iJourneys

John Gough Photography

Vision Nine Contemporary Photography

by

Vision 9

Today I viewed the Vision 9 contemporary photography exhibition at the OXO Tower on the South Bank. Nine leading outdoor photographers are displayed showing seascapes, landscapes and abstract images.

Why go? My rationale is that it demonstrates the gap between the work I do and truly remarkable photography. If I have a personal mission, it is to close that gap.

The photographers exhibiting are:

Valda Bailey     Doug Chinnery   Cheryl Hamer  Marianthi Lainas  Astrid McGechan    Beata Moore   Paul Sanders  

 Richard Talibart  Linda Wevill

The exhibition is on until the 15th April. Admission is free.

Fujifilm X-H1 Review of Reviews

by

Fujifilm X-H1

Fujifilm X-H1

Fujifilm X-H1 is the H for hype or does this camera live up to its billing? We trawl the reviews and forums to try and get a balanced view on the Fujifilm X-H1 as a stills camera.

Already a fracas has broken out. If you dare to criticise a Fujifilm camera then be prepared for a kickback. Their users are the most loyal in the world. However,  YouTube photography supremo, Tony Northrop challenged the Fuji orthodoxy by claiming that the full frame sensor on the Sony a7III had two times the image quality of the Fujifilm X-H1 sensor. We know what he meant but……

However, Northrop hit back:

So what is the point? Well, it reflects a disappointment that this camera was probably not the camera Fuji enthusiasts were dreaming of. Why? Let’s look at the camera in more detail.

Fujifilm X-H1 Specification

  • 24.3-million-pixel X-Trans APS-C CMOS III sensor
  • 5 axis in-body image stabilization: IBIS
  • 3in, 1.04m-dot tilt screen
  • Tiltable touch sensitive LCD
  • ISO 200-12,800 (expandable to ISO 100-51,200)
  • Continuous shooting up to 14fps
  • Two card slots
  • 673g body only, including battery and memory card. 166g heavier than the XT2
  • 310 shot NP-W126S Li-ion battery
  • Wi-Fi with Bluetooth
  • Optional VPB-XH1 battery grip
  • 139.8×97.3×85.5mm (WxHxD)
  • 25% tougher weather-resistant body
  • Silent electronic shutter with a maximum speed of 1/32,000 sec,
  • 91 auto-focus points (expandable to 325)
  • A sub LCD monitor on the top plate
  • 4K capture at up to 200 Mbps

Fujifilm X-H1: DPReview Review

The DPReview review awards the camera a sliver award, because the camera although worthy does not excel in any respect:

  • The size and weight of the camera has been increased over the XT2 because of the addition of IBIS and the thermal cooling required for long bursts of 4K video
  • The settings for stills and video can remain separate, enabling easy swapping between modes.
  • There is a dynamic range priority setting which can assist in drawing detail out of shadows.
  • The magnesium alloy body is 25% thicker and the surface hardness has been increased to improve durability.
  • The top plate LCD panel stays on even when the camera is switched off and can be configured to only show vital information.
  • The weather sealing has been improved and the camera can function at -10C.
  • The 310 shot battery should last half a day of dedicated photography
  • Need to fine tune the AF behaviour to get sharp results
  • Face detection performance is good but variable depending on the lens.
  • Low light AF is said to be improved
  • AF works best in the phase detection area at the centre of the sensor
  • The 5x IBIS is not consistent across all lenses. Expect about 2x with wide angle lenses and 3,3 with telephoto.
  • An excellent JPEG engine with excellent creative colour modes
  • Slight ‘glitching’ in fine colour detail in RAW but overall low noise levels are low and detail acceptable.
  • The touchscreen can be slow to respond

 I’m not sure the number and style of control points necessarily reflects the needs of the user interface, now it’s trying to accommodate both stills and video

the X-H1 [is] up against some pretty fierce competition: Sony, for example, offers the broadly comparable a6500 for less money or the impressive-looking full-frame a7 III for only a little more.

Fujifilm X-H1: Cameralabs

Cameralabs provide one of the most detailed reviews available, here are the bits I found interesting:

  • Could be described as an XT2 with IBIS, a touchscreen, bigger grip, better video and Bluetooth
  • One of the heftiest mirrorless cameras
  • It is stronger mare scratch resistant and has 94 points of weather sealing
  • The display remains active when the camera is switched off, indicating at a glance the shots and battery life remaining.
  • Some glasses wearers prefer the viewfinder to the XT2
  • It is possible to record stills to both cards but not video
  • The X-Trans III sensor is the same as in the XT2 and is now two years old.
  • Vertical Power Booster (VPB X-H1) makes room for three batteries but adds to cost and bulk.
  • Unstabilised lenses become usable due to the IBIS. Plus the IBIS make in camera composition easier with telescopic and other lenses.
  • The phase detect and contrast based autofocus systems are the same as the XT2 and therefore perform similarly. However, it has been tweaked to work better in low light.
  • Face detection and eye detection can be erratic

I say it in every Fujifilm review, but still believe they have the best colour science in the industry.

I understand Fujifilm’s eagerness to launch their first body with built-in stabilisation, but feel the X-H1’s size, price and position would have been more comfortable with a new sensor and battery.

Fujifilm X-H1: Kai W

If you want to see the weather sealing qualities check this out:

 

Fujifilm X-H1: Fstoppers

Usman Daywood in the Fstoppers review calls this a disappointing release from Fujifilm.

  • Comments online wonder where this product fits and when there will be a replacement for the XT2
  • Major changes over XT2 re stills photography are an information top plate, IBIS and touchscreen

The Fujifilm X-H1 is a disappointing and confusing release from the company which is very unlike them. This feels rushed and completely unnecessary, and it would have been much better to simply wait and release a proper update the X-T2. 

 

Fujifilm X-H1: Digital Camera Weekly

A very positive review from Digital Camera Weekly

  • The light trigger shutter takes getting used to. Very little pressure is needed.
  • The shutter is very quiet due to a clever shock damping on the mechanical focal plane shutter
  • The deep grip makes the camera easy to hold especially with larger lenses
  • The IBIS enables sharp images to be taken handheld at 1/8 sec at 55mm.
  • The expanded dynamic range feature lifts the base ISO level by 1-2EV.
  • Fujifilm includes lens corrections into the RAW files as well as JPEG processing.

the X-H1 makes a lot of sense, especially for those who have already invested in the X-mount system or are swayed by its design, image quality and lenses. 

Fujifilm X-H1: Photography Blog

Another positive review from Photography Blog

  • The lens mount is reinforced to be more damage resistant.
  • It is very convenient to be able to check the camera’s key settings with a quick glance at the top LCD
  • It is possible to change the focus point whilst holding the camera up to your eye by dragging your thumb across the touchscreen.

While the new Fujifilm X-H1 is the best-specced, best-performing X-series camera to date, curiously we feel that it doesn’t quite have the widest appeal, both within the Fujifilm eco-system and the camera market as a whole.

So what Fujifilm have mostly added, they’ve perhaps also taken a little away, with the addition of IBIS, bigger handgrip and top LCD screen making the X-H1 the largest X-series APS-C camera to date.

it’s not the only camera that’s being directly challenged by the aggressive pricing of the A7 III, but when the APS-C sensor X-H1 is physically bigger than the full-frame sensor A7 III at the same price-point (if you factor in the VPB-XH1), Sony seem to have the edge, at the very least in marketing terms.

Fujifilm X-H1: Conclusion

When I first handled the X-H1 I was surprised at how bulky it was. I was disappointed that the retro feel of Fujifilm cameras had been jettisoned. However, it may just be a function of progress as mirrorless cameras take on more features and technology. However, I wonder whether Fujifilm had an inkling that Sony was about to release a ball buster in the Sony A7III, and rushed to release the X-H1 without properly resolving battery and other issues.

Where to Buy

I buy my equipment from Wex because I have found they offer great customer service.

 

 

Philip Lepper Trophy

by

Philip Lepper Trophy

Trees Reflected / John Gough / Canon 6D

Delighted to receive the Philip Lepper Trophy at Bedford Camera Club this week, for my image Trees Reflected.

It was taken a year or so ago at Buttermere. I parked the car in Buttermere village then walked back along the B5289 towards Gatesgarth. I then walked back to Buttermere on the path between the lake and the road. The picture was taken looking back at the trees on the southern shoreline, using a big 100-400mm lens.

All the photography gods were aligned that day.

Lake District Photography Locations

by

Lake District Photography Locations

Pooley Bridge Pier / John Gough / Canon 6D

I have been in the Lake District for a few days, and instead of darting from one location to the next, I did what many landscape photographers recommend which is to work the location. Usually, I don’t have the time for this, trying to pack in as much as I can. However, I have accumulated hundreds of pictures of the Lakes over the past few years, so I decided to follow their advice.

Lake District Photography: Wastwater

I started in Wastwater and worked the view looking towards Wasdale Head and Skafell Pike.

The landscape experts tell you to make the most of the weather you have been given. Well, at least it was not that insipid clear blue sky, you see on postcards of Lakeland scenes. The sky instead was overcast, the rain was spitting, and the breeze created a slight swell on the water. All in all, this created quite a moody scene.

Lakedistrict Photography

Wastwater in March / John Gough / Canon 6D

 

 

Lake District Photography: Buttermere

The next day I went in search of a photography icon, the lone tree on the shoreline of Buttermere Lake. Hundreds of photographers have got there before me. Indeed there was one there as I arrived, self consciously moving a tripod around while his wife looked on impatiently. Fortunately, I had neither encumbrance.

Head for the Fish Inn CA13 9XA. There is a public carpark. Walk past the pub and onto the path around the lake. When you reach the banks of the lake turn left and follow the path.

Lake District Photography

The Lone Tree / John Gough / Canon 6D

It is a misnomer the tree is not on its own, there are other trees along the bank. However, none have captured the imagination of artists and photographers quite like this one.

 Lake District Photography: Ullswater


I went to Pooley Bridge on Ullswater to find another iconic location, the Duke of Portland Boathouse. The best vantage point is from the wall just past the junction of the A592 and the B5320. It was, however, overcast, pouring with rain, and the lake was a murky grey. The boathouse is really only worth shooting as the sun comes up and illuminates it from the front.

I walked back to the pier for Ullswater steamers, by now it was raining hard, but as pier pictures seem very much in vogue, I captured the image at the top of the page. I took several but the rest were ruined by rain spots. By now I was cold and wet, so I decided it was time for a bacon butty.

 

 

I have added links to the books I use to find locations. These are affiliate links so I do get a very small payment if you purchase.

 

I used my Canon 6D on this trip with the magic 16-135 lens ideal for landscapes. I buy my gear from Wex because I have experienced their fantastic customer service personally.

 

Photography Show

by

A Model at the Photography Show / John Gough / Sony a6300

I went to the Photography Show today, these are just a few impressions:

Canon 6DII

The Canon 6DII had been reduced in price again with a double discount scheme. Below £1400 and with a 24-70 lens thrown in for an extra £100. This is a sure sign that this much maligned camera is struggling. I talked to the guys on the Canon stand who said what we know, which is that Canon was afraid of ruining the market segment for the Canon 5D IV, by raising the specification too far. This strategy has backfired.

Sony A7III

The star of the show was the Sony A7III, I had read the reviews but was not sure how it would feel. It is a small light camera but feels solid in the hands. The EVF is big and bright. I compared it with my Sony a6300, and it is a bit bigger. I think it could be used for street photography. I want one.

Fuji H-XT

There has been some magic lost here. Fuji folk would never admit it. They are the most die hard camera fans there are. Fuji does some excellent marketing to keep them loyal and close. The camera, however, did not have the look and feel of the X-T2, X-T20 or the beautiful X-Pro2. I think it is losing the vintage experience and replacing with a top screen c’ Nikon year 2005, which has something to do with it. Plus Olympus and Sony are demonstrating that cameras do not have to be big and clunky.

Adapting Canon Lenses to Sony

I admit it was on the Sony stand that I heard this, but the Sigma M11 works well joining Canon glass to Sony bodies. There are frequent updates that can be downloaded to the adapter as new lenses and bodies are introduced. There is a big demand for this adapter as photographers switch from Canon to Sony.

Trashhand

Listened to Trashhand on the Live Stage. “Call me Trash”. Liked his approach to street photography which was a mix of people, architecture and urban landscape. He recounted that he had been spat at and assaulted working on the mean streets of Chicago, LA and New York. “If people complain, it is their fault. If they don’t want their photo taken then they should not be on the street”.

Paul Sanders

Saw Paul Sanders in the Adobe Theatre. Beautiful minimalist landscape using Lee big stopper filters to their full potential i.e. 10 and 20 minute exposures.

The End

An excellent day, although I did get collared by security for taking a photograph of a door. I had to point out that this was a photography show.

Looking Out / John Gough / Sony a6300

How Do I Transfer Pictures to a PC from a Smartphone?

by

Photo by Rachael Crowe on Unsplash

One of the reasons I do not use my camera phone for ‘serious’ photography, is that I find it awkward to transfer pictures to a PC from my iPhone.

I am well aware that there are lots of different solutions out there regarding the transfer pictures to a PC from a smartphone, but I also know that my method, which is mailing them to myself is not the most efficient! Furthermore, I am also aware that I am too much of a curmudgeon to pay for iCloud.

I am not the only one confused. One of the most asked questions on Google is ‘how do I transfer pictures to a PC from a Smartphone?’

So what is the best solution?

Simple Way to Transfer Pictures to a PC from a Smartphone.

There is now an app from Microsoft. It is new and still in a testing phase, but it is available and works a treat. Furthermore, it does not involve the Cloud but it does require WiFi. It is free. It works for both Android and iPhone. It simply and seamlessly transfers pictures from your smartphone to a PC. How?

Microsoft Photos Companion

  • Open the Windows 10 Photos App on your PC.
  • To make the Photos Companion App active. Go to the top right: See More>Settings>Preview>Help Microsoft test the mobile import over WiFi feature>Slide to On.
  • On the Windows 10 Photos App: Import>From mobile over WiFi
  • Open the Photos Companion App on the phone
  • Scan the QR code on the PC screen, to pair the PC and the smartphone.

Microsoft Photos App QR Code

  • Select the images to be transferred hit Done.
  • The pictures transfer across seamlessly to the Windows 10 Photos App on your PC.
  • Drag the pictures from the Photos App to your pictures folder.

The pairing isn’t permanent and will have to be re-established for each sharing operation, but it is quick and easy. If you think this could be useful, head to the Microsoft site to find out more.

I realise that there are many options out there to transfer pictures to a PC, but this one is both free and simple. The big advantage for me is that I no longer have to mail my own pictures to myself!

Sony A7 III with Canon Lenses

by

Sony A7 III

Sigma MC II Mount Canon Lens to Sony E Mount

Following on from our review of the new Sony A7 III vs the Canon 6D II, it is so apparent that the Sony A7 III is a far more featured camera for the same original retail price as the Canon. So why if you had the choice would you go for the Canon instead?

One good reason is that the 6D II price is now falling faster than a Sumo’s jock strap. In the UK it can be bought at Wex for £1728 less £100 when using a Canon voucher. On the grey market, it is around £1169. In our review, we thought that was great value even for a flawed camera.

Another reason for sticking with Canon may be that you are not yet happy about moving to mirrorless.

  • Mirrorless or CSC cameras are lighter and smaller and so much easier to travel with. However, when you add big glass, that can add a lot of weight and reduce the advantage.
  • Electronic viewfinders on CSC cameras give a better representation of the final image, but it does not have that real optical look of a pentaprism.
  • CSC’s have no mirror to throw about so continuous shooting is way faster. If that is an important consideration? For many photographers 6.5 frames / second is sufficient.
  • With all that electronic wizardry CSC’s drain their batteries fast.

Major Reason for not Switching is Investment in Lenses

Probably the major reason for not switching to Sony is investment in Canon lenses. Yes, you could sell and buy Sony, but that is going to leave you further out of pocket, and the financial advantages switch back to Canon. So how about using Canon lenses on your new Sony camera. Sony has for a long time been an open platform when it comes to lenses. Many photographers use vintage lenses on Sony cameras to good effect.

This video is from Jason Lanier, who seems to have way too many lenses, but uses his largesse to good effect by demonstrating that his Canon lenses work fine with a Sony A7 III. The speed of autofocus is amazing.

The adapter being used is the Sigma MC II adapter which you can buy at Wex or Amazon

 

Being able to use Canon lenses on Sony cameras like the Sony A7 III, just seems like such common sense. Use the lenses you have and love, with a camera that in technology terms is light years ahead of what Canon is likely to offer in this segment of the market for a long time. Even then Sony may well have jumped ahead again with the Sony A7 IV!

 

Where I Buy

I buy my gear from Wex because I have experienced their amazing customer service.

 

 

 

International Garden Photographer of the Year

by

 

IGOPTY

IGOPTY at Kew Gardens.

An exhibition of last year’s winners of the IGPOTY is now at Kew Gardens and then a few other venues around the country. I went along today and there are some terrific images. This photography contest has become big business and is very popular. To get a winning image is a big deal, and the standard is to die for. The winning images are here.

Interesting how ‘creative’ so many of the winners are, and how plant photography drifts so seamlessly into abstract. Try to catch it.

Sony a7 III vs Canon 6D Mark II

by

Sony a7 III

Sony has just announced the Sony a7 III. It is a mirrorless full frame camera aimed at the enthusiast, filling the same spot on the dial, and price point as the Canon 6D Mk II. What many reviewers said about the 6D2 when it launched a few months ago, was that it was a missed opportunity. Built down to a price and purposely excluding features available on their more professional cameras like the Canon 5D Mk III. Sony has however embraced the new technology they have available and made it available at this price point. Is the Sony a7 III the camera Canon should have introduced? Let’s have a look at how they compare:

Body

The Sony has a 650 gm magnesium alloy body, the Canon has a 765 gm magnesium alloy chassis with a polycarbonate body. Both are environmentally sealed.

Sensor & Processor

Both cameras are full frame. the Sony is 24 megapixels compared with 26 megapixels from Canon. Both cameras use the latest processors in their camera line up. The BIONZ X (Sony) and DIGIC 7 (Canon). The Exmor X sensor on the a7III provides a claimed 15 stop dynamic range.

Point and Shoot

The Sony a7 III is a mirrorless camera with an electronic viewfinder (EVF). The Canon is a DSLR with a traditional optical pentaprism. Both have 3″ touchscreens, the Canon fully articulates the Sony tilts only.

Stabilisation

Sony Stabilisation

There is 5 axis stabilisation in the Sony a7 III which equates to avoiding camera shake by an additional 5 stops. In the 6D2 there is no in-camera stabilisation for still photography, but it is available for video. Both have image stabilised lenses.

Focusing

There are 693 focus points on the Sony. It is the system derived from the top of the range A9 with 425 contrast detection points. There are 45 cross-type AF points on the Canon. Sony has both face and eye recognition, Canon has face recognition.

Shutter

The Front End LSI pre-processor from the upmarket  Sony a7R III, is incorporated into this camera, taking the drive to 10 fps with big buffers for RAW files as well as JPEG. The Canon can reach 6.5 fps.

The maximum shutter speed is 1/8000th  and 1/4000th respectively.

Sony has 4K video, the Canon has Full HD

ISO

Sony ISO is 100-25,600 which can be boosted to 204,800. The Canon is 100-40,000 which can be boosted to 102,400.

Batteries and Cards

The Sony battery life is 610 shots (using the EVF) vs 1200 shots from Canon. The Sony has two card slots, the Canon has one.

Connectivity

Both have built-in wireless. Canon has GPS

Price

The Sony a7 III will be launched in April at $2000, the Canon 6D Mk ii was launched at $2000 but now retails for $1899.

Summary

Sony with a consumer electronics background is well used to developing new technology, and looking to the market (the new Fujifilm X-H1 for example) to lead new product development. This provides great value for consumers, who in the Sony a7 III gain a cutting edge at a bargain price. Canon is more introspective, used to a two-horse race with Nikon. For them, it is more about just keeping up. However, Canon may soon find this is not enough.

Where to Buy

I buy my equipment from Wex because I have found they offer great customer service.

 

Will the Smartphone Camera Replace the Camera?

by

 

At Bedford Camera Club there is going to be a photography competition next month. Not using cameras but smartphones. It will be the first in the club’s long history. Probably even a few years ago it would have seemed bizarre that the smartphone camera could replace a ‘proper camera’.

The smartphone camera has now all but replaced the point and shoot camera. This is a disruptive technology that the likes of Nikon and Canon did not see coming. You cannot take a selfie with a Canon IXUS.

Smartphone Cameras Are Good and Getting Better

DxOMark has recently published a report on the development of smartphone cameras, which demonstrates just how far image quality has improved.

Disruptive technologies in mobile imaging: Taking smartphone cameras to the next level

The key technologies are:

  • Sensor size is restricted due to space constraints. However, image quality has been improved through the use of image stabilisation and longer exposures.
  • Temporal  Noise Reduction (TNR) combines the data from several frames to increase detail and decrease noise.
  • Scene analysis algorithms detect backlit subjects and other tricky lighting situations.
  • Auto HDR lifts the detail in shadows
  • Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) combines two images to find perfect focus
  • Dual pixels make systems less susceptible to noise and improve IQ in low light conditions.
  • Dual cameras with secondary telephoto lenses make optical zoom possible

DSLRs and mirrorless system cameras are still clearly ahead in some areas, but in terms of image processing, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and the other players in the DSC market are behind what Apple, Samsung, Google, and Huawei can do. Thanks to their hardware advantages, the larger cameras don’t actually need the same level of pixel processing as smartphones to produce great images, but there is no denying that the performance gap between smartphones and DSLRs is narrowing. DxOMark

The Smartphone Camera is One Integrated Device

The ability to shoot, edit and share photographs on one device is a big advantage to some professional photographers. I have created a selection of professional smartphone camera images here.

Why do some professional photographers prefer the smartphone to say a traditional DSLR?

helps your subject to be at ease with you. Most of the people I meet are amazed and curious that I use such a small device to capture photos instead of a DSLR or a rangefinder AikBeng Chia

not only is it the camera in my hand, but it’s the printing press in my pocket and more importantly, with the rise of social networks like Instagram, it’s become my satellite dish in order to instantly transmit, globally. I can share my vision at the touch of a button and receive instant feedback Richard ‘Koci’ Hernandez

the camera I always have in my pocket has shown me more small miracles, more tiny details, than I ever thought possible Robert-Paul Jansen

using just the iPhone and any number of great photography apps, the stranger/street portrait enters a whole new level. I love the spontaneity and the quick relationship that exists between me and the subject Jim Darling

There’s no doubt that a camera with a full-frame sensor will produce technically better images than a smartphone, but the resulting photographs depend much more on the hands that camera is resting in, and the perspective of the person hitting the shutter. And in the end, it’s the photographs – not the camera – that matter most. Carey Rose

Stephen Soderbergh whose films include Erin Brockovich, Traffic, and Ocean’s Eleven has even shot his latest film Unsane on an iPhone. See above.

People forget, this is a 4k capture. I’ve seen it 40 feet tall. It looks like velvet.This is a gamechanger to me.

The Great Divide

Soderbergh is correct, smartphone camera photography and filmmaking will be a game changer. It used to be that people took photographs on phone, point and shoot, bridge, mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Now, most people use a smartphone, and the rest a few enthusiasts, hobbyists and professionals use the expensive kit. Camera manufacturers are complacent if they think this trend will continue. Canon, have the impression that they still dominate, attempting to get away with launching a premium camera like the Canon EOS 6DMkII without even 4K video.

Innovation is being led by Apple and Samsung, and increasingly professionals and enthusiasts will follow.

 

Where to Buy Your Equipment

I buy my equipment from Wex because of their exceptional customer service. I once returned a camera after 30 days, and the next day they called to return my money to my account. Their prices are always competitive and they offer good prices on the trade in of your used gear.