Also, from Zeiss:
From March 1 through April 15, ZEISS will offer a free three-day rental from our partner, LensRentals.com! Choose from Batis, Loxia, Milvus or Touit and take it for a test drive over a weekend. Use the code “TryZEISS” when checking out. See what makes the ZEISS a standout lens, and one you’ll want to own.
Rent now at Lensrentals.
Browse the show specials one more time before many expire today.
The popular Vello Auto Lens Adapter for Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Canon RF-Mount Camera is on sale for $64.95 (save 28%).
B&H has the Manfrotto MT190CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber Tripod on sale for only $299.88 (Save $175.00).
Note that the MT190CXPRO4 (four leg sections) model is shown in this post. Check out our review of the Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4. These are great tripod models, great values everyday. This deal makes the 3-leg-section model a bargain.
B&H has the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens on sale for only $949.00 (Save $450.00).
Check out our review of the impressive Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens.
View the Depth of Field savings booklet here
Note that some deals require coupon code BHDOF2021 to activate.
Here are some sample deals:
Brought to you virtually over the course of two days, Depth of Field is here to deepen your love for professional photography. The industry’s leading photographers will present on topics designed to help you grow your professional photography and video business. Through critiques, contests, virtual trade show and curated content, B&H's Depth of Field 2021 is your best tool to ensure a successful future in portrait, wedding and event photography.
Get this cute little camera for each of the kids, tables at a wedding, etc.
I primarily use Mindshift Gear backpacks.
Don't forget that you'll get a free gift and free shipping when using our links for your purchase ($50.00 minimum purchase required).
DJI Reinvents The Drone Flying Experience With The DJI FPV
Breakthrough Drone Technology Offers Immersive, Cinematic Flight Experience And Intuitive New Single-Handed Motion Controller
March 2, 2021 – DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and?creative camera?technology, today launched an entirely new type of drone with an intuitive, immersive flight experience never available until now. DJI FPV combines the first-person view and high-speed performance of racing drones, the cinematic camera sweep of traditional drones, the safety and transmission technology of DJI’s leading consumer drones, and an optional innovative single-handed motion controller that allows pilots to control the drone with just hand movements. DJI FPV creates a new drone category, and opens up new worlds of possibilities for content creators and drone fans from beginners to experts alike.
“DJI has been redefining what drones can do since our company began in 2006, and as we celebrate our 15-year anniversary this year, we honor that heritage of innovation by redefining what drone flight can be with DJI FPV,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director, DJI Europe. “Right out of the box, DJI FPV combines the best available technology for a hybrid drone like no other. It can fly like a racer, hover like a traditional drone, accelerate like a homebuilt project and stop faster than any of them. DJI FPV lets the world experience the absolute thrill of immersive drone flight without being intimidated by the technology or spending hours building a system from scratch. We can’t wait for the world to try it.”
The DJI FPV ecosystem includes the drone, goggles, a dedicated remote controller, and a new intuitive motion controller option that steers the drone based on the movement of your hand. The drone features high-performance motors for incredible speeds, an intuitive user interface and the latest safety features for greater control. The new FPV system lets pilots see from the drone’s perspective in low-latency high definition thanks to O3, the third iteration of DJI’s proprietary OcuSync technology. Its unmatched reliability and transmission range help pilots capture ultra-smooth and stable 4K video at 60 fps with the assistance of RockSteady electronic image stabilization.
Amateur and professional pilots alike can explore the skies with confidence with the assistance of three distinct flight modes designed for all skill levels and to get pilots accustomed to the system. DJI FPV’s advanced safety features include a new Emergency Brake and Hover feature to help make flying safer and less intimidating for new users, as well as DJI’s suite of industry-leading safety solutions, including GPS-based geofencing to advise pilots of airspace restrictions and potential hazards, and an ADS-B receiver system to warn pilots when other manned aircraft are nearby. In many jurisdictions, drone pilots flying with FPV goggles must be accompanied by a visual observer to watch for airspace hazards. Always fly safely and responsibly, and be sure to understand and follow the legal requirements for flight.
A Flight Experience For Every Skill Level
DJI FPV is the first integrated FPV drone that allows pilots from beginners to professionals to choose from multiple flight modes to match their skill level:
While in the air, pilots can also use a suite of safety features that make flying not only a memorable experience, but a safe one as well. A dedicated Emergency Brake and Hover feature is available in all flying modes to make the drone stop and hover in place at any time during flight. Obstacle detection sensors can be activated while operating in N mode, which will alert pilots of any detected obstacles and automatically slow down the aircraft. Visual Positioning Sensors (VPS), along with an auxiliary light on the bottom of the aircraft are also available to assist in smooth takeoffs and landings. Failsafe Return to Home is another important feature that will bring the drone back to its home point automatically with a press of a button or in the event that transmission signal is lost. The ADS-B receiver system provides audio and visual notifications to the pilot via the FPV Goggles when traditional aircraft such as airplanes or helicopters equipped with ADS-B transmitters are in the vicinity.
Immerse Yourself In The Experience of Flying
DJI FPV lets you see the world in a new way using the absolute latest in HD transmission technology. Pilots can see a crystal-clear, long-range, low-latency feed from the DJI FPV aircraft while wearing the DJI FPV Goggles V2. State-of-the-art racing motors offer high-speed action during flights, and the O3 transmission system offers unmatched reliability. The new motors bring a heart-racing experience to the system with a max speed of 140 kph (87 mph) and a max acceleration of 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in just two seconds. O3 transmission is the next step in FPV transmission technology. It offers a 10km1 transmission range, auto-switching dual-frequencies, a high bitrate of 50 Mpbs, and state-of-the-art anti-interference methods to ensure a reliable feed. Announced in 2019, the DJI HD transmission system brought the world’s first low-latency, HD digital feed to the market. The new DJI FPV system uses that same technology to bring a crystal-clear image to the goggles with ultra-low latency. Pilots can choose from several different viewing options, including:
Incredible Flight Performance, Breathtaking Footage
Not only does DJI FPV offer incredible flight performance, it can also capture dynamic, cinematic footage you’ll want to share with the world. The integrated 4K/60fps 120 Mbps camera is on a single-axis gimbal, providing stability during intricate maneuvers while rotating vertically for unique angles. Additionally, RockSteady stabilization technology smooths shaky footage and eliminates the rolling shutter effect when filming fast-moving scenes. Advanced distortion correction software can remove the warped and unappealing fish-eye look common in FPV footage. Pilots can record footage in 4x Slow Motion in 1080p and 120 fps to relive epic moments in every detail. Footage can now be stored in H.265 or H.264 which uses less space on the memory card but preserves fine details during compression.
Educational Tools And An Updated DJI Fly App To Accelerate Learning
Supported by a wealth of interactive and realistic tools, pilots will be up in the air quickly with confidence. DJI FPV uses the latest version of the DJI Fly app, which now includes detailed tutorials on how to operate DJI FPV. The newly developed DJI Virtual Flight App is a free simulator app2 that familiarizes new pilots with drone flying movements in an easy, fun and risk-free environment. The simulator allows pilots to fly the DJI FPV drone in various settings using the dedicated controller.
DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh is now available for DJI FPV. For an additional charge, DJI Care Refresh 1-Year Plan offers comprehensive coverage as well as up to two replacement units within one year. The two-year plan provides three replacement units in two years and extends the original warranty period by one more year. Receive your replacement even sooner with DJI Care Refresh Express. DJI Care Refresh also includes exclusive VIP after-sales support and free two-way shipping. DJI Flyaway Coverage is not available for this product. For a full list of details, please visit: https://www.dji.com/service/djicare-refresh.
Price and Availability
DJI FPV is available for purchase today from store.dji.com and from authorized retail partners. DJI FPV can be purchased in several options. The standard DJI FPV Combo includes the FPV drone, remote controller 2, FPV Goggles V2, all required cables and one battery for the retail price of $1,299. The DJI FPV Fly More Kit is also available, which includes two additional Intelligent Flight Batteries and the dedicated charging hub for the retail price of $299. The optional Motion Controller is sold separately and can be purchased for the price of $199.
Orders
The DJI FPV is in stock at B&H and Adorama.
Renting is a great option for trying new gear or for getting otherwise unaffordable gear to use for short periods of time.
From March 1 through April 15, ZEISS will offer a free three-day rental from our partner, LensRentals.com! Choose from Batis, Loxia, Milvus or Touit and take it for a test drive over a weekend. Use the code “TryZEISS” when checking out. See what makes the ZEISS a standout lens, and one you’ll want to own.
Rent now at Lensrentals.
Find something you like? Don't forget to support us by starting using one of our links to place your Zeiss lens order.
Don't forget that you'll get a free gift and free shipping when using our links for your purchase ($50.00 minimum purchase required).
Right after a recent snowstorm and during the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens review seemed like the perfect timing to photograph this lone tree. The snow minimalized the scene's details, and the lens was a perfect choice to capture it. I pulled the SUV into a snowbank to get out of traffic (there was little on this country road), turned off the vehicle (eliminating the vibration), and photographed the tree until I couldn't think of any more compositions to try and adding any more insurance shots seemed complete overkill.
This scene was filled with bright subjects. At most, changes in lighting through the thick clouds happened slowly. Thus, a manual exposure that pushed the histogram graph to the right edge proved perfect. In this image, ISO 100 provides low noise, f/8 yielded adequate depth of field, and 1/160 with image stabilization activated made getting sharp elbow-rested photos easy.
The focal lengths in the 70-200mm range are among my most used for landscape photography. These focal lengths provide angles of view that make good compositions easy to find. While parked along this road, I used all of these focal lengths, with the tree filling various percentages of the frame, ranging from the 70mm result shared here to the tree nearly filling the frame. An example of the 70-200mm focal length range using this tree is shared in the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens review.
I shoot a lot of action and other images where timing is critical to get the perfect shot, with a stress-induced adrenaline rush typically accompanying the moment. A nice change for this image was that I had as much time as I cared to take. The tree was not moving, the snow was not melting, and the clouds were unchanging.
At the longer focal lengths, not much time was needed to get the good compositions.
At the wider focal lengths, there was considerably more freedom to position the tree in the minimalistic scene within the frame.
My favorite tree position at 70mm is shared here, but I also like the tree toward the upper left, and the tree centered at the bottom in a vertical orientation also looks great
(at my wife's request, I ordered a metal print of that image this morning).
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
Introducing the Wireless GO II – Next Generation Wireless Audio From RØDE
The world's smallest and first truly wireless microphone has been reborn. Meet the RØDE Wireless GO II, a new ultra-compact and extremely versatile dual channel wireless microphone system. Offering the same pocket-sized form factor and professional sound quality as the best-selling Wireless GO, with a host of incredible new features making it even more powerful and flexible, this is next generation wireless audio from RØDE.
The original Wireless GO, released in 2019, revolutionised audio for content creators. With its innovative form factor, unique clip ‘n’ go versatility, and in-built microphone offering truly wireless recording for the first time, it changed the way creators captured sound for video.
The Wireless GO II offers all of these features and much more, including dual channel recording, universal compatibility with cameras, mobile devices and computers, extended range and improved transmission stability, and on-board recording capabilities. Wireless audio has changed again.
Get more information and order the Rode Wireless GO II at B&H where "Shipping will begin Wed Feb 24."
Use coupon code 10DAY2021A to get 25% off all conversion services.
Use coupon code 10DAY2021B to save $100.00 on all converted cameras.
Not long ago, capturing an eye-sharp image of a big dog in a great pose while running (bouncing) full speed toward and close to the camera was extremely challenging. With the Canon EOS R5's incredible animal eye AF combined with the 20 fps frame rate and the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens in front of it, the biggest challenge of this shoot was deciding which of the 1,400+ images on the ProGrade Digital 325GB CFexpress 2.0 Cobalt Memory Card to keep.
Bright white snow is a strong auto-exposure influencer, typically causing the camera to underexpose images. With bright white snow filling greatly differing percentages of the frame during each dog pass, exposure compensation was not optimal. Thus, my most frequently used exposure mode, manual, was the ideal choice.
This shoot's goal was to challenge the camera and lens AF system, so the shallow depth of field provided by a wide-open aperture was best, providing little margin for error. The wide-open aperture in combination with the longest focal length provided the strongest background blur possible, making the subject stand out.
Next, the shutter speed was selected, with freezing motion the goal. I opted for 1/1250-1/1600, choices that proved marginally short enough for this fast dog in some instances.
ISO was the last image brightness factor to be applied. As a rule, snow in the sun should be nearly blown-out white. To determine the optimal brightness, the histogram is the proper tool. The ISO setting was increased until the brightest pixels were registering nearly against histogram graph's right side. Note that the blinkies will likely show before color channel capacities are reached. Use the histogram.
This day was cloudy, and cloudy skies often bring brightness changes. Thus, the histogram required monitoring for ISO adjustment needs.
With the R5 in face and eye detection mode and animal eye AF selected, the remaining job was to keep the dog in the frame while holding down the shutter release as my daughter repeatedly positioned and ran Nala toward the camera.
With the R5 and a good lens, getting the perfect action shots is (often) only a small challenge.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
Don't forget that you'll get a free gift and free shipping when using our links for your purchase ($50.00 minimum purchase required).
Valid until 2/26/2021. One use per customer.
Renting is a great option for trying new gear or for getting otherwise unaffordable gear to use for short periods of time.
When was the last time you changed out the photos hanging on your walls or sitting on your shelves? I'm particularly fond of canvas and metal prints — these look great, and with no frames required, they are easy.
The Luminar X Membership is $40.00 off, and consider adding the Love Celebration package for only $9.00 more.
Need a Digital Photo Assistant? Canon U.S.A. has you Covered with the Company’s First-Ever Photo Culling App
Canon Also Publicly Debuts “PHIL,” the Company’s Computer-Vision Artificial Intelligence Engine
MELVILLE, NY, February 11, 2021– According to a recent report from Keypoint Intelligence, 1.4 trillion photos were taken worldwide in 2020 and 7.4 trillion images were stored1. With these staggering numbers, it could be overwhelming for the average consumer to decide what photos are best to keep and store. Delivering expert photo advice in the form of an app, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announces its Photo Culling app. Compatible with iOS devices2, this brand-new app helps determine a user’s best photos based on scores against four models: sharpness, noise, emotions and closed eyes, using Canon’s Computer Vision Artificial Intelligence Engine known as “PHIL” (abbreviated for Photography Intelligence Learning)3. Additionally, the app will suggest deleting duplicative photos, making it easy for the consumer to free up space on their smartphone.
"In today's ever-changing and overwhelming world, where thousands of photos are captured and stored in a person’s smartphone, consumers need an expert, reliable and intuitive photo tool to help them decide the best photos based on years of trusted knowledge and technology,” said Tatsuro "Tony" Kano, executive vice president and general manager of the Imaging Technologies & Communications Group of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon U.S.A.’s new Photo Culling App is the answer and we are proud to see how the company’s Computer Vision technology within this app can assist consumers with finding and keeping their best photos of their fondest moments."
The Photo Culling app features two culling options:
Whole Culling: Determines the best photos based on the absolute best scores against the four models: sharpness, noise, emotions and closed eyes. If the score is over the threshold the user sets, the photo is considered to be the best. The remaining images would be suggested as deletions.
Similar Culling: Determines the best photos based on score comparison among a similar group of photos. The highest-scoring photos within the group are considered the best photos. A second photo may also be selected as the second-best photo within the group. The remaining images would be suggested as deletions. The app is also able to find similar photos and group them together. For example, If a user selects 10 photos of a dog and 10 photos of a sunset, it will break the photos into two groups and find the best photo of each; one of the dog and one of the sunset.
In addition to its culling options, the Photo Culling app also features:
Photo Counts and Storage: Shows the number of photos a user has as well as the amount of phone storage on the Home Screen.
Event Album: Categorizing and placing photos in albums on the Home Screen. These are dynamic albums based on events/date throughout the year and the app will pull events that have a large number of photos and suggest the user review these photos to delete and save space.
Features in the Setting Screens: Displaying the number of photos deleted, the current subscription plan (see details below), option for notifications, parameter setting for each score against sharpness, noise, emotion and closed eyes. Users also can adjust these settings, such as changing how much of an impact noise has on a photo versus closed eyes4.
Dark and Light Mode Settings Screen Option: Displays screens either as a dark or light mode option
Price & Availability*
Available for download via the App Store, the Photo Culling app will be available under two subscription options: $2.99 per month or $14.99 for the year, each with a three-day trial5. For more information, please visit, usa.canon.com/photo-culling-app.
# # #
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
* Availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.
1 Data Source: Keypoint Intelligence / InfoTrends Worldwide Consumer Photos Captured and Stored
2 The Photo Culling app is compatible with iOS® running version 14. There are currently no device restrictions for iOS. This app helps you to sort, organize and delete your images. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app.
3 PHIL is a trademark of Canon U.S.A., Inc. in the United States and may also be a trademark in other countries.
4 For best results, disable cloud storage photos from your Settings. If iCloud is enabled, please make sure “Download & Keep Originals” is selected and "Optimize iPhone Storage" is not.
5 Download of the app is free (data charges may apply), but full use of the app requires a subscription. A free version of the app is provided with limited functionality and features. There is also a paid subscription version of the app with full functionality and features available to you starting with a three (3) day free trial. The subscription version of the app is available through a monthly or yearly, nonrefundable, auto renewing payment through your applicable app store. After your three (3) day free trial, your access will be automatically rolled over into your chosen auto-renewable subscription unless you cancel upon 24 hours’ notice from the end of the trial period by following the App Store cancellation procedures.
& more!
Think Tanks Photo's gear is top quality, and now is your chance to score some awesome gear at a big discount.
Don't forget that you'll get a free gift and free shipping when using our links for your purchase ($50.00 minimum purchase required).
Amazon USA also has Canon EOS R5 bodies in stock (sold by Amazon).
Note that B&H no longer has an estimated availability date listed.
When this bird showed up, providing a unique scenario, I was in full reactive mode. This fleeting opportunity was not expected, leaving no opportunity for preparation.
Working quickly with the Sigma telephoto zoom lens mounted to the Sony a7R IV, I first switched to Av mode. The overall scene was not especially dark or bright, so letting this competent camera determine the exposure was a logical, fast move.
A cloudy day meant that the late morning lighting remained soft and that the sun angle held little relevance. The camera could be positioned for the ideal bird angle, sideways or slightly facing the camera.
A cloudy day also meant somewhat dim lighting that called for a wide aperture. Not so fortunate is that wide open isn't especially wide for this lens. Very fortunate is that this lens is very sharp wide-open.
An additional benefit to this lens's specific wide-open f/6.3 aperture selection at 400mm is the relatively strong background blur, making the subject stand out, yet providing adequate depth of field for this close subject. Birds are seldom still, and ISO 400 seemed the immediate logical guess to go with this aperture, providing an adequately short shutter 1/160 speed.
After quickly capturing some insurance shots, the next move was to continue to work the scene, optimizing the composition. In this scenario, optimizing the composition included juxtaposing the background elements with the primary subject, primarily avoiding distractions around the bird's head and adjusting the camera elevation. More specifically, I moved to the left and slightly down.
With the next round of images on the card, moving closer seemed the next best option, and as close as the lens would autofocus was the subject distance for this image. While the entire bird was not close to fitting in the frame at this distance, I liked how much of the frame was filled with this bird's incredible colors. Of utmost importance is keeping the head entirely in the frame and providing some breathing room around the head. That concept meant cropping the tail out of the picture.
The next move was to rely more heavily on the Sigma and Sony coordinated optical stabilization, reducing the ISO setting to only 100. The bird was still enough for some of those images to be rendered sharply, but my eye preferred this overall composition better.
Those looking for a compact, lightweight, highly affordable telephoto zoom lens for Sony (or Leica) cameras should seriously consider the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
This list is not a long one at the moment, but notable inclusions are a substantial Manfrotto camera stand, large Manfrotto geared head, and an RRS macro rail.
The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
Renting is a great option for trying new gear or for getting otherwise unaffordable gear to use for short periods of time.
You're probably getting tired of hearing me tell you this, but you are going to like this lens. Here are some comparisons:
The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
As I said before, this is another impressive lens.
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
This is another impressive lens. Here are some comparisons:
Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN and HSM Art Lenses Compared
Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens compared to Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens
Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens compared to Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens
This lens review is nearly complete — tomorrow is the goal.
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
DeNoise v2.4 is now available!
Improved Low Light model
Better detail preservation through improved AI architecture and more training time.
Better raw support
Adds CR3 support and fixes some raw loading/color issues from previous versions.
Estimated processing time
See how long individual images will take to complete processing.
This is a good opportunity to pick up Valentines Day gifts (that last longer than flowers or chocolate).
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