially those working in critically demanding situations. 

In all honesty, I’ve shot this body in days of down pour in the rainforest, some of the dustiest backroads, below freezing conditions and I’ve yet to have an issue. You just don’t want to set your camera down in a puddle of water, probably wouldn’t fair well. 

That aside, the rest of the body is fully sealed much like the a9 and for most of us, this is sufficient. 

Controls are nicely laid out, buttons are easy to press and everything is pretty much where you need it. I do like the customization, as you can prioritize certain buttons for certain features, really making things work for your own particular style of shooting. I do wish however they would move the menu button to the right side of the camera. If you are looking through the viewfinder and want to jump into the menu, you have to remove your eye and reach across with your right hand which just feels awkward to me. 

Olympic National Park

Performance

So lets talk about what’s under the hood. Everything inside the a7rIII is specactular for the most part. The sensor is one of the best I’ve used for overall color rendition, resolution and dynamic range. I noticed the dynamic range and pleasant color rendition right away after reviewing my first shots with this camera. It handles high ISO noise very well and I’m comfortable shooting up to ISO6400 all day long. The dynamic range performance was also very noticeable in a positive way, being able to bring in so much more shadow detail than on some previous sensors I’ve used.

Not only is the performance of the sensor impressive but it also seems to repel dust extremely well.

As with with all mirrorless cameras there is no mirror to protect when changing lenses, leaving your sensor exposed to the elements. I’ve had no issues keeping the sensor clean, matter of fact I don’t think I’ve had to wet clean this sensor once since I’ve had it. Very good coating and sensor clean technology.

Performance seems to hit a sweet spot with me for this camera. It shoots ten frames per second which is completely adequate for almost all wildlife and fast moving subjects and it has some of the best autofocus I’ve used on any camera. Matter of fact the auto focus was one of the first things that caught my attention when I started shooting with it. Not only does it lock on and track subjects incredibly well, but how it handles busy and distracting elements was what impressed me the most. Tracking a moving animal through the brush or trees, following a bird in flight with busy backgrounds; all handled extremely well. 

My only couple gripes I had with performance related more to the processing with Sony’s software and chip. The first thing I noticed was the seemingly long load times when formatting a card. It usually takes around 8-10 seconds to format a card (64gb Sandisk 300MB/s). Now this may seem like a trivial amount, but when you have amazing light changing or wildlife in action and your card fills up, that extra time you have to wait can be the difference in getting the shot. Most formatting I was used to on DSLRs and other systems was near instantaneous with maybe a second or two to accomplish. I imagine Sony will improve on this with future models or updates. 

The other complaint I had was on a similar note. The ability of the a7rIII to capture sequences with a high buffer is nice, but it can relegate certain functions on the camera inoperative while it’s buffering. In real world shooting this can be prohibitive to workflow and it is something that needs to be improved on. One example I keep running into is switching from full format to aps-c mode when shooting wildlife. The a7rIII will give the appropriate field of view through the viewfinder when switching from full frame to aps-c and visa versa, but not when the camera’s buffering. The usual scenario will be me shooting bursts of wildlife in action and wanting to get some extra reach and recompose the scene, but unable to switch to aps-c  mode as the camera is processing the preceding images. Again these might seem trivial on paper, but in the field these things are hiccups in the process of getting the shot. 

Standout features that I love:

The main selling point of the a7rIII and what I love about this camera is it’s “do all” ability. It’s such a well rounded camera particularly with it’s 42 mp sensor providing superior resolution for printing and it’s flexibility to shoot in 18mp aps-c mode all the while delivering 10fps and industry leading auto focus. 

If I had to travel with just one body, this is the one I would grab. When I’m out shooting wildlife and need some extra reach, I like being able to switch back and forth from full frame to aps-c. Sure you can do this in post, but to have real field of view though the viewfinder helps with composing for me. 

After shooting Canon for around 20 years and using many other systems, the Sony a7RIII may be one of my favorite cameras I’ve used thus far. It’s the camera I always want to grab when going out. 

While there are some considerations and gripes I have with some of the delay in it’s processor when dealing with the camera’s buffer and an omission of a weather sealing on the bottom, these aren’t deal breakers for me in such a well rounded camera that delivers outstanding files. I really like Sony’s overall system between bodies and lenses and in my first year of switching over to them, I am still extremely satisfied with my switch. I’m also looking forward to adding a couple of their recently  announced lenses to my arsenal particularly their 24mm 1.4 and the wallet-draining 400mm 2.8 at some point. 

These are just a few of my thoughts from being out there in the field. There are many other technical intricacies of the system, but hopefully this helps some of those that are choosing between Sony’s offerings or getting into mirrorless for the first time. 

 

Sony a9 Review

October 31, 2018 by Jason Savage Leave a Comment

Sony Alpha

Sony A9 Review

With my recent switch over to Sony I thought I would share a few of my thoughts and experiences with their bodies and lenses for those looking for some comparisons and also those possibly contemplating the switch from DSLR to Mirrorless. 

While a majority of my work is landscapes, I also do a fair amount of wildlife photography and always have a dedicated camera in my bag that meets those demands. 

Having been a Canon shooter for the last twenty years, the last bodies I used for wildlife were the 1DX series as well as the 5D mkIV on occasion. Those were some serious workhorses and stood up well in demanding conditions. Looking forward, I knew I needed something at least on par with them.

When I first switched to Sony I picked up their a7rIII. This camera in itself is really a “do all” camera. It shoots 10fps, has amazing autofocus and its 45 megapixels can be put into crop mode for extra reach. So when adding a second body for wildlife, I was really on the fence.  Should I get another a7rIII or go for the a9? In reality the a7rIII could do just about everything I need for wildlife, but I decided to bite the bullet and pay the extra $1000 at the time for the a9 to see if it was really worth it for a couple key standout features.

Body

When unboxing the a9, the first thing I noticed was how close in appearance it was to the a7RIII. Body size is identical and design is very similar. Which is a good thing! 

The one difference users will notice is a second dial up top that is used for both autofocus and frame rate selection. The other dial up top (which is the same on the a7rIII) is used for shooting modes and also custom mode selection. The back of the camera is well laid out with easy to reach buttons as well as a dedicated joystick for autofocus point selection. The memory card compartment has a nice pop open door and will take dual sd cards.

Overall I like the design. It’s compact and has a good layout. Some have complained on the ergonomics being a bit small giving the pinky finger no place to rest when gripping the camera. I can see why this might have an issue for some, but I don’t find it bothersome. I also use a Really Right Stuff L Plate on both of my bodies and that adds extra space to the bottom alleviating this issue entirely. I imagine Sony may address this in future body iterations as it’s something you continuously see brought up in reviews and online forums. 

The body of the a9 is tough and seems pretty solid. It’s made of an all magnesium alloy body and for the most part is well sealed against dust and moisture. The one caveat being the bottom of the camera. Sony did leave out a fully sealed battery compartment as well as a seal on the bottom plate of the camera (more on this in a bit), leaving it more susceptible to moisture.

Sony Alpha Camera

EVF

Sony’s EVFs are very impressive. The a9 uses a 3.9 million dot OLED with a 120fps refresh rate and frankly I think it’s the best I’ve used on any mirrorless system. This goes for both the a9 and the a7rIII as they both use the same EVF. I really don’t notice that I’m using an EVF during most shooting situations, it’s that good. One of the standout features with all mirrorless and not just with the a9, is the added bonus of being able to overlay your exposure info, histogram, view realtime exposure, focus peaking, etc…

Since switching from DSLRs I find the EVF advantages have grown on me so much that I really wouldn’t want to switch back to an optical finder. 

What I like and what I don’t

The two standout features that I purchased the a9 for were its blackout free shooting through the EVF and its 20fps shooting.

It does both of these things very very well. 

When shooting blackout free and using high frame rates, you are required to use the electronic shutter on the a9. In addition to blazing speeds, this also gives you complete silent shooting if you so choose. I have shutter replication sound enabled on mine most of the time, I use it just for reference though. I didn’t know if I was going to like this at first, as I’ve always been used to the familiar satisfying clunk of the shutter, but it really didn’t bother me one bit!

Tracking moving animals blackout free when shooing high frame rates is huge. It allows you to better frame and compose the animal in the scene, especially when panning.

After shooting thousands of images through the a9, I would say if you are a dedicated wildlife shooter or looking for a second body to fulfill those needs, both of these features are worth the extra cost. 

Also before I forget, I should mention its autofocus system. On paper it’s slightly better than the a7rIII, but in all honesty I can’t really tell any real world difference. They’re both so darn stinking good that maybe if all I shot were sports or wildlife day in and day out then maybe I might be able to differentiate. But at this level, its spot on. Matter of fact, I really feel like it performs much better than my Canon systems did and that’s really saying something. 

I’ve photographed a number of situations using multi autofocus points tracking animals through very busy situations which normally would give most systems trouble, but almost always it stays on point. Also if you like face and eye detection, the technology will leave your jaw on the ground, at least it did for me. Photographing my kids running around, the face detect never misses and enabling the eye focus, it locks on every time. 

Now a couple small gripes. First the menu system. Come on Sony, lets get things organized! I won’t go into this too much as there’s a ton of critiques on this already, but it could be better arranged. It still takes me time to find my way around, definitely not a deal breaker but can be improved upon.

The other big thing I’ve heard gripes about, not just on the a9, but across their other bodies as well, is the lack of weather sealing on the bottom of the camera. Be sure to see Roger’s tear down on Lens Rentals if you want to see the innards of a Sony and also the weather sealing issue addressed in detail. Besides the omission of sealing on the bottom,  the rest of the camera is tightly sealed for tough use. I don’t know why they did this, but it’s turned some photographers who routinely shoot in rough environments away from investing in Sony’s system.

Initially I had concerns about this, as I do routinely shoot in some pretty unforgiving environments.

However, I spent numerous days this summer and into fall shooting in torrential rain storms, some of the dustiest environments you can imagine and both of my Sonys came out just fine. On one trip I spent 4 days in the mountains of Montana in some serious torrential downpours using a Lenscoat Raincover just as I did with my Canon’s and not one problem. 

After that experience, I’m not worried one bit. Still mindful when out, but not worried. I will say on future builds going forward, put the darn seal in! 

Summary

So I’ve put the a9 through its paces, worked in the some of the usual demanding situations I’ve shot in over the past 20 years, and came out with big smiles. I really love this camera, it just feels right, especially paired with Sony’s 100-400mm. I’ve also added the additional battery grip for better handling and vertical shooting controls and it feels like a little solid brick in the hands. 

In summary, if you’re looking for a fast, predictable and reliable body for sports or wildlife, the a9 delivers. Is it worth paying the extra cash above the a7rIII? I would say yes if you’re a dedicated wildlife or sports shooter who needs every last bit of help making your job easier in the field and really need those few extra features this body offers. 

Highly Recommended!

Canon 5D Mark IV

November 19, 2016 by Jason Savage Leave a Comment

Canon Camera

I’ve finally had some time to really put the 5D Mark IV through some serious use and thought I would share a few of my thoughts on Canon’s latest update in the 5D series. 

These are just a few of my thoughts on what works, what doesn’t, and things that make the Mark IV stand out against its predecessor the Canon 5D Mark III. 

First off most of the externals are the same. Canon has added a new selection switch directly below the back joystick and they have also added a plastic prism cover that accommodates the added wifi, although it’s not very noticeable. The ergonomics of the body essentially remain the same and if you’re a longtime Canon shooter, you will probably appreciate this. The body is actually a hair lighter than the 5D Mark III, but size seems identical. 

One new feature on the back is the new LCD Touchscreen, a first in the 5D lineup. I was initially impressed by its responsiveness and convenience, although I will admit with my workflow around the camera I just don’t use it much, but it is nice to have and I imagine some will enjoy it. I do use it when selecting images for WiFi transfer.

As far as the internals go, I have been really impressed with a few new features that really make the 5D Mark IV a worthwhile upgrade. 

First is the 30MP resolution increase. This is a very nice spot for a camera of this caliber and it offers a lot more versatility for those who may want to crop their images to get some extra reach or those who are making larger size prints. I think it’s a nice increase from the 22mp of the Mark III and it doesn’t seem to impede on the overall function of the camera too much. 

The other area that I think really puts the 5D Mark IV into the perfect “do-all” camera is its increased frame rate to 7FPS. This really makes it capable for a serious wildlife camera for a majority of folks, although depending on what you’re shooting, a faster frame rate may be warranted, but for most situations this can fit the bill. In addition to the faster frame rate, the improved autofocus is even better now, especially in low light (if you can somehow imagine that?) It’s what’s found in the 1DX II and has greater improvements in tracking and low light performance. I have definitely noticed a real world improvement compared to the 5D Mark III.

Canon 500mm
Testing out the new 5D Mark IV on Canon’s 500mm f4L IS II.

In addition to the higher resolution, faster frame rate and improved autofocus, is the updated ISO performance. Here we really don’t see much increase in low light noise compared to the 5D MarkIII. Maybe just a hair at a 1/2 stop improvement at best, but you also have to remember we have increased the resolution to 30MP which creates more challenges for low light noise performance. I’ve found shooting up to ISO6400 to be quite acceptable, especially with improvements in noise correction in Lightroom over the last couple years. 

Other then some of these notable updates, the menu system still remains mainly the same, I’m glad to see Canon continuing to use this format as most are use to it by now. Wifi and GPS are nice features also to have and Wifi is new to the 5D line. I have used it a few times using Canon’s own app while downloading selected images directly to my phone and iPad. What I like with this is you can shoot in RAW and it will convert it to JPEG when transmitting it to your devices, very nice indeed. 

All in all the Mark IV is probably the best, well rounded camera I have ever used from Canon. I really do consider it to be the perfect “do-all” camera for those looking for one camera to rule them all. I am using the Mark IV for landscape, travel and wildlife photography, and so far it has not disappointed. I’ve tested it out in drenching downpours and massive dust and dirt and no problems whatsoever. Forgot to mention they also have improved the internal weather sealing slightly as well. 

Currently I am using the 5D Mark IV paired with the 5Dsr for a nice well rounded kit, but I think I would be just as happy replacing the 5Dsr with another 5D Mark IV. I am no longer shooting with the 1D series as I am tired of lugging around the extra weight and for what I shoot, the 5D series work very well. I hope this helps for someone looking to either upgrade or just getting into Canon’s lineup!

 

Canon 16-35mm f4L IS Review

September 29, 2014 by Jason Savage Leave a Comment

Canon Lenses

Now that I’ve had the opportunity to spend a couple months thoroughly testing out the 16-35mm in the field, I thought I’d post my final opinion on this new wide angle that was released in June from Canon.

So far this lens has traveled with me to numerous workshops, many miles on Glacier National Park’s trails and around the awesome landscapes of Washington’s Palouse.

I’ve put this one through many storms, dust, rain and everything else in between. It’s pretty much been glued to my 1DX since I received it in June.

To start out, I first will say I’ve had plenty of experience with just about all of Canon’s wide angles and wide angle zooms. For a number of years I shot with the 17-40mm f4L and after that the 16-35mm 2.8L II. I’ve also used a number of primes including one of my favorites the 24mm 3.5L ts II.

Going into this, like many others, I had a little grumbling here and there with the 16-35mm 2.8L II’s corner sharpness and performance on the long end, particularly when shooting landscapes. I also had some reservations about a few of the changes on the new F4 version, including the 9 aperture blades vs. 7 on the 2.8 version for sunburst shots. And the f4 vs. the f2.8 was a bit of concern as well in regards to night photography.

First off, the previous corner sharpness and other issues with the 16-35mm 2.8II have been greatly improved providing edge to edge sharpness. All around the image quality is getting right up there with the 24-70mk 2.8L II and the other improved optic updates Canon has released. I’ve done some pretty extensive testing in the field and I am completely impressed, no grumblings here!

The new 16-35mm f4L IS also comes with IS, which at first I was kind of scratching my head as I was with a few of Canon’s other wide angles that include it. But in real world use I do like it, and found that down to 1/10 when holding steady I was getting some sharp images. I probably would have been just fine without it, but I feel it’s a nice addition and it’s coaxing me off my tripod a little more often in difficult shooting situations and providing a little more assurance.

Canon at Glacier National Park

And for me, the whole issue with aperture blades really wasn’t a big deal. For those unfamiliar, the 7 aperture blade lenses will give you 14 point sunstars, whereas the 9 blade ones will give you 18 points. It’s just a personal preference thing, and I find both appealing.

For night photography, the f4 is a serious concern and really f2.8 or faster is ideal. However as others have tested, the f4 does perform well, but it does force you to go with a little longer exposure or use a higher ISO which can result in more noise. So not my preference, but acceptable and something I think I can live with.

As far as construction goes, this one uses the new build that is present in the 24-70mm 2.8 L II and 100mm 2.8L macro, utilizing a professional grade plastic build and latest optical coatings. One thing this accomplishes is lower weight and very good durability, there doesn’t appear to be any problems here.

That’s it for the pros. As far as the cons, I really can’t find anything to pull apart with this lens other than it would have been nice to have a f2.8 for night photography. Oh and also another for the pros, cost. Coming in at $1200 most will find this tolerable to very reasonable as far as current Canon glass prices go.

So to finish, I will say without a doubt that this is in my opinion one of Canon’s best wide angle zooms they have ever made and they have really knocked it out of the park on this one. I sold my 16-35mm 2.8L II and have absolutely no regrets.

If you’re concerned about image quality of previous wide angle zooms from Canon, want the best build quality and can live without f2.8, I would say this one would be a great choice and a nice addition to any Canon shooters bag.

Canon’s 24-70mm 2.8L II

February 24, 2014 by Jason Savage Leave a Comment

Bozeman Real Estate

I shot this image over the weekend, just as the last light of the day was fading on this old red barn near Bozeman, Montana. I’ve been using the newer 24-70 2.8L II for the better part of a year now and I’ll have to say that I’m very impressed with this lens. I’ve used the older version for years, matter of fact I’ve had a couple of them, and it was a great lens in itself. The newer one however, improves a lot in the edges and corners. When shooting at 24mm, in my opinion, it’s one of the sharpest wide angles I’ve used, right up there with Canon’s 24mm 3.5 tilt shift.

I love using the 24-70 2.8L II for walk around, general stuff. This was perfect for this barn, allowing me to go wide enough, but also getting in tight if I needed to when experimenting with different compositions. Unless I’m doing ultra wide landscapes, I really prefer to have this on my camera for those unexpected moments, where having some flexibility in your focal length range as well as some of the sharpest optics in a Canon zoom makes a big difference.

Canon 5D markIII 24-70mm 2.8L II  f16  1/180  ISO400 (handheld)

Gura Gear Uinta Review

February 8, 2014 by Jason Savage 6 Comments

Uinta Backpack

 

So first before doing this review, I must confess that I’m a bit of a camera bag nerd. There’s something about the quest of finding the perfect bag and organizing all that gear that does it for me.

As a professional photographer, I’m also looking for a bag that’s going to make my job easier traveling, hiking, and can stand up to the day to day abuse that we outdoor photographers put our equipment through….

Read More

Gura Gear Uinta

February 2, 2014 by Jason Savage Leave a Comment

Gura Gear Backpack

I just picked up the Gura Gear Uinta and have been testing it here in the mountains of Montana over the past few days. I will be heading to Yellowstone this week and when I return I will be posting a review with my thoughts on Gura Gear’s latest release. Stay tuned…

Canon 5DMKIII Review

July 31, 2012 by Jason Savage Leave a Comment

Canon Eos 5D MKIII Review

So I picked up the 5DMKIII a few weeks back and I thought I would post a brief review for all of you who are still on the fence with upgrading or jumping into a new system.

Just to clarify I had been shooting with a 5DMKII for the last few years as one of my main camera bodies.

Initially I was hesitant to upgrade, as the preliminary reviews I read indicated that image quality wise there wasn’t much of a difference. In fact the 5DMKII appeared a tad sharper at low ISOs when shooting RAW (I’ll get to this in a bit).

However, since my will power is very weak when it comes to new Canon equipment, I tossed logic aside and sold off my 5DMKII for it’s replacement.

First thing I did was compare image quality, as this was my biggest concern since my 5DMKII was primarily used for landscapes. The reviews that I had read seemed to hold true, the 5DMKII was indeed a hair sharper at lower ISOs when shooting RAW. In turn the 5DMKIII was going to require a bit more sharpening.

To be clear on this, we’re talking a very minimal amount and as some reports suggested, it’s the result of a more aggressive anti-aliasing filter in the 5DMKIII. Whether this is true or not I do not know. One thing is for sure though, sensors these days seem to be tied together more closely with post processing and benefit to a higher degree than in the past. Things looked really nice after a bit more of sharpening in post, so this whole issue really fizzled after some real-world shooting. Also I was pixel peeping like crazy as well.

That aside, the camera is a blast to shoot with. The new auto focus system (which is really the high point) is amazing, ergonomics are well designed,lots of news bells and whistles, and overall, just a very well rounded camera.

Eos 5D MarkIII Review

Here are a few pros:

Viewfinder: Big improvement over the 5DMKII, it’s color and increased size are stellar. Not to mention they finally put a glass cover on it, similar to the 1DMKIV and 7D.

FPS: The increase from 3.9 to 6 frames per second is definitely welcome and necessary with the new auto focus system.

Menu System: I really like the new layout of the menu system (same as 1dX). It’s well organized and easy to navigate with some things like Mirror Lockup no longer buried in Custom Functions (although, it still would be nice to have a dedicated button on the outside). Definitely a step up from previous systems.

Build Quality & Ergonomics: The build and design on this camera is excellent. One thing that stands out is the handling. Like the 7D, the back has a contoured grip which really feels nice and comfortable in your hand. Button layout is great (except the new zoom placement) and everything is well thought out. In addition it has improved weather sealing over the MKII and of course a magnesium alloy body. Also the smaller size over the 1D series makes this a great choice for those wanting to travel lighter.

Odds & Ends: Exposure compensation has now gone from 2 to 3 stops on the top LCD screen, Silent Shutter, Multi Exposure Mode, In Camera HDR, Mode Dial Lock, Depth of Field Preview Button relocation, and Dual Card Slots are all new welcome features.

Sensor: As I said the new sensor has some differences when compared to the 5DMKII. It’s also been upped from 21mp to 22mp. The ISO performance has been improved as well. Canon claims 2 stops, but from what I’ve seen this is only as it relates to shooting JPEGS. In RAW I can really only see a 2/3 stop improvement past ISO 800. Not much, but welcome. Now I haven’t done any scientific comparisons, but things like color, white balance and dynamic range seem to have been improved. Considering these characteristics, I have been more impressed with these files than with the 5DMKII. Very nice indeed. Sensor size remains full frame and forces wildlife photographers to lose the crop sensors. Not a huge deal to me, but may be for some.

Autofocus: Last but not least is the Auto Focus. All I can say is Wow! I was expecting a decent system after reading early reviews, but this system is in a league of it’s own.

Now my 5DMKII had been used primarily for landscapes, so I didn’t use it’s servo modes much or put it through many difficult shooting situations. But I have used Canon’s 1D series and the 7D auto focus systems for wildlife, so I’m well aware of difficult situations and the limitations imposed by certain systems.

My hope was to start using the 5DMKIII for wildlife as well as landscapes, so I was eagerly waiting to test this new auto focus out. All I can say is, it’s by far the best system that I’ve ever used and has allowed me some new creativity in difficult shooting situations.

For example, a couple weeks back I was photographing Blacktail fawns in Olympic National Park. The fawns were running and playing with each other in the rainforest on a rainy Washington day. I was shooting in very low light at ISO 6400 and the camera was nailing it. Every shot. Pretty amazing and I was very happy with the results. A very difficult situation with low light and fast subjects.

In addition, the new auto focus system comes with six different “Case” modes to choose from that depict particular shooting situations. At first this seems a little daunting as there are 3 different sliders in each “Case” that can be adjusted, but after spending some time scouring the Internet and messing around a bit, they become a bit easier to figure out.Gary Luhm also has a great tutorial on his website for choosing and modifying the different “Case” modes that I found as a good starting point.

Canon 5D Menu

Now the Cons:

Price: This seems to be the big gripe that is all over the photo forums and I think it’s rightly so. Canon’s aggressive pricing lately has left many scratching their heads and keeping their wallets in their pockets. Whatever the reason for the increases, they seem to be drawing a new line in the sand that a lot of photographers aren’t willing to cross. With this camera, as great as it is, I feel that it should be priced closer to $3000 than the MSRP of $3500. It may get there over time, but I think it has kept a lot of folks sitting and waiting and less sales for Canon.

Zoom Button: Say it isn’t so! Who knew I would miss the placement of the zoom preview button. Canon’s image preview zoom button has been in the same location for as long as I can remember. Now it has moved to the button array on the left side of the camera and you have to use the upper dial near the shutter button to zoom in and out when previewing your images. You can, however, reprogram it so the “Set” button in the middle of the back rotating dial acts as the zoom button and also program it to start out at a higher zoom magnification so moving the upper dial back and forth isn’t necessary, but’s it’s still awkward and a pain to get used to.

Card Speeds: Now I haven’t tested this, but it has been confirmed that when using a secondary SD card that the camera defaults to the read/write speeds of the slower SD card. Not a huge deal for stills, but I can see it being a bit of a pain for fast action.

Auto Focus at F8: For those that are using a 2X converter on F4 lenses, the ability to auto focus at F8 is disabled on this camera as well as the newly released 1DX. I don’t really have an opinion on this, as I don’t use 2X converters, but I can see how this would be a problem for those who regularly use them. Not sure if a firmware can ever fix this, but I know a lot of wildlife shooters are waiting to see.

Quality Control: Now this may not reflect the camera as a whole as it’s just my experience, but I did have to send the first one back as it had a bunch of dust and fibers behind the optical lens of the eyepiece, enough so that it looked like I had recently returned from a trip to the Sahara. The second camera had a big piece of who-knows-what stuck to the sensor which required a wet clean right out of the box. So hopefully it was just me with bad luck that week, but needless to say, when dropping over 3k on a camera body, these sorts of random oversights during assembly are a bit of a concern. Also as a disclaimer, I’m completely anal.

So that’s it, my likes/dislikes. Overall a superb camera that really establishes itself as a “Do it all camera”. The quality is fantastic for landscapes, like it’s predecessor. Auto focus puts it into new uses for wildlife photographers, photojournalists, wedding photographers, etc.

Some wildlife guys and gals may have reservations about switching from a crop to full frame sensor, but in my experience it can force you to improve your skills as a photographer. This, coupled with the improved quality, makes it an easy switch.

So if you want a camera that’s going to do it all, and you want something lighter and easier to pack around than a 1D series, I would highly recommend!

Fuji X-Pro1

January 19, 2012 by Jason Savage Leave a Comment

Fuji Camera X-Pro1

As you’ve probably heard there’s been an awful lot of excitement over the last couple weeks with all of the CES announcements. Apparently mirrorless camera systems continue to generate a ton of buzz and this seems to be one of the fastest growing divisions within the camera industry at the moment.

I’ll have to say I hadn’t really been following a lot of these developments until recently and have been pretty surprised how quickly things are moving within this market.

Rarely do I get this excited about something especially within this area of cameras, but Fuji’s announcement of it’s new X-Pro1 this last week has made me sit up and pay attention….

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Lightroom 4 Beta

January 11, 2012 by Jason Savage Leave a Comment

Photoshop Lightroom

More exciting news this week, Lightroom4 Beta has finally arrived and it’s loaded with some great new features and refinements.  You can download this for free and it’s available until March. Of course being a Beta, Adobe would like any feedback with bugs, etc. You can download it at Adobelabs.com

So far I really like some of the new tools and develop adjustments they’ve added. One set in particular is the Highlights & Shadows sliders in the Develop Module. These replace the Recovery & Fill Light sliders and the control they give you is just amazing….

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About

Based in Montana, Jason works as a freelance and commercial photographer, specializing in travel and outdoor photography.

His work has been featured in National Geographic Traveler, Time, Outside, Audubon, Outdoor Photographer,The Nature Conservancy and many others.
His images have also been featured in numerous advertising campaigns, books, and calendars around the world.

Contact

Jason Savage Photography
546 Fox Meadow Ln.
Hamilton, MT 59840
jason@jasonsavagephoto.com
406-202-0709

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