Thursday, August 29, 2024

Julian Lennon as a photographer

For many, his name may sound familiar—yes, he is the first son of John Lennon.

He ventured into music years ago, but now he's showcasing his work as a photographer.

You can enjoy some of his photos in this article.

Wow! His photos are so beautiful!

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

The History of Mirrorless Cameras

For sure you will be surprised to know who released what could be considered the first Mirrorless Interchangeble-lens Camera or MILC. 

The first mirrorless camera was the Epson R-D1, introduced in 2004. It was a digital rangefinder camera and is considered the first commercially available mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (MILC). The camera used Leica M-mount lenses and was unique in its design, blending digital technology with a classic rangefinder experience.

Shortly after, in 2008, Panasonic released the Lumix DMC-G1, which was the first digital camera explicitly marketed as a "mirrorless" camera. It used the Micro Four Thirds system, developed in collaboration with Olympus, and marked the beginning of the modern era of mirrorless cameras.

But what about the Big players? 

Sony released its first mirrorless camera, the Sony Alpha NEX-3, in May 2010. The NEX-3 was part of the Sony NEX series, which used the Sony E-mount system and APS-C sensors, offering DSLR-quality images in a compact form factor.

Nikon released its first mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (MILC), the Nikon 1 J1, in September 2011. This camera was part of the Nikon 1 series, which used the Nikon CX format with a 1-inch sensor. The Nikon 1 J1, along with the Nikon 1 V1 (released at the same time), featured a fast autofocus system and high-speed continuous shooting, targeting both beginner and enthusiast photographers.

Canon entered the mirrorless camera market later, with the release of the Canon EOS M in July 2012. The EOS M was Canon's first mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, using the new EF-M mount and an APS-C sensor. This model was designed to appeal to users looking for a compact camera with DSLR-like capabilities, though it received mixed reviews due to its slow autofocus performance at the time.

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

What is the best RF lens for Portrait?

To illustrate the answer to this question, I’m linking a video from James Reader below. But first, let me share some of my thoughts after watching it.

Owning all the lenses shown in the video could easily cost you between $10,000 and $15,000. All of these lenses are Canon L-series, which represent the top of the line in Canon's lens offerings. If you’re not familiar with the 'L' designation, it signifies Canon's highest quality lenses.

While you don’t need all of these lenses, videos like this can help you decide on the look you're aiming for.

In my experience, the best focal length for portraits is somewhere between 50mm and 85mm. Many photographers opt for the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens because it covers the 80mm range and works well for events where you need to maintain some distance from your subjects. Personally, I use the EF 70-200mm L for outdoor events and my 85mm (non-L version) for indoor events. A 24-70mm lens is also handy for indoor shoots when you need to capture both the subject and the surrounding environment. 

Enjoy the video.



Not everyone is happy...

Not everyone is happy with Canon's new cameras, the R1 and the R5 Mark II. Here, you can read what photographer Illya Ovchar thinks about these two models.

While the Canon R1 and R5 Mark II undoubtedly bring some interesting features to the table, they don't represent the game-changing advancements that many of us were hoping for. The incremental improvements and high price points make them less appealing for photographers who are already well-equipped with previous models. The reality is that in the world of photography, there haven't been any truly "bad" cameras for over a decade. What matters more than having the latest gear is mastering the tools you already have and focusing on the craft of photography itself. So, before you get caught up in the hype and feel the urge to upgrade, consider whether these new releases genuinely offer something that will transform your work—or if they're just another marketing push designed to empty your wallet.

Here is one important point, the R5 Mark II has a stacked sensor which makes a huge difference for wildlife, sport or any action photography. Other than that, a wedding photographer will not notice any substantial difference between the R5 and R5 Mark II, not to pay the huge difference in price. 

The story behind this picture

I was out walking the other day, searching for good photo opportunities, when I rounded a tree and suddenly heard a call. Before I knew it, a beautiful Red-Shouldered Hawk was flying right toward me.

20240825-R6I-083642
Taken using R6 Mark I w/EF100-400L.

;

Normally, I have my R6 set to C1, which I've configured for Aperture Priority. I didn't have time to react and switch it to C3, which is set for Shutter Priority—the best setting for birds in flight. That's why the picture isn't as sharp as it could be.

I've noticed that birds of prey often fly directly toward you when they're disturbed. It's almost like they're telling you to back off!

Monday, August 26, 2024

Luck is something that you always will need

That's right, bird photography is like hunting or fishing. There's no guarantee you'll find the bird you're looking for or capture the shot you’re hoping to take.



Patience is a virtue

Patience is a virtue and you really need that in wildlife photography. May be that is the reason why I never have been that close to a kingfisher. 



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 ...