Here’s another shot taken during the Texas Landscape Safari at our first shoot in the Colorado Bend State Park near Lampasas, Texas. The beauty of Gorman Falls is truly unmatched in all the Texas Hill Country. The geology of the area is fascinating and beautiful falls looks as if it belongs in Hawaii, rather than some remote corner of Texas. After the long hike and the steep climb down to the falls, the view is unexpected and wonderful!

By the way, the results I obtained processing this image in Adobe’s Lightroom 3 beta are nothing less than spectacular. The new image sharpening and noise reduction algorithms provide incredible control and wonderful results. And this is just the first beta!

Texas Rain Forest at Gorman Falls
Copyright © 2009 Jeff Lynch Photography
Shot taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II set on aperture priority (Av) using an EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens tripod-mounted. The exposure was taken at 75mm, f/16 for 0.8 seconds using a Singh-Ray Vari-ND-Duo neutral density filter at ISO 100 on Lexar Professional digital film. Post capture processing was done in Adobe’s Lightroom 3 Beta. Click on the image above for a larger version.

It’s been only a few short months since Canon announced the EOS 7D with it’s all new auto focus system and 18 MP sensor. Now they’ve announced another eagerly awaited, high-end DSLR to “Pro Series” product line, the 1D Mark IV.

In the coming weeks and months there will be previews, reviews, fanboy posts and flames galore on the various industry watching blogs and forums with hundreds of different viewpoints on this new pro model’s features and benefits.

To help cut through some of the rhetoric I thought I’d post a quick and dirty comparison of the differences between the new 1D Mark IV, the 5D Mark II and the 7D cameras based upon the information currently available.

Basically, the same comparison I recently posted on the new G11 and G10 cameras. Let me state for the record that this comparison is from a still photographer’s perspective only. The video capabilities of these cameras are cool but not where my interests lay.

List Price:
1D4 – $5000 (USD)
5D2 – $2700 (USD)
7D – $1700 (USD)

Sensor:
1D4 – APS-H (4896 x 3264) (16 MP)
5D2 – FF (5616 x 3744) (21 MP)
7D – APS-C (5184 x 3456) (18 MP)

Pixel Density
1D4 – 3.1 MP/cm2
5D2 – 2.4 MP/cm2
7D – 5.4 MP/cm2

Processor:
1D4 – Dual DIGIC 4
5D2 – Single DIGIC 4
7D – Dual DIGIC 4

ISO:
1D4 – 50, 100 – 12800, 25600, 51200, 102400
5D2 – 50, 100 – 6400, 12800, 25600
7D – Auto, 100 – 6400, 12800(H)

Metering:
1D4 – 63 Area, Center Weighted, Partial, Spot (Center, AF Point, Multi-Point)
5D2 – 35 Area Eval, Center Weighted, Partial, Spot
7D – 63 Area Eval, Center Weighted, Partial, Spot

Auto Focus:
1D4 – 45 Point (new technology)
5D2 – 9 Point (same as original 5D)
7D – 19 Point (new technology)

Exposure Compensation:
1D4    -3 to +3 EV in 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV steps
5D2   -2 to +2 EV in 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV steps
7D     -3 to +3 EV in 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV steps

Continuous Shooting:
1D4 – 10 fps
5D2 – 3.9 fps
7D – 8 fps

Raw Formats:
1D4 – RAW, mRAW, sRAW
5D2 – RAW, sRAW1, sRAW2
7D – RAW, sRAW, mRAW

Viewfinder:
1D4 – Pentaprism, 100% Coverage, 0.76x Mag
5D2 – Pentaprism, 98% Coverage, 0.71x Mag
7D – Pentaprism, 100% Coverage, 1.00x Mag

Battery
1D4 – LP-E4 ($110 USD)
5D2 – LP-E6 ($66 USD)
7D – LP-E6 ($66 USD)

Weight:
1D4 – 1230g
5D2 – 830g
7D – 860g

Conclusions:
Comparing these three cameras is somewhat difficult since each is targeted to a very different segment of the DSLR market. The new 1D Mark IV is aimed squarely at the professional sports and action photographer with it’s incredible high ISO capabilities and equally incredible high speed drive (fps).

It’s also interesting to note that each camera offers a different size and resolution sensor, with only the 5D Mark II offering a full frame sensor. While I’m fairly certain the next “1Ds” model will boast a full frame sensor with enough resolution to rival the Nikon D3X, it’s a surprise that Canon continues to support the APS-H (1.3x FOVCF) sensor. It will be interesting to see just how well the new 1D Mark IV does when compared to high ISO shots taken with the 5D2.

Obviously, the new 1D Mark IV, like all the “1D” series cameras, was designed for the professional in mind. It’s the only of these three bodies to offer real weather-proofing in its construction. The 1D Mark IV is also considerably larger and heavier than the 5D2 or 7D bodies, which may not be the best thing for an “on the go” sports photographer.

It also remains to be seen if this camera’s new auto-focus system has what it takes to convince sports shooters to upgrade. Canon’s reputation has taken quite a beating in the past few years over AF issues in the 1Ds, the 5D2 and even the new 7D. The new “predictive” AI Servo mode in the 1D4 sounds great on paper, but only time will tell if this translates into sharper images.

Final Thoughts:
Once again, In the words of David duChemin, “Gear is Good, Vision is Better”. It’s not the camera that makes the photograph, it’s the person behind the camera. Having said that, anyone spending $5000 (USD) on a DSLR in today’s economy deserves for the camera to work perfectly right out of the box. This is especially true for sports shooters where there are no second chances!

A few months ago a friend of mine asked me to help outfit his Canon Powershot G10 for landscape photography without spending a fortune on accessories. He wasn’t really sure what he needed but he could see the difference in the shots I’d taken and those he’d taken and wanted to know what the “secret” was.

The first thing on my list was adding a circular polarizer to the G10 to help reduce glare and add some saturation to his images. Luckily, the folks at Lensmate in Seattle make a line of precision machined aluminum lens adapters for the Canon G10 / G11 that allow you to add a polarizing filter to the camera without creating a vignetting problem. Lensmate also sells the 72mm low profile Kenko Pro1 Digital CP filter that their adapters are designed to work with.

$ 24.95 — Lensmate G10 / G11 Adapter (Part A)
$ 22.95 — Lensmate G10 / G11 Adapter (Part B)
$ 74.95 — Kenko Pro1 Digital Circular Polarizer (low profile 72mm)

Canon Powershot G10 with Lensmate Adapters & CP Filter

The next accessory I recommended was a light-weight tripod and ball-head like the Gitzo GT-1541T Traveller and the Really Right Stuff BH-30LR. I explained that there’s nothing more important to landscape photographer than the camera support system. Once he got over the sticker shock I also recommended picking up the RRS BG-10L L-Plate designed specifically to mount the G10 in a RRS quick-release clamp as shown below.

$88.00 — Really Right Stuff BG10-L: L-Plate for Canon G10

Canon Powershot G10 with Really Right Stuff L-Plate

Finally, I recommended he buy a hand-strap like the Camdapter Camstrap from Jim Garavuso. Jim is an engineer and avid photographer with keen eye for good design. I’ve used his high quality leather hand-straps on all my cameras.

The custom hand-strap seen in the image above I created by modifying the neck strap that comes with the G10 and mounting it under the RRS L-Plate. Not the best solution but it works in a pinch.

$30.00  –  Camdapter Camstrap

As you can see, with a few basic accessories the Canon Powershot G10 and G11 can be outfitted for serious landscape photography at about 1/3rd the weight of a DSLR and lens. Not too bad for a “Point & Shoot” camera!

Another thing I try to teach during the Texas Landscape Safari (forgive my shameless plug) is when to shoot in great weather. Now before half of you say “Duh!” think about it for a minute. How many (yawn) uninspiring landscape images have you seen taken on a cloudless summer day? Is there anything less dramatic than a pale blue sky?

In landscape photography, timing is everything! That means watching the weather reports days and even weeks in advance to spot weather patterns (usually cold fronts here in Texas) that will bring you the most important background element ever found in a landscape image; Clouds!

It means planning your photographic outings well in advance but being flexible enough to GO when the conditions are right and stay home when they’re not. It means revisiting that favorite vista over and over again until the light and clouds and the colors are just right.

Landscape photography is a fickle mistress. Most times your planning, patience and persistence won’t pay off but every once in a while you wake up to find skies like this and it makes all the time and effort worthwhile!

Jet Stream Over Enchanted Rock, Texas
Copyright © 2009 Jeff Lynch Photography
Shot taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II set on aperture priority (Av) using an EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens tripod-mounted. The exposure was taken at 24mm, f/11 for 1/20th of a second using a Singh-Ray warming polarizer and 4-stop graduated neutral density filter at ISO 100 on Lexar Professional digital film. Post capture processing was done in Adobe’s Lightroom 2. Click on the image above for a larger version.

One of the things that I try to teach during the Texas Landscape Safari is that great images can be created in almost any weather. Cloudy days can be a great time for nature and landscape photography since the foliage will almost always appear more saturated and the shadows much softer. Using the right filters (circular polarizer & ND-Grad) on cloudy days can bring out the contrast in the clouds and add drama to a scene.

Storm Approaching Monument Hill, Texas
Copyright © 2009 Jeff Lynch Photography
Shot taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II set on aperture priority (Av) using an EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens tripod-mounted. The exposure was taken at 35mm, f/11 for 1/6th of a second using a Singh-Ray warming polarizer and 2-stop graduated neutral density filter at ISO 100 on Lexar Professional digital film. Post capture processing was done in Adobe’s Lightroom 2. Click on the image above for a larger version.

Here’s another landscape shot taken a few weeks ago using the Canon G10 mounted on a light-weight tripod. Don’t let anyone tell you “point & shoot” cameras are for tourists and not serious photographers. The resolution and detail captured by this little camera is nothing less than outstanding. But don’t take my word for it. Click on the image blow for a larger version and pixel peep to your hearts content.

Devils Waterhole Falls – Inks Lake State Park, Texas
Copyright © 2009 Jeff Lynch Photography
Shot taken with a Canon Powershot G10 set on aperture priority (Av) and tripod-mounted. The exposure was taken at 11mm, f/7.1 for 1/3rd second using the built-in neutral density filter at ISO 80 on Lexar Professional digital film. Post capture processing was done in Adobe’s Lightroom 2. Click on the image above for a larger version.

It’s that time of year again and we’re praying for the rain to stop before sunrise on Saturday. This year is a special treat for local photographers at the Wings Over Houston air show since they’ve finally set aside space for shooters and arranged for some flight line passes to be available. I guess my bitching griping must have worked!

Mustang – Wings Over Houston 2008
Copyright © 2008 Jeff Lynch Photography
Shot taken with a Canon EOS 40D set on shutter priority (Tv) using an EF 300mm f/4L IS USM lens hand-held. The exposure was taken at 300m, f/6.7 for 1/500th of a second using a B&W circular polarizer at ISO 100 on Sandisk digital film. Post capture processing was done in Adobe’s Lightroom 3 Beta. Click on the image above for a larger version.

Here’s another shot taken last week at the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area near Fredericksburg, Texas. The early morning sun had risen over the mountains in the distance just enough to to highlight the clouds and provide some wonderful contrast to the rocks and trees. Enjoy!

Early Morning Climb – Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Texas
Copyright © 2009 Jeff Lynch Photography
Shot taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II set on aperture priority (Av) using an EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens tripod-mounted. The exposure was taken at 245m, f/8 for 1/30th of a second using a Singh-Ray warming polarizer and 4-stop graduated neutral density filter at ISO 100 on Lexar Professional digital film. Post capture processing was done in Adobe’s Lightroom 2. Click on the image above for a larger version.

Here’s another abstract landscape shot with Canon’s Powershot G10 using its built-in 3-stop neutral density filter. Landscape photographers have long known the creative potential a neutral density filter can offer when shooting flowing water using a long exposure. Being able to take advantage of this in a point & shoot camera is somewhat unique and really sets the Canon G9, G10 & G11 apart from the competition.

Swirl – Guadalupe River State Park, Texas
Copyright © 2009 Jeff Lynch Photography
Shot taken with a Canon Powershot G10 set on aperture priority (Av) and tripod-mounted. The exposure was taken at 30mm, f/8 for 1/2 second using the built-in neutral density filter at ISO 80 on Lexar Professional digital film. Post capture processing was done in Adobe’s Lightroom 2. Click on the image above for a larger version.

I received an email last week from a photographer in Michigan who was curious how I added the white border and text to my prints (posters actually). There are many ways to do this in Photoshop (and Scott Kelby’s books detail most of these methods) but I prefer to let Lightroom 2 handle the heavy lifting most of the time.

The first step in creating this type of Print Template is to setup a custom Page Size in Lightroom 2 such as the 20″ x 16″ page shown above. I chose 20″ x 16″ since its a common frame size available and the white borders used result in a very viewable 17″ x 11″ image size.

Once you’ve set your page size you’ll need to change the Image Settings as shown below to add a medium gray Stroke Border around your image giving it the appearance of being matted.

Lightroom Image Settings & Layout

To create a poster Layout, you’ll need to change the Margins to add the white border and set the Page Grid to 1 row and 1 column. This should result in a Cell Size exactly 17″ wide and 11″ high.

I use Lightroom 2’s Overlay settings to add a custom Identity Plate to the white border below the image as shown below.

Lightroom's Overlay Settings

This is where things can get a little sticky so I’ve created three custom Identity Plate templates including a one-line, two-line and three-line version to add and modify as needed.

Centering Lightroom's Identity Plate

Centering the Identity Plate in the bottom white border can be a little tricky in Lightroom 2 and this feature has been improved only slightly in the Lightroom 3 beta.

The best way I’ve found to do this is enlarge it to 100% and then center it with the edges of your image, moving it up and down, little by little until it looks about right. Then reduce to to somewhere between 60% – 75% until the text is smaller than the image width as shown above.

Editing an Identity Plate

A few tricks to make this look really nice:

• Use an all-caps font like Trajan Pro for a really elegant look.
• Add a blank space between each letter in a word and three blank spaces between each word.
• Create a multi-line identity plate by adding pressing Option+Return to start a new line.
• Use different font sizes for different parts of the identity plate.

Once you’ve finished this you can save this as a Print Template to use again and again.