Living Legend - The Canon 10D

Photo: Johnson, POTN

The Canon 10D was the first xxD series camera released by Canon in February 2003. It has a 6.3-megapixel sensor. The auto-focus system was a massive 7-point system, up from the 3-point system of the Canon D60. This was the first Canon body that allowed automatic image rotation upon playback.

As for performance, the 10D holds quite well, offering 3 frames/sec burst mode, native ISO up to 1600 and 1/4000 to 30s shutter. The body weighs in at 790g, which is actually 115g heavier than the newly released Canon 60D. The 60D is however, is the lightest xxD released by Canon.

Though the APS-C format is still king of the xxD, the 10D only accepts EF lenses [EF-S lenses were not yet available]. Feel free to view the awesome image gallery over at the POTN forums, but beware it has led to many new and nostalgic purchases!

Links:
Favorite capture by RFMSports

Busted by the Cops - Beau Hudspeth

Image ©Beau Hudspeth 2008

Technical knowledge can only take you so far. You can know what you're doing, but a trueness lies in creativity. Here is an awesome portrait from Beau Hudspeth. Here he captures his 4 year old son getting busted by the cops. This is an honorable mention because Beau does not have a blog, but he is a regular at Examiner.com.

Real Estate Photography - Michael Kelley

Photo: Michael Kelley

Each form of Photography is it's own artform. Even the Photojournalist's work can be seen in galleries receiving international recognition. What is most interesting, though, is each one honing their approach and finding what works for different situations. The above image was taken last year by Real Estate Photographer Michael Kelley. Notice the high dynamic range, careful choice of focus and wide angle use on certain shots [linked below]. Things get really interesting at dusk because now you can use higher ISO and slower shutter speeds to get some interesting outdoor lighting. When shooting Real Estate, you want a clean, crisp image, and Michael does a great job executing this. He regularly updates his blog with tips and breakdowns from different shoots.

*Tip: Real Estate Photography with a one lens, one strobe

ARRI ALEXA vs Canon 7D: Latitude

Nick Paton, ACS, has put together a great test comparing the ARRI ALEXA and the Canon 7D. This test is not meant to say which is the "better camera," as they are both tools. This test was done simply to see the ability of each and understand what happens under the conditions. Watching the clip, you will see the 7D does quite well up to about 1 1/2 stops in either direction.

Is Your Monitor Calibrated?

Many realize that when you get into Photography, there is actually quite a bit that goes into accurately capturing light. You may know the basics, fast shutter for sports, large aperture for more light, etc. But what about focus points and exposure modes? What about fill flash? When you get into printing, you will notice the same thing.

Printing has been around, well, since before printers. It was known as developing. When you process and develop film, you vary aperture, timing and filters etc, to get the image you want. The method of calibrating is a similar process. We may not all have the tools to calibrate our monitors accurately, but what is most important is to know how our screens translate onto paper.

How do I know if my monitor is calibrated?
The easiest way to know if your monitor is calibrated is simply to do a test print. Print out an un-edited image and compare it to on screen. Try the same thing with an edited image. Pay special attention to your whites and shadow detail. Even if you are not printing it is still a good idea to have a calibrated monitor. If a client isn't satisfied with an image, you will want to know that it's not due to a technicality and can be properly addressed. You will also be safe in the event prints are requested down the road.

For now you can use these handy charts provided by Imaging Resource to test your whites. On a perfectly calibrated monitor, each # will show a different shade of white, with the center line being pure white.



Here are your darks, with the center line being pure black.



On a "good" monitor, you should be able to see at least one variance in shade on the bottom rows.

How do I calibrate monitor?
Glad you asked! It actually isn't all that scary. A company called ColorVision makes the Spyder2 Express tool which can now be had for about $50. However, if you have a little more you can grab the smaller, faster more accurate Spyder3 Express for just under $100. Those with wide gamut displays seem to prefer X-Rite or similar brands, however much more pricey.

*Tip: be sure to check your monitors optimum viewing angle

Quick Key Lights - iPhone 4 (Arri ALEXA and the iPhone 4)

Since the release of the original iPhone, Media Specialists and Gurus of all areas have flocked. With each update proving more and more capable, the potential uses grow. Apple always tends to hold back on the features, just because they can, but what they give you is truly a work of art. They make these choices for whatever reasons they have, and consumers complain...but they buy.

With the release of the iPhone 4, Apple now had the wide open attention of professionals. Not only can we shoot, edit and upload a questionably professional movie with a single device, but we also get facetime and retina display. The phone has also increased Skype's popularity, who last week added the ability to make calls over the 3G network.

Skype is only one of the many useful media related apps. Above is an image by Cinematographer Bill Bennett. Here he is using two iPhones with the Flashlight app to completely light the subject. The key light is set to 100% brightness and he dials in 50% for the hair light. The camera in use was the Arri ALEXA. Visit Bill on MobyPicture for a frame grab and other cool behind the scenes shots.