Canon Rebel T4i and EF 40mm F/2.8 STM Video Test

Beach days are back again along with more Canon Rebel T4i/650D and EF 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens video tests. My kids and their cousins hit the ground running at Clearwater Beach, Florida with open arms despite the heat and high humidity.



A 1080p video shot with the Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D paired with the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens at 29.97fps. Edited with Final Cut Pro 6.0.6 with the Canon E-1 Movie plugin to transcode to AppleProRes422. I used Compressor to export my timeline for a 800mb h264 video file. For audio capture, I used a Senneheiser MKE400 shotgun microphone. For support, I used Benro 3580 tripod legs with a Manfrotto 701 HDV video head. To control the incoming exposure in direct sunlight, I used a FADER HD variable ND filter on the "shorty forty" lens.



The Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens is an affordable, portable and super sharp lens that gives great color and contrast. A great value is an understatement describing this lens for still and video purposes. The "shorty forty' is a must have for your camera bag.



Just like I mentioned in my full Canon Rebel T4i/650D Verdict and Video Review, I found the lack of AF Quick in video mode rather disappointing along with other big features. The AF Flexizone Single Point in the T4i is no replacement for the faster AF Quick mode of the previous T3i.



The AF Flexizone Single Point uses an enhanced contrast detect sensor in the CMOS chip to maintain focus automatically or on demand. It is simply not fast enough for my taste, but fortunately it is just as accurate as AF Quick of the T3i. Shooting in the direct sunlight of the beach was a great test of the AF of the T4i. Rejoice!



Just like my kids and their cousins, the Canon Rebel T4i and the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens make a great pair together. The "shorty forty" on the T4i's crop sensor give a focal equivalent of 64mm. A perfect focal length for portraits with dreamy out of focus background. A match made in heaven!



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Winter's Dolphin Tale Experience at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Just like Hope, a permanent bottle nosed dolphin resident at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the non profit marine sanctuary reached new heights recently. Record crowds converged to the CMA that specializes in rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing marine animals. They came to see Winter, the major motion picture star of "Dolphin Tale" released in 2011.



Winter, a permanent bottled nosed dolphin resident at CMA, is special. Due to injuries sustained from a crab trap, Winter's tail had to be amputated. A prosthetic tail was successfully fitted to Winter's body to help her swim. This true story inspired the Hollywood movie, "Dolphin Tale".



Although Winter's plight is the storyline of the movie and the major draw to the CMA, the marine animal rescue organization educates the local community through environmental awareness through marine animal care. Panama, the oldest and partially deaf resident of the CMA, performs to the excitement of the audience. Panama is Winter's full time surrogate mother in the "Winter Zone".



You will only see Freeman, Connick and Judd in 2-D at the CMA...the 2 dimensions of a color poster. Fortunately, you can see Winter in any dimension in his holding tank. They even have underwater viewing windows to see him in aquatic action.



Winter's adventures continue to downtown Clearwater, Florida. With a complimentary Jolley Trolley ride, you can view interactive exhibits of actual sets and props from the movie. They also have a high definition theater viewing of behind the scenes footage plus an interactive kids fun zone. Just like every other theme park in Florida, the exhibit ends at the gift shop. We did not leave empty handed.



The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a sight to see with the family. My kids could not stop referencing the movie during our visit in between the gift shop begging.



You can view more photos in Winter's Dolphin Tale Experience at Clearwater Marine Aquarium Gallery shot with the Canon EOS Rebel T3i/600D paired with the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens.



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