On this weekend!

 This weekend started last Friday taken pictures in a Karate Event.

Using a Canon R6 with a Tamron 28-300.

This event was more private, focusing on a group of athletes being promoted to the next level. Instead of taking the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L lens, I chose the Tamron 28-300mm, F/3.5-6.3, which doesn’t perform as well in low-light conditions as the EF 70-200L. After two rounds of editing, the image quality isn’t at its best, but it’s the best I could achieve given the circumstances.  Below I'm showing a picture taken in another event using the Canon lens so you can compare the difference in image quality.

Using the EF70-200 L f2.8.

Saturdays was my grandson sport events, one of them in soccer and the other one in American Flag Football. Here are two pictures taken in these events.

Grandparents supporting team!

Who is faster?

In this case, I brought along the Canon EF100-400mm L Mark II. This lens is exceptionally sharp and ideal for events like this, where zooming in for detailed shots is essential.

After the event, one of the parents asked me to take a photo with his son, which I was happy to do.

A hawk flew around and of course I took a shot of it. 

On Sunday I went to shoot wildlife on a local park. I shot some landscape...

I created a vertical panorama...

 

I shot some wildlife...

And took few shots of a local wildlife photographer that I believe was using a Canon R7 with an extender 1.4x and a RF150-500mm lens, for a total equivalent of 1120mm!

Local Wildlife Photographer.

With that I went home to process all pictures...

During this weekend I was testing the new battery LP-E6P.

Using H+ bursts in Eco Mode I got: 342 photos and final battery level at 76%.
Taking single pictures in Eco Mode I got: 149 photos and final battery level at 70%.

So it seems that it may benefit those using bursts.

 

 

 

TechRadar Choice Awards 2024

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II, while facing some criticism from specialized sources, has nonetheless garnered significant praise within the photography community. The criticism often centers around issues like battery life, overheating in high-resolution video modes, or minor ergonomic choices, which are typically pointed out by professionals who push the camera to its extremes. However, many of these critiques are balanced by the camera’s strengths: its impressive 45MP sensor, improved autofocus capabilities, high-speed shooting, and 8K video recording.

Enthusiasts and professionals alike have highlighted these features as powerful tools for both still photography and video production, noting the R5 Mark II’s versatility and performance. Moreover, improvements in image stabilization, dynamic range, and low-light performance make it a highly adaptable camera, suited to a range of shooting conditions. The overall positive press reflects the camera’s ability to meet or exceed the expectations of photographers seeking top-tier image quality, reliable autofocus, and professional-grade features.

That's why it's not surprise to see how TechRadar has selected this camera as Choice Awards Winner 2024.

Photography Statistics

Here’s an article filled with interesting statistics about the world of photography. A few numbers that caught my attention are these:

• 50.6% of photographers started taken photos as a hobby during childhood
• 36.5% learned from online resources such as YouTube
• 40.8% invest from $500 to $1000 per year in photography gear and only 10.9% from $2.5K to $5K
• 46.9% take from 1K to 3K pictures per session! (Comparing to me with 100 to 200!)
  
• 43.9% deliver from 500 to 1K pictures to the client
• 31.1% deliver these pictures in 2 to 4 weeks after the shooting

Interesting, is not it?

 

 

Be aware of your surroundings

It's an unfortunate reality that photographers sometimes face serious accidents while working. Many incidents are reported involving photographers falling from heights, getting hit by cars, trains, or other vehicles, or encountering other hazards while focused on capturing the perfect shot. In a particularly tragic case, one photographer lost her life after being struck by an airplane's propeller while attempting to take photos near the plane.

This phenomenon happens largely due to what I call a "tunnel vision effect." When you're deeply engaged in the process of capturing an image, your focus narrows dramatically, pulling all your attention toward the subject. It’s easy to become so absorbed in framing, lighting, and composition that the world outside your lens fades away. This intense focus, while beneficial for creativity, often leaves you unaware of your surroundings, which is when accidents can occur.

Please, please, remember to take a step back and stay mindful of your environment. No shot is worth risking your life or safety for. Stay alert, and make sure you’re aware of potential hazards in the area. A great photograph is a wonderful achievement, but your well-being is even more important.

Pictures from this weekend walk

 This weekend I shot few photos that I really liked. The first one was this one with two Sand-hill Cranes flying close by.

I love the way the morning sun hits the birds. The Canon R6 locked the focus right away and followed the birds allowing me to take few pictures all in focus. 

In my way to visit Crews Lake and right leaving the neighborhood I took this landscape picture which I loved. 

Two things in this landscape made me stop the car and take the picture: the fog drifting over the empty field in the background and the warm sunlight casting a glow on the white fence to the left. Besides these, the sky itself was stunning.

This was my first time visiting Crews Lake after the hurricane, and I found the water level at a record high, creating an entirely new landscape unlike anything I had seen there before.

The falls colors together with the morning sun give this picture a beautiful look.

Here’s the last photo I want to share in this note—I like how the two Sandhill Cranes became part of the composition.

Would you pay $23000 for a Camera?

 Leica is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the M rangefinder camera, but the most precious gift it’s giving for the occasion is for only 250 rich people and costs $22,995. The ludicrously expensive Leica M Edition 70 set includes a platinum-plated Leica M-A 35mm film camera with Leicavit fast winder, a matching 50mm APO-Summicron-M f/2 lens, and a metallic film container with a roll of black-and-white film. Source. 

A camera is fundamentally a tool for capturing images, and while technology can enhance image quality, the true value of a photograph largely stems from the photographer’s skill, creativity, and vision. Paying a premium for the latest camera may make sense for certain technical needs, but for many, it can be more about status than necessity. A $23,000 camera might showcase wealth, but it doesn’t make someone a skilled photographer.

DSLRs are cheaper than ever

With the rising popularity of mirrorless cameras, DSLR prices have dropped significantly, even for models that were once considered professional-grade. As mirrorless systems continue to evolve and dominate the market with their advanced features—such as faster autofocus, silent shooting, and lighter designs—many photographers are transitioning away from DSLRs. This shift has led to a surplus of high-quality DSLR bodies and lenses available at more affordable prices. For budget-conscious photographers, this presents an excellent opportunity to acquire gear that was once out of reach, offering exceptional image quality and reliability at a fraction of its original cost. Even though mirrorless cameras are the new industry standard, DSLRs remain highly capable tools, especially for those who prefer their robust build, optical viewfinders, and battery life.

How-To Geek recently published an article highlighting the numerous advantages of purchasing a DSLR in today's market.