The Eiffel Tower from the Arc de Triomphe
Canon 5D Mark 1 with a Canon 17-40mm lens
Luminance HDR 2.3.0 tonemapping parameters:
Operator: Mantiuk06
Parameters: Contrast Mapping factor: 0.4
Saturation Factor: 1.54
Detail Factor: 1
—— PreGamma: 0.7
With an opportunity to visit the beautiful City of Paris, I thought I’d take the chance to try out the Canon EOS 5D, along with my trusty Canon 17-40mm and 15mm fisheye. The Canon 5D is an older camera, launched in 2005, and it’s price has been dropping steadily thanks to the introduction of more recent full frames such as the Canon 5D Mark 3, the Canon 6D and Nikon D600. So, if you’re looking for a cheap full frame digital slr, then the Canon 5D could be a decent option.
The Canon 5D is a sturdy camera. With its magnesium alloy body, it feels like it can handle a knock or two and is great to hold. The button layout on the camera is excellent as with most of Canon’s SLRs. The Canon EOS 5D Mark I is considered to be a camera for professionals, and as such doesn’t have an in-built flash. The assumption being that a professional would probably use an external flash anyway when required.
Following on from Davide’s how-to guide for creating your own HDR photos, I also thought I’d give it a go myself. All that is principally required is to make use of the bracketing function on your camera and take 3 shots each with a slightly different exposure, and then combine them afterwards when post processing. My first target to try out such a shot was at the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
Under the Arc de Triomphe
Canon 5D, Canon 15mm Fisheye
The Arc de Triomphe is a majestic building, impressive to see from the ground level, but by ascending the many steps to the top you can get an impressive view of Paris from on high.
The Paris financial district
Canon 5D, Canon 17-40mm F4L
Luminance HDR 2.3.0 tonemapping parameters:
Operator: Mantiuk06
Parameters:
Contrast Mapping factor: 0.18
Saturation Factor: 1.56
Detail Factor: 3
View from the Arc de Triomphe
Canon 5D Mark 1 with a Canon 15mm Fisheye lens
Luminance HDR 2.3.0
tonemapping parameters: Operator: Mantiuk06
Parameters: Contrast Mapping factor: 0.3
Saturation Factor: 1.08
Detail Factor: 1
—— PreGamma: 0.61
Making use of a fisheye lens when you have a great view like the one above can be a very good idea. Mimicking the curvature of the earth produces an interesting perspective.
Walking along the Seine
Taking a walk along the Seine affords many great photo opportunities. You can spend hours wandering along the paths, watching the boats go by and taking photos.
Notre Dame from the Seine
Canon 5D Mark 1 with Canon 15mm fisheye lens
Luminance HDR 2.3.0 tonemapping parameters:
Operator: Mantiuk06
Parameters: Contrast Mapping factor: 0.25
Saturation Factor: 0.8
Detail Factor: 3
—— PreGamma: 0.48
Framed
Canon 5D Mark 1 with a Canon 17-40mm lens
Luminance HDR 2.3.0 tonemapping parameters:
Operator: Mantiuk06
Parameters: Contrast Mapping factor: 0.1
Saturation Factor: 1.02
Detail Factor: 1
—— PreGamma: 0.42
Another great photo idea is to try a night time shot from one of the bridges that cross the Seine. There’s usually a lot of traffic on the road and boats going by which offer an ideal opportunity to try a long exposure shot.
The Seine at night
Canon 5D Mark 1 with a Canon 17-40mm F4L lens.
The Jardin du Luxembourg
In and around the Jardin du Luxembourg is a great place to spend a while taking photographs. It’s the second biggest park in Paris, and the Luxembourg palace is situated in the middle.
The Jardin du Luxembourg
Canon 5D Mark 1 and Canon 15mm Fisheye lens
Luminance HDR 2.3.0 tonemapping parameters:
Operator: Mantiuk06
Parameters: Contrast Mapping factor: 0.2
Saturation Factor: 0.8
Detail Factor: 2
—— PreGamma: 0.7
Jardin du Luxembourg
Canon 5D Mark 1 with a Canon 15mm Fisheye lens
Luminance HDR 2.3.0 tonemapping parameters:
Operator: Mantiuk06
Parameters: Contrast
Mapping factor: 0.25
Saturation Factor: 1.21
Detail Factor: 3
—— PreGamma: 0.52
Just generally walking around
You’ll find many great photo opportunities just through walking around Paris, be it stopping for a coffee somewhere, heading into a historical building, or finding an impressive fountain! If the weather conditions are favourable, try taking a night time shot of the traffic around the Arc de Triomphe. I was defeated by the weather when I tried, but I think a great shot can be found there.
Moody fountain
Canon 5D Mark 1 with a Canon 15mm Fisheye lens
Luminance HDR 2.3.0 tonemapping parameters:
Operator: Mantiuk06
Parameters: Contrast Mapping factor: 0.13
Saturation Factor: 0.8
Detail Factor: 3
—— PreGamma: 0.64
Cathedral interior
Canon 5D Mark 1 with a Canon 15mm fisheye lens
Luminance HDR 2.3.0 tonemapping parameters:
Operator: Mantiuk06
Parameters: Contrast Mapping factor: 0.25
Saturation Factor: 1.19
Detail Factor: 3
—— PreGamma: 0.91
The Eiffel Tower
Canon 5D, Canon 17-40mm F4L
Paris cafe bar in the rain
Luminance HDR 2.3.0 tonemapping parameters:
Operator: Mantiuk06
Parameters: Contrast Mapping factor: 0.25
Saturation Factor: 0.95
Detail Factor: 1
—— PreGamma: 0.52
I loved your Paris photos. I am planning a trip in the Fall of 2013 and am taking my 5D2. I’m trying to plan which lenses to take. I want to travel light. I have the 17-40, 24-105, 28/1.8, 50/1.4, and 100/2.8 L IS macro. My only hesitation is that I don’t have the steadiest hand and this might be a problem with the 17-40 handheld. I figure to take either that lens or the 24-105 and either the 28 or 50 for low light. I would love to get a fisheye, but that may not happen. Any suggestions are welcome. Keep up the fine work. Great pictures!