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Gary Detonnancourt


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More Than A Snapshot provides online photography education.

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This is the blog for More Than A Snapshot's Online Photography Classes.  In these blog posts I will give photography tips, tutorials, and show images.

Filtering by Tag: Canon

Discover the INSIDER Secrets for Setting up the Canon R50 Menu Settings

Gary Detonnancourt

Introduction

The Canon EOS R50 is a powerful camera with many features and settings that can be adjusted to get the best out of your shots. To make the most of this device, it’s important to understand how to configure and set up its menu settings. This tutorial will guide you through the basics of the Canon R50’s menu layout, UI, navigation, and essential functions such as focus modes, exposure, ISO, white balance, etc.


Understanding the Layout and Navigation

The first step in setting up your Canon EOS R50 is understanding its menu layout and navigation. The main menu consists of several tabs that are organized into categories such as Shooting Menu 1-6, Playback Menu 1-2, Setup Menu 1-4, Custom Functions Menu 1-3, My Menu*, and Wi-Fi/NFC*. Each tab contains a list of options that can be adjusted according to your needs. To access these options, simply press the “Menu” button on the back of your camera. You can then use the multi-controller or touch screen to select an option from each tab.


Focus Modes

The focus mode setting allows you to choose how your camera will focus on a subject when taking a photo or video. The available focus modes include One-Shot AF (for still subjects), AI Servo AF (for moving subjects), Manual Focus (for precise focusing), and more. To adjust this setting, go to Shooting Menu 2 > AF Mode > select one of the available options.


Exposure

Exposure determines how bright or dark an image appears by adjusting shutter speed and aperture size. To adjust this setting, go to Shooting Menu 3 > Exposure > Select one of the available options, such as Program AE (P), Shutter Priority AE (Tv), Aperture Priority AE (Av), or Manual Exposure (M).


ISO Sensitivity

ISO sensitivity determines how sensitive your camera is to light when taking photos or videos in different lighting conditions. To adjust this setting go to Shooting Menu 3 > ISO Speed Settings > Select one of the available options, such as Auto ISO or Manual ISO settings ranging from 100 - 51000, depending on what type of shot you are trying to take.


White Balance

White balance adjusts colors in an image so they appear natural under different types of lighting conditions, such as sunlight or artificial light sources like fluorescent bulbs. To adjust this setting go to Shooting Menu 4 > White Balance > Select one of the available options, such as auto WB or manual WB settings, for specific types of lighting conditions like Daylight/Sunny/Cloudy/Tungsten/Fluorescent etc..


Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips & tricks for getting better results when using your Canon EOS R50:


  • Use RAW format for maximum image quality; it provides more flexibility when editing photos later on compared to JPEG format which compresses images significantly reducing their quality over time.


  • Make sure you have enough storage space on your memory card before shooting; if you run out while recording video it may cause problems with playback later on due to corrupted files being saved onto it instead of complete ones.


  • Use manual focus mode for precise focusing; it gives you more control over where exactly your lens focuses instead of relying solely on autofocus which may not always be accurate depending on what type of shot you are trying to take (e.g., macro photography).


  • Adjust white balance manually if needed; auto white balance may not always produce accurate results depending on what type of lighting conditions you are shooting in so it's best practice to double-check by adjusting this setting manually if necessary before taking any photos or videos with your Canon EOS R50 camera!


Conclusion

By following these steps and understanding all relevant menu settings for configuring and setting up your Canon EOS R50 camera correctly, you should be able to get great results every time! Don't forget about some useful tips & tricks mentioned above too – they'll help ensure that all shots taken with this device look their best!


Sources:

 
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It's Official, Canon Announces the New EOS R

Gary Detonnancourt

Along with the announcement of EOS R, are four high-quality RF lenses that will expand photographers' world of expressions. The line-up of RF lenses are: * RF28-70mm F2 L USM * RF24-105mm F4 L IS USM * RF 50mm F1.2 L USM * RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM EOS R is also compatible with the full line of EF lenses via a choice of mount adapters.

EVOLUTION MEETS REVOLUTION AS CANON ANNOUNCES THE ALL-NEW EOS R SYSTEM

Optical Innovation Inspires the Next Leap Forward in Imaging

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 5, 2018 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the next revolution in the company’s long history of innovative and award-winning camera systems, the EOS R system featuring the newly designed RF mount. Recognizing the need to advance optical design, the Company sought to create a versatile and powerful new system that supports all current EF, EF-S, TS-E and MP-E lenses[i], and also provides the optical advancements and engineering flexibility to build upon for years to come.

When Canon set forth to develop a new interchangeable lens camera system, they focused on three core optical principles: high-image quality, high-specification performance, and compact design. Recognizing that optics is the foundation for any camera system, the RF mount was conceived to open new doors in optical design. Canon’s new RF mount features the same size diameter as the EF mount (54mm) and shorter back focus distance. This allows for lenses to sit closer to the sensor (the focal plane) and allowed Canon optical engineers to reimagine lens design utilizing larger rear lens elements to produce an image on the full-frame sensor. This new optical formula has paved the way for higher performing lenses. In addition, the Canon RF mount features a high-speed 12-pin communication system that provides faster and more in-depth communication between the camera and lens over existing Canon mount systems.

The EOS R system is designed for full, uninhibited compatibility with all existing EF, EF-S, TS-E and MP-E lenses through the use of mount adapters[ii]. In addition, through the use of the optional Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter or Control Ring Mount Adapter these lenses, in fact, gain functionality.

“There has never been a time in history in which visual expression has been so prolific. Imaging, both still and video, are the communication mediums of today’s society. Much in the same way we learned to type in the past, today’s youth are skilled in shooting, editing, and visual storytelling in ways that only the masters of each craft were decades ago,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Knowing this, we needed to step back and design a system that delivers all the creative expression and functionality today’s youth crave, now and in the years to come.”

The First in a New System: The EOS R

The new Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera features a 30.3 megapixel CMOS sensor that is powered by the Company’s latest image processor, DIGIC 8, enabling shooting at up to 8.0 frames per second[iii]. The new camera inherits a lot from Canon’s legacy in both EOS and Cinema EOS. Video storytellers can capture stunning 4K UHD video up to 30fps and record in 10-bit 4:2:2 (with an external recorder). The EOS R also comes with the ability to shoot Canon Log, providing 12 stops of dynamic range, minimal loss of detail in shadows and highlighted areas and an increased range of choices when color grading. Users with an existing collection of Canon lenses will be excited to know that all EF and EF-S lens are compatible with the camera. In order to do so, photographers and videographers can choose between using one of three new mount adapters, each uniquely designed to meet the individual needs of the user.

The new Canon EOS R camera features Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus with 5,655 manually selectable AF points[iv], supporting AF at up to f/11 with a 384 zone (24x16) real-time metering system. With f/1.2 lenses, the camera astonishingly boasts AF sensitivity in low light in as little as EV-6. When using the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens with the EOS R, the camera can focus in as little as 0.05 seconds with Dual Pixel CMOS AF[v], making it the fastest autofocus speed in the world[vi]. These features provide photographers and videographers with Canon’s most advanced AF system to date. The EOS R also features a silent shutter setting when shooting in single-shot mode; an important feature for those who need to capture imagery without disrupting the scene. An upcoming free firmware update will enable silent shutter in continuous shooting mode as well.

“The EOS R system is not just a new camera or a new lens mount, it is a new design that will allow us to produce visual tools that were previously impossible, and allow our customers to tell their stories with greater depth, richness of color, and creative flexibility, in optically stunning ways.” states Kazuto Ogawa

Thoughts From the First Users

“I think every camera system has its place and it’s all about having the right tool for the job,” reported acclaimed outdoor photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Jimmy Chin. “The new EOS R system for me in particular is very useful for the kind of shooting that I do in the mountains, where I need to worry about the size and weight. Having the option to use the new RF lenses or the EF lenses is really great.”

“I was instantly impressed with how quickly the EOS R was able to focus,” remarked celebrated fashion photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Lindsay Adler. “Whether my subject was moving or I was shooting in near-complete darkness, I had no problem getting tack-sharp focus in every shot. It was a relief to know my gear wasn’t going to hold me back from executing my vision, but instead it would really help me to execute this vision.”

“For us, it's all about getting the shot no one else can get, and a lot of this has to do with the camera,” says Devin Graham, director and filmmaker behind YouTube’s DevinSuperTramp. “The new EOS R will become one of our main cameras. It has a very small footprint, yet is able to create amazing images. As for the lenses, the new RF 28-70mm F2 has just become one of my all-time favorites. I’ll be bringing it on every project.”

Conveniently placed just to the right of the EVF, Canon has introduced a new Multi-Function Bar that will allows users to more easily access their customizable settings, such as AF, ISO and White Balance. Users will have the option to either slide or tap the bar to gain access to the settings and adjust on-the-go as they deem necessary depending on each particular shooting situation.

Answering the demand for enhanced mobile editing of RAW image files, Canon is also announcing a new application, Digital Photo Professional Express (DPP Express). In combination with an updated Canon Camera Connect App, DPP Express enables users to send, view, edit and process CR3 RAW files on their iPad[vii]. A free download of the app will be available October 2018.

Additional noteworthy features of the EOS R Camera include:

  • RF Mount Compatible with RF Lenses and EF/EF-S Lenses
  • Built-in EVF with 3.69 Million Dots, Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD and Dot-matrix LCD Panel
  • ISO range of 100-40,000, expandable to 102,400
    • USB 3.1 in-camera charging support
  • Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® providing easy sharing to compatible smart devices and social media sites
  • Single UHS-II SD card slot
  • CR3(RAW/C-RAW) and Dual Pixel RAW Support
  • Dust and weather resistant

Availability and Pricing

The Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera is scheduled to be available in October 2018 for an estimated retail price of $2299* for the body only. It will also be sold as a body-and-lens kit with the new RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens for $3399*.

[i] When attaching an EF-S lens via any of Canon’s new R-series mount adapters, the new EOS R automatically switches to APS-C crop mode.

[ii] When attaching an EF-S lens via any of Canon’s new R-series mount adapters, the new EOS R automatically switches to APS-C crop mode.

[iii] Continuous shooting speed may vary depending on the shutter speed, the aperture, the lens being used, the battery charge and various camera settings.

[iv] Available AF points may decrease when shooting with AF cropping or in movie mode, or depending on camera settings or lens attached.

[v] Based on results of AF speed tests in accordance with CIPA guidelines. Results may vary depending on shooting conditions and lens in use. Relies on internal measurement method.

  • Brightness at time of distance measurement: EV12(regular temperature, ISO 100)
  • Shooting mode: M
  • Lens in use: RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM, with focal distance of 24mm and live-view mode on(with manual shutter button operation
  • AF mode: Live single-point AF(central) and AF operation: One-shot AF

[vi] Among interchangeable lens digital mirrorless cameras incorporating 35mm full frame equivalent image sensors with phase-difference detection AF on the image plane and contrast detection AF, available in the market as of September 5th, 2018 (Based on Canon's Research).

[vii] Compatible with iPad models utilizing iOS 11 or later and equipped with at least 2GB of onboard RAM—specifically, iPad Pro (all models), iPad (5th generation), iPad (6th generation), iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2.

*Availability, prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

Canon EOS R specifications

Price

MSRP$2299 (body only), $3399 (w/24-105 F4L lens)

Body type

Body typeSLR-style mirrorless

Body materialMagnesium alloy

Sensor

Max resolution6720 x 4480

Other resolutions4176 x 2784 (1.6x crop)

Image ratio w:h1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9

Effective pixels30 megapixels

Sensor photo detectors32 megapixels

Sensor sizeFull frame (36 x 24 mm)

Sensor typeCMOS

Color spacesRGB, Adobe RGB

Color filter arrayPrimary color filter

Image

ISOAuto, 100-40000 (expands to 50-102400)

Boosted ISO (minimum)50

Boosted ISO (maximum)102400

White balance presets6

Custom white balanceYes

Image stabilizationNo

Uncompressed formatRAW

JPEG quality levelsFine, normal

File format

  • JPEG
  • Raw (14-bit Canon CRW)
  • C-Raw (Canon compressed Raw)

Optics & Focus

Autofocus

  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View

Autofocus assist lampYes

Manual focusYes

Number of focus points5655

Lens mountCanon RF

Focal length multiplier1×

Screen / viewfinder

Articulated LCDFully articulated

Screen size3.2″

Screen dots2,100,000

Touch screenYes

Screen typeTFT LCD

Live viewYes

Viewfinder typeElectronic

Viewfinder coverage100%

Viewfinder magnification0.76×

Viewfinder resolution3,690,000

Photography features

Minimum shutter speed30 sec

Maximum shutter speed1/8000 sec

Exposure modes

  • Program
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual

Built-in flashNo

External flashYes (via hot shoe)

Flash X sync speed1/200 sec

Drive modes

  • Single
  • High-speed continuous
  • Low-speed continuous
  • Self-timer

Continuous drive8.0 fps

Self-timerYes (2 or 10 secs)

Metering modes

  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
  • Partial

Exposure compensation±3 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)

AE Bracketing±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)

Videography features

FormatMPEG-4, H.264

Modes

  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 480 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 120 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 480 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 120 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 480 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 120 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 180 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 90 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 30 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 90 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 30 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 90 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 30 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
  • 1280 x 720 @ 120p / 160 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM

MicrophoneStereo

SpeakerMono

Storage

Storage typesSD card (UHS-II supported)

Connectivity

USBUSB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)

USB chargingYes (with LP-E6N only)

HDMIYes (Mini-HDMI)

Microphone portYes

Headphone portYes

WirelessBuilt-In

Wireless notes802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.1 LE

Remote controlYes (via smartphone)

Physical

Environmentally sealedYes

BatteryBattery Pack

Battery descriptionLP-E6N lithium-ion battery & charger

Battery Life (CIPA)370

Weight (inc. batteries)660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz)

Dimensions136 x 98 x 84 mm (5.35 x 3.86 x 3.31″)

Other features

Orientation sensorYes

GPSNone

Canon's AF Configuration Tool for Birds in Flight

Gary Detonnancourt

Canon has an AF configuration tool with 6 presets for photographing different types of motion.  It is available on the Canon 1D X, 5D MIII, and there is some form of it on the 6D and 7D MII.  These preset cases can help you get better focus when using AI Servo as the focusing mode.  AI Servo continuously focus on a moving subject and these six presets contain parameters such as tracking sensitivity, Accelleration / decelleration tracking, and AF point auto swithching.

I've been experimenting with these cases for birds in flight.  I used to use Case 1 and wasn't really happy with it.  I tried Case 3 because I wanted faster (more sensative af tracking) and it seemed to work really well for this swan the was flying right toward me.

As you can see in the image above Case 3 uses +1 for Tracking sensitivity, which I found useful because I want to be on my subject as fast as possible and if my AF point falls off, that's OK if it can re-acquire focus very quickly.  I've seen some bird photographers prefer to set this to -1 or 0 so the AF points don't get distracted by other objects and switch to focusing on something else, but I prefer to get on the subject quicker.

The accel. / decel. tracking is set to +1 which works well for subjects that tend to accelerate or decellerate quickly.  Birds in flight may not change speeds quickly but again I'm looking for more sesitivity.

The AF point auto switching parameter isn't very important to me because I usually use a single point AF, sometimes with the 4 box expansion.  Therefore, this function can be set low because I don't use it.

Here is a summary of all six cases:

Case 1 - Versatile multi purpose setting: 0,0,0. Adequate for larger birds in flight in open terrain, not flying right at you. The camera gets on the bird and stays with it if you stay on the bird. A good general setting.

Case 2 - Continue to track subjects, ignoring possible obstacles: -1,0,0. Example 1: When you’re locked onto a bird as it gets behind a floc, and you want to stay on the original bird. Example 2. A medium-sized bird in a thicket where you want the camera to ignore interfering branches as you follow a birds movement.

Case 3 - Instantly focus on subjects suddenly entering AF points: +1,0,0. You’re photographing a flock so it would make sense to pick up the closest birds as you usually want the closest thing to you to be in focus. Another scenarios is that you're on a bird and another nearby one flies in front of it, here it would make sense to switch focus to the near bird rather than the one now further away.

Case 4 - For subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly: 0,+1,0. A large or medium bird coming right at you, coming in for a landing, taking off or buzzing by fairly quickly. An example would be where a bird leaps off the water, flies at you, and spreads it wings to land.

Case 5 - For erratic subjects moving quickly in any direction: 0,0,+1. Best for birds that change direction quickly such as leaping off a perch.  Works well with 61-point AF expansion, and non-busy backgrounds. Best shot for this setting is to have the bird at a far left or right AF point in anticipation of it flying into the frame.

Case 6 - For subjects that change speed and move erratically: 0,+1,+1. Best for small birds that change direction quickly while in flight.

After all this experimenting, I decided to look up what Aurther Morris had to say on the subject, since he is a bird photography expert.  It looks like I was off a little, he doesn't like Case 3 for birds except that he finds it the best one to customize.  He says that every situation is different but for birds in flight you can't go wrong with this setup.

Tracking sensitivity

I have always felt that the left-most setting (-2, locked on) here is best for birds in flight as the camera will continue focusing on the subject even if an obstacle enters the active AF points or if the active sensor falls off the subject due to operator error. This one has always seemed to be a no-brainer to me yet others prefer either one of the next two more responsive settings, -1 or neutral.

Acceleration/deceleration tracking

This one seems to be another no-brainer to me; with this set to 2, the system continues to focus on the subject if the subject’s speed changes dramatically. With a subject moving towards the camera the system is less prone to focus beyond the subject. And if the subject stops suddenly, the camera is less prone to focus in front of it. As I said, this is another bird photography no-brainer.


AF point auto switching

Well, let’s go for three for three in the no-brainer department; setting this one to 2 allows the camera to switch AF points more quickly if the subject moves dramatically left or right or up or down. Note: this setting has no effect unless you are using 61-point or Zone AF.

I set Case 3 (with my custom settings: -2, 2, 2) for pretty much all of my flight and action photography.

Note: AF point auto switching settings will have no effect when you are in either Single Point or Spot AF.
— Arthur Morris

 

To create a custom Case, go to the first menu in AF, scroll down to the Case you want to over-write. Hit the rate button on the left side of the camera body and then press the Set button in the thumb wheel. Turn the dial to the left to -2 and hit Set. Scroll down to Accel./decel. and hit Set again. Turn the thumb wheel to 2 and hit Set. Do the same for AF point switching and set it to 2.

Click here for more information from Canon.

Click here for the Canon 5D MIII's AF Setting Guidebook

Also if anyone knows how Nikon handles focusing in AF-C, please post it in the comments.