From EOS Magazine:
Whilst much of the buzz at Photokina is always around camera launches, Canon had something different to announce this year. Project 1709 is the working title for a new image management platform from Canon. Currently in beta phase, Canon is inviting photographers to register their interest for Project 1709 prior to the full launch in 2013.
The platform is a cloud-based service which promises to bring together and organise all of your images, regardless of their source (social networks, computers, elsewhere in the cloud). You will be able to tag and filter your images, using meaningful personal tags, EXIF data, geotagging, dates and device information. If the same image is stored in several different locations, advanced image matching technology will identify these duplicate images. It promises to be an intelligent and sophisticated image management and sharing service for the digital age.
You can register your interest at:
www.project1709.com/
Note: It does not look like you can register yet if you live in the United States.
From Lytro:
We’re celebrating the launch of three big changes for the Lytro camera: new manual controls, new colors and new accessories.
Manual Controls – Creative Tools for Lytro Photographers
With new, easy-to-use, and readily accessible manual controls, Lytro camera owners have more creative capabilities with light field photography. “Manual controls give Lytro photographers the opportunity to take control of the exposure in a scene,” said Eric Cheng, Lytro’s director of photography. “We introduced these features as a result of feedback from our most creative camera owners, who are capturing things like subjects in motion or experimenting with artistic styles like light painting. With manual controls, they now have more flexibility as they push the boundaries of the light field.” Check out these examples for inspiration.
The new controls are:
These controls are included in all new camera purchases starting today. For existing Lytro camera owners, the free camera update begins rolling out today. To check for the update, just plug your Lytro camera into your computer.
New Colors and Accessories – More Choices to Customize Your Camera
In addition to introducing new creative tools, we’re also offering two new colors (U.S. only), Seaglass and Moxie Pink (available only through Target), and two new accessories, a Camera Case and Camera Sleeve (available at select retailers).
Amazon carries Lytro products.
Photo by Robert Benson
San Diego-based photographer Robert Benson had a peculiar problem--he owned a very expensive Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1 lens without a camera to put it on. His solution involved modifying his own Canon 5D Mark II to accept Leica mount lenses. He is now selling his services for the 5D Mark II conversion. The procedure is not for the faint of heart and will most certainly void your warranty.
See his blog post for more details and sample images.
From DxO:
400 new DxO Optics Modules available
October 10, 2012 - DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v7.5.5 for Mac and Windows, its image processing software of reference for all serious photographers. This update means that DxO Optics Pro 7 now provides supports for the Canon EOS-1D X and the Nikon D600 (Elite edition only), as well as for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 and DMC-LX7.
DxO Optics Pro v7.5.5 also benefits from the continuous development of DxO Optics Modules. Nearly 400 camera/lens combinations have been added to the library, thereby providing support for additional Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, and Zeiss lenses for Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, and Sony cameras.
Developed in the laboratory and following a scientific calibration process for all combinations of cameras and lenses, DxO Optics Modules contain tens of thousands of data points about the intrinsic limitations of each piece of equipment. This unique database means that DxO Optics Pro automatically corrects all lens optical defects - distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, and lens softness - with an incomparable level of quality. Watch the video.
This update is free of charge for all owners of DxO Optics Pro 7, as well as for photographers who purchased a license for DxO Optics Pro 6 after September 1, 2011.
B&H carries DxO products.
From Custom SLR:
Custom SLR Launches M-Plate Mini Universal Quick-Release Tripod Plate
Crowd-funded Custom SLR announces M-Plate Mini, a versatile quick-release tripod plate for Arca-Swiss and ManfrottoTM RC2-style heads with additional ports for attaching a variety of accessories
SAN JOSE, CA, October 9, 2012 – Custom SLR, a design company creating performance products that improve the shooting experience for photographers, today announced the upcoming availability of the M-Plate Mini, a universal quick-release tripod plate offering compatibility with most Arca-Swiss and ManfrottoTM RC2-style tripod and head systems. The versatile, durable plate includes ¼”- 20 attachment sockets ensuring photographers can still connect an assortment of attachable accessories even if the plate is occupying their camera’s tripod mount.
Sharing similar tripod functionality with the popular M-Plate Pro system, which also enables the attachment of a hand strap and sling strap like the company’s C-Loop and Glide Strap, Custom SLR recognized the value the universal mini release plate could provide to photographers seeking an upgrade to the standard quick-release connectors on the market. Durable and sturdy, yet lightweight, the M-Plate Mini provides a stable and a secure connection between camera and tripod head, making for smooth and easy transition to Arca-Swiss and ManfrottoTM RC2-style heads.
Designed and developed in the USA from aerospace-grade aluminum, the M-Plate Mini comes in a black anodized finish for a sleek profile when attached to the camera’s tripod socket. The M-Plate Mini can serve as a cost-effective alternative to the mono-tasking tripod plates on the market, and its modular design will allow it to function along with planned Custom SLR attachments currently in development such as video rigs and flash brackets.
“Our philosophy with design is to keep our products modular and to give photographers options that truly improve their shooting experience,” said Ivan Wong, Chief Operations Officer, Custom SLR. “Like the M-Plate Pro, the M-Plate Mini expands on this goal, serving as the backbone to a new line of photo and video attachments that we will introduce to the market in the coming months.”
The M-Plate Mini carries an MSRP of $49.95 and is targeted for a November release when the product will be available through many authorized dealers worldwide.
B&H carries Custom SLR products.
From Lightroom Journal:
Lightroom 4 includes the ability to easily create and publish photo books. While many Lightroom customers have enjoyed creating photo books inside Lightroom, some have reported a disturbing bug about which I’d like to provide additional information.
The Issue
While working on a page spread that contains a caption with multiple colored text, the book can disappear.
To Avoid the Issue
Recovering a lost book
*We are not aware of any methods to recover a lost book in either Lightroom 4 or Lightroom 4.1. Please update to Lightroom 4.2 through the Help->”Check for Updates” menu option within Lightroom or download the update here [Windows, Mac]
Next Steps
The Lightroom team is currently researching and evaluating this bug to ensure that there are no other ways that it can be triggered. Our aim is to include a fix in a future update to Lightroom 4. In addition to the feedback we received from the Lightroom community and feedback forums, I’d like to also personally thank two Lightroom customers who played a critical role in helping us isolate and better understand the bug. Alan Shapiro and Marko Nara, thank you for all of your help in getting to the root of this issue.
Eye-Fi has just released an advisory regarding Nikon D800/D800E DSLR cameras:
From Eye-Fi:
"The Nikon D800 / D800E is not compatible with Eye-Fi X2 Cards.
Eye-Fi engineering has found and confirmed a compatibility issue with the Eye-Fi card that impacts the use of Direct Mode in the Nikon D800. We are currently investigating an issue with the D800's SD slot that appears to contribute to a lack of steady signal while the Eye-Fi card is in Direct Mode which makes the Direct Mode feature incompatible with the camera. The Nikon D800/D800e passes all other wireless network tests and is compatible with wireless transfers via a wireless router."
Adobe has created a blog post addressing several questions it received regarding the new enhancements of the Digital Negative 1.4 Specification.
The new enhancements include:
If you would like even more detail, you can download the complete 101 page DNG Specificaiton.
Some image quality comparisons are now available on the Canon EOS Rebel T4i / 650D Review page.
From Canon Professional Network:
Canon Explorer Ulla Lohmann pushes her cameras to the limits in some of the most remote areas of the world, often near to the intense heat and ash conditions of erupting volcanoes. CPN writer Mark Alexander spoke to her and found out that the German photographer is finding her match in the EOS 5D Mark III DSLR.
Company’s first series of Video Camera Support Systems provide solid and versatile performance for today’s videographers and photographers
North White Plains, NY – October 3, 2012 – Benro, manufacturer of tripods, monopods and heads designed for demanding professional photographers and filmmakers, announces today the availability of new Video Camera Support Systems. Designed exclusively for today’s videographers and photographers, these new systems include both Carbon Fiber and Aluminum Alloy based Tripod Kits and Monopods and S-Series Video Heads.
“As first previewed at NAB 2012, these new Video Camera Support Systems are designed to appeal to both the photographer experimenting with video capture as well as experienced videographers who prefer significantly smaller, more portable camera systems,” said Jan Lederman, President of MAC Group. “Videographers and photographers can rest assured that these new Video Camera Support Systems will securely stabilize their video camera equipment.”
Offering exceptional rigidity and torque-resistance that’s critical to smooth camera movement, these tripod and monopod kits are available in a variety of sizes, using both durable Carbon Fiber and Aluminum Alloy legs in combination with strategically select cast and machined aluminum and magnesium alloy components.
Benro Video Tripod Kits
The lightweight and compact customizable Benro Video Tripod Kits feature S-Series Video Heads available in three weight load capacities, matching Quick-Release (QR) Plate, Panning Handle, aluminum alloy or carbon fiber legs and a padded travel case for added protection. Each Benro Video Tripod Kit is based on an eighth-generation design of single leg tubes and flip-lever leg lock mechanisms for rapid access and tear-down. In addition, a sliding center column with an integral 60mm bowl allows fine camera positioning on vertical and angular axis for properly located and level panning.
Multi-angle locks let each leg angle be set independently for further rapid adjustment and to accommodate irregular terrain. Removable rubber feet can be interchanged with a set of included stainless-steel spikes to ensure footing on virtually any surface, and a retractable hook on the bottom of the center column provides a place to hang a camera bag or other weight to provide additional stability. These tripod kits are available now in prices ranging from $200 - $465.
For more information on these Benro Video Tripod kits visit: http://www.benrousa.com/products_Video-Tripod-Kits
Benro Video Monopod Kits
Also based on an eighth-generation design of single leg tubes and flip lever leg lock mechanisms, each Benro Video Monopod Kit, paired with the proper S-Series Video Head, provides professionals on the go with dependable solid support, flexibility and portability.
In addition, a swivel rubber pod foot insures positive vertical angular movements and good grip on a wide variety of surfaces and terrain. These monopod kits are available now in prices ranging from $141 - $280.
Benro Video Heads
The compact and lightweight new S-Series Video Heads were designed to be the perfect companion and part of every Benro Video Tripod Kit and Video Monopod Kit. Built on a flat base 3/8” threaded mount they are also ideal for virtually any tripod, monopod, ball adapter or other support rig.
All Benro Video Heads include a sliding QR camera plate with double safety release to provide simple and safe camera mounting, dismounting and balancing. Simple controls allow adjustment to provide additional tension on the independent pan and tilt drag mechanisms. In addition, integral fluid cartridges produce a balance setting and maximum load capacity of best-in-class for each size category.
Double rosettes provide dual mounting points for pan handles and an on-board level assures proper orientation for panning. The top-of-the-line S6 Video Head also features stepped balance control, a rosette safety break-off, adjustable length pan handle and an illuminated bubble level. Benro S-Series Video Heads are available now in prices ranging from $76 - $160.
B&H carrries Benro products.
Just posted: Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens Review
From Eye-Fi:
Improved Class 10 Speed Allows For Faster Performance; Right in Time for Holidays
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., October 3, 2012 - Eye-Fi Inc. (www.eye.fi), makers of the world’s first wireless memory card, has announced today a new Eye-Fi Pro X2 16GB, Class 10 card that increases both storage and speed capabilities while continuing to deliver convenient, reliable wireless upload of photos and videos from cameras. The new 16GB card provides twice the storage capacity of the prior Pro X2 card, while the Class 10 performance delivers ultra-fast read and write speeds. That means more power and speed for the same retail price of $99.99. And, the new Pro X2, like Eye-Fi’s other X2 series cards, enables you to wirelessly connect a camera to a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, or use an authorized WiFi network to move content directly to a computer.
"Cameras have more megapixels, and pictures and videos are more demanding in terms of size. Moving to a 16GB, Class 10 card keeps up with these trends and delivers what our customers have been asking for,” said Yuval Koren, CEO and co-founder of Eye-Fi. “Customers already know and love our Eye-Fi cards for instant wireless uploads, so the added space and faster speeds are a great addition, especially with the highest-volume photo days coming up.”
Anyone with the new 16GB, Class 10 card can immediately use Eye-Fi’s popular features to:
Eye-Fi Pro X2 16GB card is available for pre-orders that ship within the United States for $99.99 USD from Amazon.com. The card will also be available, within the coming weeks, for customers in Australia for $108.00 AUD and Japan for ¥9980. With the launch of the new Eye-Fi Pro X2 16GB card, the previous Eye-Fi Pro X2 8GB and the Eye-Fi Mobile X2 8GB will be reduced from $99.99 to $79.99 and $79.99 to $59.99, respectively, starting this month. For more information, visit www.eye.fi.
Amazon has the Eye-Fi Pro X2 16GB card available for pre-order.
From DxO:
10/03/12 - 200 new lens / camera combinations have been added to the DxO Optics Modules library, providing support for Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sigma, Sony, Tamron, and Tokina lenses and Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus, and Sony cameras.
The complete list of New DxO Optics Modules is available on DxO's website.
B&H carries DxO products.
From RedRock Micro:
Canon 1DX, Nikon D4, DSLR Battery Grips and Red Scarlet/Epic Enjoy New Professional-Grade Baseplate at Revolutionary Price
Hollywood, CA and Dallas, TX - Redrock Micro, the recognized leader in affordable professional-grade cinema accessories, announced today the availability of the new lowBase camera baseplate for taller DSLR cameras and Red Epic/Scarlet. The lowBase delivers camera rigs and video accessories support for taller cameras including the Canon 1DX, Nikon D4 and RED Scarlet or Epic digital cinema cameras.
Delivers the Essential Features for Video Production
The lowBase transforms the camera body into a functional video production powerhouse. Its low profile adds no unnecessary height to the camera body. The lowBase locks at the bottom to secure the camera and delivers the features needed and desired for filmmaking and production with these great cameras.
Key features of the lowBase include:
Designed for Canon 1DX, Nikon D4, Red Scarlet / Epic and Others
The lowBase is designed specifically for taller camera bodies so cinema accessories can be easily adapted and rigs can be quickly configured. It also works with popular DSLRs configured with a battery grip, such as Canon 5D MKII, Canon 5D MKIII, Canon 7D, Canon 60D and Nikon D800.
"We've been using the lowBase on our RED Scarlet for quite some time, and found the lowBase to be a great simple solution to building our rigs without over-complicating things," said Chris Edwards, Cinematographer and Owner of Production Junction, a boutique camera rental shop in Manhattan's East Village. "It's a straightforward, bomb-proof piece of gear that requires minimal investment for a big return."
"Up until now, support solutions for taller-bodied DSLR cameras have been limited," said James Hurd, Chief Revolutionary at Redrock Micro. "The lowBase is designed specifically to rig and accessorize these larger camera bodies and transform them into serious production powerhouses."
The Right Rig for You
In addition to the standalone baseplate, the lowBase is offered as part of four ergonomic, complete rigs. Jump right into production or use them as a starting point to create the perfect rig:
Professional-Grade at a Revolutionary Price
Like all Redrock-branded equipment, the lowBase is designed for 24/7 production environments. Aircraft-grade aluminum is precision-machined and extra weight removed wherever possible, resulting in compact, lightweight gear. Cinema standards ensure compatibility with other Redrock equipment and third-party products. Redrock gear is designed and made in the USA and carries a lifetime warranty.
Whether a full-time professional, serious hobbyist, student or educator or aspiring amateur, Redrock products deliver quality results and last a lifetime.
Pricing and Availability
The lowBase baseplate is priced starting at $199. It is available now for purchase direct from Redrock Micro's website at store.redrockmicro.com or from Redrock's worldwide network of authorized resellers.
B&H carries RedRock Micro products.