Quick Thoughts - T4i(650d) mini and 70D

Update - The latest information does NOT mention the 70D - it looks like we will see the T5i (700D) and a smaller rebel 100D. 700D Specs are mildly improved over the 650D with one item worth noting, an 18-55 STM lens will be available in April. The 100D will be available in May. Canonwatch is talking about a smaller form factor DSLR from Canon that may be coming soon - specs sounds basically the same including using the same sensor used in the T4i(650D). FYI it is quite difficult to shrink a DSLR down as it needs a mirror and the space required is a significant percentage of the total camera size. My excitement level is a 4 out of 10. The next exciting announcement is later this month when we should hear about the 70D, a 60D replacement. The rumor is a return to the higher level occupied by the 50D. 50D 60D 70D Released in 2008, the 50D was placed solidly above the Rebel line, it offered a camera with magnesium body (think pretty tough) and professional features like Micro-AF adjust (not all lenses focus perfectly with all bodies, Micro AF allows you to tweak the alignment to get better results for each lens) and a fast burst rate with large buffer. Two years to the day later the 60D was announced and was seen by many as a departure from the prosumer line and a blurring with the Rebel line.  The 60D was slightly smaller, lost the magnesium body and the Micro AF adjustment.  It did gain video recording features and the articulated screen.   With the feature set of the T4i it is likely that the 70D will return the XXD line to a more professional level. This will increase the price with a kit costing somewhere in the neighborhood of $1500. This also puts it on par with Nikon's recently released and excellent D7100. If you follow all of the different Canon lines you may wonder where that leaves the 7Ds replacement, the rumor there is that the 7D Mark II will come in at much higher level too, close to $2000 and offering a high-end focus system and burst rate that is needed by sports and wildlife photographers. miniT4iBack to the idea of a smaller T4i- eh.  Traditionally Canon has offered a dumbed down rebel and budget friendly rebel that uses a similar form factor with cheaper sensor and missing a few features.  This sounds like the opposite - a smaller camera with the current T4i guts crammed inside.   I don't know how this will fit in the pricing scheme but Canon is certainly feeling pressure from the mirrorless and Micro 4/3 systems otherwise they wouldn't have rushed the EOS-M out the door with admittedly slower AF.     The smaller rebel rumor isn't very exciting unless it comes with a new feature or two and knowing these companies desire to extract every penny from our wallets those features will only appear in the second version. Someone left a comment on one of my videos "If only Canon and Nikon would combine we would have one Awesome camera"   Noooo this is exactly what we do not want.  Competition is good and I am pretty convinced now that the price of the T4i really dropped over the last months to get a solid install base before the D5200 was released though the Nikon still doesn't seem to be selling well and probably won't until it sees a price drop too. I'd love to hear your thoughts?

Nikon D7100 vs D7000 vs D5200

NIKON D7100 Image Key Differences between all three cameras - If a camera is not listed with a feature bullet it does not offer that feature.

  • 24MP with a new sensor(not the same as the 24MP sensor in the D3200 or the D5200) and the AntiAliasing filter has been removed potentially increasing the image quality in some situations.
  • D7100 offers a 1.3x crop mode. You resolution is now limited to 15MP but provides additional benefits (see next two bullets)
  • 51 AF points and when you shoot in the 1.3x crop mode nearly 100% of frame is covered by AF. D7000 and D5200 offer 39 AF points.
  • 6 frames per second, 7 when you shoot in the 1.3x crop mode. D7000 offers 6FPS and D5200 offers 5fps.
  • Improved weather sealing - moisture and dust seals.  D7000 was a little less weather sealed.
  • D7100 and D5200 share video features 1080i at 60fps with a host of additional resolutions/FPS, D7000 was limited to 1080p at 24fps(which isn't a terrible limit)
  • D7100 and D5200 offer onboard stereo mic. D7100 also has a headphone jack.  D7000 offers mono mic and mic jack.
  • D7100 offers spot WB
  • D7100 and D5200 offer in camera HDR and Multi exposure.
  • D7100 and D5200 are compatible with the little WU-1A wi-fi adapter- paired with the Nikon app on a smartphone you can trigger the shutter and download photos.

 Buy the D7100 from Amazon | B&H ( I suspect that this camera will see very well early on and it may be a bit harder to get one at release, the D7000 was well loved) D7100 Sample Images | SD Cards tested in D7100 Should you upgrade?The D7100 is now Nikon's flagship DX model and the image quality out of this camera reflect this level of performance.  I mean simply that this is one of the highest quality crop sensors in one of the best bodies you can buy at this price level and even higher.  If you have a Nikon D5100 or lower model this would be a worthy upgrade.  If you have a D7000, still a very nice camera, it becomes less clear if you should upgrade.  The sensor is better, you have some nice additional features and more robust options in video mode BUT you are likely to see a greater, more long-term improvement investing in glass. A possible exception, if you are getting paid to shoot, especially in lower light environments or situations where you need that full AF coverage (sports and wildlife photographers I am talking to you) and you have somewhat decent lenses already - you should consider upgrading. If you any questions about the D7100, D5200 or other cameras or lenses leave a comment or send me a message on my Facebook page.   Thanks for reading.   

Costco Bundle T4i vs Amazon Bundle Canon T4i

Multiple folks have asked me about the Costco Canon t4i Bundle. For $899 they are offering. . well just check out the spreadsheet below and see that buying from Amazon saves you $130. It is important to note that this savings is mostly from the 55-250 discount that ends on 2/16Deal is still live as of 2/18. As always let me know if you have questions.    UPDATE: Added a video that shows exactly how to get the 55-250 bundle.

Tutorial: How to Shoot Video without Natural Light

Step by step approach to setup your camera (in this case a T4i) for shooting in low light/without natural light.   A few posts back I have a video tutorial that covers how I setup for my video review.   I waxed somewhat poetic about natural light, it is flattering and free.  But what about shooting videos at night or in a room that doesn't get lots of natural light?   In this video I go through the settings step by step and offer a few cheap lighting suggestions including a 500 Watt work light and a little LED light panel.

Nikon D5200 vs Canon T4i (Explained Simply)

I have here the T4i (650D) and the D5200 -Shown below is both mounted on my super fancy side by side comparator board- Canon T4i vs Nikon D5200Now with videoThese two cameras are very similar in size and shape. You may want to put your hands on both to see what feels nicest and watch my video comparing and contrasting the physical differences and similarities D5200 and T4i. I also have a page of High ISO Sample photos and video from the Nikon and the Canon

What the T4i has that the D5200 doesn't:

  • Touch screen - use is optional as all physical buttons are still present but it does allow access to all features of the camera in quick and efficient manner.
  • Silent Auto Focus during video when paired with the 18-135 STM lens.  Nikon also offers full time AF but does not have a silent lens.
  • Wireless Flash Control - ability to fire external flashes that are not attached to the camera
  • The ability to adjust your aperture during live view - Useful for learning.
  • Shooting in various aspect ratios 1:1, 4:3, 3:2. 16:9 but only when shot through live view
  • A bit more space on the back of the camera for larger hands.
  • Built in focus motor - the T4i will auto focus with all EF and EF-S lenses. D5200 lacks focus motor which limits lens selection - this is not nearly as big a deal as it was a few years ago, Nikon has released plenty of lenses that will AF with the D5200.
  • Custom Menu to save your most used settings.

What the D5200 has that the T4i doesn't:

  • Faster focusing brain with 39 AF points - Focus performance was occasionally slightly faster through the viewfinder and in live view.  T4i has 9 focus points.
  • Better low light performance.  Below 1600 ISO the two cameras perform similarly, above you start to see a difference with less noise and more detail out of the Nikon.
  • More megapixels 24 vs 18 - not nearly as big a difference as it looks on paper.  (Illus coming)
  • Small light for low-light auto focus assist. T4i has flash that pops up and annoyingly strobes.
  • More shutter modes - a slow burst 3FPS versus normal 5FPS(same as T4i) and a Quiet Shutter that doesn't sound much quieter.
  • 1080i at 60fps. T4i only offers 1080p at 30fps. At the 60 frame rates the video is interlaced and cropped a bit more.
  • Additional Scene Modes and effects (video coming soon) and a more robust HDR feature.
  • Wireless dongle accessory($60) makes it easy to use phone as live viewfinder/remote and download photos to phone/tablet.
  • Built in intervalometer for shooting time lapse.
  • A retouch menu with a several more options.
  • A few quirks: aperture changing, tendency to lean greenish though it can be argued that the Canon leans redish and an intervalometer that seems to just stop.

Canon T4i vs Nikon D5200 Summary:

If you were to just count the bullets Nikon would get a fairly clear K.O but not every bullet is worth the same weight and it depends on your needs and use case.  Both cameras produce excellent images in a variety of conditions.  If I had to pick highlights for each -On the Canon side I would mention that user friendly touchscreen which makes the whole camera a bit simpler to operate and the pairing with the 18-135 that provides silent and smooth auto focus during video -this is a very family friendly feature.On the Nikon side I would mention that the focus brain, ISO performance and general feature richness of the camera.Another Item worth mentioning - Nikon's track record of customer service is a bit less than stellar, they have had a few camera models in recent years shipped out with serious issues that they denied for way to long and their general average repair time is often several times longer than Canon.  I really haven't heard of any customer horror stories with Canon, although they too have shipped cameras with problems they seem to deal with the issue quickly enough and fairly.So which should you buy?  You are going to make the best pictures with the camera you are most comfortable using and I think for many of you this will be your first DSLR and that friendly touchscreen and user interface of the Canon is worth lots.  If you are willing to work a bit harder it is *possible" to get better photos out of the Nikon but I don't think for many of you that it is worth the quirks and in my opinion the more difficult operating system.Would you like a personal recommendation? Leave me a message on my Facebook page or a comment below letting me know about you, what you like to photograph and where you hope to be as a photographer in a year or two.

Buying

Buying the Nikon or Canon through my links supports this site and costs you nothing extra.

Coming Soon -Cat at ISO 3200 Nikon D5200Next Steps - Price out lens packages for general use.  What does Nikon offer for general walk around, good zooms for wildlife, portraits, street, primes, macros etc.    External Flash options - Articles/Videos are coming along with "What would be your cost of owning"  

High ISO Samples - Nikon D5200 vs Canon T4i (650D)

UPDATE: My final review- Nikon D5200 vs Canon T4i(650D) Comparison

The T5i has been released. It performs identically in low light to the T4i. There are other slight differences between the T4i and T5i.   Watch my T5i (700D) vs D5200 video.Buying the Nikon or Canon through my links supports this site and costs you nothing extra.

I have a video comparison of the physical difference/similarities and a video with sample 1080P video from both cameras showing autofocus ability(Canon wins) and a video/audio test Canon t4i vs Nikon D5200(Winner-Toss up?) and low light - high iso video samples from both cameras.  - Scroll down for embedded videos.A few thoughts/comparisons:

  • Both cameras are capable of producing excellent images but the kit lens(18-55) for the Nikon is not great and that sensor shows it, high quality sensors need higher quality lenses.
  • Nikon image quality in lower light is noticeably better and overall image quality is better but it is very close.
  • Canon seems to be better at focusing and refocusing during video that coupled with a STM makes for smooth and fairly painless auto focus suitable for family and vacation videos.
  • Both cameras, with 18-55 kit lens, produce sound during focus that is picked up by the on board stereo mic while filming.  Canon does offer the silent 18-135 STM lens, Nikon does not have a comparably silent lens but the 18-55 on the Nikon is quiet, just not silent. UPDATE: With the T5i Canon now offers an 18-55 STM lens that is also silent.
  • The touchscreen and button layout of the Canon makes the camera more friendly to operate.  Worth repeating, the touchscreen is NICE!
  • The Nikon has a few more effect options under the effect dial
  • The Nikon offers a quiet shutter mode, two different burst speeds(low & high) and intervalometer and a few more features.
  • The Canon offers wireless external flash control.
  • The Canon gives someone with larger hands just a bit more space.
  • The Nikon has a few quirks
  • Nikon offers a $60 wireless dongle utility.

Complete Review of the T4i and Nikon D5200 is now available.

Have a question you want answered now or in the video review?  Leave it on my Facebook page or a comment below. 
Nikon D5200 low light test. from Hans zijffers on Vimeo.Video clips all shot with the Tamron 17-55 F2.8. ISO 1600 - 3200. Denoising was done on all shots to make it look as clean and crisp as possible.* Keep in mind that the raw video footage out of the D5200 can be noisy at ISO 1600 and above, especially in dark areas with little light available. (although I shot at ISO 4000 and saw very little noise due to the fact that there was enough light coming from a street lantern) The footage you see in this video is not colour corrected, very basic, I only added some brightness to pull details out of dark areas (the dynamic range is absolutely stunning in this camera!), then denoised it and added some sharpness. The camera picture style was set to Neutral with zero contrast and very little sharpening.Download the 720p file to see the best result.Canon T4i vs Nikon D5200

Canon 24-70 f/2.8 Mark II vs Canon 24-70 f/4 IS vs Canon 24-105 f/4 IS

Video and text from my review of the Canon 24 to something lenses.

Part I - My opinion of each lens and some summarizing thoughtsPart II - Some of the sample images and video that helped me form my opinionSome select thoughts taken from the two videos

I have the 24-105 f/4 IS, 24-70 f/2.8 mark II, and the new  24-70 f/4 IS

I think the most telling comment is that for the last week I have had my pick of these lenses to shoot with and every single time I picked up the 24-70 f/4 IS. I love the size and weight of this lens, the IS and the Macro mode. A quick disclaimer on that comment- I didn't shoot professionally over the last week, which for me is usually shooting a wedding. If I had I would have picked the f/2.8 mark II - in my opinion that extra stop of light is critical for the lower light situations. The IS of both the 24-70 and 24-105 is good and the 24-70 f/4 offers the newer hybrid IS but IS doesn't freeze people in motion.  And freezing people in motion is important, especially during the low light receptions where all that dancing is happening.

If I had to summarize each lens in a sound bite -

Canon 24-105 f/4 IS older work horse or a lens that offers excellent value, is relatively sharp(just don't look at the edges) and provides a useful range.Canon 24-70 f/2.8 Mark II - Razor sharp at all apertures and from corner to corner. Bright too- at f/4 it is noticeably (2/3 of a stop brighter than the 24-105) - you can see it in the images and you can see it on the exposure meter. But this performance comes at a cost, literally! This lens is $2200, fairly heavy and does not provide IS.Canon 24-70 f/4 IS - Very sharp though maybe not quite as sharp at f/4 as the f/2.8 version, similar brightness as the f/2.8 with an excellent macro mode, I mean really seriously good and a nice size- feel really nicely balanced and weight is quite good and it has IS!!Now what isn't here is the Tamron 24-70 F/2.8 VC - I have a video of my reboxing and return of that lens, I was unhappy with the sharpness, I had gotten a bad copy and I could try again but I was also getting numerous lens communication errors. Those two issues combined soured me and I didn't want to try again.  Now I know there are people that are quite happy and I have seen sample images that are much better than the one I got.  Even in sample images the corners are much softer than the Canon 24-70s but you do get IS or VC as Tamron calls it. There is also a Sigma 24-70 but it is a good bit softer than the other lenses, it is also the cheapest.

Which is best for you?

It depends ;)  If you are on a tight budget the 24-105 is a good lens, You get an L class lens for under $1000. Its a bit heavy but it does have IS and a nice range.If you have a bit more to spend the 24-70 F/4 is VERY versatile, sharp, excellent IS and that macro mode.  Because the glass is so durn good it lets in enough light that you are shooting faster than f/4, about 2/3 of a stop faster.  For $200 less you can pick up the Tamron, not quite as sharp, no macro mode but it does offer f/2.8 and IS.If you need the ultimate performance in low light with unrivaled sharpness in a zoom lens get the 24-70 f/2.8 Mark II. 

Sample Images from the 24-70 f/4, 24-70 f/2.8 Mark II and the 24-105 f/4 IS

" target="_blank">Canon Lens Guide.   Have a question not answered, want to offer a suggestion of another lens that should be considered?  Leave me a message on facebook on a comment below. I will answer!

Nikon D5200 Announced

UPDATE: My final review- Nikon D5200 vs Canon T4i(650D) Comparison

Canon T4i vs the Nikon D5200 Video and complete review will be coming at the end of the Month.  Follow my Facebook page for updates.   I already have a specs page up that compares the D5200 and the T4i.  It is interesting to note that the D5200 sensor is made by Toshiba, the D3200 sensor is made by Nikon and the earlier Exmor sensors(most) were made by Sony.Order from Amazon: Nikon D5200 The Press Release -Soon to be Available in the U.S., The Nikon D5200 Blends D-SLR Performance and Imaginative Features That Make it Simple to Create and Share Amazing Images and Full HD Videod5200 back swing out Nikon_D5200_top Nikon_D5200_back D5200 1-9-2013-11-09-18-AM-10f8Las Vegas, CES Booth #8643 (January 7, 2013) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the U.S. availability of the Nikon D5200, a camera that provides the imaginative features and D-SLR versatility needed to fulfill any creative vision through stunning imagery and Full HD video. Whether new to D-SLR shooting, or for those simply ready to step-up to a higher level of photography, the 24.1-megapixel D5200 will inspire new ways to capture with an easy-to-use interface, in-camera Special Effects and creative modes, plus the ability to share wirelessly in an instant. The Nikon D5200 will be available in late January for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95* with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens."The Nikon D5200 is intended for the customer who wants to capture and share their life, their experiences and their adventures in new and original ways", said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. "The D5200 features Nikon's latest innovative technologies along with an easy-to-use feature set that enables users to unleash their creativity, and truly test the boundaries of a photographer's imagination."Imaginative Features Inspire CreativityThe Nikon D5200 is designed to foster creative possibilities, allowing users to easily document their lives with a compact and lightweight D-SLR camera body. Loaded with features for making amazing images and HD video, the D5200 is a must-have camera for a well-planned excursion or spontaneous adventure. Photographers have the ability to tell stories with artistic flair, thanks to the assistance of features that include:Vari-Angle LCD - The high-resolution, 921,000-dot 3-inch LCD screen swivels and rotates at a variety of angles, and is viewable at 170 degrees. This makes it easy to capture images and HD video from creative angles such as above the crowd or down low from a toddler's perspective. Users can even swivel the LCD screen for creative and fun self-portraits.In-Camera Special Effects for video and still images - By selecting the Effects option on the Mode Dial, users can apply a wide range of creative filters and effects for both photos and HD video. Modes include Selective Color to visually highlight up to three selected colors within a monochrome scene; Color Sketch to create a vivid drawing from a scene; Miniature effect to make a scene appear as a miniature model and Night Vision to enable images and video in very low-light by increasing the camera's sensitivity. Users can also enable modes to emphasize silhouettes or create color effects with high-key and low-key images and video. These effects can be applied prior to shooting the photo or video, or can be applied post-capture for photos through the retouch menu.Creativity has never been easier - The D5200 features an enhanced graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it easy to visualize camera settings for optimal results. Additionally, users can enable other visual effects including High Dynamic Range (HDR) and six settings of Nikon's Picture Controls to creatively and automatically manipulate tone and color for striking images and HD video.Creativity Without BoundariesThe D5200 takes advantage of Nikon's new 24.1-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor to deliver amazing image quality and beautiful HD video that bursts with vivid color, broad dynamic range and gorgeous tones, even in challenging light. Users are now able to realize the full potential and the performance benefits of D-SLR photography including rapid camera response, interchangeable lenses and amazing image quality. Whether shooting a family outing or action sports, the camera is packed with features that let users create amazing content:Wide ISO range (from 100-6400) - For shooting in even the most challenging lighting conditions, the D5200 covers a wide ISO range and is expandable to as high as ISO 25,600. Shooting at high ISO sensitivity enables users to shoot at faster shutter speeds and reduce the effects of image blur caused by camera shake even in low-light situations or when shooting a moving subject, delivering clean and sharp images with minimal noise.EXPEED 3 image processing - Nikon's most recent image processing engine, dubbed EXPEED 3, drives the rapid response and swift performance of the camera, while maximizing energy efficiency, reducing image noise and delivering true-to-life colors.Scene Recognition System - Information from the 2,016 pixel RGB sensor is used to instantly analyze and recognize the scene prior to capture, resulting in adjustments to exposure, AF and white balance for the best possible image quality. The result is brilliant landscapes, flattering portraits and fast-moving action captured with split-second precision.39-point AF system with wide area coverage - The D5200 features Nikon's quick and accurate 39-point AF system to help users create tack-sharp images for a wide variety of subjects. The Multi-CAM 4800 DX AF sensor works in tandem with the Scene Recognition System to accurately acquire and track subjects throughout the frame. Users can lock-on to fast moving subjects throughout the frame using 3D tracking to create sharp images of fast action, or use one of the other modes including single point AF, Dynamic AF and Auto-Area AF. When in Live View or recording video, contrast detect AF quickly acquires, and can even track focus through the frame.Speed and performance - Whether upgrading from a compact point-and-shoot or exploring the benefits of D-SLR photography, users will appreciate the speed to capture fast action and fleeting moments at the press of a button. The D5200 can shoot full-resolution images at up to five frames-per-second to help freeze fast moving subjects, and quickly acquires focus thanks to the intelligent AF system. The D5200 delivers amazing performance with lightning fast start-up time and nearly imperceptible shutter lag, the time when the shutter button is pressed to when the beautiful image is captured.The Easy Way to Share Great PicturesWhile the Nikon D5200 is capable of capturing amazing images and HD video, it also enables the user to simply and quickly share stunning imagery with friends and family. By utilizing the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter, the connected user can easily share photos taken on the D5200 to a supported smartphone or tablet. 2 The Nikon Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility application is available free of charge on Google Play™ for Android™ 1 devices or from the App Store™ for the iPhone or iPad. 3 When using the application, photographers can wirelessly transfer images from the camera to a mobile device, and even remotely control the camera from up to 49 feet.Realize a Vision in HD VideoFor those wanting to expand their creative vision with video, the D5200 D-Movie HD video mode is capable of capturing Full HD 1080p, with the option to apply Nikon's Creative Effects. This feature lets users take advantage of modes like Selective Color or Color Sketch to create truly customized movies. By simply pressing the dedicated video record button, movies are recorded at 1080/30p, or at 60i for optimal playback on many HDTVs when connected to the HDMI output. For the first time in a Nikon HD-SLR, users have the ability to record stereo sound through the internal microphone or attach an optional external microphone, such as Nikon's ME-1, through the dedicated microphone terminal.The Vari-Angle LCD provides the opportunity to gain a unique perspective for video, while full-time autofocus helps users maintain sharp focus that is critical for HD video. While recording, the contrast detect AF system has the ability to use normal or wide area AF, track a subject through the frame, or use face priority AF to make sure faces are always in focus.NIKKOR, Speedlight and System CompatibilityThe creative potential for the D5200 is unlimited when combined with the versatility of Nikon's legendary NIKKOR optics and powerful system accessories. Compatible with Nikon's dedicated DX-format lenses and more than 50 FX-format lenses as well as Nikon's Speedlight System, the Nikon D5200 puts the ability to create stunning images and HD video at the user's fingertips.New optional WR-R10 and WR-T10 Wireless Remote ControllersThe D5200 is also compatible with a new wireless radio frequency remote accessory, the WR-R10 and WR-T10 Wireless Remote Controllers. When using these devices, the camera can be triggered remotely, making it ideal for group shots, remote applications, or to reduce shake when the camera is mounted on a tripod. This new wireless remote system operates from a radio signal rather than infrared light, dramatically increasing functionality and range. Now the camera can be triggered from up to 20 meters (66 feet) away, and a direct line of sight is not necessary. The remotes also enable the bulb function for long shutter applications, as well as functions of the camera that are affected by a half-press of the shutter, including the engagement of the AF system or starting and stopping video capture. The WR-R10 transceiver can be connected to the accessory terminal of many Nikon D-SLR cameras including the new D5200, D3200 and D600. For those cameras that feature a 10-pin terminal, the optional WR-A10 adapter can be fastened to allow use of the wireless remote controllers.Price and AvailabilityThe Nikon D5200 will be available in three colors (Black, Red and Bronze), starting in late January 2013 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95 with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens. The WU-1a is available for the SRP of $59.95. The WR-T10 Wireless Remote Controller will be available at the end of January for a SRP of $94.96, WR-R10 Wireless Remote Transceiver for an SRP of $126.96, the WR-A10 Wireless Remote Adapter for a SRP of $74.96 and the WR-10 Wireless Remote Controller Set will be available for a SRP of $277.96.Canon T4i vs the Nikon D5200 Video and complete review will be coming at the end of the Month.  Follow my Facebook page for updates. 

Shooting Video with a Canon T4i - Frame Rate and Shutter Speed Tips

Back in August I answered a few questions from Carson about filming with the T4i. A friend of his is a tour guide in Mexico and asked him to do a promotional video for the company, Mayans' Explorers. Now Carson has a background in television production but hadn't shot with a DSLR before, he basically wanted to know if I thought the T4i would suit his needs and had a few other questions that we worked out answer to together.     Caron recently shared the results of his trip and work.  This video was all shot on the T4i and a GoPro - basically dry shots are the T4i, wet stuff a GoPro.Get to know Mayans' Explorers from Carson Hunt on Vimeo.I asked him if he had any advice to share on shooting with the T4i -

The main thing for me was "think before you shoot". Think about what priority you want for your shot... motion blur, no motion blur, depth of field, etc... then set your shutter, aperture and ISO accordingly. For me, I stayed around a shutter of 50 most times to match my 24p frame rate. That way I achieved a nice cinematic look. Since so much was shot outside, my ISO was almost always at 100 and my aperture riding somewhere between f8 and f11.

I thought this would be an excellent time to share just a bit more about shooting video with a DSLR.  Shutter speed and frame rate do work together and can provide different looks depending on the speed and rate you choose.  Carson mentions this above with his comment "a nice cinematic look." Traditional film is shot at 24 frames per second and we have become accustomed to this look.  The general rule of thumb is to shoot at a shutter speed that is twice your fps or frame rate.  for 24fps you would want to shoot at 1/50 of a second.  2 x 24fps is 48 and a shutter speed of 1/50 is as close to 48 as you can get.    Continue this "rule" of doubling your shutter speed and shooting at 30p=1/60 and  60p=1/120. At the faster frame rates many complain that the video is harsh and almost has a strobe look.  Even 48p apparently bothers some (see all the hubbub about the Hobbit being shot at 48fps).  One huge benefit of the 60fps is the ability to slow it down to 30fps and get very nice smooth slow motion.What happens if you don't follow the rule of doubling? Slower shutter speed will lead to smeary video and faster shutter speed will lead to a staccato/strobing motion.One last thought for your brain - Shutter speeds of 1/50 to 1/1/20 are pretty slow and in bright sunlight you will be shooting with your aperture set to f/8 or higher, as Carson mentioned above. The good news is focus will be easy with a large depth of field, the bad news you lose the option of having that lovely shallow depth of field that makes these cameras so fun to shoot with - though it isn't always appropriate and when shooting the Mayan ruins it's nice to have everything in crisp focus.  But what if you wanted the option?  Any ideas?   There is a solution - Take a guess, don't be shy.  Post a comment below if you have an answer or want to ask a questions.Update: The answer was posted - A Variable Neutral Density Filter. For those that don’t know – an ND filter is simply sunglasses for your lens, they cut the amount of light down so in bright light you can either shoot at slower shutter speeds(i.e. blur waterfalls) or at wider apertures to get that shallow depth of field look. A VARIABLE ND filter allows you to rotate and dial in the amount that the filter darkens the image. Very useful for video work but the good ones are not cheap. If you want a recommendation let me know what lens(es) you will be using as each needs to be sized correctly. Carson adds that he did use a circular polarizer on most of the outside shots. I have written about CP filters elsewhere and this is certainly another use - they make the sky bluer and cut some of the light. Thanks for reading! 

Triggertrap - Use your smart phone to smartly trigger your camera

 The video is long and only covers a few of the functions of the Triggertrap app/system - that's how cool this app is (or how much I like to hear myself talk?)I have one more Triggertrap to give away (given away 4 so far) Like my Facebook page and stay tuned for the last giveaway.Also seen in this video -Hotshoe Tripod Mount: http://goo.gl/FqLFbSmartphone Tripod Adapter: http://goo.gl/pcNcfI love making or creating time lapse movies and although I don’t get to do it nearly as often as  I like I am always on the lookout for gadgets that help. I have talked about the little Neweer intervalometer before, it is only $13 bucks and does a great job of telling your camera to take a picture every X seconds, it can also allow you to control bulb mode on your camera which allows you to set your shutter speed to longer than 30 second exposures.   The Neweer Intervalometer does its job well but doesn’t offer much in the way of options beyond the standard picture every x seconds.We have another option that is lots smarter and it only costs a bit more but does require a smartphone or tablet.  For the last few weeks I have been testing and app from a company called Triggertrap. They make apps for android and iOS and a small dongle that you plug into the headphone jack of your smartphone or tablet.   The benefit of a setup like this over the standard intervalometer is the sky is really the limit – your smartphone is a powerful computer and using that as the brains of the intervalometer allows dozens of creative ways for you to control the shutter of your camera.Some of the functions of the Triggertrap app include

  • Bulb Ramping Timelapse enables seamless sunrise/sunset timelapses,
  • HDR timelapse lets you combine the power of HDR and timelapses,
  • TimeWarp, a feature unique to Triggertrap, uses algorithms developed for animation to create more dynamic and natural-looking timelapses.
  • Sensor Controls: Leverages the smart device’s on-board sensors to release the shutter; Sound Sensor Mode uses the microphone to trigger at a set audio level, Seismic Mode fires based on vibrations, bumps or knocks, and Metal & Magnetism Sensor Mode can be used to fire the shutter in their presence
  • Facial recognition: Takes a photo once Triggertrap detects the programmed number of faces in the frame
  • Multiple HDR Capture Modes: Provides expanded control over bracketed exposures for Long Exposure HDR, or automates Long Exposure HDR Timelapse capture
  • DistanceLapse: Unique to Triggertrap, this mode relies on the smart device’s on-board GPS chip to fire the shutter over pre-determined distances
  • Motion detection mode: Triggers camera whenever motion is detected in the
  • Star trail mode: Allows external cameras to automatically take a series of long exposures in sequence to reduce noise
  • Wireless mode: Unique to Triggertrap, this new Wi-Fi triggering technology enables photographers to leverage the range and speed of a Wi-fi network to control the dynamic features of the Triggertrap Mobile app wirelessly

The Sensor controls are missing from the Android app, the devs tell me that they will be added soon, the Android app is also a bit laggy on my rezound, I also tested on the nexus and it was much smoother but still missing the sensor controls found on the iOS version.There are actually three parts to the set up – Your smartphone running the triggertrap app, the dongle and the camera specific cable.  Make sure you get the new v2 dongle (red wire) I bought the original dongle, with a black wire and although it works fine with my iPad refused to do anything when plugged into my android phone – I contacted support and Lucy was awesome, she walked me through a series of tests and even though it seemed it was more of my phone as the problem she sent me the newer red wire dongle free of charge, it arrived just a few days later and works perfectly.  I love working with people that take an extra step to make things right.My phone and my camera go everywhere with me and now I just throw these two little cables in my bag and I have a very smart and versatile trigger system for my camera.   I have added a little hot shoe tripod adapter that I use for some of my microphones and a generic cell phone tripod holder and now I can easily use the facial feature to snap photos.What am I most excited about –The wireless control is pretty niftyOn Black Friday 2011 I picked up a suction cup mount and have tried a few drivelapses (timelapse while driving) Now I can use the GPS to trigger over distance instead of time, this should give a different look and feel more true to the trip)Bulb Ramping Timelapse – Sunset and sunrise is very difficult to capture - you either lose light quickly or you use P mode and the light remains constant through the sunset totally ruining the idea of capturing a lovely sunset.  Did you know that as the sun sets you lose about a stop of light every 10 minutes.  Using the Bramping mode (for bulb ramping) you can pre-adjust for the light lost and really extend the length of time your timelapse will run while actually capturing the decreasing light.

Sensors Sizes Explained & Crop vs Full Frame

An overview of the different sensor sizes in digital cameras. Simple explanations of crop sensors, full frame sensors and what that translates to in the real world.Usually the larger the sensor the better low light performance, better image quality and greater artistic freedom - downsides are cost and the requirement for bigger, heavier and more expensive lenses.Questions? Comments? I would love to hear them.