Welcome to Michael's blog. Michael Andrew, (aka Michael The Maven) is a freelance producer, photography instructor, tech innovator, and when needed, disaster aid specialist. Disclaimer: Michael is a participant in Bhphoto & Amazon affiliate programs that provides an advertising commission if you purchase through links on this website.
In the past month I have received at least five or six students asking if I thought their camera was broken because they found grain in low ISO images.
There are some misperceptions about what causes image noise/grain. This is complicated by a number of variables and contributing factors, however the most important factor is the amount of light coming into the camera, especially when there isn't a lot of it and the general term to explain this called “shot noise”- (and yes high ISOs will definitely introduce grain, but that is another topic)
So with that in mind, what is shot noise? That is the topic of today’s video and I hope you enjoy it!
These are my picks for the best cameras of 2019 there were a couple cameras I really didn’t like but I just decided to leave them off the list because I know people hate me for it LOL.
Did you know that cameras experience diffraction differently depending on the sensor design? Do you know what your cameras diffraction starting point is? Could be worth it if you are looking to maximize sharpness.
Today we are talking about DLA, or diffracting limited aperture, which is a diffraction starting limit based on sensors. Ill have a very nerdy video coming soon that will take this to a whole different level, but I wanted to make a shorter video defining the term.
I have a series of videos coming that will describe the limits and challenges of cramming more and more photosites into a sensor. The Canon 90D / M6ii which have the most MP for an APSC sized sensor have a very interesting issue: they are near the limit of what EF zoom lenses appear to be capable of resolving. More to come soon!
It seems the Marketing and Tech Support divisions of Canon are on different pages and a lot of 90D users are very upset about it. Trust me, I have been attacked and blamed for the lens issues (this is kinda funny when I have nothing to do with the manufacture and marketing of the 90D). I have also been very vocal about its tracking and soft problems from day one. Had some sound issues, but the information is still good!
Thanks to a Canon 90D Facebook group member who forwarded these two responses to me!
My 90D FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Canon90D/
Martin Scorsese is legitimately one of the most talented directors of our time. Anyone interested in filmmaking should study him, and again here he is with an incredible crime /mob story. It is long (3.5 hours) but just incredible as a story. Top named actors, Al Pachino is one of my favorites.
That said, I have a problem with it, namely that it is based on a real life hitman that actually killed people, and the story is significant because it is based on a book that explains what might have happened to Jimmy Hoffa. The morals of the main character are so gut wrenching it will give you nightmares and the fact that this is about an actual person that did these things, it felt like the film was glorifying him. Im not a huge fan of movies that glorify criminals, its a reward / notoriety for their evil actions, seems culturally inappropriate.
Incredible movie, but bad juju. I probably would have preferred to not watch it.
Many of you have asked for a BLACK FRIDAY coupon on my camera training videos, here it is! We also have a ton of cool accessories, including the new Maven Mini Mic Kit (Very limited supply), my Maven Filters, camera straps and much more! Many of our regular prices have been temporarily reduced, so you can enjoy huge savings on those as well. Happy thanks giving everyone!
There is some really good writing, but the amount of patience it requires to get to the payoff is too much. The first half of the movie is boring and mostly police interviews. Felt like it was making me work for what I wanted to be recreation. Maybe a rental if you loved the board game Clue. :)
I've had so many questions recently about the path for upgrading for beginners and what they should get first, a new lens or a new body? My answer is those should be last, there is one thing far more important than any piece of gear. If you focus on it, you will be better overall and it will stick with you forever. Do not rely on buying shiny new toys to make you a better photographer!
