The Field Review of the Canon 7D is now over, and the camera has my personal recommendation for best APS-C sensor camera. As a compliment to the 5D Mk II, it works well due to the cropped sensor, faster frame rates, video options, wireless flash controls, etc. More on all this as well as the compilation and thoughts after the jump.

Night 1- The camera and two prime lenses documented a Jewish Seder during the week of Passover. It performed very well and users of this camera may be asked to actually join a family at dinner and document the happenings as they progress throughout the night.

Day 2- The 7D and 24-105mm F4 L IS went to the giant pillow fight in Union Square. While the FPS kept up, the autofocus couldn’t quite capture the quickly moving combatants at varying distances and at such as fast speed too. But it did withstand the punishment of elbows, heads, shoulders and pillows knocking it about. When the autofocus did work correctly, it captured some wonderful images. If you’re getting into a warzone like this, perhaps you’re better off with a 1D Mk IV.

With the Sun Sniper Camera Strap- This strap has replaced the Canon strap on my 7D as it typically holds my longer lenses during events and it’s also the camera I go to when I need to quickly capture something. Along with the 5D Mk II, I’ve run into nothing that the combined two can’t tackle.

Day 3- Testing at a get-together of NYC gaming journalists at a bar. Autofocus was fine in the dim light and mostly stagnant people. As was the high ISO ability shooting at ISO 3200 and above. All photos were shot in JPEG for truly showing the noise levels.

On the Set of a Podcast- The 7D performed much better in terms of manipulation vs the T2i. Noise levels in movie mode seemed to be the same.

So is the 7D worth buying? Heck yes. Canon realized that the Nikon D300s is a threat to them and though it took them a while to step up to the plate, they were able to get the 7D out. Compared to the Nikon D300s (full review here), it is a faster shooting camera with a less complicated autofocus system but more complicated video system. Adding to the still side of things is that the 7D also now has wireless flash control: a feature that Canon users have been asking for for quite a while.

A personal problem of mine with the camera: like many of you out there I wanted a Full Frame or APS-H sized sensor camera. Many photographers also thought that the APS-C sized sensor combined with 18MP would deliver terrible high ISO results. To be fair, Canon is due for a faster FPS Full Frame or APS-H sized sensor camera in a 5D body.

In truth, we all have different standards. The noise levels, like that of the D300s, are nothing that can’t be corrected with some Photoshopping or Lightroom processing or a straight conversion to Black a white if your clients want that look. Photographers that say that their 7D’s noise is too high perhaps received a faulty unit or have very high standards of how little noise they want in their images.

Coupled with Canon L lenses, the 7D can deliver some very lovely images. However, it baffles me as to why they didn’t couple the camera with the 24-105mm F4 L IS. It just seems like such a perfect combination.

The 7D’s body feels much tougher than the 5D Mk II, but it doesn’t feel as comfortable. Additionally, the button layout takes a bit of getting used to as there are new buttons and switches in different places. For the most part, Canon users will be fine and the muscle memory will come in time as long as you remember which camera you’re using and notice the subtle differences in feel.

The 7D also has an electronic level that is wonderful in Live View mode. It can help in the composition of photos to really ensure that they are straight. This can be a big help to Real Estate photographers using an APS-C camera.

Users of the 40D and 50D are encouraged to upgrade to the 7D due to the above mentioned upgrades. However, it is also recommended that you keep your old body as a back-up or second camera of some sort as they are still very good.

Event photographers, wedding photographers, photojournalists, sports photographers, concert photographers and celebrity photographers will all find a great package in the 7D. On top of all this, cinematographers will be floored by the image quality and selection of lenses that you probably haven’t had access to previously.

Studio photographers will really appreciate the wireless flash functionality with this camera. It will save them loads of money vs spending on other wireless items for headshots, portraits or photoshoots.

Once again, I wish that the mode dial wasn’t so easily turned as when you’re in rough environments the dial can turn as throw all your settings off. Therefore, screwing up your chances of nailing a great shot.

The lock mechanism on the back wheel dial seems not very useful, at least I couldn’t find a great use for it.

For those that want full frame cameras, you’re recommended to go with a 5D Mk II or wait until the 1Ds Mk IV comes out. It’s bound to be released sometime this year.

The 7D receives ThePhoblographer’s camera of choice in the APS-C sensor class.

Chris Gampat is a regular columnist on Blind Photographers. He’s been a photojournalist, events photographers, paparazzi,etc You can find out more about Chris on blog or by following him on twitter.

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If you’re shopping for a new lens of some sort, you’ve come to just the right place. As per the results of my recent reader polls, here is a list of the best lenses you can get your hands on without breaking the bank too much.

Canon

Canon 50mm F1.8/F1.4- When I first moved to Canon, I started out with the 50mm F1.8. Though it has some slight quirks to it (autofocus is a bit hard to do at time and can be slow) it is still a wonderful general purpose lens and an excellent lens for when videos need to be shot at something like a concert. Stopped down to F4, it is wonderfully sharp.

If you can afford it, the F1.4 is much better and is one of Canon’s best buys.

Canon 100mm Macro 2.8- Known as one of Canon’s sharpest lenses, users will appreciate the versatility available with using a lens like this. One can go from shooting portraits, to macro products, to the fine details at a wedding, and to even sports shooting when put in a cropped sensor body like a 7D or a 50D (available at a rebate at the time of writing this article.) One really can’t go wrong with a lens like this.

Canon 85mm F1.8- This is my second favorite lens in my camera bag. The 85mm F1.8 allows for super sharp portraits, headshots, and even candid moments when shooting events or a wedding. What’s great is that you have a telephoto reach without having a really large lens that tends to attract attention: therefore making the photographer more discrete and also allowing them not to disturb their subjects.

Canon 35mm F2.0- The 35mm F2.0 is a great lens for events or photojournalism type shooting. This lens is great for capturing environmental portraits, and also for giving a real feel for what the vibe is like at an event. Combined with a flash, it can be great on the dance floor of a party and delivers sharp results with wonderful color.

Nikon

Nikon 50mm F1.8/F1.4- Nikon’s 50mm F1.8 is sharper than Canon’s. In fact, it’s quite a bit sharper and comes with a slightly higher price as well. Nikon’s F1.4 is used widely at concerts and weddings in addition to photographers who capture portraits with cameras like a D300s. Many wedding photographers actually do this and deliver some fantastic and lovely results. I’ve seen some prints from photographers in Brooklyn shooting by the Brooklyn Bridge, and combined with their SB-900 flashes, it does some great work on quite the budget.

Nikon AF-S 35mm F1.8- I’ve tried this lens on the Nikon D3x before. For the price, Nikon photographers get a lens that will stick with them in their bags forever. A lens like this is sharp, focuses surprisingly fast, and can be used for photo shoots, shooting couples, portraits, weddings, etc.

Nikkor 28mm F2.8D- Nikon’s wide angle primes are becoming legendary, and the 28mm F2.8 is quite worth its weight in dollars. A lens like this is great for getting up close and personal with your subjects, like children, dogs, etc. Otherwise, it is great for shooting landscapes and some street photography.

Nikkor 85mm F1.8D- Although it’s not the absolutely gorgeous F1.4, the 85mm F1.8 is a lens that is seen on many Nikon photographers’ cameras. This lens is the essential lens for portrait photographers and those looking to do in studio work. Stopped down to around F2.8 it becomes super sharp. The feel and construction of this lens will also not disappoint.

Panasonic and Olympus Four Thirds/Micro Four Thirds

Panasonic 20mm F1.7- As perhaps the most favorite lens amongst Micro Four Thirds photographers, this lens delivers wonderful results in all types of lighting and also does this in a small pancake type body. Zach Honig over at Tech, Travel Tuna and PCMagazine uses this on his GF-1, which he really loves. Some of the results I’ve seen deliver things I never thought possible on Micro Four Thirds.

Olympus M. Zukio 17mm F2.8- An alternative to the 20mm for those that want a wider field of view, the 17mm is still a great lens for the Micro Four Thirds system due to sharp image quality and wide aperture.

Olympus 25mm F2.8-The Olympus pancake lens for Four Thirds is one of the most beloved lenses in the system. Vincent Pastore uses one (he wrote for this blog previously.) Additionally, most Olympus photographers carry it around when shooting for fun.

Sigma 24mm F1.8- This is a lens that anyone seriously committed to the Four Thirds standard needs to get if they are also on a budget. Though it isn’t the Panasonic 25mm F1.4 that one would sell their soul for, the Sigma will still deliver very pleasing results to users.

Olympus 50mm F2 Macro- A 100mm on Four Thirds, this lens is great for events, macro work, products and portraits. The sharpness offered by this lens is really something to consider when you need a compact telephoto.

What other lenses do you recommend?

Chris Gampat is a regular columnist on Blind Photographers. He’s been a photojournalist, events photographers, paparazzi,etc You can find out more about Chris on blog or by following him on twitter.

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As a Blind Photographer, I’ve found that shooting with a Leica M9 rangefinder allows me to shoot without my glasses. Why is this amazing? Because I’m almost legally blind. The only other cameras that can really allow for these abilities are the Micro Four Thirds cameras, but because of this it is essential that readers understand how a rangefinder focuses and works.

Here’s the jist of it: many of the readers of this blog shoot DSLRs. Think about the center focusing dot in your viewfinder being replaced with a rectangle. Now imagine pointing the lens at someone’s face so that the rectangle is over their nose. What you will immediately see is that the subject’s nose may not be seen through the viewfinder.

This is where focusing comes in. In order to focus the camera on their nose, one must focus the lens. When focusing, you’ll see different parts of reality move in and out of the rectangle. Line the nose up with what you’ll see in reality and you’ve got a perfectly focused lens.

Does this sound confusing? It is in a way, but that’s what actually is so great about it. Of any camera I’ve used or reviewed, the Leica M9 is the one that has the best manual focusing—hands down.

Perhaps this is why Leica toutes “precision” amongst their marketing. For a visually impaired photographer to be able to shoot without glasses on and focus correctly, accurately, and precisely is a big feet that a company should be proud of.

So does this mean it’s the perfect camera? Well, no. Long telephoto lenses don’t usually work well on rangefinders so sports and wildlife shooting can be very tough to do. Add onto this the fact that they can be very costly too. Further, there is no weather sealing for when one wants to go shooting in the rain (a favorite hobby of mine) and high ISO abilities aren’t at the levels of Canon or Nikon’s high end DSLR cameras.

To be fair though, the sheer simplicity of a rangefinder like this can be very appealing to many users. Additionally, they are built like tanks and are used in war zones and by many Magnum photographers.

If you’re going to make an investment into a rangefinder, decide carefully. It is a different type of camera meant for a different type and style of shooting.

The field review is almost finished! Stay tuned!

Author’s note: This is from my blog, ThePhoblographer.com. Go check it out and support the blog please by clicking the links and purchasing the items.

Chris Gampat is a regular columnist on Blind Photographers. He’s been a photojournalist, events photographers, paparazzi,etc You can find out more about Chris on blog or by following him on twitter.

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soft light crocus

“I know I am new, but I feel like the whole world has opened up to me through this group and photography.” This came to BP’s inbox today form one of our members.  The photographer, bbrasley, has chronicled her transition into photography on her blog, Losing Vision Gaining Insight, in her post, Blind Photography. bbrasley write about how this community helped her find a new way to see the world:

With the inspiration of the blindphotographers website, I began to create a digital world where I can see the beauty that I can no longer see in the “real” natural world.

bbrasley goes on to show an example of how she uses Photoshop to find the real image buried in her pictures. The photo about, soft light crocus, was lost in the glare and noise  when she snapped the original digital negative.  Bringing that file into Photoshop and onto her large screen monitor, bbrasley was able to find this wonderful nugget.

Thanks for sharing your story, bbrasley! Please go on to read about Blind Photography at Losing Vision Gaining Insight.

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Color Blindness and Photography – RailPictures.Net Forums – discussion thread about dealing with photo editing.

Craig Royal: Featured Photographer | Blind Photographers – first of a new feature on Blind Photographers where one photographer gives an interview and shows some images. Craig Royal is a legally blindfine art photographer from Florida.

More on Craig Royal.

Moments the Blind Can See – MidnightEast » Blog Archive – blind photographers in Israel have an exhibition during March at the Windows Gallery at the Azrieli Center, Tel Aviv.

photographing blind, other ways to see – night, rain, lights – a photographer’s anxieties about worsening sight prompt thoughts about alternative ways of seeing.

Sourced from: The Blind Buzz

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Books from National Braille Press

• 
  Noah’s Ark – print, Braille and tactile pictures
• 
  Because Pictures Matter – A Guide to Using, Finding, and Creating Tactile Imagery for Blind Children. by Deborah Kent
• 
  Pathfinder Cards: Mazes
• 
  Touch and Learn Tactile Activity Book

Bruce Hall and Corinne Marinnan open our eyes to Blind Photography! – describes a presentation of the film “Dark Light” where Bruce Hall was present.

Kate Moss in a veil and other fashion photos by Albert Watson « Utopia Parkway – Albert Watson’s exhibition in Brussels is mostly 80s/90s fashion photography.

Multisensory Perception – Yasmin List Blog – notes on synaesthesia.

New technology editor, Peter op ‘t Hof, for ECO: On blindness and the arts] – accessibleimage – FreeLists – research topic suggestions welcome at the site.

http://www.blindnessandarts.com/

Photography Assignment #64 – Zoo Photography – Liz’s Photography Blog – just for fun, photograph an animal you wouldn’t normally get the chance to come across.

[PDF] Tactile Picture Books in Sweden – explains the basics of tactile books, the importance of pictures in child development, how to read tactile picture books production methods and gives information about the Swedish Library of Talking Books and Braille. English language.

[Book] Wednesday Is Indigo Blue – Discovering the Brain of Synesthesia by Richard E. Cytowic and David M. Eagleman

YASMIN, moderated list for art-science-technology interactions around the Mediterranean Rim. Mostly in English.

Sourced from: The Blind Buzz

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Possible iPad Camera

Blind Photographers has written already about iPhone photography ins Shooting the iPhone 3GS. What will the iPad bring to the table? Nothing yet, as the tablet, like its older sibling, the iPod Touch, lacks a camera. However, hope is not lost. PCWorld reports that they are Sleuthing for an iPad Camera.

“General consensus is that there will be a camera in the iPad, but not in the first generation—a camera would be a great feature to roll out in version two, giving more people a reason to buy after all the early-adopters get theirs. Though that’s still just speculation, the iPad appears to be fully camera-ready even now, and there might even be time left for another announcement from The Steve.”

Assuming that these rumors pan out, what will this mean for blind and visually impaired photographers? Simply put, the iPad will offer the single largest LCD for composing and reviewing shots available in digital photography. I struggle with my Nikon’s LCD to review and can barely see through the tiny viewfinder to compose shots. Until I upload images into Lightroom, much of my photography is little more than educated guesswork. An iPad-mounted camera opens up a world of opportunity for visually-impaired photographers. On top of the camera, there are already loads of iPhone apps for editing photos. Even, Photoshop has an iPhone app. There are even photo printing apps. For basic editing purposes, the iPad offers the first device that can take images from the minds eye right to the finished product.

We only hope that Apple is holding the camera for iPad 2.0 next year. Cross your fingers.

Tim O’Brien is a regular columnist on Blind Photographers. Legally blind, Tim writes about accessibility, photography and, occasionally, both together. You can find out more about Tim on his blog or by following him on twitter.

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Albert Watson at Young Gallery – IDbazaar – Home Page – Design & Art sourcing website » Blog Archive – Albert Watson is blind in one eye, and has had a high-profile photographic career, including photos for magazines, fashion and royalty.

Being a color blind photographer — Scott Wyden Imagery – some of the problems, and some useful sites.

Blind people in Delhi click photographs – dnaindia.com – more good stuff about the ‘Blind With Camera’ project in India.

[Video] blind photography feb 1, 2010, 5:47 PM – girl takes pictures with blindfold on, and challenges you to do the same.

Beyond Sight: Blind Photography in China | GlobalGiving – support blind people’s photographic activities in China, with the aim of reducingthe stigma of visual impairment.

ItalyTraveller experience. | The image museum – he museum, in Florence, includes the Touch Gallery, where some of the images are presented in tactile form.

I love this book! | dTour Photography – student describes “The Black Book of Colors”, which has no colors, but has raised diagrams and braille text, emulating the world as experienced by a blind child.

Make Your Travel Pictures Talk: Fotobabble – this service will let you add a soundtrack from your microphone to photos you upload to it.
PhotoBabble Web Site

Norman Taylor: A shed load of art – Theatre & Arts, Entertainment – Belfasttelegraph.co.uk – when he started to lose his sight, Norman Taylor took many photographs of his garden shed. Some of them are soon to appear in an exhibition. Also visit
Norman’s Old Shed | Norman Taylor Photography

Sourced from: The Blind Buzz

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An iPad Camera? | tim o’brien photos – future iPad models may have a camera, and give VI photographers a large display to work with.

Dog’s Eye View – the author, with a couple of physics degrees and a couple of dogs, makes use of photography and video in her blog. One of the dogs is her guide dog.


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[Video] Lifting the Blindfold;The Seeing With Photography Collective | CameraSLRreviews.com – Mozilla Firefox#vLifting the Blindfold;The Seeing With Photography Collective | CameraSLRreviews.com – the video shows the light-painting techniques used by New York’s Seeing With Photography Collective. This is not a new item, but is well worth watching again.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park University Project – If I’m reading this right, 5 Huddersfield University students are looking at the market for potential Friends of the Park. The Park functions, amongst other things, as a place to display the sculptures of Henry Moore and other sculptors. Included in the blog is an
article on blind photography, though I must admit I’m not sure I get the connection.

Sourced from: The Blind Buzz

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Being a color blind photographer — Scott Wyden Imagery

Blind With Camera » Photo Gallery – work from blind photographers in Mumbai.

Images Without Sight – “Process is as much an artistic experience as the object created. In this project, we follow a photographer who is blind, crafting her personal experience into a public one that can be shared by others.”

Images Without Sight Atom Feed

UK Gov nationalises orphans and bans non-consensual photography in public « grassroots issues – far-reaching changes in UK law on copyright may go unnoticed by most of us. Photography in public may in effect be banned, at least if the photography is digital.

Sourced from: The Blind Buzz

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