Jump to content

Aussie Ash

Members
  • Posts

    259
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Reputation Activity

  1. Like
    Aussie Ash got a reaction from DBounce in Nikon Z6 features 4K N-LOG, 10bit HDMI output and 120fps 1080p   
    Jordan's conclusion sure is feeble as audio can be directly recorded to a Ninja V or use a preamp
    like the  US $100 Saramonic Smartrig+ .
  2. Like
    Aussie Ash got a reaction from PannySVHS in Nikon Z6 features 4K N-LOG, 10bit HDMI output and 120fps 1080p   
    Jordan's conclusion sure is feeble as audio can be directly recorded to a Ninja V or use a preamp
    like the  US $100 Saramonic Smartrig+ .
  3. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to Geoff_L in Nikon Z6 features 4K N-LOG, 10bit HDMI output and 120fps 1080p   
    Hi all,
    Very long time lurker, first time poster.  I’ve got my z6 in hands since the beginning of the week, and thought I could share some first impressions. Bought it in kit with 24-70s + ftz + a free XQD card, and a 50 1.8G. There was a good sale in a big French store, and I managed to buy it with almost a 550€ saving (regular price was 3099€ ; xqd reg price = around 180€ ; sale was a lense + a mirrorless = non negligible discount % ; 50€ cashback for the 50 1.8G).
    Here are some first impressions, after a couple of short hands on tests:
            PROS:
    Handling is great, especially the grip. Its feels like a “mirrorless dslr”. It’s build like a tank, and I’ll certainly feel more confident with it in the field, compared to my former fujis Button layout is OK: I can operate with only the right hand (“i” button, menu, iso etc.) The viewfinder is gorgeous, big and bright. Same for the rear lcd screen Touchscreen function seems well implemented, but I need to use it more The AF seems OK for my use, which implies landscape/nature and documentary photography. Manual focusing is really great, both in photo and video Video AF is great with the native 24-70s, but I did not explore it much, so I can’t tell more. It seems less effective with the 50 1.8G adapted with FTZ The dedicated video and photo modes that keep the settings in memory is just perfect ! The 24-70s kit lens is really a bargain! Very sharp, small form factor, convenient etc. For longer lenses, I believe the 300PF, the new 500 and zooms like the sigma 100-400 will pair wonderfully with Z serie cameras. Image quality in video surprised me in a good way. I quickly tweaked the picture profiles, and it appeared to be wonderful, even at high iso. I’m used to fuji gorgeous output right out of the camera, in video mode, but I think this one will be a step above. Really. The IBIS is quite effective, in fact more than I hoped for. With the 50 1.8G adapted, which is supposed to lead to only 3 axis, I manage to obtain a really steady image. Impressive in fact. I watched videos on youtube, with awful funky stuffs, like wobbles, kind of warp effects etc. and people in the comments moaning about how bad the ibis is compared to the sony a7iii. I've tried to replicate this... with success :  with the Electronic VR turned on ! With IBIS alone, it's perfect. And I don't know why, but in those videos I saw, they said the Electronic VR was turned off. I don't think so...         CONS:
    The FTZ design is… questionable! The bottom with the tripod screw attachment is longer than the camera body. Thus, making the use of arca swiss plate on the camera with the FTZ attached complicated. A turn around seems to use a Peak Design “micro” plate, which appears to be just well sized. Anyway, I’ll attach my arca plate to the FTZ, and won’t bother much. In video mode, you can’t have both the histogram and the horizon level at the same time. I have to press the “disp” button to bring on the histogram, set my exposure, and press again until the level appears. I hope for a firmware update politic à la fuji ; a dpreview forum member explained that he talked with a Nikon Z development team member, during and event, and they are aware of the fuji successful firmware politic, and will try to offer the same. Fingers crossed! Another firmware-able fix problem (i hope): zebras only work in autofocus mode. If I switch the lens on manual focus, zebras disappear… I need to read the manual more, to check if it is setting relative or not. A lot of people are complaining about hot or white pixels on the sensor on brand new Z cameras. I got that too. An easy fix is to launch the sensor cleaning via the menu, two times in a row. It seems to trigger the pixels mapping stuff. Worked for me! Others are complaining (see the photographylife’s review of the Z7 and dpreview forum) about the coating of the grip peeling where the fingers are, close to the 2 function buttons. From what I understand, it affects people with large hands and long nails. Personally, my fingers don’t even reach this area… so, I hope it’ll be OK ! Video AF with the 50 1.8G attached, as I said before, is not really good. But, it’s a right out of the box test that I did, so maybe if I dive into the menu and the manual, I’ll find a way to make it better. Anyway, as a result, the 50 1.8G is always trying to focus, and seems to fail a lot, which leads to a lot of loud “buzzing” noises. That’s all! Before I choose the Z6, I was shooting with only a fuji X-T2. And, before that, with an X-T1 + a GH4 (and before that… only photography with a Nikon D610). I’ve been shooting  with my backup LX100 since the beginning of 2018. Not enough time and a will to spend my energy to learn more about editing, grading etc. leads me to be cameraless for months. I ditched my X-T2 because I was unhappy with the photo output (as a landscape photographer), not very fond of fuji colors (except for video… don’t know why, but love the colours of the video output, but hate the photo files). More important, I ruined a lot of video shots, because of crappy bug at that time (wobbles and “warp” effects due to the image distortion correction etc.). So, as I started again to think of buying a camera, helped a lot with all of your great contributions here, my choices were: a7iii, gh5, bmpcc4k and Z6. Gh5 and bmpcc4k were ruled out as a first “hybrid” camera (maybe next year, as a second cam), as photo is equally important as video to me (for the moment!). Then I choose Z over a7, because I operate mostly in the mountains (I live in the French Alps and spend a lot of time in northern Scandinavia), with cold, snow, bad weather, and I knew, because of my previous Nikon cameras, that  Nikon do not disappoints on the “toughness” side.  I’ve read too much stories of dead Sony A7’s during trip with similar conditions as what I operate in (and, to be fair, I've read the same with big 5dmiii and Nikon d810). I know, weather sealing is not such a big deal, but, still… a wide bottom opens on the sony would really scare me! And I’m no Chris Burckard, I do not have 200 sony a7 waiting to replace the ones you ruin during an arctic trip!
    So, here I am with this little Z. Next step is to buy and Atomos ninka V, and some lenses. I’ll read posts from @Geoff CB and @IronFilm, I think I’ll find some great Nikkor lenses ideas
    Sorry for this long and first post. Hope it’ll help some of you. I’ll be happy to answer questions or try things on the camera if you want. I’ll also share footages. But, for now, I’m taking the camera outside, because it’s sunny and the snow has arrived.
     

  4. Thanks
    Aussie Ash reacted to webrunner5 in Nikon Z6 features 4K N-LOG, 10bit HDMI output and 120fps 1080p   
    https://petapixel.com/2018/11/23/nikons-z-mount-can-accept-f-0-65-lenses/
  5. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to kye in Voigtlander MFT vs Contax Zeiss FF   
    I have just put a bunch of money into MFT and I think apart from choosing the lenses that give you the right look, the elephant in the room is about investing into the MFT system at a time when everyone seems to be going to FF.
    For me, I don't see my GH5 as an investment - it's something I will pay to use for the next few years and at some point I'll sell and take a large loss, or would keep as a B-camera.  I suspect that my MFT lenses may also suffer the same drop in value, and I'm ok with that.  If you're ok with that too then that's great, but if you're not then I'd suggest you consider what the MFT lens system is likely to be worth when you're up for your next camera upgrade that isn't MFT.  Maybe the system will live on and if it does then that's great, but if it doesn't then be prepared for that outcome.
    In terms of the 'look', you can always buy sharper lenses and soften them in post (which works to some degree) or buy filters that will do the job in-camera.  The added advantage of filters is that the look is adjustable, eg with Tiffen they supply various 'strengths' so you can choose which you like, or even buy multiples and swap depending on the project.  With lens softness (eg, the Helios) you get one look (including the Bokeh, which at MFT crop isn't that strong, but is still there) so you better be happy with it.
  6. Thanks
    Aussie Ash reacted to Trek of Joy in Panasonic Abandoning M43   
    That's the strength of m43 and where Panasonic and Olympus are failing. They're trying to take on FF with large $2000 bodies and bigger/faster lenses that cost far more than FF when you factor equivalency - this is enthusiast territory and FF is the $2000+ standard. Stabilization and class leading video specs, an advantage m43 had for years, is no longer enough when everyone else now offers the same. Plus FF is really pushing the envelope for mirrorless AF, m43 is sorely lagging behind. Personally, with FF, I carry lighter zooms because DR is just so good with the recent Sony sensors. I use fast primes for shallow DOF stuff and with Sony I carry the a6300 as a cheap/light backup. 
    Chris
  7. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to webrunner5 in Panasonic Abandoning M43   
    There is a TON of old FF MF Minolta, Pentax, FD etc. lenses that are small as heck. And now there is a lot of Chinese cheap, small lenses out for the a7 bodies covering FF. So those are a way to go and stay small and light. And Sony has a few cheaper primes that are really small for FF.
    I have owned a Lot of 4/3, m4/3 camera bodies of all sorts, and only the newest Olympus bodies with their excellent IBIS interests me at all. But they are not so hot for video.
     
  8. Like
    Aussie Ash got a reaction from webrunner5 in New bargain fast glass for crop formats (hello P4K! : -)   
    https://www.ephotozine.com/article/sainsonic-kamlan-50mm-f-1-1-lens-review-31408
    Kai tested it as well
     
  9. Thanks
    Aussie Ash got a reaction from Emanuel in New bargain fast glass for crop formats (hello P4K! : -)   
    https://www.ephotozine.com/article/sainsonic-kamlan-50mm-f-1-1-lens-review-31408
    Kai tested it as well
     
  10. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to maxmizer in Big is better!   
    Your thoughts are!!!
  11. Confused
    Aussie Ash reacted to DBounce in FujiFilm X-T3 - Thoughts After One Month   
    So it's been a little over a month since I purchased my first FujiFilm X-T3 body. About two weeks after purchasing the first body I became convinced that this camera was very special. It was fun to shoot with. It reignited my desire to shoot stills. When it came to video the X-T3 seemed more than capable. I decided to refine my lens collection, adding the 23mm F2, 35mm F2, 16mm F1.4 and 56mm F1.2. Later I add the magnificent MKX18-55mm T2.9. All of these lenses performed to my highest expectations. 
    I can tell you after this short period of owning these cameras that they can capture some truly lovely images. The in camera profiles are great and very inspiring to work with. The whole experience is really quite wonderful... well, that is it was. I am getting rid of the whole system. 
    Why? Well, the second body decided to quit. The screen froze up and would just blink. A quick call to Fuji tech support revealed that the hardware had failed. I called to get a return authorization, which was granted. I decided not to go for an exchange, instead opting to wait and see how the first body held up. Today, I went out to shoot some pictures for a project we are doing. Upon arriving at the location I grabbed the X-T3 out of my bag and flipped the switch to power it on... NOTHING! Absolutely nothing. No lights, no screen lighting up, no power up at all. I tried different batteries. Still nothing. I tried pulling the battery and holding down power, then re-inserting the battery and attempting to power up again. Still nothing. Finally I tried the one thing I knew would work. This technique has never failed me.... I went home and grabbed my Canon 1DXMk2. Needless to say the shoot was completed. But the Fuji's are paper weights. 
    I'm done with FujiFilm. It's all going back. It's packed up... I will not buy another one. In my experience they are not fit for serious use. Heck, they are not fit for even casual use. I had spoken highly of them in the past, but this experience with not one... but two bodies failing is enough for me. Lesson learned.

  12. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to Andrew Reid in Vimeo's new policy is..... Failure!   
    It's pretty well established that the record label wants streaming revenue. Why not just give it them?
    YouTube is.
    Unless the problem is that Vimeo simply cannot afford it. It's possible they cannot strike a deal with the recording industry like YouTube has for streaming revenue, because Vimeo don't run ads. Any streaming revenue would have to come from their subscription fees.
    However I hardly think they are a tiny, small company. They have MANY subscribers, paying quite a bit. So sort it out, or lose them.
    Indeed Vimeo are 134 on the Alexa rank. Yup. 134th largest site on earth.
    Their parent company has revenue of over $3 billion per year (2016)
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAC_(company)
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vimeo
    And they cannot spare $100m or less to sort out critical legal issues and protect their users.
     
  13. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to Andrew Reid in X-T3 vs A7III vs EOS R vs Z7 vs Pocket 4K - Video Quality Compared!   
    Well the Nikon Z7 is a $3500 pro camera. Does Max really think the people who buy it are going to use it on the default settings out of the box and not even explore the different automatic WB presets which would have fixed Bart Simpson and the other picture styles such as Flat which would give more control of colour in post?
    It's not a mom & pa's camera. It's a professional mirrorless camera and he's testing it like a bloody iPhone or a point & shoot.
    It's just an excuse for lazy testing and gettin' it out quick.
    Sadly he has 100,000s views and the good guys who WAIT do not. That's what happens when you have no editorial control over a network (YouTube) and promote stuff based on FIRST and VIEWING STATS.
  14. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to Kisaha in X-T3 vs A7III vs EOS R vs Z7 vs Pocket 4K - Video Quality Compared!   
    Max was a guy doing some basic wedding's videos. He is an ok figure and I believe he is trying to offer some knowledge, but nothing special, and certainly not a completely independent thought. 
    Can't even bother with his videos.
    Most youtube personas have nothing to do with real life videography, and real life, in general.
  15. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to Andrew Reid in The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K unboxed and first impressions - Best indie RAW camera yet?   
    For the first time ever I've come face to face with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has come face to face with me. It's time to face facts without doing an about-face.
    Read the full article
  16. Haha
    Aussie Ash reacted to Mattias Burling in X-T3 vs A7III vs EOS R vs Z7 vs Pocket 4K - Video Quality Compared!   
    Two under exposed, one zombie, one dying and a Canon.
  17. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to Christina Ava in I am leaving Vimeo over their scandalous DMCA policy   
    You beat me to it Andrew, I was thinking of starting a thread on leaving VIMEO,  after 164 video uploads being a paid member since 2011 they send me dmca notices and some threatening messages of this type:
    > " You have 5 minutes to download your video due to a copyright strike" sent in the dead of night I am in Greece by the way 7 hours time difference from NY.
    >If you do not wish to contest the strikes but are seeking access to your other videos, we are able to place your account into Temporary Access Mode. This will restore your account in a limited capacity for 72 hours so that you are able archive your videos.
    However, there are a few caveats: 

    1) You may only be granted access if you are not filing a formal counter-notification regarding the strikes on your account. 
    2) We can only provide 72 hours of access. Since this is automated, we cannot extend the access period. Any content that wasn’t downloaded may be lost. 
    3) The videos will be restored with a restricted privacy setting. They will be locked and only available to you for archival purposes. They will not be publicly available.
    4) Per our repeat infringement policy, you may not open any additional Vimeo accounts
    So for 3 songs that were in some ancient videos long forgotten not embedded anywhere, one of them Private, they actually HOLD HOSTAGE another 160 videos,.I talked to them and they had the courtesy to allow me to download them over a week but i have to sign off any rights over that..i have left the account in Limbo
    What I see is that they are driving out  all the small creators that used to be the paying backbone of Vimeo, they killed the FORUM where voices of members were heard and they are turning VIMEO into a stock footage video gallery (eeeeek).
    In the meantime WISTIA is way expensive 100 bucks per month, youtube is a temporary solution..
     
     
  18. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to kaylee in I am leaving Vimeo over their scandalous DMCA policy   
    the thing is: if these companies, youtube for example, applied these rules to EVERYONE, fairly, the same way, at least i could say, "Well thats just how they are"
    but thats not the case at all!!!
    if i upload a video – im making one right now – with a copyrighted song that i fairly have no right to upload, it *might* be chosen for monetization by the record label, it *might* be just barred from being uploaded, deleted, who knows?
    this is all fun and games until they delete your ENTIRE ACCOUNT. i feel SO bad for people who have wrongly had their channels removed... all that work, all that THEY DID FOR YOUTUBE, all the views, comments, the community interaction, all that shit youtube loves – all gone. no appeal, no process to do anything. its just gone
    i recently went through a dmca takedown request due to an a-hole i know who stole my video, and from what ive gathered, if you have a corporate email address (yes) they take you way more seriously, if you "represent a business" they take you way more seriously, and as a lone creator, they dont give  a single fuck about you (shocking)
    i got what i wanted because i pursued the issue, but thats emailing a robot
    amazingly, you get virtually the same "customer service" from vimeo, despite the fact that you have to PAY them for your account~!
    AMAZIN!!!!
  19. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to Vladimir in Fuji X-T3 and X-T4 discussion   
    i spend the whole summer with xh1 and updated xt2 just now to check if i can live without ibis again ( xt3 specs is so juicy)
    i ended up thinkin about gettin rid of xh1 and just stay with what i already have) heres my test: xt2/konica40f1.8/noname speedbooster 100fps handheld all the way:
    still lack of eterna/d400 makin me really sad and i wonder if anyone can tell how much difference between editing 8bit 4K IPB and 10bit 4K ALL-I files
    im also wonder how much time should pass to fuji discover that 25/50/100 option on the shutter ring is extremely desirable in 50 Hz country
  20. Thanks
    Aussie Ash reacted to mojo43 in Next in my travel tutorial series - 5 Travel Portrait Tips   
    This is the next video in my travel tutorial series. Hopefully I explained everything correctly? This YT thing is still pretty new to me... Thanks and let me know!
     
     
  21. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to Andrew Reid in X-T3 vs A7III vs EOS R vs Z7 vs Pocket 4K - Video Quality Compared!   
    Default sharpness varies a lot between cameras. Even minimum sharpening level does. Maybe set them all at minimum then level them out in post with unsharp mask or even small blur for the horrible oversharpened ones.
    EOS R is not line skipping. It’s 1:1
  22. Haha
    Aussie Ash got a reaction from webrunner5 in Fuji X-T3 and X-T4 discussion   
    Canon doesn't seem able to compete with Fijifilm skin care products either-perhaps included with the 5D MkV ?

  23. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to Django in X-T3 vs A7III vs EOS R vs Z7 vs Pocket 4K - Video Quality Compared!   
    lol at pixel peeping license plates from a mile away. these kinda tests always crack me up.. do a skin tone test in mixed lighting and we'll see who comes up on top!
  24. Like
    Aussie Ash reacted to webrunner5 in Fuji X-T3 and X-T4 discussion   
    Also interesting. It is a little outdated, but Fuji makes Tons more money with the Instant Film than they do with real digital cameras. I would of never guessed.
    https://fstoppers.com/news/instant-film-not-digital-cameras-main-reason-fujifilm-doing-so-well-222998
  25. Haha
    Aussie Ash reacted to webrunner5 in I am leaving Vimeo over their scandalous DMCA policy   
    Yeah all you need is about 50 times more of these, and employees that are good at roller skating for hot swapping out Hard Drives LoL.

×
×
  • Create New...