Canon and Sony News for May 2015 (Page 5)

 Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Yesterday, Canon celebrated the 25 year anniversary of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens by announcing the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens. Many have long been waiting for a new 50mm lens from Canon, and that the lens appeared to be a significant upgrade while retaining essentially the same ultra-small size/weight and the same ultra-low $125.00 USD price tag definitely produced smiles.

Then, "Juck" commented below the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens announcement post that the STM's "MTF chart is identical to the mk II version". At the same time, I was re-sizing and overlaying the STM and II MTF charts in Photoshop and trying to determine if I downloaded one of the wrong charts. The charts were sized differently, but they were showing the same line plots.

I of course could not mentally rest without knowing what was going on, so I asked. In answer to my "Does the new 50mm STM contain the same optics design as the 50mm f/1.8 II?" question, Canon U.S.A.'s extremely knowledgeable Chuck Westfall responded:

"Yes, the optics of the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM are the same as the original EF 50mm f/1.8 and EF 50mm f/1.8 II."

Am I disappointed? Yes. I of course want all new lenses to be optically better than the prior version.

Is using the same optical design in the new lens a bad decision on Canon's part? No, not necessarily. People loved the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens, otherwise known as the "Nifty Fifty", because of the decent prime-grade image quality it delivered at a really low price tag – the lowest of all Canon lenses.

The 50mm f/1.8 II left many other upgrades wanting and the 50mm f/1.8 STM addresses many. Here is a list of some differences between these lenses:

  • 7 rounded aperture blades vs. 5 non-rounded (no more pentagonal bokeh)
  • Metal lens mount vs. plastic
  • A much improved manual focus ring
  • STM vs. Micro Motor (should be faster and much quieter)
  • FTM (Full Time Manual) focusing
  • 13.8" (350mm) MFD (Minimum Focus Distance) vs. 17.7" (450mm)
  • 0.21x MM (Maximum Magnification) vs. 0.15x
  • 49mm vs. 52mm filter size (though not really an advantage from my perspective)
  • Narrower f/22 aperture available vs. f/16

While more difficult to specify aside from the metal lens mount, I have to expect the 25-year-newer lens to have better build quality (my original 50mm f/1.8 II broke in half for an unknown reason).

The 50mm f/1.8 is very popular today, and with this list of upgrades coming for the same price, the 50 f/1.8 STM is certain to be at least as popular.

B&H is accepting Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens preorders with shipments expected to start Thu, May 21.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 5/12/2015 12:32:24 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Noise test results have been added to the Canon EOS Rebel T6s and T6i review pages. As these two cameras share identical imaging sensors and processing pipelines, the same test results are shown for both cameras.

Here are some comparisons that you might find interesting (select ISO settings to compare):

Rebel T6i/T6s compared to the EOS 7D Mark II
Rebel T6i/T6s compared to the EOS Rebel T5i/T4i
Rebel T6i/T6s compared to the EOS 5D Mark III
Rebel T6i/T6s compared to the EOS 70D

B&H has the Canon EOS Rebel T6i (body and kit) and Rebel T6s (kit) in stock. The T6s body-only remains available for preorder.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 5/12/2015 9:52:55 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

From Sigma:

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

Regarding the Live View mode of Canon “EOS 8000D (Rebel T6s / 760D)” and “EOS Kiss X8i (Rebel T6i / 750D)” cameras that we announced on April 21st, 2015, we have now started providing a firmware update and can confirm that deliveries of these products now include the new firmware.

If you own one of the lenses listed below, please contact your nearest authorized SIGMA subsidiary or distributor to receive a firmware update free of charge.

[Update]
The new firmware will ensure the lens is compatible with the Live View mode of EOS 8000D (Rebel T6s / 760D) and EOS Kiss X8i (Rebel T6i / 750D) cameras.

Products and Serial Numbers that require the firmware update

Current models
17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSMNo. 12651501 or later
18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSMNo. 13044001 or later
APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSMNo. 12713001 or later
APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSMNo. 12902001 or later
120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | SportsNo. 50064494~ 50347793
APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSMNo. 12669751 or later
Discontinued models 
17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSMNo. 12665001 or later
18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSMNo. 12851001 or later
18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSMNo. 12656101 or later
APO 50-150mmF2.8 EX DC OS HSMNo. 12839001 or later
APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSMNo. 12676440 or later
APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSMNo. 12971601 or later

For lenses that have been repaired in the past, they may require the firmware update even when the serial number is not listed above. If the mentioned camera does not display images on the rear LCD monitor when Live View Mode button on the camera body is pressed, the firmware update is necessary.

For those who own the SIGMA USB DOCK, it will be possible to update the firmware of 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports through SIGMA Optimization Pro.

* If you use the SIGMA USB DOCK with 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports, even when the lens does not require the update, its firmware will be updated to the new version.
* For those who use APO TELE CONVERTER 1.4x EX DG or APO TELE CONVERTER 2x EX DG with the 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports, please contact your nearest authorized subsidiary / distributor of SIGMA for further support.

How to identify updated products

Products that we will be shipping from now on already have updated firmware. This can be recognized by the white sticker on lower left side of the gift box as shown below.

Sigma Live View Fix Mark
 
For further information, please contact your nearest authorized subsidiary / distributor of SIGMA.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Sigma News
Post Date: 5/12/2015 7:27:38 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Monday, May 11, 2015

Canon U.S.A has just posted a new product advisory for the original Canon EOS 5D. This is not regarding a new problem, but is a reminder that the end of service life for the 5D is scheduled for later this year:

Thank you for using Canon products.

Please note that the after-sales service period (service reception period) for this product will end on September 30, 2015. The free repairs are also scheduled to end on the same day.

We have discovered that, in rare instances, the main mirror of some EOS 5D Digital SLR cameras may detach due to deterioration in the strength of the adhesive. Accordingly, we would like to convey the details and our service policy concerning this phenomenon.

We offer our sincerest apologies to those customers who have been inconvenienced by this issue. Canon always strives to provide the highest quality products to our customers and we will spare no effort in our quality management to make sure our customers can use our products with confidence. We hope our efforts will earn your understanding.

Phenomenon

The main mirror of the camera detaches and images cannot be viewed through the viewfinder.

Affected products

EOS 5D Digital SLR cameras whose main mirror has detached.

User Support

We will repair and reinforce the mirror portion of the affected products free of charge. If you own one of the affected products, please contact our Customer Support Center.

Canon EOS 5D Mirror Detach

We appreciate your patience, and we offer our sincerest apologies to the customers using these products who have been inconvenienced by this issue.

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.

Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON (toll free)
1-800-652-2666
Email: carecenter@cits.canon.com
Support options and hours of operation: www.usa.canon.com/support

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Service Notices
Post Date: 5/11/2015 8:46:13 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

You've seen the color block noise test comparisons in the DSLR camera reviews. Creating each of those comparisons was time consuming, the comparables were limited and the test results were buried in the review pages. With the new Camera Noise Comparison Tool, any tested camera can be quickly and easily compared with any other tested camera. Links to the new tool are found throughout the site including on the Tools menu and at the top of most camera reviews.

All cameras included in the tool have "Standard" test results available. A key to remember is that the "Standard" test results have no noise reduction included. Since noise reduction can be applied to images from any camera, the without noise reduction results become the best option for comparing camera models. These results aim to best show the camera's capabilities without software algorithm assistance. Some cameras include multiple sets of test results that may include noise reduction, Multi-Shot Noise Reduction and resolution changes to match other DSLR models.

My suggestion is to load the higher resolution camera sample using the right drop-down list selection when comparing two cameras.

While adding new tests to the tool will remain somewhat time consuming, only the new test images need to be created. Nearly 500 test images are immediately available. The Canon EOS Rebel T6i / T6s results are next in line for inclusion in the tool.

Loading test results from old cameras was nostalgic. Remember when the max ISO was 1600? And we thought it was amazing?

As with most of the site's other comparison tools, the URL showing in the address bar allows sharing specific noise comparisons with others. The complete set of parameters needed to reproduce the specific comparison being viewed are included.

This page is just out of beta testing. Please report any issues and, as always, suggestions are welcome.

Resolution Results

Also added to most DSLR camera review pages is a link to resolution chart test results in the Image Quality Comparison Tool. These previously existing results were usually mentioned in the reviews, but even more buried than the noise comparisons. Look for the bulleted resolution link near the top of the camera review pages.

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Post Date: 5/11/2015 9:06:29 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

From Canon USA:

Compact and Lightweight EF Lens Features Stepping Motor (STM) Technology and is Ideal for First time DSLR Users as well as Advanced Amateur Photographers

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 11, 2015 - Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce the new lightweight and compact Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM standard lens. Featuring a large maximum aperture of f/1.8, this single focal length lens (which has an effective focal length of 80mm when attached to an EOS camera with an APS-C sensor such as the EOS Rebel T6i) is ideal for creating portraits with beautiful, soft-blurred backgrounds. It's also ideal for low-light photography and night scenes. Now incorporating Canon's proprietary STM stepping motor technology, this new lens supports Canon's EOS Movie Servo AF* (autofocus) function to provide smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording, as well as when capturing still photos.

"Canon's optical heritage of creating high-quality lenses is something we are very proud of ," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO of Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Regardless of skill level or budget, all photographers and videographers should have access to superb creative tools that enable them to capture not only beautiful images but images that tell the story of their lives.

This new Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens, will provide photographers and videographers with outstanding images they will want to share for years to come.

"The new Canon EF 50mm f/1.8mm STM lens is excellent for entry-level and advanced amateur photographers, as well as users looking to capture video. Featuring an improved exterior design, including a new focus ring placement, it provides photographers with the most compact Canon EF 50mm lens ever, at just 1.5 inches in length. In addition, this new lens uses a metal mount providing additional stability and ruggedness compared to its predecessor.

Composed of six elements in five groups, the new Canon EF 50mm f/1.8mm STM lens features an optimized lens placement and Super Spectra Coating (SSC), translating into less ghosting and flaring than the previous model, while at the same time helping to enhance light transmission and optimize color reproduction accuracy. The new lens features a seven blade circular aperture, improved from the predecessor's five blade non-circular aperture, helping to deliver a more visually appealing blurring effect, and producing sharp images of subjects that truly stand out against beautiful, soft backgrounds. The minimum focusing distance for the lens has been shortened to 1.1 feet from 1.5 feet with a maximum magnification of 0.21x, allowing for more creative close-up photos and videos.

Pricing and Availability
The new Canon EF 50mm f/1.8mm STM standard prime lens is scheduled to be available by the end of May for an estimated retail price of $125.99.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Standard Telephoto Prime Lens Specifications Summary:

  • Compact, lightweight, fixed focal length standard lens for EOS cameras
  • Large f/1.8 maximum aperture
  • 80mm effective focal length when attached to EOS cameras with APS-C sensors
  • Canon STM gear type stepping motor technology provides quiet autofocusing to support Canon's EOS Movie Servo AF function
  • Improved exterior design including new focus ring placement makes it the most compact Canon EF 50mm lens ever
  • New metal mount for stability and ruggedness
  • Super Spectra Coating for minimized ghosting and flaring
  • Circular seven blade aperture
  • 14-inch minimum focusing distance
  • 0.21x maximum magnification

B&H has the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM available for preorder.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Announcements
Post Date: 5/11/2015 7:31:55 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Friday, May 8, 2015

From Mindshift Gear:

Tired of having to take off your backpack to get at your essential gear, our sister outdoor company, MindShift Gear, has released the new, higher volume rotation180° Horizon rotating backpack. The rotation180° Horizon backpack with rotating beltpack allows for instant access to food, binoculars, cameras and lenses, and other essential equipment. Plus, there is now added extra space in the main pack for larger gear, including clothing, climbing gear, and up to a 13” laptop. Daisy chains and ice ax loops provide additional lash points.

KEY FEATURES

  • Integrated rotating beltpack for accessing trail essentials: camera, 10” tablet, binoculars, maps, guidebook, and snacks.
  • Dedicated zippered hydration compartment on side fits most 3L reservoirs
  • 2 bags in 1: removable beltpack can be worn separately for shorter outings
  • 13” laptop fits in main compartment
  • Backpack holds jacket, layers, hat, gloves, lunch, etc.
  • Front zippered pocket provides quicker access to smaller items, such as climbing gear, field instruments, first aid kit, and climbing shoes
  • Small trekking tripod, or fly rod/reel carry easily on the front or side panels
  • Load–lifter straps adjust the weight distribution for comfortable fit
  • Side water bottle pocket fits most 32 oz. water bottles
  • Two rows of daisy chains for additional attachment points
  • Beltpack compression straps adjust for custom fit
  • Integrates with MindShift’s Tripod Suspension Kit
  • Webbing rail for attaching additional components to waist belt
  • Breathable padded airmesh shoulder harness with adjustable sternum strap
  • Aluminum stay in frame sheet, provides for custom fit
  • Optional seam–sealed rain cover

OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY PROFILES FOR BELTPACK

  • Canon 5DMIII with 24-70mm f/2.8 attached + 16–35 mm f/2.8 + tablet
  • Nikon D810 with 70–300 f/4.5–5.6 attached + 18–35 mm f/3.5–4.5 + Flash + tablet
  • 1–3 GoPro bodies, LCD BacPac, remote, batteries, SD cards, various mounts and adaptors + tablet

MATERIALS

Exterior: For superior water–resistance, all exterior fabric has durable water–repellant coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. It also has high quality YKK zippers, 420D velocity nylon, 420D high–density nylon, 100D shadow Ripstop nylon, 210D velocity nylon, Ultra–Stretch fabric, nylon webbing, 350G airmesh, and 3–ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: 200D polyester lining, belly–o mesh pockets, closed–cell antilon foam, 3–ply bonded nylon thread

MindShift Gear has the rotation180° Horizon Backpacks available now.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: MindShift Gear News
Post Date: 5/8/2015 3:04:36 PM ET   Posted By: Sean

Canon has posted its official Rebel T6s/T6i Service Advisory following Roger Cicala's discovery of sensor spots and posted to the LensRentals Blog at the end of April.

From Canon:

Thank you for using Canon products.

This notice is to proactively inform our customers of the phenomenon described below along with Canon’s support actions. We value the trust our customers have placed in us, and we are dedicated to continuously improving product quality as well as delivering industry-leading service and support. We offer our sincerest apologies to any customer who may be inconvenienced.

Phenomenon
In some units of the models listed below, the following phenomenon may occur due to irregularities on an optical layer located in front of the image sensor:

White spots may exist on the optical layer which may result in the appearance of dark circular patterns on the captured image under certain shooting conditions.

Affected Products
The phenomenon described above may occur in cameras whose first and second digits of the serial number are as set forth below.

Identification Procedure

  • Serial Number: [XXnnnnnnnnnn]
  • EOS Rebel T6s: If “XX” is “01” or “02”, the phenomenon described above may occur.
  • EOS Rebel T6i: If “XX” is “01” or “02”, the phenomenon described above may occur.

* “n” represents any digit.

NOTE: If the battery cover contains the marking illustrated below, the camera is NOT affected by the phenomenon described above even if the first and second digits of the serial number are of the numbers mentioned above.

Canon EOS Rebel T6i mark

Support
Potentially affected cameras will be inspected and affected units will be repaired free of charge.
We are developing a solution and will inform you as soon as it is available.

  • Canon EOS Rebel T6s: tbd
  • Canon EOS Rebel T6i: tbd

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.

If you have not already done so, please register your Canon EOS Rebel T6s or your Canon EOS Rebel T6i. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email about future announcements.

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Service Advisories
Post Date: 5/8/2015 9:32:28 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From MindShift Gear:

Tired of having to take off your backpack to get at your essential gear, our sister outdoor company, MindShift Gear, has released the new, higher volume rotation180° Horizon rotating backpack. The rotation180° Horizon backpack with rotating beltpack allows for instant access to food, binoculars, cameras and lenses, and other essential equipment. Plus, there is now added extra space in the main pack for larger gear, including clothing, climbing gear, and up to a 13” laptop. Daisy chains and ice ax loops provide additional lash points.

KEY FEATURES

  • Integrated rotating beltpack for accessing trail essentials: camera, 10” tablet, binoculars, maps, guidebook, and snacks.
  • Dedicated zippered hydration compartment on side fits most 3L reservoirs
  • 2 bags in 1: removable beltpack can be worn separately for shorter outings
  • 13” laptop fits in main compartment
  • Backpack holds jacket, layers, hat, gloves, lunch, etc.
  • Front zippered pocket provides quicker access to smaller items, such as climbing gear, field instruments, first aid kit, and climbing shoes
  • Small trekking tripod, or fly rod/reel carry easily on the front or side panels
  • Load–lifter straps adjust the weight distribution for comfortable fit
  • Side water bottle pocket fits most 32 oz. water bottles
  • Two rows of daisy chains for additional attachment points
  • Beltpack compression straps adjust for custom fit
  • Integrates with MindShift’s Tripod Suspension Kit
  • Webbing rail for attaching additional components to waist belt
  • Breathable padded airmesh shoulder harness with adjustable sternum strap
  • Aluminum stay in frame sheet, provides for custom fit
  • Optional seam–sealed rain cover

OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY PROFILES FOR BELTPACK

  • Canon 5DMIII with 24-70mm f/2.8 attached + 16–35 mm f/2.8 + tablet
  • Nikon D810 with 70–300 f/4.5–5.6 attached + 18–35 mm f/3.5–4.5 + Flash + tablet
  • 1–3 GoPro bodies, LCD BacPac, remote, batteries, SD cards, various mounts and adaptors + tablet

MATERIALS

Exterior: For superior water–resistance, all exterior fabric has durable water–repellant coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. It also has high quality YKK zippers, 420D velocity nylon, 420D high–density nylon, 100D shadow Ripstop nylon, 210D velocity nylon, Ultra–Stretch fabric, nylon webbing, 350G airmesh, and 3–ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: 200D polyester lining, belly–o mesh pockets, closed–cell antilon foam, 3–ply bonded nylon thread

MindShift Gear has the rotation180° Trail Backpack available for purchase.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: MindShift Gear News
Post Date: 5/8/2015 9:01:08 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Don’t miss what Macworld called one of the best conferences of the year. MAX is the place to get inspired and informed by amazing speakers, empowering workshops and over 5,500 other creatives.

Register by July 31 to get Early Bird pricing — a full MAX pass for US$1,295, a savings of US$300.*

Register Now

* Offer expires at 11:59pm (PDT) on July 31, 2015. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. Valid only for persons 18 years and older with purchase of one (1) full (three-day) Conference Pass to the Adobe MAX event occurring on October 3–7, 2015. Limit: one (1) discount per person. To register and redeem the US$300 savings with purchase of one (1) full Conference Pass for MAX 2015 (reg. street price US$1,595), visit the MAX registration website by 11:59pm (PDT) on July 31, 2015. Discount will be applied during checkout. Offer not valid with non-full (three-day) MAX passes or for group, bundle, or volume purchases. Offer is subject to availability and may not be exchanged, sold, or transferred; combined with any other discount or offer; or redeemed for cash or other goods and services.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Adobe News
Post Date: 5/8/2015 8:30:26 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Canon USA:

Children grow up quickly. Don't regret missing any of their special moments, from their first smile to their first day at school. Capture all their amazing changes, big milestones and everyday adventures with a Canon camera.

B&H carries Canon DSLR cameras. Need to know which one is right for you? Check out Bryan's Canon DSLR camera reviws.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Photography Education Videos
Post Date: 5/8/2015 8:13:42 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From the Canon Professional Network:

"Photographer and filmmaker Vincent Laforet has flown over some of America’s most iconic cities at night with a camera – with breathtaking results. He is now winging his way to Europe and wants you to be a part of 'Project AIR', as he explains to CPN Editor David Corfield..."
See the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Professional Network
Post Date: 5/8/2015 8:00:25 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Still Live: eBay (via GetItDigital) has the Canon EOS-1DX DSLR Camera (review) available for $3,999.99 with free shipping. Compare at $5,299.00 after $700.00 instant savings. (thanks Carl)

Note: This is likely a grey market item and not technically eligible for a Canon USA warranty.

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Posted to: Canon News   Categories: Photography Deal, Canon Deal
Post Date: 5/8/2015 7:35:12 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Resolution samples have been added to the Canon EOS Rebel T6s and T6i review pages. These two cameras share the same imaging sensor, so the same set of results are shared by the two.

Remember that the T6i/T6s results are processed in Canon Digital Photo Pro version 4 as these RAW images are not supported in version 3. I talked about the Canon DPP 4 vs. 3 differences recently.

The 7D Mark II and 70D were the previous Canon APS-C resolution record holders. The T6s/T6i adds 4 megapixels of resolution to these bodies. Here is the Canon EOS T6s vs. 7D Mark II comparison.

The T6i and T6s imaging sensors also surpass the previous Canon full frame resolution record holder, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. Here is the Canon EOS T6s vs. 5D Mark III comparison.

B&H has the Rebel T6i (body and kit) and Rebel T6s (kit) in stock. The T6s body-only remains a preorder item.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 5/8/2015 7:27:34 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Thursday, May 7, 2015

by Sean Setters

When a friend of mine posted on Facebook, "Does anyone have any use for a TON of expired coffee beans?," I quickly replied, "I'll take 'em."

As others expressed interest in the coffee beans for gardening purposes, and I didn't need much for the macro shots I thought I might use them for, I only ended up getting a couple of bags out of the seventeen pounds she was offering (though I'm sure I could have found an interesting use for that many coffee beans).

As I was picking up the graciously free props I asked my friend if there was anything specific she wanted me to shoot with them. Much to my surprise she had a very quick answer. "Amanda. Something with her hair, maybe?"

While it certainly wasn't what I had in mind, it sounded right down my alley. I nodded my head and replied, "Okie dokie. I'll see what I can do."

With a vague idea in my head, Amanda and I took the opportunity of some free time yesterday afternoon to bring it to fruition. I laid a standard sized (32x40") white foam-core white poster board on my living room floor. I then extended the legs of my Induro CT314 to their fullest extent, reversed the center column, attached my 5D Mark III + Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art and positioned the tripod directly above the board. After that, I set up one light stand with a Canon 580EX and an 24" Glow softbox and another light stand with a 580EX and a Westcott RapidBox Octa (both triggered via radio slaves).

I asked Amanda to lay on the white board so that her head was basically centered in the board. We then spread out her hair so that it filled a majority of the space after which I began taking test exposures while fiddling with the position of the lights. I settled on f/6.3, 1/160 second at ISO 160 for the exposure with the lights set to between 1/8 and 1/4 power.

Getting the light just right proved a little challenging because of the orientation of the subject and the background and the fact that both were on the ground. I positioned the RapidBox Octa toward the top of Amanda's head, camera left, feathered a little downward. I positioned the 24" softbox camera right but feathered slightly toward the top of the frame. This lighting position and close power ratio provided a relatively flat lighting from a highlight to shadow perspective, yet there was still a direction to the light which helped to sculpt and highlight Amanda's features.

Then the coffee beans. If I had thought through this setup a little more, I would have laid down a garbage bag or two beneath the white board in order to catch stray coffee beans before they hit the carpet – but I didn't. When I opened the bag and started pouring the beans onto the background, the beans bounced much more than I had imagined. While most of the coffee beans stayed within the confines of the white board, more than a few landed on the carpet. Tip: If a coffee bean lands on your carpet, be careful not to step on it. It can make the mess infinitely more difficult to clean up.

We tried several different poses throughout the session including several with Amanda holding a coffee mug. But in the end, this was the keeper from the shoot. And while I typically see the world in a 2x3 (and increasingly, 16x9) frame, I ended up liking the square crop best and knew it would work well as a profile picture.

Since updating her Facebook profile picture yesterday afternoon, the picture has amassed 95 likes with several nice comments as well. It's amazing what you can do with a little space on your floor, a white board, a tripod, a couple of lights, a pretty girl and a bag of magic [coffee] beans. ;-)

Click on the image atop this post to see a larger sized version on Flickr.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 5/7/2015 10:02:16 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
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