With a fully charged batter, it was time to test out the high iso capabilities of the new Canon 5D Mark II.

See more Canon 5D Mark II high iso samples at DigitalDSLR.com

After much anticipation of an upgrade to the Canon 5D, I finally have it in hand.  See more Canon 5D Mark II unboxing at DigitalDSLR.com.

With the forecast of 78 degrees and partly clouded, I made the 104 mile drive to the Cleveland Metro Zoo.  Having been to the Pittsburgh Zoo numerous times, I certainly had something to gauge my expectations against.  The Cleveland Zoo claims to have over 3000 animals representing 600 species.  When comparing the size of the Cleveland Zoo to the Pittsburgh Zoo, I would say that the Cleveland Zoo is about twice as big if not larger in terms of land size. (more…)

On Saturday, June 21, I had traveled 150 miles one way to the EMCO Gear Classic at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.  This marks the 6th time that the Grand-Am’s Rolex Sports Car Series’ Daytona Prototypes and GT racers met head to head.  Also featured was the Triple Crown Tuner Challenge which featured amazing Tuner cars from around the Midwest. (more…)

The Wings Over Pittsburgh 2008 was held May 10-11 this year at the Air Force Reserve Airbase and was open to the general public for free. Each year features many great static displays along with the ever impressive aerial demonstrations for thousands of attending visitors. This year was no exception. The Wings Over Pittsburgh major featured demonstrations for 2008 were the F-22 Raptor and the Canadian Snowbirds. (more…)

The ability to shoot in low light situations can be crucial to a photographer.  Sometimes the use of flash just isn’t possible or isn’t permitted.  In these situation, we rely on two things.  The first is fast glass with wide apertures (2.8 or more), and the second is higher iso.  Each has it’s own drawbacks.  Shooting at wide open apertures can lead to soft or out of focus images due to the narrow depth of field.  Shooting at higher iso level tends to increase the amount of noise in the image.  Noise can be controlled to a degree if proper exposure is obtained. (more…)

My brand new Canon EOS-1D Mark III camera is finally here.  Since getting into photography, I started with the Canon Rebel XTi (400D).  I then upgraded to the Canon 40D.  I also wanted to get a full frame sensor DSLR like the 5D, but opted against the 2.5+ year old camera.  So into the picture comes the Canon 1D Mark III DSLR which was launched in 2007. (more…)

The National Aviary of Pittsburgh is having a free admission for the remainder of 2007.  The National Aviary claims to have over 200 different species of birds which is quite a treat for someone that might not be able to travel the world.  For those going to the Aviary, you will want to considering going early as parking fills up rather quickly.  So after making a small donation, my first bird of interest is the Bald Eagle.  (more…)