The 4 years old Canon EOS-1D C does 4K better than Nikon’s brand new D5

EOS-1D C
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Among all the discussion about 4K, EOSHD’s Andrew Reid posted an interesting article where he compares the Canon EOS-1D C with the Nikon D5. The EOS-1D C was released 4 years ago, the Nikon D5 a few weeks ago.

Well, It appears the EOS-1D C does 4K better than the Nikon D5. Writes Reid:

This time it’s a win for Canon. Although it was released nearly 4 years ago in 2012 the Canon 1D C remains superior to the current Nikon D5 flagship for 4K, which I find puzzling because technology goes a very long way in 4 years. Read the review…

I always said that Canon knows how to implement 4K on a DSLR, and that they did it right. Sony does also, but you have to deal with overheating and consequent sudden shutdowns of the camera. I didn’t expect Nikon to implement 4K worse than Canon did 4 years ago. 4 years are a long time in technology.

I expect the EOS-1D X Mark II to feature 4K, as well as the EOS 5D Mark IV (or whatever it will be named). I think it is now no more a matter of rumors but just a matter of common sense. Both the EOS-1D X Mark II and the EOS 5D Mark IV simply can’t go to market without having 4K. As conservative as Canon may be, they can no longer afford to release both cameras without 4K. Don’t forget that it was here on Canon Watch where it first leaked that the EOS 5D Mark IV may feature 4K.

Nikon D5

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II coming with a sensor having 15 stops dynamic range? [CW3

EOS-1D X
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The announcement of the highly anticipated Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is a matter of a few months at most. Still no reliable specs have leaked. The only spec I think is most likely correct is the 22MP sensor, The latest tidbits suggest the EOS-1D X Mark II will feature a sensor having 15 stops of dynamic range.

The same extension of dynamic range was claimed by Canon for the Cinema EOS C300 Mark II. However, as Cinema5D found out, it’s not more than 13 stops of DR that you get on the C300 Mark II. If you want to find out how Canon measured the 15 stops of the C300 Mark II, there is another article by Cinema5D about that.

[via Canon Rumors]

Nikon D500 vs Canon EOS 7D Mark II – how do they compare? (video)

Nikon D500
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Tony Northrup on YouTube posted a 23 minutes video about how the new Nikon D500 compares to Canon’s APS-C flagship, the EOS 7D Mark II.

Nikon’s D500 has some impressing specs, beside having 4K on board:

  • 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
  • EXPEED 5 Image Processor
  • 3.2″ 2,539k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
  • 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
  • Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System
  • Native ISO 51200, Extend to ISO 1640000
  • 10 fps Shooting for Up to 200 Frames
  • Built-In Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC
  • 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor and Group Area AF
  • In-Camera Time Lapse, Up to 9999 Frames

Until the announcement of the Nikon D500 Canon’s EOS 7D Mark II had no real competitors, now it looks like Canon has some stuff to catch up here. Video below…

Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens real-world review

Sigma 20mm F/1.4
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Sigma’s new masterpiece, the Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art gets a lot of attention. This time I would like to feature a more real-world oriented review by photographer Tyson Robichaud.

He writes:

The real magic that this lens brings to the table is firstly its speed.  As has been said, nowhere else can you find a full frame lens this wide, this fast.  Considering that for something like astro photography, most lenses in this range, at best, are f/2.8 with the rare exception of an f/2 or f/1.8 UWA (that is up to two full stops faster!) until you hit the 24mm f/1.4 variants.  It’s not just fast for speed’s sake either, it’s pretty darn sharp wide open too.  That in and of itself is reason to consider it.  Add in the optical quality, and relatively modest price and Sigma has continued to not only pressure the big boys, but is kicking ass in the lens game.  Good on you, Sigma.  Keep it coming.

Tyson’s review comes with a lot of sample pics, test pics, and aperture comparison, and it evaluates the Sigma 20mm f/1.4 for astrophotography. If you want a review that tells you how this lens performs in the real world and outside a lab, then Tyson’s review is for you.

Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM sells at $899: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

  • EF Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
  • Two FLD Elements and Five SLD Elements
  • Two Aspherical Elements
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Hyper Sonic AF Motor, Manual Override
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • TSC Material, Brass Bayonet Mount
  • Built-In Petal-Shaped Lens Hood
  • Compatible with Sigma USB Dock

Canon Powershot G5 X review (ephotozine)

Powershot G5 X
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ephotozine reviewed the Canon PowerShot G5 X, a compact camera with an 1″ sensor and a lot of manual controls. It’s also a camera that is getting much attention from review sites. From ephotozine’s conclusion:

With a solid metal body and good handling the camera has the look of a mini Digital SLR, the camera has a number of advanced features which is to be expected of a serious compact camera, including full manual controls, raw shooting, and a flash hot-shoe. With a number of control rings (two on the front, and one on the back), and a dedicated exposure compensation dial, the camera is also easy to use, letting you quickly and easily change settings. You can also customise a number of controls, as well as what options are displayed when you use the Q (Quick) menu button. The camera can also be controlled using the touch-screen, however unlike the G9 X, there are still a number of external controls meaning you can use either the screen or the buttons. Read the review…

A reader wrote in the comment section of another featured Powershot G5 X review that he wished this was the body of the EOS M3. Couldn’t agree more.

Canon PowerShot G5 X B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon PowerShot G5 X core specs:

  • 20.2MP 1″ High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 6 Image Processor
  • 4.2x Optical Zoom f/1.8-2.8 Lens
  • 24-100mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • 2.36m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
  • 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Multi-Angle Touchscreen
  • Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
  • Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
  • ISO 12800 & 5.9 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Manual Control Dials, Star Shooting Mode

Canon Powershot G5 X review (Imaging Resource)

Powershot G5 X
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Canon’s new PowerShot G5 X, featuring a large 1″ sensor and a slew of manual controls and functionalities, gets a lot of attention from review sites. While this camera is not perfect (no camera is), it appears Canon made a lot right with it. This time I feature Imaging Resource’s field test of the Powershot G5 X. From the conclusion:

The Canon G5X improves upon the G7X in numerous ways by adding an electronic viewfinder, front grip, and an articulating rear display. Building upon a familiar DIGIC 6 processor and 1″-type 20.2-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, the G5X provides good performance with a few shortcomings. RAW image performance is good, although the files don’t have a lot of detail or dynamic range. Continuous shooting performance ranges from decent to poor and leaves a lot to be desired. With that said, the G5X does provide good overall performance, and if you want a small, lightweight camera that includes many features, then the G5X may be an excellent option for you. Read the review…

I noticed that many reviews of recent Canon APS-C and 1″ cameras praise the very good metering. That’s something I also observed and wrote in my EOS M3 review. I guess it’s safe to assume that Canon developed a new metering algorithm that now finds its way in all new consumer cameras.

Canon PowerShot G5 X B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon PowerShot G5 X core specs:

  • 20.2MP 1″ High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 6 Image Processor
  • 4.2x Optical Zoom f/1.8-2.8 Lens
  • 24-100mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • 2.36m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
  • 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Multi-Angle Touchscreen
  • Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
  • Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
  • ISO 12800 & 5.9 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Manual Control Dials, Star Shooting Mode