Canon Photography Training Milnerton, Cape Town

Photography Training / Skills Development Milnerton, Cape Town

Fast Shutter Speed / Action Photography Training Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Personalised Canon EOS / Canon EOS R Training for Different Learning Levels

Vernon Chalmers Photography Profile

Vernon Canon Photography Training Cape Town 2026

If you’re looking for Canon photography training in Milnerton, Cape Town, Vernon Chalmers Photography offers a variety of cost-effective courses tailored to different skill levels and interests. They provide one-on-one training sessions for Canon EOS R and EOS DSLR and mirrorless cameras, covering topics such as:

• Introduction to Photography / Canon Cameras More
  
• Birds in Flight / Bird Photography Training More
• Bird / Flower Photography Training Kirstenbosch More
• Landscape / Long Exposure Photography More
• Macro / Close-Up Photography More
• Speedlite Flash Photography More

Training sessions can be held at various locations, including Intaka Island, Woodbridge Island and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.

Canon EOS / EOS R Camera and Photography Training

Cost-Effective Private Canon EOS / EOS R Camera and Photography tutoring / training courses in Milnerton, Cape Town.

Tailor-made (individual) learning programmes are prepared for specific Canon EOS / EOS R camera and photography requirements with the following objectives:

• Individual Needs / Gear analysis
• Canon EOS camera menus / settings
• Exposure settings and options
• Specific genre applications and skills development
• Practical shooting sessions (where applicable)
• Post-processing overview
• Ongoing support
  
  

Image Post-Processing / Workflow Overview
As part of my genre-specific photography training, I offer an introductory overview of post-processing workflows (if required) using Adobe Lightroom, Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) and Topaz Photo AI. This introductory module is tailored to each delegate’s JPG / RAW image requirements and provides a practical foundation for image refinement, image management, and creative expression - ensuring a seamless transition from capture to final output.

Canon Camera / Lens Requirements
Any Canon EOS / EOS R body / lens combination is suitable for most of the training sessions. During initial contact I will determine the learner's current skills, Canon EOS system and other learning / photographic requirements. Many Canon PowerShot camera models are also suitable for creative photography skills development.

Camera and Photgraphy Training Documentation
All Vernon Chalmers Photography Training delegates are issued with a folder with all relevant printed documentation  in terms of camera and personal photography requirements. Documents may be added (if required) to every follow-up session (should the delegate decide to have two or more sessions).

2026 Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Rates 

Cabbage White Butterfly Woodbridge Island - Canon EF 100-400mm Lens

Bird / Flower Photography Training Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden More Information

2025 Individual Photography Training Session Cost / Rates

From R900-00 per four hour session for Introductory Canon EOS / EOS R photography in Milnerton, Cape Town. Practical shooting sessions can be worked into the training. A typical training programme of three training sessions is R2 450-00.

From R950-00 per four hour session for developing . more advanced Canon EOS / EOS R photography in Milnerton, Cape Town. Practical shooting sessions can be worked into the training. A typical training programme of three training sessions is R2 650-00.

Three sessions of training to be up to 12 hours+ theory / settings training (inclusive: a three hours practical shoot around Woodbridge Island if required) and an Adobe Lightroom informal assessment / of images taken - irrespective of genre. 

Canon EOS System / Menu Setup and Training Cape Town

Canon EOS Cameras / Lenses (Still Photography Only)
All Canon EOS DSLR cameras from the EOS 1100D to advanced AF training on the Canon EOS 90D / EOS 7D Mark II to the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. All EF / EF-S (and / or compatible) Lenses 

All Canon EOS R cameras from the EOS R to the EOS R1, including the EOS R6 Mark III / EOS R5 Mark II. All Canon RF / RF-S (and / or compatible) lenses. 

Intaka Island Photography Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

Advanced Canon EOS Autofocus Training (Canon EOS / EOS R)

For advanced Autofocus (AF) training have a look at the Birds in Flight Photography workshop options. Advanced AF training is available from the Canon EOS 7D Mark II / Canon EOS 5D Mark III / Canon EOS 5D Mark IV up to the Canon EOS 1-DX Mark II / III. Most Canon EOS R bodies (i.e. EOS R7, EOS R6, EOS R6 Mark II, EOS R6 Mark III, EOS R5, EOS R5 Mark II, EOS R3, EOS R1) will have similar or more advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF (II) AF Systems.

Contact me for more information about a specific Canon EOS / EOS R AF System.

Cape Town Photography Training Schedules / Availability

From Tuesdays - during the day / evening and / or Saturday mornings.

Canon EOS / Close-Up Lens Accessories Training Cape Town

Core Canon Camera / Photography Learning Areas

• Overview & Specific Canon Camera / Lens Settings
• Exposure Settings for M / Av / Tv Modes
• Autofocus / Manual Focus Options
• General Photography / Lens Selection / Settings
• Transition from JPG to RAW (Reasons why)
• Landscape Photography / Settings / Filters
• Close-Up / Macro Photography / Settings
• Speedlite Flash / Flash Modes / Flash Settings
• Digital Image Management

Practical Photography / Application

• Inter-relationship of ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed
• Aperture and Depth of Field demonstration
• Low light / Long Exposure demonstration
• Landscape sessions / Manual focusing
• Speedlite Flash application / technique
• Introduction to Post-Processing

Tailor-made Canon Camera / Photography training to be facilitated on specific requirements after a thorough needs-analysis with individual photographer / or small group.

• Typical Learning Areas Agenda
• General Photography Challenges / Fundamentals
• Exposure Overview (ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed)
• Canon EOS 70D Menus / Settings (in relation to exposure)
• Camera / Lens Settings (in relation to application / genres)
• Lens Selection / Technique (in relation to application / genres)
• Introduction to Canon Flash / Low Light Photography
• Still Photography Only

Above Learning Areas are facilitated over two or three sessions of four hours+ each. Any additional practical photography sessions (if required) will be at an additional pro-rata cost.

Fireworks Display Photography with Canon EOS 6D : Cape Town

From Woodbridge Island : Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens

Existential Photo-Creativity : Slow Shutter Speed Abstract Application

Perched Pied Kingfisher : Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm Lens

Long Exposure Photography: Canon EOS 700D / Wide-Angle Lens

Birds in Flight (Swift Tern) : Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm lens

Persian Cat Portrait : Canon EOS 6D / 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Fashion Photography Canon Speedlite flash : Canon EOS 6D @ 70mm

Long Exposure Photography Canon EOS 6D : Milnerton

Close-Up & Macro Photography Cape Town : Canon EOS 6D

Panning / Slow Shutter Speed: Canon EOS 70D EF 70-300mm Lens

Long Exposure Photography Cape Town Canon EOS 6D @ f/16

Canon Photography Training Session at Spier Wine Farm

Canon Photography Training Courses Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Garden

Canon EOS EF to RF Adapter Application

Explore the practical application of Canon EF to RF mount adapters, including performance, autofocus integration, stabilization synergy, and strategic system migration for professional photographers in the mirrorless era.

Canon EOS EF to RF Adapter Application

"The transition from DSLR to mirrorless technology represents one of the most consequential shifts in modern photographic engineering. When Canon launched the Canon EOS R platform, it introduced a new RF mount designed around optical flexibility, high-speed communication, and shorter flange focal distance. For professionals and serious enthusiasts invested in EF glass, the central concern was compatibility. Canon’s EF-to-RF mount adapter resolved that concern with remarkable technical precision.

Rather than rendering decades of EF lens investment obsolete, Canon engineered a solution that preserves mechanical integrity, electronic communication, and optical performance. The adapter is not an improvised bridge—it is an engineered interface that maintains full system coherence. In practical terms, it has become a foundational component in many professional workflows.

The Significance of Canon's RF Lens Mount

Mechanical Architecture: Flange Distance and Mount Geometry

The success of the EF-to-RF adapter is rooted in geometry.

The EF mount, introduced in 1987, operates with a 44 mm flange focal distance. The RF mount reduces that distance to 20 mm while retaining the 54 mm throat diameter. This 24 mm difference creates the physical space required for an adapter without optical compromise.

Because EF lenses were designed for a longer back focus distance, the adapter simply restores the correct spacing between lens and sensor. No additional optical elements are required. This is critical: introducing glass into an adapter can degrade image quality. Canon avoided that entirely. The adapter is effectively a precision-machined extension tube with electronic pass-through (Canon Inc., 2018).

The result is optical neutrality. Sharpness, contrast, chromatic aberration characteristics, and rendering remain identical to EF performance on DSLR bodies.

Electronic Integration and Data Throughput

EF lenses rely fully on electronic communication—autofocus drive, aperture actuation, stabilization coordination, and metadata transmission all depend on digital signaling.

Canon ensured that RF bodies replicate and expand this communication architecture. When an EF lens is mounted via the adapter, the camera recognizes it as native in terms of control protocol. Autofocus modes, servo tracking, aperture control, lens corrections, and EXIF metadata are transmitted seamlessly.

On advanced mirrorless bodies such as the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Canon EOS R5, adapted EF lenses gain access to Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and deep-learning subject detection algorithms (Canon Inc., 2022). This often results in performance improvements compared to DSLR autofocus systems.

In wildlife or action contexts, EF super-telephotos paired with modern RF bodies benefit from improved eye detection and subject tracking across nearly the entire frame. The adapter does not bottleneck performance; it enables modernization.

The Three Adapter Configurations

Canon offers three EF-to-RF adapter variants, each addressing distinct operational needs:

Mount Adapter EF–EOS R

The standard adapter provides mechanical and electronic bridging without additional controls. It is compact, durable, and weather-resistant when paired with compatible bodies and lenses. 

Control Ring Mount Adapter EF–EOS R

This version integrates a programmable control ring, mirroring RF lens ergonomics. Photographers can assign ISO, exposure compensation, shutter speed, or aperture to the ring, maintaining muscle memory and workflow continuity during hybrid EF/RF use.

For professionals transitioning gradually to RF lenses, this control ring preserves tactile consistency across mixed kits. 

Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter EF–EOS R

The most innovative variant, this adapter enables rear drop-in filters—circular polarizers and neutral density filters, including variable ND options.

For large-diameter telephoto lenses (e.g., EF 400mm, 500mm, 600mm), front filters can be impractical or prohibitively expensive. Rear drop-in filters reduce cost and streamline field operation. Videographers, in particular, benefit from rapid ND adjustments during exposure transitions.

Autofocus Performance in the Field

Early skepticism around mirrorless adaptation centered on autofocus speed and reliability. In practice, EF lenses on RF bodies frequently match or exceed DSLR performance.

This improvement stems from sensor-based phase detection and advanced tracking algorithms rather than from the adapter itself. Mirrorless AF eliminates front- and back-focus calibration issues inherent in DSLR phase-detection modules.

Continuous tracking in birds-in-flight, sports, and wildlife applications has proven robust when pairing EF telephotos with RF bodies. The adapter introduces no measurable delay in communication or focus acquisition.

Additionally, the expansive AF coverage area of mirrorless systems—often approaching 100% frame coverage—extends compositional flexibility compared to DSLR AF point limitations.

Stabilization Synergy: IS and IBIS

Many EF lenses include optical Image Stabilization (IS). Modern RF bodies incorporate in-body image stabilization (IBIS). When paired via the adapter, compatible systems coordinate stabilization between lens-based and sensor-shift mechanisms.

The camera intelligently distributes correction tasks, optimizing stabilization performance. For handheld telephoto work or low-light shooting, this cooperative system can provide significantly enhanced shake reduction.

This synergy allows photographers to extract new performance from legacy EF glass without additional investment.

Optical Considerations and RF Advantages

While the adapter ensures compatibility, it does not convert EF lenses into RF-native designs.

The RF mount’s shorter flange distance grants optical engineers greater freedom. RF lenses can position rear elements closer to the sensor, enabling improved edge sharpness, faster apertures, and more compact designs.

For example, RF lenses such as the RF 28–70mm f/2 demonstrate optical configurations impractical in the EF era. Nonetheless, many EF L-series lenses remain optically competitive, especially in telephoto categories.

The adapter, therefore, supports a strategic approach: retain high-performing EF lenses while selectively upgrading where RF design offers tangible advantages.

Economic Strategy and Asset Preservation

From a capital allocation perspective, the EF-to-RF adapter mitigates system migration risk.

Professional photographers often hold substantial investments in EF lenses—particularly super-telephotos. Immediate full-system replacement is financially imprudent for many practitioners.

The adapter enables phased transition:

• Upgrade body first.
• Evaluate performance gains.
• Replace lenses selectively over time.

This approach spreads financial exposure while preserving revenue-generating equipment.

For institutions and educators, the adapter supports inclusivity. Students and participants frequently arrive with EF lenses accumulated over years. Demonstrating RF bodies paired with EF optics lowers entry barriers and facilitates skill development without immediate equipment turnover.

Operational Balance and Ergonomics

Physically, the adapter adds approximately 24 mm of extension and modest weight. For mid-range zooms and primes, this is negligible. With heavy telephotos, balance remains primarily lens-determined; tripod collar mounting mitigates strain on the camera body.

Weather sealing is maintained when using Canon’s official adapters with compatible lenses and bodies. Build quality aligns with professional durability expectations.

EF-S lenses remain compatible but trigger APS-C crop mode on full-frame RF bodies. This is automatic and ensures image circle integrity.

Third-party EF lenses may require firmware updates to optimize compatibility. In most cases, performance remains reliable, though testing before critical assignments is prudent.

Video Applications

The drop-in variable ND filter adapter significantly enhances hybrid workflows. Neutral density control within the adapter simplifies exposure management while maintaining desired shutter angles for cinematic motion rendering.

Because filtration occurs behind the lens, videographers avoid large, front-mounted filter systems—particularly valuable with super-telephotos and specialty lenses.

Smooth aperture transitions and accurate autofocus during video recording remain fully operational with adapted EF lenses.

Strategic Interpretation: Continuity Over Disruption

The EF-to-RF adapter reflects a deliberate engineering philosophy. Rather than forcing obsolescence, Canon integrated backward compatibility into its forward-looking mount design.

This continuity strengthens ecosystem loyalty and stabilizes professional workflows. The RF system does not invalidate EF heritage; it absorbs and extends it.

For photographers evaluating migration, the adapter reduces uncertainty. For working professionals, it preserves earning capacity. For trainers and institutions, it maintains curricular coherence across generations of equipment.

Conclusion

The Canon EF-to-RF mount adapter represents more than mechanical compatibility. It is a systems-level solution enabling cross-generational integration, performance enhancement, and economic pragmatism.

Optically neutral, electronically transparent, and operationally reliable, the adapter allows EF lenses to function seamlessly within the RF mirrorless architecture. Autofocus advancements, stabilization synergy, and ergonomic continuity further reinforce its practical value.

In a technological landscape often defined by rapid obsolescence, the EF-to-RF adapter stands as an example of thoughtful transition design. It empowers photographers to modernize intelligently—retaining proven optics while accessing the computational and autofocus advantages of the RF era.

For professionals, educators, and serious enthusiasts alike, it remains one of the most strategically significant accessories in Canon’s mirrorless ecosystem." (Source: ChatGPT 5.2 : Moderation: Vernon Chalmers Photography)

References

Busch, D. D. (2021). Canon EOS R5/R6 guide to digital photography. Rocky Nook.

Canon Inc. (2018). EOS R system technical report. Canon Global.

Canon Inc. (2022). Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology overview. Canon Global.

Kelby, S. (2020). The mirrorless revolution in professional photography. Peachpit Press.

Canon CR2 vs CR3 RAW Files

A technical comparison of Canon CR2 and CR3 RAW file formats, explaining differences in structure, compression, file size, C-RAW capability, and performance for DSLR and mirrorless workflows.

A Technical and Practical Comparison for Canon Photographers

"The evolution of digital photography is not limited to sensor resolution, autofocus sophistication, or burst rates. Equally significant—though less visible—is the architecture of the RAW file itself. For Canon photographers, the transition from CR2 to CR3 marks a structural shift that directly affects storage efficiency, workflow speed, and long-term archival strategy.

While both formats preserve unprocessed sensor data, they differ in container design, compression methodology, performance optimization, and operational intent. Understanding those differences is essential for professionals working in high-volume genres such as wildlife, sports, and Birds in Flight photography.

What Is Canon CR2?

CR2 (Canon RAW version 2) served as Canon’s primary RAW format throughout the DSLR era. It is based on the TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) specification, which allows structured storage of image data alongside metadata.

CR2 files store:

• 12-bit or 14-bit sensor data
• Embedded JPEG previews
• EXIF metadata
• Lens and camera-specific parameters

CR2 was used extensively in professional DSLR bodies such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, and Canon EOS-1D X Mark III.

Core Characteristics of CR2

CR2 offers:

• Stable TIFF-based architecture
• High image integrity
• Broad third-party software support
• Generally larger file sizes

Because it relies on TIFF, CR2 is robust and predictable. However, it was not designed with the extreme burst rates and high-resolution sensors of the mirrorless era in mind.

What Is Canon CR3?

CR3 (Canon RAW version 3) represents a foundational redesign. Introduced during Canon’s transition into the mirrorless EOS R ecosystem, CR3 is built on the ISO Base Media File Format (ISO/IEC 14496-12), a container architecture widely used in modern multimedia systems.

CR3 first appeared in cameras such as the Canon EOS M50 and Canon EOS R. It is now standard across the EOS R line-up, including the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 Mark III.

Core Characteristics of CR3

CR3 provides:

• Smaller file sizes
• Modern container architecture
• Support for C-RAW (Compressed RAW)
• Improved burst and buffer efficiency

CR3 was engineered specifically to support high-resolution sensors and rapid continuous shooting—two defining characteristics of modern mirrorless systems.

Structural Differences: TIFF vs ISO Base Media

The fundamental distinction between CR2 and CR3 lies in container design.

CR2 uses a TIFF-based structure. TIFF organizes image data into tagged directories, making it flexible and widely compatible. However, its architecture is comparatively heavy and less optimized for compression efficiency.

CR3 uses the ISO Base Media File Format. This container system is modular and stream-based, allowing more efficient data handling and compression integration. It also aligns still photography file structures with modern video and multimedia standards.

From a systems engineering perspective, CR3 reflects Canon’s move toward scalable, forward-looking digital architecture.

File Size and Compression Efficiency

File size is where the difference becomes operationally significant.

A 30-megapixel CR2 file typically ranges between 30 and 40 MB, depending on scene complexity and compression method.

CR3 files, in standard RAW mode, are generally 10–30% smaller than equivalent CR2 files. When using C-RAW, reductions of 30–50% are common (Canon Inc., 2023).

This reduction directly influences:

• Storage costs
• Cloud backup bandwidth
• Archive scalability
• Burst depth during high-speed shooting

For photographers capturing thousands of frames per session, the cumulative impact is substantial.

RAW: A Defining Innovation

C-RAW is exclusive to the CR3 format.

Unlike JPEG compression—which permanently discards large amounts of tonal data—C-RAW uses advanced compression algorithms that preserve most RAW latitude. Although technically not mathematically lossless, practical testing shows minimal real-world difference in dynamic range or color grading flexibility (DPReview, 2022).

For wildlife and Birds in Flight photographers working with cameras such as the Canon EOS R5, C-RAW can significantly extend burst duration and reduce storage requirements without materially affecting final output quality.

This innovation alone makes CR3 strategically superior for high-volume capture environments.

6. Bit Depth and Image Quality

Both CR2 and CR3 support 14-bit color depth in compatible cameras. Importantly, image quality differences are not inherently tied to file format. They are determined by:

• Sensor design
• Image processor generation (e.g., DIGIC evolution)
• Noise reduction algorithms
• Analog-to-digital conversion improvements

For example, the Canon EOS R6 Mark III delivers improved dynamic range and noise control not because of CR3 alone, but because of advancements in sensor and processor architecture.

The file format enables efficiency. It does not redefine image science.

Workflow and Software Compatibility

CR2 benefits from long-standing compatibility. Applications such as Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop have supported CR2 for years.

When CR3 was introduced, early adopters experienced compatibility delays while software vendors updated RAW engines. Today, modern versions of major editing platforms fully support CR3. However, older software versions may not.

Photographers transitioning to CR3 should verify:

• Camera Raw version compatibility
• Operating system support
• Plugin updates

For professionals maintaining legacy editing systems, this verification step is critical.

Performance in High-Speed Photography

Modern mirrorless bodies are capable of 20–40 frames per second. Cameras such as the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 Mark III generate enormous data throughput during continuous shooting.

CR3’s reduced file footprint contributes to:

• Faster buffer clearance
• Improved sustained burst performance
• Reduced card-writing bottlenecks

In fast-action environments—particularly birds in erratic flight—these micro-efficiencies translate into tangible operational advantage.

CR2 remains reliable but is less optimized for these extreme throughput demands.

Archival and Future-Proofing Considerations

Long-term sustainability is essential for professional archives.

CR2, being TIFF-based, is mature and well documented. Its longevity ensures strong backward compatibility across multiple software ecosystems.

CR3, however, aligns with ISO multimedia standards, making it structurally adaptable and forward-compatible with evolving digital systems.

Because CR3 is based on a modern media container standard, it may offer stronger long-term scalability in an era where imaging, video, and hybrid workflows increasingly intersect.

Summary of Differences

The differences between CR2 and CR3 can be distilled into five key dimensions: architecture, compression, efficiency, performance optimization, and generational alignment.

CR2 uses a TIFF-based container that defined the DSLR era. It is stable, widely supported, and capable of producing exceptional image quality. However, it was engineered during a time when burst rates and data throughput were significantly lower.

CR3 adopts the ISO Base Media File Format, offering a lighter, more efficient container structure. It supports both standard lossless RAW and C-RAW compression, enabling meaningful reductions in file size without compromising professional output standards.

In terms of storage, CR2 files are generally larger. CR3 files—especially in C-RAW—can be dramatically smaller. This impacts buffer depth, workflow speed, and archival scalability.

From a performance perspective, CR3 is optimized for the mirrorless generation. It complements the high-speed capabilities of modern EOS R cameras.

CR2 remains dependable. CR3 is architecturally modern and operationally efficient.

Differences Between RAW and JPEG Files

Final Assessment

The transition from CR2 to CR3 reflects Canon’s broader migration from DSLR dominance to mirrorless innovation. It is not merely a file extension change; it represents a structural evolution aligned with contemporary imaging demands.

For photographers still working within the DSLR ecosystem, CR2 remains entirely viable. For those operating within the EOS R system, CR3 offers clear advantages in storage efficiency, burst optimization, and workflow scalability.

In practical terms:

• CR2 preserves legacy stability.
• CR3 delivers structural modernization.
• C-RAW introduces workflow efficiency without meaningful quality compromise.

As digital imaging continues to accelerate toward higher resolutions and faster frame rates, CR3 positions Canon photographers for sustainable performance in the decade ahead." (Source: ChatGTP 5.2 : Moderation: Vernon Chalmers Photography)

References

Canon Inc. (2023). EOS R system file format specifications. Canon Global Technical Documentation.

DPReview. (2022). Canon C-RAW compression analysis and performance review. Digital Photography Review.

International Organization for Standardization. (2015). ISO/IEC 14496-12: Information technology — Base Media File Format.

Kelby, S. (2021). The digital photography book: Advanced techniques. Peachpit Press.

Adobe Inc. (2023). Camera Raw support documentation. Adobe Systems.