Canon 6D Mark II Review

[sc name="affiliate disclosure"]

Canon 6D Mark II Review:

Canon has released a sequel to their entry level full frame camera the Canon 6D. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II will be Canon's successor to their first entry level full frame camera. I have been looking into getting a full frame camera that offers an articulating screen. It's a feature I think many cameras should have as an option. Articulating screens for cameras have been mostly reserved to entry and mid level cameras. I find cameras that have a rotating lcd screen allows for better framing of shots. You can also take more creative photos with camera angles from extremely low angles. I decided to rent a 6D Mark II and try it out Canon's latest DSLR. Here is my Canon 6D Mark II Review. 

Price

The price of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II for the body alone is $1,999.00. It is a slightly compact DSLR weighing 765g. For size comparisons it is smaller than a 5D Mark III and bigger than a PANASONIC GH4.If you're new to Canon, you'll need to purchase a lens with the 6D Mark II. Canon does offer an option to purchase a kit lens with the 6D. This is the EF 24-105mm IS STM Lens bundle that offers a zoom lens with the camera. If you have shot with Canon lenses before all you will need are lenses with an EF mount.According to the website Imaging Resource, the 6D Mark II's battery offers excellent battery life. In the Viewfinder mode, with the LCD screen not on, the camera will last 1200 shots. In the Live View mode, with the LCD screen on, the camera will last 380 shots.

What You Get:

The Articulating LCD screen is the primary selling point for the 6D Mark II. It is one of the only full frame cameras that offers a rotating screen. It has a 26 megapixel sensor which improves upon the original 6D's 20 megapixel sensor. The camera uses a DIGIC 7 processor and has an ISO between 100-40000. I found the autofocus on the 6D Mark II for video to be extremely fast. Facial recognition for video is very sharp and fast making it an excellent option for a vlogging camera.

What You Won’t Get:

Many reviewers have claimed that for the price of the 6D Mark II lags behind similar priced cameras on the market. The one big issue that has been noted is the lack of 4K. However Canon does offer 4K in the 6D Mark II's timelapse mode.At times I am not sure of what type of user this camera the 6D Mark II is for. It doesn't quite fit the category someone who strictly wants to record video or shoot photos. One example is that the 6D Mark II has in body image stabilization but this feature is only available in movie mode.I noticed that the shutter sound on the camera was loud in the normal viewfinder mode. In the live view mode the shutter sound was noticeably quieter. However I noticed that in the live view there is a delay when taking photo. This type of delay could lead to camera shake when taking photos.Many reviews have also written about an issue with dynamic range at low isos. PetaPixel article in July of 2017 reported that images from the 6D Mark II appear noisey at low isos.

Summary:

Overall I think the Canon 6D Mark II is a great camera. Especially if you compare the 6D Mark II to other entry level full frame cameras like Sony's A7 II and Nikon's 750D. The only difference is Sony's A7 II was released in November 2014 and Nikon's 750D released September 12, 2014. If the 6D Mark II was released in 2014 with it's current specs I think the camera wouldn't feel lacking. Canon tends to update their DSLRS around four to five years. Because of this I understand why consumers are tempted to move to Sony cameras for features such as 4K and image stabilization for photo & video. Hopefully there may be an option to improve the 6D Mark II with firmare updates.Overall I think the 6D Mark II will still make an excellent travel camera or vlogging camera for anyone who would like to travel with a full frame DSLR.[tg_divider style="normal"]

Brevite Original Backpack Review

Brevite Original Backpack

I am always on the lookout for items that make my hobbies easier. In the case of photography and shooting on the go, I'm drawn to backpacks that have a side pocket in which I can access my camera quickly. The Brevite Original backpack is one of the few backpacks that feature a side pocket and make run and gun shooting easy for the photographer.The Brevite Original backpack costs between $100 - $145. The $145 version includes a protective insert that adds cushioning and protection to your camera and lenses. The interior of the insert allows you to customize the layout to best fit your preferences. If you opt to not include the protective insert the backpack will cost $100.The dimensions of the backpack are 18in(L) x 13in(W) x 6in(H). Inside the backpack there are several pockets and dividers such as a laptop divider that will hold a 15inch sized laptop. Some of the features of Brevite's Original backpack include:

Sternum strap and hip belt with memory card pockets.

Sunglasses loop on shoulder strap

Sternum strap and hip belt with memory card pockets

Side tripod holder

Water bottle holder

Bottom tripod holder

Built in Raincover

600D Nylon

YKK Zippers

I have been using the Brevite Original backpack for three months as my daily backpack and I enjoy it's flexibility. Although I think the Manfrotto backpacks have slightly better materials and quality, I would highly recommend the Brevite Original as a backpack to carry your photo gear & access it quickly on the go.

Review: Using Databases with Python

Coursera: Using Databases with Python

I recently took the course Using Databases with Python through Coursera taught by Charles Severance. It's a course that I highly recommend it for anyone interested in a basic understanding of SQL. Coursera offers online courses in subjects such as Computer Programming, Data Analysis, and more. The majority of the classes available on Coursera have the option of taking a course for free or a paid option. If you select the paid option you will earn a certificate of completion to post on your resume or LinkedIn profile.The course taught by Charles Severance explains the background of SQL and how to combine SQL with the programming language Python. This is the fourth course that is part of a specialization for "Python for Everybody". It is recommended not to take courses in a specialization out of order. However in my opinion since this course is primarily focused on SQL I think it's fine to take this class to get a better understanding of SQL.I worked with SQL in the past though a former position at a software company. My basic understanding of SQL has been self taught. With this course my understanding of SQL has greatly improved. The course uses SQLite3 as its database, which allows you to work with SQL as you practice SQL commands. This is great as you won't be concerned about wrecking data to an existing database.Follow the URL below for more information about this course and other courses available through Coursera:Using Databases with Python

Currently Reading How to Win Friends And Influence People

What I'm Currently Reading: How to Win Friends And Influence People

I am currently reading: How to Win Friends And Influence PeopleA very good book that is not just about business but also a book about life. I have heard recommendations for this book but I finally took the plunge and decided to read it. I enjoyed reading the parts about how human beings are emotional creatures and you can't expect them to always act logical.