Out of Canon, nobody seems to really have a clue about what will be the successor to the Canon EOS 5D. Most people assume that it will be named either Canon EOS 5D Mk II (the most probable possibility according to several sources), Canon EOS 6D or even Canon EOS 7D. However, this does not stop experts and not-so-experts to make various assumptions about what specification it will have.
Taking into account the existence of the Nikon D3 and its impressive set of features, Canon sure has to prepare a top-of-the-line DSLR with a superb Full-Frame sensor, with outstanding image quality. Of course, this is a normal (but difficult) target for the leader and the company that drove us into the Full-Frame world. There, we found: large pixel counts, exceptionally low noise levels, very high sensitivity and a normal 1-to-1 conversion factor for lenses. This last item may not always be a positive (for example, long tele-lens lovers appreciate that a smaller APS-C sensor transforms your common 300mm lens into a loveable 450mm optical gun), but the rest is a boon for photo quality. And there, as the Canon EOS 5D then the Nikon D3 proved, there is a giant step to be taken from more common DSLR.
So, it should be no surprise that photo-related forums are dripping with more or less reliable comments about what the Canon EOS 5D Mk II will be. Possibly, we will see specifications around the following:
15 to 16 MP sensor (good but not oustanding, in order to hit hard on image quality; Enough to top the 12MP of Nikon D3) with 14-bit A/D conversion (the de facto standard of Canon image quality)
ISO 12800 (boost up to ISO 25600) that should give Nikon a run for their money
All-new 29-point TTL CMOS AF sensor (needed to compete with the impressive 51-point AF sensor of Nikon)
6 fps continuous shooting (for more than 50 frames)
Lens fine adjustment setups for 14 lenses
The rest should be more predictable and does not request a crystal ball (sensor dust cleaning, improved 1MP 3″ LCD screen, LiveView inspired by cheaper DSLR models, weather sealing that was lacking from the EOS 5D). But there are two important elements left out of this picture:
The price target would be around $3500 (to be compared to the $5500 of the Nikon D3), definitely strong positive argument for Canon even if this is still targetting pros and rich amateurs;
The announcement would be made in April 2008 (may be, not as a Fool’s Day joke) for availability before mid-June.
These last key arguments could prove critical to offer a very good position to Canon. They had the first Full-Frame DLSR camera (the EOS 5D). Now, Nikon is trying to grab the market with the Nikon D3 since last November. Canon has to hit hard in order to keep the upper hand and they cannot wait for some pro photographers to switch (even if this category of customers cannot jump out of the train each and every year like some enthusiast consumers). Moreover, we know that Sony will be soon arriving with a new Full-Frame DSLR based on a 24MP sensor presented a few months ago (rumoured to be named Sony Alpha 900).
It’s time for Canon to shoot a star. The Canon EOS 5D history needs a sequel to become a real Full-Frame saga. The Canon EOS 5D Mk II could be this long-awaited beacon for the highest end of the Canon DSLR line.
Trevor Cawood is a movie director that has been noticed in a number of short movies in the world of advertising. Personally, I noticed ads for Citroën and for GMC. But you must remember him for his participation to the special effects of The Matrix Reloaded (Matrix 2) or The Matrix Revolutions (Matrix 3). But in 2007, he directed this short movie that I found some time ago.
Synopsis
A mere business worker seems to be choosen by an impressive creature of cement (a golem, maybe). Permanently stalked and followed, he has to learn to live with it.
The most powerful super-computer in Europe (and the 13th in the World), MareNostrum, is located in Barcelona, Spain, and has been installed in an old chapel. This gives us the most beautiful supercomputer in the world (this is nearly computer soft-pron photo).
Sometimes, the economy is not faring well, sometime it’s too good. In both cases, it may lead to astonishing bills. I found some cases, I really loved.
The biggest single US dollar bill
This is not even really a bill since it’s more a tool to manage gold exchanges in an economy that was based on gold: a gold certificate. It was never circulated in the public since 1034, and is only visible in museums.
In a country where the economy totally collapsed, the Zimbabwe dollar has no value left: Inflation reached several tens of thousands of percents (much more than what hit the German economy of the 30’s), crushing the mere value of any bill in just days.
As a matter of fact, this 10 million dollar bill does not allow you to pay anything (valued a few euros a few months ago, it’s really worthless now).
Your good old laptop PC went back to meet its maker and you can’t accept the idea of dumping it into the next waste basket (not even considering recycling, would you really want to part in such a harsh way?). Let’s not forget some of the few uses that you can still have from the old mate:
What broke down:
You still can…
The screen is all dead and went black
…attach a desktop display and convert it to a small desktop PC.
The screen is all dead and went black
…install Linux, an SSH_server or PC_Anywhere and recycle it into a autonomous file server with low power consumption.
The motherboard is resting
…scrap the 2.5″ disk drive and put it into a nice little USB box to have a new external backup solution.
The battery is out of juice
…plug the power cord and convert it to a small desktop PC.
The keyboard is broken
…install Linux and recycle it into a autonomous file server with low power consumption.
Most people are amazed by the power of the marine predators that are most sharks. While it is often difficult to cacth them in the act, there are a few occasions where it is possible to see impressive animals. Recently I found some that I wanted to share with you.
Of course, you know it, a photo tripod is an excellent solution to stabilize your photo camera and get crisp images despite a long shutter time (or a trembling hand). But there are other simple solutions that you should keep in mind:
A photo monopod: After all, one leg (instead of three) can be enough, even more if you push the camera against another fix support (a wall, for example). and, the monopods are lighter and cheaper than photo tripods.
The bean bag: It’s only a bag filled with dry beans or grain; The result is a deformable and stable base where you can easily push a camera into. Even a heavy one.
The self-timer, shutter-delay, remote release function of the camera: Most of the camera moves come from the photographer pressing on the shutter release button. Why not use the self-timer integrated in your camera (even if the supporting base is not very stable, it will improve the situation a lot)?
Several images: I use it a lot, shoot three images in a row using the auto-drive of the camera; The first one is most influenced by pressing the shutter release button, but the next ones are better.
In-camera shake reduction: Yes, it is included in the camera system just for this purpose. Be it part of the lens (at Nikon, Canon, for example) or of the body (at Sony for example), it brings between 2 and 4 speed stops. But sometimes, you may have to take seevral photos to get one really good (when you are bordering with the limits of the system).
Hold your breath: And press the button just after blowing slowly al your lungs air; It’s an old and reliable solution and it works.
Last but not least, do not forget that if the subject itself is moving (and the camera is already stable) there is no other solution than a fast shutter speed (or flash light).
Previous Entries
Out of Canon, nobody seems to really have a clue about what will be the successor to the Canon EOS 5D. Most people assume that it will be named either Canon EOS 5D Mk II (the most probable possibility according to several sources), Canon EOS 6D or even Canon EOS 7D. However, this does not stop experts and not-so-experts to make various assumptions about what specification it will have.
So, it should be no surprise that photo-related forums are dripping with more or less reliable comments about what the Canon EOS 5D Mk II will be. Possibly, we will see specifications around the following:
