I’m posting these just to give people an idea of what to expect from the higher ISO levels. These were taken at a book launch at night in a cellar bar, so only artificial light. I left the camera on Auto White Balance and didn’t use a flash. I set the Auto ISO range from 100-25,600.
Personally, I’m going to try to not use the camera above ISO3200 and simply appreciate the increased performance above the original 5D’s ISO1600, which I prefer not to shoot beyond. But there will be times when a higher ISO simply allows you to get a shot you might not otherwise get (for forensic purposes, maybe -- or if you’re going to process it, reduce it and post it on Facebook).
All images use a single point of focus (not necessarily in the centre), and exposure compensation of -1/3 (whether or not this is optimal for this sort of shooting, I don’t know -- it’s just the setting I’ve used on ever Canon I’ve owned in the last 11 years, so I plugged it in out of habit).
Anyway, here they are -- shot with a 50/1.4, 100/2.8 L Macro, and a 135/2.
Time for breakfast now -- I’ll respond to the other nice notes after I get to work (it’s Monday morning here in Hong Kong). For the moment:
- No, I didn’t know you didn’t need a screen protector for the LCD (but will leave it on until I know more).
- No, I didn’t know a third-party battery would void your warranty (is that really true?).
- Yes, I will take some photos at base ISO as a next step.
- Yes, I will learn something about the new AF system soon (the crackling you hear is me removing the manual from the plastic).
p.3 #7 · 5D Mark III -- First Impressions, plus JPG and RAW files
Don Ellis wrote:
All images use a single point of focus (not necessarily in the centre), and exposure compensation of -1/3 (whether or not this is optimal for this sort of shooting, I don�t know � it�s just the setting I�ve used on ever Canon I�ve owned in the last 11 years, so I plugged it in out of habit).
Weird--I'm always at +1/3 with all Canon cameras I've used.
Anyway, again thanks a ton for doing all this! There's precious little real life 5DIII shots to chew on right now and you're giving us the bulk of it. Looking forward to your next batch of shots.
p.3 #11 · 5D Mark III -- First Impressions, plus JPG and RAW files
Yohan Pamudji wrote:
Weird--I'm always at +1/3 with all Canon cameras I've used.
Anyway, again thanks a ton for doing all this! There's precious little real life 5DIII shots to chew on right now and you're giving us the bulk of it. Looking forward to your next batch of shots.
Same here, from the 40D, and currently the 5DII, I've found that in low-light, high ISO shoots, the images come out generally better(in terms of managing noise via post-processing) with a +1/3 exposure compensation.
p.3 #14 · 5D Mark III -- First Impressions, plus JPG and RAW files
Dang, I am in Hong Kong myself and figured we wouldn't see copies for months. Nice grab there!
I really need to make up my mind on 1Dx or this. I could really use one or the other on my upcoming trip next week to Namibia but I don't want to rush my decision so will have to rely on the 5d again.
p.3 #16 · 5D Mark III -- First Impressions, plus JPG and RAW files
skasol wrote:
Thank you. What's your overall impression? How is the focus?
My first impression -- and remember than I'm coming from the original 5D -- is that I love it. I've only used the centre focus so far, but it nails everything, even in low light. I went to a book launch a couple of nights ago and shot everything without flash. I can't say that I would ordinarily use ISO25,600, but even in that low light the camera never once hunted for focus.
p.3 #17 · 5D Mark III -- First Impressions, plus JPG and RAW files
LocoPhoto wrote:
Thanks for these Don
The higher ISO shots (2000 and 5000) look very good, really curious about 6400 and up, especially with some underexposure.
You're very welcome ... a small repayment for all the information I've gleaned from everyone on the forum.
I just posted 25 high-ISO shots on that same page link, and, as it turns out, they were set to -1/3, which is where I usually have the camera set. Now I read from others that +1/3 might be better for high-ISO, indoor shots, so I'll play with that later.
p.3 #19 · 5D Mark III -- First Impressions, plus JPG and RAW files
JohnBrose wrote:
I thought it was funny how you save a couple $ on non Canon batteries on a new, $3500 camera. Not to mention it might void the warranty? Thanks for posting your opinions though. Really like the lobster monger shot.
Thanks, John. Are you guessing on the third-party battery voiding the warranty or do you know? I've been using third-party batteries in Canon cameras for over a decade without any problems. If I were buying one extra battery, I wouldn't worry about the cost so much, but I usually have six batteries for every camera.
p.3 #20 · 5D Mark III -- First Impressions, plus JPG and RAW files
Gunzorro wrote:
Thanks, Don! Looking forward to more of your shots, and your impressions of the camera. A few of these are very good -- National Geographic quality -- like the lobster salesman. A terrific slice of life in HK. I'd love to see you team up with Kai at Digital Rev on an episode. Your effort is appreciated.
Well, you are too kind ... thank you. Once I get some of the things figured out, I'll have to work on taking better shots, though ... these have really just been test shots with limited time so I could get them up for anyone needing more information before making the big decision.
As for Kai, now that you've planted the see, I've been practicing my weird mouth expressions in the mirror.
