Olympus OM-D 5 Axis Image Stabilization Helps Photographer With Tremors

I’ve been keeping an eye on the new Olympus OM-D E-M5 since it was announced. The smaller form factor, weatherized body with 5 axis image stabilization and pocketable M43 sized lenses makes a very exciting package. Their 5 axis image stabilization is really raising the bar. This technology has allowed a photographer with a palsy or tremor to overcome his physical limitations to shoot sharp photos and smooth video. It’s great how technology can improve peoples lives. … Continue Reading

2 New Canon 4K Cameras EOS-1D C and C500

Today Canon officially announced two new 4K cameras, the C500 and the EOS-1D C. Both shoot 4K digital video with the C500 utilizing the cinema form factor and ergonomics of the C300 and the EOS-1D C in HDSLR form factor. I have to say that when I saw the 1D C HDSLR at the C300 Paramount event I thought it was magic pixel dust that wouldn’t be released for a while. I’m really surprised that this is coming out so soon and at the same time as the 1Dx and 5D MarkIII. Between these cameras and the new zoom cinema lenses, Canon is really keeping the candle burning at both ends at their factories and R&D labs.

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Should I Buy the Canon 5D MKIII?

The question everyone is asking me lately is “should I buy the Canon 5D MKIII?” Of course you should, you deserve it – right? I think there are several good reasons to spend the money and an equal number of reasons not to upgrade depending on your situation. Lets start with the obvious upgrade candidate, someone who is mostly shooting HDSLR video.

Video seems to be one of the biggest reasons to upgrade on the new 5D. Noise, artifacts, ISO, dynamic range and compression have all been tweaked for better video performance. HDMI out no longer drops to SD when recording and if your only shooting video you can set the shutter button to start/stop video (this will allow you to use wired remotes connected to the R3 socket). The rolling shutter is also a bit faster so it should show less jello effect and the 12 minute recording limit has been changed to a maximum clip length of 29 minutes 59 seconds.

The audio recording capabilities have also been greatly improved. In addition to visual meters while recording and a headphone monitoring line out, the in camera recorder is now pro level with uncompressed PCM audio at 48 kHz. … Continue Reading

Olympus Heats Up Micro Four Thirds with OMD-E5

It might be a hard time to make a living as a photographer but it’s the best time to be a camera gear junkie. Seriously, this feels like the renaissance of digital camera development with new and amazing cameras coming out every month. I’ve been a big fan of Micro Four Thirds and was using a Panasonic GF-1 as a carry camera. I sold it to buy a Panasonic GX1 but then was lured over to the Sony NEX-7 which isn’t shipping yet.

Now we have the Olympus OMD-E5. Until now, the Panasonic GH-2 was the only DSLR like M4/3 camera and a lot of people swear by it. The Olympus OMD-E5 is heating up the high end of the M4/3 line up with a rugged professional build that is water and dust resistant with some really cool features that’s … Continue Reading

Nikon D800 Announced

Yesterday the Nikon D800 was officially announced and it’s pretty much what was expected. That’s not to say that a 36 megapixel camera is run of the mill, it’s just that a lot of info was leaked early and production was slowed down by the floods in Thailand. The ISO range seems less than exciting after the Nikon D4 announcement but it’s right in the ballpark for sub $3000 cameras. If you want extended ISO ranges you will have to pony up another $3 or $4 grand for the “pro” models of Nikons and Canons. … Continue Reading

Canon G1X Video

This camera is stirring up things on the intertubes. I was happy to find out it has a larger sensor than was originally suspected. I’ve had a couple of conversations where I wished out loud for a G12 style metal bodied camera with manual knobs and dials that has a bigger chip and interchangeable lenses. I got most of that wish with the new G1X but no interchangeable lenses. I don’t think I need a fixed lens carry camera when there are so many great choices of small M43 and APS-C cameras like the new Fuji X1 Pro and the Sony Nex-7 that have interchangeable lenses. I guess interchangeable lenses are both a pro and a con because good lenses can easily set you back another grand. I’m sure this camera will find it’s place among photographers wanting an all-in-one compact solution.

Here’s a video from Canon Europe about the G1X:
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