Adobe just announced a Photoshop Photography Program for Creative Cloud at Photoshop World. In short, you can get Photoshop CC and Lightroom 5 for $9.99/month. There is a catch, though - to get this pricing, you must be an owner of Photoshop CS3 or later. While I haven't seen an official press release regarding the new program, I did find some FAQs on Adobe's site:
From Adobe FAQ:
What is the Adobe Photoshop Photography Program offer?
This offer includes access to Photoshop CC and Lightroom 5, plus feature updates and upgrades as they are available; 20GB of cloud storage for file sharing and collaboration; and Behance ProSite for your own fully customizable professional portfolio. That means you get all the benefits of a Creative Cloud single-app membership for Photoshop CC, but with Lightroom 5 included as well, for about half the monthly price.
This offer is available to customers who own a previous version of Photoshop or Photoshop Extended, version CS3 or later (CS3.x, CS4, CS5.x, or CS6). Requires an annual commitment with monthly billing. Valid from September 17, 2013, through December 31, 2013, in countries where Creative Cloud is purchased directly from Adobe.com.
Can I get Adobe Bridge CC with the Photoshop Photography Program offer?
Yes. Bridge CC is available for download and use as part of your Creative Cloud membership.
I am already a Creative Cloud member. Do I qualify for this offer?
Existing Creative Cloud members who wish to transition to this offer must own a previous version of Photoshop or Photoshop Extended, version CS3 or later (CS3.x, CS4, CS5.x, or CS6).
If you meet this qualification, how you transition will depend on the type of membership you have:
I own an earlier version of Lightroom but not Photoshop. Do I qualify for the Photoshop Photography Program offer?
No. Only customers who own a previous version of Photoshop CS3 or later qualify.
Will the cost of my Photoshop Photography Program membership increase?
Customers who sign up by December 31, 2013 will be able to continue their membership. This price is not a special introductory price for your first year only; it is the standard price for this level of membership. But if you cancel your membership in the future, you will not be able to re-join at this special price.
Update: Looks like Adobe still doesn't have the signup page active - I jumped the gun with the previous update/link. I'll update with a new post when the signup page becomes available.
I am LOVING the always-on Canon EOS 70D viewfinder level indicator. This feature marks a great step forward in resolution of my HLDS (Horizon Level Deficiency Syndrome).
Some of the other recent Canon DSLR Cameras have a viewfinder level indicator that utilizes existing focus points or the exposure scale at the bottom of the viewfinder to show the camera's state of levelness. This feature has been extremely useful to me.
But, as soon as I half-press the shutter release, the level indication goes away. I am relied upon to maintain the camera's levelness as I focus, adjust framing and then shoot. To compensate, I often focus, switch to manual focus mode, frame, turn on the level indicator and then take the shot. I of course need to remember to turn AF back on before shooting the next scene.
I maintain a Canon wish list (it might show up again as a "What I Want from Canon for Christmas" post). Having a viewfinder level indicator that continues to function up until the shutter release has been on my list.
With it's always-on (when metering is live), easy-to-see, dedicated, superimposed viewfinder level indicator, the EOS 70D solves that problem. It is even available during AI Servo full frame rate burst shooting (if I can maintain the brain power to use it). While this feature seems minor and insignificant, the small improvement can make a difference in the quality of your images if pixel-level-destructive image rotation is no longer required during post processing. Having properly-leveled images right out of the camera can also save many hours of work after a big shoot.
Now, Canon, would it be too much to ask to have the viewfinder level in the previous so-equipped DSLRs remain live until shutter release via a firmware update? My EOS 5D Mark III bodies especially need it!
And while I'm asking. For the times when I still don't get the camera level ... Since the camera knows the level reading at the time the shot was captured, record the level meter reading in EXIF and then give me an option to auto-level the image in DPP (Canon's Digital Photo Pro software).
Read the initial email signup post to learn a bit more about the site's new newsletter. I will be randomly selecting one email address from the active list to give away an awesome Think Tank Photo StreetWalker HardDrive Camera Backpack. This will be the last notice prior to the giveaway!
From Canon:
MELVILLE, N.Y., September 4, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is set to expand its imagePROGRAF large format S-Series printers, adding the 44-inch iPF8400S and 24-inch iPF6400S printers, which will offer enhanced print management and color control capabilities, versus the previous models. The new printers are designed to aid graphic arts providers in maximizing productivity while printing their jobs, helping to ensure output is consistent and accurate. In addition, the new imagePROGRAF models boast features with the ability to help ensure color consistency of an entire fleet of iPFX400 series printers across multiple office locations and environments. With the ability to execute high-volume, reliable output, it is well-suited for print service providers and in-plant operations that receive frequent, large-quantity requests from clients with high-standards for color consistency.
"The color calibration capabilities of our newest imagePROGRAF models arm providers with an advantage in today's highly competitive production printing market," said Sam Yoshida, vice president and general manager, Marketing, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A. "These machines are designed to excel in demanding industry segments, and we are confident that our customers will be impressed with their efficient, accurate and consistent management of high-volume print jobs enabled by the calibration capabilities and print management features included in these models."
Color Management and Control
Maintaining consistent, reliable output is an important control requirement of industry service providers. The 44-inch iPF8400S and 24-inch iPF6400S printers feature an enhanced color calibration system that can help ensure consistency while offering flexibility.
Fleet-Wide Printer Management
As industry providers increase in size and capabilities, so does the demand for streamlined administration of print fleets both large and small. The Canon iPFX400S printer lineup is designed to meet these needs with a set of features, including the Color Calibration Management Console (CCMC), remote functionality and scheduled color check features, that once networked help improve access and general operation of an iPFX400S printer fleet versus the prior models, whether printers are in close proximity, reside in nearby rooms or even exist in separate buildings.
Enhanced Productivity Features
With intuitive software programs and the CCMC, the new devices can help streamline print jobs and ensure resources are used efficiently. These features further expand the capabilities of each printer and can help providers manage a diverse range of client requests, including the ability to print from one machine or a fleet of printers.
Device Details & Availability
Canon's new imagePROGRAF iPFX400S models - the iPF8400S and iPF6400S printers - are expected to be available in mid-September 2013 through Authorized Canon Dealers and Premier Partner Resellers and will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $4,995 and $2,995 respectively.
From Canon:
New Capabilities Include ACESproxy Output, Full RAW 120fps 4096 x 1080 Resolution and DCI-P3+ Color Gamut Support for the EOS C500 Camera, and 80,000 ISO Shooting for All Three Cinema EOS Camera Models
MELVILLE, N.Y., September 4, 2013 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced significant enhancements for the EOS C500 and EOS C300 Digital Cinema Cameras, and the EOS C100 HD Digital Video Camera, through new firmware scheduled to be available starting in November 2013 for the EOS C300 and EOS C100 camera and December 2013 for the EOS C500. In addition, the XF305 and XF300 series camcorders are scheduled to receive firmware updates in early 2014 that include GPS support and enhanced digital tele-converter capabilities. Based on input from the motion picture and television production communities, these updates are designed to extend image capture capabilities, increase operational convenience, enhance the versatility of recorded files, and facilitate postproduction workflow efficiencies, particularly with regard to maintaining accurate industry-standard color values.
"Canon is committed to supporting the motion picture and television production communities to the fullest extent possible," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "Canon listens closely to comments from the production industry. These new Canon firmware updates for Cinema EOS cameras and XF300-series camcorders are designed to enhance the ability of filmmakers and professional content creators to meet their technical and creative needs, and help them tell their stories as they envisioned them."
Among the updates for the Canon Cinema EOS C500 Cinema Camera are: an ACESproxy (Academy Color Encoding System) output from the camera's 3G-SDI monitor terminal for immediate on-set color correction (using a compatible ACES monitor with ASC CDL [The American Society of Cinematographers Color Decision List]) while primary footage is being recorded in RAW; support for the DCI-P3+ color gamut (a selectable function providing a wider range of color than DCI-P3); Canon proprietary Cinema Gamut for an even greater color gamut than industry standards ITU-R BT.709 (Rec. 709) and DCI-P3; and greater still than DCI-P3+. The firmware also includes an increase in ISO of up to 80,000 for capturing usable footage in darker conditions (including moonlight). The ISO increase also applies to the Canon EOS C300 Cinema Camera and the Canon EOS C100 Digital Video Camera, both of which also share additional firmware enhancements with the EOS C500 Cinema Camera, including a Peripheral Lens Correction feature to maintain even illumination from corner to corner of the image when using select EF lenses. A full list of all firmware updates for each EOS camera appears below.
Canon EOS C500 Firmware Updates
Canon EOS C500, C300 and C100 Camera Firmware Updates
Canon EOS C500 and C300 Camera Firmware Updates
Canon EOS C300 Camera; XF305 & X300 Camcorder Firmware Updates
Canon EOS C300 Firmware Updates
Canon EOS C100 Camera Firmware Update
XF305 and XF300 Camcorder Firmware Update
All products in the Canon Cinema EOS line are engineered to provide outstanding image creation capabilities for professionals in the motion picture, television and diverse high-resolution digital production industries. All of these products are designed to contribute to the continued advancement of tools for visual expression and they convey Canon's ongoing commitment to the industry.
Model: | EOS C500 | EOS C300 | EOS C100 | XF305 | XF300 |
Scheduled to be available in Dec. '13 | Scheduled to be available in Nov. '13 | Scheduled to be available in Nov. '13 | Scheduled to be available in Q1 '14 | Scheduled to be available in Q1 '14 | |
ACESproxy | X | ||||
DCI-P3+ Support | X | ||||
Canon Cinema Gamut | X | ||||
Canon Log LUT over SDI | X | ||||
Cooling Fan Control | X | ||||
4096 x 1080 RAW | X | ||||
Peripheral Lens Correction | X | X | X | ||
ISO Up to 80,000 | X | X | X | ||
Magnify Location Shift | X | X | X | ||
Record Button Lock | X | X | X | ||
GPS Support | X | X | X | ||
Multi-Person Log-In | X | X | |||
ISO/Iris Assignment | X | X | |||
Wide DR Gamma | X | ||||
1440 x 1080 at 35Mbps | X | ||||
Push Auto Iris | X | ||||
One-Shot AF | X | ||||
AE Shift/ Metering Mode/ Flicker Reduction | X | ||||
Menu Navigation through Camera Body Buttons | X | ||||
Digital Tele-Converter | X | X |
Adorama carries Canon Cinema cameras.
From Canon:
Designed for Film-Style Operation, the Canon Cinema Prime Lenses Deliver Exceptional 4K / 2K / HD Imaging Performance and a Broad Range of Focal Lengths
MELVILLE, N.Y., September 4, 2013 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced today the new CN-E35mm T1.5 L F single-focal-length Cinema prime lens designed for large-format single-sensor digital cinematography cameras employing Super 35mm or full-frame 35mm imagers. Delivering outstanding optical performance in contemporary 4K / 2K / HD motion imaging, the new Canon CN-E35mm T1.5 L F prime lens is the sixth member of Canon's line of compact, precision-matched EF-mount Cinema prime lenses, which also includes 14mm, 24mm, 50mm, 85mm and 135mm EF-mount models.
Collectively, Canon's Cinema prime lens family delivers a wide range of the most important choices in focal lengths to address a myriad of creative digital cinematography choices. All six Canon Cinema prime lenses provide a full-frame 36mm x 24mm image circle for full compatibility with the Canon EOS-1D C, EOS C500, EOS C300 Digital Cinema cameras, the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X DSLR cameras, the EOS C100 Digital Video Camera and EF-mount cameras made by other manufacturers. The lenses also feature consistent color balance, minimal focus breathing, water-resistant rubber gaskets, and an 11-blade aperture diaphragm to help achieve creative depth-of-field manipulation and pleasing "bokeh" effects. The six Canon Cinema prime lenses are also designed to facilitate production with uniform stepless gear-positioning rings for iris and focus, with an identical 300§ smooth rotation angle on the focus ring. These control rings - switchable from feet to metric labeling - maintain just the right amount of resistance with consistent operating torque. Lens barrels are engraved with easy-to-read scale markings, and consistent 114mm front lens diameters can accommodate screw-on filters and other accessories.
"As with all Canon Cinema prime lenses, the new Canon CN-E35mm T1.5 L F lens has been crafted to meet the creative requirements of the most discerning cinematographers, directors and producers," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "Filmmakers indicated a need for this lens in our lineup and with its launch, we now offer six cinema prime lenses covering some of the most important focal lengths."
Canon EF Mount Advantages
All Canon Cinema prime lenses feature a genuine Canon EF-mount with electronic contacts that interface with corresponding contacts on Canon cameras for direct communication between each device. This communication allows lens data - including F-numbers - to be displayed in the viewfinder. Both the F-number and the lens model name are also recorded in the camera's video file as metadata. The new upcoming firmware announced today for the Canon Cinema EOS C500, EOS C300 and EOS C100 cameras will provide Canon proprietary features, such as the Peripheral Illumination Correction function, for the CN-E14mm, 24mm, 50mm, 85mm and 135mm lenses and is scheduled to be available by the end of 2013. Such features are scheduled to be available for the new CN-E35mm lens in 2014.
Focal Length | CN-E14mm | CN-E24mm | CN-E35mm | CN-E50mm | CN-E85mm | CN-E135mm |
Maximum Aperture | T3.1 | T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.3 | T1.3 | T2.2 |
Image Circle | Full Frame 35mm | Full Frame 35mm | Full Frame 35mm | Full Frame 35mm | Full Frame 35mm | Full Frame 35mm |
Angle of View** | 104.3°x 81.2° | 73.7°x53.1° | 54.4°x | 39.6°x27.0° | 23.9°x16.1° | 15.2°x10.2° |
M.O.D.*** | 0.2m | 0.3m | 0.3m | 0.45m | 0.95m | 1.0m |
Focus Rotation Angle | 300º | 300º | 300º | 300º | 300º | 300º |
Outer Diameter | 114mm | 114mm | 114mm | 114mm | 114mm | 114mm |
Length | 94mm | 101.5mm | 101.5mm | 101.5mm | 101.5mm | 116mm |
Weight | 2.65 lbs | 2.65 lbs | 2.43 lbs | 2.42 lbs | 2.87 lbs | 3.09 lbs |
Image Circle | Full Frame 35mm | Full Frame 35mm | Full Frame 35mm | Full Frame 35mm | Full Frame 35mm | Full Frame 35mm |
Iris Blade | 11-blade | 11-blade | 11-blade | 11-blade | 11-blade | 11-blade |
Optical Quality | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K |
Canon Cinema Zoom Lenses
The versatility of image-capture options using Canon EOS Cinema Cameras can be further extended with Canon's Cinema Zoom lenses (the CN-E14.5-60mm T2.6 wide-angle and the CN-E30-300mm T2.95-3.7 telephoto) and compact Cinema Zoom lenses (the CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 wide-angle and CN-E30-105mm T2.8 telephoto). All four lenses are available in both EF- and PL-mount versions; the mount can be switched at a Canon service facility in the United States for added flexibility. Almost all of Canon's EF Series photographic lenses can also be used with Canon Cinema EOS Cameras, including Image Stabilized zoom, tilt-shift and macro lenses.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon CN-E35mm T1.5 L F Cinema prime lens is expected to be available in December 2013 for an estimated retail price of $5,200. For a visual representation of the power of Canon's Cinema optics, please visit: pro.usa.canon.com/cineoptics.
Adorama carries Canon's Cinema lenses.
Planet5D has an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how Doug Urquhart combined timelapses and RAW video to create "Eye of the Beholder" seen above. The video is quite impressive as is the behind-the-scenes material, too.
See the behind-the-scenes material at Planet5D.
I have added a high ISO noise comparison between 8 Canon DSLR Cameras to the site. Included of course is the new Canon EOS 70D.
Note that this comparison requires a heavy file download. To make the primary review pages more mobile friendly, the color block tests are now residing on their own pages. Those viewing from slow or mobile connections can now choose whether or not to view the high bandwidth-requiring pages while reading a DSLR review. I will include image quality commentary on both pages with instructions on how to skip the commentary on the review page if the comparison page was viewed.
Purchase Opportunities:
The Canon EOS 70D is now in stock: Adorama | Amazon
"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending August 31st, 2013In the news...
On Tuesday, PocketWizard announced the availability of their Hot Shoe to Miniphone Cable. Dave Schmidt, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for PocketWizard noted, 'This cable has been long overdue in our line. There are several flashes on the market that skipped the basic PC port making this cable a necessity and the PC port is not known for its reliability. This high-quality cable will provide the connectivity and reliability photographers expect from PocketWizard.'
On Wednesday, Adorama announced its new Glow series light modifiers from Flashpoint. The Glow series includes budget-friendly softboxes and octaboxes made for studio strobes and shoe-mount flashes. Check out the Glow series at Adorama for all the products offered.
In site news and reviews...
On Thursday, Bryan published image quality test results from the Canon EOS 70D. The camera seems to produce results that are a great balance between the 60D’s and T4i’s sharpness levels. Bryan also posted an MP3 of the 70D’s frame burst - sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
And just a reminder, signing up for the site’s newsletter will give you a chance to win a Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Harddrive Camera Backpack. Just enter your email address in the appropriate textbox above the site’s menu bar.
And, for our deal of the week…
On Thursday, we posted a deal from Adorama where you could get a Zacuto Z-Finder Jr Optical Viewfinder for only $56.75 with free shipping. That’s a savings of $100.00 off the normal retail price.
This has been the The-Digital-Picture.com’s Weekend Recap. Thanks for listening, and as always, happy shooting!"