Built in electronic level. Your opinion please...
Jul 24, 2013 02:37:34 #
I have both a Canon 7D and recently purchased a 5D Mark III.
Both these cameras are awesome and one of my favorite features is the built in electronic level.
Here are two photos I recently made. Both are from the same RAW image. The original was taken on a tripod with the camera level according to the built in electronic level. The second image is the same one but tilted & cropped to make the sign look level.
So, my question is: when should I ignore the electronic level and recompose as I see things? Or should I always use the electronic level and tilt and crop as needed? Whenever there is a body of water in my scene the level has never let me down...The water always shows as level which it should.
Whats your take on these images?
Thanks for your input!
Both these cameras are awesome and one of my favorite features is the built in electronic level.
Here are two photos I recently made. Both are from the same RAW image. The original was taken on a tripod with the camera level according to the built in electronic level. The second image is the same one but tilted & cropped to make the sign look level.
So, my question is: when should I ignore the electronic level and recompose as I see things? Or should I always use the electronic level and tilt and crop as needed? Whenever there is a body of water in my scene the level has never let me down...The water always shows as level which it should.
Whats your take on these images?
Thanks for your input!
As shot
Tilted & cropped
Jul 24, 2013 02:49:02 #
Jul 24, 2013 03:50:42 #
Perspective is part of life and natural, why would you want to lean all the trees to the right....that's not natural and all wrong!
Jul 24, 2013 04:10:39 #
Willy wrote:
I have both a Canon 7D and recently purchased a 5D... (show quote)
First pic has ALL the trees standing vertical .... Very Natural. Signs tend to be installed somewhat symetrical and not necessarily level depending on who installed them.
The 2nd pic doesn't quite have the sign level yet, and the trees ALL lean to the right. NOT natural!!
I have the electronic level and the 1/3's grid on my SX50 and find that it is ALWAYS right.
Jul 24, 2013 04:28:29 #
This is totally different to sloping horizons and the sea.
The top shot is fine, I use mine occasionally, the trees are the important factor behind the sign
The top shot is fine, I use mine occasionally, the trees are the important factor behind the sign
Jul 24, 2013 06:39:40 #
JR1 wrote:
This is totally different to sloping horizons and the sea.
The top shot is fine, I use mine occasionally, the trees are the important factor behind the sign
The top shot is fine, I use mine occasionally, the trees are the important factor behind the sign
true :thumbup:
Jul 24, 2013 08:02:29 #
I see in the photo that your were taking the photo from your right about six feet off center assuming. Taking that into prospective the camera was level. Both photos would work for me. If I had to make a choice I would go with cropped (2).
Jul 25, 2013 07:51:12 #
This is where I disagree with the Horizon Police !!
1) The level in your camera is SO small, it won't be very accurate. - builders use a 4-5 foot level for 20 feet of wall - for a horizon, a 1/2" level won't cut it.
2) Trees don't all grow plumb - to say so is just plumb dumb.
3) Perspective makes things go not-straight-across-the-frame.
If you WANT a level picture, take one (Or PP it) - if you see / want a different viewpoint, stick with it, and tell the H.P. to stick it !
1) The level in your camera is SO small, it won't be very accurate. - builders use a 4-5 foot level for 20 feet of wall - for a horizon, a 1/2" level won't cut it.
2) Trees don't all grow plumb - to say so is just plumb dumb.
3) Perspective makes things go not-straight-across-the-frame.
If you WANT a level picture, take one (Or PP it) - if you see / want a different viewpoint, stick with it, and tell the H.P. to stick it !
Jul 25, 2013 08:23:43 #
I never use the built-in level. Not worth the bother and I prefer the regular viewer rather than the live one on my Canon 60D. If I need to shoot the picture level as for a panorama, I use a separate level that fits into the camera's hot shoe. If my picture has a horizontal or vertical reference line, then I align to that in post-processing. Takes less time than fussing in the field.
Jul 25, 2013 11:10:31 #
tainkc wrote:
I never use mine.
Ditto. I just try to get as close as possible when I frame the shot and then it can be easily fixed in post if need be.
Jul 25, 2013 11:19:00 #
jeep_daddy wrote:
Exactly.Ditto. I just try to get as close as possible when I frame the shot and then it can be easily fixed in post if need be.
Jul 25, 2013 12:44:10 #
Willy wrote:
I have both a Canon 7D and recently purchased a 5D... (show quote)
Neither of my Canon dslr cameras have that feature. I've been shooting both hobby and professionally for about 30 years and never had such a feature except perhaps the level bubble on my tripods. All I do is eyeball the shot. If I get it wrong them correct in post but I don't get many wrong just using my eye.
Nice shot by the way
Jul 25, 2013 14:06:56 #
I think I would use it only, when I have trouble seeing, being level and I need it to be (like horizon). Sometimes not being level might be the desired effect. But it is nice to have it onboard.
Jul 25, 2013 18:52:47 #
Isn't that nice a very nice, straight forward non contentious reply to an innocent question. I starting to like you better. I just wish in studying both images I could better see the trees but I am getting old.
Jul 25, 2013 23:08:21 #
As suggested earlier, if the picture was taken straight on it would solve the whole problem. But I know it is too late for that. I like #1 best.
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