Wildlife Photography - India Tiger Photo Tour

* * *  Indian Wildlife Tour, Day 9 Update  * * *

I am off to India for a wildlife photo shoot. Will be visiting a few national parks and Tiger reserves and doing some travel photography as well. Modes of transportation include jeeps and elephants looking for Tigers, other wildlife and birds plus trying to locate Gharials, a fish eating crocodile native to the Indian sub-continent. This will add more variety to a strictly tiger photo shoot in Incredible India. 

India is the largest democracy, second most populous country in the world and possesses a rich history spanning thousands of years. All travelers will have some opinions (either way) about this country and few visitors can be unaffected after their trip. The country has a chaotic and creative blend of cultures, religions, races and tongues. One's senses are constantly 'bombarded' by fascinating sights, sounds and colors. It is a window into our planet and humanity. 

This time I will be traveling light. Bringing my Canon EOS-7D Mk II , EOS-5Ds , EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS , EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L lenses. Too bad I will not have the EOS-1D X Mark II camera with me. The delivery should start late this month. My readers know I have chosen its predecessor, the EOS-1D X as the best wildlife camera, four years in a row. You can see my equipment bag here.

My Indian guide has been getting good Bengal tiger sightings with cubs in various national parks in the last few months. I look forward to viewing and photographing these magnificent animals in the wild and get more information on the fight against poachers and smugglers from the National Tiger Conservation Authority. It will be difficult for me to keep in touch because there are few Internet access in the jungles and countryside but I will do my best. Have to wait till I return in mid April to reconnect and write my blog again.

In the meantime, you can see more of my works on MichaelDanielHo.com and photos from previous trips to India and around the globe. Wish me luck on my trip. My India tour last year was just average. I need a break to get some spectacular sightings and encounters this time.

Wildlife Photography - Costa Rica Photo Tour

* * *  Costa Rican Photo Tour, Day 3 update  * * *

Off to Costa Rica for some wildlife photography. Will be staying in one particular region of the rain forest almost in the middle of the country. Costa Rica is a small democratic country in Central America with breath taking sceneries and abundant wildlife in the many national parks and reserves around the nation.  

I will be concentrating on Hummingbirds, Toucans and Amphibians. Hummingbirds are found only in the Western Hemisphere, from southeastern Alaska to southern Chile. Many species live in tropical Central America. There are more than 300 species of Hummingbirds and Costa Rica has over 50 species within its borders. For those interested in Hummers, take a look at my article on how and where to photograph them.

My readers know after much deliberation, I have finally replaced my venerable Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III with the full frame, 61-point AF, 50 megapixel Canon EOS-5Ds camera. The 5Ds will be used primarily for nature and travel photography but occasionally for wildlife that don't move too much. The resolution of its impressive sensor, the ability to crop the image (on the camera) to 1.3x and 1.6x are great advantages for me when it comes to wildlife photography, offsetting its main disadvantage - the slow 5 fps burst rate.

Accompanying me on this trip will be the EOS-1D X, EOS-5Ds, EOS-7D Mk II, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II, EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM 1.4x Extender and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II lens. My big regret is the recently announced EOS-1D X Mark II camera will not be delivered in time for my next two photo shoots. The conditions I will be facing are perfect to test the new AF system, high ISO performance and 14 fps burst rate.

In the meantime, you can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com. Wish me luck on this photo shoot. I will not have much time going through my photos after this trip because a week after Costa Rica, I am going on a Tiger photo shoot in India. Last year was not a good trip for me due to the poor tiger sightings. I need a break to get some spectacular encounters this year.   

It may not be easy for me to keep in touch because of my traveling schedule and sporadic Internet access but I will do my best. Have to wait till I return in late March to reconnect and write my blog again.

Canon EOS-5Ds / EOS-5Ds R Sample Images and Videos

Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5Ds R full frame 50MP cameras

Canon officially announced the EOS-5Ds and EOS-5Ds R cameras on February 6. Click on the links below to see sample photos and videos from the two DSLRs.

Detailed specifications and technical information here

EOS-5Ds sample photos and videos

EOS-5Ds R sample photos and videos

Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5Ds R Press Release

Canon EOS-5Ds R full frame camera (front view)

Canon EOS-5Ds R full frame camera (rear view)

* * *  Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5Ds R cameras officially announced  * * *

London, UK, 6 February 2015 – Canon today transforms the EOS system with the arrival of the EOS 5Ds and the EOS 5Ds R – a new breed of ultra-high resolution full-frame DSLRs.

Breaking the boundaries of 35mm sensors,the new cameras offer the highest megapixels ever seen in a full frame sensor, an astonishing 50.6MP. Delivering unparalleled quality, the cameras provide an exceptional combination of resolution, responsiveness and durability, whether shooting landscapes, architecture, high fashion or portraiture, either personally or professionally. When nothing but the sharpest image is expected, the EOS 5Ds R also features a low pass cancellation filter to maximise the sensor’s resolution and visible image quality.Alongside the new DSLRs, Canon also introduces the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM, the world’s widest-angle rectilinear zoom lens(1), the perfect companion for landscape and architecture photographers.

Establishing new standards for full-frame DSLRs

Setting a new benchmark for full-frame cameras, the EOS 5Ds and EOS 5Ds R combine fast, instinctive DSLR handling with the newly-developed 50.6MP CMOS sensor, providing the flexibility to shoot a wide range of scenes and subjects, making it ideal for large format mediums, such as advertising billboards and magazine covers, where every pixel matters. The sensor’s advanced architecture provides

ISO 100-6400 sensitivity, further expandable to 50-12800, ensuring high quality images with low noise, accurate colours and wide dynamic range. For added flexibility, the cameras’ resolution enables three new in-camera crop shooting modes–1.3x, 1.6x and 1:1. Visible through the viewfinder, the crop modes deliver outstanding results, with stills at 19 MP even when cropped to 1.6x. Built to withstand the most demanding shoots, the EOS 5Ds and EOS 5Ds R’s dual DIGIC 6 processors provide the rapid performance and responsiveness required to deliver first-class images with exceptional colour reproduction. Both processors are designed to comfortably manage huge levels of image data from the 50.6MP sensor, whilst simultaneously reducing image noise and providing the freedom to shoot at five frames per second.

Automatically exceptional

Created to ensure every detail of your exquisite landscape or high-fashion studio shoot is in focus, the EOS 5Ds and EOS 5Ds Rfeature an advanced 61-point AF system, with 41 cross-type points, delivering incredible levels of image sharpness and accuracy across the frame. Both cameras comfortably maintain focus with moving subjects, using EOS Intelligent Tracking and Recognition AF (iTR) to track both faces and colour. To reduce image blur, Canon’s Mirror Vibration Control System uses cams to drive the cameras’ mirror up and down in a highly controlled fashion, avoiding all sudden stops and softening the shutter-release sound. Additionally, the EOS 5Ds and EOS 5Ds R’s 150k pixel RGB+IR metering sensor with Flicker Detection ensures images can be captured with consistent and accurate exposures under varying lighting scenarios, including florescent.

Incredible detail and unrestricted creativity

Putting unrivalled image quality at your fingertips, the EOS 5Ds and EOS 5Ds R include a number of customisable modes and settings to ensure stunning results every time. A new Fine Detail Picture Style maximises the level of detail that can be achieved from the sensor, enabling advanced sharpness adjustment without the need for edit ing software. Popular creative modes, including Multiple Exposure and HDR, provide instant, in-camera creativity, while a built-in timer allows you to shoot over long periods and create stunning time lapse videos, without being tied to the camera or needing advanced software and excessive kit.

First-class professional construction, customisable features

The EOS 5Ds and EOS 5Ds R have been expertly constructed to allow you to operate quickly, regardless of the environment you’re shooting in. The 100% viewfinder with electronic overlay makes framing vital shots easy and can be customised to your preferred style. The large, 8.11cm (3.2”) Clear View II LCD screen, with an anti-reflective structure, minimises reflection or glare when reviewing shots and also acts as a visual and accessible dashboard of the most commonly used settings. The cameras’ new Custom Quick Control screen means that the type, size and position of icons are also easily customisable to the user or shooting scenario. Both cameras utilise Canon’s iconic design DNA–a highly durable body constructed from high-grade magnesium alloy to provide weather resilient shooting – ideal for landscape photographers who are dedicated to getting the perfect shot, whatever the weather.

EOS 5Ds R : Engineered for the ultimate in DSLR image quality

When nothing but the absolute maximum level of detail possible will do, the EOS 5DS R features a low pass cancellation filter to ensure the sharpest possible results. Great for landscape photographers, where patterns are very often organic, the camera’s low pass cancellation filter produces the stunning level of detail required to turn agreat shot into an incredible shot.

Optical Expertise : Introducing the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM

The EOS 5Ds and EOS 5Ds R are compatible with Canon’s extensive EF lens range, spanning 71 models(2). Today Canon unveils the world’s widest-angle retilinearzoom lens (1), the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM. Perfect for photographers shooting landscape and architecture, the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM is designed to open up an entirely new world of creative opportunities, thanks to its super wide 11-24mm focal range. Boasting a newly designed optical structure, the lens features three aspherical lenses including a ground aspherical element, which maximises image quality and delivers minimal levels of distortion, while the body is rugged and robust enough to be employed in extreme weather conditions.

EOS 5Ds Key features :

•     50.6 MP CMOS sensor with dual DIGIC 6 processors
•     150K Pixel RGB+IR Metering Sensor
•     Up to 5.0 Frames Per Second
•     61-point AF
•     Cropped Shooting

EOS 5Ds R also includes :

•     Low-pass cancellation filter

EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Key features :

•     Explore landscapes from an ultra-wide point of view
•     The world’s widest-angle rectilinear zoom lens
•     Minimal distortion – ideal for architecture and interiors
•     Advanced lens coatings guard against ghosting and flare
•     Enjoy swift, near-silent AF, with full-time manual override
•     Keep shooting even in tough weather conditions

Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5Ds R Specs

Canon EOS-5DS full frame DSLR camera

* * *  Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5Ds R officially announced  * * *

* * *  Detailed look at the EOS-5Ds and EOS-5Ds R cameras  * * * 

As I have reported before I left on my wildlife photo shoot in the Southern Oceans a couple of weeks ago, the Canon EOS-5D Mk III will be split into three models in 2015. The EOS-5Ds and EOS-5Ds R cameras will be announced on February 6, 2015 and the EOS-5D Mk IV may be coming the second half of 2015.

The EOS-5Ds will have a list price of 3,499 Euros, the EOS-5Ds R (no low-pass filter) lists for 3,699 Euros and the EF 11-24mm f/4L lens' price will be 2,999 Euros. The prices in North America, especially in the U.S. are generally lower.

I am still on my photo shoot, returning next week and back to postings on my blog.

EOS-5DS Possible Specifications

• Sensor effective pixels 50.6MP. 53MP CMOS
• 5DS R comes without low-pass filter
• RAW (50MP), M-RAW (28MP), S-RAW (12.4MP)
• Media CF (UDMA7), SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I)
• Dual DIGIC 6
• Crop 1.3x and 1.6x
• Finder penta prism, 100% field of view, magnification 0.71 times, the eye point 21mm
• Electronic Level
• Grid display
• AF 61 points (41 points cross type). EV-2 support.
• ITR AF
• Anti-flicker
• Time-lapse movie
• Bulb timer
• Live View, the contrast AF (face recognition)
• 150,000 pixel RGB-TR metering sensor. 252 zone TTL metering
• EOS iSA system
• ISO100-6400 (extended with ISO50 and ISO12800)
• The shutter speed is 30 seconds -1/8000 seconds. Synchro is 1/200 sec
• Burst rate 5 fps
• Video 1920×1080 30fps (ALL-I or IPB)
• LCD monitor 3.2 inches 1.04 million dot
• Mini HDMI output terminal. External microphone terminal
• Battery LP-E6N / LP-E6
• The size 152 x 116.4 x 76.4mm
• Weight 930g (CIPA guidelines). 845g (body only)

Canon EOS-5D Mk III Replacement Talk

Additional EOS-5D Mk III camera replacement rumors have surfaced. Some are indicating the EOS-5D model may split into 2 branches - EOS-5D MK IV and EOS-5DS, not unlike the EOS-1 Series a few years ago.

The EOS-5Ds may have a 50+MP sensor and perhaps, with the addition of an AA filter, not unlike the Nikon D810 and D750, announced last year. The EOS-5D Mk IV will get a slightly higher MP sensor and presumably a faster burst rate as well, and should appeal to photographers desiring a high megapixel, full frame frame camera with a burst rate faster than the current 6 fps, but nowhere approaching the speed of the EOS-1D X (up to 14 fps).

There is probably an even chance this might happen and I am not too enamored of the idea. Personally, I think Nikon is launching too many full frame camera models and diluting their impact. Canon should not follow in that pursuit. A split of the EOS-5D line into two will inevitably go down the same path as Nikon.

In my opinion, in the next few months, Canon should launch the EOS-1D X Mk II with a higher pixel sensor in the low 20+MP range and retain the burst rate of at least 12 fps. This will give wildlife photographers like myself more pixels to work with when I crop the images since the EOS-1D X is a full frame camera with a sensor of  'only' 18MP. This is one of the few 'criticism' I have of the camera.

In addition, bring out the EOS-5D Mk IV with the megapixel sensor of 50+MP and stuff it with high end features and build quality approaching the EOS-1 series and price it below $5,000 . This will give photographers who craved the successor of the retired EOS-1Ds Mk III something to look forward and upgrade to. Then, perhaps towards the last part of 2015 or early 2016, an additional model with the filter option can be offered, depending on user requirement. This will give photographers time to digest the impact of the new models and not be overwhelmed by the myriad choices confronting them.