Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
Samyang 8mm - Manual or auto?
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Re: Samyang 8mm - Manual or auto?
Posted: 15 May 2012 at 17:28 GMT
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Smooth, I understand what you are saying. I guess my inquiry was more directed toward output results and not the process to capture. I am wondering what the consensus on image sharpness and clarity when comparing the Sigma versus the Samyang?
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
Samyang 8mm - Manual or auto?
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Re: Samyang 8mm - Manual or auto?
Posted: 10 May 2012 at 17:47 GMT
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I am happy Sigma 8mm 3.5 user with a Canon 7D as part of my rig. My favorite lens in fisheye class to date has been the Nikkor 10.5mm, (so sharp!!) but as I am not a Nikkon shooter I unfortunately don't use that for myself.
I am wondering what everyone's thoughts were in regards to the Sigma 8mm 3.5 vs the Samyang 8mm when paired with a crop censored Canon, 1.6? The Samyand is priced at about $300 with the Sigma now at approx $800. From an image perspective I would be interested to hear feedback on whether one lens is superior to the other in any area besides price? 
I may start recommending this lens instead of the Sigma for Canon shooters entering this type of photography.
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
Need pano photographer in Houston, Texas
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Need pano photographer in Houston, Texas
Posted: 17 Feb 2012 at 19:16 GMT
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Hello All,
I am in need of an experienced pano shooter in Houston, Texas for an upcoming Country Club oriented project.
Project specs:
- 360x180 panos shot in RAW with exposure bracketing of at least 3. Manual camera settings with experience in dealing with proper balance of interior windows, sky, etc is a must. Subjects will be the golf course and club amenities.
- Camera must be 6.3MP or above.
- Preferred Sigma 8mm 3.5 or Nikkor 10.5mm. However, if you are experienced in other top quality optics we can work with you.
- Experience shooting 45 degree nadir shot to fill hole in textured/patterned floor left by tripod mask. We do not use caps.
- Must have reliable transportation. Photographer will be paid either a flat rate for travel, or a set mileage that kicks in past the 30 mile rate.
To be considered please provide:
1) Experience - demo links or examples preferred.
2) Equipment - (lens, camera, panohead, and tripod)
3) Location -
4) General Rates -
5) Availability -
This project is currently in the approval stage. I am preparing the proposal and need a better feel of the photography overhead to be able to provide the client a base estimate. I anticipate the photography aspect of the this will represent one full day and potential the shorter part of a 2nd. Also, there may be additional, undetermined still photography needs the photographer would bill out additional according to their rate sheet.
Once again, we are looking for experienced shooters. I have budgeted $400 - $800 thus far for the photographer regarding the pano portion only.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask. Potentials may respond publically or by PM.
Thanks,
James
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
Tripod
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Re: Tripod
Posted: 31 Jan 2012 at 15:01 GMT
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I always liked the Manfratto 755XB. It is lightweight but still very sturdy. (I think it was weight rated up to 15 pounds?) I use it with my NN3 and Canon 7D and it is a huge time saver on non-flat terrain, because it has an adjustable ball head center column that serves as a level. This would save you a few bucks on a level extension if you were looking to be as economic as possible. Last I checked it was under $250 most places. Don't go too cheap on a tripod. Any movement, albeit subtle, has the ability to ruin your pano in the stitching and rendering phase.
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
Enfuse Layer Mask Question
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Enfuse Layer Mask Question
Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 17:41 GMT
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I want to preface this by saying this question is purely curiosity on my part and in no way does this issue create any real problem.
I recently upgraded both my camera (20D to a 7D) and my PS (cs3 to cs5). Like many of you my workflow includes using Enfuse to blend my exposure sets. In the past, the output from Enfuse would contain an alpha channel that was handy because it saved me the step of adding one to mask out the tripod, etc. With my new set up I noticed on a test run that Enfuse outputed its merged shot without an alpha channel. What has changed?
Like I said, this changes nothing with my workflow aside from having to a press one button in CS5 to add a layer mask. I was just curious on why Enfuse would stop creating the alpha channel step with my new set up? My curiosity to have answers to things (mundane as they are) is getting the best of me!
Thanks gang...
J
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
Rail setting request: Canon 7D/NN3 MKII/ 8mm 3.5
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Re: Rail setting request: Canon 7D/NN3 MKII/ 8mm 3.5
Posted: 30 Nov 2011 at 17:17 GMT
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Thanks Hans,
So just so I am clear, by this chart the proper rail marks would be 42mm and 49.5 for this rig?
Thanks again,
James
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
Rail setting request: Canon 7D/NN3 MKII/ 8mm 3.5
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Rail setting request: Canon 7D/NN3 MKII/ 8mm 3.5
Posted: 30 Nov 2011 at 14:11 GMT
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I was wondering if anyone here shoots with this rig and could provide advice to the proper rail settings?
The Nodal Ninja website guide stops at the 50D on its rail setting reference guide for the NN3 Mark II. My 7D is in the mail now and I brought on a last minute project that I would like to use the new camera. Unfortunately I wont have the time I anticipated to trial and error with the set up before said shoot.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance...
James
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
new camera for pano rig advice
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Re: new camera for pano rig advice
Posted: 30 Nov 2011 at 13:43 GMT
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Hey gang,
So I pulled the trigger and opted for the Canon 7D on 'cyber monday'. I got the US warranty version for $1299 which is about $200 cheaper than I saw anywhere else. Free shipping and a bunch of freebies as well.
In the end I figured the $400-$500 more (as compared to the 60D) the 7D was worth the coin in the long run. If not for the better camera build it seems the 7D has a more user friendly button set up and seems to be the true upgrade from the 50D. Now hopefully it won't be selling for $1000 in 3 weeks!!
Thanks Heinz for your advice. One last question, do have a recommendation for a good battery supplier? I used to use Diamondback Battery but they don't seem to have the 7D/60D/5DII equivelent battery in stock. I try to stay away from the direct camera stores for batteries, cables, etc because they notorious for excessive mark ups.
Cheers,
James
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
new camera for pano rig advice
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Re: new camera for pano rig advice
Posted: 23 Nov 2011 at 15:52 GMT
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Yeah...they seemed to be pretty much equally rated with the 7D pulling ahead slightly on ISO and dynamic range. I am going to see how low the 7D falls online over the next couple of days. With Black Friday and 'Cyber Monday' on the horizon the price may drop enough for me to justify the step up to the 7D.
As of now, best price from trusted sellers are:
60D - $783, no tax, free ship
7D - $1240, no tax, free ship
Adorama and BestBuy have the 2 cameras around $875 and $1500 respectively. Either way, I'll be pulling the trigger before the Monday online sales expire.
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
new camera for pano rig advice
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Re: new camera for pano rig advice
Posted: 22 Nov 2011 at 22:58 GMT
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Heinz,
Great info, thanks! I am leaning toward sticking with Canon. As far as the 60D vs 7D (the 2 cameras on the tier I am considering) they both seemed to have similar numbers for ISO. They actually are rated rather well for low noise at the higher ISO values. Obviously either one would be a major step up from my 20D in this regard. Both cameras (60D/7D)have been rated to have similar sensors when it comes to image quality and color. The 7D as mentioned has a higher price tag which appears to be related to its better functionality, stronger build (alloy vs plastic) and faster burst rate. Since this will primarily be a camera used for panos I am not concerned as much with burst rates and bullet proof build. For the $800 difference I can live with an more obscure button set up.
Just so I understand you properly: The new version of Bridge that is bundled with CS5 remains unlocked after the trial expires?? That would be fantastic news.
Thanks again for your feedback. Much appreciated. If anyone else would like to chime in, please do....
Cheers,
James
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
new camera for pano rig advice
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new camera for pano rig advice
Posted: 21 Nov 2011 at 23:34 GMT
updated: 21 Nov 2011 at 23:36 GMT
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Hey gang,
I was wondering if I could pick your collective brains on potential camera upgrade I am considering. My primary use for this new camera will be as part of a pano rig.
I get very good results with my current set up but I'm sure I spend more time than needed in PS sharpening panos that would be altogether better if I was shooting with a more modern sensor. My current rig:
Canon 20D
Sigma 8mm 3.5
NN3
Main goal is to get a camera with a better sensor that when combined with the 8mm glass produces the sharpest images. Taking into account the need with panos to shoot using natural light with higher ISO will be very important to the decision as well.
1) My research indicates that the Nikon line at the D7000 and even D90 range has a better sensor than its Canon 60D and 7D counterparts. Is this the general consensus here and how much will this effect final output when rendering for web in most cases? 6000x3000.
2)Canon user: I am familiar with Canon and would not have to buy a new lens if I stuck with the Canon line. The 7D vs 60D has about a $700 difference. I am curious if anyone here has paired these two cameras together with the 8mm 3.5 and could share their feedback on results?
3) Lastly, I am a CS3 user. I would have to use a DNG converter as these newer cameras are not covered in the last CRW update for CS3. Can you tell me what tangible difference I would incur by using DNG vs RAW? I would like to avoid having to update my Photoshop package as well. My workflow in Bridge is simply adjusted white balance (occasionally exposure), vignetting, CA, and saving as 16BIT TIFF for the stitch.
I am timing my purchase around the holidays so I can take advantage of Christmas sales here in The States. I would like to keep my camera purchase to under $1500, a cool $1000 would be preferred. So that should give you a feel of my estimated budget.
Thanks for your help.
Cheers,
James
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
The way to find the right exposure ?
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Re: The way to find the right exposure ?
Posted: 17 Nov 2010 at 16:09 GMT
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Hi Peter,
Set an exposure bracket where you have 3 different exposures (1-2 stops apart) for the same shot. It is very important that you manually set and LOCK exposure. You'll need to play with the meter in the varying shot positions to decipher where the sweet spot for exposure on average should be. As a standard I normally have my center exposure a tad on the underexposed side if I feel the brighter exposed bracket shot will be blown out.
Use some sort of blending software to combine the images. I use Enfuse, but there are several choices if you take the time to search on this forum. Now you can stitch together a single set of images instead of 3X. Once stitched you can tweak the pano in PS.
James
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
PT Gui and Exif data Question
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Re: PT Gui and Exif data Question
Posted: 23 Oct 2010 at 16:55 GMT
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Yeah, when the box opens it says that it has failed to read the EXIF. Thus it Enfuses without. But as discussed, I prefer to add that data anyway pre-stitch.
J
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
PT Gui and Exif data Question
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Re: PT Gui and Exif data Question
Posted: 23 Oct 2010 at 16:24 GMT
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I have noticed that when I use Enfuse it doesn't carry the EXIF data over, but as Hans states there are several work arounds. I agree that manually setting your lens/crop values give a more precise result.
For instance: Lens = 10.5
Crop factor = 1.523
I get the precise crop value by running one, non-manipulated, set from a bracket through PTGUI. It spits out the values. I write them down, plug them in when the info is lost via Enfuse. That said, as Hans reports sometimes PTGUI just uses a default 'circular' setting when it interprets the EXIF info.
If you are annoyed by having to plug in the values every pano you work on then creating a simple template for each lens/camera kit is the probably the way to go....
I guess my question is why is Enfuse not carrying over my EXIF info when it appears it does for others? I use the batch droplets, pulling the file over to activate the .cmd
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Forum:
Q & A
Thread:
Lets talk money!
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Re: Lets talk money!
Posted: 21 Oct 2010 at 15:33 GMT
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Who said anything about charging different prices for the same amount of work? I simply stated that we don't do business with those looking for a lower price fixed solutions. We are a custom provider that does business with organizations that are willing to pay for a higher premium. Is there anything 'unethical' about that?
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