From Canon Professional Services:
Canon Professional Services will once again host the Canon Hospitality Suite at NAB 2015. The Canon Hospitality Suite will be open to all NAB show attendees and will feature complimentary Clean & Check service for Canon professional products.
The Clean & Check service is limited to (2) Canon EOS DSLR bodies or EF/ EF-S lenses, or (1) Cinema EOS product or (1) XF professional camcorder. All items are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and same-day service is not guaranteed.
The Canon Hospitality Suite will also include an exclusive product showcase highlighting Canon’s full professional line-up and Canon professional product reps will be available to provide product demonstrations and answer questions.
The Canon Hospitality Suite is located in room C201, just a short trip from Canon’s booth (C4325) in a private CPS elevator.
Dates and Hours of Operation:
Monday April 13, 2015 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday April 14, 2015 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday April 15, 2015 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday April 16, 2015 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (Gear pick up only, no new items)
Location:
Las Vegas Convention Center
3150 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(All times indicated are local time and schedule/content subject to change without prior notice)
Canon Professional Services (CPS)
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens review page.
Compare the DO II to the 400mm f/2.8 L IS II on the 7D Mark II.
B&H has the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens available for preorder.
B&H has the Canon EOS C300 Mark II Cinema Camera and XC10 Compact 4K Camcorder available for preorder.
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, April 8, 2015 – Canon today unveils the XC10 – a compact, lightweight video and digital stills camera that brings professional 4K quality to aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts. Inheriting many of the Cinema EOS range’s features, the XC10 offers incredible recording versatility and is the ideal solution as a small, stand-alone camera for independent film makers or the perfect accompaniment as a supporting B camera in larger productions.
Unleashing 4K recording for enthusiasts
Boasting outstanding market leading image quality, traditionally associated with larger cameras, as well as the flexibility and ease of use of traditional compact camcorders, the XC10 delivers consistently breath-taking results. Its advanced imaging engine – a powerful combination of a specially developed 1” CMOS sensor and Canon’s new DIGIC DV5 image processor – gives both budding filmmakers or experienced pros the blistering speed and quality they demand to capture 4K video, at a wide range of variable bit rates.
Able to fit seamlessly into workflows, or productions with existing Cinema EOS cameras, the XC10 can record UHDTV standard (3840 x 2160) 4K footage to an internal CFast 2.0¹ card at up to 305Mbps, or Full HD (1920 x 1080) footage to an SD card at up to 50Mbps, with pro-standard 4:2:2 colour sampling for high resolution performance.
The XC10 delivers rich colour, synonymous with Cinema EOS cameras, with a high ISO of up to 20,000, ensuring excellent results in low light conditions, and a 12-stop Wide Dynamic Range, providing vivid detail in both highlights and shadows.
Shooters have the freedom to capture a diverse range of scenes in professional 4K quality using a specially developed 10x optical zoom lens, complete with Canon’s class-leading image stabilisation technology. With a versatile 27.3-273mm focal range (35mm equivalent, in video mode) videographers can easily switch between capturing sweeping scenes, to intimate close ups with a single lens. Pros and enthusiasts alike can change between movie recording and still image shooting, capturing high quality 12.0 MP images, or extracting 8.29 MP stills from 4K video footage.
Uncompromising design, optimised for easy shooting
The XC10 redefines the boundaries of advanced compact camcorder design, with a body that’s instantly intuitive to use. Once in your hand, you’ll find a rotating grip that supports a variety of shooting styles, as well as essential feature controls at your fingertips, including a manual zoom and focusing ring. Designed to match any shooting preference, the camcorder features a 7.66cm vari-angle touch LCD, with 100% field coverage, providing direct access to the menu system through a simple set of cross keys, while an included optical loupe viewfinder, that fits the LCD, offers a more traditional shooting experience.
Fostering creativity with expert workflows
Professional videographers can easily integrate the XC10 into existing production kits and workflows, thanks to its portfolio of professional standard codecs and recording modes. Canon’s new XF-AVC H.264 codec supports recording in both 4K and Full HD quality, enabling easy integration into industry- standard Non-Linear Edit systems. Canon Log Gamma also enables maximum freedom in post-production editing and processing and seamless quality matching with content shot on Cinema EOS cameras. Additionally, videographers can freely shoot in 4K, and later down convert to Full HD, to create a higher quality end product, and enable greater flexibility in the editing process.
A selection of slow and fast motion recording modes – including up to 1200x fast motion in 4K/Full HD, and up to1/4x slow motion in HD – as well as interval shooting provide further creative opportunities.
The XC10 is also Wi-Fi compatible; enabling remote control of key features via a browser, smartphone or tablet – securing its position as an essential part of any Cinema EOS video shooter’s toolkit.
XC10 Key benefits:
Pricing and availability
The XC10 will be available from June 2015 with an RSP of £1599.99 ($2,499.00 USD).
B&H has the Canon XC10 Compact 4K Camcorder available for preorder.
From Canon:
TOKYO, April 8, 2015 — Canon Inc. announced today the development of XF-AVC, a new proprietary video format for the efficient recording of high-image-quality 4K, 2K and HD video footage. Mainly targeting professional-use 4K video camcorders, XF-AVC will deliver enhanced workflows across various stages of the production process, from shooting to editing.
In recent years, the widespread use of digital data in cinema and video has become commonplace throughout the entire production workflow. Accordingly, amid growing demand for high-image-quality video, there have been increasing opportunities to record in 4K resolution video, which employs more than four times the number of pixels used in HD content. In light of this trend, Canon developed its XF-AVC video format to support greater workflow efficiency and convenience during the production process for high-image-quality video.
The new Canon XF-AVC is a standard that defines each recording method for the visual and audio data components that make up individual video files. Because XF-AVC employs the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video compression format, which realizes a high data-compression rate without sacrificing image quality, it supports the efficient recording on memory cards of high-image-quality 4K, 2K and HD video content captured on video camcorders. As a result, not only can external storage and other equipment required during shooting be kept compact, because it enables the recording of high-image-quality video data, the format also facilitates color grading and other high-precision editing processes.
Canon will employ XF-AVC primarily in the Company's 4K-compatible professional-use video camcorders, such as the XC10 (to go on sale in mid June 2015) and EOS C300 Mark II (to go on sale in early September 2015). Additionally, by collaborating with various industry manufacturers in connection with the new video format, Canon will deliver improved ease and convenience during cinema and video production workflows for high-image-quality video.
XF-AVC: Primary specifications
From Canon UK:
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, April 8, 2015 – Canon today unveils the EOS C300 Mark II, a new 4K video camera allowing filmmakers and broadcast producers to realise their creative vision in stunning cinematic detail. Building on the unprecedented success of the acclaimed EOS C300, the more rugged EOS C300 Mark II features an advanced imaging engine with dual DIGIC DV5 processors, new professional codecs and outstanding dynamic range, making it the most capable, flexible and accessible Cinema EOS video camera to date.
Supreme 4K image quality and versatility
With the ability to record 10-bit 4:2:2 files internally at up to 410Mbps in 4K, or 10/12-bit 4:4:4 files in 2K/Full HD, with up to 15 stops of dynamic range, the EOS C300 Mark II provides footage suitable for extensive post-production work, producing crisper images across the full colour spectrum with reduced “colour bleed”. The camera offers professional filmmakers and broadcasters alike the very best image quality, recording 4K in both broadcast (3840 x 2160) and DCI cinematic (4096 x 2160) resolutions.
The EOS C300 Mark II can record high bitrate 4K files internally to dual CFast 2.0 media, while simultaneously recording 4K RAW files to an external recorder, offering the flexibility and universal appeal for production at the highest quality available today. Additionally, the ability to record 2K/Full HD Proxy files to an internal SD card, at the same time, further streamlines the production workflow process.
The new Canon-designed Super 35mm CMOS sensor and an increased ISO range up to ISO 102,400 deliver exceptional low light performance, allowing operators to capture low-noise footage across a variety of challenging environments without compromising on image quality.
To meet the requirements of a diverse range of shooting applications, the EOS C300 Mark II offers both full manual control, ideal for cinematic environments, as well as automatic modes. These include, enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF (now covering approx. 80% of the frame vertically and 80% horizontally), auto white balance and Face Detection AF, all making it easier for independent news gatherers and documentary filmmakers to shoot on the go.
Instant integration into professional workflows
Canon’s new range of XF-AVC H.264 codecs, designed to be compatible with industry standard Non-Linear Edit systems, makes integrating both 4K and 2K/Full HD footage into workflows effortless, while maintaining the highest image quality. The range features XF-AVC intra for 4K, and XF-AVC Long GOP and Proxy options for 2K/Full HD recording, both of which utilise H.264 codec, offering post production flexibility and ease of use. Filmmakers can select the resolution and codec type that best suits their production, with the EOS C300 Mark II capable of shooting at up to 30P in 4K or up to 120P in 2K/Full HD.
The EOS C300 Mark II offers support for a wide range of colour space options, including BT.2020, the Canon Cinema Gamut and DCI-P3. The camera is also the first Cinema EOS model to feature brand new Canon Log2 technology, which enables the 15-stops of dynamic range, significantly wider than previous Cinema EOS cameras. The camera offers new versatility for sound recording too, supporting 4-channel audio recording in 16 or 24 bit and 48 kHz.
Designed for versatility
The EOS C300 Mark II boasts the iconic Cinema EOS design DNA – a modular body that can be adapted to suit the needs of each shooter and filming situation, through the extensive range of compatible accessories. Internally, the EOS C300 Mark II also includes built-in electronically controlled glass ND (neutral density) filters, which reduces the amount of light reaching the sensor by up to 10 stops in expansion mode. Compatibility with the RC-V100 remote control and optional Wi-Fi control also enables ease of use in a wider range of locations.
The camera’s sensor read-out speed is now twice as fast as the original EOS C300, and further reduces rolling shutter distortion, allowing for crisp image capture in a moving environment, making it perfectly suited for capturing action sequences.
Leveraging Canon’s rich heritage in lens design, the EOS C300 Mark II is compatible with more than 90 current EF and EF Cinema lenses allowing operators to use their existing EF mount lenses. In addition, the EOS C300 Mark II comes equipped with Canon Cine servo zoom lens support, delivering one of the most comprehensive selections of lens possibilities for movie and broadcast production available in the market today. For further flexibility, shooters can opt to change the lens mount from the default EF Mount, to EF Mount with Cinema Lock, or to the industry standard PL mount, as a service option.
EOS C300 Mark II key benefits:
Pricing and availability
The EOS C300 MKII will be available from September 2015 with an RSP of £11,299 ($15,999.00 USD) excluding VAT.
B&H has the Canon EOS C300 Mark II Cinema Camera available for preorder.
From Datacolor:
New line of color management devices includes Spyder5EXPRESS, Spyder5PRO, and Spyder5ELITE
Lawrenceville, NJ – April 7, 2015 – Datacolor, a global leader in color management solutions, today released Spyder5, the next generation of its popular monitor calibration solutions.
Datacolor Spyder5 is the color accuracy solution designed by photographers for photographers, to help them see, share and print their images, just as they intended. The 3 versions of Spyder5 – EXPRESS, PRO and ELITE – reduce the hassle of figuring out why digital photographs look different on screen, and why the colors on screen don’t match photo prints. All Spyder5 product versions adjust, or calibrate, monitors to an industry color reference standard so colors are accurate and shadow and highlight details are preserved. With true screen color, photographers can more accurately edit their photos and achieve better print matching.
The next generation Spyder5 colorimeter is compact, portable and protected for use on all laptop and desktop monitors. Datacolor has redesigned Spyder’s patented 7-detector optical engine to deliver up to a 55% improvement in tonal response, resulting in more accurate shadow detail and smoother gradients.
“A picture is more than a photograph – it contains a photographer’s emotional connection with the scene they’re shooting. It’s critical that a photographer’s computer monitor displays accurate color, so they can see, share and print their captured moments just as they intended them,” said Heath Barber, Imaging Market Manager, Datacolor. “Spyder5 is an important tool for all photographers. Spyder5 calibrates a computer monitor to industry color reference standard so an image’s true color, with accurate shadow and highlight detail is displayed. Seeing accurate color makes photo editing easier and faster and provides better print matching so less ink and paper are wasted. Spyder5 saves photographers time and energy so they can spend more time doing what they love doing – taking photographs.”
Spyder5EXPRESS is a cost-effective tool for serious photographers seeking an easy-to-use color accuracy solution through a simple, interactive four-step process guide. Using it’s before and after feature, users can evaluate calibration results using a professional Datacolor composite image. Spyder5EXPRESS also supports multiple monitor calibrations.
Spyder5PRO is ideal for photographers and creative professionals looking to take their skill and artistic vision to the next level by achieving precise color accuracy. Advanced features include an integrated ambient light sensor for room light monitoring, an extensive range of calibration settings, display analysis and the ability to import images for before and after calibration evaluation.
Spyder5ELITE offers professional photographers, studios, and calibration perfectionists who demand the highest levels of color accuracy, ultimate control of the calibration process. Spyder5ELITE offers a built-in tripod mount to easily calibrate front projector displays. Expert features include an unlimited range of calibration settings, comprehensive display analysis, advanced before and after evaluation of imported images, monitor matching and tuning, and optimized gray balance routines.
Pricing and Availability
The new Spyder5EXPRESS, Spyder5PRO and Spyder5ELITE are now available at photography and consumer electronics retailers nationwide or online at datacolor.com/spyder5-pr. The Spyder5EXPRESS is priced at $129, Spyder5PRO at $189, and Spyder5ELITE at $279.
B&H carries the Datacolor Spyder5 line of color calibration tools.
Headshot artist Peter Hurley got to spend some quality time with the upcoming Canon EOS 5Ds and provided his thoughts on the camera and how it compares to the medium format cameras he typically uses in studio.
B&H has the Canon EOS 5Ds (and 5Ds R) available for preorder.
Image quality results have been added to the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens review page.
You are going to like what you see – this lens does not disappoint in this test. Here are some comparisons:
Canon 400mm DO IS II compared to the 400mm DO IS (version I)
Note the significant contrast improvement over the original 400 DO. The blacks are obviously darker. The difference in sharpness remains clear even at f/5.6. The II's reduction in CA is also worth mentioning as is the with-extender performance.
Canon 400mm DO IS II compared to the 400mm f/2.8L IS II
Both lenses in this comparison are initially set to wide open apertures. I give the f/2.8 version a slight advantage in this comparison, but keeping perspective, we are comparing the DO II to an amazing lens. At f/4, the f/2.8 L IS II, assisted by some vignetting clearing, shows a slightly bigger advantage. Good luck finding a sharpness difference at f/5.6.
Canon 400mm DO IS II compared to the 400mm f/5.6L (initially set to both lenses wide open)
Canon 400mm DO IS II compared to the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II (initially set to both lenses wide open)
B&H has the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens available for preorder.
From Nikon:
Modifications enabled with firmware COOLPIX S9700 Ver. 1.1
Download the Nikon COOLPIX S9700 Firmware v1.1
Our Velvet 56 classic portrait lens gives you a velvety, ethereal start with a smooth finish, from the big picture to the smallest details. Bringing modern-day simplicity to the carefully crafted build and look of mid-20th century portrait lenses, this 56mm f/1.6 manual portrait and macro lens evokes an experience like no other. Embrace the moment as you easily go from capturing gorgeous, radiant environments to intimate details in the same scene.
B&H has the Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 Lens available with shipping beginning April 13.
For a limited time, CanvasPeople has their custom canvas prints on sale for 80% off.
Canvas Print Sale Prices
Size | Standard Gallery Wrap | Thick Gallery Wrap |
8x10 | $10.00 | - |
11x11 | $13.80 | - |
11x14 | $14.00 | $18.00 |
16x16 | $16.60 | - |
9x27 | $17.40 | - |
16x20 | $18.80 | $23.60 |
18x24 | $21.80 | $25.80 |
20x30 | $25.80 | - |
24x36 | - | $39.99 |
20x48 | - | $43.99 |
From RØDE:
RØDE Microphones is once again partnering with Red Giant to offer an incredible dual-system audio solution to its customers for 2015.
Customers who purchase an eligible RØDE microphone from an authorised dealer worldwide and register online for their free extended warranty will also receive a free copy of Red Giant’s audio syncing software, PluralEyes Express. Valued at US$99, PluralEyes Express is an exclusive version of the award winning PluralEyes that has been specially tailored for RØDE users.
Revolutionising the dual-system audio workflow, PluralEyes analyses the audio from multiple cameras and other audio devices and syncs them up in seconds, eliminating the need for clapboards, time code, or manually syncing audio to video in post-production. With an ever-expanding range of broadcast microphones applicable for dual-system setups, RØDE recognizes PluralEyes as a vital tool in post-production for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
“We’re extremely thrilled to collaborate with Red Giant once again and offer this amazing software which compliments our range of microphones perfectly.” Commented RØDE’s Global Marketing Manager, Scott Emerton. “We had such an overwhelming response to our first partnership with Red Giant back in 2012 that we knew we had to provide a similar offer. We’ve listened to our customers and expanded the range of eligible microphones this time, so more people will get to experience the incredible workflow of PluralEyes.”
“Red Giant is honored to be partnering with RØDE. This collaboration once again combines the best of breed products in the pro audio and filmmaking software industries and ultimately benefits our shared customers” says Robert Sharp, Vice President of Global Sales for Red Giant.
For the full microphone eligibility list, more information on PluralEyes Express or to register your microphone for your FREE software download please visit www.rode.com/pluraleyes.
B&H carries RØDE microphones.
Ok, it's a bit of a stretch to call a surge protector a necessary photography tool. But I suppose a good surge protector could help keep the images on your computer safe, so maybe it isn't that much of a stretch after all?
With that in mind, Amazon is featuring select Belkin Surge Protectors as its Gold Box Deal of the Day.
Note: I picked just picked up the Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Surge Protector with 8 ft. Cord [pictured above] to help protect and better organize the components of my entertainment center. [Sean]