Canon & Nikon News and What's New (Excluding Deals) (Page 7) Report News & Deals

From Canon:
 
Canon U.S.A Redefines Ease of Use for Left-Handed Digital SLR Photographers with the EOS 7D L
 
Lake Success, N.Y., April 1, 2013 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced a revolutionary new camera that finally addresses the needs of left-handed photographers worldwide: the Canon EOS 7D L Digital SLR camera. Based on the highly successful EOS 7D, the EOS 7D L features a reversed ergonomic design which left-handed photographers will fall in love with. Whether it's shooting at eight frames per second (fps), focusing with Zone AF mode or recording 24p Full HD video, the EOS 7D L DSLR camera satisfies the most rigorous professional requirements with durability, flexibility, customizable controls and impressive image quality.
 
To support production of the EOS 7D L, state-of-the-art manufacturing lines developed for the classic EOS 7D were reproduced in mirrored orientation.
 
“Canon has been a world leader in innovation for over 65 years - and the EOS 7D L is another innovative product that we are proud to have associated with that heritage,” says Yuchira Izukio, executive vice president, CMOS Imaging Development, Canon U.S.A.
 
Canon EOS 7D L Features:

• Reversed ergonomics tailored to left-handed photographers
• 18-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor with Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors
• Advanced 19-point customizable Autofocus system
• iFCL Metering System
• 8 frames per second (fps) burst rate
• Full HD video recording (24p/25p/30p)
• Manual adjustment of audio levels
• ISO levels 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800)

Pricing and Availability
 
The Canon EOS 7D L Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers at the end of May, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $1,499.00*. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon's EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,769.00*.
 
* Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
 
Preorder Opportunities:
 
Canon EOS 7D L DSLR Camera (Body): B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS 7D L DSLR Camera with EF-S 15-85mm IS USM Lens Kit: B&H | Adorama | Amazon

I know this is a bit off-topic for a photography website, but it's no secret that I [Sean] love my Roku box. I use it every day to watch Netflix streaming, see a slideshow of Flickr's most interesting photos of the day, watch or listen to media content stored on my desktop computer (via Plex Media Server software), or simply relax to Pandora being played through my home entertainment system.
 
With this announcement, I can't help but wonder how Roku's latest technology might be adapted for use by photographers:

• Would this be a good way to show someone a slideshow of your best images?
• Could it be adapted for use by DSLR video shooters to preview videos or check focus peaking?

From Roku:
 
Roku Streaming Shades were designed with the on-the-move TV watcher in mind. Comfortable, silicone nose pads keep the lightweight frame securely in place on even the smallest-featured of faces. Our industrial designers worked side-by-side with fashion designers to create a frame that looks smart wherever you want to watch a movie secretly, whether it’s a dull work presentation or your child’s piano recital.
 
Simple voice commands put you in control of Roku Streaming Shades. “OK, shades, play next Breaking Bad on Netflix” will start the next episode of the gritty, award-winning drama on the built-in glass prism display (a mere 3 cm from your eyes).
 
Roku Streaming Shades will support over 100 Roku channels at launch, with more to be added. Video is the star. Our research shows that users don’t want to use head-mounted displays to send text messages to people 10 feet away, learn the length of the Brooklyn Bridge or creep friends out by live casting a party. They want to veg out to marathon sessions of Homeland.
 
Two models of Roku Streaming Shades will be available:

• Roku Streaming Shades – Plastic frames in tortoise shell, mulberry or onyx. Up to 720p video. 801.11 a/b/g/n. Bluetooth 4.0.
• Roku Streaming Shades XS – Aluminum frames in ultramarine, persimmon, cornsilk or dust storm. Up to 1080p video. 801.11 a/b/g/n (801.11n in 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz. GSM/EDGE, LTE connections (data plan $50/month for 50GB from to-be-announced wireless carrier). Bluetooth 4.0.

Both models support voice commands via a built-in microphone and audio output with speakers and a stereo headphone mini-jack. A mini bluetooth Roku remote makes it simple to skip songs on Pandora when you don’t want to appear to be talking to yourself. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 10 hours of video streaming bliss.
 
An accelerometer and a three-axis gyroscope make it possible to play Roku games with natural head motions – just keep an eye out for curbs and oncoming traffic. Both models come with Angry Birds Star Wars free.
 
Use your Streaming Shades with the recently announced Roku 3 player for seamless video viewing. If you walk in the door halfway through an episode of Game of Thrones on your Streaming Shades, simply command “Okay, shades, send show to TV” to finish up on your Roku 3.
 
Roku Streaming Shades ($399.99) and Roku Streaming Shades XS ($499.99) will be available on Roku.com, Amazon.com and other major online retailers beginning April 31.
 
For those of you who live, breathe and eat technology, Roku Streaming Shades are the new way to ensure that nature, social events and family don’t get in the way of watching your favorite shows 24/7. It’s TV time. Anytime and ANYWHERE.
 
If the Roku Streaming Shades are out of your budget range, then you may want to look at their newly released Roku 3 Streaming Player that sells for less than $100.00.

From Kenko Tokina USA:
 
Company Name Change
 
APRIL 1, 2013
 
THK Photo Products, Inc based in Huntington Beach, CA will formally change it's corporate name to Kenko Tokina USA, Inc effective April 01, 2013.
 
THK Photo Products, Inc is the USA authorized importer and distributor of Tokina lenses, Hoya filters, Slik tripods and Kenko photo accessories. The company is also a wholly owned subsidiary of Kenko Tokina Co, Ltd of Tokyo Japan. THK Photo Products, Inc is executing this official name change to align itself with the parent company's global marketing strategy.
 
Mr. Yasumi Suga, president of THK Photo products comments, "We have seen tremendous growth in our core brands over the last 37 years. We are excited about the name change to Kenko Tokina USA because it best reflects our company's identity. As we continue to grow our brands moving forward, this name change will allow our customers to easily identify our company and the brands we distribute.”
 
Operating as Kenko Tokina USA, Inc, the company will continue to promote, distribute and service it's core brands of products in the USA.
 
Note: By all accounts, this appears to be a legitimate news story today.
 
B&H carries Kenko and Tokina products.

From LensRentals Blog:
 
Using Energy to Detect Color
 
I [Roger Cicala] was able to talk with Dr. Eno Lirpa, one of the optical physicists on the Baceolus team, about their new sensors.
 
“When looked at from a physics point of view, current sensor technology is just a foolish design”, Lirpa says. “You give away so much resolution just to detect color. It’s just not necessary. Every photon already carries a color message.”
 
Every first-year physics student learns the simple formula E = hc/ ? where E equals photon energy and ? it’s wavelength. If you know a photon’s energy it’s simple to calculate wavelength and therefore determine the photon’s color.
 
For example, blue light, with a wavelength of 400nm has an energy of 3 electron volts per photon, while 700nm wavelength red light has an energy level of 1.77 electron volts, and green light 2.43.
 
“It’s a fairly simple engineering matter to measure a photon’s energy as it strikes the camera sensor, but everyone has been so focused on cramming more megapixels onto the chip,” Lirpa continues. “There hasn’t been much interest in adding additional technologies to the chip.”
 
There is no Bayer array over a Baceolus sensor. Other manufacturers have used new back-illuminated sensor technology to move the wiring behind the actual photosensor, rather than in front of the sensor.
 
Baceolus goes one step further. They’ve taken advantage of a back illuminated sensor to place energy sensing circuitry in front of each photo well. A simple calculation converts energy level to wavelength, determining that photon’s color
 
Read the entire fascinating article on the LensRentals Blog.

 
From RØDE:
 
RØDE has announced the i16, a surround sound microphone for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that combines sixteen discrete microphone capsules to capture the user’s surrounding audio environment in broadcast quality.
 
RØDE’s iXY stereo microphone for iOS devices was released in January, and has already gained critical praise from both musical and mainstream media, including a recent Red Dot product award.
 
The company is quickly emerging as the leader in microphones for Apple’s portable devices, and the i16 aims to consolidate this reputation.
 
RØDE’s founder and president, Peter Freedman, explains: “When developing the iXY we were focussed on providing the ultimate in stereo audio capture for iOS devices. But during the project it became that there was a large proportion of the market who wanted to record in complete surround. We’ve taken that seriously and produced the i16.”
 
The new microphone uses RØDE’s own field recording app, RØDE Rec, to record the sixteen tracks simultaneously at quality up to 24-bit/96kHz.
 
At the heart of the i16 is an incredible sixteen individual gold-sputtered cardioid condenser capsules, which allows the user a high amount of freedom to record in either surround, stereo, mono, or anywhere in between.
 
“Once the user records the surrounding environment, software processing inside RØDE Rec will allow them to cancel background noise through phase manipulation of the other channels, working much in the same way as noise-cancelling headphones.” explained Mr Freedman. “In this way the i16 is even more effective at recording dialogue than a traditional shotgun microphone.”
 
Once the user records the surrounding environment they can then use that track to phase cancel any background noise, very much like noise-cancelling headphones. This results in highly intelligible dialogue and crystal-clear audio.
 
The i16 is available with both Apple Lightning (iPhone 5, iPad mini) and 30-pin connections. Both are shipping now, with a MSRP of US$399.
 
B&H carries RØDE products.

 
Do you want to experience that "new camera smell" but don't have the budget for an upgrade right now? Well, you're in luck!
 
From Google:
 
The new scentsation in search
 
Coming to your senses: go beyond type, talk, and touch for a new notation of sensation.
 
Your internet sommelier: expertly curated Knowledge Panels pair images, descriptions, and aromas.
 
Take a whiff: the Google Aromabase - 15M+ scentibytes.
 
Don't ask, don't smell: For when you're wary of your query - SafeSearch included.
 
See the Google Nose Homepage for more information. (thanks Hope)

 
From YouTube:
 
Published on Mar 31, 2013
 
Thanks for all your great entries.
YouTube finally has enough videos to begin selecting a winner.
What do you think is the #bestvideo on YouTube?
 
We've been thrilled with all of the diverse, creative entries we've seen so far, and we can't wait to begin the process of selecting the best video. We'll be announcing the winner in 10 years.
 
Vote for your favorite video here.

"World Backup Day" is this Sunday. As a photographer, you cherish your photos - but have you done enough to protect them? While we like to think that our devices and hard drives are reliable, they will eventually fail. When it comes to protecting your images (or other important files), redundancy, distance and discipline are your friend.

• Redundancy - Make several copies of your most important data.
• Distance - Always store at least one backup in a different geographic location than your original data. For instance, use an online cloud storage backup service. Else, send a backup portable hard drive to a family member who lives a comfortable distance away from you.
• Discipline - Backup regularly. Backup often.

Relevant Posts

• Backup While Traveling - Backing Up When on the Road
• Your Images are Not the Only Assets You Need to Back Up

Portable Hard Drives - B&H | Adorama | Amazon

 
From Gizmodo:
 
"Researchers at Panasonic's imaging division have found a way to increase the sensitivity of digital camera sensors, which in turn equates to almost double the brightness in photos taken in low light conditions. But the discovery has nothing to do with the sensor itself; instead, the company's improved the color processing filter placed in front of it..."
 
Read the entire article here.

Canon EOS 60D ISO 12233 resolution chart test results for most current Canon lenses are now included in the site's camera lens image quality comparison tool.
 
As you can imagine, this was a big project for us. The 60D will become the standard EF-S Lens test camera and we will continue to test EF Lenses with the 60D as time permits.
 
Though the 60D results are useful in same-camera comparisons, you will find that results from this camera are not as sharp as results from the 1Ds III and other impressive Canon full frame cameras - even though identical test and processing settings (with a very low sharpness setting) were used. The T4i would deliver sharper results at the same processing settings (comparison), but the T4i has increased high ISO noise visibility as a result. There is a trade-off. The 60D results can also be given a higher sharpness setting. You are welcome to load 60D results into your favorite image processing application to see how increasing sharpness changes the results for the lens you are interested in.
 
Interesting spec: There are now 25,344 crops from 8,448 ISO 12233 test images available for review on the site.

 
From BBC News:
 
Dragons' Den star Peter Jones has spoken of his excitement as Jessops re-opens 30 stores across the country.
 
The entrepreneur now owns the camera retailer after 187 shops closed in January with the loss of 1,500 jobs.
 
He told the BBC's Steph McGovern he has "never been more excited about re-launching a business".

From Transcend:
 
Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend®), a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today announced the introduction of the 64GB microSDXC Ultra-High Speed Class 1 (UHS-I) memory card. With enough space to carry an entire collection of personal media files, the new 64GB microSDXC card also features high-speed transfer rates of up to 45MB/s (300x); perfect for users aiming to get the best performance results from their mobile device.
 
Featuring capacities ranging from 8GB to an enormous 64GB, Transcend's Premium Series microSDHC/SDXC UHS-I memory card lineup allows smartphone, tablet, and other portable device users to significantly expand their multimedia storage space. The new 64GB microSDXC card, for instance, can store more than 10,000 high-resolution jpeg images (12 megapixel camera, 6MB file size), a full 16 hours of 1080p High-Definition footage (1920x1080 9Mbps H.264 AVC compression), or over 1,200 media-rich mobile apps (50MB file size).
 
In addition to large capacity, mobile users consider fast performance to be an equally important factor when choosing the best memory upgrade solution. Equipped with the next-generation UHS-I interface, the 64GB microSDXC UHS-I card offers data transfer speeds of up to 45MB/s (300x) – especially noticeable when running memory-intensive mobile apps and capturing high-quality video. With its impressive combination of high-speed performance and vast storage capacity, the 64GB microSDXC UHS-I memory card will undoubtedly satisfy mobile users for a very long time.
 
For added value, each Transcend UHS-I memory card includes a free download of Transcend’s own RecoveRx™ software – an extraordinarily effective tool for bringing back accidentally deleted or lost files. Transcend’s new 64GB microSDXC UHS-I card is now available for a suggested price of US$109 and carries Transcend’s renowned Lifetime Warranty.
 
B&H carries Transcend Memory Cards.

Nikon Professional Services has published a D-Movie Setting Guide for the D800, D800E, and D4 DSLR cameras.
 
Topics Covered in the Guide

• Workflow
• Before Recording
• Live View
• Menu Options
• Other Settings
• Recording
• After Recording

Download the Nikon D-Movie Setting Guide (PDF, 16.9mb).
 
B&H carries the Nikon D800, D800E, and D800E DSLR cameras.

Is every camera bag you own labeled with your name, address and phone number? If not, go label it right now.
 
Upon arriving at our rental house in Maui, Hawaii, after being up/traveling for nearly 24 hours, my daughter asked me if I had her camera - a Rebel T4i. With a sinking feeling, I replied that I did not.
 
My mind immediately began plotting the course of action that was to be taken - after I had some sleep. We had been in four airports and on three planes that day. Locating the camera appeared to be a huge challenge - if not an impossibility.
 
I woke up the next morning to a voice mail from Janet at the United ticket counter in the Vancouver International Airport. The camera had been left on a plane and went at least one stop beyond our time on that particular aircraft. Janet knew how to reach me because: I had a business card in the camera case.
 
While it may seem normal to have a business card in a travel camera case, the particular case my daughter was using was the tiny Lowepro Rezo TLZ-20 Case. Cases this size are seldom tagged, but as proven on my last trip, they should be.
 
If you were to lose your camera and the case you are carrying it in, would someone know how to get in touch with you? This does not apply only to airline travel. A lost camera could happen at a restaurant, hotel, wedding, park ... or anywhere.
 
This story *should* have a happy ending. An intern apparently dropped the ball on shipping the camera back, but that issue appears to have been resolved and the camera is in route. And fortunately, I had an EOS M packed to HI - it became my daughter's camera for the trip.
 
 
Following is a relevant (and entertaining) infographic Mike shared with us:
 

From Photoshelter:
 
The Photographer's Guide to Copyright
by PhotoShelter and the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP)
 
Navigating copyright can be a daunting task. So, we’ve partnered with the experts at ASMP to break down this important subject and help you, the photographer, take the necessary steps to protect your work.

• Discover your 6 exclusive rights under copyright law.
• Learn how to secure your photos and avoid infringement.
• Get tips to register your work through the U.S. Copyright Office.
• Understand steps to take if you are infringed.

Get the guide here.

From Canon Professional Network:
 
"Canon Ambassador Jeff Ascough has been photographing weddings in his distinctive, award-winning, documentary style with the EOS 5D Mark III DSLR and the EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens: you can find out his opinions about working with the new standard zoom lens in an exclusive CPN interview.
 
The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens is a smaller, lighter, more optically sophisticated and durable incarnation of a zoom lens that was already much favoured by photojournalists, portrait, landscape and wedding photographers."
 
See the CPN article here.
 
B&H carries the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens.

The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 and T5i Owner's Manuals are now available for download:
 
Canon EOS Rebel SL1 (PDF, English)
Basic Instruction Manual | Quick Reference Guide | Full Instruction Manual
 
Canon EOS Rebel T5i (PDF, English)
Quick Reference Guide | Full Instruction Manual
 
Preorder Opportunities:
SL1 Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon
SL1 with 18-55mm IS STM Lens: B&H | Adorama | Amazon
 
T5i Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon
T5i with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM Lens: B&H | Adorama | Amazon
T5i with EF-S 18-135mm IS STM Lens: B&H | Adorama | Amazon
 
[via CanonWatch]

From Sigma Japan (paraphrased from Google Translate):
 
2013.03.27
 
SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM, SIGMA USB DOCK Release Postponed
 
Thank you for your patronage.
 
The "SIGMA USB DOCK" and "SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM" lens were expected to be released in March 2013 for Canon. Because of a delay in the procurement of [manufacturing] parts, the release date has been postponed.
 
For now, the revised release date has not been determined. Please check our website for future updates on these products.
 
We apologize for the inconvenience.
 
B&H has the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Lens (Canon/Nikon) available for preorder.

Here is a list of changes/upgrades in the Rebel T5i from the Rebel T4i:

• New Finish
• 360° Rotation Mode Dial
• Larger and Raised Icons on the Mode Dial
• Addition of Scene Mode to the Mode Dial
• Digital Zoom during Movie Recording
• Real-time preview of creative filters in Live View
• New 18-55mm STM Kit Lens

Canon informed me that the entire imaging pipeline is the same. Same AF system as well.
 
While I would of course rather have the newer model, the above-listed additional benefits will set you back, at announcement time, an additional $100.00 USD for the body-only and $250.00 USD for the 18-55mm lens kit (with the $150 instant rebate in effect).
 
Am I missing something? Or should the T5i perhaps be better-named the T4iN?
 
Is anyone going to pay the price for these minor T5i upgrades?
 
Is a full T5i review worth the significant time and cost required to create?
 
Let me know what you think over at our Facebook page.

 
In late 2012, travel photographer Jeff Cremer embarked on a mission to create the highest-resolution image of Machu Piccu ever created. Cremer used a Canon EOS 7D, an EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM lens, and a Gigapan camera mount to capture the 1920 images used for the panoramic image.
 
Check out the final 16 gigapixel image of Machu Picchu.

The Nikon COOLPIX A owner's manual is now available for download (PDF): English | Spanish
 
You can preorder the Nikon COOLPIX A at Adorama and Amazon.

I posted a gallery of Hawaii Pictures with at least a little commentary for each.
 
This image collection is probably not what most are expecting to see. The Hawaiian Islands have extremely diverse climates and landscapes - within individual islands. Temperatures can change from mid-80s to upper 20s within a 2 hour slow-speed drive. And wind can drive home the particular temperature you are in. The average annual rainfall within these small islands can range from over 460" annually down to 10-12" annually.
 
The variety of subjects available in Hawaii could occupy my photography interests for a very long time.

From Datacolor:
 
What’s In Your Camera Bag?
 
A camera, of course! But what else might you want or need to have with you while traveling, shooting on location, or in the studio? Find out which items are needed for Indoor vs. Outdoor portraits, Landscapes vs. Scenic vs. Panorama and Macro vs. Still life. What is the best way to organize these items in your bag to make sure all of the essentials fit?
 
Join us, Thursday, March 28th from 3PM-4PM EST, as Datacolor Experts David Saffir and C. David Tobie discuss these topics, plus share some important info about lens focus correction, color management tools, setting yourself up for success in post-production and more!
 
An interactive Q&A will take place throughout the webinar to answer any questions you may have.
 
One lucky webinar guest will win a free SpyderCUBE and Deuter Freerider Pro Hiking Bag w/ TrekPak insert!
 
Title: What’s In Your Camera Bag? Co-sponsored by TrekPak
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2013
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST
 
Register here.
 
B&H carries Datacolor products.

The Canon Camera Museum has published a Technical Report on the 430EX II and 600EX-RT Speedlites.
 
B&H carries the Canon 430EX II and 600EX-RT Speedlite flashes.

From DxO:
 
DxO Optics Pro v8.1.4: Support for 4 new cameras
 
03/25/2013
 
DxO Optics Pro v8.1.4 provides support for four additional new cameras: the Nikon Coolpix P7700, the Nikon 1 J3, the Olympus XZ-2 iHS, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3.
 
DxO Optics Pro v8.1.4 integrates many powerful tools for processing RAW and JPEG images, including the best tool for automatically adjusting contrast and light, along with precise color management. Its unrivaled performance and intuitive interface provide a quick and smooth workflow.
 
11,000 DxO Optics Modules available
 
DxO Optics Pro v8.1.4 benefits from the continuous addition of DxO Optics Modules. More than 200 new camera/lens combinations have been added to the library, offering support for additional Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Sigma, Tokina, and Zeiss lenses for numerous Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Pentax cameras..
 
Among the new lenses supported are the Nikon 1 NIKKOR 18.5mm f/1.8 (a standard lens equivalent to a 50 mm in 24x36 format), and Pentax’s recent trans-standard K-mount, the smc DA18-270mm F3.5-6.3 SDM.
 
The addition of these new combinations means that DxO Optics Pro 8 now has more than 11,000 DxO Optics Modules at its disposal. Developed in the laboratory using an exclusive calibration process, this unique database automatically corrects optical flaws such as distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, and lens softness.
 
To see supported and planned combinations, click on the link below then select the second tab.
 
Supported and planned combinations
 
New DxO Optics Modules
 
B&H carries DxO Optics Pro 8.