CalevPhoto

Using flash above 1/200

Recently while taking some drop photos, I wondered whether I could increase the shutter speed past 1/200.  With high speed sync, I often took pictures at 1/250 and 1/300 – but I wanted to see if I could exceed it.

I had thought a bit about using a PocketWizard MultiMAX, but after reading through the manual and reading about others’ experiences, it doesn’t seem that it can get me much past 1/300.  Therefore I came up with a rather simple idea that amazingly worked.

I setup my MT-24EX on my 180L and used it to trigger to 580EX flashes.  The MT-24EX was set as the master and both 580EX flashes (actually one 580EX and one 580EX II) were set as slaves.  I placed both 580EX flashes on the end of Wimberley macro brackets – which held the weight fine.  I then set the MT-24EX to high speed sync.

The entire camera loaded thus was quite heavy and large.  I suspect in the field it wouldn’t be too practical – though a monopod may help things.  My goal was basically to blast the subject with light.  Since I was watching the kids at home that day, I couldn’t go outside to try with a live drop so I hooked up the hose on the faucet with a rubber band.

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My own rumors about Canon

For some time, I have been reading different rumors about Canon on Dpreview.com and CanonRumors.com.  Recently, I have grown frustrated with the information presented – most particularly CanonRumors.  In fact, I cannot remember when they have actually gotten something right there – even things they mark as ‘done deal’ have turned out to be wrong (for instance the early release of the Canon 5D Mark II)

Therefore, I thought I would compile my own list of rumors.  These are exactly that – rumors.  However, I have compiled them based of numerous posts in DPReview, past practices of Canon, and common sense.  Therefore, without further ado.

When will Canon release the 5D Mark II?

They will release it the same time they have been saying all along – at the end of November.  I think this will be very close to the end of November, and many packages may arrive the first week of December.

Will everyone receive the 5D Mark II that preordered?

It depends on when you preordered it, but everyone in the US that preordered within the first few days of the announcement will receive it in the first wave.  If you have not already preordered the camera, you likely will not receive it this year unless you get in on one of the first orders from B&H or you get lucky with your local camera store.

What SLR cameras will Canon announce soon?

Canon will release an upgrade to the 40D/50D next year – most likely in September but there is a possibility for April.  The new model, tentatively called the 60D, will be similar to the 50D but will have video.

Will Canon release a 1 series body next year?

Yes, the new body will include video, will have more megapixels (though my guess is the 1Ds body will not be substantial – probably from 21 MP to 24).  The bodies will have a new AF as well.  High ISO performance will be similar to the 5D Mark II.

Will Canon release a new flash to update the 580EX II?

Yes, it is just a matter of time.  There is always a small team at Canon working on the next flashes.  It is possible this flash may be released next year, but I don’t think Canon feels rushed here.

Will Canon ever get rid of the direct print button?

Nope, the button will be there for the foreseeable future.  Some exec at Canon has a soft spot for this button.  They have made it more multi-purpose though – it now controls Live View.  This is likely the future of the button.  Canon will keep the direct print feature until it becomes too expensive to maintain.  When someday in the future a new generation of printers is released that won’t work with this button, expect the direct print feature to be removed, but the button will stay for Live View purposes.