I recently upgraded to the Canon 5D Mark II DSLR and couldn't be happier that I did. But one of the first things I noticed with the camera was that the video skipped when I played it on my computer no matter what player I tried. I couldn't figure out what the problem was...

After a little research, I found the answer and it is the best possible answer you could get... the video is too big and too high of a resolution for my computer to actually play.

Great, so what's next???

Convert the 1080 HD video down to a quality that you can play. I use MPEG Streamclip, it's free and simple. I just convert it down to a 780p HD video and it's good to go! No more skipping!

Does it really matter what camera or lens is used for a picture? Yes!

My new lens, a 24-70 2.8 allows me to take pictures that a kit lens could not produce. I can use my camera in lower light situations and the depth of field allows me to have more artistic control over the photo.

My current camera body is limited by noise as I try to use higher ISO settings to capture movement or take photos in low light. ISO 800 is simply to noisy to be effective in most situations. As a result, the shutter speed is slower and images often are less sharp or worse. Not to mention the obvious image comparisons between an XSI and a 5D Mark II.

I am not saying that a photographer cannot take great pictures with a point and shoot. What I am saying is that high quality equipment allows a photographer to take great pictures in more situations and have some great pictures turn out amazing.

It seems as though I am spending more time and money with photography these days. I am waking up to shoot at dawn or pull the camera out in the moonlight on long work days. When I am not working, I'm heading to St. Marks Wildlife Refuge or Wakulla Springs. I still have a bunch to learn, but I am having a great time with it and getting better. Much better glass has helped too!

My Gear:

I am currently using a Canon XSI with a 24-70 f2.8 for almost all of my pictures. I shoot this on the Gitzo 2440 Carbon Fiber Tripod with a RRS BH40 ballhead and L plate. I cannot stand using my older cheaper lenses anymore and will soon be getting a 70-200 f2.8 to compliment my setup. After that I will probably get some much needed accessories such as an external flash, polarizing filter, telephoto extender and neutral density filter before upgrading my camera body or purchasing a longer lens.

What I am currently trying to improve upon:

1. Setting depth of field
2. Increasing sharpness
3. Processing RAW images

New Photos

I have recently been upgrading my camera equipment due to a theft and have been spending all of my free time taking pictures. I haven't written much in a long time, but I have frequently been adding new pictures. You can check out my new pictures at www.justinwp.com/pics/.