10D shortcomings & things about 10D no one told me

[Cadenza]

After a second day with the 10D, here are some
shortcomings and peculiarities I found out about this
otherwise fantastic device:

* The Mirror LockUp custom function seems a bit
clumsy. Is there a DSLR that handles this better?
Or am I doing something wrong?

* Photo review mode is very slow; much slower
than even G3/G5

* I prefer the rose/flat button on the G3/Pro1 for
reviewing magnified photos -- no need for two
fingered manipulation.

* I miss the beautiful 235,000 pixel LCD swivel
screen on my Pro1

* How come I'm always altering the exposure
compensation adjustment without realizing it?

* Auto WB is kinda wacky; how does this Kelvin thing work?

* I like WB bracketing!

* There is now an icon of a little man running on
the shooting mode dial

* You can't turn off flash in Green zone?

* I'm still trying to figure out what that 3rd thumb button
is for; I guess I have to give in and read the manual

* deleting single image is a 3 step process; 2 would have
been enough

* Why does ISO 3200 needs its own special custom function
to activate? What harm is there in leaving it available always?
Seems like a waste of a selectable custom function.

* What? $1400 and there's no "movie" mode??? :lol:

[damnengine]

Perhaps you should wait with complaining after using it a bit longer. You complain about things I never had trouble with (and I came from a g2), and reading the complaints I think you made a mistake using it. The 10d is a dslr not a point and shoot device. Why would you need a swivel screen when you compose your shot via the viewfinder, the preview mode is indeed a bit slower but tbh I often have the whole preview turned off. You're complaining about a custom function too much (in your opinion) but you want a movie mode, (I think the movie mode should be forbidden on every cam anyway). You even admit you didn't read the manual and then ask questions like "How come I'm always altering the exposure
compensation adjustment without realizing it?" or "Auto WB is kinda wacky; how does this Kelvin thing work?". I think you better keep using your pro1

[nemesis099]

If you don't understand the DSLR is still an SLR meaning most people take the time and compose a shot rather then just snap away.

Green mode or idiot mode as they told me at the store is where you control none of the settings. You have to go up into the custom modes to be able to control them.

I agree with damnengine and before you complain you should read your manual. I still refer back to mine since my D Rebel has a lot more to offer then my old SLR did. Coming from a non slr world you really should read the manual.

I will admit I happen to like movie mode but for the few times I use it I'm normally doing something where a smaller camera works much better such as skiing down a mountain so that doesn't bother me much.

[spock84]

It has already been said, but it has to be said again: Read the manual!

[RichardtheSane]

I kind of think the movie mode comment was made slightly in jest... ;)

The because of how I have it set then it takes me under a second to set mirror lockup. Not really an issue.

The screen does what it should do. Gives you an idea of composition and the histogram.

Image loading for review will be slow compared to the G series or the Pro 1 if you work with Jpegs as the filesize is at least 1.5 times that on those cameras. If you shoot RAW then image load willbe significantly quicker because it displays the small embedded jpeg.

Third thumb button is useful, I have it set to select my centre focus point, but it is changable in customer functions.

I don't use auto WB, I set to either shade (outdoors) or the indoor settings/flash. Manual WB is handy if you want it spot on. I shoot RAW so don't worry about WB bracketing.

I like the 3 step image deletion, my images are valuable enough to me to have an extra step if I am deleting.

Get the hell out of green box mode! If you only plan on using that why buy a DSLR.

:D :D

Get out there and enjoy such a fine camera!!!

[petiot]

one more of those who blame SLR without knowing how to use them, even without even reading the manual, and without knowing that DSLR cannot physically provide movie capability.

maybe you should realise that you have to do your own research. and also you have to LEARN how to use ca camera before complaining

Dan

[Radtech1]

One thing that I WISH my 10d had....Remote Control

I got SO used to that feature on my Elan IIe! It had a small (half a matchbook) infrared remote controller so that I could trip the shutter from a distanceof up to about 30 feet. (About 9 meters for the "Georgian Impared) You could trip the shutter the instant you hit the remote, or have it set for a 2 second delay. The delay is so that in Self Portrait work, you dont end up with a bunch of shots of you pointing the remote at the camera.

In addition to the obvious self/family shots it is also a great for long exposure tripod work where you want to make sure you dont jiggle the camera. Also, I could just set the camera on a tripod in the corner on X-mas am (insert event here) and get shots with the family more relaxed and uninhibitied because there is not a lens in there face.

The glairing lack of this feature (progress?) has caused me to mutter under my breath more times that I can count. Granted, you CAN buy one that fits on the hotshoe, but then that eliminates the abitlity to use the flash - AND it costs HUNDREDS of dollars more.

And before the eleteists start whining, "If you wanted a Point and Shoot bla, bla, bla..." remember that the ElanIIe IS an SLR.

Don't get me wrong, my 10d is a fine camera, and I really like it. I just dont LOVE it, because it falls short on features that my old Elan had.

Rad

[msvadi]

* The Mirror LockUp custom function seems a bit
clumsy. Is there a DSLR that handles this better?


digital rebel ;)

[Blues67]

I've got an Elan IIe qd and its been collecting dust since I got my D Rebel. Havent shot one film pic. Love that digital. And as far as movie mode---buy a damn camcorder.

[blinking8s]

ill trade my 300d for your 10d...since you dont seem happy and all...haha

[Mark Kemp]

One thing that I WISH my 10d had....Remote Control

Rad

You can always use a cable release for tripod work and the built in self timer for self portraits.

Or ask a passing idiot to press the button for you

Which is by the way what the green idiot box is probably for, so you can you lend your camera to someone else - like N...n user :lol:

[Radtech1]

One thing that I WISH my 10d had....Remote Control

Rad

You can always use a cable release for tripod work and the built in self timer for self portraits.


I do have a cable release which I do use, but the short one is only 2 feet long, and I dont have a long one as I see that as an invitation for someone (Likely me :roll: !) to trip over it and pull down my tripod.

Look at VCR's for a moment, I used to have an ancient top loading VHS which had a cabled remote. That was 1978. A cabled remote on anything in 2004 does not seem like progress.

Rad

[RichardtheSane]

I'd much rather have a cabled remote. In fact i have just ordered one.

Wireless remote can leave you without a shot depending on the conditions :(

[vfilby]

Blinking8s,

Your 300D doesn't have the swivel screen! I think candenza would be much better off with an even trade for my g3 ;-)

Vince

[rudrasen]

I have 10D as well. I agree with Cadenza :lol:

why don't we all buy cameras packed with all the possible cool features
implementable in the firmware . Colorful animated menu systems & no dedicated buttons. :D

Also what I would prefer more megapixels,
hmmm say 12 Mp squeezed onto a really really small sensor.


I am thinking to trading my 10D for a Pentax Optio

[45R]

How about I trade you my G5 for the 10D :)

[John_T]

Cadenza is a friendly guy with a sense of humor.

How come more than half the people posting in this thread are so unfriendly and have no sense of humor?

Insecurity? Ego problems? Dilatants? Viagra isn't working any more? Immaturity? Mental health issues?

What's up with you guys?

[ijohnson]

If the post was in jest then I will laugh with Cadenza.

Otherwise, I am dying to know why you would need a swivel screen on a 10d.

[Laziferous]

You know, I got spoiled by the swivel screen on my G2. It's SOOO much easier to compose a shot, with an interesting perspective, when you don't have to lay on the ground, or in the water, or etc.... This is the reason I haven't shared many photos lately. I really just don't feel like laying on the ground. Yes, I know that's pitiful :oops:

With a swivel screen, you can compose the shot from a comfortable position, and see if it works or not. You can choose to walk away without taking a shot, or press the shutter release. It takes much more effort to lay down to compose a shot, then only to find that when you look through the viewfinder, it's not worth pressing the shutter release anyway.

I'm aware it's impossible to have such a feature on an SLR due to the mirror, but I still miss it. It makes me wish I would have gotten interested in photography before digital, so that I would have been more accustomed to looking through the viewfinder. It's been my biggest "obstacle" in making the switch from a P&S, to an SLR.

I really should just get out and shoot more often. During this time of the year, I'm having trouble finding a day to go shooting, when my friends keep going kayaking. I mean, come on... who wouldn't choose kayaking over photography :wink: I do take the camera most of the time, but it's not the same as a dedicated day of shooting.

Wow, do I know how to ramble aimlessly, or what? :oops: :lol:

[mjordan]

Yep, too many people take the sign seriously that says "Check your Humor at the Door", when they log in. They think it means they have to leave their humor there rather than just "Check it" to make sure it's turned on and functioning right. So many people, when they have the choice between seeing the humor in a post or deciding to take offense at it... do not "Choose Wisely".

Mike

[Cadenza]

If the post was in jest then I will laugh with Cadenza.

Otherwise, I am dying to know why you would need a swivel screen on a 10d.

Seriously, the LCD screen is the only thing I really
really wish the 10D could have. I understand that the
engineering architecture of DSLRs is such that makes
it virtually impossible to add a realtime swivel LCD
screen to the camera. But the little screen is an awesome
compositional tool; for low perspective shots; overhead
shots; candid shots (you don't have to face the subject);
etc. If you haven't used it you don't know what you're
missing.

That is the main reason why I will still consider getting
another Pro1 (when the prices come down, of course)
as an adjunct photographic tool to my 10D (it is smaller
than a 2.8 zoom lens!). There are many circumstances
under which the G3/G5/Pro1 is a more useful tool,
particularly for its convenience and discreteness.

If you've ever been to small communities in the third
world, everytime you take out a bulky SLR with flash,
zoom, etc. a crowd will start gathering around you. With
a Pro1 you can still pass off as a silly anonymous tourist;
if you have a large coat pocket the Pro1 will even fit inside it.

Having said that, I am awfully impressed with the 10D;
it's given me some amazing images; the best I've ever
taken with any camera, film or digital. I am very happy
with it. Last night, I shot a piano singer in a dimly
lit club, using ISO 1600 at 1/30 and 1.8; after putting
the shot through FM action ISOR 1600 + ISOR 400; and
a little bit of sharpening, the image was sooo amazingly
clean and sharp! I was very impressed!

So there!

Cadenza

[ijohnson]

I have a swivel on my G2. I don't mind getting on the ground at all but it is much harder to gain a higher perspective on a crowd with an SLR. I admit that the white lenses can help you gain a better position but it is not as easy as holding it above your head.

Truth be known I like it for taking some keepsake pictures of some of the REALLY beautiful women I see on the subway. No shutter sound and the appearance that you are doing something else. Oops, did I just say too much?

Actually, I really hate composing a shot on the LCD. It is so hard to determine focus and I personally find it harder to compose a shot looking at pixels instead of getting lost in the lens. I feel like I would only grudgingly use a swivel LCD on a SLR if it worked the same way as my G2.

[SDK^]

All those wanting swivel LCD screens etc - All you need to do is buy a Canon Angle Finder.

http://www.hulubei.net/tudor/photography/equipment/Canon-Angle-Finder-C.jpg

[Laziferous]

All those wanting swivel LCD screens etc - All you need to do is buy a Canon Angle Finder.
For $175.00. I almost did, but it's kind of pricey. The earlier "B" version is ultra cheap, but I'm not sure of it's compatibility on the 10D. I looked around, but what I found was inconclusive. The only improvement on the "C" finder, is the more powerful magnification, and it's s little more aesthetically pleasing IMO. I don't know if that justifies the price for me. It would definitely help me to get back to shooting more often though. I may end up getting it anyway. I don't know yet :?

[CyberDyneSystems]

Yeah.. I've got the angle finder.. I've used it about three times in the last year.

Nope,. it's not as usefull or easy to use as one fo these lovely swiveling LCDs... Evr try an e-10? Positively dreamy!

[John_T]

Hey Laz! You know girls who wear skirts, is that it!? That why you're crawling around? Naturalist doing save the beaver images?

You are a fine upstanding gentleman, why get all dirty and tromped on? Get yourself a monopod with a good ballhead, reverse the camera, remote cable release, maybe disguise it as a scooter. Just roll it in position, snick, snick, polite small talk, move descretely on to the next.

Gotta shoot blind. Flip LCD would definitely give you away. Imagine the embarrasment and face slaps! Not cool.

Save the beavers!

(I got away with it 'til I was about eleven, when my beautiful auntie and girlfriends caught me. Whooof, did I get it!)

[Tom W]

Yeah.. I've got the angle finder.. I've used it about three times in the last year.

Nope,. it's not as usefull or easy to use as one fo these lovely swiveling LCDs... Evr try an e-10? Positively dreamy!

Let me know if that angle finder "C" ever starts to burn a hole in your camera bag. It would be just the ticket for manual focusing for astrophotography.

[Harry Settle]

The angle-finder has been a standard answer for cameras almost forever. There is a lot of merit to it, if you need it.

[MarkH]

So when will Canon come out with a swivel LCD that clips onto the viewfinder? Considering the low res of the screen, you could have a very cheap CCD sensor that looks into the viewfinder and shows it on the screen. Powering it would provide a small challenge, as the LCD does draw a bit of current. A small flat Lithium Ion battery like the one in my cellphone would work, but I'm not sure of the runtime.

[MarkH]

After a second day with the 10D, here are some
shortcomings and peculiarities I found out about this
otherwise fantastic device:

* The Mirror LockUp custom function seems a bit
clumsy. Is there a DSLR that handles this better?
Or am I doing something wrong?

The more you use it the quicker you get at changing it. This never worries me as I don't use MLU very often.

* Photo review mode is very slow; much slower
than even G3/G5

Easy solution - don't worry about reviewing every image, spend your time taking images.

* I prefer the rose/flat button on the G3/Pro1 for
reviewing magnified photos -- no need for two
fingered manipulation.

You are still spending too much time looking at images instead of taking images. Get the exposure right with the help of the histogram and get snapping. Review the images on the PC later.

* I miss the beautiful 235,000 pixel LCD swivel
screen on my Pro1

This is the major thing you give up to have SLR.

* How come I'm always altering the exposure
compensation adjustment without realizing it?

There is a switch by the big dial that can disable the big dial.

* Auto WB is kinda wacky; how does this Kelvin thing work?

I find Auto WB works most of the time. The Kelvin thing has its uses, like when you work out the right setting for you studio lights and you set to that colour temp every time you use those lights. How it works is explained in the manual, also read how to set manual exposure.

* I like WB bracketing!

Manual exposure is a good way to go, then you don't need to bracket.

* There is now an icon of a little man running on
the shooting mode dial

It's decoration ignore it!

* You can't turn off flash in Green zone?

The green zone? It's decoration ignore it! Use the P setting instead.

* I'm still trying to figure out what that 3rd thumb button
is for; I guess I have to give in and read the manual

Read the manual, use the camera for a few weeks, read the manual again.

* deleting single image is a 3 step process; 2 would have
been enough

Get a bigger CF card, take pictures, transfer pictures to the PC, delete the pictures that you don't want.

* Why does ISO 3200 needs its own special custom function
to activate? What harm is there in leaving it available always?
Seems like a waste of a selectable custom function.

I like this, I turn off the ISO expansion. When I need a fast shutter speed I can quickly change the ISO to 1600 without danger of changing it to 3200. I find 1600 acceptable when needed, but I didn't like the noise at 3200 and I never use it.

* What? $1400 and there's no "movie" mode??? :lol:

You could buy a small camera like the A80, there are lots of limitations, but you have the 10D for the times you need a better camera. I am seriously considering this option for a small portable camera with swivel LCD to use when I don't want to lug my backpack full of gear (and for macro, movies, low shooting, overhead shooting, etc).

But when you want movies you should use a video camera!

[arumdevil]

Hey Laz! You know girls who wear skirts, is that it!? That why you're crawling around? Naturalist doing save the beaver images?

You are a fine upstanding gentleman, why get all dirty and tromped on? Get yourself a monopod with a good ballhead, reverse the camera, remote cable release, maybe disguise it as a scooter. Just roll it in position, snick, snick, polite small talk, move descretely on to the next.

Gotta shoot blind. Flip LCD would definitely give you away. Imagine the embarrasment and face slaps! Not cool.

Save the beavers!

(I got away with it 'til I was about eleven, when my beautiful auntie and girlfriends caught me. Whooof, did I get it!)


LMAO

save the beaver, brilliant!

[bob harris]

Don't get discouraged. I have had my 10D for 9 months now and didn't feel comfortable for the first six.
I came from an Elan 7e, which I still have and collects dust nicely.
This camera does so much that I am constantly refering to the manual.

Just keep studying the manual and take and Photo Shopping lots & lots of pictures.

Heck it took quite a while to realize the soft pics weren't my technique and how to correct it in Photo Shop.

Now this camera rocks!!!!!

[karusel]

* How come I'm always altering the exposure
compensation adjustment without realizing it?

* Auto WB is kinda wacky; how does this Kelvin thing work?


Incidentally this made me recall of yet another quote that has possibly nothing to do with this thread:

There are no stupid questions, just stupid people.


:twisted: