Canon and Sony News, Deals, What's New

 Thursday, March 28, 2024

Gigapixel 7 was recently "Rebuilt from the ground up", and now it is on sale at Topaz Labs. Save $20.00 this week only.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photography Deals
Post Date: 3/28/2024 9:47:08 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:

  • Delkin Devices 512GB POWER CFexpress Type B Memory Card – only $119.99 after $55.00 instant savings
  • Lenovo 16" IdeaPad Slim 5i Laptop (Cloud Gray) – only $399.99 after $300.00 instant savings
  • Benro MeFOTO RoadTrip Classic Series 1 Tripod with Monopod and Ball Head Kit (Black) – only $79.95 after $80.0 instant savings
  • Sirui Anamorphic Lenses
  • & more!

See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals.

Worth browsing: Deals of the Week at B&H.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photography Deals
Post Date: 3/28/2024 12:01:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Wednesday, March 27, 2024

From Sony Electronics:

Sony Electronics Delivers Firmware Updates including C2PA Compliancy as a Next Step to Ensure Authenticity of Images

More than 45 Updates for the Alpha 1, Alpha 9 III, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 7 IV will also improve Shooting Functions and Workflow

SAN DIEGO, March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Sony Electronics delivers the highly anticipated firmware updates for the Alpha 1 (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 7S III (Ver. 3.00), Alpha 7 IV (Ver. 3.00), and after April 2024, the Alpha 9 III (Ver.2.00). The update contains some of Sony's most impactful technology, including Camera Authenticity Solution, the proprietary in-camera digital signature and C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) format supporti. Together, these tools will make it possible for news agencies to ensure the authenticity of images, contributing to industry efforts to protect creators, and society from fake imagery.

Additionally, the firmware updates include many requested features to improve everyday use. The update evolves shooting functions and post-shooting workflow and brings advanced movie features like breathing compensation. It also includes new remote-control capabilities, new features for professional applications, and expanded access to cloud services applications.

"There is nothing more core to our mission than listening to the voices of the photographers, videographers, and filmmakers who shoot with Sony Alpha cameras. We know this community has been asking for these updates, and we're happy to deliver. Each of these updates are designed to promote ease of use for our creators and allow them to maximize the strengths of their cameras," says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. "We're especially pleased to deliver C2PA compliancy with this update. This compliancy paired with our unique digital signature technology, allows us to offer the most secure and comprehensive solution to protect professional photographers, news agencies, and society from manipulated imagery."

Camera Authenticity Solution

Last year, Sony announced its commitment to developing technology in its cameras to aid in the fight against manipulated imagery and AI-generated fakes. The severity of this issue is only increasing and it's a complex problem that requires the focus and attention of our entire industry.

One critical part of the solution is making more Sony cameras C2PA compliant. C2PA is a Joint Development Foundation project, where Sony is a steering committee member. C2PA aims to develop an end-to-end open technical standard to provide publishers, creators and consumers with opt-in, flexible ways to understand the authenticity, and provenance of different types of media. The C2PA is a standards-setting body that will develop technical specifications on content provenance and authentication by certifying the source and history of media content. With this firmware update, the authenticity information embedded on images from Alpha 1, Alpha 9 III, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 7 IV can be maintained from capture through publication. This provides professional photographers with the ability to preserve their digital signature from the camera, while tracking the editing history throughout revisions.

Another critical component of the solution is Sony's in-camera digital signature technologyii that signs images in real-time. This new feature certifies the authenticity of an image at the point of capture and creates a 'digital birth certificate' that is retained throughout revisions. The signature contains metadata including 3D-depth information captured through the proprietary technology in the image sensor developed by Sony. This depth information can show if the image captured was of an actual 3D object, vs a photograph of an image or video, providing an extra level of protection and even more assurance of the content's authenticity, and making Sony's solution especially unique for photojournalists and news agencies.

Sony's solution also helps protect the authenticity of content by including an Image Validation Site, which verifies the image even after edits have been made by C2PA-compliant editing software. This service confirms the authenticity of the photo was taken by a specific camera and that the object of the photo is 3D. This service will initially be offered to select news media agencies, expanding to other agencies at a later date.

Sony Camera Authenticity Solution Overview Diagram
Example of 3D Image Verification

Shooting and Playback Updates

The firmware updates include over 10 new features, as well as improvements to existing features, designed to improve the user's overall shooting experience. These improved capabilities showcase Sony's commitment to continuing to evolve the functionality of Sony's existing camera models. A few highlights of the firmware update functions include:

  • Relay Playback: Enables seamless sequential playback from one memory card slot to another on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III.
  • Playback Filter Condition: Lets users categorize image playback based on select criteria including date, folder, file format, and more on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III
  • Breathing Compensation: The highly requested Breathing Compensation functioniii is now available on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
  • Upgrade DCI 4K / 24.00p Upgrade License on Alpha 7S III: via a free downloadable license through Creators' Cloudiv.
  • Sync Release function: Enables simultaneous shutter release with two or more multiple cameras connected to the main camerav on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
  • Focus frame display: Focus frame will be displayed on the Remote Camera Tool screeniii on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
  • Enhanced image stabilization: The camera body and lens effectively work together to correct larger blursvi on the Alpha 1.
  • Increased upper limit of recordable images in a folder from 4,000 to 9,999 on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, A7 IV, and Alpha 9 III.
  • Matching the time code with other devices is now possible with a dedicated adapter cable (sold separately)vii on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
  • Up to 20 IPTC presets can be on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
  • Custom Grid Line is available as a paid license basis for some modelsviii.

File Transfer and Network Connectivity

Additional updates aimed to optimize the post-production workflow efficiency include improvements to International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) preset and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) transfer operability. To streamline processes for users, expanded cloud upload and application services will be available. Key updates include:

  • Cloud upload (camera direct) function allows users to upload images directly to the Sony's Creators' Cloudix. Key additional features include simplified camera software updates, direct camera registration to the Creators' Cloud, and a flexible system for uploading, storing, and sharing content. Additionally, the capability to manage video and LUT files via mobile apps, along with the transfer of RAW files to smartphones, optimizes the creative process in fast-paced environments.
  • FTP Transfer Improvements: A "Protected Images Only" option for the Auto FTP Transfer and a "Protect Image in FTP Transfer" option for the FTP transfer function have been added. Available on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III.
  • Support for USB streamingx on the Alpha 1.
  • Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) has been added to secure protocol on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III and WPA3-SAE is now supported for wireless LAN on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
  • Network streaming enables direct live streaming from the Alpha 7 IV to a streaming sitevii.
  • Expansion of app support with Creators' App and Monitor & Control app now supported with the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.

Many of these updates are applicable to multiple cameras, however for a list of each body's specific update please check the Sony website.

Firmware Downloads

Download the latest firmware from Sony's support pages (not all updates are available at press time):

Sony a1

Sony a9 III

Sony a7 IV

Sony a7S III

Notes:

i This feature is available to some news organizations at the press release timing.

ii Both Sony's in-camera digital signature technology and C2PA compliance are currently available through a separate upgrade license.

iii For compatible lens information, please refer to the support page

iv For regional app/service availability, check here. To use this service, it is necessary to download and install the upgrade license.

v Remote Camera Tool Version 4.1.0 is required to activate the function.

vi For compatible lens information, please refer to the support page

vii A dedicated adapter cable, which is sold separately, is required to connect to the timecode source equipment.

viii Availability varies depending on country and region. Available through the Upgrade and License Management Suite.

ix For regional app/service availability, check here. Creators' App Ver.2.3.1 or later is necessary. Settings must be made in the Creators' App in advance. For more information, please visit the Creators' App support website

x When connecting to a device with a USB Type-C port, please use a commercially available USB cable or a conversion adapter.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Firmware Updates
Post Date: 3/27/2024 10:04:22 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan
Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photography Deals
Post Date: 3/27/2024 2:39:09 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

This bull's herd of cows was split, half on the far side of the ridge with him, and the other half on the near side. Predictable was that he would come back for the rest.

The bull had choices on where to come back over the ridge, but not all were photographically optimal, including significant brush obstructions at some locations. Setting up for the ideal returning elk composition was the logical plan, and this bull hit the opening perfectly.

There is an aspect of this image that I do not like, but I'll start with some of the positive aspects.

The primary subject is a good specimen, with a large rack that includes a substantial and unique drop tine.

The early morning light is soft, avoiding hard shadows and creating a strong catchlight in the eye. The slightly upward shooting angle provides a regal perspective on the animal.

Shooting at 20 fps enabled the capture of this image with the bugling elk and its laid-back antlers precisely framed, without interruption, by pine trees and rocks. The trees and rocks have shape, color, and contrast character, and the distant background consists of an attractive pattern of blurred spruce trees.

Photographing bugling behavior is always a goal, and the front leg, especially the far front leg, bent slightly attractively conveys action and positions the head at a higher level than other positions in its cadence. You can visualize him walking out of the opening.

So, what don't I like about this picture? The elk has three legs. It doesn't really have three legs, but the back right leg is aligned with; and therefore hidden by, the front left leg. Viewed at full size, the larger back leg is visible around the front leg, but at typical web viewing size, only three legs are discernable.

This image is a slight pano. The elk came through fast, and I was holding slightly too far to the left when this pose was struck. The framing a few frames prior included slightly more of the right border that gives the image slightly improved overall balance.


A larger version of this image is available here.

 
Camera and Lens Settings
600mm  f/4.0  1/320s
ISO 4000
8792 x 5784px
Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 3/27/2024 12:07:29 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Highlighting some just-arriving gear in the B&H Used Department:

CategoryWhat Just Arrived
Canon EOS CamerasR6 kit, R10, R50
Canon RF Lenses18-150, 24-50, 24-70, 70-200 F2.8
Sony Alpha Camerasa1, a7S III, a7C II, a6700
Sony FE Lenses16-35 II, 70-200 F4, 135, 300 F2.8
Really Right StuffL-Plate set for R5/R6, MC-LS Universal L-Bracket, Ascend-14 Long Tripod with Integrated Ball Head

Remember to use the B&H Payboo payment card to save the tax.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Post Date: 3/27/2024 8:36:51 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:

  • Silicon Power 512GB Superior Pro UHS-II SDXC Memory Card – only $67.99, reg. $93.48
  • Silicon Power 256GB Superior Pro UHS-II SDXC Memory Card (2-Pack) – only $74.99, reg. $137.46
  • Magnus REX VT-5000 2-Stage Video Tripod with Fluid Head – only $169.99 after $99.01 instant savings
  • GVM 1000D RGB LED Light Panel (2-Light Kit with Softboxes) – only $269.99 after $70.00 instant savings
  • Swissdigital Katy Rose Backpack (Black, 20L) – only $88.99 after $109.49 instant savings
  • & more!

See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals.

Worth browsing: Deals of the Week at B&H.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photography Deals
Post Date: 3/27/2024 12:01:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Tuesday, March 26, 2024

The refurbished Canon EOS R6 Mark II is on sale for only $1,799.00 at Canon USA!

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Post Date: 3/26/2024 10:44:12 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results, along with specs, measurements, and standard product images, are now available on the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens page.

You are going to like this one – it's a great lens. The full review will be available soon.

Here is a visual comparison of the Sony, Sigma, and Canon 50mm F1.2 lenses:

Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens Compared to Similar Lenses

Here is the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens to the left of the F1.2 lens:

Sigma 50mm F1.2 Compared to F1.4 DG DN Art Lens

Here are some image quality comparisons:

Compared to the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Lens

Compared to the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Lens

Compared to the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens

Support this site by ordering the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | WEX

Please share!

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 3/26/2024 8:00:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III firmware update version 1.9.0 is available for download (Canon USA).

Firmware Version 1.9.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

  1. Enables up to 2 TB to be used on CFexpress cards larger than 2 TB.
  2. Fixes an issue that may cause the camera, in rare instances, to stop functioning when using GPS.
  3. Enhances security for FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Security) connections.
  4. Fixes an issue that, under specific circumstances, may prevent the image from being displayed in the viewfinder or on the screen causing the camera to stop operating, or Error Code 70 may be displayed.

Get the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III at B&H.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Firmware Updates
Post Date: 3/26/2024 9:11:32 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Canon EOS R6 firmware update version 1.8.4 is available for download (Canon USA).

Firmware Version 1.8.4 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

  1. Fixes an issue that may cause the camera, in rare instances, to experience a delayed restart after the camera has gone into Auto Power Off.
  2. Fixes an issue that, under specific circumstances, may prevent the image from being displayed in the viewfinder or on the screen causing the camera to stop operating, or Error Code 70 may be displayed.
  3. Fixes minor issues.

Get the Canon EOS R6 at B&H.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Firmware Updates
Post Date: 3/26/2024 9:07:32 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Canon EOS R5 firmware update version 2.0.0 is available for download (Canon USA).

Firmware Version 2.0.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

  1. Enables servo zooming to be remotely controlled from EOS Utility or Camera Connect when Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E2/PZ-E2B is attached to a compatible lens.
  2. Enables up to 2 TB to be used on CFexpress cards larger than 2 TB.
  3. Fixes an issue that may cause the camera, in rare instances, to experience a delayed restart after the camera has gone into Auto Power Off.
  4. Fixes an issue that, under specific circumstances, may prevent the image from being displayed in the viewfinder or on the screen causing the camera to stop operating, or Error Code 70 may be displayed.
  5. Fixes minor issues.

Get the Canon EOS R5 at B&H.

Canon WFT-R10 firmware update version 1.3.1 is also available for download.

Fix: Enhances security for FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Security) connections.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Firmware Updates
Post Date: 3/26/2024 9:03:29 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Canon EOS R3 firmware update version 1.7.1 is available for download (Canon USA).

Firmware Version 1.7.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

  1. Enables servo zooming to be remotely controlled from EOS Utility or Camera Connect when Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E2/PZ-E2B is attached to a compatible lens.
  2. Enables up to 2 TB to be used on CFexpress cards larger than 2 TB.
  3. Fixes an issue that may cause the camera, in rare instances, to stop functioning when using GPS.
  4. Fixes an issue that may display Error Code 70 when performing anti-flicker shooting at a shutter speed of 1 second or higher.
  5. Enhances security for FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Security) connections.
  6. Fixes an issue in which Mobile File Transfer may not function when connecting the camera to an iPhone compatible with USB 3.0 and higher.
  7. Fixes an issue that, under specific circumstances, may prevent the image from being displayed in the viewfinder or on the screen causing the camera to stop operating, or Error Code 70 may be displayed.
  8. Fixes minor issues.

Get the Canon EOS R3 at B&H.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Firmware Updates
Post Date: 3/26/2024 8:59:25 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Sony Alpha 7R V firmware update version 2.02 is available for download (read the precautions on the download page before installing this update).

Sony Alpha 7C R firmware update version 1.02 is available for download.

Sony Alpha 7C II firmware update version 1.02 is available for download.

Sony ZV-E1 firmware update version 1.03 is available for download.

Firmware updates incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

  1. Fixes an issue where the camera could restart if many faces were simultaneously recognized at the same time when shooting a movies
  2. Fixes an issue where the time code wasn’t always retained after a power restart
  3. Fixes an issue where the certain custom key operations may cause the restart
  4. Improves the exposure stability when using extended ISO during movie recordings
  5. Improves the operational stability of the camera

Get your Sony camera at B&H.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sony Firmware Updates
Post Date: 3/26/2024 8:49:55 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:

  • Lexar 128GB Professional CFexpress Type B Memory Card – only $69.99 after $30.00 instant savings
  • Lexar 1TB Professional CFexpress Type B Memory Card – only $249.99 after $60.00 instant savings
  • Sachtler Dr. Bag - 1 – only $110.75 after $75.00 instant savings
  • Feiyu AK4500 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer Essentials Kit – only $189.99 after $360.00 instant savings
  • SmallRig AD-01 Heavy-Duty Tripod with Fluid Head – only $109.00 after $50.00 instant savings. Add-on a SmallRig Universal Tripod Dolly for just $49.90 (reg $69.90)
  • & more!

See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals.

Worth browsing: Deals of the Week at B&H.

Just-arriving gear in the B&H Used Department:

CategoryWhat Just Arrived
Canon EOS CamerasR6, R7
Canon RF Lenses18-150, 24-105 F4, 55-210, 70-200 F4, 24, 50 F1.8
Sony Alpha Camerasa9 III, a7S III, a7C R, a7 IV, a7C II, ZV-E1
Sony FE Lenses12-24 F2.8, 16-35 II, 24-70 II, 70-200 II, 100-400, 200-600, 135, 300 F2.8
Really Right StuffBH-30 (lever release), BH-40 (screw knob panning clamp), PG-01

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Post Date: 3/26/2024 8:18:23 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
    1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6    Next >    Prev Month >>
Archives
2024   Jan   Feb   Mar
2023   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2022   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2021   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2020   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2019   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2018   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2017   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2016   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2015   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2014   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2013   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2012   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2011   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2010   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2009   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2008   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2007   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2006   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2005   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
Terms of Use, Privacy  |  © 2024 Rectangular Media, LLC  |  Bryan CarnathanPowered by Christ!