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Forum: Photographic Technique
08-03-2011, 02:29 PM
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For Strobist, you can spend much less with equally powerful full manual flash(es). I have an array of used Metz 40MZ-2/3i flashes which costed ~$100 each in mint condition. IMHO the 40MZ series is special because both the sensor and LCD can be facing you while the flash tube is firing toward the umbrella. This is convenience if you need A flash for fast pace. I am not up to date but there must be other alternatives. As to the 580EX II, I have one for the 40D, and its E-TTL is not very reliable though still way better than P-TTL. Its A flash underexpose 2 EV by default for no apparent explanation (engineering oversight?), and not as consistent as Metz A flash. The pro is that it can be hooked up to ext power pack so that the flash will run off 12 AA for extra fast 3s recycle (just watch for melt down). The Metz takes 5-6s.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
07-07-2011, 04:36 AM
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Yeah Tony! These are terrific. I looked at them yesterday but did not have time to comment. I very much enjoy seeing the vernacular and peoples of far-away places. The first photo really grabs my heart, but they are all very good.
Look forward to more........... :)
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
07-07-2011, 07:05 AM
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what a wonderful cultural travelogue anton.... a real treat to be part of your trip, dave m
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-24-2010, 11:45 AM
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Last night I did an extensive budget review, and while I can afford the K-5 by Christmas, it will mean significant sacrifices in every other aspect of my life. I think I will wait till tax time and put my refund towards the K-5. Even if the camera doesn't come down much in price I will still be in a better position. And yes, before anyone asks, I am still severly lusting after the K-5.
NaCl(I wasn't kidding about the peanut butter sandwiches)H2O
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-22-2010, 12:39 PM
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First off, I love my new k-5. I have been impressed by it in almost every aspect and the new firmware update has shown that it may be possible for it to just continue getting better and better.
I have been professionally shooting college sports, where the FPS, low ISO performance, and improved auto focus (especially the AF-C) have been huge improvements over most gear I have used in the past, and may be just below $5000 cameras like the D3s and Mark IV. I also personally love shooting architecture and landscapes and have found that this little camera (although mines not so little any more, due to the grip, which actually makes it fit my big hands much better anyhow) is amazingly great for everything I do in photography.
Sorry for the crappy pic (phone camera in the dark) but its the only one I have on hand of my new baby with the cheap but great ebay grip and my new-vintage strap.
I shoot a lot of HDR, but the DR (dynamic range) of this new sensor has made multiple exposures unnecessary in certain low to medium contrast scenes, which is really nice (fewer exposures always make life easier). The DR at ISO 80 is especially impressive (just check the DXOmark scores for further analytical proof) but I just wanted to show you a real world example I took last week. Below is a single exposure (80 ISO, 10mm, f9, 1/200, handheld) shot I took last week while I was out in souther California for the annual international neuroscience convention. It was midday, which is the worst time to shoot due to harsh overhead sun, vertical shadows and diluted DR, but with the K-5 I was able to pull details in the shadows and keep detail in the sky with no problem or noise. This was taken at the Salk institute which is a very amazing research institution (world leading) and which sits on the cliffs of La Jolla, CA over looking the pacific (for more info on the shot and the location visit my flicker site flickr.com/benison).
And without further ado (not a link to the full size, which is massive and awesome, but you will hopefully get the picture, pun intended)
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