Canon and Sony News for Feb 2017 (Page 3)

Image quality, vignetting, flare and distortion test results along with specs and measurements have been added to the Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Review.

This is a very nice little lens, ideally suited for the EOS M-series. I especially like having the 15mm focal length on the wide end of the range relative to the 18mm offered by the Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens. Here is the EF-M 15-45mm vs. EF-M 18-55mm IS STM Lens image qualiy comparison.

B&H has the Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens in stock.

Santa Rosa, Calif. – The Signature Series from Think Tank is a modernized version of the classic shoulder bag. Whether one is a young urban professional or corporate photographer, the Signature shoulder bag is as fashionable as it is functional. Hand sewn, advanced fabrics blend weather protection and durability with the classic feel of fine wool. Genuine leather detailing and metal hardware adds character and stands up to the rigors of daily use.

“The new Signature Series features a modern fabric that is soft to the touch and yet is durable,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s CEO and lead designer. “In addition, the zippered flap provides full closure and security to the main compartment, or tucks away when not in use. It is a next generation design for today’s discerning photographer.”

KEY FEATURES

• Dedicated laptop/tablet compartment: Signature 10 fits a 10” tablet; Signature 13 fits a 13” laptop
• Secure clasps on front flap with one-handed operation
• Dedicated phone pocket fits up to an iPhone 6s+ or S7 Edge
• Wide handle pass-through for attaching to rolling luggage
• Large front pocket for an extra strobe, rain cover or small book
• Long, cushioned neoprene shoulder pad positions easily when worn cross-body
• Zippered front pocket provides security for small items and includes a built-in organizer for pens and business cards
• Quilted velex dividers can be customized to fit gear
• Shorter dividers can be made into shelves to stack short lenses and primes
• Dividers and bottom foam can be removed for a completely collapsible bag
• Although the bag’s outer fabric is treated with water resistant coating, a seam-sealed rain cover is included for downpour conditions

GEAR CAPACITY

Signature 10

• 1 standard size DSLR with 3–4 prime lenses and accessories
• A complete Mirrorless camera system with 3–4 lenses and accessories
• 10” tablet fits inside a dedicated compartment

Signature 13

• 1 standard-size DSLR with mid-range zoom attached plus 2–3 additional lenses
• 13” laptop fits inside a dedicated compartment

MATERIALS

Exterior: All fabric exterior treated with durable water resistant coating while fabric underside is coated with polyurethane for superior water resistance. The bag also has 240D wool-like 195G nylon/poly blend, full-grain leather, antique-plated metal hardware, highest quality YKK RC-Fuse zippers, 550D polyspun, nylon seatbelt webbing, neoprene, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: 210D silver-toned nylon lining, polyurethane-backed quilted Velex liner and dividers, high-density closed-cell foam dividers, 2x polyurethane coated nylon 210T seam-sealed taffeta rain cover, nylon binding, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Signature 10

• Internal Dimensions: 11.8” W x 7.8” H x 5.1” D (30 x 20 x 13 cm)
• Exterior Dimensions: 13” W x 9.1” H x 5.9” D (33 x 23 x 15 cm)
• Tablet Compartment: 11.4” W x 7.8” H x 0.8” D (29 x 20 x 2 cm)
• Weight: 2.8 lbs. (1.3 kg)

Signature 13

• Internal Dimensions: 13.3” W x 9.1” H x 5.1” D (34 x 23 x 13 cm)
• Exterior Dimensions: 14.6” W x 10.4” H x 6.3” D (37 x 26.5 x 16 cm)
• Laptop/Tablet Compartment: 13” W x 9.1” H x 1.2” D (33 x 23 x 3 cm)
• Weight: 3.1 lbs. (1.4 kg)

B&H has the Think Tank Photo Signature-series Bags available for preorder.

From Canon USA:

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is excited to announce the addition of Data Recovery to Canon CarePAK PLUS! The cost-effective and easy-to-use CarePAK PLUS accidental coverage plan provides up to four years of service and support from the date of purchase for Canon products including cameras, binoculars, camcorders, printers, and projectors.

Now, with every purchase of a CarePAK PLUS plan for cameras and camcorders that utilize a removable memory card, Data Recovery is also included – designed to retrieve irreplaceable images or videos otherwise lost or corrupted. And, as always, all CarePAK PLUS plans offer protection from accidental damage as well as additional hardware coverage for excessive wear and tear.

The addition of Data Recovery to CarePAK PLUS provides Canon customers with a unique coverage plan not available from other providers. With CarePAK PLUS, Canon customers also enjoy service performed by Canon factory technicians using only genuine Canon parts, which no other service plan can offer.

The additional value of Canon CarePAK PLUS provides peace of mind, so life can go right on being picture-perfect. You can find additional details about Canon CarePAK PLUS here.

CarePAK PLUS Benefits Include

• Protection from Accidental Damage
• Additional Hardware Coverage
• Data Recovery
• Priority Service and Free Returns
• Service & Support Directly from Canon
• $0 Deductible
• Transferable

Eligible Canon Products

• EOS-1D X Mark II Body
• EOS-1D X Body
• EOS 5D Mark IV Body
• EOS 5Ds Body
• EOS 5DS R Body
• EOS 5D Mark III Body
• EOS 6D Body
• EOS 7D Mark II Body
• EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
• EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
• EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
• EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
• EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
• EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
• EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
• EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
• EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

B&H is an authorized Canon retailer.

by Sean Setters

Over the Valentine's day holiday this year, the National Retail Federation estimates that consumers in the US will spend roughly $2 billion on floral arrangements. As such, I think it's safe to say that many of our site visitors will be purchasing flowers very soon (or have already done so) to show appreciation for a special loved one on this special occasion.

Unfortunately, unless a potted plant is gifted, the floral arrangement will not likely look as pristine and beautiful in the days/weeks following February 14th as the effects of time takes its toll on each once-vibrant petal. Yes, you may put a preservative in the water to stretch the life of your floral gift as long as possible, but ... that solution is not nearly as long-lasting as another available to you.

Your camera holds the easy solution for extending the practical life of your floral gift. By using your camera, you can capture the fleeting beauty of your loved one's flower arrangements and immortalize your thoughtfulness in the form of a print. A print represents the physical manifestation of a memory – in this case, a very good one – that can pay heartwarming dividends year-round.

You can employ your DSLR and a general purpose lens, a large window (or strobes) and a collapsible/muslin background to create a traditional still life photo of your bouquet. Otherwise, you can attach your macro lens to commemorate the beauty of a single flower. The possibilities are endless, and your loved one will likely enjoy displaying their new sentimental print on a prominent wall.

Make plans now to photograph the flowers you are going to give (if they will not remain available to you) or have already given. Pick out your favorite (or a few of them) and get those prints on order for the second wave of gifting.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

by Joe Papeo

When am I am on assignment to cover a concert, I am generally photographing two bands, the opener and headliner, and usually get to shoot the first three songs of each act. Photographers tend to wait inside venues longer than they are taking photos, unless they are shooting directly for the band. We are usually anticipating the start of the show, trying to do things to pass the time. Sometimes we know other photographers there on assignment, but not always. And that gives you a chance to meet new people. Usually, it’s the fans standing against the rail waiting for their favorite band to start who strike up a conversation with you. They have waited for hours outside on the entrance line, sometimes in extreme heat, or extreme cold, to get the best spot up front. But then about 15 minutes before show time someone like me walks in, and gets right in front of them. And they want to know how…why…who they are.

So we strike up a conversation. These die-hard fans love music, and they, lots of times, have some type of camera on them, taking photos to keep as memories and to share with their friends on social media. And the question I always get from these fans is “How do I do what you do? How did you get started?” So today I am here to tell you the best way to be on my side of the rail.

From Nikon:

Notice of Recognition of Extraordinary Loss

This is to announce the recognition of extraordinary loss for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 (from April 1 to December 31, 2016), as below.

Recognition of Restructuring Expenses

As announced in “Notice of Restructuring” released on November 8, 2016, Nikon Group is currently under a fundamental company-wide restructuring to improve its corporate value as shifting from a strategy pursuing revenue growth to one pursuing profit enhancement.

In accordance with this restructuring, the Group recorded extraordinary loss of 29,790 million yen, mainly incurred from inventory write-downs/write-off in Semiconductor Lithography Business, as restructuring expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2016.

Also, restructuring expenses in Imaging Products Business and the expenses related to “Results of Solicitation for Voluntary Retirement,” which is released today, are expected to incur in the fourth quarter of this fiscal year.

As a result, the total amount of restructuring expenses for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017 will be approximately 53,000 million yen, which is 5,000 million yen increase from the previous estimate of approximately 48,000 million yen in “Notice of Restructuring” released on November 8, 2016.

Impact on Consolidated Financial Forecast

The impact of the recognition of restructuring expenses has been reflected in the consolidated financial forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, as announced today in “Revision of the Financial Forecast for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2017”.

Related Material

• Revision of the Financial Forecast for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2017
• Result of Solicitation for Voluntary Retirement

From Nikon:

TOKYO – February 13, 2017 – Nikon Corporation announced today that sales of the long-awaited DL series of premium compact camera, the DL18-50 f/1.8-2.8, DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8, and DL24-500 f/2.8-5.6, will be canceled.

A June, 2016 release was originally planned for the DL series. However, with the identification of issues with the integrated circuit for image processing, release of the three cameras was delayed indeterminately.

Since then, everyone involved has worked very hard to develop products with which our customers will be satisfied. However, it has been decided that sales of the DL series will be canceled due to concerns regarding their profitability considering the increase in development costs, and the drop in the number of expected sales due to the slow-down of the market.

We sincerely apologize to all those affected by this decision, especially those customers who waited so long for the cameras to be released, retailers and others whose business will be affected, for the inconvenience this decision may cause.

From the Profoto YouTube Channel:

What sets a professional photographer apart from everyone else is the ability to create the perfect light. Los Angeles-based portrait photographer Sue Bryce has spent decades creating contemporary fashion-inspired portraiture that makes everyday women look like Vanity Fair fashion models. And she built an international reputation using natural light almost exclusively. Recently, though, she has fallen in love with the Profoto B1.

“I started seeing studio lights the way I see, use and master natural light. I bounce and zig-zag it the same way I do with natural light. The B1 is extraordinary, and it has the ability to dial down to low, soft light with big modifiers so I can create the exact same daylight I have been working with for the last 27 years. I can shoot at any time of the day and still control the light”.

B&H carries the Profot B1 Off-Camera Flash.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

Written by Ken Sklute and Dave Henry

North America will experience a wonderful astronomical event on August 21, 2017 - a total eclipse of the sun. This hasn’t happened in the United States in 38 years and is the first one to race across the entire country since 1918! This will be the first total eclipse in North America in the digital photography era, and that means that everyone from novice to professional photographers will be able to photograph it.

We are embracing this rare phenomenon and will publish articles, photos and videos between now and August to give you the necessary photographic skills and background information to capture this eclipse.

Considering the path of totality and partial eclipse phases, almost a half billion people will have the opportunity to view at least a partial eclipse. Millions will undoubtedly travel to the narrow path of totality stretching from Oregon to South Carolina. It’s estimated that about 225 million people live within a day’s drive of the path of totality.

Areas north and south of the totality path will see a partial eclipse. The partial eclipse will be visible as far north as the Arctic, and to the south as far as Ecuador and Brazil.

You don’t need to be a seasoned pro. Anybody will be able to shoot this with the proper precautions but if you really want to do it up right, you’ll need to plan ahead.

B&H has the Glidecam Ultra-Shot available for special order with free standard shipping (expected availability: 2-4 weeks).

The balance of standardized test results, (vignetting, flare and distortion) along with specs, measurements and many product images (including the standard comparison images) have been added to the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens Review page.

The lenses shown in this 24-70mm lens comparison image are, from left to right:

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Lens
Tokina 24-70mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro FX Lens
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S Lens
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E AF-S VR Lens

B&H has the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens in stock. This lens is also included in the Sony Trade-in Savings Event. Trade in a camera or lens (even something of very low value) and get an additional $330.00 off of this lens in addition to the trade-in value.

From the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom YouTube Channel:

Lightroom tips and tricks in 60 seconds or less from longtime Lightroom team member Benjamin Warde.

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

A penumbral lunar eclipse will occur tomorrow night at approximately 07:44 p.m. Eastern Time / 4:44 PM Pacific Time.

Unfortunately, this particular eclipse is unlikely to yeild any spectacular photo opportunities as the moon will only pass through the outer edge of the Earth's shadow making it much less impressive than a total lunar eclipse. Therefore, you might want to leave your camera in the bag, turn your head to the sky and simply enjoy a slight darkening of the Snow Moon (i.e., a full moon in February).

Read more at SpaceWeather.com.

From Nikon:

February 9, 2017 – Nikon Corporation (Kazuo Ushida, President) and its equity-method company Nikon-Trimble Co., Ltd. (Takashi Tanzawa, President and CEO) are pleased to announce that their products receive the iF Design Award 2017 for the product discipline. iF Design Award is a globally prestigious design award sponsored by iF International Forum Design GmbH since 1953.

iF Design Award consists of several disciplines such as product, communication and packaging. This time, 5,575 entries from 59 countries were evaluated by renowned experts.

iF Design Award Winners

• Nikon D5 Digital SLR Camera
• Nikon D500 Digital SLR Camera
• KeyMission 360 Action Camera
• ECLIPSE Ti2 Inverted Research Microscope
• Nivo-i Digital Imaging Solution

TOKYO, February 9, 2017—Canon Inc. announced today that six Canon product designs were recognized by iF International Forum Design GmbH with prestigious 2017 iF Design Awards.

Established in 1953, the iF Design Awards are recognized internationally as one of the most prestigious awards within the field of design, with outstanding industrial designs chosen from all over the world each year. This year 5,575 entries from 59 countries and regions were judged by internationally active design experts across seven disciplines: product, packaging, communication, service design, architecture, interior architecture, and professional concept.

This year marks Canon's 23rd consecutive year of winning iF Design Awards. Encouraged by the recognition of the Company's design excellence, Canon will continue striving to realize products that combine the highest levels of performance and design.

iF Design Award Winners

• EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR Camera
• PowerShot G5 X Digital Compact Camera
• imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Large-format Inkjet Printer
• 3rd generation imageRUNNER ADVANCE Multifunction Office Systems
• i-SENSYS LBP350/LBP710 Series Laser Printers
• XEED 4K500ST/4K501ST Projector

B&H carries the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, PowerShot G5 X & imagePROGRAF PRO-1000.