Hi Richard
Re your Canon camera question.
First I must ask what do you do with your photos?? Second do you use Photoshop or Lightroom or Aperture. Thirdly are yo after birds in flight or perched and nesting birds.
I ask this as the level of equipment varies with difficulty in getting the shot and your level of expertise.
And fitness re the big lenses.
Do you need the Video (once you have it you will).
I shoot 1D 2/3/4 and up to 800mm
Reply either on or off line
Scott Salter
scoise@tpg.com.au
On 25/11/2010, at 4:40 AM, birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au wrote:
> Send birding-aus mailing list submissions to > birding-aus@vicnet.net.au > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.vicnet.net.au/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus > or, via email, send a message with subject or body ‘help’ to > birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au > > You can reach the person managing the list at > birding-aus-owner@vicnet.net.au > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than “Re: Contents of birding-aus digest…” > > > Today’s Topics: > > 1. Canon Cameras (Richard Jenkin) > 2. RE: Canon Cameras (Peter Shute) > 3. Yulara Trip (Richard Jenkin) > 4. Fw: Birds in garage door (Shirley Cook) > 5. RE: Fw: Birds in garage door (Peter Shute) > 6. Re: Fw: Birds in garage door (Roger Giller) > 7. Re: Canon Cameras (Stewart Ford) > 8. WTNTs twitched from dentist’s chair (wriggleon@aol.com) > 9. Torresian crows preying on sick feral pigeons (Belinda Cassidy) > 10. Re: Torresian crows preying on sick feral pigeons (Peter Shute) > 11. Re: Canon Cameras (Chris Charles) > 12. Re: Wandering Tattler in Newcastle (Mark Young) > 13. Re: Torresian crows preying on sick feral pigeons > (Belinda Cassidy) > 14. Re: Canon Cameras (Robert Inglis) > 15. Re: Torresian crows preying on sick feral pigeons (Peter Shute) > 16. Fwd: [BIRDING-NZ] BirdingNZ.net Alert: Shining-bronze cuckoo > eating an egg (Chris) > 17. Re: Re: Canon Cameras (Alistair McKeough) > > > ———————————————————————- > > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:07:46 +1100 > From: “Richard Jenkin” > Subject: [Birding-Aus] Canon Cameras > To: > Message-ID: <013d01cb8b8d$28049670$780dc350$@com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” > > Hi all > > > > I am wanting to upgrade my camera body from a Canon 450D to either a > Canon > 7D or Canon 1D mk4 and looking for some advice from those who know > or may > have used one or the other or both. I currently use a 100-400mm zoom > lens. > > > > The cost difference is about $4,000 so basically need to know is it > worth > the extra money to the extent that you get much much better photos > or would > the jump from the 450D to 7D be enough. > > > > Also how does the difference in photos between the 100-400mm lens > compare > to the 300mm F2.8 with 2 x converter or the 500mm F4 lens ? > > > > As so many birders seem to use Canon’s ( cameras that is ! ) > replying to the > list may be useful for the archives. > > > > Thanks in advance > > > > > > Dick Jenkin > > > > Lynn and Dick Jenkin > > Tashkent Friesians > > PO Box 92 Dungog NSW 2420 > > 02 49921158 > > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Django-of-Cacharel/147336717447?ref=ts > Djangos Facebook Page > > http://tashkentfriesians.com/ Tashkent Friesians > > logosmall > > > > > —————————— > > Message: 2 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:36:31 +1100 > From: Peter Shute > Subject: RE: [Birding-Aus] Canon Cameras > To: ‘Richard Jenkin’ , > “‘birding-aus@vicnet.net.au'” > Message-ID: <150CDAA93B99944998130F5B1C4A2F1F38FECF58F4@nuwvicms1> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” > > I’d also be interested to hear what sort of difference there is > between the 450D and either of those more expensive cameras. > > Peter Shute > >> —–Original Message—– >> From: birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au >> [mailto:birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au] On Behalf Of Richard >> Jenkin >> Sent: Wednesday, 24 November 2010 3:08 PM >> To: birding-aus@vicnet.net.au >> Subject: [Birding-Aus] Canon Cameras >> >> Hi all >> >> >> >> I am wanting to upgrade my camera body from a Canon 450D to >> either a Canon 7D or Canon 1D mk4 and looking for some advice >> from those who know or may have used one or the other or >> both. I currently use a 100-400mm zoom lens. >> >> >> >> The cost difference is about $4,000 so basically need to know >> is it worth the extra money to the extent that you get much >> much better photos or would the jump from the 450D to 7D be enough. >> >> >> >> Also how does the difference in photos between the 100-400mm >> lens compare to the 300mm F2.8 with 2 x converter or the >> 500mm F4 lens ? >> >> >> >> As so many birders seem to use Canon’s ( cameras that is ! ) >> replying to the list may be useful for the archives. >> >> >> >> Thanks in advance >> >> >> >> >> >> Dick Jenkin >> >> >> >> Lynn and Dick Jenkin >> >> Tashkent Friesians >> >> PO Box 92 Dungog NSW 2420 >> >> 02 49921158 >> >> >> http://www.facebook.com/pages/Django-of-Cacharel/147336717447? >> ref=ts> >> Djangos Facebook Page >> >> http://tashkentfriesians.com/ Tashkent Friesians >> >> logosmall >> >> >> >> > > —————————— > > Message: 3 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:05:42 +1100 > From: “Richard Jenkin” > Subject: [Birding-Aus] Yulara Trip > To: > Message-ID: <017001cb8b95$3fe03f80$bfa0be80$@com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” > > > > Hi again > > > > Onwards from Alice Springs. We flew to Ayers Rock from Alice to > spend 4 > days, conference for Lynn , relaxing for me. I originally had no > real plans > as to what birding I could do or what birds I might see so it was > nice to be > both relaxed and surprised at what I did see.. > > > > We often try and guess the first bird to be seen as we land in a new > location, neither of us got this one right as it was a single Banded > Lapwing > at a small pool of water beside the runway . > > > > Obviously the fabulous conditions after all the rain has transformed > the > desert into a much more productive site than would otherwise be the > case. > > > > There were a few surprises on the lack of species as well. I saw no > Black or > Whistling Kites, despite trips to the STP as well ! Also no Little > Corella’s > here or perhaps more surprising , none around Alice either. > > > > Raptor numbers and variety in general were low out here, recording > Nankeen > Kestrel (5) , Australian Hobby (1) and Brown Falcon (1). > > > > I did one mornings bird walk out about 4 kms from the accommodation at > Yulara , one to the STP and a base walk of Ayers Rock from 9.30 to > 1.30, so > missing the early morning. > > > > We also did a sunrise helicopter ride around the “rock” and Kata > Tjuta ( > Olgas ) which was absolutely spectacular. Also saw a flock of > Budgerigars > from the chopper !. The other “highlight” was seeing the STP’s from > the > air, that is , the main one and the aboriginal community one ( which > had > much more in the way of open ponds). If I had had my big lens on I > might > have been able to ID the birds ! > > > > Around the resort itself , Yellow-throated Miners and White-plumed > Honeyeaters were the most common birds, followed by Torresian Crow, > only a > handful of Magpie-larks and Willie Wagtails. Not as many as I > expected with > all the greenery and water around. Others included , Australian > Magpie, > Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike , Singing Honeyeater, Crested Pigeon and > Galahs (2 > only). > > > > > > Walking out from the resort the number of species increased with > White-winged Trillers, Crested Bellbird (4) , Budgerigars (many), > White-winged Fairy-wren (4), Inland Thornbill (5) , Crimson Chats > (heaps), > Black-faced Woodswallows and Masked Woodswallows ( several including > new > fledglings and a female sitting on a nest ). > > > > Rufous Songlarks were about, but not as conspicuous as around > Alice , and > also surprisingly not calling! A single White-fronted Honeyeater > flew past > and several Pied Honeyeaters were seen along with 2 only Rainbow Bee- > eaters. > A small group of 6 Zebra Finches were seen and a flock of Cockatiel > flew by. > Red-backed Kingfisher (3) present as well. > > > > The trip to the treatment plant , which has a nice overflow area > with grassy > drains etc and the tallest Eucalypts around, revealed a few water > birds, > though none great in number. There were numerous Diamond Doves and > Zebra > Finches around here as well. > > > > Little Black Cormorant (1), Straw-necked Ibis (1), Grey Teal (8), > Great > Egret (2), Yellow-billed Spoonbill (1), White-faced Heron (2), > Eurasian Coot > (2), Australasian Grebe (2), and 1 Nankeen Night Heron flushed from > underfoot , I don’t know who got the biggest fright ! > > > > Other birds around were a family of Variegated Fairy-wrens and Spiny- > cheeked > Honeyeaters and Australian Hobby (1). > > > > A sunset tour out to Kata Tjuta had everybody in the group ( non- > birders) > enthralled with a Little Button-quail and 4 young literally feeding > around > our feet at the sunset viewing site. Obviously used to people and > perhaps > feeding on insects attracted to the lights along the path. I looked > longingly down the Docker River Road , wondering if I could spot a > Scarlet-chested Parrot from 80kms away but not to be …. > > > > The walk around Ayers Rock yielded 30 species, most of which I had > seen > elsewhere , except for the addition of Rufous Whistler (1), Grey > Shrike-thrush (1), Grey-fronted Honeyeater (1) and Little > Woodswallow (1). > There were numerous Crimson Chats and also heaps of Diamond Doves , > Zebra > Finches and Budgerigars around various water holes around the rock. > > > > > > All up , 50 species for 4 days and again some good photos. > > > > Cheers > > > > > > Dick Jenkin > > > > > > Lynn and Dick Jenkin > > Tashkent Friesians > > PO Box 92 Dungog NSW 2420 > > 02 49921158 > > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Django-of-Cacharel/147336717447?ref=ts > Djangos Facebook Page > > http://tashkentfriesians.com/ Tashkent Friesians > > logosmall > > > > > —————————— > > Message: 4 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:26:11 +1100 > From: “Shirley Cook” > Subject: [Birding-Aus] Fw: Birds in garage door > To: “Messages Birding-aus” > Message-ID: <6675DDECCA8D4617962AA3F1E4D2B29B@default> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=”iso-8859-1″; > reply-type=original > > Dear all, > > Can anyone suggest a solution to this person’s problem? I have told > her to > keep doing what she is already doing and perhaps the birds will give > up. > > Regards > > Shirley > —– Original Message —– > From: “Gabriele Durrant” > To: > Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2010 2:18 PM > Subject: Birds in garage door > > >> Dear Sir, >> I am not sure that I am addressing the right person here – but >> perhaps >> you could give me some information whom to contact? >> We have the following problem: birds are trying to nest in our roller >> garage door – every time we take all the twigs, grass etc. out they >> have >> deposited there they start again – this has been going on for over 10 >> days now. Should they start nesting there we would invariably harm >> them >> or their eggs etc. >> We tried to put objects up there (brooms, sticks etc.), sprayed, >> nothing >> helps. They just can’t be discouraged and start again and again, it >> is >> really devastating. What can we do? Nobody we talked to seemed to >> have >> the faintest idea, however I cannot believe that we are the only >> ones to >> have this problem. >> >> I would be eternally grateful if you could point me in the right >> direction where to get help. >> Thank you so much in advance and kind regards >> Gabriele Durrant >> Central Coast, NSW > > > ——————————————————————————– > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG – www.avg.com > Version: 9.0.869 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3274 – Release Date: > 11/23/10 > 18:34:00 > > > > —————————— > > Message: 5 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:56:11 +1100 > From: Peter Shute > Subject: RE: [Birding-Aus] Fw: Birds in garage door > To: ‘Shirley Cook’ , ‘Messages Birding-aus’ > > Message-ID: <150CDAA93B99944998130F5B1C4A2F1F38FECF5937@nuwvicms1> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” > > Anything that persistent has got to be some feral species, doesn’t > it? Do they get Common Mynas there? If that’s what they are, I’d be > more concerned that they don’t damage the door motor by jamming the > door with nesting material. I’d just keep clearing it out. > > Peter Shute > >> —–Original Message—– >> From: birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au >> [mailto:birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au] On Behalf Of Shirley Cook >> Sent: Wednesday, 24 November 2010 4:26 PM >> To: Messages Birding-aus >> Subject: [Birding-Aus] Fw: Birds in garage door >> >> Dear all, >> >> Can anyone suggest a solution to this person’s problem? I >> have told her to keep doing what she is already doing and >> perhaps the birds will give up. >> >> Regards >> >> Shirley >> —– Original Message —– >> From: “Gabriele Durrant” >> To: >> Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2010 2:18 PM >> Subject: Birds in garage door >> >> >>> Dear Sir, >>> I am not sure that I am addressing the right person here – >> but perhaps >>> you could give me some information whom to contact? >>> We have the following problem: birds are trying to nest in >> our roller >>> garage door – every time we take all the twigs, grass etc. >> out they have >>> deposited there they start again – this has been going on >> for over 10 >>> days now. Should they start nesting there we would >> invariably harm them >>> or their eggs etc. >>> We tried to put objects up there (brooms, sticks etc.), >> sprayed, nothing >>> helps. They just can’t be discouraged and start again and >> again, it is >>> really devastating. What can we do? Nobody we talked to >> seemed to have >>> the faintest idea, however I cannot believe that we are the >> only ones to >>> have this problem. >>> >>> I would be eternally grateful if you could point me in the right >>> direction where to get help. >>> Thank you so much in advance and kind regards >>> Gabriele Durrant >>> Central Coast, NSW >> >> >> ————————————————————– >> —————— >> >> >> >> No virus found in this incoming message. >> Checked by AVG – www.avg.com >> Version: 9.0.869 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3274 – Release >> Date: 11/23/10 >> 18:34:00 >> >> =============================== >> >> To unsubscribe from this mailing list, >> send the message: >> unsubscribe >> (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) >> to: birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au >> >> http://birding-aus.org >> =============================== >> > > —————————— > > Message: 6 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:57:50 +1100 > From: “Roger Giller” > Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Fw: Birds in garage door > To: “Shirley Cook” , “Messages Birding-aus” > > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=”iso-8859-1″; > reply-type=response > > I had this problem with Indian Mynahs many years ago. Cut a circle > of wire > mesh (bird-wire?) slightly larger than the internal diameter of the > roller. > Cut a slit from the outside to the centre and cut a hole to fit over > the > shaft. Wriggle it over the shaft and spring it into place just > inside the > end of the roller. > Cheers > Roger > . > —– Original Message —– > From: “Shirley Cook” > To: “Messages Birding-aus” > Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2010 4:26 PM > Subject: [Birding-Aus] Fw: Birds in garage door > > >> Dear all, >> >> Can anyone suggest a solution to this person’s problem? I have >> told her >> to keep doing what she is already doing and perhaps the birds will >> give >> up. >> >> Regards >> >> Shirley >> —– Original Message —– >> From: “Gabriele Durrant” >> To: >> Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2010 2:18 PM >> Subject: Birds in garage door >> >> >>> Dear Sir, >>> I am not sure that I am addressing the right person here – but >>> perhaps >>> you could give me some information whom to contact? >>> We have the following problem: birds are trying to nest in our >>> roller >>> garage door – every time we take all the twigs, grass etc. out >>> they have >>> deposited there they start again – this has been going on for over >>> 10 >>> days now. Should they start nesting there we would invariably harm >>> them >>> or their eggs etc. >>> We tried to put objects up there (brooms, sticks etc.), sprayed, >>> nothing >>> helps. They just can’t be discouraged and start again and again, >>> it is >>> really devastating. What can we do? Nobody we talked to seemed to >>> have >>> the faintest idea, however I cannot believe that we are the only >>> ones to >>> have this problem. >>> >>> I would be eternally grateful if you could point me in the right >>> direction where to get help. >>> Thank you so much in advance and kind regards >>> Gabriele Durrant >>> Central Coast, NSW >> >> >> ——————————————————————————– >> >> >> >> No virus found in this incoming message. >> Checked by AVG – www.avg.com >> Version: 9.0.869 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3274 – Release Date: >> 11/23/10 >> 18:34:00 >> >> =============================== >> >> To unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message: >> unsubscribe (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) >> to: birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au >> >> http://birding-aus.org >> =============================== > > > > —————————— > > Message: 7 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:08:27 +0800 > From: Stewart Ford > Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Canon Cameras > To: Peter Shute > Cc: “‘birding-aus@vicnet.net.au'” > Message-ID: <3858B7E4-277B-4ADA-88F2-DA6F1F2DE499@me.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > Hi Richard and Peter > > I’m sure there are others more qualified to answer these questions > but I will advance my 2¢ in the mean time. > > A very good online resource with comprehensive reviews of both > models is http://www.dpreview.com/ > > http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos7d/ > > http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1dmarkIV/ > > There is a page comparing the output of both models here: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1dmarkIV/page28.asp > > This site details almost everything about the cameras. In a > nutshell they are quite closely matched in terms of performance and > both would be an excellent choice for bird photography. The 1D Mk 4 > is very much a flagship camera with better water sealing, durability > etc. but is heavier and the configuration options (customisability) > may be daunting to less experienced users – DP Review makes this > point very well. > > In my opinion the 7D offers the best value for money, unless you are > planning on working professionally. It also means you have more > money left over to spend on the one thing that makes the biggest > difference to the quality of the photo – the lens you’re using. > > The 300 mm and 500 mm are both excellent choices if you can afford > them, and with the field of view crop you get with a 7D (1.6x) you > are essentially using a 510 mm prime lens when you put a 300mm on > the front (1D Mk 4 has a slightly smaller crop factor at 1.3x, i.e. > 390mm). You then have the flexibility of adding the 1.4x or 2x > teleconverters if you need even more magnfication. > > Cheers, > > Stewart Ford > > > > > > On 24/11/2010, at 12:36 PM, Peter Shute wrote: > >> I’d also be interested to hear what sort of difference there is >> between the 450D and either of those more expensive cameras. >> >> Peter Shute >> >>> —–Original Message—– >>> From: birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au >>> [mailto:birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au] On Behalf Of Richard >>> Jenkin >>> Sent: Wednesday, 24 November 2010 3:08 PM >>> To: birding-aus@vicnet.net.au >>> Subject: [Birding-Aus] Canon Cameras >>> >>> Hi all >>> >>> >>> >>> I am wanting to upgrade my camera body from a Canon 450D to >>> either a Canon 7D or Canon 1D mk4 and looking for some advice >>> from those who know or may have used one or the other or >>> both. I currently use a 100-400mm zoom lens. >>> >>> >>> >>> The cost difference is about $4,000 so basically need to know >>> is it worth the extra money to the extent that you get much >>> much better photos or would the jump from the 450D to 7D be enough. >>> >>> >>> >>> Also how does the difference in photos between the 100-400mm >>> lens compare to the 300mm F2.8 with 2 x converter or the >>> 500mm F4 lens ? >>> >>> >>> >>> As so many birders seem to use Canon’s ( cameras that is ! ) >>> replying to the list may be useful for the archives. >>> >>> >>> >>> Thanks in advance >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Dick Jenkin >>> >>> >>> >>> Lynn and Dick Jenkin >>> >>> Tashkent Friesians >>> >>> PO Box 92 Dungog NSW 2420 >>> >>> 02 49921158 >>> >>> >>> http://www.facebook.com/pages/Django-of-Cacharel/147336717447?ref=ts >>> > >>> Djangos Facebook Page >>> >>> http://tashkentfriesians.com/ Tashkent Friesians >>> >>> logosmall >>> >>> >>> >>> ============================== >> To unsubscribe from this mailing list, >> send the message: >> unsubscribe >> (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) >> to: birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au >> >> http://birding-aus.org >> ============================== > > > > —————————— > > Message: 8 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 02:46:59 -0500 > From: wriggleon@aol.com > Subject: [Birding-Aus] WTNTs twitched from dentist’s chair > To: birding-aus@vicnet.net.au > Message-ID: <8CD59C2E8AF40FF-698-20FB2@Webmail-m113.sysops.aol.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” > > > Some people get twitchy in the dentist’s chair … > While lying back waiting for my check-up yesterday, out the window I > spied 20+ WTNTs hawking around over Racecourse Rd, Ascot in Brisbane. > It was a nice way of, er, filling in the time. ahem > Shane B > Brisbane > > > > > —————————— > > Message: 9 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:12:51 +1000 > From: Belinda Cassidy > Subject: [Birding-Aus] Torresian crows preying on sick feral pigeons > To: birding-aus@vicnet.net.au > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > Hey everyone! > > I was wondering if anyone can tell me if the following is normal > behaviour > for Torresian crows? We’ve attracted some feral pigeons to our > backyard seed > feeder for several years, along with the native pale headed Rosellas, > toressian crows, and crested pigeons. The feral pigeons have a > tough time > of things disease wise, and typically we lose around half the flock > or more > after the main breeding season. I often find their dead bodies in dark > places around our home, such as under the house, bushes and > trees…its > normal for me to find.around half a dozen or more bodies per month > from > November to January. Sometimes I discover them when they are > emaciated but > still alive and I have observed that they can suffer for many days > until > they pass away. In those cases I have sometimes taken them to wildlife > carers or vets if I can catch them (who euthanise them). > > But this year the Crows have stopped ignoring the sick birds and > dead bodies > and instead have started to eat them for some reason. Last week I > saw a > group of them kill a very ill pigeon in my neighbour’s yard, and > then they > ate it all within several hours. They are messy killers and it doesn’t > happen fast, but at least its better than the poor pigeon suffering > for week > from a horrible deadly disease. > > I’m not really sure why the Crow’s behavior has changed? Can anyone > offer > any suggestions? > > > —————————— > > Message: 10 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:31:23 +1100 > From: Peter Shute > Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Torresian crows preying on sick feral > pigeons > To: “‘belinda.cassidy@gmail.com'” , > “‘birding-aus@vicnet.net.au'” > Message-ID: <150CDAA93B99944998130F5B1C4A2F1F38FECEB2E9@nuwvicms1> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”utf-8″ > > I don’t know if crows killing or eating pigeons is normal, but the > sickness rate in “your” flock seems unusually high. It makes me > wonder if they’re being poisoned. > > Perhaps you should raise that possibility next time you take one to > a vet, if you haven’t already. > > Peter Shute > > > > ————————– > Sent using BlackBerry > > —– Original Message —– > From: birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au > > To: birding-aus@vicnet.net.au > Sent: Wed Nov 24 19:12:51 2010 > Subject: [Birding-Aus] Torresian crows preying on sick feral pigeons > > Hey everyone! > > I was wondering if anyone can tell me if the following is normal > behaviour > for Torresian crows? We’ve attracted some feral pigeons to our > backyard seed > feeder for several years, along with the native pale headed Rosellas, > toressian crows, and crested pigeons. The feral pigeons have a > tough time > of things disease wise, and typically we lose around half the flock > or more > after the main breeding season. I often find their dead bodies in dark > places around our home, such as under the house, bushes and > trees…its > normal for me to find.around half a dozen or more bodies per month > from > November to January. Sometimes I discover them when they are > emaciated but > still alive and I have observed that they can suffer for many days > until > they pass away. In those cases I have sometimes taken them to wildlife > carers or vets if I can catch them (who euthanise them). > > But this year the Crows have stopped ignoring the sick birds and > dead bodies > and instead have started to eat them for some reason. Last week I > saw a > group of them kill a very ill pigeon in my neighbour’s yard, and > then they > ate it all within several hours. They are messy killers and it doesn’t > happen fast, but at least its better than the poor pigeon suffering > for week > from a horrible deadly disease. > > I’m not really sure why the Crow’s behavior has changed? Can anyone > offer > any suggestions? > =============================== > > To unsubscribe from this mailing list, > send the message: > unsubscribe > (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) > to: birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au > > http://birding-aus.org > =============================== > > —————————— > > Message: 11 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:35:36 +1100 > From: Chris Charles > Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Canon Cameras > To: “Richard Jenkin” > Cc: birding-aus@vicnet.net.au > Message-ID: <37574232-1A51-4003-B1F5-87312415E056@ozemail.com.au> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed > > Dick, > I cant quantify the difference in image quality between 7D & 1Dmk4 > because I have not used the latter. > However with most of these things there is a log scale effect where > the extra $ buys you less & less. You just need to locate yourself on > that curve. > But even then the technology advances & yesterdays $5000 camera > output is surpassed by a $2000 camera in a few years time. > > I can say though that you will notice a serious advance from the 450D > to the 7D. The megapixel count difference from 12.2 to 18.0 will be a > real visible difference. (This will be true for the 450D to 7D as the > sensor size is the same – but will not be a valid comparison for the > 1DMk4 as the sensor is larger.) > > As for the 100-400 L IS vs 500 F4L IS, the same applies ( I use > both). The additional $s buys a little more range, a little more > image quality, & a lot more weight. > I love the 500 but still use the 100-400 for night shooting & often > for travel, situations where it can be too difficult to look after > the heavy bulky 500. > There is not the same Moores law working with lenses & ones > investment lasts longer. > The weight of the 500 will need support & you will likely want to > upgrade monopod, tripod, gimbal head, etc. > And the weight will reduce the ground covered in a session as it > slows you down. It will make your 100-400 feel like a featherweight. > Beautiful images…..but did I mention the weight? > Chris > > Chris Charles > 0412 911 184 > licole@ozemail.com.au > 33deg 47’30″S > 151deg10’09″E > > > > > > On 24/11/2010, at 3:07 PM, Richard Jenkin wrote: > >> Hi all >> >> >> >> I am wanting to upgrade my camera body from a Canon 450D to either >> a Canon >> 7D or Canon 1D mk4 and looking for some advice from those who know >> or may >> have used one or the other or both. I currently use a 100-400mm >> zoom lens. >> >> >> >> The cost difference is about $4,000 so basically need to know is it >> worth >> the extra money to the extent that you get much much better photos >> or would >> the jump from the 450D to 7D be enough. >> >> >> >> Also how does the difference in photos between the 100-400mm lens >> compare >> to the 300mm F2.8 with 2 x converter or the 500mm F4 lens ? >> >> >> >> As so many birders seem to use Canon’s ( cameras that is ! ) >> replying to the >> list may be useful for the archives. >> >> >> >> Thanks in advance >> >> >> >> >> >> Dick Jenkin >> >> >> >> Lynn and Dick Jenkin >> >> Tashkent Friesians >> >> PO Box 92 Dungog NSW 2420 >> >> 02 49921158 >> >> http://www.facebook.com/pages/Django-of-Cacharel/147336717447? >> ref=ts> >> Djangos Facebook Page >> >> http://tashkentfriesians.com/ Tashkent Friesians >> >> logosmall >> >> >> >> =============================== >> >> To unsubscribe from this mailing list, >> send the message: >> unsubscribe >> (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) >> to: birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au >> >> http://birding-aus.org >> =============================== > > > > —————————— > > Message: 12 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:01:40 +1100 > From: “Mark Young” > Subject: [Birding-Aus] Re: Wandering Tattler in Newcastle > To: “‘birdingaus'” > Message-ID: <000901cb8bb6$360a8940$a21f9bc0$@com.au> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”US-ASCII” > > G’day everyone, > > > > Does anyone know if the Wandering Tattler is still in Newcastle? > > > > Regards, > Mark > > > > —————————— > > Message: 13 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:03:45 +1000 > From: Belinda Cassidy > Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Torresian crows preying on sick feral > pigeons > To: Peter Shute > Cc: “birding-aus@vicnet.net.au” > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > Dear Peter & Storm, > > I really hate seeing the feral pigeons suffer, so I’ve tried to > learn more > about their ailments. What I think is happening with them is they > have a > highly contagious bacterial infection in their flock, probably > salmonella or > e-coli. You can tell from their droppings (ie diarrhea) , > emaciation, and > rapid death. The problem with these bacterial diseases is many of > the flock > who have recovered from it will be carriers for life, and also the > bacteria > can live for years in the soil and even in the air. So you can’t > really > control it in wild populations. I had a wildlife carer check 3 of my > dying > wild pigeons this month for canker, and they couldn’t see any signs > in their > throat, so I think its not the primary cause of death in most cases > (but may > be present as a secondary infection). We’ve also had some sudden > crow deaths > this year, they were all emaciated when I found their bodies. So I’m > not > sure what to do. > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 6:31 PM, Peter Shute > wrote: > >> I don’t know if crows killing or eating pigeons is normal, but the >> sickness >> rate in “your” flock seems unusually high. It makes me wonder if >> they’re >> being poisoned. >> >> Perhaps you should raise that possibility next time you take one to >> a vet, >> if you haven’t already. >> >> Peter Shute >> >> >> >> ————————– >> Sent using BlackBerry >> >> —– Original Message —– >> From: birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au >> >> To: birding-aus@vicnet.net.au >> Sent: Wed Nov 24 19:12:51 2010 >> Subject: [Birding-Aus] Torresian crows preying on sick feral pigeons >> >> Hey everyone! >> >> I was wondering if anyone can tell me if the following is normal >> behaviour >> for Torresian crows? We’ve attracted some feral pigeons to our >> backyard >> seed >> feeder for several years, along with the native pale headed Rosellas, >> toressian crows, and crested pigeons. The feral pigeons have a >> tough time >> of things disease wise, and typically we lose around half the flock >> or more >> after the main breeding season. I often find their dead bodies in >> dark >> places around our home, such as under the house, bushes and >> trees…its >> normal for me to find.around half a dozen or more bodies per month >> from >> November to January. Sometimes I discover them when they are >> emaciated but >> still alive and I have observed that they can suffer for many days >> until >> they pass away. In those cases I have sometimes taken them to >> wildlife >> carers or vets if I can catch them (who euthanise them). >> >> But this year the Crows have stopped ignoring the sick birds and dead >> bodies >> and instead have started to eat them for some reason. Last week I >> saw a >> group of them kill a very ill pigeon in my neighbour’s yard, and >> then they >> ate it all within several hours. They are messy killers and it >> doesn’t >> happen fast, but at least its better than the poor pigeon suffering >> for >> week >> from a horrible deadly disease. >> >> I’m not really sure why the Crow’s behavior has changed? Can anyone >> offer >> any suggestions? >> =============================== >> >> To unsubscribe from this mailing list, >> send the message: >> unsubscribe >> (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) >> to: birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au >> >> http://birding-aus.org >> =============================== >> > > > —————————— > > Message: 14 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:21:53 +1000 > From: “Robert Inglis” > Subject: [Birding-Aus] Re: Canon Cameras > To: “Birding-Aus” > Message-ID: <632E7B70933B4008A4645AD0DB0C8A02@OwnerPC> > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=”iso-8859-1″; > reply-type=original > > Dick Jenkins asked some specific questions about a couple of > specific Canon cameras and a couple of specific Canon lenses. > > Dick, It is always tempting to make quick and superficial answers to > such question as the ones you ask but I think > you deserve a more considered response. > I have been using a Canon EOS 7D DSLR for about a year now (an > upgrade from the 40D which was an upgrade from the 20D which was an > upgrade from the 300D); I had the use of a Canon EOS 1DMk4 for > several hours recently; I have witnessed several 1DMk4s being used in > the field and have compared the images from both types of cameras. > I own and use a canon EF 300 mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens as well as an EF > 500 mm f/4 L IS USM super telephoto lens (my main lens). I > haven’t used a Canon EF 100 – 400 mm L zoom lens but I know a few > people who do. > Having the 300 mm f/2.8 L and the 500 mm f/4 L lenses I have no > desire to get a 100 – 400 mm L lens, most bird-photographers I know > with this lens seem to always use it at a focal length over 300 mm. > > If you want a totally subjective and biased opinion……………. > The 7D is a great camera and the 1DMk4 is a fantastic camera. The > 1DMk4 is actually an older design than the 7D and the 7D is, > perhaps, slightly more advanced in some aspects of the auto-focus > system but it is marginal. The 7D is more advanced in its video > capabilities. > It is difficult to judge the two cameras on their relative costs. > The 1DMk4 is a much more robust camera than the 7D (which is a > much more robust camera than the EOS 450D) and probably uses much > more expensive mechanical and electronic bits and software. The 7D > is capable of taking great images but the 1DMk4 is capable of taking > amazing quality images. > The 1DMk4 has a larger sensor than that of the 7D but the 7D’s > sensor has more pixels. This means that the 1DMk4’s sensor pixels are > larger than those of the 7D. The result is that the 1DMk4 produces > what most people will recognise as better quality images but the > 7D images will have more detail. Overall the differences are minor > but, honestly, I think the 1DMk4 images are better looking. > My brief experience with the 1DMk4 suggests that the 1DMk4 is more > consistent in producing high quality images. > The 7D is sometimes called a ‘mini 1D’. > I hate saying this but……..if you want and can afford the best, > then, the 1DMk4 is the way to go. If your budget is a little less > ambitious but you still want an exceptional camera then the 7D is > the answer. > Either way, an upgrade from anything you have had before to either > of those cameras is a huge leap. It may take a little while to > fully come to grips with using them but the effort is worth it. > I can’t afford a 1DMk4 at the moment but that is the camera I want. > > The 100 – 400 mm L lens is a very capable and versatile lens. Its > great virtues are its zoom range and its very short close-focus > distance. It is a good lens for subjects such as birds and > butterflies. It is relatively light when compared to the 300 mm f/ > 2.8 L > lens and the 500 mm f/4 L lens. > The EF 300 mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is possibly the best lens Canon > makes but the EF 500 mm f/4 L IS USM is not far behind. > The 300 mm f/2.8 L will auto-focus with both the 1.4x and 2x Canon > Extenders (teleconverters) when fitted to both cameras. > The 500 mm f/4 L will auto-focus with both Extenders when fitted to > the 1DMk4 but will only auto-focus with the 1.4x Extender when > fitted to the 7D. > Canon has deliberately programmed the Extenders to slow the speed of > the auto-focus of the lenses they are fitted to but, generally > speaking, those lenses will still auto-focus very quickly when > fitted with either Extender. Image quality from both cameras does not > drop noticeably with either lens when the 1.4x Extender is fitted. > The image quality can drop a bit when the 2x Extender is used on > the 500 MM f/4 L lens but it is still quite good. Both lenses can > produce extremely sharp images so a slight drop in image quality > may not cause you any > heartache. Under any circumstances the image quality produced from > those lenses will usually be better than that from the 100 – 400 > MM L zoom lens. > Both lenses are not light. The 300 MM lens can be used handheld even > with an Extender fitted but normal people general tire after a > short time. > The 500 mm can be handheld by some people but I can only manage a > few minutes. > The 500 mm lens is best used on a tripod and especially one fitted > with a gimbal head (Contact me if you want more details on that.) > > Canon is about to release Mk 2 versions of the 300 MM f/2.8 L and > the 500 MM f/4 L lenses. The new versions will probably be a > little dearer and better but there might be a few good second hand > Mk 1 lenses around next year. > > Would the jump from the 450D to a 7D be enough? > Only you can work that one out but you would probably have to use > both cameras (7D and 1DMk4) for a while before you could be sure. > What I would say is that if you do decide to settle for the 7D (and > that would not necessarily be a mistake) don’t under any > circumstances be tempted to try a 1DMk4! > > Something which should be kept in mind when considering either of > these cameras is the image file sizes. > The file size will depend on whether you record in RAW format or > JPEG; I always use RAW format because that gives the maximum amount > of image data so allowing the best final results after post- > processing. But then, I am retired so, of course, I have nothing to do > and I can afford to spend hours processing digital images. > For the 7D the largest RAW files (without the embedded JPEG – that’s > another story) is approx 25 MB – huge! > The max size JPEG from the 7D is approx 6.6 MB. > For the 1DMk4 the largest RAW file (without the embedded JPEG) is > approx 22 MB – still huge! > The max size JPEG from the 1DMk4 is approx 5.7 MB. > > What this means is that you will need lots of storage space to store > the images from either of these cameras. > And you will want to keep lots of images from either of these cameras. > If you record RAW image files you will need to process the images in > your computer and, with files that big, you will need a fair > amount of processing power from your computer and lots of RAM. > If you are used to using Photoshop you will probably have to upgrade > to the latest versions (CS4 or CS5) because the RAW converters > compatible with earlier versions will not recognise the RAW files > from these cameras. There are ways around this but it does make > life that bit more difficult. > > At the moment it is difficult to buy fully compatible third-party > batteries for these cameras and the genuine Canon batteries are > relatively expensive. > These cameras also need fast media cards to get the best out of > them, faster cards than the 450D is capable of using. I suggest > something like 8 GB SanDisk Extreme as a minimum (Extreme Pro cards > are probably overkill). > > If that’s not enough info contact me directly. > > Bob Inglis > Sandstone Point > Qld > Australia > http://users.tpg.com.au/inglisrc/ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > —————————— > > Message: 15 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:39:32 +1100 > From: Peter Shute > Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Torresian crows preying on sick feral > pigeons > To: “‘belinda.cassidy@gmail.com'” > Cc: “‘birding-aus@vicnet.net.au'” > Message-ID: <150CDAA93B99944998130F5B1C4A2F1F38FECEB2EA@nuwvicms1> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”utf-8″ > > When I kept pigeons years ago, I would capture wild pigeons living > around schools, etc. They came from squalid conditions, the roosts > and nest sites being inches deep in droppings and deceased birds. > > There were sick birds, but not that many. I may be wrong, but I > would have thought if any species was capable of shaking off a > disease infecting a flock, it would be feral pigeons. > > Is it possible that the dying crows have been affected by the birds > they ate? > > Peter Shute > > > ————————– > Sent using BlackBerry > > ________________________________ > From: Belinda Cassidy > To: Peter Shute > Cc: birding-aus@vicnet.net.au > Sent: Wed Nov 24 20:03:45 2010 > Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Torresian crows preying on sick feral > pigeons > > Dear Peter & Storm, > > I really hate seeing the feral pigeons suffer, so I’ve tried to > learn more about their ailments. What I think is happening with them > is they have a highly contagious bacterial infection in their flock, > probably salmonella or e-coli. You can tell from their droppings > (ie diarrhea) , emaciation, and rapid death. The problem with these > bacterial diseases is many of the flock who have recovered from it > will be carriers for life, and also the bacteria can live for years > in the soil and even in the air. So you can’t really control it in > wild populations. I had a wildlife carer check 3 of my dying wild > pigeons this month for canker, and they couldn’t see any signs in > their throat, so I think its not the primary cause of death in most > cases (but may be present as a secondary infection). We’ve also had > some sudden crow deaths this year, they were all emaciated when I > found their bodies. So I’m not sure what to do. > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 6:31 PM, Peter Shute >> wrote: > I don’t know if crows killing or eating pigeons is normal, but the > sickness rate in “your” flock seems unusually high. It makes me > wonder if they’re being poisoned. > > Perhaps you should raise that possibility next time you take one to > a vet, if you haven’t already. > > Peter Shute > > > > ————————– > Sent using BlackBerry > > —– Original Message —– > From: birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au > >> > To: birding-aus@vicnet.net.au > > Sent: Wed Nov 24 19:12:51 2010 > Subject: [Birding-Aus] Torresian crows preying on sick feral pigeons > > Hey everyone! > > I was wondering if anyone can tell me if the following is normal > behaviour > for Torresian crows? We’ve attracted some feral pigeons to our > backyard seed > feeder for several years, along with the native pale headed Rosellas, > toressian crows, and crested pigeons. The feral pigeons have a > tough time > of things disease wise, and typically we lose around half the flock > or more > after the main breeding season. I often find their dead bodies in dark > places around our home, such as under the house, bushes and > trees…its > normal for me to find.around half a dozen or more bodies per month > from > November to January. Sometimes I discover them when they are > emaciated but > still alive and I have observed that they can suffer for many days > until > they pass away. In those cases I have sometimes taken them to wildlife > carers or vets if I can catch them (who euthanise them). > > But this year the Crows have stopped ignoring the sick birds and > dead bodies > and instead have started to eat them for some reason. Last week I > saw a > group of them kill a very ill pigeon in my neighbour’s yard, and > then they > ate it all within several hours. They are messy killers and it doesn’t > happen fast, but at least its better than the poor pigeon suffering > for week > from a horrible deadly disease. > > I’m not really sure why the Crow’s behavior has changed? Can anyone > offer > any suggestions? > =============================== > > To unsubscribe from this mailing list, > send the message: > unsubscribe > (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) > to: birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au > > > http://birding-aus.org > =============================== > > > —————————— > > Message: 16 > Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:29:14 +1000 > From: Chris > Subject: [Birding-Aus] Fwd: [BIRDING-NZ] BirdingNZ.net Alert: > Shining-bronze cuckoo eating an egg > To: Birding-Aus > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 > > Hi all, just wanted to pass on a fascinating observation of a cuckoo > eating an egg from New Zealand. I knew they would remove eggs from a > nest but wasn’t aware eating them was included. > > Regards, > Chris > > Sent from my iPhone > > Begin forwarded message: > >> From: >> Date: 24 November 2010 18:40:50 AEST >> To: BIRDING-NZ >> Subject: [BIRDING-NZ] BirdingNZ.net Alert: Shining-bronze cuckoo >> eating an egg >> Reply-To: >> > >> Hello BIRDING-NZ, >> >> Brent Stephenson has posted an important post on the BirdingNZ.net >> website. >> >> ——————————————– >> Here’s the text of the post: >> >> Hi all, >> >> Also whilst doing bird counts today I looked up to see a shining- >> bronze >> cuckoo about 3m away from me. The bird was an adult and it had an >> egg in >> its bill! I’m guessing the bird was a female and had just laid its >> egg in >> a nest and removed one of the hosts eggs. The bird had clearly >> cracked one >> side of the egg with its bill, and was holding it upright, with its >> beak at >> a 45 degree angle. It was clearly swallowing the contents of the >> egg, and >> once the shell was empty discarded it, then wiped it’s bill clean. >> >> From the look of the egg it was definitely not a grey warbler, nor >> a grey >> fantail (both these species have eggs with speckles). It wasn’t a >> dunnock >> either – not blue enough, more greeny. The only species which >> springs to >> mind and matches is silvereye…be keen if anyone recognises the >> species. >> >> bstephenson_IMG_0054_crop.jpg >> >> Full details and another photo on my http://b1rder.blogspot.com. >> >> Cheers, >> ——————————————– >> >> You can use the following link to view and reply to the post: >> http://www.birdingnz.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=903&p=3826#p3826 >> >> Please note that email sent by reply to this message will not go to >> BirdingNZ.net. Use the link above instead. >> >> — >> BirdingNZ.net >> __._,_.___ >> Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New >> Topic >> Messages in this topic (1) >> RECENT ACTIVITY: >> Visit Your Group >> BIRDING-NZ is moderated by Brent Stephenson >> MARKETPLACE >> Be a homeroom hero ¿ help Yahoo! donate up to $350K to classrooms! >> >> Stay on top of your group activity without leaving the page you’re >> on – Get the Yahoo! Toolbar now. >> >> Get great advice about dogs and cats. Visit the Dog & Cat Answers >> Center. >> >> Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest ⢠Unsubscribe ⢠Terms of Use >> . >> >> __,_._,___ > > > —————————— > > Message: 17 > Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2010 04:39:25 +1100 > From: Alistair McKeough > Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Re: Canon Cameras > To: richardnjenkin@bigpond.com > Cc: Birding-Aus , Robert Inglis > > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > Some great answers, but I have a slightly different take to everyone > else…. > > The big advantage of the pro bodies is handling. Better AF, more > robust. > Quite simply, you’ll get shots that you might miss with a consumer > body. > However, if you nail the shot on a consumer DSLR it looks just as > good as > anything taken on a pro body. > > If you are using a 100-400, which is a nice lens, but really in the > consumer > (may “prosumer”) category, and have $4K to spend, you are MUCH > better of > spending it on a new lens. Seriously, I wouldn’t even be thinking > about a > new body until you’ve bought a better lens. > > A new 500 f/4 can be had for around $7K now and a new 300 f/2.8 for > under > $5K. Keep your eye out for a second hand one of those. Both work > very well > with teleconverters. > > Improving your lens from a 100-400 to the 500 or 300 will give > results that > are far more noticeable in your images than upgrading the body. > They’ll > allow you to get detail and contrast it’s just not possible to > extract with > the 100-400. And you’ll still be using the lens in 10 or 15 years, > when even > the most expensive body has been superseded many times over. > > If you want, I can send you some photos taken with a 20D (not as > good as > your 450 sensor wise) and a 500 f/4. I know Dave Stowe also has some > wonderful shots taken on the consumer bodies. > > Do yourself a favour and get a better lens before you spend any money > upgrading the body. > > Alistair > > > > > > On 24 November 2010 20:21, Robert Inglis wrote: > >> Dick Jenkins asked some specific questions about a couple of >> specific Canon >> cameras and a couple of specific Canon lenses. >> >> Dick, It is always tempting to make quick and superficial answers >> to such >> question as the ones you ask but I think >> you deserve a more considered response. >> I have been using a Canon EOS 7D DSLR for about a year now (an >> upgrade from >> the 40D which was an upgrade from the 20D which was an >> upgrade from the 300D); I had the use of a Canon EOS 1DMk4 for >> several >> hours recently; I have witnessed several 1DMk4s being used in >> the field and have compared the images from both types of cameras. >> I own and use a canon EF 300 mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens as well as an >> EF 500 mm >> f/4 L IS USM super telephoto lens (my main lens). I >> haven’t used a Canon EF 100 – 400 mm L zoom lens but I know a few >> people >> who do. >> Having the 300 mm f/2.8 L and the 500 mm f/4 L lenses I have no >> desire to >> get a 100 – 400 mm L lens, most bird-photographers I know with this >> lens >> seem to always use it at a focal length over 300 mm. >> >> If you want a totally subjective and biased opinion……………. >> The 7D is a great camera and the 1DMk4 is a fantastic camera. The >> 1DMk4 is >> actually an older design than the 7D and the 7D is, >> perhaps, slightly more advanced in some aspects of the auto-focus >> system >> but it is marginal. The 7D is more advanced in its video >> capabilities. >> It is difficult to judge the two cameras on their relative costs. >> The 1DMk4 >> is a much more robust camera than the 7D (which is a >> much more robust camera than the EOS 450D) and probably uses much >> more >> expensive mechanical and electronic bits and software. The 7D >> is capable of taking great images but the 1DMk4 is capable of taking >> amazing quality images. >> The 1DMk4 has a larger sensor than that of the 7D but the 7D’s >> sensor has >> more pixels. This means that the 1DMk4’s sensor pixels are larger >> than those >> of the 7D. The result is that the 1DMk4 produces what most people >> will >> recognise as better quality images but the 7D images will have more >> detail. >> Overall the differences are minor but, honestly, I think the 1DMk4 >> images >> are better looking. >> My brief experience with the 1DMk4 suggests that the 1DMk4 is more >> consistent in producing high quality images. >> The 7D is sometimes called a ‘mini 1D’. >> I hate saying this but……..if you want and can afford the best, >> then, >> the 1DMk4 is the way to go. If your budget is a little less >> ambitious but you still want an exceptional camera then the 7D is the >> answer. >> Either way, an upgrade from anything you have had before to either >> of those >> cameras is a huge leap. It may take a little while to >> fully come to grips with using them but the effort is worth it. >> I can’t afford a 1DMk4 at the moment but that is the camera I want. >> >> The 100 – 400 mm L lens is a very capable and versatile lens. Its >> great >> virtues are its zoom range and its very short close-focus >> distance. It is a good lens for subjects such as birds and >> butterflies. It >> is relatively light when compared to the 300 mm f/2.8 L >> lens and the 500 mm f/4 L lens. >> The EF 300 mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is possibly the best lens Canon >> makes but >> the EF 500 mm f/4 L IS USM is not far behind. >> The 300 mm f/2.8 L will auto-focus with both the 1.4x and 2x Canon >> Extenders (teleconverters) when fitted to both cameras. >> The 500 mm f/4 L will auto-focus with both Extenders when fitted to >> the >> 1DMk4 but will only auto-focus with the 1.4x Extender when >> fitted to the 7D. >> Canon has deliberately programmed the Extenders to slow the speed >> of the >> auto-focus of the lenses they are fitted to but, generally >> speaking, those lenses will still auto-focus very quickly when >> fitted with >> either Extender. Image quality from both cameras does not >> drop noticeably with either lens when the 1.4x Extender is fitted. >> The >> image quality can drop a bit when the 2x Extender is used on >> the 500 MM f/4 L lens but it is still quite good. Both lenses can >> produce >> extremely sharp images so a slight drop in image quality may not >> cause you >> any >> heartache. Under any circumstances the image quality produced from >> those >> lenses will usually be better than that from the 100 – 400 >> MM L zoom lens. >> Both lenses are not light. The 300 MM lens can be used handheld >> even with >> an Extender fitted but normal people general tire after a short time. >> The 500 mm can be handheld by some people but I can only manage a few >> minutes. >> The 500 mm lens is best used on a tripod and especially one fitted >> with a >> gimbal head (Contact me if you want more details on that.) >> >> Canon is about to release Mk 2 versions of the 300 MM f/2.8 L and >> the 500 >> MM f/4 L lenses. The new versions will probably be a >> little dearer and better but there might be a few good second hand >> Mk 1 >> lenses around next year. >> >> Would the jump from the 450D to a 7D be enough? >> Only you can work that one out but you would probably have to use >> both >> cameras (7D and 1DMk4) for a while before you could be sure. >> What I would say is that if you do decide to settle for the 7D (and >> that >> would not necessarily be a mistake) don’t under any circumstances >> be tempted >> to try a 1DMk4! >> >> Something which should be kept in mind when considering either of >> these >> cameras is the image file sizes. >> The file size will depend on whether you record in RAW format or >> JPEG; I >> always use RAW format because that gives the maximum amount of >> image data so >> allowing the best final results after post-processing. But then, I am >> retired so, of course, I have nothing to do and I can afford to >> spend hours >> processing digital images. >> For the 7D the largest RAW files (without the embedded JPEG – that’s >> another story) is approx 25 MB – huge! >> The max size JPEG from the 7D is approx 6.6 MB. >> For the 1DMk4 the largest RAW file (without the embedded JPEG) is >> approx 22 >> MB – still huge! >> The max size JPEG from the 1DMk4 is approx 5.7 MB. >> >> What this means is that you will need lots of storage space to >> store the >> images from either of these cameras. >> And you will want to keep lots of images from either of these >> cameras. >> If you record RAW image files you will need to process the images >> in your >> computer and, with files that big, you will need a fair amount of >> processing >> power from your computer and lots of RAM. >> If you are used to using Photoshop you will probably have to >> upgrade to the >> latest versions (CS4 or CS5) because the RAW converters compatible >> with >> earlier versions will not recognise the RAW files from these >> cameras. There >> are ways around this but it does make life that bit more difficult. >> >> At the moment it is difficult to buy fully compatible third-party >> batteries >> for these cameras and the genuine Canon batteries are relatively >> expensive. >> These cameras also need fast media cards to get the best out of them, >> faster cards than the 450D is capable of using. I suggest something >> like 8 >> GB SanDisk Extreme as a minimum (Extreme Pro cards are probably >> overkill). >> >> If that’s not enough info contact me directly. >> >> Bob Inglis >> Sandstone Point >> Qld >> Australia >> http://users.tpg.com.au/inglisrc/ >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> =============================== >> >> To unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message: >> unsubscribe (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) >> to: birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au >> >> http://birding-aus.org >> =============================== >> > > > —————————— > > _______________________________________________ > birding-aus mailing list > birding-aus@vicnet.net.au > http://lists.vicnet.net.au/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus > > > End of birding-aus Digest, Vol 56, Issue 36 > ******************************************* > >
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