What do I want from a new camera?

What was I writing about this time last year?

12 months ago today I wrote about the new Canon 6D Mark 2, the release of which had just been announced.

I am excited with the news, albeit rumours, that the Canon 6D might be with us this summer.

This is what Canon Rumours are saying

"We’re told that the Canon EOS 6D Mark II will be announced in July of this year, though the exact date is unknown at the time of writing this. The EOS 6D Mark II will also start shipping relatively soon after the announcement, so it’s safe to say you should have your hands on the new camera some time in August, 2017.

Specifications have been extremely hard to come by, and anything out there currently is either made up or just logical features we can expect in the coming body.

We posted a predicted specifications list back in February,

Canon EOS 6D Mark II Predicted Specifications

  • 24-28mp full frame CMOS
  • 45 AF points (all cross-type)
  • Dual Pixel AF
  • DIGIC 7
  • Built-in Wi-Fi®, NFC and Bluetooth® technology
  • Built-in GPS
  • Vari-Angle touchscreen LCD
  • 6 FPS Shooting
  • HDR Movie & Time Lapse Movie
  • Some form of 4K video
  • Movie electronic image stabilization
  • Dual SD card slots
  • 100% coverage optical viewfinder with some new features

Read more: http://www.canonrumors.com/where-is-the-canon-eos-6d-mark-ii/#ixzz4gg3wL3Gz

but it’s nothing more than conjecture at this point.

We do expect legitimate specifications to leak out in the coming month or so.

We put a [CR2] on this because announcement dates can move, though it’s more common with lenses than with camera bodies.

Read more: http://www.canonrumors.com/canon-eos-6d-mark-ii-announcement-coming-in-july-cr2/#ixzz4gfwIAlb1

OK. Good news then.

Also there is the Peta Pixel report which said

"When the Canon 6D was first released in 2012, it was a big deal—a lightweight DLSR that significantly lowered the barrier of entry into the full-frame market. But that was almost 5 years ago, and people are hungry for a Mark II. Fortunately, they won’t have to wait long.

According to Canon Rumors, Canon is finally planning to release the 6D Mark II sometime in July, just two short months away. They’re also being told that wait time from announcement to ship date will be relatively short, claiming “you should have your hands on the new camera some time in August, 2017.”

Unfortunately that’s about all we know. Specs for the 6D Mark II have been notoriously fickle and hard to come by, with most of what’s out there falling into the realm of pure speculation.

As with all rumors and unconfirmed reports, you’ll want to take this with a grain of salt. Even CR, who is pretty confident about this information, admits that release dates are notorious for changing last minute. But if you want to mark your calendar and start saving, July is your tentative release month."

So I delved deeper.......

Digital Rev reports here

"If you haven’t noticed, the cacophony of rumours has quieted down to gentle whispers. This is the expected calm between the storms of Photokina and CES. Aggravating as that may be, there are still occasional mutterings worth paying attention to, including one choice bit of information on the future of the Canon 6D Mark II.

Canon Rumors has spoken to several of their contacts, who have confirmed that rather than sometime in Q1 (around early February 2017), we will in fact not be seeing the Mark II announced until way into Q2. The site estimates that it will be unveiled sometime in April 2017, after the NAB show, and will be slated for release in May 2017.

Not much is known about the 6D Mark II for sure at this time. Though we’re very appreciative of the probable inclusion of Dual Pixel AF to speed up focus times, we’re more than a little disappointed in the lack of 4K,and it isn’t the first time. Frankly, after 2016, we expected the inclusion of the format to be standard for any major release, especially on a full frame shooter.

Rumors also indicate that the 6D will include a touch screen, although it’s important to note that everything at this point is just speculation.

Canon 6D Mark II Potential Specs:

  • 24MP/25MP sensor
  • New AF system and Dual Pixel AF
  • NO 4K
  • Dual SD card slots
  • Tilting LCD touch screen
  • Wifi with NFC activation
  • GPS"

Tech Radar says

"Predicted specs: At least 24MP full-frame sensor | 6fps continuous shooting | Vari-angle touchscreen

We loved the EOS 6D when it first came out, but at almost four years old, it's looking quite tired now and its specs don't compare that well with the Nikon D750's. As Canon's 'entry-level' full-frame camera it occupies an important position in the EOS lineup, making it a shoe-in for a refresh.

Until the 5DS and 5DS R came along Canon was quite conservative about pixel count. Jumping from 20 to 24MP would be enough for many photographers, but some may expect closer to 36 million, though that's unlikely now we've seen the EOS 5D Mark IV. A relatively high pixel count would make the 6D Mark II much more attractive to existing Mark I owners.

With just 11 points, the 6D's AF system is rather lacklustre, and we think the new model will see a big jump in this area, perhaps up to 61 to match the 5D Mark III. Low light and continuous shooting performance also needs to improve, and a maximum sensitivity of ISO102,400 seems likely along with 6fps shooting. Wi-Fi,NFC and GPS technology also seem likely, and we're hoping there will be a vari-angle touchscreen as well, as on the APS-C format EOS 80D, to make the camera more user-friendly."

Finally Camera Times reported

"Canon didn’t announce any new DSLR cameras at NAB 2017 and they recently released the new instant rebates: Save up to $550 on selected Canon Cameras. So, what’s coming next? What can we expect from Canon in 2017?

1. Canon EOS 6D Mark II: the replacement of Canon 6D, is expected to be announced in late Q2 or early Q3 of 2017, before September 2017. There are some rumors around the web saying that Canon EOS 6D Mark II will NOT come in 2017. I don’t think this is true and I don’t think Canon will abandon the 6D line. We know the Canon 6D has been a great seller for Canon, and Canon EOS 6D successor is eagerly anticipated. So, hard to abandon a product line when it is successful. Join the Canon EOS 6D Mark II facebook groupor follow Canon EOS 6D Mark II facebook page  to get all news about this camera in time!

Canon EOS 6D Mark II Rumored Specifications:

  • 24-28mp full frame CMOS
  • 45 AF points (all cross-type)
  • Dual Pixel AF
  • DIGIC 7
  • 6 FPS Shooting
  • 4K video
  • Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth technology
  • Built-in GPS
  • Vari-Angle touchscreen LCD
  • Dual-pixel autofocus technology
  • HDR Movie & Time Lapse Movie
  • Movie electronic image stabilization
  • Dual SD card slots
  • 100% coverage optical viewfinder with some new features
  • New connectivity feature on 6D Mark II
  • Price will be a bit expensive than 6D
  • Slightly smaller form factor and a reduction in weight"

So what does this mean?

I have had a Canon 6D for over 3 years now. It replaced my beloved Canon 5D, which can still produce great images by the way.

I am very excited to read that there will be a new Canon 6D Mk 2, and also that the Canon 6D line will not be scrapped and replaced by the much reported new Canon mirrorless camera that will accept Canon EF lenses.

So what of these rumoured specification reports?

Sensor – 24 – 28 MP

That is good for me. The current sensor is 20 MP. So an increase of 10 – 20% in image resolution will be nice and not too large in terms of file sizes.

Auto Focus

A reported 45 cross type AF points. Anther thing I will use a lot. I am constantly changing the focus points on my Canon 6D. But there aren’t that many of them.

Dual Pixel AF

Hmmm. What is this?

Well, according to Canon

"Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a sensor-based, phase detection Auto Focus (AF) technology designed to provide smooth, high-performance focus tracking in movies and fast autofocus acquisition when shooting still photos in Live View mode.

It is a unique, Canon-developed technology, ideal for creating professional-looking pull-focus effects and keeping a subject moving towards the user in sharp focus while maintaining a blurred background – a defining characteristic of EOS Movies.

Thanks to this ground breaking advance, capturing a subject and retaining sharp focus, even when moving, has never been easier.

Why was Dual Pixel CMOS AF developed?

With the ability to make a subject stand out with a limited depth-of-field, comes a requirement to keep control over focus, if the main subject moves or the point of focus changes. Dual Pixel CMOS AF was developed so that control of focus during movie making is made easier and smoother – removing the perceived notions that a DSLR’s movie mode is usable only to a professional. Additionally, Dual Pixel CMOS AF was developed to enhance the usability of shooting with Live View – moving closer towards the same performance encountered when using the viewfinder."

OK – I might find a use for that as I shoot a lot in Live View mode, especially when I am using my tilt shift lenses.

A new processor – DIGIC 7

A new processor. All good. It just means things will be quicker and better.

Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth

I hope the wi-fi is a lot slicker, and that they have done something about the wi-fidraining the battery when the camera is turned off. Not sure about NFC – never used it, and wil be interested to see what the Bluetooth functionality is. Connecting my camera to my iPhone?

Built-in GPS

My current Canon 6D has this, and I would be very disappointed if the Mk 2 did not. This is an incredibly useful tool that I use all the time.

Vari-Angle Touchscreen

I am not sure abut the touchscreen part of this, but I am sure this is only because I don’t have it now, and never have done on any of my DSLRs.

But a vari-angle is exciting, as long as it tilts up and down. I will use this feature all the time as well.

6 Frames Per Second

Not really of interest to me. I shoot one image at a time.

HDR Movie and Time Lapse Movie

I might have a go with these, but these are not significant features for me – I use my iPhone for video and that is enough.

4k video or no 4k video

Rumours both ways – I don’t care wither way. I would be happy if it didn’t do 4k.

Movie electronic image stabilization

Again not of any interest to me at the moment.

Dual SD card slots

I will use these to make an immediate back up f every image I take on a spare card. Very happy with this.

Finally, 100% coverage optical viewfinder

Another big improvement that I will make use of all the time.

Is there anything missing from this list of additional features?

Other things I want to see are (this should be in a separate post titled What I want from the new Canon 6D Mk 2)

  • An increased dynamic range on image capture
  • Better low light sensor performance
  • A lower ISO range (what happened to ISO 50?)
  • A higher top end ISO
  • In camera HDR with RAW files – now that would be very cool
  • Improved wireless functionality
  • Image preview showing the RAW file and not the JPEG interpretation of the RAW file
  • More Custom Function setting options

Not a lot really. I also want that faultless Canon reliability, consistency of use and image quality.

I have taken thousands of picture with my Canon 6D, and never had a problem with it. The quality is quite extraordinary. Every time I reach for the camera it just works. Every time. Faultlessly.

So yes I am excited about the prospect of the new Canon 6D Mk 2, and am looking forward to buying one.

Of course if Canon want to send me one to try I will happy to help!"

Canon 6d 11052018.PNG

 

12 months on – what do I want from a new camera?

That is the question.

And what has happened since I looked into acquiring the Canon 6D Mk 2?

In terms of me getting another camera - nothing.

Whilst the Canon 6D Mk 2 has lots of new and useful features, and I would very much like to have one, would it materially improve my image capture?

The short answer is marginally, but not enough to justify the expenditure. If my Canon 6D Mk 1 falls over then I will get the newer version, but to be honest I am happy as I am at the moment.

My Canon 6D is a great camera that has performed faultlessly since I bought it.

And what else has happened?

Canon have announced that they will be producing a full frame mirrorless camera.

This has been widely reported, such as on the Peta Pixel website.

Petapixel Canon 11052018.PNG

This is of interest to me. When will we see this?   This year hopefully. Ort the first quarter of 2019.

Why mirrorless?

DSLRs are great, but I feel that they are lacking in technology that can make a big difference.

I started to think this when using my iPhone 7 Plus which has all sorts of tricks in it. And when I put it on my new DJI Osmo Mobile more technological wonders were unveiled in front of my very eyes. I loved watching the Osmo Mobile move my camera to take a 9 scene auto stitched panoramic picture.

Now I know that photography is not all about the gear, but there are technological advances that I would love to be able to take advantage of.

Some of them will be of significant benefit to me and my work, some are just nice to haves.

So what are these features I would like to see in a new camera just for me?

In-camera HDR

The Canon 6D has this, but only produces a Jpeg file. What I want is to be able to capture a bracketed set of images in camera, with the camera producing a single merged HDR RAW file. This will be a huge timesaver to me, and there is no reason why a camera can’t do this these days.

This is my biggest request for a new camera. I take bracketed sets on every shoot, and have to manually create the HDR files in Lightroom every time.

This single feature may determine which camera I buy next.

Proper wi-fi connectivity

It seems a bit strange that I have a camera which cost £1,500 that has a wi-fi capability that appears to be from last decade. The Canon Connect app is hardly slick when connecting my iPhone to my Canon 6D.

Slick connectivity will improve my productivity significantly.

And when I get home should I really need to remove the memory card, insert it into my PC and import the images into Lightroom?

Surely this should be automatic when I get back to my office? Get back, turn the camera on and press a button to transfer the photos. That is how it should be these days?

If I had this I could leave the camera to it and go and get a beer! Sounds like a much better idea.

This is another feature which would be invaluable for me in many ways. WI-fi connectivity as good as on my iPhone.

Internet connectivity

As with wi-fi, surely cameras should have internet connectivity. If not direct then via slick wi-fi to a connected phone. And with this sharing of photos from in camera is not too much to ask is it?

In camera focus stacking

Very much a nice to have but the only way I will ever do focus-stacking, which I do like the idea of.

Another computational photography task that could be quite easily automated. There was a Kickstarter campaign for a product called Arsenal that had this feature built-in, so why not just add it to the camera?

Video

Better quality video capture with professional standard audio. I have not done much video, well I tried once in Spain one sunrise morning. Why did I say sunrise morning? When else does the sun rise???

This might be a feature where I need to look at myself first!

A big bright tiltable screen

One that you can view in bright sunlight. The screen on my Canon 6D is hardly the best, so much so that I use a viewer to use the screen, which also provides shade from the sun.

This is one of the main shortcomings of the iPhone 7 Plus for me – the screen is useless in bright sunlight, especially with all the Apps where the text is so small to maximise the screen image.

Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)

I would love to have an EVF that gives accurate exposure simulation, showing the exposure as it is.

Apps

We have endless numbers of Apps on phones. Why not on cameras?

Summary

These are the things that would push me to by a new camera. In camera HDR is a definite for me, along with connectivity as good as provided by my iPhone.

I am sure there are lots of other computational things that will be appearing in the near future – I just want them in my camera and not just on my phone.

Rick McEvoy Photography

To sum up - Why should you choose me to photograph the interior of your building?

That is the end of my series of photography blog posts featuring the pictures which you can find on my interior photographer page. To recap, I will answer the important question.

Why should you choose me to photograph the interior of your building?

Interior photography is one of my specialist areas of work.

I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I am quite good at interior photography. I love photographing interior spaces. No really, I do.

I have added a selection of 12 interior photography images to my interior photographer web page, which show a range of images. And I have two new images which will be going into that collection soon that I took on a recent trip you will hear much more about.

Back to why you should choose me.

  • I have equipment that allows me to photograph interior spaces using conventional and unusual viewpoints, ones that others might not try.
  • I have high quality photographic equipment that can capture and record all the details, and the whole of a scene. Especially my Canon DSLRs and lenses.
  • I have an eye for architectural details, light, form and function.
  • I am professionally qualified in photography (LBIPP) and construction (MCIOB).
  • I capture technically accurate photographs.
  • My digital image processing produces technically correct and high-quality imagery, time after time.
  • You will like me – no really you will. Well I hope so, as there is only me you will deal with. I do everything.

If you are convinced then please get in touch either by phone, email or using my contact page.

Now it is time to move on to another area of my commercial photography work, architectural photography.

Obviously, this includes photographing interior spaces, but I like to keep the two separate.

As well as another set of 12 images, there will be the odd post about something completely different – well I like to mix it up a bit.

And after that – something that I am really looking forward to. Seriously really looking forward to.

Rick McEvoy Photography - Interior Photographer

Bournemouth, Poole, Sandbanks, London, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Wiltshire

The new Canon 6D Mark 2 is on the way - not a bad time to get a Canon 6D Mark 1 if you are ready to go full frame?

So the new Canon 6D Mark 2 is on its way in a few months. You can read about the reported brand new sensor on the Peta Pixel website, along with other news about what is thought to be the specification of this new camera.

According to Canon Rumours the new camera will be announced in July, and will start shipping in August 2017.

If you have not made the leap into the full frame DSLR world yet, now might be a great time to think about doing just that with the Canon 6D Mark 1 - this is the camera I have been using since its release.

And I have to say I have been using it day in, day out. Faultlessly.

Check out the Canon 6D here on Amazon where the price, on 17th June 2017, was £1149. This is a great  price for a brand new, full frame DSLR.

And I recommend you keep checking the price of the Canon 6D and also bundles with lenses - there will be some great deals as Canon tries to sell the current version before the new one is released.

And don't worry that you are not getting the latest kit. If you can afford the new Canon 6D Mark 2 then great, but if you can't, or are not sure, then the current version will still be a great camera when the Mark 2 version is released.

Just because a camera has been replaced by a newer version doesn't make the previous version any less valid.

I use a Canon 6D. It is a great camera. And when the new version comes out it will still be a great camera.

I am looking forward to getting the new Canon 6D Mark 2, and my current 6D will be relegated to being my backup camera, and for use in less than favourable environments.

That will leave me with my Canon 5D Mark 1, which will be spare. EBay time perhaps. I don't want to sell my 5D as it was my first full frame DSLR, and it still takes great images. 

 

Rick McEvoy Photography

Canon Photographer

Bournemouth, Poole, Sandbanks, London. Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, West Sussex, Wiltshire

Have you heard the news about the new Canon 6D Mk 2? Well here it is.

I am excited with the news, albeit rumours, that the Canon 6D might be with us this summer.

This is what Canon Rumours are saying

"We’re told that the Canon EOS 6D Mark II will be announced in July of this year, though the exact date is unknown at the time of writing this. The EOS 6D Mark II will also start shipping relatively soon after the announcement, so it’s safe to say you should have your hands on the new camera some time in August, 2017.

Specifications have been extremely hard to come by, and anything out there currently is either made up or just logical features we can expect in the coming body.

We posted a predicted specifications list back in February,

Canon EOS 6D Mark II Predicted Specifications

  • 24-28mp full frame CMOS
  • 45 AF points (all cross-type)
  • Dual Pixel AF
  • DIGIC 7
  • Built-in Wi-Fi®, NFC and Bluetooth® technology
  • Built-in GPS
  • Vari-Angle touchscreen LCD
  • 6 FPS Shooting
  • HDR Movie & Time Lapse Movie
  • Some form of 4K video
  • Movie electronic image stabilization
  • Dual SD card slots
  • 100% coverage optical viewfinder with some new features

Read more: http://www.canonrumors.com/where-is-the-canon-eos-6d-mark-ii/#ixzz4gg3wL3Gz

but it’s nothing more than conjecture at this point.

We do expect legitimate specifications to leak out in the coming month or so.

We put a [CR2] on this because announcement dates can move, though it’s more common with lenses than with camera bodies.

Read more: http://www.canonrumors.com/canon-eos-6d-mark-ii-announcement-coming-in-july-cr2/#ixzz4gfwIAlb1

OK. Good news then.

Also there is the Peta Pixel report which said

"When the Canon 6D was first released in 2012, it was a big deal—a lightweight DLSR that significantly lowered the barrier of entry into the full-frame market. But that was almost 5 years ago, and people are hungry for a Mark II. Fortunately, they won’t have to wait long.

According to Canon Rumors, Canon is finally planning to release the 6D Mark II sometime in July, just two short months away. They’re also being told that wait time from announcement to ship date will be relatively short, claiming “you should have your hands on the new camera some time in August, 2017.”

Unfortunately that’s about all we know. Specs for the 6D Mark II have been notoriously fickle and hard to come by, with most of what’s out there falling into the realm of pure speculation.

As with all rumors and unconfirmed reports, you’ll want to take this with a grain of salt. Even CR, who is pretty confident about this information, admits that release dates are notorious for changing last minute. But if you want to mark your calendar and start saving, July is your tentative release month."

So I delved deeper.......

Digital Rev reports here

"If you haven’t noticed, the cacophony of rumours has quieted down to gentle whispers. This is the expected calm between the storms of Photokina and CES. Aggravating as that may be, there are still occasional mutterings worth paying attention to, including one choice bit of information on the future of the Canon 6D Mark II.

Canon Rumors has spoken to several of their contacts, who have confirmed that rather than sometime in Q1 (around early February 2017), we will in fact not be seeing the Mark II announced until way into Q2. The site estimates that it will be unveiled sometime in April 2017, after the NAB show, and will be slated for release in May 2017.

Not much is known about the 6D Mark II for sure at this time. Though we’re very appreciative of the probable inclusion of Dual Pixel AF to speed up focus times, we’re more than a little disappointed in the lack of 4K,and it isn’t the first time. Frankly, after 2016, we expected the inclusion of the format to be standard for any major release, especially on a full frame shooter.

Rumors also indicate that the 6D will include a touch screen, although it’s important to note that everything at this point is just speculation.

Canon 6D Mark II Potential Specs:

  • 24MP/25MP sensor
  • New AF system and Dual Pixel AF
  • NO 4K
  • Dual SD card slots
  • Tilting LCD touch screen
  • Wifi with NFC activation
  • GPS"

Tech Radar says

"Predicted specs: At least 24MP full-frame sensor | 6fps continuous shooting | Vari-angle touchscreen

We loved the EOS 6D when it first came out, but at almost four years old, it's looking quite tired now and its specs don't compare that well with the Nikon D750's. As Canon's 'entry-level' full-frame camera it occupies an important position in the EOS lineup, making it a shoe-in for a refresh.

Until the 5DS and 5DS R came along Canon was quite conservative about pixel count. Jumping from 20 to 24MP would be enough for many photographers, but some may expect closer to 36 million, though that's unlikely now we've seen the EOS 5D Mark IV. A relatively high pixel count would make the 6D Mark II much more attractive to existing Mark I owners.

With just 11 points, the 6D's AF system is rather lacklustre, and we think the new model will see a big jump in this area, perhaps up to 61 to match the 5D Mark III. Low light and continuous shooting performance also needs to improve, and a maximum sensitivity of ISO102,400 seems likely along with 6fps shooting. Wi-Fi,NFC and GPS technology also seem likely, and we're hoping there will be a vari-angle touchscreen as well, as on the APS-C format EOS 80D, to make the camera more user-friendly."

Finally Camera Times reported

"Canon didn’t announce any new DSLR cameras at NAB 2017 and they recently released the new instant rebates: Save up to $550 on selected Canon Cameras. So, what’s coming next? What can we expect from Canon in 2017?

1. Canon EOS 6D Mark II: the replacement of Canon 6D, is expected to be announced in late Q2 or early Q3 of 2017, before September 2017. There are some rumors around the web saying that Canon EOS 6D Mark II will NOT come in 2017. I don’t think this is true and I don’t think Canon will abandon the 6D line. We know the Canon 6D has been a great seller for Canon, and Canon EOS 6D successor is eagerly anticipated. So, hard to abandon a product line when it is successful. Join the Canon EOS 6D Mark II facebook groupor follow Canon EOS 6D Mark II facebook page  to get all news about this camera in time!

Canon EOS 6D Mark II Rumored Specifications:

  • 24-28mp full frame CMOS
  • 45 AF points (all cross-type)
  • Dual Pixel AF
  • DIGIC 7
  • 6 FPS Shooting
  • 4K video
  • Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth technology
  • Built-in GPS
  • Vari-Angle touchscreen LCD
  • Dual-pixel autofocus technology
  • HDR Movie & Time Lapse Movie
  • Movie electronic image stabilization
  • Dual SD card slots
  • 100% coverage optical viewfinder with some new features
  • New connectivity feature on 6D Mark II
  • Price will be a bit expensive than 6D
  • Slightly smaller form factor and a reduction in weight"

So what does this mean?

I have had a Canon 6D for over 3 years now. It replaced my beloved Canon 5D, which can still produce great images by the way.

I am very excited to read that there will be a new Canon 6D Mk 2, and also that the Canon 6D line will not be scrapped and replaced by the much reported new Canon mirrorless camera that will accept Canon EF lenses.

So what of these rumoured specification reports?

Sensor – 24 – 28 MP

That is good for me. The current sensor is 20 MP. So an increase of 10 – 20% in image resolution will be nice and not too large in terms of file sizes.

Auto Focus

A reported 45 cross type AF points. Anther thing I will use a lot. I am constantly changing the focus points on my Canon 6D. But there aren’t that many of them.

Dual Pixel AF

Hmmm. What is this?

Well, according to Canon

"Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a sensor-based, phase detection Auto Focus (AF) technology designed to provide smooth, high-performance focus tracking in movies and fast autofocus acquisition when shooting still photos in Live View mode.

It is a unique, Canon-developed technology, ideal for creating professional-looking pull-focus effects and keeping a subject moving towards the user in sharp focus while maintaining a blurred background – a defining characteristic of EOS Movies.

Thanks to this ground breaking advance, capturing a subject and retaining sharp focus, even when moving, has never been easier.

Why was Dual Pixel CMOS AF developed?

With the ability to make a subject stand out with a limited depth-of-field, comes a requirement to keep control over focus, if the main subject moves or the point of focus changes. Dual Pixel CMOS AF was developed so that control of focus during movie making is made easier and smoother – removing the perceived notions that a DSLR’s movie mode is usable only to a professional. Additionally, Dual Pixel CMOS AF was developed to enhance the usability of shooting with Live View – moving closer towards the same performance encountered when using the viewfinder."

OK – I might find a use for that as I shoot a lot in Live View mode, especially when I am using my tilt shift lenses.

A new processor – DIGIC 7

A new processor. All good. It just means things will be quicker and better.

Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth

I hope the wi-fi is a lot slicker, and that they have done something about the wi-fidraining the battery when the camera is turned off. Not sure about NFC – never used it, and wil be interested to see what the Bluetooth functionality is. Connecting my camera to my iPhone?

Built-in GPS

My current Canon 6D has this, and I would be very disappointed if the Mk 2 did not. This is an incredibly useful tool that I use all the time.

Vari-Angle Touchscreen

I am not sure abut the touchscreen part of this, but I am sure this is only because I don’t have it now, and never have done on any of my DSLRs.

But a vari-angle is exciting, as long as it tilts up and down. I will use this feature all the time as well.

6 Frames Per Second

Not really of interest to me. I shoot one image at a time.

HDR Movie and Time Lapse Movie

I might have a go with these, but these are not significant features for me – I use my iPhone for video and that is enough.

4k video or no 4k video

Rumours both ways – I don’t care wither way. I would be happy if it didn’t do 4k.

Movie electronic image stabilization

Again not of any interest to me at the moment.

Dual SD card slots

I will use these to make an immediate back up f every image I take on a spare card. Very happy with this.

Finally, 100% coverage optical viewfinder

Another big improvement that I will make use of all the time.

Is there anything missing from this list of additional features?

Other things I want to see are (this should be in a separate post titled What I want from the new Canon 6D Mk 2)

  • An increased dynamic range on image capture
  • Better low light sensor performance
  • A lower ISO range (what happened to ISO 50?)
  • A higher top end ISO
  • In camera HDR with RAW files – now that would be very cool
  • Improved wireless functionality
  • Image preview showing the RAW file and not the JPEG interpretation of the RAW file
  • More Custom Function setting options

Not a lot really. I also want that faultless Canon reliability, consistency of use and image quality.

I have taken thousands of picture with my Canon 6D, and never had a problem with it. The quality is quite extraordinary. Every time I reach for the camera it just works. Every time. Faultlessly.

So yes I am excited about the prospect of the new Canon 6D Mk 2, and am looking forward to buying one.

Of course if Canon want to send me one to try I will happy to help!

Rick McEvoy Photography

Canon Photographer

Thursday 11th May 2017

 

Exciting news about the Canon 6D Mark 2 - potentially!

According to Peta Pixel the new Canon 6D Mark 2 is on its way Juy/ August 2017.

I am excited. 

I will be buying one. 

As to the specification? 

No-one really knows. 

I think Canon should send me one to try - how about it Canon? I have been a promoter of the Canon 6D for years now! 

#canongivemea6D

Rick McEvoy Photography 

Canon Photographer

Wednesday 10th May 2017

Tilt Shift Photography – this post is the beginning of my journey into photography with these specialist Canon lenses

This week I became the proud owner of a Canon 24mm Tilt Shift Lens.

I bought this magnificent thing second hand, as I want to learn how to use the lens before I commit to buying a brand spanking new lens, for quite a lot of money.

There is another reason for going down the second hand route – I am not sure if I will be happy with the 24mm focal length.

Canon produce four tilt shift lenses, which come in the following focal lengths

Canon 17mm f4 L TS-E

Canon 24mm f3.5 L TS-E

Canon 45mm f2.8 TS-E

Canon 90mm f2.8 TS-E

My problem is that I am used to the wideness of my Canon 17-40mm lens, which I use a lot, especially for interior photography work. I am also used to zoom lenses, so will find the fixed focal length a strange experience I have no doubt.

Time will tell, and this is precisely why I am going to try the 24mm Mark 1 version of the lens first.

Tilt shift lenses are specialist lenses, and are used mainly in architectural photography, as well as in landscape photography. I take architectural photography in the broadest sense, covering

Architectural photography

Construction photography

Construction product photography

Industrial photography

Interior photography

Interior design photography

Basically all the things I photograph.

And landscape photography of course.

This is the first post in a series of posts I will be writing about my experiences with tilt shift lenses. For now there is just one thing for me to do.

Put the lens on my camera and play.

After I have downloaded the user manual from the Canon website that is. It would help if I knew how to use the lens.

And another benefit of taking photographs with a tilt shift lens is that it will slow me down ever more.

I am hoping that the quality of my photography is going to increase as I slow down and use this new lens on my Canon 6D.

I will write updates as and when I have news, along with lots of new images.

Rick McEvoy Photography

Canon Photographer with a tilt shift lens

Wednesday 15th March 2017

My Portfolio Review with the BIPP at the Photography Show

So I had my portfolio review on Saturday with the BIPP at the Photography review. I called in in the morning to make sure I knew where I needed to be for my review which I had booked for 12.30. Having walked up and down every aisle seeing what I wanted to spend some time on I managed to miss the BIPP stand completely! So I had to buy a programme guide which listed all the exhibitors.

It was next to the Canon stand. I had walked down there three times already! Oh well….

I go to the BIPP stand and was delighted to discover that Bryn Griffiths would be carrying out my review. Now this was great news for a number of reasons.

Firstly, Bryn is a fantastic photographer. A very recent (2014) Hasselblad master no less. I love his work. Especially his product photography work.

Secondly, Bryn helped me get my Licentiate with the BIPP. He went through my original submission in 2014 (around the time he was becoming a Hasselblad master!) and dragged my work to something like a decent portfolio.

Thirdly, he is a genuinely nice man.

So good news for me. At noon I sat in one of the eating emporiums and had a pasty and a coffee, and went through my portfolio on my laptop.

One thing that I sometimes forget is how good it is to have a proper set up in an office, with a big monitor etc. Get out into the real world and it is just not the same under those bright lights. So pasty eaten, coffee drunk, off I went for my review.

I will be writing a lot about this and the images within my portfolio, as this is very important to me. For all that time and money spent on learning how to become a better photographer this is where it all comes together. I submitted my first portfolio in 2014, which was a collection of what I thought to be my best work up to that point.

30 images.

Well it was more than that to start with, culled down to 30, but my Lightroom collection contained 31 images. A lesson in better file management for me there which I am sure has improved in the last two years.

And that is what this is all about. Have I improved in the last two years?

I enjoyed posting my 2014 portfolio last week, which was part of the process of reviewing where I was and where I am now.

My 2014 portfolio submission had quite a variety of images, covering quite a wide range of subject matters and styles. Not bad but at a certain level. So is the 2016 set to a higher standard? Taking me to the next level?

Call back to my blog tomorrow to read all bout my portfolio review at

www.rickmcevoyphotography.co.uk/blog

Home Page - Bournemouth Pier

Another of my top 10 images is this shot of Bournemouth Pier.

I am currently experimenting with cropping images. I have for too long now just settled for the default image shape dictated by my cameras sensor.

I have a full frame Canon digital single lens reflex camera, or DSLR for short. The sensor is 24mm high * 36mm wide. This is a hangover from the days of film - an actual 35mm film negative is exactly this size. You can also get cropped sensors, typically they are cropped by a factor of 1.6 in Canon DSLRs. Cropped sensor cameras are generally cheaper than full frame DSLRs, in part because of the smaller sensor.

Crude price comparison - Canon 6D costs £1142, and the Canon 70D £739 ( as listed at WEX Photographic http://www.wexphotographic.com/digital-slr-cameras-canon/b3065-m37). Not very scientific but you get the idea.

Cropped sensor or full frame sensor - you are still getting an image in the same size proportions, ie 24*36mm, 22.2 mm × 14.8 mm for a cropped sensor, which both equate to 2 units high * 3 units wide, or the format 3*2 as it is more commonly known. I wil talk more about sensors in another post, and why they are the same size as film, and also the cropped sensors.

For now I am going to concentrate on cropping.

As I said for too long I have been relying on the image size determined by my DSLR. Take this image for example. I love this shot of Bournemouth Pier at twighlight. All the elements are there for me. I am going to put the original image next to a copy cropped just now (cropping a virtual copy in Adobe Lightroom takes seconds).

Original Image

Original Image

Cropped image

Cropped image

More cropped image!

More cropped image!

I did a third copy. Now which image I prefer, and other people prefer, is a matter of taste. I like the last, widescreen format crop (these are all free crops with no proportion constraints at all).

I do like uniformity inmy website images, but these three images show how cropping can change an image, and why it is nothing to be feared.

I am an architectural photographer working in Bournmeouth, Poole, Sandbanks, Dorset and Hampshire.