Now this is just plain greedy

[Zuiko]

There seems to be something about photographers, and I am no exception, that makes us always want to push the limits. I was all cosy and warm about my E-M5's IQ at ISO 6400 but within a day I just had to go higher, to ISO 12800. Why? Because it's there!



OK, in this picture there is noise in the shadows; chroma noise, too, but even so it's not exactly intrusive. I've just re-checked the camera settings and exif in case I was mistaken but no, this really is a JPEG shot at ISO 12800 with the noise filter turned off.

The willing model is my lovely little cat, Thimble. She was in her kennel (yes, she has a kennel - within the 12 x 9 feet cat run we have in the garden) and this was taken as the light was rapidly fading l just before I brought her back into the house.

On a very sad note, after 4 years together we will soon have to say goodbye to Thimble and our lovable ginger tom, Pumpkin. Five years ago my daughter, Freya, was tested for animal allergies and cats came out negative, making them about the only furry or hairy animal on the planet she could keep as pets. Until quite recently everything was fine, but she has started to show signs of allergic reaction and her Asthma has become more difficult to control. A blood test has revealed that she has now developed an allergy to cats and on our doctor's advice they will have to go.

We received this devastating news today and my daughter in particular is distraught. However, we must now try to re-home them as soon as possible, with their wellfare very much a priority.

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Now this is just plain greedy

John, beautiful cat and smashing shot ! Do you know I may just know someone ... who lost their 18 yrs cat yesterday

BUT what about Allergy Remedy for your daughter - she would be much better getting the "treatment" which can eliminate or significantly reduce allergies , rather than letting them get more and more of a hold on her and, her children if she has any

[Phill D]

Re: Now this is just plain greedy

That's a lovely shot John. It's amaizing how the high iso capabilities have improved recently. It definitely seems to be a step change improvement. Sorry to hear you may have to get rid of the cats. Hope you manage to find homes for them that's not too far away so you and your daughter can still visit occasionally.

[Graptolite]

Re: Now this is just plain greedy

Lovely cat portrait (and very impressive at this ISO!) but sad news about the impending cat banishment.
The main allergens that people react to in cats are proteins found in their saliva. These get onto their fur and dander when licking and grooming and then dry and flake off, so what you need to get is a cat which doesn't have to groom itself. What about one of the hairless ones? Pig ugly, I know, but if thats what it takes....
Failing that find a cat with no tongue.

These aren't really very helpful suggestions are they? Having had to get rid of beloved family pets ourselves in the past, I do appreciate the distress involved.

[peak4]

Re: Now this is just plain greedy

I like the photo very much, particularly as I'm fond of cats myself. They also seem to make a beeline for me, so the feeling may be mutual.
On the other hand they may be really vindictive creatures as I'm wildly allergic to them as well as Freya.

I do seem to be much more tolerant of Abyssinians, which is quite common amongst folks with hayfever. If you would really like to keep a cat as a pet, why not seek out a local breeder and introduce Freya to a female Abyssinian or Russian blue to see how they get on. Only trouble is that you might have to sell another lens as I don't think pure breeds come cheap.

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Now this is just plain greedy

... If you would really like to keep a cat as a pet, why not seek out a local breeder and introduce Freya to a female Abyssinian or Russian blue to see how they get on. Only trouble is that you might have to sell another lens as I don't think pure breeds come cheap.

Bill how could you suggest this

[Ross the fiddler]

Re: Now this is just plain greedy

That's a beautiful photo of the cat & at that ISO (even though I prefer dogs to cats), but I'm sorry to hear of the devastating situation. It's bad enough when they are no longer with us when at the end of their life, but to move them on otherwise would be really difficult.

[birdboy]

Re: Now this is just plain greedy

Love this pose.
Your exif shows a light value of 2.6 and yet with a shutter speed of 1/25 sec you still get a really great photo. Thimble must have kept very still as well.

I want that new sensor to use with my FT lenses.

I was sorry to hear your news and know what a heartbreak it will be. We had to say goodby to our cat Patch of 17 years this year, but we still have the pictures.

Good luck with a new home for Thimble
John

[StephenL]

Re: Now this is just plain greedy

I too am a dog person, but I appreciate a good photo, and also empathise with your situation, John. Not a nice position to be in.

[Tordan58]

Re: Now this is just plain greedy

This is a suberb cat portrait, I really like it.

[Zuiko]

Re: Now this is just plain greedy

John, beautiful cat and smashing shot ! Do you know I may just know someone ... who lost their 18 yrs cat yesterday

BUT what about Allergy Remedy for your daughter - she would be much better getting the "treatment" which can eliminate or significantly reduce allergies , rather than letting them get more and more of a hold on her and, her children if she has any

Allergy remedy treatment? Hmmm, we've never been offered this, will have to look into it. Thank you, Chevvy.

[Cathrine Stephansen]

Re: Now this is just plain greedy

Lovely photo! I'm really impressed with the ISO abilities. So sad to hear the news, it must be devastating. I hope there is a solution to the allergies, but if not, that the cats get good new homes!

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Now this is just plain greedy

John, there is a very current Report on Allergies, a lady from the Allergy ? association has been on Breakfast News and other tv & radio programmes.

My Grandson, middle one of 2nd son, suffered with Ezceama as a baby then bad chests and Asthma .. then Hay fever and bad eyes ... I said to his mum & dad to get some 1) local Honey for all the grasses and pollens in his local "air and 2) to visit a clinic which can identify the "culprits" and gently give him some (like vaccinations) over a year so 3) he is no longer Ill so much and hopefully will not pass these on to his children.

GPs can usually refer you to a proper Allergy Clinic - but if you need a home for the cats please post these photos on Facebookand I can point friends towards them re Adoption ...

[Wee man]

Re: Now this is just plain greedy

Super shot. Sorry to hear your good friends may have to go.