Hi everyone!

First of all, so sorry I missed last week’s Tidbits. My kids had pink eye and a cold all week (boo). So needless to say, a few things had to hit the cutting floor.

They are feeling much better now and at school this week! Here they are on the first day.  🙂

(PS: Can I just say I am totally freaked out this week at how old they are getting. Especially seeing Ellie in a uniform. CRAZY! Where has the time gone? *sniff*)

Back to Tidbits… I did get a little something something in the mail a few weeks ago and I am excited to talk about it a today. It’s the new Canon 5D Mark III. Whoop Whoop!

Now, I had heard some pretty good things about this camera and after one of my Mark II’s broke at the last wedding, I figured it was time to upgrade.

I haven’t had a chance to shoot a lot yet… but I do love what I have shot so far. A few things I have noticed in the short time… It is much easier to focus quickly (even at wide apertures). The LCD on the back is bigger and brighter. And this might be weird… but I love the way it sounds. The shutter is so much quieter.

I thought I would pull it out today and do a couple shots then the same shots with the Mark II (so you can see the difference). Hopefully in the next few weeks I can give you even more comparisons.

First up… a shot of a rose from my bushes in the backyard. Both images were taken with the 50 mm 1.2.

Settings were exactly the same… f/2.0, 1/6400, ISO- 1250, and I put the White Balance on auto so you could see the difference.

The image on the left is the Mark II and right is the Mark III.

Honestly, there wasn’t too much of a difference in the images. But, I will say it was easier to take the shot with the Mark III then the Mark II. Also, the Mark III chose a slightly warmer White Balance, which I’d prefer.

Next comparison… a group of ingredients for a salsa. Settings the same. Shot with the 50 mm 1.2. At f/2.5, 1/2500, ISO at 2500, WB on Auto.

Again Mark II on the left and Mark III on the right.

Only a slight difference here too. I was trying to stand in the same exact spot (but I am sure it wasn’t perfect). It seems that the focal range on the Mark III was a little wider than the Mark II, even at a 2.5 aperture. I feel like you can see the chicken broth and the tomatoes clearer with the Mark III.

I know those examples were a little lame. But hopefully they helped! I will try and give you some others soon.

And while we are at it… I am going to show yow how to make that delicious Blackened Tomato Salsa (or as we call it in our house… She She Salsa.. named after Shelly, because it’s her fave).

First up… your ingredients.

5-7 large tomatoes (chilled)

1 large or 2 smaller Jalepeno Peppers (you can do more if you like it really spicy)

1 can of chicken broth

1 lime

1 red onion

2-3 teaspoons of cilantro

Next Directions…

Put 5 tomatoes on the grill and close. Cook on Med/High until blackened on bottoms (probably at least 15 minutes).

Then flip the tomatoes and add your peppers. Cut off the stem of the peppers before placing it on grill. (I forgot and it’s much easier before. Also, note to everyone… do not touch your face or eyes after touching the peppers. I learned that the hard way today. Oops). Come back after 5-7 minutes and rotate the peppers.

While those are cooking… dice the red onion, cilantro, and 1-2 other tomatoes. Place those in a bowl to the side.

Take off the tomatoes and peppers once blackened on both sides. Place them in a bowl and let them cool off. Squeeze the lime in.

Then, place in the blender and add chicken broth. Puree until smooth (doesn’t take long at all). Add to the bowl of chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Stir and chill. Enjoy!

Let me know if you like it!