Canon and Sony News for Jul 2017 (Page 2)

While Nikon's development release was devoid of any specific details regarding new features to be expected in the D850, a video posted to their various YouTube channels highlights at least one new feature – 8K time-lapse videos.

In a recent blog post on LinkedIn, CEO of 3 Legged Thing Danny Lenihan explains why their new product – the QR11-LC Universal L-Bracket – costs $49.99 while competing products from China cost significantly less. He also goes on to explain the impact of widespread intellectual property theft on the photographic accessory market (as well as other industries).

From LinkedIn:

In the last couple of weeks my little brand, 3 Legged Thing, launched a brand new Universal L Bracket - the QR11. For the most part, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Then, somebody sent me a link to a well known forum, where a conversation had started about the press release for the QR11. The comments were almost wholly negative with more than one contributor stating “You can buy this from **insert website name** for $7? or “I got one from China for $5 and it works just fine”.

Fantastic. What you actually did is perpetuate a cycle of intellectual property theft, and put your own equipment at risk by using something that has zero accountability, or any certification, made with unknown materials, in a factory where you have no idea what the conditions are like. That’s what you did. I’ll take you through it, step by step, so you can understand.

After using the Sony a9 for nearly two months, I thought I'd share the setup steps I used for this camera. Following are the 27 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box Sony a9 ready for use.

• Charge battery
• Install neck strap
• Download and install Capture One (for Sony) (unless your current favorite image processing software supports the Sony a9)
• Insert charged battery and power on the camera
• Set the time zone, date, time, timeformat
• insert memory card (don't forget to format it)
• Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 1: Quality: RAW
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 1: RAW File Type: Uncompressed (unless taking advantage of the 20 fps frame rate or wanting an about-50% smaller RAW file size)
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 2: Lens Comp.: All Off
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Priority Set in AF-S: AF
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Priority Set in AF-C: AF
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Focus Area: Flexible Spot
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 7: Reset EV Comp.: Maintain
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 7: Spot Metering Point: Focus Point Link
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 10: DRO/Auto HDR: Off
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 10: Creative Style: Neutral, Sharpness = 1 (I process with the Natural creative style in Capture One)
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 4: Release w/o Card: Disable
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 6: Grid Line: Rule of 3rds Grid
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 8: Custom Key(Shoot.): Custom Button 1: ISO
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 9: Shutter Type: Electronic Shut. (I sometimes opted for the Auto setting)
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 9: Audio signals: On:e-shutter only (set to Off if photographing in a quiet setting)
• Network Menu, Tab 1: Airplane Mode: On
• Setup Menu, Tab 1: Volume Settings: 3
• Setup Menu, Tab 1: Delete confirm: "Delete" first
• Setup Menu, Tab 2: Touch Operation: On
• Setup Menu, Tab 4: Copyright Info: Write Copyright Info: On, Set Photographer: {name}, Set Copyright: {name}

I of course make other menu and setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my typical camera setup.

To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot - including shooting in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.

If you can't remember your own menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a good idea. If the camera is ever reset-to-factory state, your list will ensure that you do not miss an important setting when putting the camera back into service.

More Information

Sony a9

The Sony a9 is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

Noise test results have been added to the have been added to the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 / 200D page.

The SL2 has the same sensor as several other recently released Canon cameras, including the Canon EOS 77D. Expectations were for the Rebel SL2 to share the same image quality. However, in the Canon EOS SL2 vs. 77D comparison, I see the SL2 images showing less noise. I love when expectations are exceeded in a positive direction.

Even though the SL2 has increased resolution over its predecessor, the SL1, the Canon EOS SL2 vs. SL1 comparison again shows the new camera to have less noise.

Also to love is the low price of this camera. The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama.

In a press release with lots of fluff and very little substance, Nikon has announced that they are developing an update to the D810. [Sean]

From Nikon:

TOKYO – July 25, 2017 –Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the development of the next-generation full-frame, high-resolution, high-speed digital SLR cameras with the upcoming release of the highly anticipated Nikon D850.

The D850 will be a formidable tool for creators who will not compromise on exceptional image quality and versatility, including aspiring and professional photographers, as well as hobbyists, who shoot landscapes, commercial sports, fashion and weddings, and multimedia content creators.

The D850 is the successor to the D810, which was highly praised by its users for offering extremely sharp and clear rendering, with rich tone characteristics. This powerful new FX-format digital SLR camera is engineered with a range of new technologies, features and performance enhancements that are a direct result of feedback from users over the years – who demand the very best from their camera equipment. The D850 will exceed the expectations of the vast range of photographers that seek the high resolution and high-speed capabilities that only a Nikon of this caliber complemented by NIKKOR lenses can offer.

From Nikon:

Nikon D600 / D610

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.02 to 1.03 (D600) and 1.01 to 1.02 (D610)

• Added support for the following features of AF-P lenses:
• If the standby timer expires after the camera has focused, the focus position will not change when the timer is reactivated.
• In manual focus mode, the focus indicator in the viewfinder (or in live view, the focus point selected in the monitor) will flash to show that infinity or the minimum focus distance has been reached by rotating the focus ring.
• Added support for AF-P DX lenses.
• Fixed the following issues:
• Optimal exposure would sometimes not be achieved in photos taken in live view using a lens with electromagnetically controlled aperture (type E lenses).
• When used to take pictures after an option was selected for Custom Setting d10 (Exposure delay mode) in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU, Camera Control Pro 2 would sometimes display the error “The camera was not able to take a picture.” despite having actually taken the picture.

Note: Due to the possibility of this firmware update breaking compatibility with some third party lenses, you may want to keep an older version of the firmware on-hand just in case you need to roll back the update. (thanks Richy)

Download:
Nikon D600 Firmware v.1.03
Nikon D610 Firmware v.1.02

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.11 to 1.12

• Added support for the following features of AF-P lenses:
• If the standby timer expires after the camera has focused, the focus position will not change when the timer is reactivated.
• In manual focus mode, the focus indicator in the viewfinder (or in live view, the focus point selected in the monitor) will flash to show that infinity or the minimum focus distance has been reached by rotating the focus ring.
• Fixed the following issues:
• When pictures were viewed after shooting with Overflow selected for Role played by card in Slot 2 in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU, the camera would sometimes display the second-last picture taken.
• Microphone sensitivity would sometimes not be correctly adjusted when movies were recorded with Auto sensitivity > Microphone sensitivity.

Download: Nikon D750 Firmware v.1.12

The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 just showed up and it is time to set up the camera for use. Following are the 27 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box Canon EOS Rebel SL2 ready for use.

1. Open the box, find the battery and charger and plug it in. If you have another charged LP-E17 battery available, you can continue to the battery-required steps without a wait.
2. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box. This is a good time to install the neck strap.
3. Download and install the Canon Solution Disk software on your computer to get support for the latest camera(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, Photostitch and Lens Registration Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
4. Insert the battery (after charging completes, unless you can't wait).
5. Power the camera on.
6. The date and time setup screen will show at startup the first time. Use the Rear Control dial and Set button to update this information.
7. Insert a memory card (don't forget to format the card via the tools menu option before taking pictures).
8. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv or M (some modes provide only a small subset of available menu options).
9. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
10. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: set to RAW (I highly recommend a RAW workflow)
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image review: 4 sec.
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Release without card: Off/Disable (I highly recommend this setting)
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 2: Lens aberration correction: All disabled (though I suggest leaving CA correction enabled for most uses – all can be applied in DPP)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: White balance: AWB-W (Auto: White priority)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness Strength set to "1" (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram on the back of the camera that most-accurately shows me blown highlights and blocked shadows on the camera LCD. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Long exposure noise reduction: I usually have this option set to "Auto", but my choice varies for the situation.
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: High ISO speed noise reduction: Off (noise reduction is destructive to images details – I prefer to add NR sparingly in post, but "Low" is also a good choice)
18. Playback Menu, Tab 3: Histogram disp: RGB (I want to monitor all three color channels for blown or blocked pixels)
19. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Auto rotate: On/Computer only (this provides the largest playback image size on the camera LCD)
20. Tools Menu, Tab 3: Beep: Disable
21. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Custom Functions: C.Fn I:ISO expansion: On
22. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Custom Functions: C.Fn I:Exposure comp. auto cancel: Disable
23. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Copyright information: Enter author's name: [your name]
24. Display Level Menu: Menu guide: Standard (required to gain access to My Menu)
25. Display Level Menu: Mode guide: Disable (novices may appreciate this setting enabled)
26. Display Level Menu: Feature guide: Disabled (novices may appreciate this setting enabled)
27. My Menu: Add the first tab; Register the following options for Tab 1: Long exposure noise reduction, Mirror lockup, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring what time it is), Sensor cleaning, Expo.comp./AEB

To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot - including shooting in RAW-only format. My setup is ideal for me, but keep in mind that your needs may differ. The best use of this list may be for tweaking of your own setup.

If you can't remember your own menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a good idea. Anytime your camera goes in for a service visit, the camera will be returned in a reset-to-factory state (unless you request otherwise). Your list will ensure that you do not miss an important setting when putting the camera back into service.

More Information

Canon EOS Rebel SL2

The very inexpensive Canon EOS Rebel SL2 is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama.

Image quality results from the Sony a7R II have been added to the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens page.

I like what I see.

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama.

Canon released new versions of its freely included software at the end of last month primarily to add compatibility with its newly released cameras. However, Canon EOS 5Ds R owners will likely appreciate the "...function for reducing color moiré" added to DPP.

Changes for Digital Photo Professional 4.6.30:

• Supports EOS 6D Mark II, EOS Kiss X9 / EOS REBEL SL2 / EOS 200D, EOS-1D, EOS-1Ds.
• Adds a function for reducing color moiré.
• Supports the EOS 5D Mark IV Canon Log specification.

EOS MOVIE Utility 1.7:

• Supports EOS 6D Mark II.
• Supports the EOS 5D Mark IV Canon Log specification.

Changes to EOS Utility 3.6.30, Picture Style Editor 1.18.30:

• Supports EOS 6D Mark II, EOS Kiss X9 / EOS REBEL SL2 / EOS 200D.

Download: Digital Photo Professional 4.6.30, EOS MOVIE Utility 1.7, EOS Utility 3.6.30 & Picture Style Editor 1.18.30

Along with the image quality test results I shared previously, vignetting, flare and distortion test results along with specs, measurements and standard product images have been added to the Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM Lens page.

This inexpensive lens is still looking good, from both an image quality perspective and a stylish one. From a size standpoint, let's put things in perspective.

The Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama.

by Sean Setters

As I mentioned earlier this week, I recently renovated an old workshop to serve as my new photography studio. Above you can see a 360-degree view of the studio. Note that the middle of the panorama shows the back wall of the studio while the edges show the curtain-covered french doors opposite the back wall.

Below are some organizational tools and techniques I used for optimizing the space.

If you look closely at the panorama atop this post, you'll notice a 12' 4-section background support bar held up by the side walls. I purchased the support bar several years ago and it has served me well for larger backdrop needs. I had originally intended on hanging hooks from the rafters to hang the background support, but upon measuring the space, I realized that wasn't necessary. The walls of the studio are slightly less than 12' (3.66m), so it was relatively easy to add a couple of nails to the top of the walls to keep the background pole in place, while still being able to take the pole down when it's needed for on-location work.

Having the 12' background support semi-permanently installed has the benefits of freeing up storage space that would otherwise have been required for the collapsed set of poles while reducing setup time when the background support bar is actually needed.

For the shot above, I used (6) black lights to photograph Alexis in front of an 84x52" tapestry.

Want a great way store your light stands, tripods and monopods? Get a surfboard/snowboard rack! With 16" arms and a support rating of 100 lbs. (45.4kg), the surfboard rack can store a lot of gear neatly and efficiently.

Just how much lighting and photography gear can you support with a surfboard/snowboard rack? Well, right now, mine is holding:

(9) Light stands (of various sizes and weights)
(2) 40" Extension Arms
(2) Monopods (1 alloy, 1 carbon fiber)
(1) Avenger D600 Mini Boom
(1) Alloy Tripod
(1) Manfrotto 173B Mini Boom Arm

The above gear totals approximately 93 lbs (42.2kg).

I tried to make use of previously installed organizational items when possible, and the pegboard installed by the previous owner worked great for storing miscellaneous items such as the following:

• Avenger F600 Baby Offset Arm
• Spiffy Gear Light Blaster
• Giottos Rocket Blaster (Large)
• Giottos Rocket Blaster (Medium)
• Flashpoint Mini Light Stand - 3.3'
• Clipboard
• Impact Backlight Stand
• Impact Telescopic Collapsible Reflector Holder
• Feisol TT-15 Mini Carbon Fiber Tabletop Tripod
• Arca-Style Pano Rig
• Bag with 6" Spring Clamps

A pegboard hooks variety pack was all I needed to transform this otherwise unutilized area behind my post-processing computer's monitors into a convenient storage solution for often-used gear.

After placing a few soft boxes/octa boxes on one shelf and umbrellas on another, I quickly realized I needed something to contain the items while leaving them quickly accessible. My solution was to wrap a ball bungee around the top portion of shelf section and a no-damage hair elastic band to the bottom portion of the shelf. With the two fitted together, the gear stays in place yet can be accessed very easily.

Parting Thoughts

Optimizing your gear storage will help you get the most out of your studio space, whether it's a small room, a garage or a large commercial workspace. By utilizing techniques similar to the ones outlined above, you can maximize floor space while simultaneously allowing for quick access to often-needed tools and supplies.

From Canon USA:

MELVILLE, N.Y., July 20, 2017 – For professionals who want sharp, brilliant and obsessively beautiful prints that they can share with the world, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced its latest professional large-format inkjet printer - the imagePROGRAF PRO-6000. At 60-inches wide, the imagePROGRAF PRO-6000 printer is the largest 12-ink printer on the market today.

The PRO-6000 expands the PRO Series models offered from 17-inches to 60-inches wide, giving users the ability to own multiple sized printers all with the same print head, ink and image processor, helping to ensure the same high quality across the line. As with previous models, the PRO-6000 device’s sleek design emphasizes the link with Canon’s EOS digital cameras and red-line “L-series lens.” Highlights that set this model apart from the crowd include its 60-inch print width, the ability to feed from the only standard Multifunction Roll System in its class and a 12-channel system including Chroma Optimizer that offers spectacular image quality for the fine art and photographic markets.

“With the introduction of our largest model, the imagePROGRAF PRO-6000, we round out our full line of high quality PRO Series printers,” said Toyotsugu Kuwamura, executive vice president and general manager, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Our PRO Series now offers an expansive lineup of large-format inkjet solutions and sizes for a broad range of applications in the photo, fine art, proofing and graphics market segments.”

Designed to meet the needs of photo professionals and graphic artists, the imagePROGRAF PRO-6000 printer provides users with Canon’s input-to-output photo printing support, known as Crystal-fidelity. This solution allows users to obtain a print quality that accurately expresses the structure, clarity and texture of photos shot using Canon EOS DSLR cameras. Fine art professionals and graphic artists will welcome the versatility that the PRO-6000 offers, including the ability to print on various media types, such as glossy paper, matte paper and fine art textured paper.

"I prefer Canon large-format printers because of their amazing quality, as well as their outstanding reliability. With the new PRO-6000 printer, the singular print head further improves the quality of nozzle alignment for cleaner, sharper images. I can launch an entire roll’s worth of prints and be confident that I won’t find banding half way through the batch - a huge advantage over the competition,” said Cody Ranaldo, Technical Director for Griffin Editions NYC, a full-service fine art photographic printing, imaging and mounting studio. “The dual-roll loading system greatly reduces the amount of handling damage incurred when switching back and forth between rolls. Finally, there is an aqueous inkjet printer designed for a true production environment."

“One of our best clients has been waiting to offer her work in 60-by-60 inches and is excited to now be able to offer fine art prints to a new client base,” said Eric Luden, founder and owner of Digital Silver Imaging, based in Belmont, Massachusetts. “Commercial clients are especially excited to see the larger scale prints for their lobbies and conference rooms. Our new Canon PRO-6000, which includes all the improvements that we’ve come to enjoy on our Canon PRO-4000, will open up new opportunities and markets for our business.”

High-level Precision

As with previous models in the imagePROGRAF PRO line, the imagePROGRAF PRO-6000 model features the LUCIA PRO 11-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system to provide exceptional image quality. The printer maintains this high print quality with a multi-sensor that calibrates the printer, helping to ensure color consistency from the first print to the last and across multiple PRO Series printers. It also features a high-precision mechanical platform, providing a uniform, rigid frame to reduce vibrations during printing and more accurate ink ejection as well as effortless media feeding capabilities, allowing users to no longer have to worry about blemished prints due to fingerprints.

Extraordinary Productivity

The imagePROGRAF PRO-6000 printer features the L-COA PRO processing engine for high-precision image reproduction and high-speed processing of high resolution data. The Sub-Ink Tank feature valued by users of the imagePROGRAF Series has been carried over to this model, helping to reduce downtime and minimize costs by automatically enabling ink tank replacement during printing. With both black ink types active at the same time, there is no need to waste time or ink by swapping out tanks when printing between matte and glossy paper. Right out of the box users will be able to print more as the imagePROGRAF PRO-6000 model comes with 330 ml starter ink tanks.

Media Handling

Typically an option for smaller sized models, a Multifunction Roll System (MFR) comes standard with this 60-inch model to allow for increased versatility. When used as a second roll, the MFR system enables users to load glossy media in one roll and matte media in the other to seamlessly print to both rolls without needing to manually switch media. The Multifunction Roll unit will intelligently switch to the correct media, automating the process and providing increased ease of use. The roll can also act as a take-up unit with bi-directional rewind, ideal for long, uninterrupted print runs.

User-Friendly Software

Included with this new imagePROGRAF PRO printer to help enhance user experience is Print Studio Pro, a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom1 and Canon Digital Photo Professional software. The Accounting Manager utility is included to help photographers keep track of consumable costs, such as ink and media, to help users determine their overall printing expenses. Also included is Device Management Console, an administrative tool which provides users with the means to manage up to 50 imagePROGRAF PRO Series printers, all from one location.

Availability

The imagePROGRAF PRO-6000 printer is expected to be available in August 2017 with an MSRP of $11,995.

B&H has the Loupedeck Photo Editing Console for Lightroom 6 & CC available for preorder.

Product Highlights

• For Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6 & CC
• Speeds Up Editing Workflow
• Dedicated Dials, Wheels, and Keys
• Access to Common Settings and Functions
• Programmable Preset Buttons
• USB 2.0 Connectivity

From Sigma:

Thank you for purchasing and using our products. We would like to announce a firmware update for the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 SA-E / EF-E.

This firmware update corrects the phenomenon that AF does not operate properly when some lenses that are not compatible with the MC-11 are attached. This firmware update does not guarantee accurate operation with lenses that are not compatible with the MC-11.

For customers who own the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 SA-E / EF-E, please update the firmware via SIGMA Optimization Pro by connecting it to a computer using the supplied USB Cable.

* Before updating the MC-11 firmware, please ensure SIGMA Optimization Pro has been updated to ver. 1.4.1 or later for Windows, and ver. 1.4.0 or later for Macintosh from the following download page.

SIGMA Optimization Pro Download Page

Applicable product

• SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 SA-E / EF-E

Benefit of this firmware update

• It corrects the phenomenon that AF does not operate properly when some lenses that are not compatible with the MC-11 are attached.

Lenses that are not compatible with the MC-11

We will continue to consider ensuring stable operation of lenses that are not compatible with the MC-11. Therefore customers who are using the MC-11 can enjoy photography as much as possible with their own lenses even though there may be some restrictions. However, please note that due to the characteristics of the products, accurate operation, including AF, is not guaranteed with lenses that are not compatible with the MC-11.