Image Advice

[Bill Ravens]

Originally Posted by Michael Mann

Hhhm, I hoped that the much better lens of the EX1 would show less softness even when stopped down. A good DSLR zoom lens (e.g. Nikon 18-200) does not get that soft at F11 or F16. Can anyone explain?

A better lens won't cure the problem of "diffraction softness", unless better means bigger lens. Diffraction softness is a function of the wavelength of the light and the physical diameter. f/numbers aren't really absolute measurements of aperture diameter. The diameter, at a constant f/number, gets smaller when the sensor format gets smaller. Hence, a 1/2" sensor lens at f/16 has a smaller physical aperture than a 35mm lens at f/16.
(see what you started, Benjamin)

[Benjamin Eckstein]

You guys make me a little sad to be honest.

[Michael Mann]

Thanks, John Hedgecoe and Bill Ravens, for the link and the explanation.
(And thanks, Benjamin Eckstein, for giving me back my hope that the EX1 might not be that soft at F16.)

[Michael H. Stevens]

Originally Posted by Benjamin Eckstein

Holy crap, I did NOT think you guys were going to take me seriously. I guess it is hard to post a cyber joke. I was in the car and laughed out loud when we drove by the Sexpresso (this was my first time to Vegas so I wasn't so used to all the blatant sex stuff). Anyways I grabbed the cam out of my bag in the back seat as we drove through the parking lot and I shot this out of the car.

I am sure the image was crap, but people get so serious here I just wanted to post a funny picture or the "Hottest Coffee in Vegas".

BTW, I am thinking of buying a a franchise for the Boston area. Good idea?

Well you see Benjamin, if you had been a loyal NAB/ Las Vegas attendee like some of us you would have experienced so much sleaze that you would not have thought that cafe unusual. Regarding the pic, I said before it was out of focus but if it was shot at f16 then it is likely aberration. I NEVER shoot the EX1 slower than f5.6 and try to keep to about f4. With the small sensors and a big zoom all cameras in this price range are made to be shoot nearly open. That's why if you get a RED1 you will pay 20K just for a lens.

[Piotr Wozniacki]

Originally Posted by Michael Mann

Thanks, John Hedgecoe and Bill Ravens, for the link and the explanation.
(And thanks, Benjamin Eckstein, for giving me back my hope that the EX1 might not be that soft at F16.)

I bet Benjamin started kidding only when he learned what made the picture look soft. There is no motion brur, but diffraction softness at all its glory in it.

[Benjamin Eckstein]

Originally Posted by Piotr Wozniacki

I bet Benjamin started kidding only when he learned what made the picture look soft. There is no motion brur, but diffraction softness at all its glory in it.

Hahahaha!

I apologize for trying to impart a little humor with you guys. I am shocked people didn't think the Vin Diesel problem was a real Sony problem, after reading this. Seriously, guys.......seriously!

[Benjamin Eckstein]

PS. Piotr. Lots of beer. Send to Boston. Thanks.

[Piotr Wozniacki]

Benjamin,

I'd love to have some bears with you in Boston, where I spent a week back in 1994 on a Computervision's training. I enjoyed it very much then (lots of beer, too :)

Don't get me wrong; I saw your lovely "Ice and Snow" footage and have no doubts about your abilities. But the point is that even if you intented this thread as a joke from the very beginning, it misfired - because that's exactly what diffraction does to the picture.

[Bob Grant]

Originally Posted by Benjamin Eckstein

Here is a frame grab from Las Vegas, where I am visiting for a shoot. Does this image look right? I mean.....seriously......does the EX-1 do this justice?

http://www.dvinfo.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=855&c=2

More importantly, does the coffee do the advertising justice?