I went out this morning to do a bit of birding and of course, some bird photography. The bird action is picking up with the fall migration beginning. But nothing to do with the migration, was when I spotted this Easter Bluebird perched in a tree. It turned out to be a good test for my new Canon EOS 70D. I took several exposures in the somewhat difficult light. The bird was backlit from the right and was in heavy shade for the most part. I was shooting with a Canon 100-400mm lens. Here are before and after images. The first was the original, untouched image straight from the camera. The second is cropped with minor light, color, and sharpening adjustments. With the large 20MP file, I found that I could crop tight and lose very little quality.
Original
Cropped and retouched
I would say that I am going to be very happy with my new investment. Click on either image to see an enlargement.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
Hi, Bob ..would like yo know more about the (FPS)frame burst in raw mode
7 FPS, Pranab
Thnks, Bob, i hope it will be great for birding.
Hi, Bob,would like to know more about the FPS(Frame burst in raw mode)
Great before-and-after pair of images, Bob. Makes the 70D ( and you 🙂 ) look good. What are your feelings about the AF speed and the viewfinder compared to the 7D?
Thanks so much, Dwynn. The viewfinder is about the same as the 7D. The AF speed seems a bit quicker. Also, there seems to be less noise at the higher ISOs. I really haven’t did a good study of that though. However, this image at 800 ISO looks completely clean of any. The camera feels good in my hands.
I love this shot, Bob, and I can imagine that the lighting conditions were quite difficult. The colouring and plumage detail are perfect. I bet you’re having fun with this – I know how it feels now! 🙂
Thanks, Jo. The lighting really wasn’t as bad as I said. I just like to complain. After all, I can’t make it look too easy, can I? 🙂 I love your kind words, though.
Now I am anxious to see what you can come up with your new camera. So far I like what I see. 🙂
I agree! Looks like another great offering from Canon. Nice work, sir!
Thanks, Derrick. I agree, I think Canon done good with this one. 🙂
Nice editing! Beautiful bird. I rarely see them here.
Thanks, Dina.
The original almost looks like 3D. Oh, and I think I seen him in the back yard last week. not.
Thanks, Duane, I think he did say something about running in to you. 🙂
Wow! Great job 🙂
Thanks very much, Bonnie. 🙂
Wow..cropping is awesome and makes the Blue Bird really showy, but you have maintained the beauty of the background..Kudos to you..
Thanks, Syl, I am rather proud of it, too. 🙂
Fantastic results, Bob- an excellent cropped shot!
Thanks, Tracy. I appreciate you. 🙂
An amazing capture, Bob…edited beautifully.
Thank you, whoever you are. I appreciate it. 🙂
By the way, readers, I cropped it to a very nice 8×10, and I am certain I could make some very big prints. Also, there is a very noticeable absence of any noise.
I’d say so too, Bob! That is truly amazing.
Thanks, Mike, I appreciate your comment. BTW, not to make you jealous, but we are going back to Big Bend next week. 🙂