[Review] To L-Lens Or Not To L-Lens, That’s The Question!

At least the question Kai and the staff at DigitalRev are trying to answer. They took a Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro vs the Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro approach. So, if you want to know what’s so special about L lenses, then this is the right video to watch.

Be aware that there is an August Lens Rebates program going on. You can get the mentioned lenses with some consistent discount. Check the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro at Adorama (refurbished here) and B&H, the EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro at Adorama and B&H.

EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro price check: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro price check: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

EOS 5D Mark II Cams Used To Shot 3D Feature Movie ParaNorman

Just to recall what a great cam the EOS 5D Mark II still is. The 5D2s (60 of them) were to shot 3D feature movie “ParaNorman”. Together with five camera teams and crews of animators and puppeteers they

have come together to help bring the new 3D feature film, “ParaNorman” to screens this Summer. The EOS 5D Mark II DSLR cameras captured frame-by-frame stop-motion animation of puppet “actors” in this new horror comedy about a small-town boy who speaks to ghosts and must battle an assortment of otherworldly creatures to save his town from doom.

The 5D Mark II is down to on eBay. EOS 5D Mark II world-wide price check: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE.

Canon's press release:

Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR Cameras Help Capture the Summer Animated Feature “ParaNorman” in 3D

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Proves Essential for Realistic Photography of Miniature Puppets and Sets, As Well As Sequential Image-Pairs Needed for 3D Animation

Click here to open the rest of the article

[Rumor] Canon High Resolution DSLR And EOS 7D Mark II Tidbits

Two rumors surfaced during the last weekend. First one comes from CR and is about a >40MP DSLR. The interesting thing: the sources states that two prototypes of this high res cam were tested during the London Olympics. The camera housing is said to be that of the EOS-1D X. The camera should have a high framerate, despite its high res sensor, 8 fps have been mentioned. Finally, there are more, unspecified “new features and technology” that are tested with the prototypes.

Second one comes from NL. This rumor basically overlaps with another rumor CanonWatch was first to report. An EOS 7D Mark II could be around the corner, and may get announced later this year (Photokina?). This DSLR will be the new APS-C flagship in Canon’s line-up. The rumored specs:

  • 24MP – an all new sensor with phase AF on chip and noticeably lower noise than the current 18MP.
  • 1Dx/5D3 based AF system.
  • 10 FPS.
  • ISO 100-25600.
  • High speed video, with still capture.
  • Improved durability and sealing.

I got this rumor in the past, with slightly different naming. My source named a 70D to be the new APS-C flagship and a 7D Mk II as the entry level full-frame DSLR we all think Canon is working on. As I wrote before, I do not think that Canon’s entry level FF DSLR will be named 7D Mk2, but 6D. Last point: The EOS 7D has just seen a massive firmware update, isn’t that somewhat strange if Canon plans to release the second iteration of its popular APS-C flagship? On the other hand, the 7D was released three years ago, and hence due for an update.

Btw, the 7D got a concrete price drop in the last month. The EOS 7D can be found refurbished at Canon Store for $1,359, click here) and on eBay too, starting refurbished from , and new from (.

[via CR, NL]

[Hack] Modify An EF 50mm Lens For A Truly Unique Bokeh (works for other lenses too)

Image credit: RottieLover

This is an easy to do hack and it is brought to us by the cool guys over at DIY Photography. They show how to make a fake lens hood that you’ll mount on the lens for the shown effect. They used an EF 50mm f/1.8 lens (the Nifty Fifty) for the hack. The cited lens is well known for its great performance, and for the affordable price it has. Ok, it’s made out of plastic, but it has much more to offer than someone may think. I own this “cheap” lens and I have to say that I was always happy with the performance (and the weight, it is very light).

Cool DIY project, and easy to do. Try it out!

Image credit: DIY Photography

EF 50mm f/1.8 price check: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE [via DIY Photography]

[Review] EOS 5D Mark III And Photographing Interviews – Tips And Tricks, And A Toolkit

Photographer Alexandros Maragos shares his thoughts about gear, light, electronics and more things that may be useful if not needed if you are shooting an interview. He uses an EOS 5D Mark III and an EOS 7D as backup body. If you are into this kind of photographic assignments, then you should have an eye on this post. There are lot of valuable informations.

[via creativeplanetnetwork via