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02/04/2008 05:27:13 PM · #1 |
I have just visit Brian, my drag racing neighbour (by the way, he has just been inducted into the UK Drag Racing Hall of Fame), he bought a 40D last week.
He is a keen Astrophotographer and wanted to use the 40D for shots. He has been experimenting with the camera and tonight showed me how it works!
The camera was attached to a 28-135mm IS lens, then connected via USB to his computer. He pointed the camera at a table lamp and using the software, focussed the lens, it was quite good, then used fine focus adjustments until it was sharp. Using the monitor as his viewing screen, he was able to focus on any part of the picture...note, not lighting other than the lamp...the results were stunning. The amount of adjustment via camera and lens was beyond belief. A shot that would have been average to me using a tripod and remote release became a winning shot all done on the monitor, before actually hitting the shutter!
Perhaps I should have waited to buy the 40D?? |
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02/04/2008 05:31:24 PM · #2 |
Never wait to buy the next model - any camera is better than not having one yet, and the next model will always be better. :)
But this method of computer control sounds very cool. Now that the 450D is announced, I wonder if Canon will release a software update to the 40D to provide contrast detect focus.
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02/04/2008 05:32:57 PM · #3 |
| I have just got one today! I haven't even looked at the live-view function yet. |
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02/04/2008 05:34:41 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by SaraR:
I have just got one today! I haven't even looked at the live-view function yet. |
Have a look and take some time to play with Live View, it is awesome for Macro!!
Enjoy the 40D! |
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02/04/2008 07:31:02 PM · #5 |
Live view is a neat parlor trick, but one of the 'benefits' that it's said to have is for macro photography - that fine focus bit.
Um...no. I gave it go and it's interesting, but here's what I found out. Apparently it stops the lens down so you see exaclty what you see. Well, no you don't. The DOF is way thinner on the LCD than in the picture (great for focusing, but not great overall IMO). The killer was that the flash won't fire in live view. Not at all. Kind of defeats the purpose of a macro ring flash now doesn't it?
HTP, 14 bit files, and the focus system are 3 killer reasons to get a 40D. Live view isn't, IMO.
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02/04/2008 08:51:08 PM · #6 |
Hi Prof,
Some surprising results! I'm surprised the flash won't fire in live view. That's crazy if it's true. I'm assuming you have tried lots of different setting, manual flash, etc. I wonder if there's a custom function to control this?
For stopping down, have you tried the DOF preview button? Maybe it says it stops it down automatically, but doesn't actually do it until you hit the button, just like viewfinder view.
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02/04/2008 08:57:49 PM · #7 |
| I've used flash in live view without a problem. DOF preview works as well though the LCD can get rather dark depending on the aperture. |
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02/05/2008 02:49:46 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Live view is a neat parlor trick, but one of the 'benefits' that it's said to have is for macro photography - that fine focus bit.
Um...no. I gave it go and it's interesting, but here's what I found out. Apparently it stops the lens down so you see exaclty what you see. Well, no you don't. The DOF is way thinner on the LCD than in the picture (great for focusing, but not great overall IMO). The killer was that the flash won't fire in live view. Not at all. Kind of defeats the purpose of a macro ring flash now doesn't it?
HTP, 14 bit files, and the focus system are 3 killer reasons to get a 40D. Live view isn't, IMO. |
We had no problems with DOF and the flash worked fine, both onboard flash and a 480...nothing wrong at all. |
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02/05/2008 03:10:47 PM · #9 |
This is what Canon says about Live View:
"Live View Function is a powerful feature on the EOS 40D. It enables viewing your subjects directly on the huge 3-inch LCD monitor. It's easy to magnify any part of the scene 5x or 10x for precise manual focus. But now, one press of the AF-on button gives instant access to AF; Live View Function returns as soon as the button is released. Users can even choose a grid overlay, perfect for keeping straight lines in your subject straight in your pictures. In the Studio, Live View Function can be used remotely via a computer through the EOS 40D's USB connection, or wirelessly or via Ethernet with the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A attached. Live View Function also adds a totally new method for near-silent shooting, with two silent shooting modes. A new AF ON button, positioned for easy reach with the right thumb, can instantly allow AF whenever it's depressed in Live View Function. (Live View Function is temporarily cleared for AF, and returns immediately when the user's thumb is removed from the button.)"
R.
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