From Canon USA:
"A Ron Howard Presentation" Features Ten Short Films Directed by Jamie Foxx, Eva Longoria, Georgina Chapman, James Murphy, Biz Stone and the Five Winning Consumer Directors of the Canon Project Imaginat10n Film Contest
MELVILLE, N.Y., October 24, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, and two-time Academy Award winner Ron Howard, are officially launching the "Project Imaginat10n" Film Festival, which will kick off with the global premiere of ten short films at Lincoln Center in New York City today. Following the premiere, screenings will be held in Los Angeles, CA hosted by Bryce Dallas Howard, the first graduating director of Canon's Project Imagin8ion as well as in Brooklyn, NY hosted by James Murphy, a celebrity director for Project Imaginat10n. Yahoo Screen will continue celebrating the Film Festival from October 25, 2013 through the end of the year where consumers can view each of the 10 films.
Proving Ron Howard's words "we're all creative," five innovative celebrities took to the director's chair - Jamie Foxx (Academy Award winner), Eva Longoria (Golden Globe nominated and SAG Award winning actress), Georgina Chapman (designer and co-founder of Marchesa), James Murphy (founder of LCD SOUNDSYSTEM) and Biz Stone (co-founder of Twitter). The project launched with a photo contest, inviting the masses to interpret 10 storytelling themes through photography. After receiving thousands of submissions, 91 winning photos were announced. Then, the directors each chose nine photos, one from each theme, to inspire their films. A 10th photo in the Discovery theme, selected by Ron Howard, was utilized in all films to create a common thread.
Canon gave consumers of all skill levels an opportunity to showcase their creativity and storytelling abilities by undertaking the same creative exercise-selecting photos from the same pool as the celebrity directors to inspire short films. With hundreds of user generated films submitted, Ron Howard and Bryce Dallas Howard selected five winning films.
"I am so proud to be part of this creative journey with Canon, the impetus to ten inspiring, brave and audacious films that are a testament to the power of the imagination," said Ron Howard.
"From inviting the masses to submit photographs to shape the creative direction of a film to then challenging consumers to direct their own short films, Project Imaginat10n has been a user generated project from start to finish," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "In an effort to continue our collaboration with the community, we are pleased to take the concept of a film festival to a new level, asking consumers to watch the films side-by-side online."
"A Ron Howard Presentation" consists of 10 films including:
To take part in Canon's Project Imaginat10n, the first film festival inspired by user-submitted photographs, consumers can visit: http://screen.yahoo.com.
Freestyle Picture Company produced the five celebrity director films as well as Bryce Dallas Howard's short film when you find me as part of Canon's Project Imagin8ion. Francesca Silvestri and Kevin Chinoy of Freestyle have a track record of shepherding first time directors.
Grey New York, Canon's agency partner for over thirty years, developed the creative and digital elements of the multi-phase campaign. Grey Activation and Public Relations managed the talent partnerships as well as the promotional, event and public relations efforts.
For the latest news and announcements related to Project Imaginat10n follow @CanonUSAImaging on Twitter and join the conversation with #CanonPI10.
Canon has released 3Q 2013 Financial Results (PDF).
The Presentation Material is usually our preferred method for getting the information (PDF).
Related News
From Adorama:
The new 3Pod line by Flashpoint includes ten distinct photography and video tripods ranging from consumer-focused models to rugged, professional tripods designed for on-the-go photographers
New York, NY – October 23, 2013 – Adorama, one of the world’s largest photography, video, imaging and electronics retailers, recently announced the launch of its brand new 3Pod camera support line from Flashpoint. An in-house brand developed by Adorama, 3Pod is a comprehensive tripod product line featuring convertible tripod/monopod systems, ball heads, quick release plates, video tripods, and tripods for tabletop and travel photography. Born out of the goal to create a stable, economical and highly portable camera support system, every 3Pod tripod features a carefully crafted design. The competitively priced line features tripod systems for nearly every skill set and use, from professional tripod systems built to withstand the rigors of daily travel and use to simple-to-use consumer models. All 3Pod tripods are sold with a padded carrying case, mini toolkit, instruction manual and three-year warranty.
New 3Pod Photography Tripods:
New 3Pod Video Tripods
Tripods from Adorama’s brand new 3Pod line will be on display at the PhotoPlus Expo on October 24 and 25 in booth 1037.
From Canon:
Significant Upgrades to the Canon EOS-1D X DSLR Camera as well as the Latest Camera and Printer Solutions Will Be On Display
MELVILLE, N.Y., October 23, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will demonstrate its latest digital camera and printer lineup as well as the recently announced firmware upgrade to the Canon EOS-1D X DSLR camera at PhotoPlus Expo at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, October 24 - 26, 2013 in Booth #121. Visitors to the Canon booth can learn about the latest upgrades to be available for the EOS-1D X camera via firmware, which provides professional photographers with more control and speed so rapidly changing action can be captured with greater ease. Attendees can experience first-hand Canon's Cinema EOS System, the Company's latest DSLR cameras including the EOS 70D featuring the revolutionary new Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, the full line of EF lenses, professional and consumer camcorders, PowerShot cameras as well as the PIXMA PRO series of professional inkjet printers and the new PIXMA Printing Solutions (PPS) platform.
Canon will also host an in-booth speaker series featuring live appearances by professional photographers and videographers who will discuss and demonstrate their personal expertise during presentations and live photo shoots including a unique demonstration by professional photographer John Huba who will be shooting live with the EOS-1D C camera. This demonstration will showcase both 4K video and still image extraction from a professional fashion shoot. The in-booth speaker series, which is open to all attendees, will take place on the Live Learning Stage throughout the duration of PhotoPlus Expo. In addition to the live speaker series, the booth will feature a gallery of Canon's Explorer of Light images printed on imagePROGRAF and PIXMA Pro series printers. Also, a set of images from the Canon New York and Chicago City Senses Events will be shown, intended to inspire exploration of the human senses.
Canon Solutions on Display
As part of Canon's 2013 PhotoPlus Expo exhibit, several interactive demonstrations will take place showing the various connectivity and collaborative solutions made possible through the Company's latest imaging technologies. Part of the solutions exhibit will be a wireless demonstration showing the social sharing and wireless printing capabilities of the latest Canon consumer products, a cloud demonstration highlighting the PPS platform, as well as a low-light demonstration and DSLR motion capture.
Canon Theater at PhotoPlus Expo
Visitors to the Canon booth will have the opportunity to view select scenes and footage from various works shot on Canon equipment ranging from the popular Cinema EOS line down through Canon's DSLR and professional camcorder models. In addition to this content, on Friday, October 25th and Saturday, October 26th the theater will also feature select films and behind-the-scenes footage from the Canon's "Project Imaginat10n" Film Festival. Canon U.S.A., Inc. partnered with two-time Academy Award(r) winner Ron Howard for the "Project Imaginat10n" Film Festival, which will kick off with the global premiere of ten short films at Lincoln Center in New York City on October 24, 2013. For more information visit: https://www.longliveimagination.com/
Canon CPS Lounge
Canon Professional Services will once again host the CPS Lounge where Gold and Platinum CPS members who show their CPS membership card can have their Canon equipment (up to two pieces of equipment) cleaned and checked during Expo hours starting Wednesday, October 23rd through Saturday, October 26th in Room 2D02.
CPS Lounge Hours during PhotoPlus Expo 2013:
10/23 - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Pre-show day - Clean and Check only)
10/24 - 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
10/25 - 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
10/26 - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (equipment pick-up only)
This exclusive lounge area also provides members with a product showcase. Gold and Platinum CPS members can receive a free PIXMA PRO-1 and PIXMA PRO-100 print (limit one print), and a free imagePROGRAF Large Format Print (limit one print). In addition, anyone who signs up, upgrades, or renews for a Gold or Platinum CPS Membership in the CPS Lounge will receive an additional Free Clean & Check coupon to be used at a later date. A registration kiosk will be available in the CPS Lounge for new and existing members throughout the show.
Canon will also feature technicians directly in the Canon booth, performing CPS customer clean and checks. This area will highlight Canon's new "Support Matters" advertising campaign featuring peer-to-peer testimonials about Canon's Professional Service & Support from pro photographers and cinematographers. For more information on CPS, visit http://www.cps.usa.canon.com/. For more information on the "Support Matters" campaign visit: pro.usa.canon.com/supportmatters.
Canon 2013 PhotoPlus Expo In-Booth Speaker/Shooter Schedule
|
Thursday, October 24th |
Friday, October 25th |
Saturday, October 26th |
10:00 AM | Clay Blackmore | Clay Blackmore | Hanson Fong |
10:45 AM | John Huba | John Huba | Bob Davis |
11:30 AM | Tyler Stableford | Stephen Johnson | Scott Kelby |
12:15 PM | Michele Celentano | Greg Heisler | Vincent Laforet |
1:00 PM | JP Capongiro | Peter Read Miller | Sam Stephens |
1:45 PM | Bruce Dorn | Bruce Dorn | Parish Kohanim |
2:30 PM | Scott Kelby | Jack Reznicki
| Alex Buono |
3:15 PM | John Huba | John Huba | Ken Sklute
|
4:00 PM | Hanson Fong | Seth Resnick |
|
The Nikon D610 Owner's Manual is now available for download.
Download:
Nikon D610 Owner's Manual - English (.PDF, 24.5 MB) | Spanish (.PDF, 24.6 MB)
Adorama carries the Nikon D610 DSLR Camera.
From Roger Cicala at LensRentals:
"Seeing a need that needed to be filled, by the power vested in me as President and Treasurer of the Society of Overly Analytical Lens Assessors, I have organized the first photography contest for photogeeks.Entering is simple: just send a jpg (100% non-resized, of course) to contests@lensrentals.com, along with a note telling me what category you’re entering and any pertinent positives about the shot. You know – how many copies of the lens you tested and sent back before choosing this one, what type of laser-rangefinder focusing device you used, or how you hand-carved a wooden lens mount so you could use the 1945 Soyuz f/0.45 x-ray lens you get at a flea market on your NEX camera after you’d disassembled it to clean out the fungus.
I’ll post the entries after making sure they meet the criteria."
Categories Include:
Check out Roger's Post for more information.
By the way - you may want to check out the list of judges for the photo contest. You may see a familiar name in there. ;-)
DxO gave me the opportunity to test drive Optics Pro 9 Elite Edition before its release. The noise reduction technology is very good, although the "PRIME" noise reduction algorithm takes a substantial amount of time and computing power. So much time, in fact, that denoising runs continously in the background and will only allow you to see its effects on a small preview section of the image before it is saved.
Even so, I was very impressed with DxO Optics Pro 9. They've done a good job at reducing noise while preserving a good amount of detail in the image - even with their standard (non-PRIME) desnoising compared to previous Optics Pro editions. [Sean]
From DxO:
With its award-winning and unrivaled image processing quality, DxO Optics Pro definitively emerges as the software of reference for the most demanding photographers
Special introductory offer through November 20, 2013
October 23, 2013 - DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro 9, the major new version of its image-processing software. DxO Optics Pro 9 introduces PRIME, a revolutionary noise reduction technology whose spectacular performance produces detailed and vividly-colored images even under the most extreme shooting conditions.
Based on DxO Labs' exclusive approach of prior calibration of equipment in its laboratories, DxO Optics Pro integrates many powerful tools for automatically processing RAW and JPEG images: precise optical and geometric corrections, intelligent optimization of exposure and contrast, preservation of colors and details. Its numerous presets can be adapted to photographers' personal tastes and will help them bring out the best in their photos in just a few clicks.
Breathtaking images, even at extremely high ISO
Thanks to PRIME (Probabilistic Raw IMage Enhancement) denoising technology, which analyzes the structure of RAW images in depth in order to differentiate between noise and fine details, DxO Optics Pro 9 offers a gain in image quality of up to one full stop over the best noise reduction algorithms currently on the market.
"In contrast to the usual approach of finding a better compromise between image quality and execution speed, we have created a tool whose sole purpose is to obtain the best image quality possible," explained Frédéric Guichard, Chief Scientific Officer of DxO Labs. "For each pixel, more than a thousand neighboring pixels are analyzed. This vast exploration allows DxO Optics Pro to identify similar data that can serve to reconstruct image information. Several minutes may be required to do this, but this process takes place in the background, so users can work on other images and projects while they wait for the results."
PRIME technology results in truly spectacular images: noise is suppressed, and textures, details, and color saturation are preserved, particularly in shadows, for a beautifully natural look.
For photographers who prefer to denoise their images immediately, DxO Optics Pro 9 still offers a newly-improved high-quality "classic" denoising tool that produces finely-detailed renderings quickly, even at the highest sensitivities.
Unrivaled highlight management and color rendering
The exclusive DxO Smart Lighting feature optimizes the overall contrast of an image by intelligently adapting to its contents. This tool has been further improved in DxO Optics Pro 9, which now offers even more powerful highlight management: details that once were thought lost are revealed, even when the information is missing in the original RAW data, and colorimetric errors are minimized.
DxO Labs' highly precise knowledge of the way each camera reproduces color allows DxO Optics Pro to emulate the rendering of any camera on RAW images. DxO Optics Pro 9 goes even further by proposing a new color rendering called "DxO Portrait," which preserves skin tones and naturally-saturated colors.
New visual presets
DxO Optics Pro 9's library of presets has been completely redesigned. Portrait, Landscape, Black & White, Single-shot HDR: the new DxO presets respond to different use cases that photographers frequently encounter, and are supplemented by "Atmospheres," a new set of creative renderings.
A new visual presets window makes it easier for users choose which preset to apply to their images by letting them preview thumbnails of the rendering effects prior to application.
New export tools
DxO Optics Pro 9 simplifies its workflow by allowing photographers to go directly from customizing their images to using and sharing them.
The "Export to Disk" feature lets users generate and save JPEG, TIFF, and DNG images in just a few clicks. The new "Export to Application" feature groups into a single transaction both processing and opening images in an external application, such as other DxO software products or other editors that specialize in photo retouching, panoramic shots, HDR, and cataloguing. Finally, the "Export to Flickr" feature adopts this same new approach, letting users process and publish their photos directly online in just one step.
Even more comfortable and productive
The DxO Optics Pro interface has undergone another evolution, with a new workspace that highlights essential correction tools, optimizes vertical space, and reorganizes toolbars and palettes in an even more logical fashion. Further, it is now possible to access context-sensitive help directly in the correction palettes.
Availability and special introductory offer
The Standard and Elite editions of DxO Optics Pro 9 for Mac and Windows are now available at photo resellers at a special discount through November 20, 2013:
Photographers who acquired a DxO Optics Pro 8 license on or after September 1, 2013, are entitled to a free upgrade to version 9.
Adorama has DxO Optics Pro 8 available for purchase and is eligible for a free upgrade to DxO Optics Pro 9.
From ShutterCount:
ShutterCount displays the number of shutter actuations (the shutter count) of Canon EOS digital cameras and is developed exclusively for Mac users.
The shutter count is read directly from a USB-connected camera, and thus provides accurate numbers that are not attainable with simple EXIF-based methods.
Using this application you are no longer required to visit a Canon Service Center to read out the exact shutter count, thus saving you time and money. In addition to that, ShutterCount provides unlimited readings for an unlimited number of cameras.
The app supports the following cameras:
For more information, please visit the app’s website:
http://www.direstudio.com/shuttercount
I have just added the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens Review to the site.
While your first reaction may be "Who cares?", this lens deserves a look. Canon has significantly improved the image quality in the 55-250 IS STM over the previous 2 models. It is a good deal.
From Photoshelter:
In this webinar Jared Bauman, Founder and President of ShootDotEdit, will discuss workflow best practices and how achieving high levels of efficiency after the shoot can be your key to not only keeping clients returning but gaining new ones as well.
He'll walk you through creating a post-shoot process that works for you, identifying the steps that are your obstacles to being more productive, and -- importantly -- how outsourcing parts of your work to professionals can actually help you grow your business.
Join us and learn from Jared:
Date: Wednesday, October 23rd
Time: 4:00pm Eastern
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., October 21, 2013 — Eye-Fi the global leader in wireless memory cards, today announced the addition of a 32GB version of its Eye-Fi Mobi card. Perfect for proud parents, travel aficionados, sports and food lovers, Eye-Fi is the easiest way to add WiFi to a camera. Photo enthusiasts everywhere get reliable, fast transfer of photos and videos directly to the mobile devices they love — no wires, no fuss, and no delay in showing off the highest quality photos whenever and wherever.
Photos evoke such strong memories: your child walking for the first time, that road trip after college, the day you said "I do." Those amazing memories simply demand higher quality than a smartphone camera can offer. With Mobi 32GB, there's no need to compromise — greater storage capacity means every photo and video you want to capture is also available to share and enjoy from your mobile device.
How often do you discover images on your memory card leftover from last month? Last year? Mobi creates its own WiFi so images are uploaded to your smartphone or tablet as you take them. Photos and videos are ready when you are – for photo books, cards, prints or for anything you can imagine. For social sharers, editing and sharing memories with familiar apps like Facebook and Instagram, and text and email, are super simple because photos & videos are uploaded directly into the camera roll on the device.
And just in time for the holidays, Eye-Fi is offering a free 8x10 inch framed canvas print with a qualified purchase of a Mobi 32GB directly from the Eye-Fi website. This limited-time promotion allows Mobi users to take & share beautiful photos anytime, and continue to enjoy a favorite memory with a gorgeous print at home.
"Today's photographer wants the ability to take great photos, but without compromising the convenience of mobile access and apps," said Matt DiMaria, CEO of Eye-Fi. "The success of Mobi has clearly delivered on that promise and we're thrilled to add capacity to an already well-loved product."
Here's how Eye-Fi Mobi 32GB works:
The 32GB Mobi card retails for $99.99 and is available now through retail and camera specialty stores nationwide. The Eye-Fi Mobi card is also available in 8GB for $49.99, or 16GB for $79.99.
Adorama carries the Eye-Fi 32GB Mobi Memory Card.
Canon has just announed a new firmware update for the Canon EOS-1D X and 1D C DSLR cameras. The 1D X will finally get a feature Bryan and I have been requesting for ages - exposure compensation with Auto ISO (in manual mode) - along with several other AF enhancements.
I recently asked Chuck Westfall, Technical Advisor for Canon, "As the 1D X and 5D III autofocus systems are so similar, does Canon plan on implementing these new AF features in the 5D III as well?" Chuck's response was as diplomatic as it was inconclusive - "Canon Japan hasn't made a decision on that yet."
I guess we'll just have to wait and see. If nothing else, I'd love to get Exposure Compensation with Auto ISO on my 5D III. [Sean]
From Canon:
Canon Firmware Upgrades for the EOS-1D X and EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cameras Deliver Improved Creative Control and Convenience
Firmware Version 2 for the EOS-1D X is Based on Extensive User Input and Provides More Efficient Autofocus Performance in Low Light, Custom Controls, and Improved User-Programmed Functionality
MELVILLE, N.Y., October 22, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announces improvements in the functionality and convenient operation of the EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera and the EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera through new firmware scheduled to be available starting in January 2014 and November 2013, respectively. Firmware enhancements for the EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera are designed to provide photographers with greater creative freedom and speed, especially in sectors such as sports, wedding, nature/wildlife, and journalism, which often contain rapidly changing action, sometimes in low-light environments. Service enhancements for the EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera improve lens performance, lens status display, metadata storage, and audio recording.
“Canon constantly strives to provide our customers with advanced and innovative technology in our products,” noted Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “We understand the daily life of photographers, we listen closely to what they have to say, and we use their feedback in our constant efforts to improve existing products and develop new ones. The latest Canon firmware for the flagship EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera provides better automation to help photographers fine-tune how the camera operates moment-by-moment so users can concentrate on creativity and success. Filmmakers have also requested improved functionality for the EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera, and its new update delivers.”
Improved Operability for the EOS-1D X
Developed as the ultimate Canon EOS camera, the EOS-1D X Digital SLR is designed with foresight that enables its performance to be periodically improved with new firmware upgrades, helping to ensure maximum long-term value for owners and users of the camera. These improvements are engineered to support and advance the evolving creative needs and business imperatives of professional photographers and committed high-end amateurs. The features provided by firmware version 2 are designed for more efficient automation that takes the task of changing settings away from the “heat of the moment” and enables photographers to concentrate on creativity and obtaining valuable shots. Firmware version 2 upgrades and operability additions include a total of 10 features that are now new or improved:
With these new options, photographers can reconfigure their EOS-1D X camera on the fly, while keeping their eye on the viewfinder to maintain concentration on the shot they are trying to get. For example, the camera could be set up for One-Shot AF and single shot drive mode on the shutter button, AI Servo AF in Case 1 with high-speed continuous drive mode on the AE Lock button, and AI Servo AF in Case 4 with super-high-speed 14 fps continuous drive mode on the AF-ON button.
Enhancements for the EOS-1D C
A versatile, self-contained 4K cinema camera as well as a robust still photography camera, the Canon EOS-1D C will also benefit from a new service update that further enhances the performance of this unique imaging device.
New Firmware Release Schedules and Installation Procedures
Firmware version 2 for the EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be posted on the Canon U.S.A. website in January 2014. Users will be able to download and install the new firmware on their own, or have it installed by an authorized Canon Factory Service Center. For more information please visit: www.usa.canon.com/eos1dxfirmware.
The update for the Canon EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera is scheduled to be available November 2013, and will be installed at no charge as a service upgrade that requires the camera to be sent to an authorized Canon Factory Service Center. For more information please visit: www.usa.canon.com/CinemaEOSFirmwareUpdate.
Adorama carries the Canon EOS-1D X and EOS 1D C DSLR Cameras.
From Sigma:
Sigma Corporation of America Brings Sigma Safari Experience to PhotoPlus Expo 2013
Manufacturer offers hands-on photography demos, streams live video tutorials from show floor
RONKONKOMA, N.Y., Oct. 21, 2013 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, will kick off the Sigma Safari Experience on Thursday, October 24, the first day of PhotoPlus Expo (PPE) at the Javits Convention Center in New York City.
Visitors of Sigma’s PPE booth 537 this week will have an opportunity to test Sigma’s cameras and lenses as they photograph professional models who have been dramatically transformed with high-end makeup and styling to resemble safari animals. Sigma Pros Jennifer Rozenbaum, Kevin Ames and Lindsay Adler will be on hand to interact with shooters and teach live sessions from the Sigma Safari Experience area at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. ET each day of the show, Oct. 24, 25 and 26. These sessions cover lighting, posing and exposure, and will be live streamed to the Sigma website at http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sigma-safari-experience.
In addition to the hands-on testing and live tutorials, Sigma will offer show attendees and home viewers a chance to win several prizes through the event.
“This is our second year of offering a hands-on shooting experience in our booth and we are pleased to say that the models and level of engagement will be even better this year. Our Sigma Pros are eager to share their expertise and we’re really excited to be able to share the experience with audiences at the show and at home,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America.
Here’s a schedule of the live streaming #SigmaSafari tutorials:
Thursday, Oct. 24
Friday, Oct. 25
Saturday, Oct. 26
Win prizes at Sigma’s booth (or online) each day of the show:
Sigma will have more than 45 products on display at PPE this year. Stop by the booth to see the latest lenses from the Global Vision line, including the recently announced 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM and the 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | ART lenses. Sigma’s new USB Dock will also be available at the booth.
To find out more about Sigma’s Safari Experience, please visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sigma-safari-experience.
"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending October 19th, 2013.In the news...
On Monday, Sigma led off the week by accidentally adding their unannounced 24-105 f/4 DG OS HSM ‘Art’ lens to their website. Those keeping up with the news section got a sneak peak at the lens – and its specs – before Sigma removed the new lens from their website.
On Wednesday, Sigma finally announced their newest addition to the ‘Art’ line. The 24-105mm DG OS HSM features 19 elements in 4 groups, an 82 mm filter thread and 9 rounded aperture blades. Considering the success of recent global vision releases, there is certainly some interest in this new offering from Sigma. Unfortunately, the press release failed to mention a manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the lens. The interest could certainly grow – or fade – depending on its debut price. We’ll keep you posted once the final piece of the puzzle falls into place.
On Thursday, Nikon announced the 24.2-megapixel D5300. Succeeding the D5200, the D5300 features WiFi and GPS, a larger 3.2 inch LCD screen, and like other recent cameras by Nikon, ships without an optical low-pass filter. The camera will be available before the end of this month.
Also on Thursday, Nikon announced the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G lens. Nikon designed this lens with the ‘elite’ shooters in mind – promising edge-to-edge sharpness, high peripheral illumination, and exceptional resolving power. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G will be available by the end of this month and will carry a premium price tag of around $1,700.00.
In site news and reviews...
On Friday, Bryan posted the results from our first poll, “How many DSLR Cameras do you currently have?” Bryan provided his own (highly subjective) analysis to the data. Check out the post to see what your DSLR ownership likely means about you.
Also on Friday, Bryan posted about his experience photographing waterfalls in Ricketts Glen State Park. Featuring 22 named falls and hundreds of smaller falls, Ricketts Glen is a haven for waterfall photographers. Bryan used a Canon EOS 5D Mark III, TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift lens, a circular polarizer and a precariously positioned tripod to capture the image posted of Oneida Falls.
And, for our deal of the week…
On Wednesday, we posted a deal from Adorama where you could get a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens for$1,699.00 after $300.00 mail-in rebate. That was a $300.00 savings off the normal after-rebate price [deal has expired].
This has been the The-Digital-Picture.com’s Weekend Recap. Thanks for listening, and as always, happy shooting!"
Anytime is a great time to visit Ricketts Glen State Park, but the fall is my favorite time. With cloudy weather promising to provide a giant softbox over this waterfall-heaven (22 named falls and perhaps hundreds of smaller falls) on Wednesday, I packed two of the world's best wide angle lenses on 5D Mark III bodies, a telephoto zoom lens I was reviewing on the 60D, a couple of other lenses, tripod, rain gear and other essentials (including food and water) totaling about 50 lbs. into my Lowepro Pro Trekker 400 AW Backpack and headed to my favorite Pennsylvania state park for a long day of photography.
Not long after hitting the Ganoga Glen trail, I realized that the water flow was very low. Low flow at some waterfalls is a big problem, but the falls at Ricketts Glen simply provide different opportunities.
One such opportunity came at Oneida falls, the second falls encountered on this trail when leaving the Lake Rose trailhead parking lot. The water is typically falling over the entire width of this 13' cliff. On this day, access to the cliff was available, though precarious due to slippery rock with very narrow footholds.
Avoiding dripping water as best I could, I placed one foot on a tiny ledge just above the water and the other foot was preventing me from falling into the cliff (with my elbow assisting some of the time). Similarly, I positioned one fully-retracted tripod leg straight out to the left and fully-extended the other two legs downward to catch in small crevices in the rock face. Note that one reason to buy a strong tripod is that you sometimes need to use it for your own safety support.
This position let me shoot through the back of the falls and incorporate some fall foliage into the frame.
The camera was set to C2 mode – my standard custom landscape mode. I have this mode programmed to enable mirror lockup, the 2-second self-timer and long exposure noise reduction. My ISO defaults to 100 and exposure is set to manual.
A B+W XS-PRO circular polarizer filter was used to cut the glare, especially noticeable on the water. I manually bracketed exposures slightly and used manual HDR to darken the colorful trees slightly.
This image was captured with what I consider to be one of the world's best landscape photography lenses, the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Lens. It is phenomenally sharp and has little distortion. Another big advantage this lens has is the movements. In this example, I was able to tilt the lens slightly to the left to allow the very close foreground on the left and distant background on the right to both be in sharp focus without resorting to a more-diffraction-impacted narrower aperture.
In the end, a great lens (and camera) along with low water flow yielded my favorite image of the day.