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Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3S – Autofocus Performance [Part 4]

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Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3s

In Parts 1 and 2 of this series, I provided an introduction to this autofocus evaluation, as well as a brief overview of the Canon 1D Mark IV and Nikon D3S AF systems.  In Part 3 of this series, I looked more in-depth at images captured during basketball games with the 1D Mark IV and D3S. If you have not read the previous installments in this series, you can do so now by clicking the links below:

  1. Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3S – Autofocus Performance [Part 1]
  2. Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3S – Autofocus Performance [Part 2]
  3. Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3S – Autofocus Performance [Part 3]

In Part 4 below, we will look more in-depth at images captured during a track and field event with the 1D Mark IV and D3S. [Read more…]

 

Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3S – Autofocus Performance [Part 3]

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Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3s

In Parts 1 and 2 of this series, I provided an introduction to this autofocus evaluation, as well as a brief overview of the Canon 1D Mark IV and Nikon D3S AF systems.  If you have not read the previous installments in this series, you can do so now by clicking the links below:

  1. Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3S – Autofocus Performance [Part 1]
  2. Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3S – Autofocus Performance [Part 2]

In Part 3 below, we will look more in-depth at images captured during basketball games with the 1D Mark IV and D3S. [Read more…]

Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3S – Autofocus Performance [Part 2]

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Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3s

In Part 1 of this series, I provided an introduction to this autofocus evaluation, as well as a brief overview of the Canon 1D Mark IV AF system.  If you have not read part 1 of this series, you can do so now by clicking here:

Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3S – Autofocus Performance [Part 1]

In Part 2 below, I provide a brief overview of the Nikon D3S AF system as it relates to sports photography concerns. [Read more…]

Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3S – Autofocus Performance [Part 1]

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Canon 1D Mark IV vs. Nikon D3s

We all know that the Canon 1D Mark IV and Nikon D3S are geared toward sports photographers.  While the cameras have found their way into many other photography niches, at their core, these cameras are made for shooting sports.  As an action-oriented camera, nothing defines its performance more so than its autofocus speed and accuracy.

When shooting sports, we can forgive images that are a bit noisier in one camera over the other, and we can forgive a camera with lower resolution than its competitor.  What we cannot forgive, however, is out of focus images.  When shooting sports and other action, autofocus performance is a paramount concern. [Read more…]

Canon Patent Looks to Speed Up Live View and Video Autofocus

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One of the most crippling features in many DSLR cameras (like the Canon Rebel T2i above) is the poor autofocus performance in both live view and video modes.  While mirrorless cameras like the Panasonic GH1 and Samsung NX10 do a decent job of using contrast-detection AF methods, DSLR manufacturers like Canon and Nikon have done a poor job in making it work.  Sony, to its credit, has implemented an effective live view design with fast autofocus by placing a secondary live view sensor in the viewfinder, which allows the standard phase difference AF sensor to function normally.  But, still, it’s not a true “live view” of what the sensor will produce. Plus, Sony’s design won’t work with video.

Of course, most pros and serious amateurs understand the benefit and efficiency of using the fast, phase difference AF method that results from using the viewfinder.  However, that doesn’t stop entry-level and enthusiast photographers from complaining about the poor live view and lack of video autofocus in their sub-$1000 DSLRs.  Additionally, there are certainly situations where an accurate and quick live view or video autofocus mode are desired among photographers of all skill levels and backgrounds.

Canon may very well have the answer: Put the fast, phase difference AF sensors in pixels on the main image sensor.

[Read more…]

Canon 1D Mark IV Firmware Update Version 1.0.6

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Canon 1D Mark IV

Canon has released a firmware update for the EOS 1D Mark IV.  The firmware upgrade includes the following:

  1. Firmware Version 1.0.6 enhances the AF tracking performance.*

    2. *AF performance has been enhances for receding subjects and for subjects that are approaching at a low speed.

The firmware can be downloaded from Canon’s website.

Canon 1D Mark IV Firmware Version 1.0.6 Coming Soon

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Canon 1D Mark IV

Canon Europe has announced a new firmware update that will be coming soon for the EOS 1D Mark IV.  The firmware version 1.0.6 will address the following issues:

AF performance has been enhanced for receding subjects and for subjects that are approaching at a low speed.

Stay tuned for more details on the availability of the firmware update.

[via Canon Europe]

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM

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Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM

Sigma has announced the 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax and Sigma mounts.  The addition of optical stabilization and HSM focus motor will make the new 17-70mm an attractive carry-around lens for crop-sensor DSLRs.

No word on price or release date yet.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Turn Off Autofocus – Do it Yourself!

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Light and Beer

Recently, I’ve been shooting all my shots without autofocusing and only relying on the manual focus wheel on my Olympus E-510. What I’ve discovered is that it’s making me think more about my shots, framing, and forcing me to concentrate more on achieving the perfect photo that I have set in my mind already.

In contrast, the world of commercial and event shooting has called for the “spray and pray” method of shooting. On top of this, your camera’s autofocusing may not always be up to par with your expectations and standards; especially in low light as is the case with the above photo. It was achieved with manual focus. [Read more…]