GeorgeKat

Thank you for all the responses. vdschoor, I wondered if focusing speed was a factor but I'm not sure if the camera will release the shutter until it believes it has achieved focus. I love the DOF test with the brick wall PharmerPhil, I'll try that. the_sarge, LouDiamond and Laszloimage I use ‘one shot’ focus mode to prevent hunting and loss of images at exit for example. The camera focuses on the first frame then holds that focus for the bust. Every time you start a new burst it re-focuses. I’ve used this mode successfully on the 20D for a long time now. I found that the exposure is also locked in this focus mode when the default ‘evaluative metering’ is selected so I had to move to 'Center Weighted' metering to prevent this. Maybe the 5D is different in some way from the 20D in this mode??? LouDiamond and dragon2, your comments on the variation in lenses is worrying. I did notice that the shots I took in the plane were ok. Not as good as my 24-105 f/4L or even my 15 f/2.8 but nowhere near as bad as they were in freefall. I think I’ll post an example tonight. I only did one jump with the lens so I didn’t try any other settings – I dared not risk it again for a tandem. I will try the same set-up with a 4-way and all manual settings as many suggested. I will also try a slower shutter to generate more DOF. I would still be very interested to see an image from the same set-up if anyone would be so kind.

I just bought a Canon 24mm f/2.8 and used it on a Tandem with my 5D. I was very disappointed with the results. The focus on all of the freefall shots was very 'soft' and not what I've come to expect from the 5D. Settings: TV 1/500, 'One Shot' auto focus, 'Center Weighted' exposure. The Metadata is telling me that the aperture was working and around f/5.6 and the shutter speed was as set. The shots in the plane and on the ground were ok (I took a 580EX with me but removed it before the jump). I’ve also taken freefall shots of 4-way with the Canon 15mm and the same camera settings and they were great. I’m looking for any experiences with this camera/lens combination and I’d love to see some sample shots of Tandems and hear what settings you used. BTW, I know the 5D is OTT for tandems and that thread has happened already.

I think your problem is auto-focus. Many of the responses here would explain why the camera is having problems focusing on the subject. I sometimes have the same thing happen under side lit conditions shooting a tandems approach to land (20D, Canon 15mm, TV:500), particularly if there’s dust on the lens. The subject is small in the frame, there’s a lot of sky and the dust casts a shadow across the image. You have two options IMO: 1) Use manual focus and find the best focus point. Get someone to explain depth of field to you or (more practical) copy someone else’s settings if you can find someone with the same setup. You always want to capture between infinity and as close as you can get to the lens with the available light, then make sure you don’t get too close. 2) Use "One Shot" focus mode. This mode sets the focus point to the first shot you take in a burst so the lens only has to focus once instead of every shot. You may have other problems with this setting. For example if your first shot in a burst is from 6 inches away from the subject all your exit shots will be out of focus. You need to make sure this doesn’t happen by creating enough distance in the door or waiting a fraction before you take the first shot. The other problem with this setting is that the exposure is also set by the first shot in this focus mode. You need to move the exposure setting from the default ‘evaluative metering’ to ‘center weighted metering' and that solves this problem. Most people I know use Manual focus. I spent a lot of time trying to find a single set-up that works for a whole tandem or AFF shoot where every shot is in focus and properly exposed. Number 2 does it for the focus, Custom Function 16: “Safety Shift in Av or Tv” does it for exposure. I get great results 99% of the time.

Ideally It would replicate the on-camera control although I think the camera incorporates a potentiometer that adjusts the rate and direction of zoom and I don't really need this. Second best would be pre-set, fixed rate with two switch points: zoom-in and zoom-out. Third best would be two, pre-set zoom positions that I can select from with a single button press. The application is simple - I want to be able to zoom my ground footage (for tandem and AFF) without taking the camera out of the DBox. The zoom control switch position on the PC330 coincides with the hinge on the DBox and is on the helmet side (side-mount) so I can't cut an access hole.

I just sent them an email. Thanks for the link - interesting.

I searched the forum and found this: http://www.technodz.com/category/product but there is no response from the site to my requests. Does anyone know where I can get this or a similar product? I want CamEye II functionality with zoom control via LANC on a Sony PC 330.

I admire your lack of Klutziness! To clarify; my main point was if you do drop a 20D I think it's more likely to survive. If lightness outweighs robustness in your mind then the 20D may not be your best choice. Just adding my thoughts to help Ronaldo make the best decision.

I've had a couple of mishaps over the years with my 20D and it has survived. I dropped my helmet onto concrete, flash shoe first, from 4 feet and it was fine. I also took a tumble and broke my 15mm in half, the 20D was fine. For lightness I agree the XT's are an advantage. If you're an occasional klutz like me...

I sent them an email asking about CF adapters and they sent me this link to another company: http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/eye-fi-wifi-memory/ They bundle the card with a CF to SD adapter and they say it works with DSLRs. I haven't tried it. I would be interested to know if anyone has. It might make the work-flow easier at a tandem operation.

or this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/270215-REG/Sony_VMC15FS_VMC15FS_A_V_Cable_.html

Not wishing to hijack the thread, I lost the viewfinder on my PC330 on Sunday (riser, door - who knows)The fixed repair fee is >$300.00 now. Does anyone know if I can buy this as a part? If so, where? Is it easy to fit - it looks like it was just yanked out - nothing looks broken. G

Thanks for your help guys.

I'd like to hear some opinions, experiences and advice on setting up a website to make pictures available for viewing and for sale. I'm interested in recommendations for: Obtaining a domain name Renting server space A good format for showing and selling pictures Criteria: I don't want my pictures stolen I don't want to share profit by using a picture selling service I don't want to become an expert web designer but I'm happy to tinker I want it to be easy to add / remove pics and to respond to enquires Thanks in advance

Thanks. Do you have a picture of a set-up?

Thanks for the question, I should have mentioned that's what I want to use it for.

Has anyone used a Cookie Flatlock mount? It looks thin and light and it seems to have 4 screw holes in both parts, which I want to attach a DBox securely with. No other plates seem to have this feature. Your experiences would be most welcome. http://www.cookiecomposites.com/shop/helmetaccessories/25/index.htm

too)..... Hope to jump with you all again someday. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Looking forward to it

It certainly was a cool plane - thanks for the mammaries.

Thank you sir, that's exactly what I was looking for.

Looking for pre-purchase learned opinions please. Is anyone using the Canon 14mm f2.8L? Is it worth 4 times the Canon or Sigma 15mm? What about the Sigma v Canon 15's? Any views? George

I looked into this and ended up buying a Photoshop Plugin called "Velvia Vision" from http://www.fredmiranda.com/shopping/vv. I've attached what it did to the tandem opening that was posted earlier. It's a tough sky to improve and I've overdone it a bit to illustrate the effect. I've had fantastic results with other images.

I just bought this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=348419&is=REG&addedTroughType=search but I haven't used it yet so I don't know. I like the fact that it's light, easy to switch out the AA batteries (I'll use rechargables) and has a tripod type thumb-screw attachment. Has anyone used this unit?

Sorry if the question's been asked, I did a search before posting. I'm looking for recommended settings for a 20D with 580EX for the camera and the flash. I've never used flash in FF before so I'd welcome any tips you care to offer. I have it connected via the remote cable and I have a battery pack connected to the flash. One other thing; My set-up covers the IR thingy on the body of the flash. Will it still work OK? G

Has anyone tried this lens? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=363807&is=REG&addedTroughType=search It looks like an ideal range for tandem to 4-way and it's a similar weight and price to the Sigma fixed 15mm which is what I would have bought for my 20D if I hadn't found this. Any views before I part with my hard earned cash?

Good observation ;-) When I can land there IMC I'm coming back. I reckon around Oct. I am missing it :-|