DSLR 101

[ebiggs1]

Here is a sample of RAW and how it can help make your photos better. 

Normal RAW exposure.

Normal exposure jpg.  They look pretty close because you are looking at a computer monitor.  The RAW has been converted to jpg in post.  The original jpg was done by the camera, a 1Ds Mk III in this case.

However, suspose you got something wrong. In this case I under exposed it by 3 stops.  But it could be any condition.  WB, color balance, saturation, and on and on, etc.

Corrected RAW.

Corrected jpg.  But below lets look a little closer.

Especially check the shadows. Can you see the difference?  Need a better look?  OK, here is a 100% crop of that enlargment.

It should be blantly obivious that RAW is the way to go.  All else was equal. Same camera. Same lens. Same time of day. Same, same!

Get Lightroom................

[jazzman1]

BTW......I just saw a Canon Lens that puzzles me.  I thought Canon L lens were the top of the line, the best, and most expensive.  I saw a "non L" lens that cost more than a L lens, of the same range and simular aperture.

,

$1399.00    Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

$1349.00    Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM

Both lens are very simular in aperture, though not exactly the same.  One is a "L" (grey lens)     The other is a "DO" (black lens) with a thin green line around the front edge that costs more.

All the reviews (for both lens) say the L lens (grey) is the better one......it's sharper, better contrast, better build, better IQ.   But the DO which is not a L, costs more as you can see from above.   How is this, I don't understand.  This is the 1st time I have seen this.  I cannot understand how Canon would charge more for a lessor quality lens????

Also, why can one not improve, IQ with lessor quality lens, in the pics with post editing to match the better lens???  Why can't a pic's IQ match the quality of better lens in/after post editing???  I'm sure you have a logical answer for all this.

[jazzman1]

Not a bad idea but you will be short changing yourself if you don't consider Sigma and Tamron lenses.  Its your money and its your choice

Too be Cont!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!      LOL

I guess now I'll put PSE 13 back on my list.  Will work with DPP 1st though.  Is buying a refurbish lens or body from a Canon authorised Dealer, as good a choice as getting one directly from Canon????   I ask because I see some authorised Canon Dealers prices, for same product, are different from Canon's price.  

I'm thinking of going back to the Zoo and compare the pics I'll take to the 1st shots I took.  Be interesting to see if I've improved.  I know a little more now and have a better lens and camera now.  I'll be disappointed if I see no improvement.

BTW... Before you get rid of all your gear, let me know what you're selling.  I might be in the market to buy something.

[ebiggs1]

The Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM incorporates Canon's DO (Diffractive Optics) and IS (Image Stabilizing) technologies.

The use of Diffraction Optics allows a lens to be shorter, lighter, and of higher image quality than comparable normal optical systems of the same focal length and aperture-while this lens is heavier than the consumer-grade EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens, it is 28% shorter and uses Canon's very best ring-USM (ultrasonic) motor instead of the lighter, slower, and less costly 'micro-USM' motor.

[ebiggs1]

"Also, why can one not improve, IQ with lessor quality lens, in the pics with post editing to match the better lens???  Why can't a pic's IQ match the quality of better lens in/after post editing???  I'm sure you have a logical answer for all this."

I really don't understand this question!?  Are wanting to know if you can improve the lens resolution in post editing?  That is not possibile.  You can't improve something that isn't there to begin with?

[jazzman1]

Well that explains the quality and cost of this lens, especially over the consumer grade version.  But I still don't understand why would Canon price it over their L version???    Does'nt make any sense to me as to why would Canon think anyone would buy this lens over the L version...for more money.  I would'nt.

[jazzman1]

"Also, why can one not improve, IQ with lessor quality lens, in the pics with post editing to match the better lens???  Why can't a pic's IQ match the quality of better lens in/after post editing???  I'm sure you have a logical answer for all this."

I really don't understand this question!?  Are wanting to know if you can improve the lens resolution in post editing?  That is not possibile.  You can't improve something that isn't there to begin with?

It what just a rookie thought.  Seemed logical at the time.  But you're right of course, one can't improve something that's not there.  That's the correct and perfect answer. 

[ebiggs1]

" I would'nt."

Well maybe you wouldn't.  But the "DO" lenses fullfill a design goal.  As is the very important reason for you to make a goal and requirements, too.  And, then stick to it!  Some photographers see the need for a shorter very high IQ lens and will certainly buy it.  They are nothing short of amazing and I don't believe any other company has one.

EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM and the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM are exclusive to Canon.

[jazzman1]

Ok Obiwan (lol)  I believe you.  So I guess Canon can charge alittle more over the L version because it fills a nich market.  I could see where it would be desirable for some.  But I think I will keep the L on my list.  Will be awhile before I could get it though and that sucks.  The EF 24-105mm L I have is a great lens and I love it.  I just long for a little more range at times.  I'll just have to keep using my EF 75-300mm till I can get that L lens.  I'm still sticking to my plan and my list.   I had no intentions to buy anything.  Just window shopping, I do that all the time.  I try to keep up with the different discounts and rebates and lowering of prices, so when I do decide to purchase I've done my homework.  I usually do my research before I make any purchase.  I consider myself an informed shopper and rarely buy anything at less than the best deal, rarely at retail price.

[ebiggs1]

"Before you get rid of all your gear, let me know what you're selling."

I can do that.  I have a half dozen lenses and a couple bodies that I am going to let go.  They simply are not being, or are not going to be used by me anymore.  But keep in mind none of my stuff is cheap.  It is all professional gear and thus commands that kind of price.

I do have one though, maybe two, that you may be interested in.  I will PM you as Canon does not like buy and sell on the forum.

[jazzman1]

I just read an old thread "Does spending more mean getting less".   It was very interesting and i got alot from it.  I don't know what a troll is but I think it's something bad, and I don't agree you're one of those.  I think you, Tcampbell, and cicopo, were on the money in all you guys said.  You guys could'nt have explained it better.  I did'nt understand all the tecnical stuff, but even being the newbie I am, I did understand plainly your logic and the photo rules.  I understood the argument you guys made in making your case.  Even I, a newbie, think the lady was comparing apples to oranges. 

I also understand one should fully master ones camera before upgrading to a new one.   I upgraded from my T3i, not because I had mastered it and outgrown it's capability.  I wanted a camera that had more of the features I wanted in my camera and allowed me to do things I would never be able to do with my T3i.  But I did'nt know that till I got the T3i.   I should have bought the 60D or one simular as my 1st DSLR.   Even still, I would not have upgraded at the time had Canon not gave a instant rebate of $500.00 on the camera I upgraded to.  It was an opportunity I thought should not be missed.  I love my 60D and think my choice was correct.  Threads like this one brings home alot of the things you've said to me.  The things you and others said makes more clear, things that was not as clear before.  For what it's worth coming from a newbie...you guys did good.  Thumbs up.

I also am understanding better what you've said about lenses and getting the ones best suited for my needs.  That L's are not always the best choice for every situation.  I'm learning Obewan!!!