EOS 5D on tripod ??

hello,

I am interested in EOS 5D for its image quality. However, comparing to Nikons D200, I am concerned by the lack of features, handicaping photography on tripod:

1) No build-in receiver for wireless remote shutter release (D220 has not, either).

2) No two second self-timer for shakeless release without the need of plugging a remote cable.

3) No WiFi-based remote capture.

4) No button "deactivate autofocus" (=focus hold). Example: to photograph oil paintings I would first focus camera on a target-card, take a test picture, and then, with focus hold, the real picture would be captured.

Perhaps users of 5D could tell, how to manage this with this camera. Furthermore it would be interesting in this context to hear about any experience with third-party radio controlled remote shutter release kits.

Thanks in advance for sharing knowledge, experience and thoughts.

--
fraenz

oops, forgot point 5:

5) to avoid blur due to mirror shake D200 has automatic 0.5 second mirror lock-up. How to avoid blur with EOS 5D ?
--
fraenz

fraenz_beckius said:

hello,
I am interested in EOS 5D for its image quality. However, comparing
to Nikons D200, I am concerned by the lack of features, handicaping
photography on tripod:

1) No build-in receiver for wireless remote shutter release (D220
has not, either).

Click to expand...

Neither the D200 nor the 5D has that, a good wireless remote can be found for not much more money than the wired remotes from Nikon go for. I use a http://www.enjoyyourcamera.com/product_info.php?language=en&products_id=494 remote and it works like a charm and it was cheaper than Nikons MC-36.

fraenz_beckius said:

2) No two second self-timer for shakeless release without the need
of plugging a remote cable.

Click to expand...

The 5D has a 10 second self-timer, alternatively use a wireless or wired remote. A self-timer does not guarantee a shakeless release as there is still mirror slap - the D200's self-timer can not be used together with mirror lock-up - this will require a wired or wireless remote too.

fraenz_beckius said:

3) No WiFi-based remote capture.

Click to expand...

No - there is not. But you can use a wireless remote and the WFT-E1 for transmitting the image. The WFT-E1 does not need to be screwed in to the tripod mount (as most pictures suggest) - it only connects via USB and different length cables are included - I normally attach it to a tripod leg.

fraenz_beckius said:

4) No button "deactivate autofocus" (=focus hold). Example: to
photograph oil paintings I would first focus camera on a
target-card, take a test picture, and then, with focus hold, the
real picture would be captured.

Click to expand...

While I would not use AF at all when shooting paintings... true, the 5D has no focus hold (other than keeping the shutter half-pressed which does not help here). I would either use MF (preferred) or focus on your test card using AF and then move the lens switch to MF... I would rather use a f/2.8 or faster lens and the Ee-S focusing screen and forget about AF for that application.

HTH,
Uwe

fraenz_beckius said:

hello,
I am interested in EOS 5D for its image quality. However, comparing
to Nikons D200, I am concerned by the lack of features, handicaping
photography on tripod:

1) No build-in receiver for wireless remote shutter release (D220
has not, either).

Click to expand...

Plenty of 3rd party releases. I have a ADT brand one. I think I paid $50 or so. Good for about 100 meters.

fraenz_beckius said:

2) No two second self-timer for shakeless release without the need
of plugging a remote cable.

Click to expand...

Not sure what you mean. Canon DSLRs have a self time. 10 seconds unless Mirror lock up is engaged, 3 seconds with Mirror lock up

fraenz_beckius said:

3) No WiFi-based remote capture.

Click to expand...

Not sure what this is. If you mean transmit the image via WiFi it is available via a Canon accessory. It is pretty pricey.

fraenz_beckius said:

4) No button "deactivate autofocus" (=focus hold). Example: to
photograph oil paintings I would first focus camera on a
target-card, take a test picture, and then, with focus hold, the
real picture would be captured.

Click to expand...

Canon lenses have a AF/MF switch. Turn it to MF after AF. Alternately focus can be moved from the shutter release to the " " button on the back of the camera. This separate exposure measuring from focus. So you press the " " button and the focus locks and then press the shutter release and focus is what it was when you pressed the " " button.

fraenz_beckius said:

Perhaps users of 5D could tell, how to manage this with this
camera. Furthermore it would be interesting in this context to hear
about any experience with third-party radio controlled remote
shutter release kits.

Thanks in advance for sharing knowledge, experience and thoughts.

--
fraenz

Click to expand...

--
jerryk.smugmug.com

fraenz_beckius said:

oops, forgot point 5:
5) to avoid blur due to mirror shake D200 has automatic 0.5 second
mirror lock-up. How to avoid blur with EOS 5D ?
--
fraenz

Click to expand...

Same as other cameras. Use mirror lockup.

Unfortunately it is in a menu. Some people set one of the custom setups to gave mirror lockup so they can access MLU with just the twist of a dial.

--
jerryk.smugmug.com

fraenz_beckius said:

hello,
I am interested in EOS 5D for its image quality. However, comparing
to Nikons D200, I am concerned by the lack of features, handicaping
photography on tripod:

1) No build-in receiver for wireless remote shutter release (D220
has not, either).

Click to expand...

So you won't solve this one with either camera

fraenz_beckius said:

2) No two second self-timer for shakeless release without the need
of plugging a remote cable.

Click to expand...

You have a 2-3 sec mirror lock up if that's any good (custom function 12)

fraenz_beckius said:

3) No WiFi-based remote capture.

Click to expand...

Stand close to the camera and use yer finger ...or stand with in 100M and use the infra red remote control LC-5

fraenz_beckius said:

4) No button "deactivate autofocus" (=focus hold). Example: to
photograph oil paintings I would first focus camera on a
target-card, take a test picture, and then, with focus hold, the
real picture would be captured.

Click to expand...

A switch on the lens switches it to MF...you could be lazy and just push the shutter 1/2 way, wait for the camera to focus and then switch it to MF...or just switch it off and use the ring around the outside of the lens focus's the lens. magic!

fraenz_beckius said:

Perhaps users of 5D could tell, how to manage this with this
camera. Furthermore it would be interesting in this context to hear
about any experience with third-party radio controlled remote
shutter release kits.

Thanks in advance for sharing knowledge, experience and thoughts.

--
fraenz

Click to expand...

--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Always give the client a vertical-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
http://grahamsnook.wordpress.com/

thank you all for your input, helpful to me having not that experience with DSLRs.

As for the hold-focus problem the use of the star-button seems to be a viable solution. Manual focus, yes, not shure however to be able to compete with the precision of the auto-focus servo of the camera.

regards
--
fraenz

If you enable the mirror lockup feature and put the camera in timer mode, it will lock up the mirror and take the shot 2 seconds later, which works well on a tripod without a cable release.

I can't say I'd recommend a wireless remote feature over image quality, but hey...what ever your needs are, good luck.
--
Visit me at

http://www.have-camera-will-travel.com/

Yep... custom function 2 (or is it 4, can never remember) is your friend for getting the " " button reprogrammed. Once you achieve focus lock with it, you can use a timer or the shutter release button on the camera to your heart's content and not have to worry about focus lock being lost.

--
Guy

I am not convinced that the A/F system does a better job than manually focusing on a static shot. Especially with the 5D's big viewfinder, good light, and fast glass I find that manually focus is very accurate and not fooled by lack of subject contrast.

--
jerryk.smugmug.com

"...focus can be moved from the shutter release to the " " button on the back of the camera. This separate exposure measuring from focus. So you press the " " button and the focus locks and then press the shutter release and focus is what it was when you pressed the " " button."

Learn something new every day. This is a great find for some applications. Thanks. (Note to self: read the manual again; don't skip anything this time).

--
'The humble improve' -Wynton Marsalis

You don't need the manual, its just another thing in the CF menu.
--
Canon EOS 1Ds,10D,3,300,PS G7, Lots of glass

a split prism always helps though. i recommend EC-B with an AF sheet for static paintings.
--
Canon EOS 1Ds,10D,3,300,PS G7, Lots of glass

Remember Custom function 4.1 is your friend!

--
jerryk.smugmug.com

The original poster was asking about the 5D. It sure would be nice if canon would made a split prisim for the 5D.

--
jerryk.smugmug.com

It fits too right? 5D does allow for Canon focus screen i'm sure of it. Whilst other ones like 10D or 400D needs third party screens.
--
Canon EOS 1Ds,10D,3,300,PS G7, Lots of glass