Frustrations with a newly released camera

This is not just happens when you buy a new version of a camera that includes new features. It happens with mostly everything. New features demand more resources and more resources demand more “juice” aka power resulting in the need of new redesigned battery. This is what is happening with the Canon R5 Mark II. The issue is that the camera is being sold but there is not any stock of those new batteries and the old batteries restrict many of the features of the camera and those restrictions are not well documented. The following video is about what to expect if you are forced to use the new R5 Mark II with your old LP-E6NH battery. 

Check this before buying the R5 Mark II

To me, the Canon R5 Mark II is a classic example of a company attempting to fix one issue, only to inadvertently create another.

 

 "After testing the Canon R5II I discovered it had a weakness I was not aware of, and it may impact if the camera is right for you."

The video above shows Duade Paton's disappointment upon discovering that the dynamic range of the Canon R5 Mark II was compromised due to a fix for the rolling shutter issue and an increase in the sensor's readout speed.

Here is what I think about this matter. When purchasing a new camera, it's natural to expect improvements in image quality compared to your previous model. In the case of the Canon R5 Mark II, however, this expectation falls short. While the Canon R5 Mark II offers enhancements in many areas compared to the R5 Mark I, the image quality has unfortunately suffered. Despite advancements and additional features, the overall quality of the photos does not meet the standard set by its predecessor, which is disappointing.

16 is the magic number

To capture a landscape photo like this, 

There are a few key steps to follow:

1. Lens Choice: While zoom lenses can work for landscape photography, a wide-angle lens is generally recommended to capture more of the scene. In the example above, I used the Tamron 28-300mm at its widest setting, 28mm. The smaller the focal length, the wider the view.
2. Camera Settings: Switch your camera mode to either Manual or Aperture Priority. This gives you more control over your settings. Set your aperture to f/16 or higher. f/16 is ideal for achieving sharpness from the foreground all the way to the horizon. Aperture values between f/16 and f/21 will help with this task, while still allowing you to keep your ISO as low as possible to minimize noise.
3. Post-Processing: After shooting, use editing software like Lightroom to slightly enhance the saturation and contrast. This will bring out the colors and give the photo more depth.
   

Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD Review

I recently purchased the Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD lens on eBay, and here are my thoughts.

Why this lens?
The main reason I chose this lens is its convenience. It's the perfect travel companion, covering a versatile zoom range from 28mm—ideal for landscapes—to 300mm, which is great for detailed shots of architecture, wildlife, and more. The range in between also makes it suitable for portrait photography. The second reason is price. This is a 10 years old lens that works very well and is currently being sold in the used market for half of the price of when it was released.

Performance:
The sharpness of this lens is surprisingly decent, especially considering its broad zoom range. It also features Vibration Control (VC), Tamron’s image stabilization, which performs impressively—even outperforming some of my Canon lenses. While the autofocus is a little slow, it's far from the slowest I've encountered but it’s not fast enough to be used in a sport event. The lens is moisture-resistant, which is a great bonus for outdoor use.

Handling:
Weighing only 19 ounces, this lens is lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for exploring cities or historical landmarks.

Value:
You can find this lens used for around $300 to $400, a very attractive price given its features and versatility. The lens has many versions, you need to look for version A010 (look for the letters PZD in the name).

Samples

Here some pictures taken with this lens adapted to a Canon R6. These photos have been edited a little bit like I always do with any other picture.

Paul McCartney, the photographer

Almost everyone on Earth knows Paul McCartney as the legendary musician and former Beatle. However, what many may not realize is that he's also a talented amateur photographer.

Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm is an unprecedented exhibition, revealing extraordinary photographs taken by the beloved musical icon. Organized by the National Portrait Gallery in London, the exhibition will open at the Portland Art Museum on September 14, 2024, and run through January 19, 2025.

From the few his pictures that I have seen published in many articles around the web I can say that his composition is nice and reflect the history of the group during that time period from 1963 to 1064.

White Balance

White Balance is one of the most important settings in your camera and the below video explains why in a very comprehensive way. 

Your stolen camera may not be a priority

Tracking devices have become increasingly popular among photographers, who may believe these tools will help recover stolen cameras or other photography-related gear. However, according to an article on DIY Photography, the reality might not live up to those expectations.

The conclusion is straightforward: no device can replace vigilance and common sense when it comes to protecting your equipment.