G1X: Coffee Video

Coffee

Here’s a short video made with the G1X as I begin to learn video techniques.  Fortunately, video on the G1X is easy because it is automated.  Unfortunately, the G1X offers few adjustments for video.

So far, it seems to me that the G1X often overexposes video but, thankfully, exposure compensation is one of the adjustments available.  The Coffee video was taken with exposure compensation at –1.  Confusingly, exposure compensation for video is set in a different manner than exposure compensation for stills.  Instead of the top dial that is used for still exposure compensation, video exposure compensation is accessed by pressing the exposure lock button (*) and then turning the main dial to adjust compensation. 

ISO cannot be set for G1X video; only Auto ISO is available.  However, by holding the shutter button halfway, the selected ISO as well as the shutter speed and aperture can be seen.  Interestingly, adjusting exposure compensation can result in a change of ISO as well as shutter speed or aperture.

For the Coffee video, I used portrait orientation without thinking about it very much.  This caused an orientation problem but QuickTime Pro was able to change orientation. 

Wind noise is apparent even though the “wind filter” was turned on.

I suppose that video with the G1X is about right.  Although I do wish there were a few more options, video is certainly easy to access and the results seem reasonable to me.

PAW 33

I sometimes like to have my morning coffee on the patio but the temperature now is far too hot – even in the mornings. Predictions are that we will not have the “high” temperature below 80 F until late October!

Taken with my G12 using Av mode, ISO 100, –2/3 exposure compensation resulting in f2.8 at 1/250 second.  Processed from RAW in ACR, slightly tweaked and cropped in Photoshop.

(See PAW 2 for a point of reference and “Coffee?” for more info.)

Coffee?

.

At the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canon Canada gave photographers a replica of the Canon EF 70-200mm L lens in the form of a thermos jug. Although I wasn't there, I read about it on the Internet so it must be true. Along with perhaps thousands of other photographers, I immediately wanted one and began a search to buy my own 70-200mm “thermos”. Sure enough, since demand creates supply, opportunities to “pre-order” the thermos soon appeared on eBay. Although tempted, I decided to wait a while.

It also occurred to me that I'd really like to have a coffee mug as well as a thermos. Still searching, I soon discovered CanonMugs.com. Apparently this site was created solely to sell the Canon lens thermos. They also offer a 24-105mm coffee mug. Until recently, these products were not in stock and available only as a pre-order but when I checked in early May, the thermos and mug were listed as being in stock. Although still skeptical – not to mention wanting a lower price – I placed my order. To my surprise, both thermos and mug arrived today – seven days after placing my order.

CanonMugs claims that the thermos is exactly the same as given away in Canada and cautions about cheap copies. Although both thermos and mug are plastic, the interior of the thermos is stainless steel. The interior of the mug is plastic. Both thermos and mug have black rubber grips around the exterior. Only the thermos comes with a lens cover (lid). A cautionary note is included warning about putting carbonated beverages inside and also about washing in a dishwasher. Apparently, dark roast Louisiana coffee is OK.

Although believable at first glance, a second look easily reveals that these are not real lenses; however, the shock of that first glance is well worth the effort. I intend to use mine.

(Note: I have no affiliation whatsoever with CanonMugs.com. I bought these products and paid full price. I've not tested or even seen any other versions of replica lenses as thermos or mug.)
.