From Canon USA:
Company to Exhibit the Latest EOS Digital SLR and PowerShot Cameras,imagePROGRAF Large-Format Printers, and PIXMA PRO-Series Printers at Canon Booth 119
NEW YORK, October 24, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will showcase a range of digital cameras and printers at PhotoPlus Expo 2012 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, October 25-27, 2012 (Booth 119). In addition, the Canon Digital Learning Center website will host free streaming video of stage presentations by Canon's Explorers of Light.
Attendees will have the opportunity to "touch and try" Canon's latest imaging products including:
"Canon's theme for this year's PhotoPlus Expo exhibition is 'What It Takes To Image', which speaks to the wide breadth of products and solutions we offer professional imaging markets. As a uniquely positioned company providing complete imaging solutions from input to output, PhotoPlus Expo sets the stage for us to show attendees the full scope of the creative solutions we offer," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.
The booth includes a hands-on shooting set where visitors can try Canon's latest DSLR cameras and Cinema EOS equipment. The REALiS Theatre located in the booth will be continually showing dynamic footage captured on various Canon devices throughout the show. In addition, the Company is continuing its PhotoPlus Expo speaker series with live presentations and photoshoots happening throughout the tradeshow on the Canon Live Learning stage. Canon's Speedlite Studio sessions will also take place demonstrating lighting and portraiture techniques for attendees.
Canon 2012 PhotoPlus Expo Stage Schedule
| Thursday, October 25th | Friday, October 26th | Saturday, October 27th |
10:00 AM | Clay Blackmore | Greg Heisler | Hanson Fong |
10:45 AM | Denis Reggie | Sam Abell | Vincent Laforet |
11:30 AM | Tyler Stableford | Lauren Greenfield | Parish Kohanim |
12:15 AM | Michele Celentano | Clay Blackmore | Felix Alcala |
1:00 PM | Stephen Johnson | Peter Read Miller | Ken Sklute |
1:45 PM | Vincent Laforet | Vincent Laforet | Eddie Tapp |
2:30 PM | Jack Reznicki | Hanson Fong | Alex Buono |
3:15 PM | Jennifer Wu | George Lepp | Douglas Kirkland |
4:00 PM | Bruce Dorn | Alex Buono |
|
CPS Lounge
Canon will host its CPS Lounge during PhotoPlus Expo 2012 at the Jacob Javits Center, October 24th-27th in rooms 2D02/03 and 2D04/05. The CPS Lounge will be open to the public on October 24th at 10am, the day before PhotoPlus Expo opens.
CPS Lounge Hours during PhotoPlus Expo 2012:
10/24 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Pre-show hours available)
10/25 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
10/26 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
10/27 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (equipment pick-up only)
From DxO:
DxO Optics Pro 8 introduces DxO Smart Lighting allowing greater photo details and more vivid colors
Comprehensive image content analysis coupled with camera calibrationpushes image quality even further
Software will be available on October 29, 2012 at a 33% discount through November 15th
October 24, 2012 - DxO Labs announces the October 29th availability of DxO Optics Pro 8, a major new release of its image quality processing software of reference for all demanding photographers. Available for both Mac and Windows, DxO Optics Pro 8 provides the best tool for automatically adjusting contrast and light, the most advanced optical corrections, and even finer and more precise color management. Its enhanced performance and improved interface deliver a better user experience.
DxO Optics Pro is based on a unique approach consisting of extensive camera and lens calibrations in DxO Labs' laboratories. The software integrates several powerful tools delivering automatic RAW and JPEG image processing for both amateur photographers and experts: optical and geometrical corrections, exposure and contrast, noise reduction, and color and detail preservation.
DxO Optics Pro's many presets allow photographers to process images according to their own taste, getting in just a few cliks the best out of their photos, whatever the shooting conditions.
DxO Smart Lighting: Mastering the light with one slider
New DxO Smart Lighting brightens up photos by optimizing contrast and lighting quickly and efficiently. This exclusive DxO Labs technology intelligently adapts to image content and allows users to easily adjust image contrast using a single slider. DxO Smart Lighting automatically recovers details both in highlights and shadows under even the most extreme shooting conditions.
For more advanced users, DxO Optics Pro 8 offers a new Selective tone tool that allows them to apply precise corrections separately to highlights, midtones, and dark zones.
Brilliant and fully textured colors
The Protection of saturated colors tool can restore a significant number of details and rich textures hidden in areas of vivid or saturated color that can appear flatly uniform to the eye.
DxO Optics Pro 8 automatically applies the color rendering settings chosen by the photographer while precisely taking into account the current image content. Textures in vivid colors reappear, revealing all the details in the image.
Exceptional optical corrections: Even more supported lenses
Flaws in photos are specific to the combination of lens and camera used. DxO Labs has measured nearly 10,000 combinations to provide the specific corrections required for each camera.
Developed in DxO Labs' laboratory using an exclusive calibration process, DxO Optics Modules contain tens of thousands of data about the inner characteristics and flaws of each camera and lens. This unique and world exclusive database allows DxO Optics Pro to automatically correct all optical flaws with an unrivaled level of quality, for both RAW and JPEG images, including distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, and lens softness.
DxO Optics Pro 8 further improves the correction of chromatic aberrations for RAW-format images by combining DxO Optics Module data with image content analysis.
The Lens softness tool, also based on DxO Optics Modules, automatically boosts lens resolution by homogenizing sharpness across the field. Optimized in DxO Optics Pro 8, the tool gives photographers extremely sharp images from the center of the image right out to the edges, even when the settings are pushed to high levels.
The opening of a new laboratory in Seattle has reinforced DxO Labs' measurement and calibration capacity. Now with six laboratories located in both Europe and the United States, DxO Labs has set a goal of providing 20,000 available DxO Optics Modules by the end of 2013.
A smoother user experience: Regrouping features and Retina screen optimization
DxO Labs has extensively revised the DxO Optics Pro 8 interface for more user comfort. The most commonly used functions have been regrouped to offer photographers easier visibility and handling.
A specific workspace brings together the most important and common operations such as white balance, color and contrast adjustment, and exposure compensation. Similarly, many advanced tools have been more logically reorganized in different palettes.
DxO Optics Pro 8's Mac interface has been entirely redesigned to take advantage of all the visual quality offered by Retina screens. Photographers can now enjoy unprecedented displayed details in their images!
Faster and truer viewing: A more efficient display and workflow
Beyond the improvements in terms of image quality and interface, DxO Optics Pro 8 has increased display speed.
Thumbnails now display in real time the current state of the photo, thanks to live preview. The user can now instantly figure out if a photo is the original one or the working version.
To improve workflow further, now every photo once opened in DxO Optics Pro instantaneously loads, even after closing and reopening the application - a real time-saver.
New tools: Print module and new Output settings options
DxO Optics Pro 8 now includes a new integrated print module allowing photographers to directly print RAW or JPEG images on the fly as they preview them. Different print modes and layout options are available, from contact sheet to full page printing.
As a part of the new Output settings options, users can now also adjust the destination and size and choose among several resampling solutions.
Availability and special introductory offer
The Standard and Elite editions of DxO Optics Pro 8 for Mac and Windows will be available on October 29, 2012, in the DxO Labs online store (shop.dxo.com), and at photo resellers during November, at a special introductory discount valid until November 15, 2012:
USD:
EUR:
BGP:
Photographers who have purchased a DxO Optics Pro 7 license on or after September 1, 2012 are eligible for a free upgrade to version 8. Other users can take advantage of a special discount on all upgrades from now until November 15, 2012, directly from their customer account.
A complete, fully-functional trial version of DxO Optics Pro 8, good for one month, will be available on October 29, 2012 on the DxO Labs website (http://www.dxo.com/intl/photo/free_trial_version).
B&H carries DxO Products.
From Epson:
Epson Expression Photo XP-850 Small-in-One Delivers Superior Photo Quality in a Compact, Sleek Design
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Oct. 24, 2012 - Epson America, Inc., a leading provider of superior performing printing solutions, today announced the Epson Expression Photo XP-850 Small-in-One printer, delivering premium performance within a space-saving design. Ideal for photo enthusiasts and families, the Expression XP-850 prints brilliant photos with Claria Photo HD six-color inks for smooth gradations and true-to-life skin tones. Plus, it includes robust wireless features for easy mobile printing from an iPad, iPhone, tablet, or smartphone.
“The Epson Expression Photo XP-850 delivers crisp detail and professional quality photos so you can conveniently print from home and have rich, colorful photos, flyers or other projects available to share immediately with family and friends,” said Stacey Tieu, product manager, consumer ink jets, Epson America, Inc. “The Expression XP-850 is also equipped with innovative print technology for frame-worthy prints every time. In addition to its photo strength, it also functions as a versatile everyday printer for household family use.”
The Expression XP-850 prints at remarkably fast speeds, delivering 4" x 6" photos in as fast as 10 seconds. With a dedicated photo tray, direct CD/DVD printing, and a rear paper feed for card stock, envelopes and more, the Expression XP-850 can easily take on any creative project. It also offers several productivity features, such as automatic two-sided printing, copying and scanning, an intuitive 3.5” LCD with intuitive gesture navigation, and a 30-page Automatic Document Feeder with color fax. The auto-extend output paper tray allows you to print with assurance that your projects and papers will be organized and not all over the floor, especially when printing remotely.
The Expression XP-850 includes convenient Ethernet networking and built-in Wi-Fi CERTIFIED n for multiple users to share one printer or print from any room. It also offers a variety of wireless functionality, including Wi-Fi Direct for printing from a mobile device without a network. In addition, the Expression XP-850 is equipped with Epson Connect, a suite of mobile printing solutions that make it easier for users to print documents, emails, photos, and web pages from iPads, iPhones, tablets, and smartphones from anywhere in the world.
Additional Expression Photo XP-850 Small-in-One Features and Benefits:
Pricing and Availability
The Epson Expression Photo XP-850 ($299.99*) will be available in November via commercial channels at launch. For more information, visit http://www.epson.com.
B&H carries Epson Products.
From JOBY:
Revolutionize Your Smartphone Photography and Videography with JOBY GripTight Smartphone Stands
JOBY Unveils 3 iPhone® & Android™ Stands for Smartphone Users Craving Creative Possibilities
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., October 24, 2012 – JOBY JOBY is excited to announce the launch of the GripTight™ collection of Android and iPhone stands, versatile and universal solutions for smartphone users who take photos, capture video and view media everywhere they go. Known for its award-winning flexible GorillaPod™ camera tripods, JOBY expands creative possibilities with this new collection of stable, compact, lightweight and ultra-portable products that fit the best-selling smartphones (including iPhone® 5, Samsung Galaxy S® III and Nokia Lumia 920) – with or without protective cases.
The GripTight products let you create your own portable photography and video studio by helping you improve photo clarity, shoot from unique perspectives, capture shake-free video, and enhance your photo and video apps. Comfortably watch and enjoy video, browse websites, or Skype and video conference anywhere and everywhere. All thanks to the stable, hands-free positioning of these innovative designs.
"Because smartphones are now the cameras that are always on hand, consumers are using these devices more frequently to shoot photos and video," said Laura Kawakami, JOBY brand and product marketing director. "Our versatile GripTight collection empowers iPhone® as well as Android™ and Windows® smartphone users to 'get a grip' on creativity and discover even more ways to use their smartphone cameras."
The rock-solid GripTight Micro Stand is the only pocket-sized smartphone stand in the market. Designed with a steel inner frame and zinc alloy legs, the Micro Stand is sleek and durable enough to stash in a pocket or on a key chain for on-the-go convenience. Grippy, rubber feet allow users to stabilize their smartphones on uneven surfaces, and the mini-ballhead tilts 36 degrees in any direction for precise control of photo and video composition. The Micro Stand is ideal for smartphone photographers who want to be in their photo with friends or who love to watch YouTube™ videos in a café. It's portable, convenient and easy to set up.
The GripTight GorillaPod Stand is an incredibly adaptable and all-terrain solution. Designed with flexible, wrappable joints and grippy, rubber feet, this solution allows users to secure their smartphones to all kinds of objects and stabilize them on all types of surfaces for the optimal perspective as they shoot photos, capture video and enjoy media. Ideal for city and wilderness adventures, the GripTight GorillaPod Stand is the perfect companion on an urban trek while photographing meals for a foodie blog, or on your next camping trip for setting up in-tent movie nights.
The innovative GripTight Mount is compatible with GorillaPod™ camera tripods and standard tripods via a universal, stainless-steel ¼-20" thread. The Mount makes it easy to stabilize and position your smartphone to do everything from composing a challenging shot to capturing a time-lapse photo series or capturing a full-length video.
Stable and hands-free. Compact and lightweight. Designed for limitless possibilities and almost any smartphone, the GripTight collection from JOBY allows smartphone users to expand their creativity and improve their mobile photography and videography with three versatile, portable products that make perfect gifts for the holidays.
The GripTight Mount is available for $19.95 (US MSRP). The GripTight Micro Stand and GripTight GorillaPod Stand are available for $29.95 each (US MSRP). All products may be purchased at popular big-box retailers, consumer electronics, mobile and online stores, and at joby.com.
NEW FIRMWARE UPDATE FOR CANON EOS 5D MARK III DIGITAL SLR CAMERA PROVIDES UNCOMPRESSED HDMI OUTPUT SUPPORT AND IMPROVED AF PERFORMANCE
From Canon:
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 23, 2012 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced a new firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR camera that significantly improves the camera’s performance and usability. In response to requests from professionals working in the fields of cinema and television production, the firmware update enables the use of uncompressed HDMI Output support, making possible more efficient video editing and monitoring procedures. Additionally, the upgrade supports the advanced needs of photographers through improved AF performance when capturing still images.
Uncompressed HDMI Output Support
When shooting video, HDMI Output makes possible the recording of high-definition uncompressed video data (YCbCr 4:2:2, 8 bit) from the EOS 5D Mark III to an external recorder via the camera’s HDMI terminal. This, in turn, facilitates the editing of video data with minimal image degradation for greater on-site workflow efficiency during motion picture and video productions. Additionally, video being captured can be displayed on an external monitor, enabling real-time, on-site monitoring of high-definition video during shooting.
Improved AF Functionality
Even when the EOS 5D Mark III is equipped with an extender and lens making possible a maximum aperture of f/8, the firmware update supports AF employing the camera’s central cross-type points (currently compatible with maximum apertures up to f/5.6). Accordingly, the update will allow users to take advantage of AF when shooting distant subjects, benefitting sports and nature photographers, particularly when using telephoto lenses.
The new firmware update will be available, at no charge, in April 2013 from the Canon U.S.A. website and can be downloaded by end users or through Canon Factory Service Centers.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is available at Amazon, B&H and Adorama.
Nikon Europe has posted an informative article explaining their remote shutter release products.
They also published a similar article on their TTL remote or multi-flash sync cords.
From Canon USA:
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Honors Canon’s Work on Improvements to Large Format CMOS Imagers for Use in High Definition Broadcast Video Cameras
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 22, 2012 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today that Canon Inc. will be recognized at the 64th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards for “Improvements to Large Format CMOS Imagers for Use in High Definition Broadcast Video Cameras.” Presented by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), the Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards honor development and innovation in broadcast technology and recognize companies, organizations and individuals for breakthroughs in technology that have a significant effect on television engineering.
Canon debuted its award-winning large format CMOS image sensor in its acclaimed EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera in November of 2011 at a global launch event held at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. By exploring alternatives to the established Bayer color filter array algorithms, Canon was able to achieve an overall image quality capture through its CMOS sensor that has helped bring digital cinema closer to the superb aesthetics associated with 35 mm motion picture film.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from NATAS for our work on large format sensors,” said Masaya Maeda, managing director and chief executive, Image Communication Products Operations, Canon Inc. “We see this award as a testament to the warm acceptance that the film and television production community has extended to us as we’ve partnered with them over the last year to help tell their stories. It also serves as further incentive for our continued commitment to the entertainment industry.”
In November 2011, Canon announced its full-fledged entry into the theatrical motion picture, television programming and television commercial production industries with the launch of the Cinema EOS System. Over the past 10 months, the Company has introduced a total of three high-definition, high-performance Cinema EOS digital cinema cameras—the EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera, the EOS C500 4K Digital Cinema Camera and the compact, lightweight EOS C100 Digital Video Camera—all built around Canon’s innovative Super 35-mm CMOS image sensor technology specifically developed for Cinema EOS motion image capture. Separately, the EOS-1D C 4K DSLR Cinema Camera, equipped with an 18.3-megapixel full frame (36 mm x 24 mm) CMOS image sensor, also joined the Cinema EOS product family in April of this year. For professional photographers, and independent and student filmmakers, Canon has also introduced the EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR camera, building on the strong success of the EOS 5D Mark II in film and television production.
The Technology & Engineering Emmy® Award will be presented on January 10, 2013, during the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
The Canon Digital Learning Center has published an article on the just-released Canon EOS-1D X firmware version 1.1.1.
As I expected would be Canon's position on the question, the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens is officially not compatible with the Canon EF 1.4x III Extender.
As discussed here, the 70-300 L was initially included in the 1D X's f/8 AF-capable lens and extender combination list on the new Canon 1D X special firmware page. This lens is no longer included on that page - and is not included on the CDLC firmware in-depth page's compatibility list.
Sample pictures have been added to these reviews:
Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens Review
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens Review
Canon EOS-1D X Review (with some overlapping samples)
These are awesome lenses. I expect to post many more sample pictures from these lenses in the future - especially/hopefully after a White-Tailed Deer photo trip I have scheduled in Shenandoah National Park in the near future.
The 1D X is also awesome. I'm deep into my fall sports photography season and can easily say that I've never had a camera and lens combination perform as well as the 1D X and the "IS II" supertelephoto lenses. These combinations rock.
Note that I continue to include photography tips in most of the sample picture comments.
From X-Rrite:
Online educational tutorials provide photographers with basic information, insights, and tips to achieve color control, consistency and creativity in their digital imaging workflow
North White Plains, NY – October 18, 2012 - X-Rite Photo Marketing announces its schedule of November 2012 Webinars that have been developed to address specific color management topics and are designed to appeal to both professional and serious amateur photographers.
Three free Webinars this month are sure to help photographers and videographers gain new confidence and to learn quick, easy and powerful ways to enhance their color workflow. Webinar attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions to the live trainers.
“This month’s webinars provide color management tips not only for photographers but videographers as well,” said Mark Rezzonico, vice president, X-Rite Photo Marketing. “From learning about professional color management applications for video as well as still photography to creating images with amazing colors or gorgeous landscapes, one of X-Rite’s November webinars is sure to provide the expert advice and education that photographers need.”
From Nikon:
Winning photos from one of the world's most prestigious international photo contests, Nikon Photo Contest International 2010–2011, to be exhibited in Brazil and India
October 17, 2012
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation will be exhibiting winning photos from one of the world's most prestigious international photo contests, Nikon Photo Contest International 2010–2011, in Brazil and India.
The winners, which were exhibited in Tokyo, Osaka, and London last year, will be exhibited this year in São Paulo, Brazil, and Mumbai, India, at the photography event, International Photographic Passport, supported by the global creative event, Tokyo Graphic Passport. In addition to exhibition of the 53 photos selected as winners in Nikon Photo Contest International 2010–2011 by an elite panel of judges, Tokyo Graphic Passport's full support has enabled a number of special events, including workshops, to be hosted by those working on the front lines of Japan's creative industries.
Overview of the exhibition of winning photos from Nikon Photo Contest International 2010–2011
-São Paulo, Brazil
Date/Venue:
Program
-Mumbai, India
Dates: Friday, December 14, 2012 through Sunday, December 23, 2012
Venue: The National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA)
Program
Canon UK has the EOS M Camera manual available for download. Click the "Manuals" radio button for the download links to appear.
The new Canon 1D X firmware special page includes the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens (they actually say "f/4.5-5.6L") and Canon EF 1.4x III Extender combination under the "Current Canon EF Lens/Extender Combinations That Support Cross-Type Autofocus with Firmware Update Ver. 1.1.1 for EOS-1D X". (thanks John)
The problem is that Canon 70-300 L is not compatible with the 1.4x in the first place. The Canon USA website indicates that the 1.4x "... is only compatible with fixed focal length L-series lenses 135mm and over, as well as the EF 70-200/2.8L, EF 70-200/2.8L IS, EF 70-200/4L, and EF 100-400/4.5-5.6L." Granted, the compatible 70-200 f/4L IS is missing, but the 70-300 L is not listed.
I've tried mounting the 1.4x to the 70-300 L before - and it does not fit. The rear lens element physically hits the front element of the extender.
What I just discovered, however, is that the 70-300 L's rear element retracts into the lens far enough that, at about 250mm, there is enough clearance for the 1.4x to mount.
The available focal length range is about 350-420mm. There is a physical bump at the lower end of that range with (guessing) the rubber around the edge of the extender element contacting the rear 70-300 L lens element or its edge ring. This combination indeed autofocuses on the 1D X with the new firmware.
I'll put this combination on the ISO 12233 chart testing list to see what the image quality looks like, but ... I'm not sure that I recommend mounting this combination due to potential damage the to lens. I'll try to find out what Canon says about this.
The new Canon EOS-1D X firmware update version 1.1.1 (leaked earlier today), is now available for download.
Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
* Please see the "Lenses and Usable AF points" section of the revised instruction manual for more details on the lens & camera combinations.
* When shooting in dark environments during AI Servo AF, the AF points can be easily confirmed.
* During AI Servo AF, the viewfinder will be lit intermittently, not continuously.
Wisely being asked over on the Facebook page is: Will the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, with essentially the same AF system, also get these features in a firmware update?
Nikon Europe has published a compatibility chart for its Nikon battery packs.