May Be NOW I can have GOOD Times!!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4798918496_933d2c2a5a_b.jpg





http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4798918634_bf4528af9a_b.jpg

More in the pipeline..

Happy to answer your questions!

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

Unbelievable but true. Is this YOURS? Actually? Anvancy with a DSLR!!!

You were the last non-DSLR guy standing with REALLY outstanding pictures!

Now we can wait for even greater stuff!

Approved

We need a proper review of the goods!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Unbelievable but true. Is this YOURS? Actually? Anvancy with a DSLR!!!

You were the last non-DSLR guy standing with REALLY outstanding pictures!

Now we can wait for even greater stuff!

Approved

We need a proper review of the goods!

It finally paid off after 4years.And yes its mine.:p

I am now gonna shift my fuji to my sister but in between will use that also.Some macros the canon simply cannot handle.(under my circumstances.)

Even ill be holding my breath for getting things out of this tool.

And yes the review will be put up.

Anvancy

[Aryan]

Congrats Anvancy for procuring your first D-SLR. What lenses do you plan to invest in, now? Probably the 100mm L or may be even the MP-E!

Welcome to the pit where the more money you put, it's just never enough! :D

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Congrats Anvancy for procuring your first D-SLR. What lenses do you plan to invest in, now? Probably the 100mm L or may be even the MP-E!

Welcome to the pit where the more money you put, it's just never enough! :D

Thanks Aryan.

Thats the lens why I chose to invest in canon.the MP-E 65 gives a no hassle 5x magnification capability.

Now its an endless wait for my finances to match the lens price!:p

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

I am now gonna shift my fuji to my sister but in between will use that also.Some macros the canon simply cannot handle.(under my circumstances.)


Anvancy

You mean to say the Canon cannot handle the Raynox?

I suppose you already have a tripod.

Some test shots please!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

You mean to say the Canon cannot handle the Raynox?

I suppose you already have a tripod.

Some test shots please!

My meaning was,the ease that fuji gives at times sometimes cannot be matched by canon.Did it at a recent macro shoot.

But now Ill make adjustments in my photo techniques to accommodate my new tool.

And yes have a tripod.have to save money for that too.

Lots to take!haha..:p

Will make myself busy reading the manual for the time being!

Anvancy

[Nakul]

Congrats on the new purchase.. !!

[synn]

Congrats Anvancy,

I'm curious though, as one of the strongest supporters of Pentax here, why did you go for Canon?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Congrats Anvancy,

I'm curious though, as one of the strongest supporters of Pentax here, why did you go for Canon?

Three things shifted me to Canon temporary.(temporary meaning until I decide to change my camera body.:p

No tethered shooting for the Pentax K7.
No manual video exposure for the pentax K7.
No MP-E 65 from Pentax.

The next two points also point to nikon getting cancelled from my list.

So canon.Cant wait till photokina for them to launch.and even if they do launch will not have 'that' much money to buy it.hahaha!


EDIT:Thanks Nakul!
Anvancy

[hitanshu]

hold on. someone pinch me. HARD.

CONGRATS

btw, why not 1000D - saves you lots for the mpe65? or a used 40D for that matter?

[KrishnenduKes]

Congrats Anvancy,

I'm curious though, as one of the strongest supporters of Pentax here, why did you go for Canon?

I knew this was coming!!! :D :D

hold on. someone pinch me. HARD.



I knew this was coming too! :D :D :D

I even discussed this with Aryan!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

hold on. someone pinch me. HARD.

CONGRATS

btw, why not 1000D - saves you lots for the mpe65? or a used 40D for that matter?

the common answer for 1000D and 40D is video which both dont have.so ditched those.

Frankly I wanted a first hand since it was my actual first DSLR purchase!

@synn: one question specific to you.How can I put nikon lenses on canon?is there an adaptor?cause i saw 2-3 videos where the 550D was attached with nikkor lenses.

Anvancy

[Bibudesh]

O wow!. Congrats Buddy. So its raining DSLRs in t-pin.
So when are we going to see those killer shots from the new weapon now?

Btw when I saw the first image I thought you are going to make another macro box out of the Canon 550D pack LOL!.

Do post some samples.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

O wow!. Congrats Buddy. So its raining DSLRs in t-pin.
So when are we going to see those killer shots from the new weapon now?

Btw when I saw the first image I thought you are going to make another macro box out of the Canon 550D pack LOL!.

Do post some samples.

Now Killer shots will come out of killer lenses SP.haha.

naa..thought of taking some different shots.so put on the raynox 150 and took it.there are more coming.

Samples.yes will do that.

Anvancy

[powerslave]

Congrats! The next few weeks will be the best of your life.

BTW: http://www.flickr.com/groups/raynoxdcr250/discuss/72157621910394007/

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Congrats! The next few weeks will be the best of your life.

BTW: http://www.flickr.com/groups/raynoxdcr250/discuss/72157621910394007/

Thanks mate.

Anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Two new Images.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4799322851_a2b9c3f2ef_b.jpg

AND

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4799322429_72dc20684e_b.jpg

Body only.got tired cleaning the glass.the dust was sitting in seconds.

May be mini review by today afternoon.

Anvancy

[Cyclops]

Hey mate, congratulations on your new acquisition! A friend of mine just got the same & I enjoyed testing it. Hope to see your trademark works & more from this tool.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Hey mate, congratulations on your new acquisition! A friend of mine just got the same & I enjoyed testing it. Hope to see your trademark works & more from this tool.

Thanks.

Will try to create some magic.

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

Amazing shots of the product! :)

[Devaiah PA]

A full frame user Ken buys HS10...
A P&S lover Anavancy buys DSLR...

Did you exchange your souls... :)

[KrishnenduKes]

A full frame user Ken buys HS10...


Correction: I did NOT buy an HS10. It is not mine. I just reviewed it! :D :D :D

Ps; I am still looking for a "pocketable" good compact!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Thanks Ken.Again more in the pipeline.Will include it in my review.Just give me some time.Too lazy to even install the Software.Shooting in JPEG for time being.have to make space in my HDD.each raw file is 25mb.:p

Thanks Devaiah PA.Well,I cant stagnate myself with the limitations of a p&s can I??btw the fuji still remains with me.

And Ken,for a pocketable compact check the TX-7 from SONY.

Anvancy

[Devaiah PA]

Correction: I did NOT buy an HS10. It is not mine. I just reviewed it! :D :D :D

Ps; I am still looking for a "pocketable" good compact!

do checkout for Canon SX120IS..... I have not used it ..... but got good reviews.

Thanks Devaiah PA.Well,I cant stagnate myself with the limitations of a p&s can I??btw the fuji still remains with me.

Same here my fuji S5700 still remains with me and use it rarely outdoors..... . Once you get used to the DSLR pics.... getting back is unacceptable.

Few days back I compared Full Frame camera output(taken in lowlight) v/s APSC cameras.... already my BP has gone up.

[Aryan]

@anvancy: Did you get the 55-250mm IS too, along with the 18-55mm IS (kit lens)? If you did, then you've got focal lengths starting from 18mm all the way to 250mm covered, albeit at the cost of 'speed' ofcourse (the speed of the lens, that is).

Nice photographs too; loved those light streaks and the reflection in the second photograph! :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@anvancy: Did you get the 55-250mm IS too, along with the 18-55mm IS (kit lens)? If you did, then you've got focal lengths starting from 18mm all the way to 250mm covered, albeit at the cost of 'speed' ofcourse (the speed of the lens, that is).

Nice photographs too; loved those light streaks and the reflection in the second photograph! :)

Yes got that lens too.

If i want speed then ill have to make my pocket Bigger!:p

Just tried the raynox on the 55-250.and hell its a different world.Gotta go back to basics to tweak using raynox for this.Hell DOF.

Anvancy

[Aryan]

@Anvancy: Nope, haven't got any zoom lens right now. And yes, using a Raynox on a D-SLR is sure going to be a "different world", simply because of the DoF! :D

[synn]

@synn: one question specific to you.How can I put nikon lenses on canon?is there an adaptor?cause i saw 2-3 videos where the 550D was attached with nikkor lenses.



There are quite a few lens mount adapters that help you to do this. Don't go for the el-cheapo ones as they are cut really badly. Go for the Novoflex ones.

Manual focusing only, but I believe you'll get metering with most lenses.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4801068657_20dd49bb0b_z.jpg

Canon went back to giving all black dial from silver which was offered on the 500D.The all black looks sleek on already the stealthy 550D.The internal icons are arranged in a new fashion with giving emphasis giving on the movie exposure. Below the dial sits the main ON-OFF switch of the camera. The switch is firm and friend friendly. I actually once got afraid that I pushed it to off position a bit hard. But I think its purposely made hard that way. If you see up you see the dedicated ISO button, which when pressed lets you control the ISO either from the wheel or the 4 way controller. At the right edge is the metal slit for the strap mount.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4801068969_1f1f40a461_z.jpg


This button now sits dedicated right next to the viewfinder. In still mode, you press this and it instantly goes into Live view. The mirror goes into locked up mode. The very same button also offers movie recording function. The interesting part is, suppose you are in movie mode to take a clip but suddenly you find that you have to capture a still, you can press the shutter button, at which the mirror will go down, focus and your shot will be taken, mirror again in locked up position and you are live view mode again, camera waiting for you to take a clip. And this happens pretty fast. In live view we have three modes namely AF Live, Face detection and Quick mode. Quick mode is the actual focus point feature that we have in regular photo shooting.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4801069235_8f0abf0fa1_z.jpg


The camera has a 4 way controller where each key is assigned a specific function. Up for white balance, right for AF selection, down for scene selection, left for continuous shooting, timer etc. I personally find the keys nice for the fingers. The keys are big and sufficiently placed. The central set button gives confirmation commands during certain situations.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4801702658_dd0502df67_z.jpg

This button helps making things simple at all times. During still photography, you press this button and it goes selecting the different components like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, metering modes, image size, scene selection etc. So just press quick button, turn wheel to the desired requirement and press it once again and the camera goes back to idle mode. In live view mode also you can change white balance, scene selection, recorded pixels and so on. Same goes for video.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4801069605_37a6343129_z.jpg
The viewfinder as of the 500D is the same here. Pretty bright and excellent 95% coverage area.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4801703124_cf64af5244_z.jpg


The major two buttons sit right besides each other. And this time they are more of rectangular than circular shape. So for the fingers they are easy and firm to press. The menu button drives you through the detailed 550d menu system. The display button switches LCD off during still photography, during movie exposure it drives you through 3 options where complete blank, basic info and detailed info.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4801070317_4ebaee4cd0_z.jpg

The main wheel sits behind the shutter button. Again it’s nice and firm. It’s fun to turn the wheel during various modes. The response is quick and it doesn’t feel you are turning one of those cheap wheels.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4801703354_f57a32a9d4_z.jpg


The delete button sits below the 4 way controller. During movie exposure, if you move the AF prior to shooting and want it back to its default position, you can press this button.

Do you want me to go into more details??

And thanks synn.will look into it.

Anvancy

[debangshu]

Congratulations! and nice guided product tour. Contact canon to include this easy to understand version in their manuals ;)

I'll be waiting to see the DSLR Magic from you...

[powerslave]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4801068657_20dd49bb0b_z.jpg


I love that sparkle on the dial! Was it achieved by lighting or PP? Nice review.

[KrishnenduKes]

Lovely review!

AF with Live View! Wow, even the 1D MkIII does not come with that!

Getting used to and learning the Quick Select Button will take some time I reckon.

Yes, we want you to get into more details!

[debangshu]

Lovely review!

AF with Live View! Wow, even the 1D MkIII does not come with that!

Getting used to and learning the Quick Select Button will take some time I reckon.

Yes, we want you to get into more details!

Even the Nikon D90 comes with AF & Face recognition with Live View.

[KrishnenduKes]

Even the Nikon D90 comes with AF & Face recognition with Live View.

I have not used too many Nikons. Just fooled around a bit with the D3. Never used the Live View mode. Don't know much about them. Am learning. Thanks.

[Bibudesh]

Even the Nikon D90 comes with AF & Face recognition with Live View.

Cool man. Then the D90 and 550D goes ahead of my D300 in this area. My cam does not give AF in Lv.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Thanks debangshu.naa..they already have a quick start guide!haha.

@PS:actually that was achieved since i used a flash.that shot is around 2secs,and flash is manually fired by hand.I think the intensity was 1/8th.Then added high contrast in LR.

@Ken:I think pro-cams do not carry Live view for a reason.They eat up battery.(not in point and shoot standards,which really eat.specially those 2 AA ones)heat generation is there,but i suppose the MKIV has it right?
Will try to get into more details.

@Bibudesh:Well you got a pentaprism while we see the world through a pentamirror!:p

Anvancy

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

,There is an interesting feature in AEB.the 550D offers a complete +/- 7EV(expanded, 5 for normal) range for exposure.You can select the central point for the 'normal exposure'.So If I set it to +2 as my central exposure,three shots +2 +4 and 0 will be taken by the camera.

Pretty good feature indeed.I think many DSLRs carry this,but I personally saw this for the first time.

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

,There is an interesting feature in AEB.the 550D offers a complete +/- 7EV(expanded, 5 for normal) range for exposure.You can select the central point for the 'normal exposure'.So If I set it to +2 as my central exposure,three shots +2 +4 and 0 will be taken by the camera.

Pretty good feature indeed.I think many DSLRs carry this,but I personally saw this for the first time.

Anvancy

Mine does. And my camera is now 4 years old! Yes, I agree, it is indeed a very interesting feature.

[Bibudesh]

Doesn't this feature called as Exposure Bracketing?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Doesn't this feature called as Exposure Bracketing?

Its AEB only.Old tech.I personally found out that you can set a different base exposure other than zero.Cause my fuji was only +-1EV only during AEB.Nothing remarkable in my actual post.really.

Anvancy

[Devaiah PA]

Doesn't this feature called as Exposure Bracketing?

Yes, on nikon d90...there is a dedicated button for this feature... press it..

then the EV for next three shots is -2, 0, +2.... the value can be reconfigured..

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Thought of providing some sample shots from my side.All are SOOC.Resized and sharpened for web view.

ISO 800
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4809680560_a683924f43_b.jpg

The ones below are ISO 200

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4809680046_e252673856_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4809679506_0cb6df2680_b.jpg


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4809678820_9c4eb36865_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4809055731_7bd62f352a_b.jpg

Now ISO 1600

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4809055121_cc96b5c495_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4809054381_cb8ab5c6fc_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4809676694_54c5b9f546_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4809676122_af637dbd68_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4809052689_e2ce13744c_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4809051995_fb81aabd39_b.jpg

The Noise that you are seeing is mostly from the sharpening.These are not RAW to JPG conversions.Straight JPGs.

Its a nice tool to use.

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

These are actually 1600? I mean I do not practically see ANY grain!!! I wish the WB was correct to actually look for the grain. I mean when I see a photo shot at 1600, I am expecting to see grain, right! Looks pretty impressive. I could not extract the Exif. I wanted to since I stared in disbelief!

[synn]

My opinion is that the lighting conditions are good enough for a lower ISo, hence the lack of any significant grain.

A true test would be a barely lit street at night, handheld.

Anvancy: Have you purchased a 50mm as well?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@Ken:There is no EXIF due to my watermark workflow thru LR.it hides the EXIF.And yes its ISO 1600.I think I have one ISO 3200 shot as well.Let me find it.I did not do any alternations except sharpening to avoid loss when we resize.the camera was set to AWB for high iso shots.

@synn:I right now can feel that this will sort of struggle to light that thing up.18mp is sort of a overdose for this sensor I suppose.

And my bank balance is zero to buy a 50mil!:pDying to get that now.

Anvancy

[Aryan]

@Anvancy: Nice! ISO1600 and still no considerable noise. I do agree with synn that the true test of the higher range of ISO would be barely lit subject/ room/ etc. but even in such a nicely lit environment, ISO1600 SHOULD ideally produce some noise.

My 400D starts producing noise from as low as 400 ISO! :p

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

I will try and take some really lowlight high ISO shots.Even my cam will produce noise.No doubt even my cam will produce grain.

Anvancy

[synn]

My 400D starts producing noise from as low as 400 ISO! :p

Ditto my D70s! :D

[Aryan]

Ditto my D70s! :D
:D Time to upgrade, eh, synn, especially since I've seen you shooting some really great low light portraits, and MY profession is such that I generally get to cover events which are heavily light challenged. :D

@Anvancy: Waiting for more photographs off of your newest acquisition. :) Do try out the Raynox on it too, if you can. THAT would be lovely, I am sure.

[synn]

Time to upgrade, eh, synn

All I can Say is, stay tuned! ;)

[KrishnenduKes]

@Anvancy: Waiting for more photographs off of your newest acquisition. :) Do try out the Raynox on it too, if you can. THAT would be lovely, I am sure.

I strongly second that!

[Bibudesh]

All I can Say is, stay tuned! ;)

I am eagerly waiting to get another companion in the boat I am traveling!.

[synn]

I am eagerly waiting to get another companion in the boat I am traveling!.

I like that boat.
Big, heavy, metal bodied boat! ;)

[KrishnenduKes]

I like that boat.
Big, heavy, metal bodied boat! ;)

When is the good news coming?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Raynox is going to take time since I have to get used to the less DOF as compared to my fuji.


Now here is a video test of the 550D.Exposure is set on Auto and ISO is 3200.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/anvancy/4812960898/

And here is the Video Bokeh Test.Lens is 55-250.ISO is 200.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/anvancy/4812397039/

Pretty decent indeed.

Anvancy

[Aryan]

Raynox is going to take time since I have to get used to the less DOF as compared to my fuji.


This is precisely why macro photography becomes double challenging/ tough on D-SLRs as compared to bridge cams/ digital cameras. ;) Handholding at 1:1 macro distances (or at greater magnifications!) becomes utterly impossible almost.

Anyhow, we all know that you WILL show what the Raynox is capable of, on your new D-SLR, soon. :)

[Bibudesh]

This is precisely why macro photography becomes double challenging/ tough on D-SLRs as compared to bridge cams/ digital cameras. ;) Handholding at 1:1 macro distances (or at greater magnifications!) becomes utterly impossible almost.

Anyhow, we all know that you WILL show what the Raynox is capable of, on your new D-SLR, soon. :)

But he can take advantage of AF in Lv. It really comes handy while composing shots for stacking.
If the same thing is done through the VF or the traditional Lv without AF then be ready to put cucumber on your eyes after the play.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

I have to go back to ABC for using the raynox on the 55-250.It is going to take some time for me to fully utilize my new setup.

Planning to use fuji specially for macros till then.

Anvancy

[CrAzY PiCs]

Which all flashes are you using with the 550D? And how did you take it off the cam?

I am looking to buy a flash unit as my next upgrade, and i would like a set-up where i can take it off the cam. What would you recommend? (Budget can be kept as minimum as possible! :p)

Current set-up:
550D kit + 55-250.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Which all flashes are you using with the 550D? And how did you take it off the cam?

I am looking to buy a flash unit as my next upgrade, and i would like a set-up where i can take it off the cam. What would you recommend? (Budget can be kept as minimum as possible! :p)

Current set-up:
550D kit + 55-250.

I have Three flash units.

Vivitar 285HV
SUNPAK 433D(old one for olympus)
MINOLTA 5200i

Vivitars are available in photo shops.You will have to hunt for it.In shops and online.(India specific)They retail around 3k in Mumbai.

For off camera setup,you can go the powerty way or the ultra powerty way.

Powerty way is buying chinky wireless triggers.Companies like Yongnuo and Cactus are your best bet.
You can directly buy Cactus V4 from here.
www.gadgetinfinity.com

Ultra powerty way is buying a multipurpose hotshoe and PC sync cables.you get 5m cables which you can combine for additional distance.

Multipurpose hotshoes look like these.

http://www.soniaphoto.com/fileupload/photo/42.jpg

Enjoy.

Anvancy