5d MK2 rawks my socks off

At the CPPA meeting on 9-17-08, we were treated to something special. We were among the first people in the USA not affiliated with Canon to see the new 5D mk2.

All I can say is that I want one. Bad. Like sell a kidney bad.

Forgetting about the kick butt resolution. 5d Image quality that we have grown accustomed to and expect. Even forgetting the fact that they kept in the incredible direct print button.

I am soooooooooooooooo jacked about the video capabilites of this camera.

I know you're thinking whoa there kemosabe. You're a photographer not a videographer. Well I was thinking this could broaden the range of products that photographers offer, and even for cool marketing things you could do or put on your website.

But the proof is in the pudding and here is a sample of a 5d video.

http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2086

that's some pretty tasting pudding if you ask me.

That's my bag baby, YEAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!

Gotta love the Austin Powers.

So for anyone that comes across this blog from CPPA or anywhere else. I'm sure a question that will pop up for any photographer from another photographer is:

So what's in your bag?

Well here's what's I own Camera & Lens wise

Canon 5D gripped

Canon 40D gripped

Canon 24-70 2.8L

Tamron 70-200 2.8

Canon 10-22 3.5-4.5 EF-S

Canon 50mm 1.4

Canon 85mm 1.8

Canon 28-135mm 3.5-5.6

Here's my take on each camera I own

5d - I've shot 3 DSLRs in my life (5d / 40d / fuji s2) and the 5d is by far and away the best camera I've used so far. Personally I like the vertical grips because it let's me shoot my verticals straighter. The full frame sensor is superior to the 1.6x for my needs because of low light image quality and the ability for faster wide shooting (the 16-35 2.8L which is one lens I want bad, and the true 24mm on my 24-70). If you can afford to go full frame and do not have a lot of money invested in EF-S or for Nikon DX lenses, then I would highly recommend a Full frame camera.

40d - If your budget cannot reach the 5d or d700, then for professional use I would suggest the most camera your budget will allow. My own personal take is that the 40d / d300 should be the floor of what a professional uses. The image quality of those cameras far outstrips the Rebel Xsi / xti / xs line. Depending on your shooting style, you may actually prefer a 1.6x or 1.5x body to a full frame. The advantages of the crop bodies are added reach and faster frames per second. All in all when I can afford to upgrade to using 2 full frame camera full time, the 40d will make a worthy backup / emergency camera.

Here's my take on my lenses ranked in order of my favorite to least favorite

My main workhorses

1.) Canon 10-22 Ef-s 3.5-4.5 - For me, wide angle is where it's at. If I had a better telephoto zoom then I would probably rank that 1. My style calls for dramatic architectural and scene setting shots. Since I don't have the cash yet for the 16-35mm 2.8, this lil guy will have to do, and it does the job well.

40D / 10-22mm / f6.3 @ 1/640 sec ISO500 @20mm

2.) Canon 50mm 1.4 - the 50mm focal length has been a standard for many photographers through the years and using this lens on my 5D, it's easy for me to understand why. I hope to upgrade to the 50mm 1.2L someday, but for now this lens is more than capable of taking what I throw at it. I use this lens for low light story telling.

5d / 50mm 1.4 / f1.6 @ 1/50sec ISO1600

3.) Canon 24-70 2.8L - Surprising to see an L series lens below an EF-S and a normal 50mm. It all goes down to shooting style. The 2.8L is a VERY nice and sharp lens. But for my style I like extreme lenses, either ultra wide angle or telephoto. For my inbetween work I prefer a prime lens for the low light capability and sharpness. So even though it's the most expensive lens I own, its only rates 3rd for me. But it is a very nice lens that cover the standard wedding fare.

5d / 24-70 2.8L / f-4.5 @ 1/125 sec ISO 800 24mm

4.) Tamron 70-200mm 2.8 - This is a focal length that I absolutely adore. Unfortunately budget limited me to the Tammy. If I had the canon 70-200 2.8L IS then this would be my 1st or 2nd favorite focal length. Due to the lack of IS (crucial for long lenses) and slow AF I can't say I love using this lens. But if budget is a concern then til you can afford to the canon it's a good stop gap

5D / Tammy 70-200 2.8 / f-4.5 @ 1/500sec ISO 1000 70mm

My meh lenses

Canon 85mm 1.8 - Since I got the 50mm I prefer it for the extra 1/2 stop of light. the 85mm focal length doesn't intrigue me as much as the 50mm. So this lens hardly sees the light of day.

Canon 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS - Kit lens, enough said.

So hope that this read was informative. If you're from CPPA please read my newsletter in the CPPA email listing.

If you have any questions, please email me at chrisc@photoprismcolorlab.com or feel free to drop and ask a question.

Til next time.