paul_d7

<p>Here's a comparison someone did before and after the firmware fix:<br>

<a href="http://www.andrewyip.com/blog/2009/01/07/firmware-update-fixes-5d-mark-ii-black-dots-problem">http://www.andrewyip.com/blog/2009/01/07/firmware-update-fixes-5d-mark-ii-black-dots-problem</a><br>

It's fixed! Thanks Christopher for letting everyone know!</p>

<p>Regarding ISO 50: on the regular 5D, ISO 50 has one stop less dynamic range which is why most landscape shooters keep it at 100, even with a tripod. Canon stated that they made ISO 50 something you had to turn on because of that fact, so people couldn't just easily select it. Knowing that fact of the original, there's good reason to believe that this is the same story with the 5D2.<br>

The noise improvement at ISO 50 (if any) doesn't seem to be worth losing dynamic range. In my landscape shots, I always use 100 and forget that 50 exists. The 5D (1 and 2) are so noiseless at 100, it's crazy. I suggest a good B+W ND filter if you need the longer shutter speed. That filter comes in handy even more now with video on the 5D2, if you want a narrower depth of field during daylight video shooting.</p>

<p>I have Photoshop CS4 Extended with the new ACR and I'm busting at the seams to work with a 5D2 RAW file. I'd

like to see what artifacts and problems I could get to show up. I know I'm probably asking a lot, since that's basically

an original file, I just have no 5D2 yet. It can be <strong>anything</strong>, a photo of the dumpster in your

apartment complex,

whatever, especially if a streetlight is nearby. I'd be happy to post all results and findings. I'd forward them onto

Canon as well.<p><br/>

Thanks,<br/>

Paul<br/>

OK, now I REALLY feel like a dork... I only use the RAW file, in PS CS2. So, Picture Styles don't affect RAW + PS CS2! (only RAW with DPP as I understand it). I've only had the camera a few days, but I guess if I read the MANUAL I would have known that! So for me, the Picture Styles aren't an issue.

Guys, thanks all of you for sharing your thoughts (Elliot, I will try those settings for some good out-of-the-box images). For the record, I'm learning to capture the light as accurately as possible, with the aid of a couple of Singh-Ray grads and maybe a B&W CPL as needed, then the RAW heads to PS. I understand the photo side of Photoshop, and now with this mega-camera I'll have a REALLY nice pallet to work and learn with.

Thanks again!

Just got a 5D and 17-40mm this week, and my question points to the Picture

Style settings. I'm trying to decipher if the incredible image quality that

guys like Marc Adamus get with the 5D starts with special Picture Style

settings (later touched up in PS), or if it's best to shoot at the default

Picture Style and then do Contrast/Saturation/Curves/Sharpening/etc in post

process only (am I asking for the secret family cheesecake recipe here?).

<BR><BR>

An example of that incredible IQ I'm referring to can be seen in one of Marc's

images

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/4686494">here.</a>

<BR><BR>

Thanks!

Folks, I went for it. Even if there's another price drop or rebate, will it be more than the free $430 13x19 printer that I needed anyway? Maybe near Christmas, but having just sold my KM 7D, I have nothing at the moment. This is really an amazing deal, especially if you need a 13x19 printer. If not, hang in there, the price ride may not be over!

FYI, here's what you get right now at Amazon, and here's what it costs:

5D - $2,099.95

LowePro Padded Strap - $19.95

Canon Pixma 9000 Printer - $432.30

TOTAL COST: $2,032.25!

BECAUSE:

Total charge: $2,552.20

Subtract $19.95 at checkout for the strap (gift from Amazon)

Subtract $500 for the two rebates

Very nice deal. So are the Canon Lens rebates.

Ciao!

You're right! Now, Adorama charges shipping on the printer, Amazon does not, but the printer is $432 at Amazon, so it's a wash.

BOTTOM LINE: with two MIR's totalling $500, you MAKE $68 on the printer!

So, as you said: $2099 - $68 = $2031 for a 5D and Pixma. Wow.

PLUS, with Amazon, you get a LowePro padded camera strap for FREE.

Now, the clincher: apply for the Amazon Credit Card, and get $30 more off (applied to the statement), and you've got the 5D for $2001. Actually, subtract the real cost of the printer and you've got the 5D for $1569. It seems crazy to wait any longer.

I strike tonight at precisely 5pm EST. I'm waiting in case there's one more price drop today. ;-)

I'm where Lindy is, just sold my Minolta gear and ready to pounce on a 5D. I just looked today and Amazon dropped the price AGAIN, to $2124. They also offer it from Cameta for $2099 (they're usually higher!), but with 24.95 shipping, so the same $2124.

Lindy, I say we hold off another month and see... you may get that $1999 5D from a real place like B&H afterall, and I'll be right there behind you. Where we need to be careful is if the price drop means the II version is coming, we might have a hard time finding one. Right now at Amazon it's only $125 over your goal... hmmm, what to do...

Thang, I have the Km 17-35, and here's what I've found: the picture quality has a certain "sweetness" to it that is never disappointing. There are limitations with this lens... the flare is horrible, so forget shots with bright direct sun. The image quality wide open isn't startling, but at f/11-f/16 it is quite commendable. Also, with a 7D it performs much better... using it full frame shows the icky distortion at the edges. SO, take beautiful scenics at f/16 without bright direct sun, and you'll be happy. Here's one shot at 1/15th/sec at f/13:

http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/big.asp?photoID=3847695&catID=&style=&rowNumber=5&memberID=153246

Enjoy!

You, my friend, have the 7D Black Frame problem that everyone else has. It's not overheating, it's a faulty gear. This link explains it:

http://www.dyxum.com/columns/other/First_Black_Frame/First_Black_Frame.asp

GOOD NEWS: Sony has committed to fixing this issue for free. I know because mine is at the repair place as we speak. Call the Sony Repair line at 1-877-462-4464, and they will issue you a reference number and have you ship the body to Precision Camera in CT for repair.

The 10-minute thing between you two was a neat coincidence...

I have to question the lens, he said it was second-hand... I bet it was dropped. No other review has ever mentioned that issue.

And, the Sony SSM's price has now dropped to $1999US as of last week, but of course no one has them in stock yet. There are several 80-200mm's on eBay, and those prices will drop when the SSM becomes available. One guy had a gorgeous mint 80-200mm for $1499 and it didn't sell! Here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140157281048&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=004

Contact him, I know he still has it (just out of my reach; I emailed him about it the other day).