Canon and Sony News for Dec 2012 (Page 4)
From Nikon USA:
Q: How do I clean a camera lens?
A: The best way to clean a lens is to use a piece of lint free lens cleaning tissue and a small amount of Lens Cleaning solution. Do not use anything containing abrasives or solvents, only use Lens Cleaning Solution.
First we recommend taking a small blower brush to blow off or brush away loose dust or debris.
Next, place a drop or two of cleaner on the tissue (never directly onto the lens) and then wipe the lens in a circular motion, beginning in the center and working your way outward, removing any marks or smear.
If the above supplies are not available a clean, dry, soft, lint free cloth can be used to clean the lens. Do not breathe on the lens to fog it for cleaning. There are harmful acids in breath that can damage lens coatings. Just use the blower bulb, then brush, and wipe the lens in a circular spiral from the center outward.
The same method can be used to clean the viewfinder eyepiece of Nikon cameras.
Just Posted: Flashpoint All-Inclusive DSLR/DV Cinema Rig Review
If you are looking for a decent quality video rig for a great price, the Flashpoint system is worth checking out. And right now, it is sale-priced at $100.00 off.
Adorama has the Flashpoint All-Inclusive DSLR/DV Cinema Rig on sale for $499.95 (regularly a good deal at $599.95).
From Transcend:
Transcend Adds High Capacity Industrial Use microSDHC and CompactFlash Memory Cards to Its Lineup
December 6, 2012 - Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today announced the addition of Industrial use microSDHC Class 10 and CF170 CompactFlash memory cards to its industrial memory card product line. Ideal for use in small form factor devices with demanding performance and capacity requirements, Transcend’s MLC-based microSDHC Class 10 and CF170 memory cards are the most reliable high speed, high volume compact storage solution.
Manufactured using brand-name MLC NAND Flash chips, Transcend’s Industrial use microSDHC cards guarantee superior performance and long-term stability over their consumer-grade TLC counterparts. Combining advanced Flash technology with the top-of-the-line Class 10 speed rating, these cards provide impressive read/write speeds of up to 20MB/16MB per second, losing nothing in transfer performance despite their tiny dimensions. Thanks to their fast data transfer rates, enhanced reliability, and available capacities of up to 32GB, Transcend’s Industrial use microSDHC Class 10 cards are the perfect OEM/bundle pack accessory for compact non-stop applications, including the latest digital cameras, DV recorders, mobile phones, and portable vehicle navigation systems.
Compliant with the latest CompactFlash 6.0 specification, Transcend’s new industrial CF170 CompactFlash cards boast high-speed transfer rates of up to 90MB/s and up to an extra large 64GB capacity. Offering outstanding compatibility across a wide-range of platforms, such as outdoor vending machines, medical instruments, and road surveillance systems, CF170 CF cards can deliver peak performance under harsh environmental conditions, operating effectively between -25°C and 85°C. To further protect CF card data, built-in Advanced Power Shield technology directly monitors the host power input to prevent data loss in the event of a sudden power outage. Fully satisfying the demanding requirements of industrial applications, Transcend’s MLC-based CF170 CF cards include all the same industrial features as SLC Flash based cards without the high cost.
To ensure the utmost level of quality, all Transcend Industrial products undergo extensive testing in all stages of production. In addition to offering excellent shock and vibration resistance, Transcend’s Industrial memory cards feature built-in Error Correction Code (ECC) that helps detect and correct any errors found during data transfer. Transcend’s Industrial use microSDHC Class 10 cards are offered in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities, while the Industrial CF170 CompactFlash cards are available in 8GB, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacities.
B&H and Amazon carry Transcend Memory Cards.
ISO 12233 resolution chart results for the Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera and Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM Lens are now available on the site.
With these results, many comparisons can be made, but the Canon EOS 6D and 5D Mark II comparison is the one I wanted to see the most. While the 5D II holds a small megapixel advantage, the 6D delivers results that are at least as sharp.
ISO 12233 resolution chart and distortion test results along with lens measurements have been added to the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens Review page.
From a lab perspective, this looks like a very nice lens. I really like the new Sigma physical design.
A DSLR camera noise comparison has been added to the Canon EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera Review page.
The results are great, but not surprising to me - I think you will like what you see as the bar continues to be raised on high ISO performance.
The Canon EOS 6D is now in stock at our preferred retailers.
From Canon USA:
Thank you for using Canon products.
Phenomenon
We have identified a phenomenon which prevents movie files shot using Canon EOS 6D Digital SLR Cameras from being played back on YouTube.
Affected Product
EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera
Support
While we continue to investigate this phenomenon, please follow the instructions outlined below to upload Canon EOS 6D movie files to YouTube. After our investigation is complete, we will make an update to this announcement.
- Download the movie file(s) from the EOS 6D camera to your computer.
- Start ImageBrowser EX, an application bundled with the EOS 6D.
- After selecting the movie file(s) to be uploaded, select [Edit Movies] in the [Edit] tab from the menu bar of ImageBrowser EX.
- “MovieEdit Task” will start. Save the movie using the [Save] menu on the screen.
- Upload the saved movie to YouTube.
This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
Please register the EOS 6D. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email when service updates are available.
Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc
Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON, 1-800-652-2666
TDD: 1-866-251-3752
Email: carecenter@cits.canon.com
For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/support
December 5, 2012 - DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v8.1 for Windows and Mac, the new version of its image processing software of reference for all serious photographers. DxO Optics Pro v8.1 now offers color management and sharpness enhancement when printing, an output option for reducing EXIF data, as well as numerous improvements to its interface for an even more rapid workflow.
This update also allows DxO Optics Pro 8 to support the Sony NEX-6, the Canon Powershot S110 and G15, and the Olympus Pen E-PM2 and E-PL5.
DxO Optics Pro v8.1 also benefits from the continuous addition of DxO Optics Modules. Nearly 150 new camera/lens combinations have been added to the library. The software now provides support for additional Canon, Olympus, and Sigma lenses for Canon, Olympus, and Sony cameras. Among these is the highly-anticipated Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM for Canon, the first very wide-aparture lens in the new Sigma Art line designed for landscape, portrait, still life, macro, and reportage.
Based on a unique approach of prior calibration in the laboratories of DxO Labs, DxO Optics Pro v8.1 includes numerous powerful and automatic RAW and JPEG image-processing tools. DxO Optics Pro v8.1 offers the best tool for automatically adjusting contrast and light, the most advanced optical corrections on the market, and precise color management. Its unrivaled performance and its intuitive interface provides a smooth and fast workflow.
Management of print color and sharpness
DxO Optics Pro v8.1 now allows photographers to adjust the color rendering and the sharpness of the images they print.
The new options in DxO Optics Pro v8.1's print module allow the user to choose an ICC color profile for directly managing the print rendering.
Further, a dedicated slider lets the user enhance the sharpness of the image so as to adapt the print quality to the size of the print desired.
New output options and improved interface
DxO Optics Pro v8.1 offers a new output option that allows users to remove all of the EXIF metadata contained in a JPEG or TIFF image file - very useful for restricting this kind of information as well as for reducing its size when sharing such files online.
Among other improvements found in DxO Optics Pro v8.1, the preferences window now displays the size of the disk space that the preview and thumbnail cache occupy.
In addition, the DxO Optics Modules management window has been enhanced to display all the available camera/lens combinations available, whether or not they have been installed on the user's computer.
Finally, the Windows version now includes certain improvements that were previously introduced in the Mac version. For example, information layer about corrections that cannot be previewed because of the zoom level has now been removed: this information is now directly indicated in the relevant palettes for greater user comfort.
More flexible OpenCL management
The thumbnail display as well as image processing in DxO Optics Pro 8 benefits from OpenCL acceleration (Windows version only). DxO Optics Pro v8.1 removes certain restrictions present in earlier versions and now allows users to activate this option at any time as soon as the graphics card on their computer supports this feature.
ISO 12233 chart, flare, distortion and vignetting test results along with measurements & specifications have been added to the Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Review page.
Note that the Canon EOS M shares the Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D imaging system. This includes the slightly sharper images output at our standard ISO 12233 test sharpness setting of "1" (with the Neutral Picture Style). The difference in sharpness is about the equivalence of a +1 sharpness setting.
As you have already guessed, I'm trying to decide if the EOS-M-tested lenses should be processed at Sharpness = 0 to be more equally represented with the rest of the lens tests - or if the standard setting should be adhered to.
All that said, I think that the Canon EF-M 18-55 is the lens that most people wanting a compact EOS M setup should be considering right now.
From X-Rite:
Online educational tutorials provide photographers with basic information, insights, and tips to achieve color control, consistency and creativity in their digital imaging workflow
North White Plains, NY – December 4, 2012 – X-Rite Photo Marketing announces its schedule of December 2012 Webinars that have been developed to address specific color management topics and are designed to appeal to both professional and serious amateur photographers and videographers.
Three free webinars this month are sure to help photographers and videographers gain new confidence and to learn quick, easy and powerful ways to enhance their color workflow. Webinar attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions to the live trainers.
“X-Rite is dedicated to teaching photographers and videographers how to effectively take control of their color management and digital imaging workflows,” said Mark Rezzonico, vice president, X-Rite Photo Marketing. “This month’s webinars will focus on professional color management applications for video as well as still photography and are designed to provide the expert advice and education that imaging professionals and enthusiasts need.”
December Webinar Schedule
Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM EST
Professional Monitor Calibration for Still & Video
As more and more still photographers move into videography with DSLR cameras the need for color management solutions specific to those output environments has become obvious. X-Rite’s i1Profiler software now includes video presets for popular video formats including NTSC, PAL-SECAM, and Rec. 709. The introduction last year of the new i1Display Pro colorimeter combined with these presets in i1Profiler makes the X-Rite i1Display Pro the perfect solution for calibrating and profiling monitors for video editing and output.
When i1Display Pro is combined with X-Rite ColorChecker Targets the combination provides a capture to output solution for video editing that allows exceptional control over white balance in any scene.
This brief webinar will review how to access and utilize the video presets in i1Profiler software and will briefly look at use of ColorCheckers in the video footage as a visual reference. For those shooting, editing, and preparing video for output this webinar will provide the insight into X-Rite color management solutions that can streamline color control in video.
To register for this webinar at 10:00 AM EST, visit: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/353699538
To register for this webinar at 1:00 PM EST, visit: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/790441482
Thursday, December 13, 2012, 3:00 PM EST and 7:00 PM EST
Simply Amazing Color. Take control of your monitor, printer and camera!
The ColorMunki Family of color management solutions provides advanced control for a photographer’s digital workflow. This webinar will review the individual ColorMunki solutions including software demonstrations and discussions of how each solution is used.
From monitor and projector to printer and camera, the ColorMunki family provides choices and solutions for any photographer’s needs. All options are small and portable for travel.
This live webinar gives users the opportunity to ask questions and understand each solution in detail so they can make the right decision on what ColorMunki family solution is for them. Attendees will enjoy special discounts.
To register for this webinar at 3:00 PM EST, visit: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/646822754
To register for this webinar at 7:00 PM EST, visit: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/779781170
Tuesday, December 18, 2012, 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM EST
Raw Color Power - The Benefits of Custom Camera Profiles with the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport
ColorChecker Passport is a powerful “capture to edit” color solution for any photographer looking for more accurate, consistent color and creative flexibility. And when combined with Adobe® Imaging solutions users can gain even greater benefits.
Imagine a near-effortless color workflow. Imagine having multiple cameras - even different models, shooting the same event or scene and color matching. Imagine significantly reducing image processing time.
Host Joe Brady will show step by step how to bring digital photography color to a new level. Attendees will learn how to quickly and easily capture accurate color, instantly enhance portraits and landscapes, create their own color look with one click and maintain color control and consistency.
To register for this webinar at 11:00 AM EST, visit: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/827810818
To register for this webinar at 1:00 PM EST, visit: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/656185274
For more information on all X-Rite Photo webinars visit the Webinar page found under the Learning section on XritePhoto.com. All webinars are also archived for online viewing any time.
Ilford is sponsoring a free webinar entitled "Choosing a Paper Surface for Your Inkjet Prints" on Dec 6 at 1pm EST.
From Ilford:
The paper you choose for your fine art photography can have a dramatic effect on the appearance and impact of your image. When you carefully select your paper, you will soon find that the art of printmaking becomes an important part of your creative process. Hosted by Joe Brady, this presentation will focus on the properties and considerations that go into selecting a paper that will enhance the presentation of your photography.
The paper’s weight, brightness and surface texture all have an effect on the appearance of color and tone on finished prints. Perhaps not as obvious, the final presentation of the print, be it framed, mounted, laminated, etc. should also play a big part in your paper choices.
Joe will discuss what is available, which qualities to consider when choosing a paper and his own experiences in printing that have renewed his interest in creating finished prints.
Sign up here for the free webinar.
From Nikon USA:
Modifications enabled with version 2.13.0
- Support for the D5200 has been added.
- When the focus area displayed in the Camera Control Pro 2 live view window is double-clicked with autofocusing in live view mode, the camera will now focus automatically.
- However, the camera will not focus automatically with the following cameras when Hand-held is selected for Live view mode.
- D3-series cameras, D700, and D300-series cameras
Additional modifications to the Windows version
- Compatibility with 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows 8 Enterprise has been added. However, under 64-bit versions, this software operates as a 32-bit application.
Additional modifications to the Macintosh version
- Support for OS X version 10.8 has been added.
- Support for Mac OS X version 10.5 has been eliminated.
Download the Camera Control Pro 2.13.0 update: Windows | Macintosh
From Canon USA::
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., December 4, 2012 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that its PIXMA MG6320 and MG5420 Wireless Photo All-In-One and the PIXMA iP7220 Wireless Photo printer will support AirPrint wireless printing from iPhone, iPad and iPod touch mobile devices. AirPrint allows users to wirelessly print photos, email, web pages and documents without installing device drivers. AirPrint works with iPhone (3GS and later), iPad and iPod touch devices (3rd generation and later) and requires iOS 4.2 (or later).
For more information on the models that support AirPrint and other details, please visit www.usa.canon.com.
From Canon USA:
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., December 4, 2012 – In a world where images are instantly shared, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced three PIXMA printers and a CanoScan photo scanner to expand the creative solutions available to consumers for easily printing, archiving and sharing photos. The PIXMA MG6320 and MG5420 Wireless Photo All-In-One (AIO) and PIXMA iP7220 Wireless Photo printers represent a significant update to the PIXMA printer line with a stylish, space-friendly design that saves desk space and allows for storage in almost any location, giving users a high-quality experience along with exceptional results. The CanoScan 9000F Mark II photo scanner allows users to preserve those special moments and memories from the days of using film by scanning and archiving with the slide and negative adapter.
Innovative Design
The sleek, compact PIXMA Wireless Photo AIO printers feature a new snap-edge design that improves the overall look and feel of the machine while allowing for quick and easy access to the device’s ink cartridges for easy replacement. Each Photo AIO printer, has a low-height body to reduce the space needed to open the scanner, and a new paper cassette on the MG6320 and MG5420, as well as on the iP7220, that allows the printers to sit flush against a wall to conveniently fit in a variety of spaces and home offices. Advanced media handling is also possible on the PIXMA MG6320 and MG5420 Wireless Photo AIO printers with dual front paper cassettes, the ability to choose auto duplexing to help reduce paper usage and direct disk print to help users quickly customize projects. The PIXMA MG6320 Photo AIO printer features a 3.5-inch touch-screen LCD and the Intelligent Touch System so only the necessary keys are illuminated allowing for an intuitive approach to overall usability. The CanoScan 9000F Mark II scanner has a well-designed and intuitive layout as well with seven EZ Buttons to scan, copy or create a PDF with the touch of a button.
“Many consumers today need a printer that is easily accessible, reliable and can produce high-quality prints for any project,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “The improvements to the PIXMA printers and CanoScan Scanner will give end-users the equipment needed to help them produce the quality prints they are accustomed to.”
Enhanced Connectivity
With built-in wireless and mobile printing on the PIXMA printers, images can be printed from virtually anywhere in the home. These new models can work in tandem with the Canon Easy-PhotoPrint mobile app, for use with compatible Android and Windows RT smartphones and tablets, as well as Apple iOS devices, providing easy printing of photos and PDFs of documents. The printers also support My Image Garden software from Canon, which helps users to organize, customize and share their images. For users of the PowerShot S110 digital camera and EOS 6D Digital SLR camera, images can be printed wirelessly from the camera to either of the new PIXMA AIO printer models via PictBridge (wireless LAN).
User-Friendly Operation
These new Canon PIXMA printers have been designed with the user in mind, making completing any printing job easy. Each machine has an Auto Power On mode that can be used to receive a printing task, even if the device is powered off at the time it is received. This Auto Power On mode is perfect for a busy home or small business office and helps make wireless printing easy. In addition, two-sided printing can also be set as the default for Copy, PDF file print and Template print, which can help to reduce overall paper consumption and cost.
PIXMA MG6320 and MG5420 Wireless Photo All-In-One Printers
The Canon PIXMA MG6320 and MG5420 Wireless Photo All-In-One Printers continue the Canon legacy of providing users with high-quality output incorporating individual dye-based color and pigment black ink tanks which are part of the ChromaLife100 + ink system. The PIXMA MG6320 AIO printer includes six color ink tanks, including gray, while the PIXMA MG5420 AIO printer includes five color ink tanks.
Each model can produce beautiful, borderless edge-to-edge 4 x 6-inch photos in approximately 21 seconds at a maximum color resolution of 9600x2400 dpi. Full HD Movie Print can also been used with both models to produce clear images of video frames from videos captured on compatible HD Canon EOS and PowerShot Digital Cameras and VIXIA Camcorders.
The Canon PIXMA MG6320 Wireless Photo AIO Printer will have an estimated selling price of $199.99 and the Canon PIXMA MG5420 Wireless Photo AIO Printer will have an estimated selling price of $149.99.
PIXMA iP7220 Wireless Photo Printer
The Canon PIXMA iP7220 Wireless Photo Printer is an ideal choice for the consumer interested in a single-function printer delivering exceptional quality with the flexibility of a wireless connection. Building on the success of the iP4920 Inkjet Photo Printer, the iP7220 has faster output speeds of 15 images per minute (ipm) in black-and-white and 10 ipm in color and is capable of producing a 4 x 6-inch borderless photo in approximately 21 seconds. In addition, the printer has a maximum color resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi. For increased convenience, the printer has Quiet Mode which is ideal when working in a home or office environment.
The Canon PIXMA iP7220 Photo Printer will have an estimated selling price of $99.99.
CanoScan 9000F Mark II Photo Scanner
The CanoScan 9000F Mark II Photo Scanner provides consumers with an easy solution for all photo and document archiving needs. Capable of scanning a 35mm film strip with the film scanning guide and frame and Film Adapter Unit, precious photos from a family’s history can be archived. The maximum optical resolution for the CanoScan 9000F Mark II Photo Scanner is 9600 x 9600 dots-per-inch (dpi) for film and 4800 x 4800 dpi for all other media. Equipped with Auto Document Fix, this feature analyzes and corrects to help ensure text characters stand out and are sharp and clear; and helps pictures to maintain their color, tone and contrast.
The CanoScan 9000F Mark II Photo Scanner will have an estimated selling price of $199.99.
B&H carries Canon PIXMA Printers and Canon CanoScan Scanners.
From Canon USA:
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., December 3, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that for the fourth year in a row it has earned the Center of Excellence certification by BenchmarkPortal, placing its customer service call center in the top 10 percent as surveyed for efficiency and effectiveness.
"Earning this award for the fourth straight year validates our commitment to matching Canon's innovative products and services with a high level of technical support which our customers deserve," said James Sharp, senior vice president and general manager, Systems and Technical Support, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A. "I am particularly proud of our team members who strive to build stronger relationships with customers every day."
The Systems and Technical Support Division, Canon U.S.A.'s 100-percent U.S.-based call center, provides service and support to the Company's vast network of direct and non-direct sales channels covering a wide range of products and solutions, including the Company's imageRUNNER ADVANCE, imagePROGRAF, imageCLASS and imagePRESS product lines.
"Canon's customer service call center continues to demonstrate excellent performance on both cost-related and quality-related metrics which are among the best in the industry," said Bruce Belfiore, CEO of BenchmarkPortal and senior research executive at the Center for Customer-Driven Quality that was founded at Purdue University. "It certainly deserves to achieve our Center of Excellence certification."
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