First impressions: Canon EOS6D

Hot off the wok..
I was lazing around the photo room and while striking up a conversation with our top shooter Glenn Guan, I noticed a small camera next to his webbing.
"Eh Sam, I am trying out the EOS6D la..," he said.
So, I picked up the camera and squeezed a few shots.
Seems that it has the feel of a three-digit EOS body as the front grip was very small and narrow.
The controls on the camera is similar to a double-digit EOS as there are plenty of similarities with the EOS60D in the back panel.

The EOS6D seen here paired with the EF24-105mm F4L

 An excellent body for the beginner.
The EOS6D is a no-frills full-frame body.
Its 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor is capable of delivering some nice shots.
Although not as advanced as the premium-priced EOS5DmkIII, the 6D is affordable.
This one comes with an asking price of RM6,399, making it really competitive.

The EOS6D with an optional battery grip

 Does it measure up?
Price-wise, you cannot ask for more.
There are two variants of the EOS6D. One with all the normal bells and whistles and another with a WiFi and GPS feature built-in.
The more expensive body would be the one which is capable of transmitting pictures wirelessly as well as tagging geographical information onto the images.
As far as performance is concerned, the camera is very responsive.
The autofocussing is fast, and accurate.
I must say that the overall winner on this camera is the value for money factor...

A simple layout on the camera's front controls

 

Hands-on: Canon EOS-M

Mirror, mirror on the pane..
Monty Wong took the dive by jumping into the mirrorless camera bandwagon by acquiring a set of Canon EOS-M.
He paid nearly RM3K for a set of lenses - 22mm and the 18-55mm zoom lens which is specifically made for the EOS-M system.
Wong was also one of the very first few photography enthusiast to fully utilise Canon's new mirrorless system.
This is also Canon's first venture into the world pioneered by Olympus and Panasonic.
Nikon too joined in with their Nikon-1 system.

M: for Major disappointment..
Wong complained that the EOS-M camera was 'too slow' in acquiring focus.
I checked out his new toy and can confirm that.
He is better off manual focussing his subject rather than relying on the camera's on-screen autofocus feature.
It took a few seconds for the camera to acquire and perform a focus lock.
Some gurus said this is due to the body's large sensor. I doubt it.
Spare the solid and compact camera body, the focussing on this camera blows!
 

The lens system

 What I found odd was the fact that the price for a set with zoom lens is at RM2599, while the entire set with a flash thrown-in is at RM2,999.
That's a couple of hundred ringgit difference for the extra bells and whistles.
It is said that the battery life on the EOS-M is good for 400 shots.
But, the bad news is this: You can't get a spare battery yet. Not at the present moment.
And the minimal focussing distance on the 18-55mm zoom lens is 25cm. Well, this sucks if you want to sneak in close for some food shots.

Well, there is always room for improvement..
Nikon had launched their Nikon-1 version 2 cameras. I don't know how they would perform.
For mirrorless systems, I would say that Olympus had a better focussing speed with their EP-series bodies. But still, they suck in terms of handling.
As for Canon, I am sure that the M-series would experience a quick re-boot with a second and perhaps a third generation mirrorless system with better and faster auto-focussing..
Other than the sluggish focussing, I don't think I have much to complain about the EOS-M.

Canon's new full-frame camera

Full-frame for all..
The Canon EOS6D was not a well-kept secret.
It came out soon after Nikon had announced their D600 full-frame D-SLR body.

 Bridging the gap
Full-frame D-SLR bodies are not cheap.
It commands a minimum retail price of RM11k a pop.
The EOS6D has a MSRP of USD$2,000 (RM6.1K) which is almost half the price of the EOS5DmkIII.
With this option available, more enthusiasts are expected to switch from their entry-level APS-C D-SLRs to the new full-frame body.

The EOS6D with the new BG-E13 battery grip

 Features at a glance
The EOS6D is a 20.2 Megapixel camera which is Wi-Fi capable and has a built-in GPS feature for Geo-tagging your shots.
It uses an SD Card for recording captures both on still and video.
The 6D is also complemented with a new battery grip - the BG-E13 and accepts the time-proven LP-E6 battery pack.

Canon Powershot G15

Wowoweewaa!
This year's Photokina trade show in Germany is full of excitement.
Canon's announcement of the G12 replacement is an interesting development in their 'enthusiast'-level compact camera.
For years since its introduction, the Powershot G-series has been way ahead in the forefront -- catering to serious amateurs and professionals demanding for a high-end compact camera to complement their tools of the trade.

Canon's contender for the high-end compact camera market

 What to expect..
Canon had designed the G15 with a faster aperture.
This means, at the widest focal length, you get F1.8 which means that low-light captures are possible. 
But what remained unseen is the image quality with the aperture wide-open.
The dial layout on the G15 is much more user-friendly. Everything you need is on the right-hand side of the top panel.

Gone is the swiveling rear screen

 A worthy update
I must say that Canon has done some homework on making the G-series better.
Not to be confused with the much more higher-end G1X, the G15 has everything that you can pack to create some good snapshots.
Well, at least the minimal focal length is now back to 1cm which means that you can use it for some really cool close-up shots!

Gone full-frame..

Two years of planning falls in place..
I picked up my Canon EOS 5DmkIII body a couple of days ago.
This was the most highly anticipated event of the year.
I have ceased from buying any new bicycle in light of getting the 5DmkIII which has been tremendously improved from its predecessor: the 5DmkII.
Two years ago, I made a bold move by acquiring a cropped frame D-SLR: the Canon EOS 7D.
It was my first system in years and I had mainly focussed on nature photography.
I had intensified my macro photography outings and learned from the best in the business.
Still, there's a long way to go.

My working 50s

Oh wow!
The last 35mm camera I worked with was a Nikon F4s and F4E. 
I had a selection of lenses and one of my working glass was an AF Nikkor 50mm F1.4 'standard'  lens.
As far as I could remember, it gave me some really good shots.
The Nikons were retired in 1995 when I became a reporter.
But once a while, I did take them out for assignments till it permanently became entombed in a dry box.
So, to live up the good old days, I've acquired a Canon EF 50mm F1.2L 'Standard' lens to go with my full-frame body.
And when I got it, it was really amazing.
Now, I appreciate my EF17-40mm F4.0L wideangle zoom lens even more.
There's no more crop factor and the images are just amazing.

The full-frame body and its 'Standard' lens

Simply awesome: The 5DmkIII

Stepping up the learning curve
I guess I have a long way to go by getting used to the controls on the 5DmkIII.
The camera is similar in appearance compared to the 7D.
But its a different system altogether.
With a 50mm F1.2L locked-in, the camera is pretty hefty. I love it!
I will spending a reasonable amount on time on my macro work, to catalog and build up a collection of jumping spiders.
This means, the outings will be intensified with a renewed interest in night macro.

The workhorse: EOS 5DmkIII

It's okay, I'm already dead..
I have worked very hard for this new system.
I plan to utilise it to the fullest and I am prepared to face the shitstorm from my other half if there's any.
In a world that is seemingly cruel and nasty where nobody gives a fuck, I stand firmly on my own two feet to say that the least I did, was to reward myself for all the hours I've put in to make this work.
With the 5DmkIII in hand, its total satisfaction!

Canon EOS5DmkIII announced...

It's official!
My colleague Mr Ng Kok Leong was invited to a launch party today at Bangsar Shopping Complex.
He asked if I was invited. I said 'No'.
Later, I found out that my old friend Mr CH Loh was also at the launch.
Today, is an important day. All over Asia, Canon Cameras has announced their latest high-end D-SLR: The Canon EOS5DmkIII
Its been a long wait since its predecessor the 5DmkII had dominated the full-frame EOS market.
Four years seems right! Anyways, the mkIII has been vastly improvised and the bad news is this: pricing which is estimated at RM10.5K is out of reach for beginners as well as those who are on a budget.
To put it simply, the 5DmkIII is a working tool for the demanding professional and serious amateur alike.

Looks and feel
The mkIII retains its curveous looks and has similar control knobs like the EOS7D. 
Well, if you expect the new full-frame camera as 'just a slight tweak' from the mkII, well, some of the features are handed down from the EOS1DX.
Like I said earlier, its auto-focusing is more responsive and the DIGIC-5+ processor means that the mkIII is capable of a 6-frame burst when you demand continuous shots.

Other bells and whistles
To complement the EOS1DX and 5DmkIII, a series of new accessories are inbound. 
First, there's the EX600RT radio-controlled capable Speedlight, GP-E2 GPS receiver and the BG-E11 grip for the EOS5DmkIII. There's even a new wireless flash transmitter in the new line-up.

Gallery

 The excitment..
Some guys are eagerly awaiting the 5DmkIII body to ship.
In Malaysia, my guess is probably late April - early May. 
The street price may not be attractive to those seeking a cheaper alternative.
With the specs given, I believe the mkIII is capable of producing some superb images. As it is, I am ready with my arsenal of L-series lenses.. 

Samo's new fisheye zoom lens

A diabolical plan...
One of my goals in 2011 was to score a Canon EF8-15mm F4.0L fisheye zoom lens.
Basically, I am done with bicycles. Especially folding bikes.
I did had a Dahon Flo X20 in mind. 
But after being fucked over by the people who sells them here, I told them to kiss my ass.
So, the next thing I had in mind, was to expand my L-series lenses.
The first thing that came in mind was the EF8-15mm fisheye zoom.
I love to distort things and the first attempt I made was with my Canon Powershot G-12's effect settings. It was fun!


Finally, after a long wait..
Mr CH Loh, an old friend of mine who is still employed by The New Straits Times reminded me about the price increase for Canon products.
The new pricing info, would be at least 7% more than the retail price.
I placed an order through him for the 8-15mm and waited for two months before I took delivery of the lens..

The 8-15mm Fisheye zoom is my fourth L-series lens

First impressions...
Out of the box, the EF8-15mm is one solid piece of engineering.
It came mounted with a special lens hood and cap.
You can't fit a filter on this lens, but there is a slot at the rear for a gel filter.
To maximise the fisheye lens, the focal setting for my EOS7D APS-C sensor camera body is 10mm. 
Vignetting occurs when you the zoom setting is on 'full'. 
But this can be solved by limiting the focal length to 10mm (On 1.6 crop factor, you get roughly about 16mm).
Even with a limit of 10mm in focal length, the images are impressive.
Although the lens opens up to F4.0, I must say that the image quality is awesome.


Gallery

Lots of work to do.. 
Ahhhhh.. I am now motivated to go around and shoot some landscape shots.
Need to find out more about gel filters, especially neutral density filters for the fisheye lens.

Canon EOS 5DmkIII

An end to a long wait...
It takes a while for a single-digit Canon EOS Digital Single Lens Reflex camera to hit the streets.
These would stay on at least three to five years before a replacement succeeds the current model.
So much as been said about the Canon EOS 5DmkIII.
The excitement and built-up came about last year, but the Japan quake and tsunami that hit Sendai had put a halt to the production and development of Canon's new full-frame camera.
Now, a year after the tragedy, things are going full-swing.


Succeeding the 5DmkII
There are very high expectations on the camera that will replace the ageing EOS 5DmkII.
New stuff like the Digic-5 processor, now used on the Canon Powershot S100 and G1X are what we expect to see on the 5DmkIII.
Word had it that it would be a model down the EOS1DX with a larger autofocus area and a highly responsive frame burst.
If you have tried the EOS7D, the 5DmkIII would be a natural progression.
This new full-frame D-SLR from Canon is also said to be much more responsive than its predecessor.
That's good news if you shoot sports and action scenes that requires high-speed exposure.

A 'leaked' shot of the 5DmkIII on the internet

Worldwide announcement
March 2 has been set as the date of the EOS 5DmkIII's announcement.
We can expect to see plenty of 'teaser' shots of the camera, especially on DPreview.com and I do hope to catch a glimpse of the camera up close.

Sayonara G-12...

Good to the last pixel.. 
I have had no regrets getting the Powershot G12. 
It was a replacement for my ageing G10 'enthusiast' camera and had proven to be a reliable asset. 
As far as Ringgit and Sen is concerned, the G12 was worth every bit of blood, sweat and tears I've put in.
It was my primary camera used for work as well as leisure.


Problems
Of late, I noticed that all the function buttons on its back panel could not be activated.
Even the zoom feature was disabled.
I sent this to the Canon service centre and received an SMS from them the very day it was sent in for service.
Relieved and elated, I was hoping to use this camera for at least another six months before retiring it.
But to my utter disappointment, the problems were still apparent even though the technicians at Canon had cleaned up the camera.
A watermark on the panel had indicated that moisture had seeped-in.
This is true as sweat from my body had trickled down into the camera each time I bring the G12 out for my ride.
To prove his point, the technician even showed me the rusted panel which can be seen only when the camera is disassembled. 

Well-used, the G12

Replacement
Right now, I am seriously looking at the Powershot G1X.
This is not scheduled to be released here in Malaysia until late March or early April.
It has an estimated pricetag of RM2.4K (from USD$799 on most on-line retail outlets) and I am sure that it will serve very well as the G12's replacement..

G-Zilla!

Canon's frontal assault...
Canon Cameras announced their new flagship compact camera: the Powershot G1x.
As far as high-end compact cameras are concerned (I am not comparing this with micro four-thirds). Canon is way ahead in the pack.
And with the large-sensor G1x, its clear that Canon is leading the way in this category.
Having said that, its current contender: the Nikon P7100 is nowhere compared to the G1x in terms of features and design.

Monster compact camera: The G1x and its predecessor, the G12

Better image quality, top-notched features
People would have high expectations on the G1x.
Unlike the previous model, this one has a 4x zoom lens which roughly gives you the focal lengths of 28mm - 115mm. 
This is enough to cover all my basic needs of having a walkabout camera without sacrifcing weight and bulk.
But, having said that, the G1x is slightly larger than the G12.
This is apparent in its larger image sensor, said to be able to produce better quality shots.
In this case, its enough to fulfil my needs when it comes to getting some good pictures for my food articles.


Gallery

Summary
Well, I guess that its still too early to tell how this baby will perform.
I can definitely look forward to its debut here in Kuala Lumpur in the months to come as it is a timely replacement for my battered and used Powershot G12!

Canon EF8-15mm F4.0L

Project fisheye
Whoah! Its been a while since I've taken my camera out.
This Friday night, barring bad weather, I will be lugging my gear for a night macro session in Bukit Gasing. 
That said, one lens has been evading me for some time and its the Canon EF8-15mm F4.0L Fisheye zoom lens.
This will be another valuable asset for indoor architectural shots as well as outdoor landscape photography.
I think the pricing below RM4K is pretty decent as it is an 'L'-series lens with an ultrasonic motor.
Since I am using an APS-C sensor body, the 8mm focal length would be nearly doubled.
This, is in preparation of a full-frame body. 
I think next year, my time will be divided into full-time adventure photography and cycling tours.

A good catch: the 8-15mm F4.0L

Canon Powershot S100

The new S100, now GPS-powered

Canon had just announced its Powershot S100, the successor to the S95.
Basically, its a different camera with a much-improved design, especially a grip on the front of the camera.
It's also GPS-enabled so you can geo-tag your photos.
I found this feature to be very useful especially when it comes to taking food photos at coffeeshops.
But like its predecessors, the S-series are not really known for their close-up features.
Other than that, the battery life also sucked.
All good things said and done, I don't have many bad things to say about this new camera until I can have a hands-on session with it...

Powershot G12 gone kaputt!

In the workshop: my Canon powershot G12

I picked the Canon powershot G12 as a successor to my ageing powershot G10.
This was two months ago and yesterday, the camera died on me.
Seems that there were some tell-tale signs. One of it was its inability to focus at long zoom length.
When the camera failed to function yesterday, I knew that it was going to go kaputt.
Lucky for me, my powershot G10 is still there to back things up.
I sent the camera to Canon's service centre this morning and was told that it would take five to seven working days to get it back.
For a two-month old top-of-the line point-and-shoot camera, it was really disappointing to learn that it was so fragile.

Canon EOS60D

Months of speculation and rumours ended with the announcement of Canon's
EOS60D. This is infact, a new camera with features that are different from its
predecessor, the EOS50D.The fact that Canon and introduced their first D-SLR to incorporate a
swivel-screen goes to say that many exciting stuff is on the way.I wanted to get my wife the EOS550D as a gift, but never got around it. That
said, I am still keeping the EF-S18-135mm kit lens and well, now that the 60D
is going to be released, it'll very likely to be her new camera.Right now, all there's left to do, is wait and see.

EOS550D - 'Eye of the Dragon' Edition

Ahhh... Just when I thought I had enough, Canon China came up with their EOS550D 'Jackie Chan' edition.Priced at 10,000 yuan, this kit comes with gold lettering, a camera case and a limited edition strap and about 2,010 sets are ever made.While I may scoff at the booger green coloured strap and camera case, I'd say that the Dragon edition of the 550D is definitely for the collector.source- itechnews.net

EOS550D - 'Eye of the Dragon' Edition

Ahhh... Just when I thought I had enough, Canon China came up with their EOS550D 'Jackie Chan' edition.Priced at 10,000 yuan, this kit comes with gold lettering, a camera case and a limited edition strap and about 2,010 sets are ever made.While I may scoff at the booger green coloured strap and camera case, I'd say that the Dragon edition of the 550D is definitely for the collector.source- itechnews.net