Comparing The Impossible: Canon EOS-1D X II (20MP) vs Samsung Galaxy S21 (108MP)

galaxy s21

A comparison that is beyond comparing apples to pears. How do the 20.2MP Canon EOS-1D X Mark II compare with the 108MP Samsung Galaxy S21?

Coming from Kevin Raposo, the short video below looks to how Canon’s previous flagship DSLR, compares to Samsung’s last generation smartphone. The EOS-1D X Mark II is currently selling at $4,499, the Galaxy S21 starts at $699. The comparison is made for fun, as Kevin points out:

Galaxy S21 Ultra pictures are completely unedited, aside from light cropping. They were shot in .jpg format using the native camera software, using various modes (including ‘pro’ mode, night mode, and portrait mode).

Canon 1DX Mark II pictures were shot in .cr2 format, lightly cropped and processed to match the colors of the Galaxy S21 Ultra, then exported in .jpg format. Examples of ‘light processing’ would include adding +20 to the shadows or slight white balance adjustments. No clarity, tone curves, or anything more significant.

Why did I lightly edit the Canon 1DX Mark II pictures instead of the Galaxy S21 Ultra pictures? Because the highly compressed .jpg images coming out of the Galaxy S21 Ultra would probably have fallen apart if I tried to push the color as much as I did with the Canon 1DX Mark II.

A reminder: this comparison is FOR FUN, meant to demonstrate a bit more about how megapixels actually work, and NOT meant to be highly technical or serious.

[via DPReview]

Hot Deal: ZEISS Compact Prime CP.2 25mm/T2.9 Cine Lens – $1990 (reg. $3990, today only)

ZEISS Compact Prime

Today only (02/10/21) B&H Photo DealZone has a $2000 discount (50%) on the ZEISS Compact Prime CP.2 25mm/T2.9 Cine Lens (EF mount).

At a glance:

  • Interchangeable Mount
  • First Cine Lens w/DSLR Mount Option
  • Full Frame 35mm Coverage
  • Calibrated Lens Scales
  • 14-Blade Iris
  • Lightweight
  • Markings in Feet

Get the ZEISS Compact Prime CP.2 25mm/T2.9 Cine Lens (EF mount) on sale at $1,990. Compare at $3,990.


Hand-picked deals are listed here.

Deal pages:

Refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (best deals to be found here)

Save $10 on Luminar 4 and/or Aurora HDR 2019 and/or Luminar AI using our code “WATCH” at checkout.

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Deal: Delkin Devices 2TB CFexpress POWER Memory Card – $749 (reg. $999, today only)

2TB CFexpress

Today only (02/09/21) B&H Photo DealZone has a $250 discount on the Delkin Devices 2TB CFexpress POWER Memory Card.

At a glance:

  • 2TB Storage Capacity
  • PCIe 3.0 x4 Bus
  • Max Read Speed: 1730 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 1540 MB/s
  • Records 5.9K, DCI 4K, and Full HD Video
  • Records High Frame Rates
  • Captures Continuous Still Images Bursts
  • Water / Magnet / X-Ray / Shockproof
  • Anti-Static and UV-Guarded
  • Can Withstand Extreme Temperatures

Get the Delkin Devices 2TB CFexpress POWER Memory Card on sale at $749.99. Compare at $999.99. The $250 discount is applied in cart.


Hand-picked deals are listed here.

Deal pages:

Refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (best deals to be found here)

Save $10 on Luminar 4 and/or Aurora HDR 2019 and/or Luminar AI using our code “WATCH” at checkout.

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Canon Unveils New Speedlite Trasmitter Canon ST-E3-RT (version 2)

canon ST-E3-RT

Canon released a new Speedlite transmitter, the Canon ST-E3-RT (version 2).

At a glance:

  • Wireless Rear Curtain Synchronization
  • 5 Groups or 15 Speedlites, Range: 98.4′
  • 8 Custom Functions, 3 Personal Function
  • LCD Information Panel, Backlit Controls

Preorders for the Canon ST-E3-RT (version 2) are available at $299 at B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

Canon press release:

Canon updates its popular Speedlite Transmitter, with the new ST-E3-RT(Ver.2)

London, UK, 04 February 2021 – Canon Europe today announces the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) – an update of the popular ST-E3-RT transmitter. Enabling wireless flash synchronisation and multiple control of Speedlites – positioned up to 30m away – this new transmitter gives professionals greater creative freedom in both a studio and natural environment. It supports key features of the recently introduced Speedlite EL-1 and also enables new capabilities when using previously launched RT Speedlites – including wireless (radio) second-curtain synchronisation.

Other new features of the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) include support for the Speedlite EL-1’s low-power 1/8192 micro flash, and for photographers who use manual flash, the transmitter boasts a new FE Memory mode.

High-quality, flexible capture

Through introducing radio wireless transmission and second-curtain synchronisation, the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) releases the flash at the end of a long exposure. As a result, it helps photographers produce natural looking images when capturing moving subjects. The ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) offers this feature as a new wireless option, giving users flexibility in a range of shooting scenarios.

When shooting with a large aperture and/or high ISO speed, the flash level can often overpower the subject and scene. This forces the photographer to change settings or set up, ultimately losing the look they desired. When partnered with the Speedlite EL-1, the transmitter’s 1/8192 micro flash adds beautifully subtle nuances of light without disrupting the atmosphere and ambient light reflected on set. This feature is perfect for fashion and portrait photographers looking to capture scenes with a natural atmosphere.

Building on the original transmitter’s flexible qualities, the ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) supports FE Memory – offering a quicker and more convenient manual flash set up. Alleviating the need for multiple test shots, professionals now have the option to perform an initial shot in E-TTL mode, capturing the E-TTL flash settings. Users can then switch the Speedlites to manual flash to allow for manual adjustments where needed – all whilst retaining the original E-TTL settings.

Maximising product life span

Canon Europe plans to offer a chargeable service update for existing ST-E3-RT users to include the new additional features and capabilities of the ST-E3-RT (Ver.2). Further information and dates of this service update will be announced later.

Deal: Tokina AT-X 14-20mm f/2 PRO DX Lens – $299 (reg. $499, today only)

Tokina AT-X 14-20mm

Today only (02/08/21) B&H Photo DealZone has a 40% discount on the Tokina AT-X 14-20mm f/2 PRO DX Lens.

At a glance:

  • Canon EF Mount Lens/APS-C Format
  • 22.4-32mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22
  • One Plastic-Molded Aspherical Element
  • Two Glass-Molded Aspherical SD Elements
  • Two Super Low Dispersion Elements
  • Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating
  • Internal Focus; One-Touch Focus Clutch
  • Nine-Blade Diaphragm

Get the Tokina AT-X 14-20mm f/2 PRO DX Lens on sale at $299. Compare at $499.


Hand-picked deals are listed here.

Deal pages:

Refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (best deals to be found here)

Save $10 on Luminar 4 and/or Aurora HDR 2019 and/or Luminar AI using our code “WATCH” at checkout.

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Canon EOS R5 Review After Six Months Of Use (studio portrait photography)

canon eos r5 review 8k video firmware updste

Here is a fresh Canon EOS R5 review. One that seems to focus more on real life application than on lab results.

Coming from John Gress, the 10 min video review below covers many aspects of the Canon EOS R5:

After owning the Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera for six months, I wanted to update you on my experience with the camera as a commercial studio portrait photographer and an occasional videographer.

We will cover the AF, EVF, LCD, battery life and video features, including external recording, from my perspective after leaving the 5DIV.

More Canon EOS R5 review stuff is listed here, for EOS R6 review stuff see here. The EOS R5 is highly regarded as a stills camera. In particular, the EOS R5 autofocus system seems to be huge leap forwards. User manual are available for download for the EOS R5 and the EOS R6.

Canon EOS R5: [shoplist 62744]

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