Photo Editing Software & Utilities
Adobe Photoshop Elements 7
Adobe Camera RAW
Topaz Detail
Topaz Adjust
Topaz Simplify
Topaz Clean 2
Topaz Denoise
Photomatix Pro
Tiffen Dfx
Redfields Fractalius plugin
PhotoOptics
Digital Photo Professional
Several other Photoshop plugins
PhotoStitch
VSO Image Resizer
onOne Essentials
Serif PagePlus
Pinnacle Studio for making DVD slideshows
Adobe Photoshop Elements 7
Adobe Camera RAW
Topaz Detail
Topaz Adjust
Topaz Simplify
Topaz Clean 2
Topaz Denoise
Photomatix Pro
Tiffen Dfx
Redfields Fractalius plugin
PhotoOptics
Digital Photo Professional
Several other Photoshop plugins
PhotoStitch
VSO Image Resizer
onOne Essentials
Serif PagePlus
Pinnacle Studio for making DVD slideshows
EOS 40D (primary camera)
From the Manufacturer
Welcome to the next generation of digital SLR photography-the Canon EOS 40D. The EOS 40D combines Canon's tremendous know-how in both the digital and photographic worlds, creating a camera that not only does everything one would expect of a traditional digital SLR, but one that incorporates staggering leaps forward in technological innovation. With new features like Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a more powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3.0-inch LCD monitor and more, the EOS 40D elevates digital photography to new heights, enhancing the shooting experience, and delivering images one could only expect from a Canon.
Review from Ken Jarvis: A solid camera, excellant picture quality, fast and a great feel with many more great features.
From the Manufacturer
Welcome to the next generation of digital SLR photography-the Canon EOS 40D. The EOS 40D combines Canon's tremendous know-how in both the digital and photographic worlds, creating a camera that not only does everything one would expect of a traditional digital SLR, but one that incorporates staggering leaps forward in technological innovation. With new features like Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a more powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3.0-inch LCD monitor and more, the EOS 40D elevates digital photography to new heights, enhancing the shooting experience, and delivering images one could only expect from a Canon.
Review from Ken Jarvis: A solid camera, excellant picture quality, fast and a great feel with many more great features.
EOS 350D (colour infrared camera)
This camera was converted by Life Pixel to a UVIR visible infrared camera (Enhanced Color IR equivalent to 665nm) which allows more colour to pass and is especially suited for colour IR work with great saturation and colour range. The internal hot mirror filter was replaced with a high quality glass custom manufactured full spectrum filter. The 665nm is a specialized Infrared Conversion. It blocks Wavelengths shorter than 665nm and allows those longer than 665nm to go through. This conversion is especially well suited for color Infrared Photography because of its broader transmittance properties. With this conversion a more saturated color infrared image is possible. B&W Infrared is also possible with the 665nm although the results will not be as dramatic as the 715nm.
Review from Ken Jarvis: Even though shooting infrared takes a lot of post processing, you can end up with some interesting photos. This type of photography is not for everyone and it does restrict your camera for shooting IR only.
This camera was converted by Life Pixel to a UVIR visible infrared camera (Enhanced Color IR equivalent to 665nm) which allows more colour to pass and is especially suited for colour IR work with great saturation and colour range. The internal hot mirror filter was replaced with a high quality glass custom manufactured full spectrum filter. The 665nm is a specialized Infrared Conversion. It blocks Wavelengths shorter than 665nm and allows those longer than 665nm to go through. This conversion is especially well suited for color Infrared Photography because of its broader transmittance properties. With this conversion a more saturated color infrared image is possible. B&W Infrared is also possible with the 665nm although the results will not be as dramatic as the 715nm.
Review from Ken Jarvis: Even though shooting infrared takes a lot of post processing, you can end up with some interesting photos. This type of photography is not for everyone and it does restrict your camera for shooting IR only.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM
New as of Oct 31, 2009.
From the Manufacturer
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 USM L is one of main stream pro grade lenses in the Canon line up and very popular among pro photographers (especially press) as well as serious amateurs. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens is an impressively high performing zoom lens. It's regarded as one of the best general purpose lenses available and for the same reasons, it is one of the most professionally used Canon lenses. The 24-70 L is as good as it gets in this focal length range. Photographers drool over it and swear by it. Its focal range on a full frame sensor makes it very appealing for event photography.
Review from Ken Jarvis: One word describes this lens "WOW". This by far is one of the best investment I have made. It is a fast and very sharp lens and the contrast and colour is outstanding. This particular lens offers a fantastic benefit to the professional photographer. It's like having a 24mm f/2.8L, 28mm f/2.8L, 35mm f/2.8L, 50mm f/2.8L and 70mm f/2.8L all in one lens. This lens is heavy at 2.1 pounds or 3.9 pounds with the 40d camera, but it has a great feel when holding it.
New as of Oct 31, 2009.
From the Manufacturer
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 USM L is one of main stream pro grade lenses in the Canon line up and very popular among pro photographers (especially press) as well as serious amateurs. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens is an impressively high performing zoom lens. It's regarded as one of the best general purpose lenses available and for the same reasons, it is one of the most professionally used Canon lenses. The 24-70 L is as good as it gets in this focal length range. Photographers drool over it and swear by it. Its focal range on a full frame sensor makes it very appealing for event photography.
Review from Ken Jarvis: One word describes this lens "WOW". This by far is one of the best investment I have made. It is a fast and very sharp lens and the contrast and colour is outstanding. This particular lens offers a fantastic benefit to the professional photographer. It's like having a 24mm f/2.8L, 28mm f/2.8L, 35mm f/2.8L, 50mm f/2.8L and 70mm f/2.8L all in one lens. This lens is heavy at 2.1 pounds or 3.9 pounds with the 40d camera, but it has a great feel when holding it.
EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens
From the Manufacturer
A new L-series ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that's ideal for both film and digital SLRs. Superior optics are assured by the use of three Aspherical lens elements, in addition to a Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass element. Optical coatings are optimized for use with digital cameras. This lens focuses as close as 11 inches (0.28m), and offers both Canon's full-time manual focus and a powerful ring-type USM for fast and silent AF. It has a constant f/4 maximum aperture, and offers the choice of screw-in 77mm filters or a holder in the rear of the lens for up to three gel filters. Finally, it offers weather-resistant construction similar to other high-end L-series lenses.
Review from Ken Jarvis: This is a great lens for shooting landscapes, group photos and interior shots for real estate due to the ultra wide 17mm range.
From the Manufacturer
A new L-series ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that's ideal for both film and digital SLRs. Superior optics are assured by the use of three Aspherical lens elements, in addition to a Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass element. Optical coatings are optimized for use with digital cameras. This lens focuses as close as 11 inches (0.28m), and offers both Canon's full-time manual focus and a powerful ring-type USM for fast and silent AF. It has a constant f/4 maximum aperture, and offers the choice of screw-in 77mm filters or a holder in the rear of the lens for up to three gel filters. Finally, it offers weather-resistant construction similar to other high-end L-series lenses.
Review from Ken Jarvis: This is a great lens for shooting landscapes, group photos and interior shots for real estate due to the ultra wide 17mm range.
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
From the Manufacturer
Light. Portable. Excellent handling. Sharp. And amazingly fast autofocus. The 400mm f/5.6L is all of these things, and a premier choice for wildlife and nature photographers--one of the finest telephoto lenses in the world for fast-moving subjects such as birds in flight or motor sports. It uses UD-glass elements to provide outstanding optical quality, even wide-open, and image quality is preserved when used with either the EF 1.4x II or EF 2x II tele extenders. It accepts 77mm filters, and has a built-in removable tripod collar.
My choice
After reading many reviews and comparing the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens with the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens, I made my final decision after reading this article from The Luminous Landscape web site.
Review from Ken Jarvis: This is another very sharp lens from Canon. I find it useful for shooting small wildlife or for any far away object you want to bring into close view such as distant buildings, farms or boats on a lake etc.
From the Manufacturer
Light. Portable. Excellent handling. Sharp. And amazingly fast autofocus. The 400mm f/5.6L is all of these things, and a premier choice for wildlife and nature photographers--one of the finest telephoto lenses in the world for fast-moving subjects such as birds in flight or motor sports. It uses UD-glass elements to provide outstanding optical quality, even wide-open, and image quality is preserved when used with either the EF 1.4x II or EF 2x II tele extenders. It accepts 77mm filters, and has a built-in removable tripod collar.
My choice
After reading many reviews and comparing the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens with the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens, I made my final decision after reading this article from The Luminous Landscape web site.
Review from Ken Jarvis: This is another very sharp lens from Canon. I find it useful for shooting small wildlife or for any far away object you want to bring into close view such as distant buildings, farms or boats on a lake etc.
EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens
From the Manufacturer
High-performance, L-series telephoto zoom lens combining light weight and compactness with an f/4 maximum aperture. Inner focusing and the ring USM enable quick and quiet autofocusing. Also, a circular polarizing filter can be attached and used without difficulty because the front lens element does not rotate during focusing.
Review from Ken Jarvis: I find this lens most suitable for when I'm at the zoo or shooting a sporting event because of the versatility of the zoom range. This is another sharp "L" series lens from Canon.
From the Manufacturer
High-performance, L-series telephoto zoom lens combining light weight and compactness with an f/4 maximum aperture. Inner focusing and the ring USM enable quick and quiet autofocusing. Also, a circular polarizing filter can be attached and used without difficulty because the front lens element does not rotate during focusing.
Review from Ken Jarvis: I find this lens most suitable for when I'm at the zoo or shooting a sporting event because of the versatility of the zoom range. This is another sharp "L" series lens from Canon.
Sigma 50mm EX DG Macro Lens
From the Manufacturer
Sigma launched first standard 50mm Macro lens in 1990. This was succeeded by the 50mm F2.8 EX Macro in 1998 which proved even more popular with photographers, benefiting from improved build and optical quality.
The advent of digital SLR’s requires optimum lens performance and therefore the very latest optical technology has been incorporated in the production of the New Macro 50mm F2.8 EX DG. This ideal standard lens sets the benchmark for digital SLR cameras.
Review from Ken Jarvis: This is a great low light general purpose lens. For macro shots it's not as good as a 100 or 180mm because you have to be so close to your subject but it is still a great lens for the money. It also will shoot 1:1 lifesize.
From the Manufacturer
Sigma launched first standard 50mm Macro lens in 1990. This was succeeded by the 50mm F2.8 EX Macro in 1998 which proved even more popular with photographers, benefiting from improved build and optical quality.
The advent of digital SLR’s requires optimum lens performance and therefore the very latest optical technology has been incorporated in the production of the New Macro 50mm F2.8 EX DG. This ideal standard lens sets the benchmark for digital SLR cameras.
Review from Ken Jarvis: This is a great low light general purpose lens. For macro shots it's not as good as a 100 or 180mm because you have to be so close to your subject but it is still a great lens for the money. It also will shoot 1:1 lifesize.
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
From the Manufacturer
A standard zoom exclusively for the EOS Digital Rebel and EOS 20D SLR cameras with APS-C size image circle equivalent to an approx. 28-90mm focal length. Compact and ultra-lightweight with impressive close-focusing ability of 0.9 ft (0.28m). Features optimized coating for digital imaging sensor to minimize ghost images and flare.
Review from Ken Jarvis: This is the kit lens which I rarely use but it's good as a backup if needed or it can be used on my infrared camera.
From the Manufacturer
A standard zoom exclusively for the EOS Digital Rebel and EOS 20D SLR cameras with APS-C size image circle equivalent to an approx. 28-90mm focal length. Compact and ultra-lightweight with impressive close-focusing ability of 0.9 ft (0.28m). Features optimized coating for digital imaging sensor to minimize ghost images and flare.
Review from Ken Jarvis: This is the kit lens which I rarely use but it's good as a backup if needed or it can be used on my infrared camera.
ExpoDisc filter
From the Manufacturer
The ExpoDisc transmits 18% of light in the visible spectrum through to your camera’s film or image sensor. Much like a traditional gray card, the resulting featureless image, or 'gray frame' that is captured through the ExpoDisc represents the average color of light at the physical location of the ExpoDisc. By setting a custom white balance digital cameras can effectively compensate for, and neutralize the color of light represented in the 'gray frame', resulting in good color balance for that particular light source.
Review from Ken Jarvis: For difficult lighting this is a great tool for getting the white balance dead on. It saves me a lot of time in post processing my images.
From the Manufacturer
The ExpoDisc transmits 18% of light in the visible spectrum through to your camera’s film or image sensor. Much like a traditional gray card, the resulting featureless image, or 'gray frame' that is captured through the ExpoDisc represents the average color of light at the physical location of the ExpoDisc. By setting a custom white balance digital cameras can effectively compensate for, and neutralize the color of light represented in the 'gray frame', resulting in good color balance for that particular light source.
Review from Ken Jarvis: For difficult lighting this is a great tool for getting the white balance dead on. It saves me a lot of time in post processing my images.
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