Video: Canon Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D Hands-on Review (DigitalRev)

DigitalRev‘s Kai got his hands on the Canon Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D (price & specs), the world’s smallest DSLR.

Canon Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon Rebel SL1

Canon Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D features (from Adorama’s product page):

  • 18MP CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 5 Image Processor: High resolution, low-noise imaging and fast performance speed, including 4 fps continuous shooting, is provided by the combination of the Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor and 18MP CMOS sensor
  • 3.0″ Clear View II Touchscreen LCD Monitor: A 3.0″ Clear View II Touchscreen LCD monitor with 1,040k-dot resolution provides clear composition and playback viewing even in bright light. Its smudge-resistant coating keeps the monitor clear
  • Full HD 1080 Video Capture: Full HD Movie mode supports Movie Servo for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects during recording. When shooting video with one of Canon’s STM lenses, Movie Servo AF takes advantage of the lens’ stepping motor (STM) for smooth and quiet continuous autofocus
  • Compact Form Factor: The Rebel SL1 is a particularly compact and lightweight DSLR, weighing approximately 13 oz
  • EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens: The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens offers wide-angle to standard length shooting capability specifically designed for APS-C cameras. It is equivalent to a 28.8-88mm focal length in the 35mm format and its minimum focus distance is 9.8″
  • Lens Compatibility: The Canon Rebel SL1 is compatible with all EF and EF-S lenses
  • 9-point Autofocus System: A 9-point AF system (including a high-precision dual-cross center point) provides fast and accurate autofocus performance when shooting with the viewfinder. The Center AF point is AF cross-type at f/5.6, Center AF point is vertical line-sensitive at f/2.8
  • Hybrid CMOS AF II: The Hybrid CMOS AF System is utilized when shooting photos and video in Live View. Combining two different kinds of AF-phase and contrast detection-continuous focus tracking becomes faster and more accurate than ever before in Live View
  • ISO Range: An ISO Range of 100-12800 (expandable to 25600) provides low-noise capture in low light situations and saturated colors in bright conditions
  • Continuous Shooting: The Rebel SL1 offers continuous shooting rates of 4 fps for up to 7 consecutive RAW files or 28 full resolution JPEG files
  • Video Snapshot: With the Video Snapshot feature, the SL1 captures short video clips (of 2, 4 or 8 seconds) and combines them automatically into one video file as a snapshot or highlights album
  • Optical Viewfinder: The SL1 features an Optical Viewfinder with 0.87x magnification. Shooting with the optical viewfinder ensures steadier images and is effective when shooting in bright conditions when shooting rapidly
  • Scene Intelligent Auto: Scene Intelligent Auto Mode automatically delivers optimally adjusted photos and offers improved scene detection for better results when shooting at night
  • Special Scene Modes: Special Scene Modes including Kids, Food and Candlelight give you advanced presets to ensure the best possible photos under difficult shooting conditions
  • Creative Filters: Creative Filters add expressive touches to your images and can be seen in real time when shooting in Live View
  • Effect Shot Mode and Background Simulation: The Effect Shot feature automatically captures two shots simultaneously: one without effect and one with a Picture Style or Creative Filter effect. This makes it easy to see how each effect changes the photo without compromising the original image
  • Lens Aberration Correction: The SL1 features lens correction tools that compensate for specific lens characteristics that can affect image quality. Peripheral Illumination Correction adjusts light falloff in the corner of an image based on the type of lens being used
  • JPEG Resizing and In-camera Cropping: For images easier to email, the SL1 can resize JPEG files in-camera, while leaving the original image untouched. And because the SL1 creates large 18MP images, in-camera cropping creates files large enough for direct printing or other purposes
  • Photobook Set-up: Photobook Set-up feature allows you to share you images in book form. Users can easily choose specific images, images in a folder and even all images, then specify their sequence and layout. The results can be printed in book form with ease
  • Optional GPS Compatibility: With the optional GPS Receiver GP-E2 attached to the hot shoe or the digital terminal, the SL1 can record location, including latitude, longitude and altitude and has the ability to track the trajectory of movement with its logging function
  • Supported Languages: English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese

Canon PowerShot N Review (ephotozine)

ephotozine published their comprehensive review of the Canon Powershot N, a true fun-cam with built-in WiFi. Test charts, sample images and more.

Core specs (from B&H’s product page):

  • 12.1MP High Sensitivity CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 5 Image Processor
  • 8x f/3.0 Optical Zoom Lens
  • 28-224mm Focal Length Equivalency
  • 2.8″ Capacitive Tilt-Touch LCD Panel
  • 1080p Full HD Video Capture
  • Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity
  • One-Touch Mobile Device Connect Button
  • Creative Shot Mode

Canon Powershot N price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA Powershot N

Want To Clean Your Canon Lens? Learn How To

Canon Lens
Image courtesy: PetaPixel

Roger Cicala posted an interesting article on PetaPixel. You know that pesky dust spots you see in your Canon lens? Well, they are not really a problem, as Roger states:

Here’s a question I get asked about 15 times a week: “How can I get the dust out of my lens?” The right answer is you don’t. All lenses have dust in them and it doesn’t affect the images at all 99% of the time. Even if you clean it all out, it will be back after you use the lens a few times.

However, there are some situations where you really want to open the lens and get rid of the dust. Be aware that opening a lens voids guaranty, and that it is a potential risky affair. Be sure to read the warnings before you proceed. The following Canon lenses are covered in the article.

  • Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS(Canon 24-105, 24-70 f/4 IS, 24-70 f/2.8 II)
  • Canon 85mm f/1.2 L
  • Canon 85mm f/1.8 (Canon 100m f/2)
  • Canon 70-200 f/2.8 NON IS (Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS I and II)
  • Canon 100-400 IS L (Canon 28-300 IS L)
[via PetaPixel]

Simply Amazing Take 2: More About Magic Lantern Hack For EOS 5D Mark III (and comparison with Blackmagic)

Yesterday I reported about the latest hack for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III (price & specs) by the skilled Magic Lantern team (the forum discussion is going on here). The Magic Lantern hack is definitely going to change a few things in the videographer world: an EOS 5D Mark III becomes the most advanced 14-bit RAW recording system people can get for around $3000 (less than EUR 3000). For those who still don’t know: the Magic Lantern hack makes 14 bit RAW video output at 24fps feasible on the EOS 5D Mark III. The performance is amazing when compared to the 8-bit H.264 footage output (without the hack). Given the success of yesterday’s post I would like to post a follow-up.

First of all, a guide on how to install the Magic Lantern hack on your EOS 5D Mark III, provided by cinema5d. Get the Magic Lantern package (File –> Download) and follow cinema5d’s instructions.

Next, for all of you who are concerned that installing the Magic Lantern hack could brick their DSLR, have a look at Joe Marine’s article at nofilmschool. Hint: It will not brick your sensor. Be confident. While it is true that the hack is in its early stage, and that there will be random crashes and failures, there is no risk to ruin the sensor of the 5D Mark III (this was a concern by some users). The sensor does not have to do more work when using the hack.

Finally, at diyphotography they posted an article about why Magic Lantern Raw video is the best thing that happened to Canon.

More and more videos that show the impressing performance of the Magic Lantern hack show up. Below you’ll find a selection. Have fun!

Canon EOS 5D Mark III price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

5D mark ii Magic Lantern RAW test (low light, high ISO) from Jon Andreas Sanne on Vimeo.

14-bit RAW on Canon 5D Mark III vs. factory default with CineStyle – Dynamic Range from Saad Rabia on Vimeo.

A RAW in the park. (Canon 5D mark III with Magic Lantern RAW module – short test) from Johnnie Behiri on Vimeo.

Canon EOS C100 Reviews Round-Up (Mostly Videos)


Time for a round-up of reviews about the Canon EOS C100. The Canon C100 is on sale with a $1000 discount at both Adorama and B&H. The body only option is yours for $5499 (B&H | Adorama), the kit with the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS lens is sold for $6,099 (B&H | Adorama). Btw, if you are looking for a raincover for your precious C100, Petrol Bags has one (source: cinescopophilia):

EOS C100

The C100 Rain Cover’s transparent polyurethane construction provides for maximum visibility, while remaining serviceable down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit/-20 degrees Celsius. A cleaver front cover section featuring a microphone sleeve of rip-stop fabric attaches to the Rain Cover via two waterproof zippers for extra weather protection. A hot shoe connector in the cover’s rigid front hood section anchors and stabilizes the rain cover on the camera. The PR400 also includes a 6” ABS track that allows for the addition of a mini light.

Before you dive into the videos, have a look why Cinematographer Ryan E. Walters prefers the EOS C100. There are 7 reasons for this: (source: nofilmschool)

  1. It Is The Craftsperson, Not The Tool, That Matters
  2. I’m Not A Rental House
  3. Some Tools Are Easier To Use Than Others
  4. I’m Not Interested In Hype, I’m Interested In Reality
  5. Protecting Vision Is Important
  6. Dynamic Range In Over Exposure Latitude Is Important
  7. Low Light Performance Is Important

First of all, learn what you need to know about the EOS C100 in the video below, made by Filmtools:

Or the next video, which gives you a good introduction to the C100, C300, C500, and the 5D Mark III (price & specs).

Let us start with a video made by Joe Simon Films. They compare the EOS C100 to the EOS 5D Mark III (price & specs). They write:

We had a chance to use 2 Canon C100s to mix with our C300 to shoot an all EOS Cinema wedding. We put the C100 through the paces and compare it to our current wedding workhorse the Canon 5DMKIII.

This is not a scientific test but a test to see how the feel, look and weight of the cameras compares to the 5D and C300. Both of which we already own.

Tech info –
5D profile setting was on Neutral – Contrast and sharpness all the way down. I always use this profile to get a nice flat image and the best DR. I DON’Tuse cinestyle because I find in post I get much too much noise in the image.

C100 was set to CLOG, I also had NR set to 3. Sharpness all the to -10

 

Next, we have a video by Italian filmmaker Aldo Ricci. Some info about the used equipment:

Canon C100 – Lens Canon 24-70 2.8 – 70-200 2.8 and 16-354 2.8
BTS: CanonmarkIII – Lens 24-70 / 70-200
Cinevate slider

Canon EOS C100: Adorama | B&H.
Canon EOS C100 body only: B&H | Adorama
Canon EOS C100 with EF 24-105mm f/4L IS: B&H | Adorama

Simply Amazing: Canon EOS 5D Mark III Video Performance With Magic Lantern Hack

The latest hack for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III (B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA) by the skilled Magic Lantern team is going to change a few things. For those who still don’t know: the hack makes 14 bit RAW video output at 24fps feasible on the EOS 5D Mark III. The performance is amazing when compared to the 8-bit H.264 footage output (without the hack).

This ground-breaking Magic Lantern hack transforms the EOS 5D Mark III in a sophisticated, professional video equipment. For instance, check the low light performance with the Magic Lantern hack compared to H.265 (source: EOSHD)

Isn’t it impressing? But there is more to be happy about. Below you can see some videos made by Saad Rabia that show the difference. Have a look how the Magic Lantern hack increases the sharpness and details of the video. Sure, the Magic Lantern hack it is not yet fully mature, but this is just a matter of time. As nofilmschool puts it:

There are a few bugs to work out at the moment, especially since this is so early in the life of the hack. Right now there is no audio in-camera and clips are limited to 4GB (which is about a minute of footage), but the focus has been on actually getting it working and stable before moving on to the other issues. The 4GB limit is not actually even a hardware limitation, it’s just the way the code is at the moment, so we will definitely see longer clip lengths. For the best quality, 1000x speed cards are recommended […]


[via nofilmschool and EOSHD]