C100 autofocus upgrade and Joe Simon

[Kyle Root]

Thanks for the input Dave. As can be imagined, I've been researching a lot! I've seen the low light tests between the canon and Nikon, and am aware the Canon is superior in that regard. My pov was, since I also enjoy photography as a hobby, I'd be killing 2 birds with one stone having a camera that does both.

When I look at the shortcomings of shooting DSLR like D800 (no ND, no XLR, no Peaking) and then see the C100 - even though it's 2x as much as a D800 - those 3 extra features sure make me want to wait a bit more and save up for it.

I guess I could sell my NX5 and if I upgraded, I'd have a C100, XA20, and HV40. (Along with a Nikon V1 and GoPro that I use as well)

[Les Wilson]

I know on the 70D and the GH3, you activate the AF by touching the screen where you want the camera to focus (and AE on the GH3). The C100 doesn't have that does it? It's more like the classic camcorder that uses an imprecise area in the middle. Or am I wrong?

[Andy Wilkinson]

Correct. Immovable box marked out in the middle of the non-touch screen.

[Dave Partington]

Originally Posted by Kyle Root

no ND, no XLR, no Peaking

And don't forget :

• Waveform monitor - I use a lot in high dynamic range scenes (bright clouds, dark suits)

• No time limit on recordings (DSLRs range from 12 mins for 5D2, 20 mins for D800 and 29:59 for 5D3)

• Dual card recordings. I don't think any of the DSLRs can record to both cards for auto backup, the D800 and 5D2/5D3 certainly can't.

....and for the C100 at least:

• Much more detail in the image

• Much better dynamic range

• Awesome battery life - 3-4 hours for the standard battery, so no chance of running out of battery during a ceremony (which did happen to me on a D800 and I had to change 2/3 of the way through).

• And now the AF upgrade....

If there is anyone out there with buyers remorse sitting on a C100 they want to swap for a couple of 5D3s then let me know ;) The C100 is that much better in my opinion.

[Kyle Root]

Are you in sales? You make me want to log on to BH and buy a C100 today. lol

[Dave Partington]

Originally Posted by Kyle Root

Are you in sales?

LOL. Nope, in fact that's the one thing about the job I hate.... the sales side!

[Ben Giles]

Originally Posted by Andy Wilkinson

I am not normally someone who uses autofocus on anything I shoot but can see me using this on the C100.

Agreed - autofocus normally makes me cringe, but I'm intrigued by this.

FYI, I've booked a C100 in for the mod on the 20th March here in the UK. Cost is £340 + VAT, which includes return shipping. Turnaround quoted as between 2 and 4 working days.

To book: cpsteam@cuk.canon.co.uk

Ben.

[Brian David Melnyk]

'Auto-focus' should be renamed.
With the 70d, I find it is manual operation, constantly choosing which of the three auto focus methods to use for individual, changing situations, knowing when to temporarily suspend it, knowing when to turn it off, and constantly controlling the area of focus with the multi-controller or the touchscreen.
So it is really a manual interaction with the camera's auto focus, not just a set and forget auto focus. using the functions like focus ring.
'Manual-auto-focus'.
Allowing me to not use a follow focus, allowing for less camera shake when focusing, having a way way higher percentage of usable, in-focus shots, being able to concentrate more on creative angles and framing, being able to keep moving subjects in focus and smooth rack focus, not having to use an additional monitor, and having a higher confidence that focus can be found quickly, smoothly, and accurately, all this has really made shooting a joy.

[Peter Rush]

Ah yes - it is handy but the zoom feature on the 5DIII can't be used during filming - it's a great feature of the EA50 that I can zoom and check focus while filming.

Pete

[Andy Wilkinson]

Just booked my C100 in. They are now into w/c 7th April as regards taking bookings here in the UK. Seems there is quite a demand for this...