Canon 5D Mark II and 7D Photo Comparison January 21st, 2010
I made a comment in my last post that I felt the quality of images captured with a Canon 7D rivals that of the Canon 5D Mark II when equipped with an equivalent lens. I made this assumption based on my subjective observations from using both cameras. However since I have both cameras, it’s possible for me perform a quantitative analysis to back up my claim. Perhaps I’ll finally get some use out of that Master’s Degree I earned from Miami University years ago.
ND Filters to Control Exposure for Video December 31st, 2009
On this last day of 2009, I’ve been experimenting with neutral density (ND) filters for my Canon lenses. A neutral density filter reduces the brightness of the light reaching the sensor. There are a number of parameters that effect the brightness of light reaching the sensor including ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. When set to automatic mode, the camera’s brain adjusts these parameters to produce an optimal image.
Timelapse with a Canon 5D Mark II December 26th, 2009
I’ve always been interested in timelapse photography, and have experimented with video cameras in the past. Lately I’ve seen a lot of relevant traffic on twitter that has renewed my interest in timelapse photography, along with some really great websites such as timescapes.org. Many of the timelapse movies that have impressed me were shot with DSLR cameras such as the Canon 5D Mark II. As an owner of this fine camera, I thought it would be fun to start making timelapse movies of my own.
Antique Tractors on the Mackinac Bridge September 21st, 2009
Last weekend I headed up to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for another weekend of hiking in Tahquamenon Falls State Park. When driving north in Michigan, I always look forward to passing the town of Clare. Once north of Clare, the landscape changes from farmland to thick woods of white pine. This transformation of scenery marks the beginning of Michigan’s North Woods. A few hours later at the Mackinac Bridge, I did not expect to find that the farmland had followed me into the North Woods.
Shooting Background Photos for Matte Painting May 27th, 2009
I often stop to take pictures of a demolition site. The piles of debris make great fodder for matte paintings. For example, suppose I wanted to create background plates for post-apocalyptic Earth shots. The type of images found at a demolition site are perfect for creating the illusion of a fallen city.
Photowalk #6 February 17th, 2009
I spent Friday the 13th walking around downtown Chicago. I drove up to the windy city Friday morning to attend an fxphd meet up at Hootenanny. On a good weather day with no traffic slowdowns, I can make it to the metro area in 3 hours.
Photowalk #4 January 30th, 2009
Fresh layer of fluffy snow
Photowalk #3 January 28th, 2009
Frozen St Marys River
Photowalk #2 January 24th, 2009
Pile of Tree Limbs
Photowalk #1 January 17th, 2009
In a previous post, I talked about my new Canon EOS Rebel XSi. It’s nice and shiny and stuff, but its purpose in life is not to sit there and look pretty. I bought it to take pictures. I’ve never owned an SLR camera before, so I don’t know how to use many of its features. However, that’s no excuse to leave the camera sitting on the shelf.