Switching to Canon

[Aussie Dave]

Good on you Peter. I am a Nikon fan and will always be one (I hope), however Canon make very fine cameras as well.

The photographer is still the most important part of the equation, so I imagine we'll be seeing some magnificent shots, from you and your new toy, for some time. Full-frame, DX, Canon, Nikon....which is best ?

Answer: the one that works for you and makes you happy !

I look forward to hearing about your shift to Canon and will not be surprised if quite a few others here, follow you across

[padey]

Congrats. Hey, i thought canon made photocopiers.... Only kidding, as i've mentioned, my partner has two of them and they are a fine camera! Great results, but it will test your lenses more then any DX camera.

I'm going to get bigger pics, but much better image quality.

better image quality?? how?

Along with this I have a EF 15 f/2.8 fisheye (couldn't NOT have one of those), EF 28-135 f/3.5 IS USM (my walkaround lens) and, drum roll, a EF 70-200 IS USM. This latter lens will be an interesting comparison to the Nikon beast. I have a few more lenses on the way (EF 20-35 f/3.5 USM, EF 50/1.4 USM) and a speedlite 580EX. BTW This terminology is all new too (IS=VR and USM=SWM) and takes a bit of getting used to.

With the f3.5's you'll have to be wary of vignetting wide open at the wide end of your zooms. This is very apparent on the 5D. Some photographers don't mind it, as it draws you into the centre of the image. The 50mm is really nice.

I don't know if this is a good thing, but with Canon having a larger diameter mount, you've got more options with glass (Lens lust very very bad - 50mm f1 - 85mm f1.2...). Get the Nikon mount adapter and you can use the best of both worlds. Tim Burton made the stop-animation movie Corps Bride with Canon 1Ds and all Nikon glass.

Once again, congrats!

[Glen]

Greg, room for both tattoos, sort of like Harley & Davidson I think each system has a lot to offer. As yet I haven't seen a Canon lens similar to the 45P. I haven't seen a Nikon body with a FF sensor.

[gstark]

Gary, it doesn't have the eye auto focus of the old EOS versions, don't know why, they were certainly serious cameras in their time. Maybe they thought dslr had enough gimmicky technology already?

That may explain the great deal that Peter and you are getting then.

That certainly was interesting technology, and if they're planning to enhance the featureset, this sort of thing would certainly be the goods, and would thus quickly supercede the exisitng model.

[Glen]

Even if it is "old" stock, I am not a big fan of the eye technology, so no added benefit

[Aussie Dave]

I think each system has a lot to offer.

Perhaps one day we will see an alliance

Imagine using the brand new Canik D500Mk2, with 8-400 f1.4 USM-L VR3 Lens, FF Sensor (with DX cropping ability for older DX lenses), E-ISO (Enhanced-ISO) technology, capable of supporting super-low noise at ISO12800 & 20fps shooting (in RAW) !

Then again, I could be over-exagerating a little....but it's fun to dream

[Alpha_7]

Off topic a little - Anyone got a link for this eye technology ? It's news to me. I have no idea what it is.

[DionM]

Welcome to the fold

I will echo Sheila's comments - if you can, change the 28-135 to the 24-105 IS USM L and change the 20-35 to a 17-40 F4L. While the 28-135 and 20-35 are okay, they are really just Canon's mid-range "prosumer" lenses and not in the same league as the L glass.

[phillipb]

I don't have a link Craig, but I used to have a Minolta 7xi camera which had eye start. Basically there were sensors in the viewfinder which acted as a switch to start the meter and focus the lens as soon as you put your eye to the camera.
I think the canon one also focuses on whatever your eye is looking at so if you have two objects in the view finder and your eye goes from one to the other, the lens will also shift focus with you.

[DionM]

Off topic a little - Anyone got a link for this eye technology ? It's news to me. I have no idea what it is.

Canon eye control focus.

Was used in the EOS3, EOS1 and also in the EOS50.

Basically it knows which way you are looking by looking at your iris and enables the AF point for that direction.

[gstark]

Off topic a little - Anyone got a link for this eye technology ? It's news to me. I have no idea what it is.

Craig,

This should give you a heads up.

[phillipb]

Off topic a little - Anyone got a link for this eye technology ? It's news to me. I have no idea what it is.

Canon eye control focus.

Was used in the EOS3, EOS1 and also in the EOS50.

Basically it knows which way you are looking by looking at your iris and enables the AF point for that direction.

P.S. Not much good for PJ work where you're holding the camera up in the air above the crowd.

[gstark]

Off topic a little - Anyone got a link for this eye technology ? It's news to me. I have no idea what it is.

Canon eye control focus.

Was used in the EOS3, EOS1 and also in the EOS50.

Basically it knows which way you are looking by looking at your iris and enables the AF point for that direction.

Interesting technology, I think. I'd certainly love to have a play with a camera that has this feature; it sounds way way cool.

[DaveB]

I've heard some rumors about a special AF version - with Canon's eye-sensing AF technology installed - of the 5D being released

Where on earth did you hear that? If it was true the net would be alive with discussions, and in any case it wouldn't be called a 5D!
The only cameras (all film) with it were the EOS 5, 3, 1V, 30, and 30V (the 30V in April 2004 was the last introduction). It's an interesting technology. Unfortunately it got a lot of bagging from people who tried it on demo units in camera stores without recalibrating it for their eyes.
Maybe we'll see it in a new DSLR model announced at Photokina later this year, but you'll have to wait and see.

Looking at Peter's equipment list:

• EF 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (my walkaround lens)
  Note that I've corrected this: at 135mm it's f/5.6. I have one and it's a nice unit, but I won't be surprised if you look at upgrading it to the EF 24-105mm/4 L IS USM at some point (especially with a 5D compared to my 30D/350D).
• EF 70-200mm/2.8 IS USM
  This is a very nice lens - enjoy!

Similarly, the "EF 20-35 f/3.5 USM" is actually f/3.5-4.5, and I suspect you might be happier with something like a 17-40mm/4 L USM (but you can decide for yourself as I haven't used the 20-35mm much). That comment is not based on the max aperture but rather on general feedback I've heard on both lenses.
The 580EX is a very nice flash unit.

As for Gary's opinion that the ergonomics of the Canon bodies (note the 1-series are somewhat different to the 30D/5D bodies) are "inferior" to Nikon, I would have to say that in my opinion many of the aspects of Nikon's ergonomics are inferior to Canon (although Nikon does win on a couple of points for me). The menu system (on the D100/D70) is a prime example of something that's more confusing than on the 5D!
We're all different!

[Geoff]

*gasp*...
Two of our guys have just made the switch to the 'dark' side?!?
Am I seeing things?!?
Geeze guys - I must say I am surprised. What kind of deal was this?
Must have been an extremely lucrative deal for you to make the switch I imagine. I have just finished reading the thread. As Gary summarised it makes sense with all the questions and discussion you have been making re FF Canon cameras Stubbsy!

Without prying, are you guys able to give us any indication on what a great deal it was??

Glen - Friday afternoon, need some 'help' to unpack your new toy?

Congrats guys - I'm amazed.

[myarhidia]

The only cameras (all film) with it were the EOS 5, 3, 1V, 30, and 30V (the 30V in April 2004 was the last introduction). It's an interesting technology.

...and the 50e. I have one of these units myself.

The 50e only has 3 focal points, from memory the 30v had 7, the 5 had 5, the 1v had 45.

Unfortunately it got a lot of bagging from people who tried it on demo units in camera stores without recalibrating it for their eyes.

Yes, the calibration is very important and using it takes some getting used to. You simply have to look at one of the focus rectangles & as long as the image has some contract in that area it will become the focus point. If you didn't use the central focus point and there was low contrast / low light the lens would hunt unable to find a focus.

[sheepie]

Peter - I'm hearing some rather interesting rumours about all of this, and I've got to say if there's any truth in them at all I'm not particularly impressed.

If they're not true, then good on both of you. If they are, then I'm not sure where that leads us.

[Alpha_7]

Post removed.

[sheepie]

[marcotrov]

Sounds like a Dorian Gray styled deal. Soul for sale Someone take photos of Stubbsy and Glen and let's compare them in 5 years time and we will know for sure
I too am shocked but you are both astute gentleman I wish you well with a decision I nearly made going to digital about 1.5 years ago. Again my investment in lenses and some back and forth correspondence with Lord Thom Hogan convinced me otherwise.
I know whatever the case you guys are going to produce some wonderful images. look forward to seeing them
cheers
marco

[moz]

Anyone got a link for this eye technology ?

I googled
http://www.google.com.au/search?q=canon+eye+focus+track
and the first hit was
http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=CanonAdvantageTopicDtlAct&fcategoryid=111&id=2649
which seems to have the guts of it, and its official name: Eye Controlled Focus

Basically, there's 45 focus points and so instead of some ridiculously complex navigator (or as well as) they have an eyeball tracker that sets the focus point to the thing you're looking at. Very useful once you get used to it.

[Alpha_7]

Thanks Moz. I appreciate the extra links, seems more of a wanky feature then something I'd like to use myself. But if you got used to it, the it could be a powerful tool.
I remember a SMH April fools with the eye mouse, where you blinked and double blinked to click, and moved your eye around the screen.

[gstark]

Dave,

I've heard some rumors about a special AF version - with Canon's eye-sensing AF technology installed - of the 5D being released

Where on earth did you hear that?

Having lived for a number of years in the USofA, I have built up a number of contacts in all manner of unusual - and sometimes unexpected - places.

If it was true the net would be alive with discussions, and in any case it wouldn't be called a 5D!

I understand where you're coming from, but I do need to respect my sources. I actually had a call from a colleague in the US earlier this morning as it happens, but he wasn't able to either confirm or deny this nomenclature.

Maybe we'll see it in a new DSLR model announced at Photokina later this year, but you'll have to wait and see.

We did get the 30D ahead of the US, and it might be that Canon may be willing to steal some of Nikon's user base here.

[Greg B]

I understand that Sony has been working on the the Direct Interface Control Knob. The first model is
due to be revealed later this year and will be called the Sony DICK. You just point it at what you want to
shoot, and following a brief lag time (depending on the experience of the photographer), you get your shot.

I believe it will feature a 10x zoom too.

[Alpha_7]

I understand that Sony has been working on the the Direct Interface Control Knob. The first model is
due to be revealed later this year and will be called the Sony DICK. You just point it at what you want to
shoot, and following a brief lag time (depending on the experience of the photographer), you get your shot.

I believe it will feature a 10x zoom too.

No, No, please put the DICK away, I was 10 seconds of spitting my tea over my screen

[sirhc55]

I understand that Sony has been working on the the Direct Interface Control Knob. The first model is
due to be revealed later this year and will be called the Sony DICK. You just point it at what you want to
shoot, and following a brief lag time (depending on the experience of the photographer), you get your shot.

I believe it will feature a 10x zoom too.

I already have one but it has not lived up to expectations

[phillipb]

Greg, will the zoom need to be fully extended before it takes the shot?

[MattC]

No way!!!!!!!!

[losfp]

I understand that Sony has been working on the the Direct Interface Control Knob. The first model is
due to be revealed later this year and will be called the Sony DICK. You just point it at what you want to
shoot, and following a brief lag time (depending on the experience of the photographer), you get your shot.

I believe it will feature a 10x zoom too.

Yeah, I hear the portrait grip on that new model will be a real killer.

[Alpha_7]

I already have one but it has not lived up to expectations

Did you read the manual ? Perhaps your not using it right ?

[rokkstar]

Well Peter,

I must say that is quite a change. Congratulations mate, I expect to see hundreds of pictures from you and your new toy.

I too am interested to see how good a deal you get - perhaps even just a slight hint.

[xerubus]

look forward to your feedback ... specifically how the canon performs for you compared to the nikon.

cheers

[glamy]

Peter,
An opportunity to open a good bottle! Congratulations!
I have just got deeper into Nikon FF lenses in the hope they will have a FF camera in the next 2 or 3 years...
Cheers,
Gerard

[Nnnnsic]

I've been out for half the day and as such, I've missed this interesting conversation.

As yet I haven't seen a Canon lens similar to the 45P. I haven't seen a Nikon body with a FF sensor.

I have. A Horseman.

I remember a SMH April fools with the eye mouse, where you blinked and double blinked to click, and moved your eye around the screen.

Actually, that technology isn't too far from the truth.

You can rig up a webcam and some software (I tried it a few times a few years ago) where the webcam follows the light reflecting off of your nose essentially to allow for movement. I've also heard of some software which, while not operating on the nose principle, will use the eyes and from the basic movement like blinking will active a left click or a right click.

Furthermore, you can use devices like head trackers from virtual reality based technologies to achieve the exact same thing... the webcam is just the poor man's tracker.

I've heard some rumors about a special AF version - with Canon's eye-sensing AF technology installed - of the 5D being released

If it was true the net would be alive with discussions, and in any case it wouldn't be called a 5D!

I understand where you're coming from, but I do need to respect my sources. I actually had a call from a colleague in the US earlier this morning as it happens, but he wasn't able to either confirm or deny this nomenclature.

Ah... the rumour mill.

There was a rumour about the camera called the "3D" somewhat recently about a camera that would be placed somewhere between the 5D and the 1DsMk2 which would have a higher megapixel range and the eye-focus technology.

I've since heard through my contacts (some of which I grew up with in America) that if they do release it, it could be a model name like the "5D-AF" or "5D-A" no different to the "20D-A" that was released recently for astrophotography in Japan only.

From what I understand, the upgrade for the 1DsMk2, the Mk3, is going to rate at at least 22 megapixel, the sensor will respond even better than it had in the past, and will be faster.

Now since I can only go on what my friends say, I have no solid proof of this.

What I expect, however, is that this new body will use the 1DsMk2 sensor of 16 megapixels and couple it with the eye-focus technology -- of which I understand they've made some considerable improvements to -- and leave it in the less-built body of the 5D.

I also expect that they'll call it the "5D-A" or "5D-AF" since no one in their right mind, not even the "Digital Rebel"'s would dare call a model the "3D" and expect people to not laugh at it.

[Glen]

Leigh, you have impressed me with the Horseman, didn't even know it existed

[BBJ]

damn, Peter good to see you are having a change.

[spada]

Hi
Peter and Glen congratulation and looking forwrd to see your brief review of your new toys.

regards
spada

[mitedo]

Well done Peter on your new toy & the 70-200 IS USM one of the best lenes around all you need is the 100-400 IS USM & your

[stubbsy]

Boy! An avalanche of posts here. I've had an amazingly hectic day and haven't got NEAR my new toy. Looking at the comments about lens choices has me a little worried since the deal only included special prices on certain lenses, but time will tell I guess. I'm off to dinner tonight at a friend's place so hopefully tomorrow I'll actually get a chance for a play (or have a VERY late night tonight )

Leigh has me scared - he said there was a banding problem with some 5Ds depending on whether they had a black shutter or a silver shutter, but I think he was pulling my leg (and it's not even April Fools day) since I've never seen one with a silver shutter button.

[stubbsy]

Peter,

I've heard some rumors about a special AF version - with Canon's eye-sensing AF technology installed - of the 5D being released; is this what you have?

I thought Canon lenses were all EF. Haven't seen any AF one's. All mine are EF

[DionM]

I thought Canon lenses were all EF. Haven't seen any AF one's. All mine are EF

Stubbsy,

You've suffered at the hands of Nefarious Nikon's lens acronyms for too long!

AF in Canon terms means plain simple Auto-Focus, not a type of lens Us Canon people don't have to wade through that complex maze of whether AF will or will not work, whether the metering will work. Any EF lens will work with any EF compatible body.

Canon EF is the mount style. It fits all cameras from about post-86. There are only about 4 manual focus EF lenses - the MP-E macro and some tilt-shift lenses. The rest are all auto focus.

EF-S is a new sub-mount style for compact sensors in the 300D/350D/20D. You need not worry yourself about them; and they won't fit your camera anyway.

For your pleasure, you want the following key acronyms in all purchases of Canon glass:

- L - A guarantee of quality. It will have everything you want. Look no further, this is the best.
- USM - Ultra Sonic Motor. Every L lens has one (I think) and again it is the best.
- IS - Image Stabilisation.

[DionM]

Boy! An avalanche of posts here. I've had an amazingly hectic day and haven't got NEAR my new toy. Looking at the comments about lens choices has me a little worried since the deal only included special prices on certain lenses, but time will tell I guess.

They're not bad lenses; probably a touch above a standard Nikon kit lens for example. But they're certainly not L glass.

I used to have similar quality lenses - 28-105 USM and 100-300 USM. And while good, I can see the difference between them and my L glass.

At least you don't have any Canon kit lenses (18-55, 55-200, 75-300) ... they're terrible!

The 20-35 is a bit soft, and the 28-135 is a bit poor down around 28mm.

[gstark]

Peter,

I've heard some rumors about a special AF version - with Canon's eye-sensing AF technology installed - of the 5D being released; is this what you have?

I thought Canon lenses were all EF. Haven't seen any AF one's. All mine are EF

No, not the lens; the body model. As Leigh has highlighted, the enhanced 5D model that we've heard about - with the eye focus system - is likely to be called something like the 5D-A or 5D-AF.

[nito]

Sorry, late to the thread.

Hope you enjoy the new toys Peter. Full frame sounds sweat, I blame Leigh for the Canon flu epidemic. So who is next?

[johndec]

Note to Admins. We need a WTF emoticon!

I feel a little cheated. I'm away from my computer all day in order to put food on the table for the missus, 3 kids, a dog, a goldfish, a mortgage broker, Westpac Banking Corporation and sundry other hangers on and I miss the big bombshell..

Peter, I hope you enjoy your Canon adventure. It probably suits the type of images you like to capture. Have fun with the Canon flash system

[johndec]

I blame Leigh for the Canon flu epidemic. So who is next?

Not me.

[moz]

L - A guarantee of quality
USM - Ultra Sonic Motor. Every L lens has one
IS - Image Stabilisation

The L stands for guLlible, referring to those who can be sucked in to paying a price premium for white lenses instead of the common black ones (danger: may be mistaken for Nikon user).

USM stands for User Sans Money, again because it's true.

IS is for Insanely Spendiferous, because it adds a grand or so to the price.

Beware of the black heli... shutter buttons!

[johndec]

Moz, mildly humorous but it's an unwritten code here not to post dpreview type replies. After all, Nikon lens prices are just as obscene as Canons' (apostrophe police help me out here)

Stubbsy has put a lot of thought into this decision and I might be suprised, I might be amazed, I might think it's a path I'd never take, but it's his decision and it is no doubt an informed one.

[gstark]

Moz, mildly humorous but it's an unwritten code here not to post dpreview type replies.

Actually, it's a written and enforced code that we don't post stuff that's too negative.

I'm happy with Moz's post in this instance, I don't see it as being OTT.

[DionM]

The L stands for guLlible, referring to those who can be sucked in to paying a price premium for white lenses instead of the common black ones (danger: may be mistaken for Nikon user).

USM stands for User Sans Money, again because it's true.

IS is for Insanely Spendiferous, because it adds a grand or so to the price.

Beware of the black heli... shutter buttons!