Canon News (Page 19) RSS Feed for Canon News

 Saturday, January 28, 2023

You can try searching, but there are no marmot photography workshops available. At least, I didn't find one.

Certainly, you could talk someone into providing a custom marmot photo tour, but there is a reason (or multiple reasons) why such tours are not readily available. I'll start the list. We don't value marmots and marmot photos enough to spend our time and funds chasing them.

However, these small animals are fun to hang out with, and they are easily cute enough to be photo-worthy.

I photographed these creatures in three national parks last year. This marmot was a Rocky Mountain National Park resident. However, a couple of coyotes were attempting to end that residency. Thus, survival was at the top of this wary marmot's priority list, and the high rock perch advantaged the marmot in this competition.

Marmots, and animals in general, vary on their minimum people distance. In relation to close shooting distance, experience, observation, and acclimation are the photographer's keys to getting the best wildlife images. Marmots in people-frequented areas of national parks tend to be quite tolerant of people.

However, getting too close is not good for photos or the critter being photographed — the subject departs.

When an interesting subject is discovered, photograph it for the insurance shots. Then, if the situation warrants, slowly move a bit closer, perhaps not directly toward the subject. Repeat until, or better yet, just before, the animal shows the least discomfort with your presence.

This image represents what I felt was near this marmot's minimum people distance. It is alert and wary, but his concern is not me.

The marmot presented a variety of poses, but most were looking toward the sides. Composition involves many factors, but the simple one in this scenario was that the critter should be looking into the frame. Placing it high in the frame helps convey the lookout role.

Sorry, I'm not opening a marmot-specific photography tour this year. But, I may have a couple of openings in my elk rut instructional photo tour in September.


A larger version of this image is available here.

 
Camera and Lens Settings
600mm  f/4.0  1/160s
ISO 200
8640 x 5760px
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: 1/28/2023 10:40:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Tuesday, January 24, 2023

The Yellow Mounds make all the Badlands National Park top photography locations lists. They are beautiful, intriguing, and worthy of their position on those lists.

However, creating great images that include these mounds is not easy. Of course, lighting changes everything, and dramatically reducing the image quality challenge on this day was natural spotlighting that, incredibly, illuminated the feature highlights of this scene.

As is often the case, the Canon EOS R5 and RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens combination was outstanding for this landscape photograph. The RF 24-105 is relatively compact, has an excellent general-purpose focal length range, consistently produces impressively sharp images, and was my primary lens for over two weeks in this park last year.


A larger version of this image is available here.

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: 1/24/2023 11:57:32 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

From ProGrade Digital:

ProGrade Digital Announces 3rd Generation CFexpress Type B 1TB Memory Cards

The CFexpress 1TB Gold Memory Cards Provide Dramatically Improved Specifications Needed for Longer Duration, High-Resolution Video Applications at Very Attractive Price Points

San Jose, CA January 19, 2023, 8:00 am — ProGrade Digital, Inc., founded with a mission to provide the highest quality professional grade digital memory cards and workflow solutions, announces its new 3rd generation of 1TB CFexpress™ Type B Gold memory cards. This new generation features the same industry-leading quality of ProGrade current 2nd generation CFexpress cards - leveraging PCIe, Gen 3 interconnect with NVMe 1.3 host controller interface. ProGrade Digital 3rd generation CFexpress 1TB cards provide read speeds of up to 1,700MB/s and burst write speeds of up to 1,500MB/s and sustained write speeds of up to 1,300MB/s – ideally suited for high-resolution video capture applications. ProGrade Digital is also introducing a 3rd generation 512GB CFexpress Type B Gold memory card with read speeds of up to 1,700MB/s, burst write speeds of up to 1,500MB/s and sustained write speeds of up to 800MB/s. The 512GB card will be shipping in February 2023. All new 3rd generation CFexpress Gold cards now clearly state the sustained write speed on the front label. This additional messaging clearly states the real-world capability of our cards - especially critical for high performance video capture applications.

“The introduction of our 3rd generation CFexpress 1TB Gold cards provides the large capacity and dramatically improved performance needed for a very broad range of video capture needs,” said Wes Brewer, founder, and CEO of ProGrade Digital. “Our re-introduction of a 1TB capacity point, at 1,300MB/sec sustained write speed, ensures that nearly all video capture modes can be utilized while also providing our traditionally high read speeds for quick offloading.”

ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B 1TB Gold Memory Cards:

  • Maximum read speed up to 1700MB/s
  • Burst write speed up to 1500MB/s
  • Minimum sustained write speed up to 1,300MB/s
  • Capacities: 1TB
  • MSRP: $399.99

CFexpress Type B 1TB Delivers:

  • Fully compliant with CompactFlash™ Association 2.0 specification
  • NVMe host interface with PCIe Gen3 X2 interconnect
  • Extended battery life and low standby power through NVMe PS0 – PS4 support
  • Metal enclosure for improved durability and heat dissipation
  • Thermal throttling protects the card from overheating
  • Laser etched unique serial numbering for the tracking of key components and manufacturing data for the highest quality control
  • Temperature ranges: operating 14°F to 158°F/ -10°C to 70°C; storage -4°F to 185°F/ -20°C to 85°C
  • Packaging: Biodegradable fiber tray
  • Refresh Pro ready*
  • X-ray proof and shock-proof
  • 3-year warranty

Orders

Order ProGrade Digital CFexpress Memory Cards from B&H.

*Refresh Pro™ functionality requires ProGrade Digital Refresh Pro™ software application and a ProGrade Digital card and reader. This is a great way to monitor card health and restore the card back to factory-fresh conditions.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: ProGrade Digital News
Post Date: 1/24/2023 10:06:06 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Monday, January 23, 2023

Image quality test results are now available on the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens page.

The new Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens does not feature the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens optical design, and the new design nicely outperforms the old one.

Support this site by ordering the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX

Rent the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens from Lensrentals.

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: 1/23/2023 9:00:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Canon EOS R6 Mark II firmware update version 1.1.1 is available for download.

Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

  1. Compatibilty with Speedlite EL-5.
  2. Reduced startup time when Bluetooth is enabled.
  3. Fixed a bug that FTP/FTPS/SFTP transfer was not possible with IPv6.
  4. Fixed minor bugs.

Get the Canon EOS R6 Mark II 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: 1/18/2023 11:35:18 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan
  • Boundary-breaking performance with the M2 Pro or M2 Max chip.
  • All-day battery life — up to 22 hours.
  • A stunning Liquid Retina XDR display.
  • All the ports you need.
  • And superfast Wi Fi 6E.

Learn more about the new Apple 14" and 16" MacBook Pro M2 Pro and M2 Max at B&H.

Learn more about the new Apple Mac mini M2 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: Apple News
Post Date: 1/18/2023 8:57:08 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Thursday, January 12, 2023

RRS's long-awaited version II Pano-Gimbal head is on the streets!

Just posted: Really Right Stuff PG-02 MK2 Pano-Gimbal Head Review.

This head features another really great (and innovative) RRS design.

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: 1/12/2023 11:40:07 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Highlighting some just-arriving used gear at B&H:

Used EOS R3 (save $900.00) and R6 II (kit) cameras are available in the Canon EOS mirrorless camera inventory.

A used EF 600mm F4L IS III USM Lens is available in the Canon EF lens inventory. This lens is 8-rated but nearly $4,000.00 less than new.

Reviews:
Canon EOS R3
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Post Date: 1/12/2023 8:48:18 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Wednesday, January 11, 2023

From DJI:

DJI Treats Mirrorless Camera Owners to New Travel Stabilizer DJI RS 3 Mini

DJI’s Industry-Leading Ronin Stabilizer Portfolio Broadened with New Mini Version

January 10, 2023 – DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today introduces DJI RS 3 Mini, a lightweight handheld travel stabilizer developed specifically to support today’s mainstream brands of mirrorless cameras and lenses. With a smaller and lighter body, the DJI RS 3 Mini continues the excellent stabilization performance of the RS 3 series, allowing users to create professional-grade content while traveling around landscapes or in urban locations. Furthermore, weighing less than 800 g (1.8 lbs), the gimbal can carry a weight of up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs), features Bluetooth shutter control, a 3rd generation stabilization algorithm, native horizontal and vertical switching, and a 1.4-inch color touchscreen.

“Since the introduction of DJI’s Ronin series for cinematography in professional environments, DJI has been working on bringing professional-grade technology to an increasing number of content creators,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI. “The DJI RS 3 Mini is testament to DJI’s core value of bringing innovative stabilization technology to everyone with a love of capturing their moments in a photo or on video. Now, anyone with a mirrorless camera can experience the same industry-leading technology used on film sets and studios across the globe.”

With Just One Hand

The RS 3 Mini adopts an all-in-one design which is both compact and portable. At only 795 g (1.7 lbs) in vertical shooting mode, the RS 3 Mini is around 50% lighter than the RS 3 Pro and 40% lighter than the RS 3. This makes the device much easier to carry, and allows it to achieve great results with just one hand. It can be stored easily in a shoulder bag, and its weight makes it much more suited to traveling during longer outdoor shooting.

A Tool for Every Mirrorless Owner

With the ability to carry a weight of up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs), the RS 3 Mini supports a range of mainstream mirrorless camera and lens combinations, such as the Sony A7S3 + 24-70mm F2.8 GM lens, Canon EOS R5 + RF24-70mm F2.8 STM lens or Fuji X-H2S + XF 18-55 mm F2.8-4 lens, to name a few (see the full compatibility list here). A powerful motor ensures that even when the zoom reaches the maximum focal length, the footage captured remains stable, and there is no need to repeat balancing.

Native Vertical Shooting

In order to meet the needs of today’s vertical video creation, the RS 3 Mini features a freshly designed dual-layered quick-release plate. By attaching the quick-release plate to the vertical arm, vertical shooting can be achieved without the need for additional accessories, and the gimbal rotation angle is not limited, compared to traditional vertical mode. Short video social media content can be shot with ease. RS 3 Mini also features an upper plate with a new curved placement guide, which prevents the camera from rotating and loosening.

3rd Generation Stabilization

Lightweight and powerful, RS 3 Mini is a professional stabilizer that will bring an unprecedented, easy, and flexible landscape or street shooting experience to users of all levels, achieving portability and professionalism at the same time. DJI’s 3rd generation stabilization algorithm as found in the RS 3 Pro, has been utilized in the RS 3 Mini to provide outstanding performance, whether the user is running, shooting at a low angle or in flashlight mode. Content stability is ensured throughout shooting and professional-level image stabilization can be achieved regardless of the user’s experience. When users are shooting around human subjects, the RS 3 Mini achieves smooth camera movements effortlessly. Users don't need to pay too much attention to footwork and pace, as the RS 3 Mini can follow people steadily and switch between high and low angles for a more diverse range of shots. Dynamic 360°-rotation imaging delivers a strong visual impact and eye-catching shots.

Effortless Connection

The Wireless Bluetooth Shutter function supports linking with the majority of today’s mainstream mirrorless cameras. After the initial linking, the camera will be ready automatically for action as soon as it is turned on, and users can directly control the video recording and photo capture functions via the record button on the gimbal, enabling them to concentrate on shooting straightaway. When using a Sony camera with a supported digital lens, users can also directly control the lens's optical or digital zoom via the front dial, eliminating the need for a camera control cable.

Control at Your Fingertips

For convenient control, a 1.4-inch full-color touchscreen, M-mode button to switch between the gimbal’s three custom modes and front dial for focusing, can all be found within easy one-handed reach.

Accessories a Plenty

Featuring a NATO port on the side of the body, the RS 3 Mini opens up more shooting options by connecting various accessories such as DJI’s Briefcase Handle, external fill lights or microphones.

Fantastic Power for a Day’s Shoot

The integrated battery handle of the RS 3 Mini provides up to 10 hours charge, meeting the needs of a day’s shoot. It supports charging during use and can be fully charged in as little as 2.5 hours.1

Make the Most with the Ronin App

The Ronin app has a wealth of smart shooting functions to help users get the most from their creations.

  • Time-lapse: Add a timelapse to any video for an engaging opening or breathtaking transition.
  • Track recording: Set the gimbal to move along up to 10 pre-set points for a dynamic video of any scene or environment.
  • Panorama: Enhance the camera’s field of vision with a panoramic photo showing the whole scene in front of you.

Price and Availability

DJI RS 3 Mini will be available for purchase today from authorized retailers and at www.store.dji.com with a price of USD $369. Full details can be found at www.dji.com/rs-3-mini

DJI Care Refresh

DJI Care Refresh is a comprehensive protection plan for DJI products and is now available for RS 3 Mini. Accidental damage is covered by the replacement service, including natural wear, collisions, and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs.

DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to 2 replacements in 1 year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to 3 replacements in 2 years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include rewards for safe use, international warranty service, and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh

Camera and lens compatibility can be found here: www.dji.com/support/compatibility

Orders

Learn more, and order the DJI RS 3 Mini from B&H.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: DJI News
Post Date: 1/11/2023 4:20:17 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

From DxO:

DxO releases 1,693 new Optics Modules, providing unrivaled corrections for Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Fujifilm X-T5, Sony A7R V, and a selection of Sigma lenses

DxO’s Optics Modules offer unparalleled corrections, including unique lens softness improvements and distortion corrections that maximize field of view. DxO’s software now corrects more than 80,000 lens and camera combinations.

Paris (France): DxO, the company that has pioneered calibration-based optical corrections for 20 years, today announces its latest batch of Optics Modules. The release of 1,693 DxO Optics Modules includes support for the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, the Fujifilm X-T5, the Sony A7R V, five lenses from Sigma, and more.

For quality-conscious photographers, DxO Optics Modules are a wealth of individually tailored, laboratory-grade corrections, which present the most accurate and powerful route to improving image quality on the market. Superior to other optical correction software, DxO’s adjustments vastly improve results, whether they are applied to entry-level lenses or professional-grade glass.

Essentially, the performance of any lens can be boosted by processing RAW files with DxO software: PhotoLab, PureRAW, FilmPack, and ViewPoint.

A unique approach to defeating lens softness

All correction software offers digital sharpening to combat lens softness, but DxO’s approach is unique and superior, taking into account the varying levels of sharpness across a lens’s entire field of view. Rather than applying general sharpening across the entire image (as with lesser software), DxO Optics Modules target sharpening as required, such as when a lens gets progressively softer towards its edges.

As seen with the Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN, the boost in image quality by DxO Optics Modules makes it perform better in terms of sharpness and distortion (while also eliminating vignetting and aberrations). As illustrated below, nowhere is this clearer than in combating lens softness.

DxO Optics Lens Correction Example 1

1. The uncorrected lens displays a significant difference in sharpness between the center of the frame and the corners.

DxO Optics Lens Correction Example 2

2. Typically, photo editing software uses a generic profile to make a global correction across the entire image based on the sharpening required at the center.

DxO Optics Lens Correction Example 3

3. Edge of frame sharpening from Adobe Lightroom® (left) and DxO Optics Modules (right). Unlike Adobe Lightroom, DxO Optics Modules are able to progressively increase corrections away from the frame’s center, allowing for a sharper overall image.

Sophisticated distortion corrections deliver greater image area

DxO’s Optics Modules frequently deliver a greater image area thanks to more refined assessments when correcting distortions. When needed, DxO Optics Modules give photographers the option to gain extra image area when compared with the crop applied as the result of Lightroom’s corrections.

DxO Optics Lens Correction Example 4

Intelligent control of chromatic aberration

In addition, DxO’s Optics Modules remove chromatic aberrations — both longitudinal, and lateral. Chromatic aberrations vary depending on the focal length and distance, and DxO’s algorithms take these into account in order to perform more accurate corrections. Colored outlines are removed without degrading the image’s color or detail.

Vignetting accurately removed

Finally, vignetting is resolved, correcting the darker edges of the frame that can occur in certain lenses and at specific focal lengths.

The most exacting science, the highest quality

Each DxO Optics Module is created using individual camera and lens combinations. This means that any minor differences in the performance of a sensor can be measured across all the examples of it in a manufacturer’s lens mount range.

For instance, with the new Optics Modules for the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S, measurements were not made using just a single full-frame Alpha camera, but with almost every Sony camera on the market.

Latest DxO Optics Modules

The latest DxO Optics Modules update — available now — includes the following cameras and lenses, each optimized for specific camera and lens combinations:

  • Canon EOS R6 Mark II
  • Fujifilm X-T5
  • OM System OM-5
  • Sony A7R V
  • Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | C (L-mount)
  • Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C (Sony FE)
  • Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN | C (Sony FE)
  • Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN | C (L-mount)
  • Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S (Sony FE)
  • Tokina ATX-M 11-18mm F2.8 (Sony E)

Orders

Order your DxO Software direct from DxO.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: DxO News
Post Date: 1/11/2023 3:22:22 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Sunday, January 8, 2023

I took a little time out to finish off another moose photo waiting in the to-process queue.

The Canon EOS R5 and RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens are a fantastic wildlife combination and take credit for this picture.


A larger version of this image is available here.

 
Camera and Lens Settings
300mm  f/5.6  1/400s
ISO 1600
8192 x 5464px
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: 1/8/2023 12:00:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Thursday, January 5, 2023
Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Announcements
Post Date: 1/5/2023 6:40:36 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Tuesday, January 3, 2023

From Canon USA:

Canon Innovations Push the Boundaries of Storytelling With a First-Of-Its-Kind Immersive Movie Experience at CES® 2023

Canon U.S.A. has partnered with renowned filmmaker and director M. Night Shyamalan to give CES attendees the ability to step right into his upcoming thriller, Knock at the Cabin, using the company’s latest imaging innovations.

MELVILLE, N.Y., January 3, 2023 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, pushed innovation to new heights in 2022. At CES 2023, the company will demonstrate how its technology is working to help dissolve limits between real and virtual worlds through a first-of-its-kind immersive movie experience that will place attendees inside of the story. With the launch of the theme ‘Limitless Is More,’ and Canon’s latest imaging innovations, CES attendees will be able to fully immerse themselves into M. Night Shyamalan’s upcoming Universal Pictures thriller, Knock at the Cabin (in theaters February 3). Canon will prove how its solutions can remove the limits humanity faces to create more meaningful communication, more powerful collaboration, more exciting perspectives, and more boundless imagination across four unique technologies.

“Canon is creating groundbreaking solutions that help people connect in more ways than we ever could have imagined, redefining how they work and live at a time when many of them are embracing a hybrid lifestyle,’’ said Kazuto Ogawa, President and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon’s ultimate role is to bring people closer together by revealing endless opportunities for creators. Under our theme of ‘Limitless Is More,’ we will show CES 2023 attendees what we are creating as a company focused on innovation and a world without limits.”

The corporate philosophy of Kyosei, the principle defined as “all people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future for the good of society,” is threaded through all of Canon’s technologies, services and people. With Kyosei as the driving force, Canon’s immersive experience and featured technologies at CES 2023 will show attendees how the company looks to contribute to society and have a positive impact.

Limitless Communication: Kokomo

Kokomo is a first of its kind immersive virtual reality software^, designed to change human communication by combining virtual reality with an immersive calling experience. The innovative software is designed to provide users with a way to meet friends and family virtually “in-person” by using a compatible VR headset and a compatible smart phone. The Kokomo solution will allow users to see and hear one another in real time with their live appearance and expression, in a photo-real environment.

The Kokomo solution is being designed so that people can feel together and experience social interaction from their home, hotel, dorm room or across other distances if there is a compatible headset, the software and an internet connection. The Kokomo solution will work to fully mirror true physical appearance – even facial expressions – inside what is effectively a 3D video call. At the Canon booth, visitors will be able to put on a VR headset and step into a 1:1 Kokomo conversation with one of four characters from Knock at the Cabin.

Limitless Perspectives: Free Viewpoint

The revolutionary Free Viewpoint Video System for arenas, stadiums, and studios comprises more than 100 Canon Cinema EOS-based 4k cameras and lenses. The data captured from the cameras is sent to a server system that creates point-cloud based 3D models that quickly reproduce various viewpoints or desired camera angles, like that from a drone, swooping in and around players, or a small POV camera, looking at actors in a commercial or music video shoot. The result is an immersive and customizable viewing experience from perspectives that may not be possible with traditional camera systems.

In the USA, the system has been installed at two NBA arenas including Rocket Mortgage Field House in Cleveland (Cavaliers), as well as Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York (Nets). The video can be broadcast out live and also compiled into replay clips. The system also allows for extensive flexibility with virtual advertising and other opportunities for monetization.

CES attendees will be able to view an action scene from Knock at the Cabin from multiple perspectives as captured by the Free Viewpoint Video System, supervised by M. Night Shyamalan and shot at Canon’s Volumetric Video Studio in Kawasaki, Japan. Viewing the scene from multiple viewpoints allows for different perspectives to be uncovered as attendees watch through the “eyes” of the various characters. Booth visitors will experience a new meaning to the term “best seats in the house.”

Limitless Imagination: MREAL

MREAL, a mixed reality experience, utilizes Canon imaging technology to integrate real and virtual worlds, showing end-users what this type of integration can do for industry, education, medicine, entertainment, and more. MREAL is unlike anything Canon has ever developed, a premium visualizer/simulator that helps account for limits of scale, perception, analysis, and participation, and provides superb, almost life like image clarity and color accuracy.

The MREAL technology is currently in the market research phase in the USA, but an example of the technology can be seen in the Canon CES booth. Visitors to the booth will be able to experience a break-in scene from the movie Knock at the Cabin as if they are a character in the movie. A gamified experience gives CES attendees the ability to immerse themselves in the movie’s action. Users can interact with virtual furniture and other objects in order to barricade themselves inside the cabin and successfully keep intruders out.

Limitless Collaboration: AMLOS (Activate My Line of Sight)

The AMLOS (Activate My Line of Sight) solution* was developed by Canon U.S.A. to help amplify how people see and interact in hybrid meeting environments. The AMLOS solution is a software-and-camera product suite designed to provide an amazing level of engagement for collaboration across multiple meeting locations. The advanced software-and-camera product suite features sophisticated PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom) camera functionality guided by hand gesture controls for certain actions for in-person participants. Remote users are given the flexibility to customize their viewing experience and to see objects or areas of the in-person space. This allows both in-person and remote participants to engage in meetings or collaborative discussions, with an intuitive experience with hand gesture controls for certain actions for in-person participants, and a user interface that can be customized by a remote participant to help promote collaboration.

Using AMLOS, CES attendees will connect with a stranger on the actual set of Knock at the Cabin located in Philadelphia. They will work together to investigate the aftermath of events from the movie while creating their own stories on what could have happened in the cabin. Canon worked with M. Night Shyamalan to develop clues that will be placed throughout the space for participants to discover, varying from handwritten notes to broken furniture and more, adding to the mystery of the movie’s events.

Learn more at the in-person Canon press conference held on January 4th from 1-2 p.m. PST at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Room D & C. Please also visit Canon from January 5th-8th (Hall 3, #16359) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Follow Canon throughout the show on Instagram and Facebook at @CanonUSA and LinkedIn at @CanonUSA. Use #CanonCES2023 to join the conversation. Visit our website at www.usa.canon.com to view the recording of our Press Conference which will be hosted on our Home Page after January 4.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $30.6 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), as of 2021 has ranked in the top-five overall in U.S. patents granted for 36 consecutive years† and was one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2022. Canon U.S.A. was featured in Newsweek’s Most Loved Workplaces list for 2021, ranking among the top 100 companies for employee happiness and satisfaction at work. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA.

About Knock at the Cabin

While vacationing at a remote cabin, a young girl and her parents are taken hostage by four strangers who demand that the family make an unthinkable choice to avert the apocalypse. With limited access to the outside world, the family must decide what they believe before all is lost. The film stars Dave Bautista (Dune), Jonathan Groff (Hamilton), Ben Aldridge (Pennyworth), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Persuasion), newcomer Kristen Cui, Abby Quinn (Little Women) and Rupert Grint (Servant).

# # #

† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

^ Not an offer for sale. Canon U.S.A. is currently developing the KOKOMO application. Please note that the KOKOMO application is not available for sale or use in the U.S. or elsewhere. Specifications and features may change and no assurances can be given that this solution, in the current or any other form, will be made available for sale or use in the U.S. or elsewhere.

* Subscription to, purchase, and use of other Canon and third-party services and solutions required for set-up, sound, to see remote users, facial recognition option and other features. Subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Photography Deals
Post Date: 1/3/2023 4:26:14 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

During last year's Rocky Mountain National Park instructional photo tour, we spotted this bull elk from about a mile away. The size of the antlers was an easy reason to go after this animal, but there was another good reason.

While a great subject is paramount for a great image, a primary wildlife or portrait subject often fills a relatively small percentage of the frame. Elk are large animals, and this one fills the composition enough to leave just-comfortable breathing room at the top and bottom. Still, most of the frame is background.

The full Sony Alpha 1 image measures 8,640 x 5,760 pixels, yielding 49,766,400 total pixels. Cropping the image to fit only the elk results in 3,499 x 4,729 pixels and 16,546,771 total pixels. Dividing the smaller total pixels number by the larger one indicates that the elk consumes only 33% of the frame.

Therefore, the background is a vital part of the image. Blurring the background is a great option for emphasizing the subject and removing distractions. While a 600mm f/4 lens can blur the background stronger than most others, the size of the elk pushes the focus distance long enough that the background details remain discernable. Thus, the background still needs to be supportive.

A reason for pursuing this opportunity was the evenly vegetated meadow background. The meadow provides a complementary color and a sense of the location without competing for attention.

A bull elk standing in bright sunlight is an easy scenario to produce a sharp image in, and a fast framerate is unnecessary, right? Not so fast.

That bright sunlight creates heatwaves, and telephoto-focal-length-magnified heatwaves blur the image. The background is already blurred, but the eye must be sharp. Heatwaves move fast, and high-speed continuous shooting often results in some eye-sharp images among the blurred ones.


A larger version of this image is available here.

 
Camera and Lens Settings
600mm  f/4.0  1/800s
ISO 125
8640 x 5760px
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: 1/3/2023 1:38:29 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

From Tamron Americas:

Tamron Announces Distribution Change for Canada:

Tamron Americas Now Serving Canadian Retailers and Consumers Directly

January 3, 2023, Commack, NY – Tamron Americas (formerly Tamron USA), based in Commack, NY, announces it is responsible for direct sales, marketing, and repair service for the Canadian market effective January 1, 2023. Tamron Americas (“Tamron” hereafter) is the direct subsidiary of Tamron Co., Ltd., and is now handling Tamron Photo Lens and Industrial Optics business for all North and South America. The move will allow pricing parity of Tamron products and Instant Savings for Canadian and U.S. customers (when converted to Canadian dollars) and many other benefits. Customers will enjoy their same retailer network throughout the Canadian provinces and can locate their local retailer here.

Canadians will also benefit from robust marketing throughout Canada that will include sales and educational events. Tamron will bring educational events to authorized retailers in the form of in-person workshops and seminars with Tamron’s top-notch team of professional photographers and technical representatives. Events are listed on the Tamron Americas website here.

Instant Savings on select Tamron lenses is available when purchased through an authorized Tamron Americas Canada dealer. Current Instant Savings are published on the Tamron Americas website here.

Tamron’s 6-year limited warranty will be available for all new purchases made in Canada from an authorized retailer starting January 1, 2023. Repair service for Canadian customers will be handled through Tamron’s authorized repair service center in Toronto. Users in need of repair can contact Tamron Americas at 1-800-827-8880 or email Customer Service at custserv@tamron.com for repair request information. Those Tamron owners with products purchased prior to this date will maintain their existing warranty. See website for details here.

Tamron publishes Tamron Magazine three times per year, and the digital version of the magazine will be available in English, French and Spanish. The current issue 14 is available in French now here. Photographers can also enjoy their choice of four eNewsletter subscriptions available in English, French and Spanish, starting in February 2023. Photo enthusiasts and pros can subscribe to the eNewsletters subscriptions—General (New Product, Promos, and News); Everything Travel and Landscape Photography; Portrait, Sports and Event Photography; and World of Close-Up and Art Photography—here. On Tamron’s website, information found at each lens product page will be available in English, French and Spanish. In addition, Tamron’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) will incorporate informational and inspirational content for Canadian and American customers.

Canadian customers will register their Tamron lenses purchased on or after January 1, 2023, at the Tamron Americas website here. Qualifying Canadian customers will be admitted to the Tamron VIP Club in 2024. Find details for the VIP Club here.

Support this site by getting your Tamron Lens 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: Tamron News
Post Date: 1/3/2023 12:28:09 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Thursday, December 29, 2022

Their day job primarily involves harassing the herd bulls, but the satellite bulls will also fight each other. These two young Rocky Mountain National Park bulls seemed to be sparing vs. having an all-out battle.

To keep the eyes of both bulls in the sharp plane of focus, a side-on position was taken. A low shooting position gives the elk a larger apparent stature and increases the background distance, letting it go strongly blurred.

This fight took place early in the day. With limited light, an all-action-stopping shutter speed required a very high ISO setting. I opted to shoot with a slow shutter speed to avoid the high noise levels. This decision reduced the keeper rate, but often a small number of great images is better than many mediocre ones, and I had a nice quantity of sharp images from the fight.

That said, the ISO 4000 setting yields a noticeable amount of noise. Subject detail, such as hair, hides noise better than evenly colored areas, such as the smoothly blurred background. Strong noise reduction destroys details, but it is especially helpful for removing noise from a blurred background.

So, this image was processed once with weak noise reduction and once with strong noise reduction. The two images were loaded into photoshop layers, with the subject-selected mask hiding the strong noise reduction layer. The subjects retain details (and noise) and the background appears similar to a low ISO setting. A similar tactic can be used in Lightroom.


A larger version of this image is available here.

 
Camera and Lens Settings
600mm  f/4.0  1/200s
ISO 4000
8640 x 5760px
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: 12/29/2022 8:00:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Wednesday, December 28, 2022

A wind storm hit Death Valley National Park the previous day, leaving Mesquite Flat Dunes filled with untracked ripples. It was the kid-in-the-candy-store scenario.

The Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens on a Canon EOS R5 was an optimal choice for the dunes. While focal lengths outside this range had compositional opportunities, the 24-70mm angles of view enabled emphasis on the close subjects while keeping the background details relatively large in the frame.

Of course, the 52mm focal length selected for this composition is not optimal for keeping near-to-far details in focus. The R5's focus bracketing feature was the solution to that problem.

With focus bracketing enabled, the smallest increment specified, and the number of shots set far above what was needed (the camera automatically stops at infinity), the R5 proved itself foolproof, automatically delivering the complete required range of sharp focus bracketed images at nearly a 100% rate (except when I impatiently picked up the tripod before the stack was finished to hurry on to the next composition).

With that strategy implemented, my task was easy. Walk up to a scene, select the composition, position the focus point on the closest subject (the closest sand), and press the shutter release with the 2-second self-timer enabled.

My first focus stacking pass for this image was in Photoshop. This process is easy. Here is how to focus stack using Photoshop:

  1. Open the set of images with sharp details covering the entire depth of field as layers in Photoshop. To do this using Bridge, select the images (click on the first image, and shift-click on the last image), then menu > Tools > Photoshop > Load file into Photoshop layers.
  2. Select all layers in the Layers panel (click on the top layer, and shift-click on the bottom layer).
  3. Menu > Edit > Auto-Align Layers, select Auto in the dialog, then click OK.
  4. Menu > Edit > Auto-Blend Layers, select Stack Images in the dialog, then click OK.
  5. If the result looks good, select all layers in the Layers panel, and press control-E to consolidate the result into a single layer.

That mindless process usually works great. However, I wasn't satisfied with the result in this case, so I manually stacked the images using layers masks.


A larger version of this image is available here.

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: 12/28/2022 10:49:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Saturday, December 24, 2022

My family and I wish you a very Merry Christmas! As always, we hope that your Christmas season is filled with great meaning, great memories, and of course, great images.

The Christmas tree is a core of our family's traditions, and it seems that our Christmas tree adventure always has a story.

After putting the tree up, I always vowel to get a smaller tree the next year. By the next year, the tall tree issues are forgotten, but the space available for the tree is remember, and the girls pressure to go big. After getting away from carrying the tree behind the SUV, moving it to the roof, hitting things alongside of the road are no longer an issue.

However, hitting the garage door when returning home is a concern. That risk didn't materialize, but making the tree stay upright was a real concern.

This year, the girls picked a tree with about 4 or 5' of the bottom branches trimmed off (likely sold for greens, such as for wreaths). That meant I couldn't clearly discern the tree's height above the bare trunk. And, it seemed to grow a couple of feet on the ground.

When trees get that tall, the trunk becomes thick, which equates with heavy. With help, I managed to get the tree upright and moved into position.

Hours later, my daughter said "Oh!" "Oh!!!" OOOh!!!!! The extra exclamation points reference the decibel level of her exclamations.

Yep, the tree fell over. Fortunately, no decorations were yet attached. Unfortunately, about 2 gallons of water dumped onto the floor. Fortunately, a large piece of plastic caught a lot of that water.

The tree you see here is tied to the wall with fishing line. It is 20lb test line for those of you who are fishermen. It is also about 20 years old, probably the same age as the tree.

Our Christmas tree represents a huge amount of work (mostly for my girls), and the results of their effort deserve preservation in a high-quality image. After photographing the annual Christmas tree in the same location for over 25 years (I unsuccessfully lobbied for a new location this year), I have a few go-to shots dialed in.

An ultra-wide-angle focal length usually gets the selection. In addition to fitting the tree and surrounding space in the frame, this angle of view makes the room appear big, creating a more dramatic look.

There seems to be an outstanding ultra-wide-angle lens choice introduced each year, and I seldom capture the tree photo with a lens previously used for that task. The Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens got the call in 2021. Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens captured the Christmas 2020 tree, the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens captured the 2019 tree, and, going a bit narrower for a different look, the Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM Lens took in the 2018 tree.

I didn't look at my lens choice from prior years before choosing this year's lens, had the new Sony Alpha 7R V to work with, and the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens was the perfect match for this year's job.

At this time of the year, I know that I need to take pictures between 5:15 and 5:25 PM to have a touch of dark blue sky color showing through the windows with the exposure balanced for the Christmas lights inside. No, I can't remember this time from year to year, but a calendar item reminds me (and EXIF information from the prior year's photos can be referenced).

F/16 images from any current digital camera, and especially from cameras with ultra-high pixel density, show a slight softness due to diffraction. However, I like the starburst effect that narrow apertures, such as f/16, create from point light sources, such as the candles in the windows. Because the a7R V pixel density is so high, I opted to open up to f/11 this year. The FE 14 still creates nice diffraction spikes from the point light sources at this aperture, and the a7R V produces noticeably sharper details at f/11 than at f/16.

With only the tree and other decorative lights on, the exposure needs to be long — 25 seconds at f/11 and ISO 100. The exposure duration means that only a few images can be captured during the perfect deep blue sky time.

Long exposures also mean that the tree ornaments must be still to avoid motion blur, and the floor vibrates when walked on, making the ornaments swing. One person walking across the room at the wrong time could eliminate one or two exposures from that short period. Thus, the photo day is (usually) selected for when I am home alone at the right time.

The vertical lines in the windows (or sometimes a wall unit) on the right side of the frame look best when running parallel to the edge of the frame. Thus, a camera position leveled for both tilt and roll is usually selected. In this case, the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens especially impresses with its lack of geometric distortion (no correction was applied to this image), rendering the vertical lines straight.

I am fortunate to have a range of tripods to work with, and holding the Sony Alpha 7R V and FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens combination steady indoors is not a support challenge. However, when shooting on carpet, I prefer a tripod with some weight (or spikes) to press into the carpet fibers, decreasing movement. The Really Right Stuff TVC-34L Mk2 Tripod and BH-55 Ball Head handled this job nicely.

With that, another Christmas tree photo is in the archives.


A larger version of this image is available here.

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: 12/24/2022 8:56:23 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Friday, December 23, 2022

Just completed: Canon EOS R6 Mark II Review

At some point, I have to call this review finished. Still, I'll likely continue to update it.

Please share!

Support this site buy getting the Canon EOS R6 Mark II at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

Rent the Canon EOS R6 Mark II from Lensrentals.

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: 12/23/2022 8:52:17 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Thursday, December 22, 2022

Lensrentals has shared their always-interesting annual top rented cameras and lenses list.

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: 12/22/2022 11:23:45 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
< Previous     1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |    Next >
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!