Sensor Performance Comparison of 22 Canon DSLRs (updated)

Crop taken from ISO 1600 comparison – Image credit: Zol.com.cn

Update: as reader Eyal (thanks) correctly pointed out in the comment section, the credit for the images used in the comparison goes to imaging-resource.com. Apologies for not having seen it.

Chinese site ZOL (translated) compared the sensor performance of 22 different Canon DSLRs, APS-C and full-frame, to see how much sensor performance improved over the years.

It is interesting to see how much sensor performance went to the better for APS-C sensors, especially for higher ISO settings. If you compare the crops shot at ISO 6400 you can clearly see how much better the EOS 70D performs if compared to older models, the 70D outperforms even the 7D. Differences appear to be less obvious for the full-frame DSLRs, though the improvement is visible.

Although you have to deal with automatic translation the post is definitely worth to have a look.

Comparative Sample 1
Comparative Sample 2
Comparative Sample 3

[via dslcamera]

 

Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD First Impression

Tamron SP 150-600mm
Image credit: Sun Photo

Source: DicaHub

Sun Photo published a sort of first impression (translated) of the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD, Tamron’s recently announced super zoom (see all Tamron 150-600 posts here).

According to Sun Photo they reviewed a pre-production model but I think it shouldn’t be to much different from the final model. A bayonet mount was used for tripod. You have to deal with automatic translation so use all your interpretation skills. :-)

Previously Sun Photo published sample pics shot with the Tamron SP 150-600mm.

B&H has the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD available for pre-order for $1069. The lens is set to ship January 17, 2014.

  • Canon EF Lens Mount
  • Aperture Range: f/5 to f/40
  • Three Low Dispersion Glass Elements
  • eBAND and BBAR Coatings
  • VC Image Stabilization
  • Ultrasonic Silent Drive Autofocus Motor
  • Full-Time Manual Focus Mechanism
  • Nine-Blade Circular Diaphragm
  • Removable Tripod Mount
  • Includes SILKYPIX Developer Studio

Tamron SP 150-600mm

Tutorial: Shooting Video with your Canon EOS Rebel Camera (3 parts)

Published on CanonUSA‘s YouTube channel, a three part video tutorial about how to best shoot video with your Canon EOS Rebel Camera.

Part 1 (above):

In this 1st video, you’ll learn what you need to get started with some basic filming and gear tips, including an overview of Canon STM lenses that are optimized for smooth, quiet focus during video recording.

Part 2 (below):

In the 2nd video […] we’ll cover more advanced features and settings for video capture going beyond basic, automatic settings. You’ll also learn some tips about how to take advantage of these settings for even better video results.

 

Part 3 (below):

In the 3rd and final video of this 3-part series, you’ll learn how simple it is to perform basic editing using Canon ImageBrowser EX software. Once your masterpiece is complete, you’ll learn some simple ways to share your video with family and friends.

[via TDP]

Canon EOS 70D Review (photographybay)

 EOS 70D Review

Canon EOS 70D: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Photography Bay reviewed the Canon EOS 70D, Canon’s latest APS-C camera, and their first featuring the awesome Dual PIxel Auto-Focus system. The review comes with lots of sample pics (various ISO settings) that can be downloaded at full resolution size. In the conclusion they write:

The Canon 70D is a fantastic prosumer camera. At present, the 70D is the overall class leader in APS-C cameras, especially when you consider your bang for buck value.

The image quality has improved slightly over the last generation; however, the overall functionality is head and shoulders above the 60D and Rebel cameras. If you have been using an APS-C camera other than the 7D and waiting for the right time to upgrade, that time is now. Even if you are using the 7D heavily as a video camera, you probably want to take a long hard look at what the 70D can do for you.

Canon EOS 70D ISO performance (image used with permission):

 EOS 70D Review
Image credit: Photography Bay

I would say ISO settings are usable up to ISO 6400 (with a little post-processing in Lightroom).

Canon EOS 70D auto-focus performance in video mode. The reviewer writes: I treated it like a camcorder, I shot the bulk of the following video with the 70D and AF enabled. I feel like it was pretty much spot on for all of these shots.

The Canon EOS 70D dropped to $950 at all major retailers (after added to the cart), click on the shop name: Amazon | Adorama (+4% reward) | B&H (+2% reward). Excellent price for an excellent camera.

[via Photography Bay]

Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS – A new reference standard for professionals (DxOMark)

Sigma 24-105mm f/4

Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM
[shopcountry 17019]

DxOmark tested and measured Sigma’s latest addition to their “Art” line-up, the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS. As you can see in the pic below the Sigma performs better than both the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS and the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS lenses.

Sigma 24-105mm f/4

However, while the Sigma can hold up against the Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II and the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC, its figures are slightly lower:

[the Sigma] can match both in peak sharpness but not quite in terms of uniformity. Although only slightly lower, the Sigma’s peripheral sharpness isn’t quite a match for either model at f4 to f8 throughout the zoom range.

The Sigma also has higher barrel distortion than the Canon at 24mm and has more noticeable pincushion than either model, which develops quite early on in the zoom range and is evident at 35mm. On the plus side the challenger has better control of CA than the Canon at all focal lengths and it’s lower than the Tamron in the corners at its widest focal length (where it’s quite noticeable with that model).

Sigma 24-105mm f/4

In any case, this appears to be an amazing lens.

[via DxOmark]

Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS Review (lemondedelaphoto)

Sigma 24-105mm f/4

Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM
[shopcountry 17019]

French site lemondedelaphoto (translated) reviewed the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM lens, Sigma’s latest addition to the “Art” line-up (in stock at B&H for $899). Please note that the links to the pages of the review are not working when translating with Google (at least not for me).

Optical quality measures are better than Canon’s equivalent, the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS (price & specs). The reviewer outlines the very good build quality, and auto-focus performance. They observed vignetting at 24mm and distortion (though figures appear to be better than on the Canon 24-105mm). Final rating is 8.4/10. The conclusion is here.