The last Imaging USA Expo that I attended was in 2013(!). Technology has really changed since then: 3 axis gimbals hadn’t even hit the market yet, and Sony was still a relatively minor player in the world of still cameras. My how things have changed! I went hoping that Nikon had a booth so I could get a hands on test of the new Z mirrorless cameras, but nope, they were MIA at this one. This year’s show really belonged to Canon and Sony, with plenty of company folks to talk shop with. I like almost all camera brands, and see the individual strengths that every tool has to offer. I’ve shot with Nikon and Canon mainly for many years now, so I’m still on the fence as to which mirrorless camera to add to the kit first. Thanks to the nice folks at the Canon booth for having so many EOS R kits on the floor, and you were allowed to put in your own memory card and take pictures. Sample RAWs can be downloaded at the end of this post!
This industry show is probably half devoted to printing and print services and the other half gear. Again, Nikon was a no show.
The Canon EOS R info booth. There were several EOS R models. I used the 100mm 2.8 Macro and 50mm 1.2 RF
Cameras and other tech is something you really have to use for yourself. Pictures online don’t give you a sense of the true size or fit in the hand. For a camera that has been hated online (you should never listen to so called online experts) 😉 , I would have to say I really like the EOS R. The build quality and overall design and picture making gestalt is something few other camera companies get. There are reasons why Canon is so popular in Japan and the rest of the world.
I brought along my Nikon gear to the show as well. 105mm 1.4E
This book was very impressive because just one side was 28×30″ ! Folded it’s about as big as the black portfolios I would lug to art class in college. The paper isn’t glossy photo paper, it’s more like magazine fiber, but still had some good color and detail. Prices of this book I think started at $1000+. Would be good for the right client or perhaps a life’s work type of keepsake.
Thanks to the models that posed for images! Photo shows wouldn’t be as interesting without them. Also, modern cameras and lenses are all pretty close in performance in staged studio situations like this. Nikon 105mm 1.4E
Nikon 105mm 1.4E
Nikon 105mm 1.4E
Canon EOS R Testing:
These images are basically straight from camera, with the JPEGs exported from the latest version of Canon’s Digital Photo Professional 4.9.x. Download the RAW’s and give it a go. They are about 30MB each and shot at ISO 320-400. The new RF 50mm 1.2 is really sharp wide open. Combined with the two types of sharpening (this is selectable) in the native Canon software (Sharpening and Unsharp Mask) it gets into crazy sharp territory. Probably not a good thing if you don’t want to over emphasize skin, but most Canon users coming from old L lenses will probably be in for a surprise.
Again, I like both Nikon and Canon, and have shot both in tandem for many years. Do I agree with the wasted dial on the top left devoted to the ON/OFF switch? Nope. Is the lack of in body stabilization something that could have breathed new life into handheld video shooting with old EF primes a detractor? Of course. Is the one memory card slot an issue? Not really. There are many other separate tools a person needs when you get to a certain level of photography. I’m afraid this Youtube generation that we’re in right now, with photographers walking around the streets and mountaintops without even a bag or a strap is too romanticized and incorrect portrayal of most working photographers out there. There’s no rule to buying one brand only. I could definitely see having both an EOS R system and Nikon Z system.
Thanks to Canon and their model for the picture session! All companies should really do this. Still flabbergasted at Nikon not being here. 2 weeks before the Superbowl and already thousands of people in town, you’d think they’d want to get the word out on the new cameras. 😛
EOS R and 100mm f/2.8 Macro @ f/2.8
Download this Canon EOS R RAW File
Canon EOS R and 50mm f/1.2 RF @f/1.2
Download this Canon EOS R RAW File
Canon EOS R and 50mm f/1.2 RF @f/1.2
Download this Canon EOS R RAW File
Examples of what the various Canon picture profiles look in the EOS R. Having edited Canon and Nikon files for so many years, I will have to say that Canon RAWs still don’t have the latitude and malleability of Nikon files. For some situations and industries, that’s a good thing. Some folks like editing RAW files to get the most horsepower and creative looks out of it, others just want to shoot and move on.
