Last week I was informed that I would receive one more small check from my mother's estate. This bonus, if you will, allows me to continue the rest of the year without working, plus a little extra to treat my kids when they come to visit in December and maybe a toy for myself. Imagine my delight when I saw that the Canon 5D MARK II was discounted $400. Could I resist? I'm sure you know the answer to that! To make it all a little less painful, my good friend is buying my 50D. Mabel II (50D) has 57k clicks after two years, so her life is half over—just like mine. Time's a wastin'! There are pictures to be taken, dadgummit!
Sometimes I surprise myself at all the justifications I can come up with to satisfy my photography habit. If there is a photography addicts group, I don't want to know about it. Thanks. :)
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| The camera arrived after dark, so I tested the ISO to see if it was as good as the reviews claimed. Uh, I'd say the hype is real. This is one of the first shots I tried. None of the dogs wanted to cooperate, but Izzy is always good for a profile shot. Taken with the 35mm at f2.0, 1/40 sec, 3200 ISO. There is virtually no visible grain at 3200! Normally I shoot in RAW, but the camera settings were already on jpg. Hmmm....not bad. Very minimal PP. I like! |
Today I couldn't wait to test the 100-400mm lens at the botanical garden. After 200+ shots, I am slightly disappointed that the automatic focus seems a tad slow, but the high ISO might make up for that. The ability to bump it up to 1600 in bright sunlight and get a really fast shutter speed to freeze action gives me much more flexibility. Another slight negative with the 5D is the high speed continuous (burst) mode is not as fast as the 50D. I missed some shots between that and the slow AF, but overall I am quite happy. These all needed very minimal processing; basically crop, levels adjustment and slight sharpen. Not bad for our first time out together!
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| Sulphur |
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| Skipper |
47 comments:
Your are making me want a new camera... the photo of your little puppy is amazing!
Wow - amazing shots! I'm thinking of getting a Canon 7D as I heard it's faster when taking a series of shots.
Wow! Lovely shots! Have fun with that new camera!
Hey, new camera, new toy, new adventures = I’m jealous. And that Spicebush Swallowtail not only has a wonderful name but it looks wonderful too. And with your new gear the best is yet to come I’ll wager.
I shall grab it immediately if this is the discount.
Your pictures tell it is a value for money camera.
Well, looks like you and your new camera made a mighty fine start together. Captures are truly spectacular. One thing I have never done is name my camera...maybe I should, it would make her feel real special.
1st of all, lovin the tongue waggin! heheheee
Beautifully crisp, clear shots... Gongrats on the new photog stuff, too YaY! =)
Most definitely impressed with the 'new toy' ~ love the photography results ~ especially ~ Izzy ~ stills the show with me ~ ^_^ ~ (A Creative Harbor)
Wow, Gail! So happy for you! These shots are really great...fabulous focus and color. Someday, maybe......
WOW!! Amazing butterfly shots, and Izzy is adorable!!!
These are gorgeous shots; very good for your 'first date'!
Hmmm, how about Beulah? ;-)
i believe that you and to-be-named-later will have a long and fulfilling relationship with each other. :)
I keep saying that one day I am going to break down and buy a real camera...and then something else always comes up!
Very nice shots- I bet you will enjoy this one...I'd go with a new name!
holy shit....oops....i mean WOW, these photos are fantastic !!!
i think the two of you are going to be the best of friends no matter what you name her !!!
Beautiful shots Gail! Definitely retire Mabel and name the new girl something else!
wow! 3200 iso and you get this sharpness!! awesome camera :) the butterflies are gorgeous we almost don't have them in Portugal, don't know why but it's sad. I love the Spicebush Swallowtail in particular, such vibrant blues and orange. my favorite colors.
today I went out to buy a chocolate cake. I got motivated by the post I was writing, lol. but I intend to be in my pajamas as much as I can ;)
happy Saturday to you dear! xxo
Beautiful clear shots! It's hard to get those butterflies so clear, they are constantly moving.
Well my dear...it looks as though you are right at home with your new camera. The pics are awesome as always....as for me...I'm just wishing for a zoom lens ;-) Enjoy the game!!!
Wow the %D MerkII sounds great and takes great photos too!
Whatever her name, she rocks! Could she be a Myrtle? :)
Congrats!
Oh wow! Gorgeous first tries! I hear you on the addiction. I'm saving up on a macro lens :)
Enjoy your Sunday!
Nice shots! I like as well!
My weekend is as crazy as the week has been and will be for the rest of this month, sigh. I'm just hoping I'll be able to hang in there. I don't like busy. I like taking pictures and reading blogs and writing posts, lol!
Have a great weekend!
Looks like you got yourself a nice bit of kit there! And the photographs are nice too!
I'm about to get a few bits and pieces as well - excitement builds!
Stewart M - Australia
Your photos always seem fantastic no matter what camera you're using.
Wow. Congratulations! Good for you. Gorgeous photos! I look at that camera on B&H website about every other day. But now of course there is the Mark III. Too, too much money and not justified, especially now that we have bills for the big "c". one day, though :).
Every single one of these shots is just spectacular. I'm beginning to think it's not the camera, but the photographer. :)
I suppose Mark II is just too mundane a name for the new toy. What can I say? Creativity isn't in my genes.
Those are some lovely close ups and lovely little critters. What a pretty place you live.
Congratulations on your 5D Mark II and jumping to full frame! The Mark II is an excellent camera and won't stay in stock with the price reduction. The photos speak for themselves. Your shots are fantastic! Even with the slower burst rate, the low noise at high ISO will be nice.
Amazing photos. They all are so full of color and detailed views.
I too love taking photos, my family calls me the picture taker. I am not as advanced as you but love attempting to capture nature's beauty as well as my family and our times together.
Great shots Gail.You sure caught that wasp well in your last shot - Dave
Magnificent photos with your new camera! Love the clarity and composition in each! Maybe you should call your new camera Bertha! An old fashioned name for a very modern gal! Keep on clicking!
Congrats on the new camera, Gail. But even better, being able to take the rest of the year off. :)
My goodness Gail!! These shots are so clear and crisp and beautiful!! but remember that the talent lies in the person who pushes the button to make it click!! YOU are the one that finds the next shot!! LOVELY!!
INCREDIBLE photos!
I've already informed everyone that I would like a new lens for the holdidays (which includes my birthday). This was over an iPad!haha! I NEED a larger lens to capture those WOW moments at the kiddo's basketball games and xc meets! Amazing how we justify, huh?!
I really need to get out more and practice shooting more in manual mode. My biggest adventure is to shoot in AV priority! Baby steps in learning how to use this camera!
OMG, those shots are just gorgeous Gail! I'm so excited LSU beat South Carolina - I'm stunned!
These are such beautiful shots - so lovely, sharp and colourful. Have fun with your new camera :)
Beautiful shots. So sharp!
Wow, I'd say the new camera is very good... love your pup shot! Thank you so much for sharing on 'Weekly Top Shot #52,' my meme's first anniversary!
Sensational shots, especially as you are only just beginning with your new camera. A new beginning and a new name seems appropriate.
Beautiful!
Oh mercy, these are gorgeous! I especially love the swallowtail. I'd say that you and your new camera are getting along wonderfully. I wish you lived near me so that you could give me some lessons :)
Congratulations on the new camera, Gail!
What a treat.
I think you will love the difference a full frame makes.
These photographs are really beautiful.
I have had computer issues lately. Sorry for not replying sooner. :D
Oh, shame on you for giving me such a bad case of camera envy!! lol Beautiful!
Gorgeous shots, as usual! Are you on Pinterest yet? I pinned a couple of these on my Gorgeous photography board....So enjoy your photos!
Congrats on your new camera...and what a treasure since it's a gift from your mom. I've been thinking about you with it being the first Autumn. I know she must be smiling down on you, happy you put her gift to good use. Good for you, Gail.
And...AMAZING in flight photography. Love the bee and the butterfly!
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