EQUIPMENT

I now have three cameras available to me after purchasing a Canon EOS 5D MK11, yipee!!

(The other two are a Panasonic G1 with 14-45mm lens, and a Sony Cyber-shot)

After much discussion with friends and collegues, I decided to go with the 24-70mm f2.8L lens.  Since this is a full frame camera I should be able to get a good panorama and at f2.8 a nice shallow depth of field with plenty of light entering the lens.

Specification

- Digital single-lens reflex, AF/AE camera
- CMOS sensor 36x24mm

- 21.1 megapixels

- Aspect ratio 3:2

- Focus system TTL secondary image-registration, phase detection
- Focus points 9 point AF plus 6 assist
- Crop factor 1.0X
- Lens mount EF
- File type JPeg,Raw,SRaw1, SRaw2
- Sensitivity ISO 100 - 6400 (expandable to 25,600)

- Storage CompactFlash

- Focus types One-shot, A1 servo, A1 focus AF
- Metering system TTL full aperture
- Metering types Evaluative(selective AF point) partial, spot, centre weighted
- Exposure compensation /-2EV in 1/2 or 1/3 increments
- Shutter speed 1/8000sec - 30sec, bulb
- Frames per sec 3.9fps
- Flash Hotshoe for external ex speedlight
- Image stabilisation Lens based

- Integrated cleaning EOS integrated with fluorine coating

- Live view Yes 100% coverage
- Viewfinder Optical, pentaprism with approx 98% coverage
- Monitor 3ins TFT colour liquid crystal
- Interface Hi-speed USB
- Power LP-E6 li-lon battery
- Size 152x113.5x75mm
- Weight 810g

I also have a Canon Remote Switch 60E3


60cm cable
Two stage release function (1st stage focusing, 2nd shutter release)
Long exposures and continuous shooting modes

Having completed NCFE level 2 earlier this year, I found my Panasonic Lumix G1 had certain limitations.  It has been a great, portable DSLR but the micro 4/3rds system means that the sensor is smaller and this has the effect of increasing the focal length of the lens by two, with a standard lens of 14-45mm equating to 28-90mm on  a full frame camera.  Having a passion for landscape,  I found it a little frustrating that I couldn't get the panoramic shots I wanted.  In addition, I enjoy informal portraits and couldn't get the shallow depth of field necessary to draw the viewers eye to the important part of the scene.


Panasonic Lumix G1 overview                                                              

45 - 200mm Leica lens

Lumix G Micro System-Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera
4/3 type 12 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor
Full time Live view
Venus engine HD image processor
Advanced AF featuring iA(intelligent auto)mode
Built in Dust Reduction System
Supplied with 14 - 45mm F3.5 - 5.6 Leica lens (I also have a 45 - 200mm F4-5.6  Leica lens)
Dimensions 124 x 83.6 x 45.2mm
Weight 385g (body only)



Sony Cyber-shot

10.2 Megapixel
4 x Optical Zoom
8.8 cm Xtra Fine LCD
25mm Wide Angle Lens

FILTERS

I also have  Cokin filters, these fit on the lens with an adaptor ring and give me several options.

POLARIZER cuts down reflection from water or leaves and enhances colour.

NEUTRAL DENSITY GRADUATED will darken skies

NEUTRAL DENSITY  reduces the amount of light reaching the film, good for slowing

movement as in water, or darkening a brightly lit scene.