That rubber thingy on your Canon dSLR's strap? It has a purpose
Your Canon dSLR has a useful tool on its strap that has likely gone unnoticed. PetaPixel
points out that the small rubber thingy, (for lack of a better term) on
the strap that came with your Canon camera is an eyepiece cover that
prevents light from leaking into the viewfinder. Whenever you
don't use the viewfinder to shoot a photo -- when using the self-timer
or remote switch, for example -- light can enter the viewfinder and
throw off the exposure. To prevent that from happening, just mask the
viewfinder with the rubber eyepiece cover.
I use an old Nikon D50
and have no such rubber thingy on the strap. According to my D50 user
manual, an eyepiece cover was included in the box. Since it wasn't
cleverly integrated onto the strap, I lost it years ago.
Matt Elliott/CNET
I
shoot with a Nikon, so I went to my local Best Buy and asked a patient
store associate to open a Canon dSLR box. The included strap had the
eyepiece cover that my Nikon lacks. To use the eyepiece cover, I had to
remove the rubber eyepiece cup from the back of the camera and then
slipped the cover over the viewfinder. If you need to cover the viewfinder and don't have a rubber eyepiece cover handy -- Lori Grunin, one of CNET's resident photography experts, suggests you simply drape a black microfiber cloth over the viewfinder. For more photo tips, learn how to protect your camera from rain and snow for less than $1 and how to use everyday items as DIY phone camera lenses and filters.
5 Not-So-Easy Upgrades DSLR Makers Could Make That Would Make This Photographer Very Happy
DSLR makers have developed a rather interesting propensity to focus
their R&D budgets on creating the fanciest, most marketable sensors
possible. A camera, however, isn't just limited to the scope of its
sensor. There are so many other upgrades that could be made that have
nothing to do with megapixel numbers. Below are a few straight out of my
dream list that likely would be pretty difficult to make work. This article is a follow up to "5 Easy Upgrades DSLR Makers Need To Make Right Away"
from a few weeks ago which included a similar list but was more
tailored to potentially easy changes rather than the seemingly much more
arduous development the below features would likely require to bring to
market.
1. Better Bright Light Performance
Have you ever noticed that we have developed an obsession with
expanded low light performance of cameras but we almost never give
situations of extreme bright light much thought? ISO numbers keep
heading towards the stratosphere but they never really shrink on the
other end of the scale. Having to depend on neutral density filters is
not only expensive but also annoying and a burden to switch out
repeatedly during a shoot. Sure, you could crank up your shutter speed
or shrink your aperture to compensate for bright light but sometimes
your creative vision demands that you not make such a technical
compromise.
2. Full Frame Autofocus
The range of autofocus has been creeping slowly outward towards the
edge of the frame over the years. I have been grateful for this but the
reality is that the vast majority of photos that I shoot involve a focus
point towards a frame edge. In order to focus in such situations we
must depend on recomposing after critical focus has been made (or manual
focus). This method can become incredibly challenging when shooting
with a narrow depth of field. The time has come to support autofocus
points all the way to frame edge. I know it won't be easy or we would
already have it. I still want it.
3. Color Lookup Tables For Image Previews
I often find it can be very difficult for a client to visualize what a
final image might look like when they take a look at the back of my
camera. They expect images with color grading like in my portfolio but
instead really only get to see a raw image with the contrast bumped up
to make it look a bit more punchy. I'd love to be able to walk into a
shoot with all my most common color grading LUT files loaded right into
the camera and to be able to set it to auto apply one or more to the
preview of every image shot.
4. Better Manual Focus Assist
Anyone who has ever used a focusing screen knows how much easier it
is to manual focus than with a DSLR. Focusing screens, however, are a
huge pain to install, often void your warranty, and usually are very
limited. DSLR makers have addressed this by adding focus assist features
to their viewfinders. For example, Nikon has a little green dot that
appears in the bottom left of the viewfinder when the spot under the
focus point is in focus. The problem is that I'm never looking down into
that corner while trying to focus, rather I'm focused on my focus
point. I'd love it if some sort of better manual focus assist detail was
actually projected onto the viewfinder so I don't have to dart my eye
away from my subject to confirm that my focus is critical.
5. Lighter!
Ever noticed how companies like Apple seem to be able to continually
make even their most pro-grade components lighter and more compact with
each generation? Why is it that DSLR makers haven't been able to do the
same? I completely understand that the largest form factor is necessary
for a full-frame sensor and to make using it comfortable in hand but
DSLRs never really get any lighter from generation to generation. I'd
love to see my camera getting lighter and lighter (without forcing me to
move to mirrorless) to not only spare my back but also to make it
easier to make it under those baggage weight limits at the airport.
Every ounce matters.
Conclusion
Those are my dream features that probably won't be all that easy to
add to a DSLR lineup but if a magical genie popped out of a lamp and
gave me a few camera wishes those would certainly be ones that I'd be
thinking about. What about you? Are there any changes that the
manufacturers could make that would make your life as a photographer
significantly better?
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There is no such thing as a camera that's perfect for everyone.
But that doesn't stop camera companies from trying to chase this ideal, and Canon's the latest to try. Adding the EOS 80D ($1,199
body-only) to its stable of mid-range DSLRs, Canon is finally offering
an accessible and fairly complete solution for videographers and
hobbyists alike.
The new 80D takes everything that was great about the EOS 70D and
runs with it. The 70D was a big hit among students and videographers
because — despite its lack of a headphone jack — it was a credible
option for enthusiasts when it was released.
Fans of Canon's previous EOS 70D will
love the 80D, if only because the camera doesn't really rock the boat
all that much with wild design changes. Canon took as much as they could
from the EOS 70D and brought it back for the 80D—the weathersealing, the deep grip, the familiar interface, all of it.
However,
a new 24-megapixel sensor and a brand-new autofocus system belie the
appearance that everything is the same. With that said, a lack of 4K
video and some performance quirks may sour some buyers on the camera.
Canon
definitely listened to the gripes of its customers and re-tooled this
powerhouse to meet the needs of videographers. Namely, you no longer
have to shell out for an EOS 6D if you want a headphone jack—it's right near the microphone jack on the EOS 80D.
The
control scheme of the 80D is remarkably straightforward, and very easy
to pick up even if you've never shot with a Canon camera before. With
several shooting modes available with the twist of the mode dial, the
EOS 80D meets its users at just about any skill level. The menu system
can be a little daunting, but it's not as Byzantine as other camera
menus out there.
Regarding features like touch-to-focus and the
articulating screen, I was pleasantly surprised at how often I used
them. Taking photos at extreme angles was much easier as a result.
Aside
from the lack of 4K video, the rest of the performance points for the
80D are top-notch. Despite the quirks of the camera's hardware, it's
buoyed by strong performance in pretty much any area that isn't
resolution related.
Color performance is decent, and most accurate
when used with the "Fine Detail" preset. If you really want finer
control of your shots, shooting in RAW affords you extreme flexibility
in post-production.
Action shooters will appreciate the EOS 80D's
6.67fps continuous shooting speed, as the camera has all the right
hardware behind it to handle long periods of burst shooting—even if you
use RAW+JPG.
Taken on its own merit, the EOS 80D is great for
sports photographers, videographers, and anyone looking for a step-up
from a Rebel DSLR. It's a good camera: it performs well, it's got all of
Canon's best features, and is compatible with Canon's more professional
accessories.
However, this isn't the camera for everyone. There
are plenty of options out there to satisfy diverse needs, and this isn't
the one you want for 4K or professional video. That's not exactly a
dealbreaker for most, but it's something to consider.Shooting at off angles makes it easier to get the perfect shot.
If you're not already invested in the Canon lens system, other mirrorless cameras — like the Panasonic Lumix GX85 or Sony A6300 —
typically have somewhat less expensive lenses and offer 4K
capabilities. There's lot of options to consider, but if you're looking
for a video camera, we like the Panasonic Lumix GH4 better than the 80D.
However,
if you do go with Canon, you'll never find yourself wanting for solid
glass, and your main hindrance to getting an upgrade is your wallet.
Have you ever wondered, what are the most expensive watches in world? Here I am going to tell you about 10 of most expansive watches. There are many intricate details in million dollar watches like expensive stones, diamonds and gems that are encrusted into them jacking up their price. These watches have complicated mechanisms inside that make time telling as accurate as it could be. Some are equipped with the tourbillion, an intricate mechanism that counters the effects of gravity. These complexities definitely increase the selling price of these expensive watches in the world.
10. Brequet Pocket Watch 1970 BA/12 – $734,000.
The
18-karat gold very stylish pocket watch. It is hand engraved and features a
silver face of exquisite workmanship. A secure watch chain is called for after
you have traded an old watch for this piece.
9. Blancpain 1735 Grande Complication – $800,000.
The
Blancpain 1735 Grande Complication is a pretty cool watch to wear around. The
case is made with platinum, and the watch strap is made out of crocodile skin.
The engine parts are made of 740 pieces of handmade parts and components. Thats
why its one of the most complex wristwatches ever made in the world.
8. Louis Moinet Magistralis – $860,000.
Magistralis
is a majestic unique piece and Grande Complication.This remarkably stylish
man’s watch contains a genuine piece of meteorite that was found on the moon.
After you have traded in your old watch for this you will have no excuse about
what day of the year it is as it has a perpetual calendar mechanism.
7. Hublot Black Caviar Bang – $1 million.
Hublot’s
Black caviar watch was a draw dropper when it came out in 2009. well, it has
long since raised the bar. but this wristwatch, covered in 501 baguette-cut
black diamonds and 18-carat white gold is a classic, surprisingly understated
piece.
6. Chopard Super Ice Cube . $1.1 million.
Hublot’s
Black caviar watch was a draw dropper when it came out in 2009. well, it has
long since raised the bar. but this wristwatch, covered in 501 baguette-cut
black diamonds and 18-carat white gold is a classic, surprisingly understated
piece.
5. Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon . $1.3 million.
The
most complex wrist watch ever made by Patek Phillipe. It has the night sky on
one side that has precision that is all of its own. The front is also complex
with date and the moon phases. This is an amazing watch and a piece of modern
art.
4. Vacheron Constatin Tour de I’lle . $1.5 million.
The
Tour de I’lle is a complicated wrist watch manufactured by the Swiss
manufacturer Vacheron Constantin. It was released in 2005 to commemorate the
manufacturer’s 250th anniversary. This 18 karat gold watch has a blue sapphire
non-reflective glass. It is a two sided watch that is definitely worth being
traded for.
3. Patek Philippe Platinum World Time . $4 million.
The Platinum World Time created by Patek Philippe was
sold at auction for over $4 million USD in 2002. It is believed that only one
was created and, at the time, it was the most expensive wristwatch in the
world. This watch winds itself and you find the time anywhere in the world.
This watch has a variety of finishes to choose from, yellow, white and rose
gold and platinum for the discerning buyer.
2. Patek Philippe Super Complication . $11 million.
The 18-karat gold pocket watch made by Patek Philippe for
banker Henry Graves Jr. in 1933 required five years to design and build. It
possessed 24 “complications,” or mechanical features beyond basic timekeeping,
including a different chronological function for each hour of the day.It was
the most complicated watch ever created and the most expensive watch ever sold
at auction.
1. Chopard 210 karat . $26 million.
This masterpiece is so expensive, that there is no
listing price. With its 201 karats of coloured diamonds, the watch looks more
like a bracelet. It is a spectacular piece of jewellery first and a timepiece
second. This watch is beautiful and simple time piece that looks like it is
surrounded by flowers. (source)
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