So I finally broke down and bought the 5D Mark II, in part because of the many advantages afforded by the Live View feature. In persuing the manual, however, I came across a number of warnings that make me a bit hesitant to use it in situations calling for a "long exposure" or "high ISO speeds" (neither of which is actually defined in the manual).
For example, the manual says that before taking a "long exposure," you should stop using Live View for "several minutes" to prevent image degradation. Presumably, this is to allow the sensor to cool off and it makes some sense to me, but this admonition is so vague I don't know whether it is talking about exposures of a few seconds or only those of several minutes or longer.
With regard to "high ISO speeds," the manual cautions that using Live View in conjunction with a high ISO may cause horizontal banding, dots of light, or irregular colors. I don't generally shoot at high ISOs, but on occasion it could be helpful because of wind, etc. The manual leaves me wondering whether I should simply avoid using Live View in such situations altogether . . . and if I need to switch to a high ISO after using Live View, should I wait several minutes before taking a high ISO shot--just as for a "long exposure"--in order to preserve maximum image quality?
I'd greatly appreciate any comments from those with experience in these situations. I suspect the manual overstates these issues, but I'd greatly prefer to get the scoop now rather than have a bad experience in the field.
Interesting Phil; I must admit I have never read the manual , but have done both long exposures and high ISO shots using LV and never had any particular issues; at least not that I realise. However, maybe that simply means I can obtain even better IQ not using LV in those situations... Thanks for pointing this out. Good luck with that camera, I am sure you will love it!
I would suggest just using the standard common sense associated with using a camera. I haven't noticed any of the issues mentioned in the manual. I'm almost surprised that I don't see the manual talking about keeping your sensor warm in a cold environment by using live view.
Compensate and make estimates for yourself. If your in the Mojave at the limits of the heat that your camera can take, I think this advice applies. Otherwise your pretty much just fine.
Discussion
3 repliesFor example, the manual says that before taking a "long exposure," you should stop using Live View for "several minutes" to prevent image degradation. Presumably, this is to allow the sensor to cool off and it makes some sense to me, but this admonition is so vague I don't know whether it is talking about exposures of a few seconds or only those of several minutes or longer.
With regard to "high ISO speeds," the manual cautions that using Live View in conjunction with a high ISO may cause horizontal banding, dots of light, or irregular colors. I don't generally shoot at high ISOs, but on occasion it could be helpful because of wind, etc. The manual leaves me wondering whether I should simply avoid using Live View in such situations altogether . . . and if I need to switch to a high ISO after using Live View, should I wait several minutes before taking a high ISO shot--just as for a "long exposure"--in order to preserve maximum image quality?
I'd greatly appreciate any comments from those with experience in these situations. I suspect the manual overstates these issues, but I'd greatly prefer to get the scoop now rather than have a bad experience in the field.
Compensate and make estimates for yourself. If your in the Mojave at the limits of the heat that your camera can take, I think this advice applies. Otherwise your pretty much just fine.
I love LV! Great for macro's.