Canon EOS 650D (Quick Spec Review)

Canon EOS 650D

Canon today announced their latest consumer-oriented digital SLR camera – the EOS 650D. The xxxD series of camera bodies have been traditionally aimed at the beginner photographer and this model is no exception, although an estimated retail price of over £700 might be a bit off-putting for newcomers. 

Fleeting Foray into Film

35mm, ISO 400

I mentioned briefly in my last post that I had in my possession an old film camera. Although, I don’t consider it that old. It’s circa 1999-2002 which doesn’t seem at all long ago, but I suppose when you think about it it’s well over a decade. Turn of the century technology. Crikey. 

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III Impressions

Dandelion

I was given an old Canon film camera last week and in the bag was an EF mount 75-300mm lens. Being a cheap zoom I wasn’t expecting much from it, but after a play around for an hour or so I really quite like it so I thought I’d give a little mini review. 

Can you fit an iPad inside the Billingham Hadley Pro?

A few people have asked me questions regarding the Billingham Hadley Pro and whether it is suitable for carrying an iPad or not. The answer is yes, it can carry an iPad quite comfortably in one of a couple of places.

Billingham Hadley Pro Review

The Billingham Hadley Pro.

The Hadley Pro is a premium camera bag from M Billingham & Co. With a price tag of £150 (+VAT)  it certainly positions itself at the expensive end of the market, but is it worth it? 

Billingham Hadley Pro Image Gallery

Detail shots for the Billingham Hadley Pro. This is the black canvas version. Be sure to check out the full review here.

Front view.

Rear view.

Interior view. The Hadley Pro comes with an assortment of padded dividers.

Shoulder strap detail.

Full-length zipped pocket to the rear.

Made in England. Like Elton John.

I’m sure you can figure out the fastening mechanism.

The buckles are just for show.

The press studs on this version are nickel.

You can pop the inner stud to expand the front pockets.

I think they call this a dart… whatever it is, it gives the lid a snug fit.

The top handle is reinforced to evenly distribute the weight. A good design.

A link for those who didn’t get the Elton John reference.

iPad 3: First Impressions

The iPad 3

So the iPad 3 arrived. Yes, I know, it’s technically “the new iPad”, but just because Apple have got themselves into the ridiculous situation of selling old “iPad 2s” alongside new “iPads” doesn’t mean I have to partake in the naming shenanigans. It’s an iPad 3.

iPad3: The photographer’s friend?

The Apple iPad 2

I was amongst the initial wave of iPhone owners at the tail end of 2007. Compared to the original version, today’s phone is almost unrecognizable. Back then there was no MMS, no video camera and not even an app store. How many of you remember web apps? The platform has come a long way in the last few years and evolved into a mature platform for mobile computing.

But it’s by no means perfect.

Canon 5D Mark III Sample Images

5D Mark III Sample Image #08

5D Mark III Sample Image #06

I managed to grab a couple of sample images from the Canon website from the new EOS 5D Mark III before it ground to a halt. There are more but haven’t been made available yet. Happy pixel peeping!

2nd March 2012: Canon 5D Mark III

Canon Shanghai event preparations. Image from http://www.canonrumors.com

As many of my more attentive readers will already know, I’m a Canon shooter, and this Friday 2nd March we will almost certainly see the announcement of the new Canon 5D Mark III. Commenting on rumours and new gear releases is not something I want to make a habit of, but since this is the camera that will officially make my 5D a geriatric (heck, it’s already informally known as the 5D classic) it is worth a few thoughts…