I recently borrowed a LightCraft Fader ND filter. I wanted to see how a variable ND filter would perform, specifically on my 10mm-22mm Canon lens.
The following test was performed at 10 mm using a continuous florescent light source. Min and Max refer to the markings on the filter, which did correspond closely to the lightest and darkest settings. At 10mm the filter has significant pattern issues on the dark end.
I have been investigating the various slider's available, their pricing and features. I have narrowed my choices down but I thought I would share what I found in my research.
The Canon 7D (and other cameras) come with EOS Utility. This software lets you remotely shoot from a computer. It also allows you to view Live View via a computer.
I tested this out on my old laptop, and the performance was quite poor. The frames per second (FPS) was barely usable. I was still considering this as an option for a Video Monitor, but need to confirm what sort of netbook/laptop will be required to provide enough performance to make this viable. I performed tests on several of the PC's I have around the house with the following results
Intel Core I7 - More then capable of handling the video feed. See the following belo
Intel Core 2 Duo - Handles the FPS fine, but the CPU is running high at 70 to 80.
Pentium 4 3 Ghz - Frame rate was quite a bit lower. CPU still not capped.
Pentium M 1.8 Ghz - Frame rate significantly too low.
So it is possible to get a good frame rate and very little delay from a usb remote connection, however I have not yet determined if a netbook is capable of a useable FPS. (I do not own a netbook).
All tests were done with a 31 foot in total length USB cable run. I had to use a repeater USB Active Extension/Repeater Cable and then a 15 foot Male to Mini-B 5Pin cable to get the length. 15 foot Male to Mini-B 5 Pin Cable. The repeater is important as USB only supports a maximum of 16 feet without one. See this video for more information
