Canon and Sony News for May 2013 (Page 4)
The Canon 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens development announcement was made on February 7, 2011. Today, well over two years later, the offical announcement has finally been made.
Here is the Canon UK 200-400 IS Lens Press Release.
Click on the specifications link on that page to get more details about this lens - including its abilitiy to accept not-built-in extenders in addition to the built-in 1.4x. Adding a 2x III makes this a 560-1120mm f/11 IS lens. Image quality at these focal lengths remains an unknown of course.
Preorders
My guess is that this lens will be in short supply with heavy demand - even at this healthy price.
Get on a preorder line: B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Overview from Canon
Designed to satisfy the discriminating needs of sports and wildlife photographers, the EF 200–400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X is a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens with an optically matched built-in 1.4x extender for maximum versatility. With a simple flick of a switch, the zoom range can be quickly increased to 280–560mm (f/5.6). This capability is extremely useful in applications where it is not possible to change lenses quickly, while also protecting delicate equipment such as a digital SLR camera’s image sensor in environments with dust and high humidity. The EF 200–400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X incorporates one fluorite and four UD lens elements, which provide excellent correction of chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range for professional quality images with high resolution, contrast and color fidelity, while a 9-blade circular aperture helps deliver beautiful, soft backgrounds. It utilizes inner focusing, ring USM, a high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms for fast and accurate autofocusing. And, with Power Focus mode, focus shifts are quiet and smooth, which is essential for filmmaking. Image stabilization is effective up to four shutter speed steps, with three image stabilization modes (standard, panning, and during exposure only) providing excellent results for a wide range of subjects. Optimized lens placement and coatings deliver outstanding color balance, while helping to minimize ghosting and flare. The lens is highly resistant to dust and water, enabling shooting even in harsh conditions. A fluorine coating on front and rear lens surfaces repels dust particles and makes the lens easier to clean.
I expect to have even more information available later today.
The official Canon press release is not available yet, but much information about the new Canon 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens is now available at B&H.
Preorder now to get this long-awaited lens early in its street life!
From Canon UK:
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 14 May 2013 - Canon today announces the release of a new in-camera Picture Style pre-set for its range of EOS DSLRs. Created following direct feedback from video enthusiasts, the new Picture Style, called Video Camera X–series-look, enables users to capture EOS Movie footage with lower contrast levels, allowing for easier colour grading during post production processes.
Similar to that available in Canon’s range of X-series camcorders, the new Picture Style works by lowering colour saturation levels and contrast during filming. This makes it ideal for videographers during post production grading processes, especially if complementing with pre-existing footage shot with Canon’s X-series models, or alternatively for those who instantly want to add atmosphere to Full HD movies. In addition, the new Picture Style can also be applied to still images captured in RAW or JPEG formats.
The new Picture Style can be downloaded now from:
http://web.canon.jp/imaging/picturestyle/index.html (thanks Henri)
From Nikon:
A fast, mid-telephoto, fixed focal length lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.2, high-performance Nikon 1 lens that offers both superior resolution and large, smooth blur characteristics
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2, a new lens that will expand the lineup of 1 NIKKOR lenses for Nikon 1, Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lenses. Development of this product was announced on October 24, 2012.
The 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2, with its fixed focal length of 32mm (picture angle equivalent to that of an 86mm fixed focal length lens in 35mm [135] format), is a fast, mid-telephoto, fixed focal length lens that offers a maximum aperture of f/1.2, the fastest in the 1 NIKKOR series. It enables excellent resolution with extremely precise rendering of fine textures, such as those of hair and around the eyes including individual eyelashes, as well as blur characteristics that achieve smooth edges around the primary subject and large, beautifully round blur in the background and foreground. The lens expands users' creative expression with rendering of blur and textures similar to that expected of an SLR camera for portraits, snapshots, and landscapes in which the primary subject is clearly emphasized with blurring of the background.
It is the first 1 NIKKOR to utilizes Nano Crystal Coat for effective reduction of ghost and flare . In addition, the lens is equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that utilizes the close-range correction system for focus drive for superior rendering with high-resolution, realistic textures, and very little aberration, even with close-up shooting. This lens is also the first 1 NIKKOR lens to be equipped with a number of features and functions, including M/A (autofocus with manual override) mode, which enables manual focusing by rotating the focus ring for intuitive fine adjustment of focus while autofocus is operating. The lens is available in black and silver. Special attention was paid to its design, which has an elegant look and feel that can be attributed to its fine metal finish, and offers a firm and natural hold with shooting.
1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2 Primary Features
- A fast, mid-telephoto fixed focal length lens compatible with the CX format offering a focal length of 32mm (picture angle equivalent to that of an 86mm fixed focal length lens in 35mm [135] format), and a maximum aperture of f/1.2, the fastest in the 1 NIKKOR series. Users can enjoy the unique expression possible with superior resolution and smooth, natural blur characteristics.
- Utilizes Nano Crystal Coat. This effectively reduces the flare and ghost that often occurs with shooting in backlit situations.
- The first 1 NIKKOR lens to be equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) utilizing the close-range correction system for focus drive for superior rendering with high-resolution, realistic textures, and very little aberration, even with close-up shooting.
- The first 1 NIKKOR lens equipped with M/A (autofocus with manual override) mode, which enables manual focusing by rotating the focus ring for intuitive fine adjustment of focus while autofocus is operating. This enables smooth recording of movies.
- Quieter shooting with reduction of AF drive sound.
- Designed with a fine metal finish for an elegant look and appearance and better hold when mounted on a camera.
- Available in black or silver for better coordination with camera colors.
The current 1 NIKKOR lineup consists of eight lenses; the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 3x normal zoom lens; the 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 compact telephoto zoom lens; the 1 NIKKOR 10mm f/2.8 slim wide-angle fixed focal length lens; the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 PD-ZOOM lens equipped with a power drive mechanism and recommended for movie recording; the 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 2.5x normal zoom lens; the 1 NIKKOR 18.5mm f/1.8 fixed focal length lens with fast maximum aperture; the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4-5.6 10x zoom lens; and the 1 NIKKOR VR 6.7-13mm f/3.5-5.6 ultra wide-angle zoom lens with a 100° angle of view. The addition of this new 1 NIKKOR 35mm f/1.2 lens brings the total 1 NIKKOR lineup to nine lenses.
Nikon will continue to expand the 1 NIKKOR lineup with lenses that make the most of the capabilities and performance offered by Nikon 1, Advanced Cameras with Interchangeable Lenses, which propose new forms of imaging expression.
Preorder Opportunities:
The full Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens Review is now available.
I'll be adding this lens to the Canon general purpose lens recommendations page. I had trouble getting a good copy, but the lens I now have lens delivers excellent image quality.
B&H has the Redrock Micro One Man Crew Motorized Parabolic Slider available for preorder.
Below is the video Red Rock Micro published with the announcement of the One Man Crew.
From AdoramaTV:
How do you prevent a white background from showing up grey when you light it for portrait photography? Mark Wallace explains.
In this episode of Exploring Photography, shot exclusively for AdoramaTV, Mark Wallace answers one of his most popular questions: How do I get a white background? Mark demonstrates how to get that crisp, shadowless background with speedlights, as well as with only one light. The key to this technique is understanding the Inverse Square Law and where to position both the light and your subject.
Gear Used:
- Savage Seamless Background Paper, 107" wide x 50 yards, Super White, #1
- PocketWizard Plus III Transceiver
- Matthews Baby Junior Triple Riser Stand with Wheels
- Nikon SB-910 TTL AF Shoe Mount Speedlight
- Profoto 2x2' RFI Softbox, Square
- Westcott 7 Feet Silver Parabolic Umbrella
If you're on a budget, you may want to consider a few alternatives:
From B&H:
Our SuperStore and Offices will be closing early on Tuesday, May 14th at 2:00PM EDT and remain closed on Wednesday & Thursday, May 15th & 16th. We will reopen on Friday, May 17th at 9:00AM EDT.
To ship your package before we close :
- Standard/Super Saver Shipping - Place your order by Monday, May 13th at Midnight.
- UPS Ground & Rush Orders - Place your order by Tuesday, May 14th by 12:00 Noon EDT
All orders after these times will be processed after we reopen on Friday, May 17th. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patronage.
"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending May 11th, 2013In the news...
On Wednesday, Canon made their EOS Solutions Disk available for download. The Solutions Disk download contains Canon’s Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility, and Picture Style Editor. The software, which comes packaged with Canon digital SLR cameras, should prove useful for those who need to reinstall their software but have managed to misplace their original OEM disk.
On Thursday, we posted a link to a LensRentals Blog post where Roger warns photographers to leave their camera gear at home when attending Color Run races. The powered dye thrown at such races can severely damage even weather-sealed DSLR lenses.
On Friday, Think Tank Photo released their Mirrorless Mover camera bags. The new collection was designed specifically for mirrorless cameras and includes the Mirrorless Mover 5, 10, 20, and 30i. Use the links from our site and receive a free gift with your purchase of $50.00 or more.
Throughout the week, though, Adobe made the biggest headlines with its various Creative Cloud announcements. In particular, Adobe announced new Photoshop CC goodies such as Camera Shake Reduction, Smart sharpen with reduced noise and halos, intelligent upsampling, and Camera Raw 8.
However, Adobe’s focus on Creative Cloud, and its shift away from perpetual licensing, has left many photographers concerned about the future of their software editing. It should be interesting to see if, and how, Adobe addresses those concerns.
In site news and reviews...
On Monday, Bryan posted the image quality test results for the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM lens. Bryan noted that while the build quality has significantly improved compared to its predecessor, image quality remains relatively unchanged.
On Wednesday, Bryan posted the image quality results for the highly-anticipated Samyang 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift lens. In short, the significantly cheaper lens doesn’t compete with the sharpness delivered by the venerable Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt Shift lens. However, at half the price, it performs well enough at narrow apertures to garner consideration.
And, for our deal of the week…
On Tuesday, we posted a deal from B&H where you could get a Canon PIXMA PRO-100 with free photo paper for $89.00 after a $300.00 mail-in rebate. The rebate offer ends soon, so if you need a high-quality printer, don’t wait to take advantage of this exceptional deal.
This has been the The-Digital-Picture.com’s Weekend Recap. Thanks for listening, and as always, happy shooting!"
From Think Tank Photo:
Think Tank Photo’s New Mirrorless Mover™ Camera Bag Collection Features Highest Quality Design and Materials
Santa Rosa, Calif. – Think Tank Photo has just released a new camera bag collection scaled to fit today’s smaller mirrorless cameras, the Mirrorless Mover™. The Mirrorless Mover collection offers photographers the same top quality materials and craftsmanship for which Think Tank is renowned.
Four sizes of bags offer a wide choice to consumers; from the smallest case, the Mirrorless Mover 5, designed for one mirrorless camera, on up to the largest, the Mirrorless Mover 30i, which will accommodate a camera, lenses, accessories and an iPad.
“Unlike many other bags in this class, our Mirrorless Mover collection does not cut corners in materials or craftsmanship,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s president and lead designer. “We utilize metal hardware instead of plastic buckles, high quality fabrics, YKK zippers and a new, magnetic closure. The Mirrorless Movers offer photographers quality in their camera bags worthy of their investment in these sophisticated, expensive camera systems.”
Gear Profiles
- The Mirrorless Mover 5 fits one small size mirrorless body with a small telephoto or pancake lens attached. It is sized for the Canon EOS–M, Leica D–Lux, Nikon 1 series, Olympus E–PM2, E–PL5, EP–3, Panasonic GF3, Sony NEX–C3, or similar sized bodies.
- The Mirrorless Mover 10 fits one medium size mirrorless body plus one to two lenses and additional accessories. It is sized for the Leica V–Lux, Olympus OM–D E–M5, Panasonic G3, GF5, GH2, Samsung NX5, NX11, NX210, Sony NEX–5, NEX–6, NEX–7, or similar sized/smaller bodies.
- The Mirrorless Mover 20 fits one medium size mirrorless body plus two to three lenses and additional accessories. It is sized for the Leica V–Lux, Olympus OM–D E–M5, Panasonic G3, GF5, GH2, Samsung NX5, NX11, NX210, Sony NEX–5, NEX–6, NEX–7, or similar sized/smaller bodies.
- The Mirrorless Mover 30i fits one medium to large size mirrorless body plus two to four lenses, iPad, and additional accessories or a small–size DSLR and one to three small telephoto lenses or primes. It is sized for the Fuji X–Pro 1, Leica M8, Panasonic GH3 or similar sized/smaller bodies. Small DSLRs: Canon Rebel, Nikon D3200/D5200, Sony SLT–A55/A37 or similar sized bodies.
Key Features
- Designed specifically for mirrorless equipment.
- High quality YKK zippers and metal hardware.
- Multipurpose divider with smart phone slot and two SD card slots (excluding smallest size).
- Dedicated iPad pocket (Mirrorless Mover 30i).
- Easily accessible front organizer pocket.
- Stretchable side pockets fit accessories.
- Padded non-slip flexible shoulder strap (Mirrorless Mover 30i).
- Poly–ballistic fabric ensures durability.
- Seam–sealed rain cover included in front pocket.
- Internal mesh pocket on lid for batteries or other accessories.
Materials
Exterior: All fabric exterior treated with a DWR coating while fabric underside is coated with PU for superior water resistance, YKK® RC zippers, 1680D ballistic polyester, 600D brushed polyester, Ultra-stretch pocket, antique nickel plated metal hardware, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
Interior: removable closed cell foam dividers, 200D polyester, laminated non-woven backed nylex liner, polyester 190T seam-sealed taffeta rain cover, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
Specifications
- Internal Dimensions: 3.5” W x 4.7” H x 3.1” D (9 x 12 x 8 cm)
- External Dimensions: 4.7” W x 5.9” H x 3.9” D (12 x 15 x 10 cm)
- Weight (with all accessories): 0.4 lbs (0.2kg)
- Internal Dimensions: 4.9” W x 5.3” H x 3.7” D (12.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 cm)
- External Dimensions: 5.3” W x 6.1” H x 4.5” D (13.5 x 15.5 x 11.5 cm)
- Smart Phone Slot: 2.8” W x 4.8” H x 0.6” D (7 x 12.3 x 1.6 cm)
- Weight (with all accessories): 0.5 lbs (0.2 kg)
- Internal Dimensions: 8.5” W x 5.3” H x 3.7” D (21.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 cm)
- External Dimensions: 8.9” W x 6.1” H x 4.5” D (22.5 x 15.5 x 11.5 cm)
- Smart Phone Slot: 2.8” W x 4.8” H x 0.6” D (7 x 12.3 x 1.6 cm)
- Weight (with all accessories): 0.7 lbs (0.3 kg)
- Internal Dimensions: 10.6” W x 8” H x 3.9” D (27 x 20.5 x 10 cm)
- External Dimensions: 11” W x 8.9” H x 5.7” D (28 x 22.5 x 14.5 cm)
- Smart Phone Slot: 2.8” W x 5” H x 0.6” D (7 x 12.7 x 1.6 cm)
- iPad pocket: 9.8”W x 8.1”H x 0.9” D (25 x 20.5 x 2.3 cm)
- Weight (with all accessories): 1.0 lbs (0.5 kg)
Note: Use the links from this site to get a free gift with your purchase of $50.00 or more at Think Tank Photo!
Canon Professional Network has recently published two reference guides illustrating the key features and technologies from the Canon CN-E14mm T3.1L F & CN-E135mm T2.2L F cinema lenses.
B&H has the Canon CN-E14mm T3.1L F Cinema Lens in stock and the CN-E135mm T2.2L F Cinema Lens available for preorder.
From Canon Professional Network:
"Canon Explorer Gary Schmid is one of the world’s leading commercial photographers and he has recently been working from his base in Dubai, as well as on location in Russia, with the 18.1 Megapixel EOS-1D X DSLR and the EF14mm f/2.8L II lens. In an exclusive article for CPN he reveals his thoughts on the performance of the camera and how the super wide-angle lens has helped his interior shoots..."
See the article here.
B&H carries the Canon EOS-1D X DSLR Camera and EF 14mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens.
Roger Cicala at LensRentals has created an insightful blog post regarding the dangers of photographing Color Run 5ks.
If you're planning on attending one of these events with your camera equipment, be sure to read this cautionary tale first.
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 and video workflow
North White Plains, NY – May 7, 2013 – X-Rite Photo Marketing announces its schedule of free May 2013 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.
This month X-Rite offers four free webinars 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 remains committed to teaching photographers and videographers how to take control of their color management and digital imaging workflow,” said Joshua Fischer, vice president, X-Rite Photo Marketing. “This month’s webinar schedule includes four helpful topics that focus on photography, travel and presentation tips, post-production workflow and professional level monitor calibration for still-imaging and video applications.”
One of this month’s webinars is co-sponsored with Gura Gear and it focuses on the work of travel and landscape photographer Scott MacQuarrie. In a webinar co-sponsored by PhotoShelter, noted photographer and educator Eduardo Angel will offer insight and advice about editing a portfolio, developing a vision and utilizing digital workflow techniques. Two other webinars, taught by X-Rite’s own Brenda Hipsher feature tips for color workflow, the first of which focuses on Professional Monitor calibration. The second, co-sponsored by The Hallmark Institute of Photography, discusses and demonstrates overall color management, from camera to monitor to projector to prints.
These informative webinars are designed to be informational as well as inspirational by offering photographers practical ways to improve their photography.
May 2013 Webinar Schedule
Date: May 14th
Time: 4:00 pm EDT
Title: Editing a Portfolio and Developing your Vision
Presenter: Eduardo Angel
Registration Link
*Co-sponsored by PhotoShelter
Date: May 22nd
Time: 6:00 pm EDT
Title: Travel and Landscape Photography: Working in the Field with Scott MacQuarrie
Presenter: Scott MacQuarrie
Registration Link
*Co-sponsored by Gura Gear
Date: May 30th
Time: 12:00 pm EDT
Title: Professional Monitor Calibration for Still & Video
Presenter: Brenda Hipsher
Registration Link
Date: May 30th
Time: 3:00 pm EDT
Title: Simply Amazing Color. Take control of your monitor, projector, printer and camera!
Presenter: Brenda Hipsher
Registration Link
*Co-sponosored by Hallmark Institute of Photography
For more information on the webinars, visit X-Rite's webinars page.
B&H carries X-Rite Color Management Products.
Nikon has posted their financial results for the year ending March 31, 2013.
Financial Results (PDF:897KB)
Financial and Business Data (PDF:88KB)
Presentation Material (PDF:633KB)
- Financial Results for the Year Ended March 31, 2013 (PDF:377KB)
- Estimation for the Year Ending March 31, 2014 (PDF:313KB)
- Reference Data (PDF:187KB)
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