From Canon:
New to shooting photos or just looking to brush up on your photography skills? Canon U.S.A. has launched a new tutorial video series that will show photographers how to improve their photographic abilities, perfect for capturing the memorable moments of the upcoming summer months and beyond.
The Canon EOS 101 tutorial video series, available 24/7 on the Canon Digital Learning Center and Canon’s YouTube channel, provides entry-level Canon EOS users, photography students and anyone new to using a digital SLR camera the guidance needed to help enhance their imaging skills.
Providing tips on how to utilize and maximize the features of a Canon EOS Digital camera system, the comprehensive 13-video series helps users to understand a range of topics such as basic exposure concepts, white balance, autofocusing, shooting modes, flash use, downloading images, EOS HD Video and more.
The Canon EOS 101 Tutorial Video Series can be found on the Canon Digital Learning Center or Canon USA YouTube Channel.
From Canon New Zealand:
Firmware Upgrade Boosts AF Speed by up to 2.3x
Further enhancing the performance and utility of the EOS M, Canon also announces today [June 6] a firmware upgrade that boosts the AF shutter speed, making One Shot AF up to 2.3x faster*. The new firmware delivers improved performance as a result of a reworked AF Drive Control System and Canon encourages all existing users of the EOS M to download the new firmware version 2 once it becomes available at the end of June 2013**.
"The EOS M is designed for people who want to spontaneously capture the great moments in life, in the highest quality, without missing a beat." says Robert de Jeu, Senior Product Manager – Technical Imaging Specialist, Consumer Imaging at Canon New Zealand. "With this firmware upgrade, Canon has responded to the feedback from the community by providing them with an increase in AF speed, enabling users to capture high-quality images quickly. What’s more, with the introduction of the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens, they are able to get even more of the fun around them into the frame."
Footnotes
* When using FlexiZone Multi AF and the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens. Speed improvement is dependent upon shooting conditions and lens
** The firmware upgrade also corrects a rare phenomenon that causes the EOS M controls to become unresponsive when the new EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is used
B&H carries the Canon EOS M Mirrorless Camera.
From Canon UK:
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland 6 June 2013 – Canon today expands its range of EF-M lenses with the introduction of the new EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. Designed for Canon’s Compact System Camera, the EOS M, this is Canon’s first ultra wide-angle EF lens to feature an Optical Image Stabilizer. Offering a versatile wide-angle zoom range, first-class optical performance, and a new retractable design, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is the perfect addition for EOS M users who wish to capture their passion for landscapes and architecture.
Shoot the city, shoot the world
Designed to expand the range of creative possibilities and shooting subjects, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM has an 11-22mm focal range which provides an incredibly wide field of view. This allows users to capture the environment around them whilst remaining close to the subject – ideal for adding drama and atmosphere to each shot.
Class-leading optics deliver incredible results
Engineered using the latest optical technologies, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM enables users to capture images with incredible levels of detail and quality. Manufactured using Canon’s professional quality standards, the lens uses Super Spectra Coatings designed to minimise ghosting and flare, providing beautiful results with every shot. Images are crisp and clear thanks to Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer, which works to keep image blur to a minimum by correcting camera shake. A 3-stop shutter speed advantage ensures high quality stills, even when light levels start to fade.
Shooting smooth Full HD movies is easy using the advanced Dynamic IS mode which combats more exaggerated forms of camera shake that occur when shooting video on the move. Canon’s near-silent STM technology also ensures focus noise is supressed during movie capture, so the audience can enjoy crystal clear sound to match the visual quality of the footage captured.
Designed for performance and style
Incredibly compact and lightweight, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM has been designed to fit easily into the smallest of spaces so it can be carried everywhere. A new retractable lens design – a first for the EF lens range – locked in place by a switch, allows users to retract the lens back into the barrel when not in use. This keeps the body slim and compact, reducing the lens length by 13mm. An integrated full time manual focus ring also provides the freedom to make precise adjustments to focus as needed.
Designed to complement the EOS M’s chic styling, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM features a graphite silver, metal exterior, while the knurled focus and zoom rings are comfortable in the hand and provide easy operation.
EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM – key features:
Adorama carries the Canon EOS M Mirrorless Camera.
From Canon:
Details
Firmware Version 1.0.2.0 [for the Canon PowerShot SX280] incorporates the following fixes and improvements:
* Time under default camera settings, when normal operations are performed, such as shooting, pausing, turning the camera on and off, and zooming. (based on conditions established by Canon).
- Under some shooting conditions, the recording time may be shorter than mentioned above.
- Recording time with a fully charged battery.
Firmware Version 1.0.2.0 is for cameras with firmware Version 1.0.1.0 or Version 1.0.0.0. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.0.2.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Please note that, once the camera is updated to the latest version, it cannot be restored to a previous version.
How to Identify Cameras that are eligible for the Firmware Update:
Please check the serial number on the bottom of the camera. This firmware update is for products with the following serial numbers.
Support
The new Firmware Version 1.0.2.0 can be downloaded by clicking here.
B&H carries the Canon PowerShot SX280 HS Digital Camera.
B&H has the Samyang 16mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS Lens available for preorder.
From DxO:
Support for the Canon EOS Rebel SL1, the Sony SLT-A58, and the Ricoh GR
June 5, 2013 – DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v8.2, the new version of its image processing software of reference for all demanding photographers, which was recently awarded the coveted 2013 TIPA Prize in the category of Best Photo Software. This update for Mac and Windows allows DxO Optics Pro 8 to support the Canon EOS Rebel SL1, the Sony SLT-A58, and the Ricoh GR, as well as to incorporate all of the new features of DxO FilmPack 4 as a plugin.
DxO Optics Pro v8.2 is able to combine the power of its corrections with the creativity of all the new tools in DxO FilmPack 4 (Expert Edition) in an entirely non-destructive workflow that handles RAW images as well as JPEG.
With DxO FilmPack 4, photographers can apply to their digital photos all the characteristic color, contrast, and grain of analog films that made photographic history, along with many original looks, filters, tonings, and visual effects — all of which can be infinitely combined and customized.
The new tools in DxO FilmPack 4 (Expert Edition) in plugin mode include a new range of effects that can give RAW and JPEG images an even more personal signature. In particular, such new effects as texture, light leaks, and special frames take users even further into the world of analog film photography.
Using DxO FilmPack 4 as a plugin for DxO Optics Pro 8 requires the purchase of a DxO FilmPack 4 license.
New DxO Optics Modules
DxO Optics Pro v8.2 benefits from the continuous development of DxO Optics Modules. 439 new camera/lens combinations now reside in the library, providing support for additional Canon, Carl Zeiss, Konica, Nikkor, Panasonic, Olympus, Sigma, Sony, Tamron, and Tokina lenses for Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Ricoh, and Sony cameras.
DxO Optics Modules contain tens of thousands of data points about the intrinsic characteristics and flaws of each camera and lens. This database allows DxO Optics Pro to automatically correct all the optical flaws in RAW and JPEG images – distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, lens softness – with an unrivaled level of quality.
Availability and prices
The Standard and Elite editions of DxO Optics Pro v8.2 for Mac and Windows are available at authorized photo resellers at a special discount through June 30, 2013:
This upgrade is free for all owners of DxO Optics Pro 8, as well as for photographers who purchased a DxO Optics Pro 7 license on or after September 1, 2012. Other users can go through their customer account to benefit from a special discount on their upgrade through June 30, 2013.
B&H carries DxO Optics Pro.
June 5, 2013 - Nikon Corporation (KIMURA, Makoto, President, Tokyo Japan) establishes Nikon Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. as the financial headquarters in the Asia and Oceania region on June 3, 2013.
Nikon has continued to promote the integrated system of full authority and responsibilities for each product business unit on a global basis since the introduction of its in-house company structure in October 1999. As business opportunities in the Asia and Oceania region are expanding, it has become more important for the group companies in the region to manage finance, accounting, legal affairs and tax effectively under the integrated direction. This led to establishment of the new company.
Outline of the new company
Name of Company | Nikon Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. |
Head Office | Republic of Singapore |
Shareholders | Nikon Corporation (100%) |
Representative | HASHIZUME, Norio, Managing Director |
Number of Employee | 7 people |
Principal Business | - Finance and accounting as regional HQs - Support and enhance the group companies in legal and tax management |
Start of Operation | August 1, 2013 |
Group Companies Affiliated | 9 subsidiaries in Asia and Oceania including; Nikon Singapore Pte Ltd Nikon (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Nikon Australia Pty Ltd Nikon India Private Limited |
From Eye-Fi:
Instant, Wireless Transfer from Digital Camera to Smartphones and Tablets
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 3, 2013 — Eye-Fi (www.eye.fi), the global leader in wireless memory cards, today launches Eye-Fi Mobi — the first card designed for the modern photo enthusiast to deliver high-quality digital photography combined with the convenience and connectivity of mobile devices. Mobi users can now share smarter, easier and faster, as their best photos and videos, from their favorite digital cameras, are instantly available on their smartphones or tablets.
"People like smartphones for taking pictures, mostly because of accessibility and instant sharing. Unfortunately, smartphones fall short for life's many moments that require zooming, high-speed shooting, low light and other features that make digital cameras superior," said Matt DiMaria, CEO of Eye-Fi. "Mobi is our simplest card yet, designed to provide photo lovers a no-compromises solution: the great quality pictures and videos of a digital camera and instant access on the smartphone to enjoy and share."
Mobi removes the hassle of transferring images so today's photographer can freely focus on taking beautiful, memorable photos. No more juggling devices, using a camera to capture quality images and then separately, taking similar, but inferior shots from a smartphone just to share. Simply replace any camera's standard SD card with Mobi, and just two quick steps later, the camera's photos instantly appear on the selected iOS or Android™ smartphone or tablet.
"Our research shows that the capabilities of Eye-Fi's Mobi cards are bridging a market gap: a majority of digital camera users are expressing interest in wireless transfer to mobile devices," commented Alan Bullock, associate director of InfoTrends. "Even more compelling is the data that many consumers say they would likely use their digital camera more if it had such a feature."
Editing and sharing photos are just as easy, because the higher quality images become part of the camera roll on the phone — ready for any favorite apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapseed, Pixlr, and even a quick text or email. Any sharing, editing or display options people love about their phones and tablets are now easily used and enjoyed with their best photos and videos.
"Until now, sharing high-quality camera pictures while traveling meant waiting until the end of the day, or worse, waiting until the end of the trip to get images off my camera," says Francesco Rovetta, an avid Eye-Fi user and founder of Summit Stories, a philanthropic mountaineering project that helps disadvantaged children. "But with the Mobi card, I can take great pictures from places as remote as Mount Kilimanjaro, while still getting the real-time editing, sharing and backup of my phone. This new card connects my phone and camera so I can share my passion for photography in a way that's convenient and fun again."
Most notably, the new Eye-Fi Mobi lets photographers:
Eye-Fi will continue to provide wireless solutions for professional and amateur photographers with the Eye-Fi Pro X2 16GB card, which has feature-rich capabilities like RAW upload support, wireless transfer to PC/Mac and optional integrated backup in the cloud.
The Mobi card will retail for $49.99 for the 8GB card and $79.99 for the 16GB card and is available now on through www.eye.fi, Amazon and in Best Buy stores nationwide. For more information about the Mobi card or Eye-Fi products and services, please visit www.eye.fi.
Amazon carries the Eye-Fi Mobi (16GB / 8GB) WiFi-enabled memory cards.
From Adobe:
Today we released Photoshop update version 13.0.5 (for Macintosh perpetual license customers) and 13.0.1.2 (for Windows perpetual license customers). This release corrects a number of issues.
Note: The new version for Creative Cloud customers, Photoshop CC, will be released on June 17th and will include any fixes that aren’t already in version 13.1.2 along along with all the new features.
Notable bugs fixed (Mac & Win)
Notable Macintosh specific bugs fixed
Notable Windows specific bugs fixed
How to get the UpdateIn Photoshop, choose Help > Updates…
If you need help with installing the update, please post questions on the Photoshop User to User forums.
Adorama has Adobe Photoshop CS6 for Windows available for $70.00 off – only $529.95 with free shipping. Regularly $599.95.
The Samyang 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift Lens Review is now available.
Note that this lens, like the other Samyang lenses, is (or likely will be) also sold under Rokinon, Bower, Pro-Optic and Walimex brand names.
"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending June 1st, 2013In the news...
It was an unprecedented week for Canon firmware updates. First off, Canon released firmware updates for the 1D Mark IV, 1Ds Mark III, and 1D Mark III – all firmware updates enabled the center AF point to autofocus when the camera is used with the EF 200-400mm F4L USM lens when used with the internal Extender and an external 1.4x Extender.
Second, Canon released a 1D X firmware update that incorporated several bug fixes including slow autofocus when using a speedlite’s AF assist beam.
Third, Canon announced a firmware update for the 1D C. Along with a few bug fixes, the new firmware provides support for 25p (PAL format) video recording in 4K resolution. Owners will have to send their cameras into Canon Service in order to update their 1D C’s firmware.
And fourth, Canon released an updated firmware for the WFT-E7A Wireless File Transmitter that corrected a couple of issues from previous versions.
On Wednesday, Canon celebrated a manufacturing milestone – the production of its 90-millionth EF-series interchangeable lens for EOS cameras. And, just in case you’re curious, the 90-millionth lens produced by Canon was a 24-70mm f/2.8L II.
On Friday, B&H and Adorama started shipping the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens with built-in Extender. We have one headed our way and look forward to putting it through its paces.
On Saturday, we posted Adobe’s response to questions regarding Creative Cloud. Adobe notes that many photographers desire a more-tailored program specific to their needs. Adobe is currently exploring photography-specific options. They are also formulating solutions that will allow Creative Cloud customers to access their existing files even after their subscription lapses. Expect more announcements from Adobe soon.
In site news and reviews...
On Thursday, Bryan posted the image quality results for the Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC PZD Lens and added the lens’s information to the Lens Specifications Tool on the site.
On Friday, Bryan tentatively announced a new feature to the site – star ratings for gear reviews. Keep in mind, we realize it’s very difficult to represent all aspects of a lens – image quality, build quality, AF speed, etc. – with a single rating. However, it is a work in progress so please bear with us.
On Saturday, Bryan added product images for several lenses to the site’s Lens Product Image Comparison Tool. Check out the tool found in the site’s menu bar for all the site’s lens comparison images.
And, for our deal of the week…
On Saturday, we posted a deal from DigitalRev where you could get a Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens for $369.00 – more than a 32% savings off the normal retail price of $549.00.
This has been the The-Digital-Picture.com’s Weekend Recap. Thanks for listening, and as always, happy shooting!"
Lens product images were added to the following review pages, which means they are also available in the Lens Product Image Comparison Tool:
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
Samyang 24mm f/1.4 US UMC Lens
Samyang 24mm f/3.5 Tilt-Shift Lens
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Lens
Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM
Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Lens
From Adobe:
We announced a major update to Adobe Creative Cloud at our MAX Creativity Conference on May 6th and as we gear up to ship this release of Creative Cloud in a few weeks, we’d like to update the community on the feedback we’ve been getting.
Our goal with Creative Cloud is to deliver the world’s best creative products and services to customers. On May 6, we announced a new generation of “CC” desktop applications and sophisticated cross-device collaboration and publishing capabilities. Creative files can be stored, synced and shared, via Creative Cloud, on Mac OS, Windows, iOS and Android. In addition, Behance, the world’s leading online creative community, is now integrated with Creative Cloud, so customers can showcase work, get feedback on projects and gain global exposure.
We will continue to offer new innovation in apps and services on an ongoing basis, which is one of the top reasons members tell us they are subscribing. We were thrilled with customer adoption leading up to the announcement on May 6th, with over 80% of people purchasing on Adobe.com selecting Creative Cloud. That momentum continues today.
That said, through discussions with the community, we have heard some concerns around our move to Creative Cloud. Three main themes are coming through:
We want to start off by reinforcing that we continue to believe that the move to Creative Cloud will benefit the wider creative community because of the constant stream of innovation that we’re able to deliver. Creative Cloud also allows us to explore new areas in mobile apps, helping you collaborate better and build a meaningful worldwide community to share work and find inspiration. Because of this we have no plans to change our focus on Creative Cloud. We understand this is a big change and for customers who are not yet ready to move, we will continue to offer CS6 products through our reseller partners and Adobe.com.
For photographers, we are looking at potential offerings that recognize the photography community – because it is so broad – has some unique needs.
With regards to file access, Adobe completely agrees that customers should have access to their files if they choose to stop their Creative Cloud membership. Our job is to delight our customers with innovation, but there are a number of options open to us here and we expect to have news around this issue shortly.
We sincerely appreciate all the feedback you have given us. We believe that an honest and open dialogue with the community will ensure that, together, we can move the creative process forward.
Thanks again for using Creative Cloud. If you have any questions or comments, please post them in our forums, where we are continuing the conversation.
- The Creative Cloud Team
Adobe is offering Creative Cloud for 60% off for students and CS6 customers; CS3-CS5.5 customers can get Creative Cloud for 40% off.
For a perpetual license option, Adorama has Adobe Photoshop CS6 for Windows available for $70.00 off – only $529.95 with free shipping. Regularly $599.95.