Camera Gear Review News (Page 6) RSS Feed for Camera Gear Review News

 Friday, December 2, 2022

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is here, and it is time to set up this camera for use. Following are the 44 steps taken to prepare an out-of-the-box R6 II.

  1. Record serial number and add camera to the insurance policy
  2. Open the box, find the battery, place it in the charger, and plug it in.
  3. Consider downloading and installing the latest Canon imaging software to gain support for the latest camera model(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, and Lens Registration Utility are the options I include in the install.
  4. Insert a memory card (we'll format the card in a later step), insert a charged battery, and power the camera on.
  5. The date, time, and time zone setup screen will show at the first startup. Use the rear control dial and set button to update this information.
  6. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv, or M (some modes may provide only a subset of available menu options) and press the menu button.
  7. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use the top control dial to set RAW to "RAW", and use the rear control dial to set JPEG to "-" (RAW image files provide the highest quality and are especially valuable for post-processing work)
  8. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: White balance: AWB W (White) (I seldom use another white balance setting while shooting, though I often adjust white balance modestly during post-processing)
  9. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness = 1 (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram that best shows the available dynamic range. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
  10. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (I suggest that most photographers enable Chromatic Aberration correction)
  11. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: High ISO speed NR: Off or Low (noise reduction is destructive to images details, so I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post-processing)
  12. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Release shutter without card: OFF (only in a retail store would you want to press the shutter release without saving the image file)
  13. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Image review: Review duration: 4 sec. (the Viewfinder review option is disabled by default, speeding the shooting process)
  14. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Screen info. settings: Enable 1, 2, 3, and 4; edit screen 2 to show only: Basic shooting info and Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Basic shooting info, Histogram, and Electronic level
  15. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: VF info/toggle setting: Enable 1, 2, and 3 (the default); edit screen 2 to show only: Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Histogram and Electronic level
  16. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes the 3x3 grid is helpful for alignment checking while not complicating the view)
  17. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Histogram disp: RGB, Small (show the brightness levels of each channel separately and do not let the graph to take up much space in the display as it can affect the perceived composition)
  18. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Disp performance: Smooth (select Smooth if shooting fast action and battery life is not a concern, and Power saving otherwise.)
  19. AF Menu, Tab 1: Subject to detect: Select Auto, People, Animals, Vehicles, or No priority as makes sense for your current shooting scenario
  20. AF Menu, Tab 4: Touch & drag AF settings: Touch & drag AF: Enable (allows the thumb drag across the rear LCD to quickly move the AF point while looking through the electronic viewfinder)
  21. AF Menu, Tab 4: Limit AF methods: enable Spot AF, Single Point, and Whole area AF
  22. AF Menu, Tab 4: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Pt only (instructs the camera to individually save the selected AF points for vertical and horizontal orientation)
  23. AF Menu, Tab 5: MF peaking settings: On
  24. AF Menu, Tab 6: RF lens MF focus ring sensitivity: Linked to rotation degree
  25. Playback Menu, Tab 5: Magnification: 10x (allows one button press during playback to zoom deeply into the image)
  26. Playback Menu, Tab 7: Playback information display: 1, 2, and 3 only; change view 2 histogram to RGB
  27. Playback Menu, Tab 7: Highlight Alert: Enable (overexposed pixels will blink during image review)
  28. Set-up Menu, Tab 1: Format card (always format a memory card in-camera before using it - all data on the card will be lost)
  29. Set-up Menu, Tab 1: Auto Rotate: On computer (images are properly rotated when viewed on a computer, but are always oriented to fill the LCD when viewed on the camera)
  30. Set-up Menu, Tab 2: Mode guide: Disable
  31. Set-up Menu, Tab 2: Feature guide: Disable
  32. Set-up Menu, Tab 3: Beep: Disable (probably no one wants to hear your camera's beep)
  33. Set-up Menu, Tab 3: Power saving: Screen dimmer: Disable (I found the dimmer to be highly annoying — the LCD is as useful off as dimmed)
  34. Set-up Menu, Tab 6: Custom shooting mode (C1, C2, C3): Auto update set: Enable (see Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
  35. Set-up Menu, Tab 6: Copyright information: enter as desired
  36. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing auto cancel: OFF (I want to control when AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) is enabled and disabled)
  37. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing sequence: -0+ (if images are captured in brightness sequence, they are easier to work with during post-processing. Capturing the darkest image first means quickly getting the first frame)
  38. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize buttons: Multi-function button: Dial function and press info to set details: Top row: 1. Drive mode, 2. One Shot - Servo, 3. Exp. comp, 4. Off, 5: Off; Bottom row: 1. ISO, 2. AF area, 3. Flash exp. comp, 4. Off, 5: Off
  39. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize dials: Control ring: OFF (consider using this dial for a function logical for your needs)
  40. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Default erase option: [Erase] selected (less safe, but one less button press required to delete an image)
  41. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Retract lens on power off: OFF (prevents a carefully-selected focus distance from resetting when the camera auto powers off)
  42. My Menu: Add My Menu 1; Register the following options: Expo.comp./AEB, IS (Image Stabilizer) mode, Expo. simulation, Subject to detect, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring the time); reorder menu items as desired
  43. My Menu: Add My Menu 2; Register the following options: Anti-flicker shoot., RAW burst mode, Focus bracketing, Shutter mode, Number of bracketed shots, reorder menu items as desired
  44. With a lens mounted and a subject focused on, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

I make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.

To copy this configuration means you intend to shoot as I do – including in RAW-only format. While this setup works great for me, you should adjust the setup to your needs.

If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime the camera is set to the factory state, such as when serviced or when acquiring an additional camera, the list will ensure all settings are re-established. If you purchase another same or similar camera, setup will be fast and identical.

More Information

Canon EOS R6 Mark II

Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R6 Mark II from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon EOS R6 Mark II from Lensrentals.

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Post Date: 12/2/2022 8:34:40 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Thursday, December 1, 2022

Resolution test results are now available for the Canon EOS R6 Mark II.

No surprises here. The results look great.

Here is a comparison with the 20 megapixel EOS R6.

Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R6 Mark II from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 12/1/2022 7:44:59 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Monday, November 21, 2022

Just posted: Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens Review.

This is an interesting lens — compact, lightweight, affordable, and a good performer. Sometimes, the 20-40mm focal length range is ideal, avoiding frequent lens changes.

Support this site by ordering the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens from Lensrentals.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 11/21/2022 7:50:39 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Sabrent, a popular and respected brand in the computer accessories market, is now producing memory cards and readers. I mentioned using them recently, and here is a closer look at the Sabrent CFexpress Type B and SDXC Memory Cards and Readers.

Support this site by ordering the Sabrent CFexpress Type B and SDXC Memory Cards and Readers from B&H.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 11/15/2022 8:01:16 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Wednesday, November 9, 2022

The black lines indicate contrast, and the blue lines show resolution. The solid lines are sagittal, and the dashed lines are meridional. The higher, the better, and that comparison tells a story.

The RF lens's performance is substantially improved.

Prefer a mouseover comparison? View that MTF comparison in the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Lens Review.

Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 11/9/2022 7:51:45 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Monday, November 7, 2022

Image quality test results are now available on the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens Review page.

Create some comparisons.

Support this site by ordering the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens from Lensrentals.

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 11/7/2022 7:51:24 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Monday, October 24, 2022

Just posted: Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens Review

This lens is currently ranked 21st among the best-selling mirrorless lenses at B&H — out of 1204 lenses.

Support this site by ordering the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 10/24/2022 12:00:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Thursday, October 13, 2022

Just posted: Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens Review page.

Fun, but expensive, lens.

Please share!

Order the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 10/13/2022 9:56:46 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Image quality test results are now available on the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens page.

This lens exceeds my image quality expectations.

While the RF 1200 is not as sharp as the Canon RF 600mm F4 L Lens, it is nicely sharper than the Canon RF 600mm F4 L Lens plus 2x extender.

The RF 1200mm lens's image quality is about the same as that of the RF 800mm F5.6 Lens.

Note that RF 1200mm lens plus extender results are not included in the tool. I'm still arguing with myself but have not yet justified spending over $1,000.00 to fund the smaller test chart needed for testing focal lengths over 1200mm.

Order the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 10/5/2022 7:51:25 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Image quality test results are now available on the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens page.

I like what I see except the wide open 400mm results are a bit soft (f/8 produces better sharpness).

Create a few comparisons.

Support this site by ordering the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 10/4/2022 8:09:40 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Tuesday, September 13, 2022
 Monday, September 12, 2022
 Thursday, September 8, 2022

Just posted: Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Review

Image quality test results from a second lens (Sample 2) are now available. The second lens performs similarly to the first.

Please share!

Order the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX

Rent the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 9/8/2022 8:22:17 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available on the Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens page.

This lens has strong barrel distortion at the wide end.

Order the Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 9/7/2022 9:21:40 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Tuesday, September 6, 2022
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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 9/6/2022 8:00:39 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Friday, September 2, 2022
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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 9/2/2022 8:07:13 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Monday, August 29, 2022

In addition to the Image quality test results shared last week (20mm, 24mm), vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available on the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens and Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens pages.

Order the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX

Order the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX

Rent the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

Rent the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 8/29/2022 11:08:30 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Friday, August 26, 2022
 Wednesday, August 24, 2022
 Tuesday, August 23, 2022

While announcing the Canon EOS R10, promoting the camera as the least expensive R-series option seemed logical. However, the Canon EOS RP was only $20.00 more expensive. That price differential is meaningless to anyone investing in a camera at the quality level we are discussing.

Let's make some lists highlighting many of the differences between these models.

Here are some of the R10 advantages:

  • DIGIC X vs. DIGIC 8
  • Higher density imaging sensor provides greater reach
  • HEIF and Dual Pixel RAW formats available
  • Joystick multicontroller
  • EVF magnification 0.95x vs. 0.70x
  • EVF has greater nose relief
  • Built-in flash
  • X-Sync 1/200 with mechanical shutter, 1/250 electronic 1st curtain vs. 1/180sec
  • Superior AF system featuring Subject Tracking and Eye Detection AF independant from AF area selection
  • Continuous shooting up to 15 fps with mechanical shutter for 460 JPG or 29 RAW images vs. 4 fps for card capacity limited images (fast memory cards can far exceed specifications)
  • Continuous shooting up to 30 fps with electronic shutter
  • RAW burst mode and preshooting
  • 4K 30 fps with 6k oversampling and Full HD 120 fps vs. 4k 24p and Full HD 60 fps
  • Max movie duration of up to 2 hours vs. 29:59
  • Max Live View frame rate 120 fps vs. 59.97 fps
  • HDMI Micro out vs. HDMI Mini
  • Power switch is accessible to grip hand
  • Longer battery life: 290 vs. 210 with EVF, 450 vs. 250 with LCD
  • Slightly different shape: 4.8 x 3.5 x 3.3" vs. 5.22 x 3.35 x 2.76" (122.5 x 87.8 x 83.4mm vs. 132.5 x 85.0 x 70.0mm)
  • Slightly Lighter: 15.1 vs. 17.1 oz (429 vs. 485g)
  • Slightly Less expensive

Here are the RP advantages.

  • Slightly higher resolution (26.2 MP vs. 24.2 MP, here is that comparison)
  • Larger imaging sensor with larger pixels shows less high ISO noise, including less high ISO noise at the pixel level (here is that comparison)
  • AF working range down to EV -5 vs. EV -4
  • Metering Range to EV -3 vs. -2
  • ISO 100-40000 (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments), expanded to L:50, H1: 51200, H2: 102400 vs. 100-32000 (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments), H1: 51200
  • 3 Custom Modes vs. 2

As seen in the product images, the controls for these cameras do not differ greatly.

Those shooting fast action will find the R10 better suited to their needs. Portrait photographers will appreciate the better image quality the RP delivers.

More Information

Canon EOS R10 Review
Canon EOS RP Review

Orders

Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R10 at B&H | Adorama | Canon | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Canon EOS R10 from Lensrentals.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 8/23/2022 8:23:33 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
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