Tag Archives: review

The Canon C300 Review

Posted on January 28, 2012 | 8 comments

Hands On With The Canon C300


I recently had the pleasure of shooting some video on the new Canon C300 during the C300 event at New Day Pictures. The aim being to show off the camera’s abilities to the guests by supplying footage for editor and colourist Neil Patience to showcase during the day. Our model for the day was the extremely talented and wonderful Vicki Blatchley.

For this video I used the C300 PL, which as it’s name suggests, has the PL mount. During the shoot I used the RED 50mm and 85mm PL lenses. Lighting was by two LED panels with the main light coming from a Kino Flo Diva-Lite. I also had the pleasure of trying out a Miller tripod for the first time and must say, I was rather impressed. All equipment was supplied by New Day Pictures (whom I highly recommend for any video, lighting and accessory rentals).

An ungraded, straight from the C300 stills capture, using Quicktime. The colourspace on the camera was set to EOS for this clip. Image: Edmond Terakopian

Firstly, I need to clarify that the C300 was a pre-production model; having said this, it performed flawlessly. Having never seen, let alone used this camera, after a few minutes of training by Canon’s staff at the event I was ready to shoot. It’s an amazingly simple camera to get to grips with with a clear menu system and extremely clearly market keys dotted around the camera; I found it ergonomically brilliant. A very comfortable camera to hold and use. I was also surprised that it was lighter than I anticipated. For any prolonged handheld use though, I would probably suggest a shoulder rig. All the shots in their short film where done on the Miller tripod. My only disappointment was the microphone holder needed a spacer and so I couldn’t use my trusty Rode NTG3 to test out the camera’s audio abilities.

Vick Blatchley with the EF mount version of the Canon C300. This image is a screengrab from a Canon C300 video file. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

After the first shoot, I was impressed by the camera but was extremely keen to see what the footage looked like on the editing station. Once the files were transcoded from MXF files to Pro Res 422 (using the free Canon XF FCP plugin) we looked at them in FCP 7. Straight out the camera the files were amazingly lush. Full of detail, vivid with accurate colours and pin sharp. The most astonishing aspect was the dynamic range; the camera has it’s widest range at 850 ISO. Not only was this apparent in all the extreme highlight and shadow detail, but equally apparent was just how clean the files looked. This camera is the available light shooters’ dream. Along with it’s built in optical ND filters, shooting to achieve maximum dynamic range in outdoor situations is going to be a walk in the park. In use, the fold out LCD monitor was an absolute joy to use. For handheld use, the built in viewfinder makes things more comfortable, taking on the form factor of a DSLR and providing another point of contact to steady the shot.

Using the Canon C300 at the NDP open day event. Photo ©

For my edit here, I used FCP 7 and the Canon XF plugin to transcode the files and imported them into FCP X for my edit. Initial grading was done in FCP X and finished off using Magic Bullet Mojo. This workflow is a bit annoying (and is the first time I have used FCP7 since upgrading to FCP X) but I’m guessing it’s only a matter of time until there’s full compatibility).

My half day with the camera was an absolute joy. My nervousness at perhaps jumping in at the deep end having to produce footage on a brand new camera were unfounded. I took to it like it was a familiar piece of kit. Judging by how well it performed (running for around six hours solid) and how amazing the footage looks, I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending the C300. The only snag is the £10,000+VAT asking price. If I find my video work increasing as it has done over the last few years, I won’t hesitate in getting one of these, but until then, alas it will remain out of reach. So far, it is the most capable video camera I have worked on, and that includes the RED One and my beloved Canon 5D MkII. In fact, why not rent one from the folks at New Day Pictures and see what the fuss is about!

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Peter Macdiarmid

Posted on January 8, 2012 | 2 comments

Year in pictures 2011

A superb selection of images, showcasing Getty Images photographer Peter Macdiarmid’s favourite shots from 2011.
 

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Fuji X100

Posted on March 14, 2011 | 3 comments

Test Images From The Fujifilm X100 At High ASA

I had the opportunity to have a quick play with the new Fuji X100 over dinner and took a series of images inside a dimly lit restaurant and it’s surroundings during Focus on Imaging in Birmingham. My full and proper review will follow once I get a review sample, but wanted to share a few images. These images can be found on my Flickr Page.

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Leica M9 Titanium

Posted on November 14, 2010 | 30 comments
My day with one of the most exclusive digital cameras ever made

World Exclusive

Photographer Edmond Terakopian tests the limited edition Leica M9 Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo By Brett

There were rumours abound before Photokina 2010 about Leica bringing out a new camera; talk of an M9.2, a different digital M and even a digital body that would take the Leica R lenses. Well, the different digital M turned out to be right, but who would have thought it would be anything like the Leica M9 Titanium, or Titan as it’s also called?

The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium, complete with Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH in Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

I must admit to not being a big fan of the limited editions that companies produce; I’m a photographer and want tools which are reliable and produce the utmost in imaging quality. I’ve often sighed to myself when I’ve seen limited editions of the M6 or M8. My thoughts at the time were always the wish that Leica would stop concentrating on these and put all their energy into making a ‘proper’ digital rangefinder. For me, the M8 and M8.2 just didn’t cut it. Well, the M9 certainly does cut it and ever since reviewing it for the BJP at launch, I’ve been saving for my own M9 which I recently bought. Leica has changed a lot in recent years; fresh thinking has brought amazing products like the S2 and some stunning M optics as well as the wonderful M9. So, considering the current lineup, I didn’t sigh when I first saw pictures from the launch, but was rather intrigued.

The M9 Titanium though is an absolute departure from putting exclusive leathers and other materials onto the normal camera’s outer casings. Although it has an M9 at it’s heart, it has a completely a new casing, even down to the base plate. There is also some new technology in the viewfinder, more of which later. As it’s name suggests, the material is Titanium; tough and light – pretty much ideal for a camera. Every piece of exterior metal is made from solid Titanium and the body is covered in beautiful high grade leather.

The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium, complete with Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH in Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

So, what to do about designing the camera? Well, the answer surprisingly was to approach a car designer; to quote Leica:

“The exclusive special edition Leica M9 “Titanium” is the result of a collaboration with Walter de’Silva, the prominent automobile designer. Responsible for groundbreaking design concepts for the latest models from the Volkswagen Group, the chief designer and his Audi Design Team have re-interpreted the design of the LEICA M9 just as he envisaged it. The outcome is a unique camera with a new interpretation of the characteristic features of Leica rangefinder cameras, which lends precision engineering, unique style and solid titanium to extraordinary formal design.”

It may seem a strange thing to do as cars and cameras are so extremely different, but seeing the camera, I must say that the collaboration is an absolute success. In the pictures first released, the camera and lens looked good, but in real life, it looks and feels superb.

In the days of film, I used to have a Leica 35mm f1.4 Titanium lens – I must say I always loved the way it felt. Well, this camera takes that feeling and multiplies it many times over. I can’t think of anything that can make an M9 feel cheap, but the M9 Titanium does just that! As much as I admire the look and the feel of the camera, I also absolutely adore the lens. The ‘kit’ lens is Leica’s extraordinary Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH. This too is created using solid Titanium and also comes with a beautifully crafted Titanium lens hood, specifically made for the camera. Even the red Leica badge is custom made from resin and hand-engraved with enamel for the camera. There is also an interesting leather holster for the camera, which again was specifically designed and made for the camera. All of this is packaged up in the most beautiful of presentation boxes, including a gorgeously printed book showing the journey of the camera’s design, from concept to reality.

The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium. Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH in Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

The good news for the collector is that there are only 500 of these to be made. As I mentioned earlier, this isn’t one of the ‘normal’ limited editions, but a completely new design of camera, in solid Titanium. Price of such exclusivity is £19,800.00. I’m not really a collector, so don’t know much about such things when looked at as investment, but to me, a completely unique camera does make investment sense. Now, if only I could win the Lottery!

In Use

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Leica UK and the Leica Store Mayfair, I was able to spend a day with the M9 Titanium. Naturally all the testing was done in the office; even if Leica would allow it, I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking such an exclusive and irreplaceable camera out on the street. I need to add though that this camera isn’t part of the 500 but a pre-production proof of concept model; after all, the Leica Stores need to have cameras to show collectors before orders are placed. The one I used had the serial number 6.

Photographer Edmond Terakopian tests the limited edition Leica M9 Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo By Brett

In the hand, this camera really feels great. The weight and feel of the materials is just perfect. Aesthetically, I think, it works really beautifully, but the feel of the thing is also spot on. Every part of the body, and that gorgeous lens just work. It’s form, function and material in perfect harmony.

Test images shot with a Leica M9 Titanium. Photographer Brett from the Leica Akademie. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

One of the first things I wanted to see were the new LED illumintaed frame lines in the viewfinder. Traditionally, these are bright-line overlays. In use, these have served me well for a decade; however, in very bright conditions where the subject has a very light coloured background, they can disappear. The M9 Titanium has a completely new system where LEDs are used for illuminating red frame lines. These are much easier to see; very crisp and accurate. It took a few minutes to get used to, but I think I would welcome this system in future M cameras. Aesthetically this removes the need for an illumination window on the front of the camera, adding to a cleaner look.

The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium. LED bright line frame lines. Unfortunately I couldn't photograph it showing the entire frame, so this image shows the bottom right hand corner. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

One thing which did surprise me was that the frame lines still showed the lens pairings as they have traditionally done, e.g. 28mm and 90mm. I was expecting that the system would show just one set of frames for the mounted lens. I guess though that this would need to read the 6-bit coding to differentiate between the lens pair. Perhaps in the evolution of the M line we shall see this function.

Looking at the outside, one thing which is absent is the manual frame-line selector lever. There are some die-hards on certain forums which mourn it’s loss, but I for one have never found a need for it. I already know the field of view a 50mm is going to give me compared to say a 28mm; the need for changing this manually before choosing lenses is, I think redundant. The M9 Titanium looks so much better and cleaner for not having it.

The Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH is a superb lens; the results just sing. To have it made from Titanium just makes it feel even better in the hand. It’s an absolute joy operating this camera, looking through that superb viewfinder and focusing this gem of a lens; it just feels absolutely spot on.

Test images shot with a Leica M9 Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

Apart from the material and design differences, it just handles like an M9; it just feels even better in the hand. I walked around the office taking portraits of some of the folks there and also some shots of the studio and other shots through an open window. I must admit that it’s the first time in my 21 years as a photographer that I’ve felt privileged using a particular camera; it was a real treat.

The Carrying and Holding Concept

The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium. The carrying system comprising of the leather holster and the finger loops. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

I think one of the obvious things is that this camera will probably never really be used as a photographic tool, but more of a collector’s piece. As a result, I’m looking at these ideas as concepts and not as real world suggestions for working with the camera. As concepts, they are very interesting. The holster is a new approach and is made beautifully out of very high grade leather. I for one would never use it in real life situations though.

The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium, complete with Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH in Titanium. The finger loop is shown on the bottom left. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

The finger loops, which are metal and covered in leather (and come in two sizes) are slightly more usable. The very first time I held the camera (you insert two fingers through the loop), it felt strange but quickly became quite comfortable. With use, one acknowledges that it’s actually quite a neat system and very secure. I would probably opt for the included carrying strap though as I’m just used to having a camera on my shoulder. This new one sided mounting system does away with the traditional strap lugs at either side, again making for a very clean look.

Reality

I would love an M9 Titanium in black paint. I generally shy away from shiny cameras for my work. The less attention, the better considering some of the environments I work in. Titanium is wonderfully strong and light and is the perfect metal for these tools of ours. Alas, it’s expensive and harder to work with, needing special tooling. The M9 Titanium also has a special hard coating which is applied in Switzerland, so this camera, even if mass produced will never be cheap. Still, as a photographer, a black, or very dark and matt coloured Titanium Leica would be fabulous.

Test images shot with a Leica M9 Titanium. Photographer Brett from the Leica Akademie. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

The current M9 Titanium is a thing of beauty. Everything about it is pure elegance; not just elegance though as it’s combined with absolute usability and stunning design which marries the aesthetic with the practical. As someone who prefers black, I can look at this camera and I still appreciate it’s gorgeous looks and even the colour. How good does it feel? Just think about my earlier comment that it makes the regular M9 feel cheap.

For a set of picture taken with and of the Leica M9 Titanium, please visit my Flickr page.

©Edmond Terakopian

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Leica S2 Review

Posted on May 12, 2010 | 5 comments

My name is Edmond Terakopian and I love Leica. There, I’ve said it. However, as with any relationship involving the heart, all has not always been perfect. I loved my M4-2 and my M6. I loved my 21mm Elmarit, 35mm Summicron, 50mm Summicron and didn’t mind my 75mm Summilux. Didn’t ever like the 90mm Summicron or 35mm Summilux (but the ASPH version was ok). Also, I loved my R6.2 and the 28mm and 90mm Elmarits I had for it, but hated my R4. Phew, I feel better getting that off my chest.

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As with most people who have used or follow Leica, every once in a while the company makes a decision which just leaves one speechless. Some of the bizarre limited editions are one such thing (pushing up prices across the range and more or less guaranteeing that working photographers will no longer be able to afford the standard cameras) and strange things like the R8 and R9 and the Digital Module R. The M8 and M8.2 followed bringing for me a head scratching response. Then the most bizarre and unbelievable news that Leica were going to bring out a medium format SLR! I didn’t believe it, thinking it was a hoax. It became apparent that it was true though. I was so saddened. For me, Leica has always really been about the M range and I’ve always wanted a proper digital M – thankfully the M9 has now answered that prayer (however at a price). Still, I wished that Leica would stop wasting money and effort on lost causes and just concentrate on the M range.

In November 2009 I got an invite from the Leica Store to try out the S2 (almost final firmware and production) and with curiosity I accepted. I went knowing that I would laugh at this ridiculous notion of a medium format Leica. I had recently shot with the excellent Hasselblad H3DII-50 and thought it silly that Leica would even attempt to get into this arena.

I’m Edmond Terakopian and how wrong was I? I had it completely wrong. I admit it; the S2 is brilliant.

It looks so much bigger in the pictures than it really is. Think of it as roughly the same size as a Canon 1D MkIV or a Nikon D3, with the standard lens being roughly the size of a 24-70mm f2.8. It fits in the hand perfectly and handles just like a “normal” 35mm DSLR. This is majorly important as you have to remember that it isn’t a normal DSLR like a Canon or Nikon, but is in fact a medium format camera. The sensor size is much bigger (60%) than a full frame 35mm sensor, coming in at 30x45mm with a healthy 37.5 megapixels. It has a wide (in medium format terms) ASA range of 80 to 1250.

It has a wonderfully responsive and surefooted AF system that performed flawlessly in the studio and in the corridors of the store. It just felt right in the hand and the shutter release was absolutely smooth as, well, a very smooth thing. Whilst Hasselblads with prism finders and motorwinder grips are comfortable, they are nowhere near as comfortable as the S2. You can literally just pick it up and start shooting. It feels so right that I would comfortably even take it into a news situation; something I would never dream of with any Hasselblad.

Whilst the handling was superb, the image quality had to be tested out. I shot a series of images of a model in the store’s studio, using studio lights and also took the model into an area with available light to test out the higher ASAs. All I can say is that I was stunned by the image quality. Whilst I was in awe of the Hasselblad H3DII range at the lowest ASA, anything higher proved an absolute no no, with 400 ASA images showing really bad noise. Not with the Leica S2; this machine produced amazingly beautiful images all the way to 320 ASA, nice looking 640 ASA shots and usable images at 1250 ASA. Whilst compared to a Canon 1D MkIV or 5D MkII this may seem like not such a big deal, in medium format terms it’s a first.

The S2 is brilliant; it’s fabulous; the camera had proven to me that my initial thoughts were way off and this new format and camera actually made sense. As with most things in life though, there is a little but – it is rather pricey.

Visit my Flickr page to view a set of images taken on the Leica S2.

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