From Photoflex:
We have some very big news to share with you, our valued customers. Promark International, Inc., a leader in photographic tools, has added Photoflex to their growing family of brands. Together, Promark and Photoflex will focus on delivering high quality, industry-defining lighting solutions for photographers of all skill levels.
Here at Photoflex headquarters, business will go on as usual. Photoflex will continue to develop photographic lighting tools and work hard to meet a wider set of customer needs with the support of Promark International.
We look forward to growing the Photoflex brand and continuing the momentum we have gained over the last 30 years in the industry. Thank you for your continued support.
- Photoflex Team
Other PROMARK Brands
B&H carries the Photoflex, Radiopopper, Photogenic, Smith-Victor, Cool-Lux, Norman, Speedotron, Quantum, Logan and Dot Line Corporation brands.
Canon has officially launched its recommended lenses list for use with the ultra-high resolution EOS 5Ds and 5Ds R DSLR cameras.
The following lenses are recommended by Canon for getting the best from the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R:
Zoom Lenses
Wide angle fixed focal lenses
Standard fixed focal length lenses
Telephoto fixed focal length lenses
Admittedly, there are a couple of things about the official list that leave us baffled. For one, why is the EF 70-200mm f/4L USM listed but not the newer EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM? The IS version of the lens is newer and produces just as good (if not slightly better) image quality.
For another, I can't understand why Canon would include the EF 50mm f/1.8 II (and to a lesser degree, the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM) in the recommended lenses list. I personally would not consider their wide-open image quality to be optimal for such a demanding sensor. [Sean]
Note: I changed "EF 200mm f/2L II USM" to "EF 200mm f/2L IS USM" because, of course, there is no such lens (I did not notice the discrepancy when posting but linked to the correct lens). It is our belief that it's a simple typo – the second "I" should have been an "S." Below is a screenshot of the source document that also contained the error.
From the B&H YouTube Channel:
In this episode of B&H Wedding Tips, professional NYC Wedding Photographer Ryan Brenizer shares his post production workflow from start to finish. Ryan walks us through his best practices including his post wedding media management, Lightroom tips, and tricks to sharing your work with your clients.
Adobe's Creative Cloud Photography Plan (USD$9.99 per month) includes Lightroom CC across desktop, web and mobile, Photoshop CC and Photoshop Mix.
While the Canon EOS 5Ds Review (coming soon) will feature a complete review of the 5Ds cameras (including the R functionally), the Canon EOS 5Ds R Review takes a closer look at the differences between these two cameras.
Posting the 5Ds R differences review before the full 5Ds review may seem backwards, but ... we know most of what these cameras are about already. They are based on the 5D Mark III (including the AF system) with a new sensor and some new features. The resolution, noise and sounds are now known and available on the site. With these results all being excellent, for many (including me), the decision remaining to be made was between the 5Ds and the 5Ds R.
The 5Ds R review focuses on those differences and especially on moiré and the commonness of its occurance. I'll reveal my personal choice at the end.
While B&H has had the Canon EOS 5Ds in stock since the first delivery was received, the Canon EOS 5Ds R preorders have not yet been completely filled. If this is the camera you want, reserve your place in line.
From the Canon Australia YouTube Channel:
Shooting light trails is a great reason to get out of auto mode and start shooting manually. It's also a good way for new photographers to begin to use their creativity.
In this tutorial Greg Sullavan, from Canon Collective, talks through how to prepare for, and capture, a night light trails photograph.
Use his tips and tricks to win a Canon EOS 750D. All you need to do is watch the tutorial and submit your best light trail shots at canon.com.au/photobootcamp.
Greg's Tips
B&H carries tripods and Canon shutter remotes.
From the Zacuto Vimeo Channel:
Zacuto announces the customizable Gratical X micro-OLED EVF! The Gratical X is perfect for the shooter who wants only a few key features.
Users start with the bright and brilliant Gratical electronic viewfinder and then customize to fit their individual needs. The Gratical X will start at an attractive price point of $1650. Upon activation, the unit will have HDMI and SDI inputs, display adjustments, color bars, blue gun.
Additional software features like pixel to pixel zoom, peaking, false color, LUTs, zebras, frame store, HDMI and SDI outputs and many more can be purchased a la carte. Zacuto will also offer feature bundles with built in savings.
B&H has the Zacuto Gratical X available for preorder with an expected availability later next month. B&H also carries the feature-packed Zacuto Gratical HD and Gratical HD Kits.
While the Canon EOS 5Ds review has been my highest priority, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens review has not been derailed and is also approaching completion.
One of the biggest differences between the 50mm f/1.8 II and the 50mm f/1.8 STM lenses, as their names imply, is the AF system implementation and the audibility differences of these systems is especially notable. The 50mm f/1.8 STM's focusing sound is greatly improved/reduced over the 50mm f/1.8 II presence-announcing buzz.
While much can be discerned from this post's image (the STM lens AF sound is depicted on the left), the difference that really matters will best be determined by your ears (turn up your speaker volume):
Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens AF Sound Compared to f/1.8 II
The perfect lens AF sound would of course be a flat line, but ... AF moves parts and moving parts tend to make at least some noise. In this case, the STM is audible and audible enough for on-camera mics to pick up. The sounds in this example are from an identical near full extents change in both directions at full speed. As with some other STM lenses, a slow change in focus distance (such as when recording video) results in a noticeably quieter sound.
Much more to come.
The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, Canon's least expensive lens, is in stock at B&H.
Last month, real estate photographer Scott Hargis showed us what kind of gear he takes with him on every shoot. In this video, Scott gives us a behind-the-scenes look at putting that gear to use while photographing a home interior.
Image quality results from the EOS 5Ds R have been added to the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens Review.
This is the lens that Canon shows mounted in the 5Ds and 5Ds R product images. There is a good reason for that choice.
B&H has the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens in stock with a $100.00 MIR available through July 4th.
Image quality results from the EOS 5Ds R have been added to the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens review.
Many more 5Ds R lens tests are coming.
B&H has the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens in stock with a $200.00 MIR available.
From Tamron USA:
A notice regarding compatibility issues with the EOS 5Ds and the EOS 5DsR, and availability of firmware update service
JUNE 2015
Dear users and potential purchasers of Tamron interchangeable lenses for Canon:
Thank you for being a valued customer of Tamron products. We have learned that the AF functions of the following interchangeable lenses for Canon do not function in Live View mode when used on the EOS 5Ds and EOS 5DsR which went on sale in June 2015. We sincerely apologize to all users and potential purchasers for any inconvenience the issue may cause.
Firmware update service is already available as this is the same case when EOS Rebel T6s and the EOS Rebel T6i were released. Also, Model A011 with the latest firmware for panning shot treatment is compatible and functions properly with these new cameras.
*Please see below for the previous firmware update service announcement regarding EOS Rebel T6s and EOS Rebel T6i and the firmware update service for SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011) for panning shot.
Affected models (for Canon)
For those who require firmware update service, please contact our service department.
Sincerely,
Tamron USA
Note: This overwrite service will only apply to authorized Tamron products purchased in the USA. No service will be offered to the “gray-market products”, such products bought from an unauthorized Tamron USA dealer. Please contact retailer if the original purchase was made from an unauthorized dealer.
Watch how San Francisco-based design director Bradley G. Munkowitz uses lazers, smoke, colored filters and falling crystal dust to create what will soon be the ubiquitous Windows 10 hero image.
For historical context, Windows XP hero image is generally regarded as one of the most viewed photographs in history. Below you can see photographer Charles O'Rear describe how he captured the familiar image.
Let's make some noise with the EOS 5Ds. We already talked about one important 5Ds noise factor (high ISO noise), but the audible noise a camera makes can be quite important in quiet situations. When the photographer wishes to remain unnoticed, such as at a wedding or when photographing wildlife, a quiet shutter release is greatly appreciated. The good news is that the 5Ds performs at a noticeably lower decibel than its predecessor.
Following are links to MP3 files capturing "The Sounds of the Canon EOS 5Ds". Turn up the volume!
Canon EOS 5Ds One Shot Mode
Canon EOS 5Ds Burst Mode
Canon EOS 5Ds Slow Burst Mode
Canon EOS 5Ds Silent Mode
Canon EOS 5Ds Silent Burst Mode
Burst Comparison: 5D III, 5Ds, 7D II and 1DX (3.5 second clips of each)
It is not hard to figure out which cameras included in the burst comparison will garner the most attention. Notably, you will hear that the 5Ds is quieter than the 5D III with a less-sharp sound response. Designed to reduce vibration, the new mirror mechanism is also responsible for quieter performance.
The 5D III's silent mode was very useful and the 5Ds retains the same ability with a similar sound level.
More Information
B&H has the Canon EOS 5Ds in stock and the Canon EOS 5Ds R is available for preorder.
My Canon EOS 5Ds and 5Ds R cameras are here and as you expected, they are practically glued to my hands. These cameras are delivering simply amazing image quality.
I will have lots of additional info to share about this camera in the very near future, but once again, I kept notes as I unpacked and configured three copies of the world's highest resolution DSLR. Following are the 36 steps I take to make an out-of-the-box 5Ds / 5Ds R ready for use.
To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot – including shooting in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.
If you can't remember your own menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a good idea. Anytime your camera goes in for a service visit, the camera will be returned in a reset-to-factory state. Your list will ensure that you do not miss an important setting when putting the camera back into service.
More Information
We have confirmed that there are counterfeit Speedlite 600EX-RT flash products in circulation in the market. It has been reported that these products are being sold through various online marketplace websites. These counterfeit products have not been designed or manufactured by Canon, but fraudulently display the Canon logo, and may also fraudulently display other Canon and third party trademarks. Furthermore, these counterfeit products have not been manufactured or tested under the safety standards established by Canon, so we are unable to make representations concerning their safe operation, and there is a possibility that using one of these counterfeit products may cause adverse affects such as generation of fire and/or smoke.
The safety of our consumers is our utmost concern. Unlike genuine Canon products, counterfeit products may not meet government and industry safety standards. To ensure that you’re buying genuine Canon products, we recommend purchasing from a Canon Authorized Dealer or directly from Canon. Please be advised that Canon is not responsible for any malfunction, accident, or damage related to the use of any counterfeit product.
It has also been confirmed that the radio transmission wireless shooting function incorporated into genuine Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT flashes is not incorporated into the counterfeit product. This missing feature will limit the performance of the counterfeit flash, as compared with a genuine Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT flash.
We truly appreciate your attention to this matter and thank you for being a valued Canon customer.
The following tips may help you to identify a counterfeit Speedlite 600EX-RT flash. Please note, however, that other counterfeits may display other, or additional, differences from genuine Canon products. As such, you should contact Canon using the contact information below if you have any questions about whether you are using a genuine Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT flash.
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc
B&H sells genuine Canon Speedlite flashes.