From Photoshelter:
What are your plans for 2015?
It’s hard to believe 2014 is coming to a close. As PhotoShelter gears up for next year, we’d like to invite you to participate in our third annual survey, The Photographer’s Outlook on 2015.
This survey will help us better understand your goals as a photographer, how you plan to spread the word about your work in 2015, plus any challenges you anticipate in the coming year.
From the Canon Digital Learning Center:
"Blood Brother is one of those films that lingers with you for a long time after the credits roll. In part, of course, this is due to the truly heart-wrenching, soul-searching and thought-provoking content. But also present in the mind’s eye are the images – truthful, sad, scary, and yet uplifting and enlightening.See the entire article on the Canon Digital Learning Center.“The artistry in Blood Brother is one of the things I'm most proud of,” says Blood Brother’s cinematographer John Pope. 'It might not be the most classically beautiful film. From a cinematography standpoint, it’s sloppy at times, it has such a raw edge to it, but I like that. Those moments of rawness are beautiful. They lend themselves perfectly to the character and human element of the film.'"
Image quality results have been added to the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens Review page.
My expectation was for this lens to be a great bargain – similar to the nearly-identical Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Pancake Lens. If I directly compare these two lenses on the same camera body (with a very low sharpness setting), my initial impressions are that my expectations have been realized. You will see more distortion in the 24 (the barrel variety), but these two lenses are otherwise more similar than different in this comparison. That is a lot of image quality for a nicely-built pocket lens costing only $149.00.
Order your Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens now at B&H.
From Adobe:
Adobe Lightroom 5.7
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.7 update includes these enhancements:
Download
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.7 - Windows | Macintosh
Support for the following cameras has been added. Visit the Camera Raw page for a complete list of supported cameras.
Mount | Name |
Canon EF | SIGMA 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM C014 |
Canon EF | SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S014 |
Canon EF | Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX-II 11-16mm f/2.8 |
Canon EF | Zeiss Otus 1.4/85 ZE |
Nikon F | Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED |
Nikon F | Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR |
Nikon F | SIGMA 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM C014 |
Nikon F | SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S014 |
Nikon F | Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX-II 11-16mm f/2.8 |
Nikon F | Voigtlander SL 40mm F2 Ultron ASPHERICAL |
Nikon F | Voigtlander SL 40mm F2 Ultron ASPHERICAL Close-up Lens |
Nikon F | Zeiss Otus 1.4/85 ZF.2 |
Download
DNG Converter 8.7 - Windows | Macintosh
Adobe's Photoshop Photography Program is a great deal at only $9.99 per month (Photoshop CC + Lightroom).
Image quality, vignetting and distortion test results along with specs, measurements and standard product images have been added to the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary Lens Review page. More (on-camera) product images will be added within the next day or so).
B&H has the new Sigma 18-300mm DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary Lens in stock.
Looking for a great deal on a superzoom lens? There is a $200.00 instant rebate available on the Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Lens. Regularly $549.00, this lens is currently only $349.00 at B&H.
From DxO:
DxO is proud to announce the immediate availability of the standalone version of DxO FilmPack 5, which will also work in plug-in mode for workflows containing Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Elements and Aperture. This program, dedicated to the authentic rendering of over 80 legendary black + white & color films, has added 16 new films to this version and is now supporting the RAW format – among many other features.
B&H carries DxO Optics Pro 5.
From Canon:
To help photographers better understand the features of the new EOS 7D Mark II, the Canon Digital Learning Center has posted several educational resources including articles, videos, and a downloadable guidebook that help provide insight and teach how a cutting-edge camera can bring new possibilities into your photography.
EOS 7D Mark II Tutorial Series
This video series provides EOS 7D Mark II users with a behind the scenes exclusive with Canon Education Technical Advisor Rudy Winston. Rudy explains how to use new features and functions of the camera such as AF settings, video features, custom functions, and more.
To learn more please visit:
http://learn.usa.canon.com/galleries/galleries/tutorials/eos7dmarkii_tutorials.shtml
EOS 7D Mark II AF-Setting Guidebook
To provide more detailed insight on the outstanding AF features of the new EOS 7D Mark II camera, the Canon Digital Learning Center has released a guidebook for setting up the 65-point all cross type AF system. This document includes detailed explanations of how to master the AF features, as well as going into considerable detail about using additional features, such as the extensive Custom Controls, and even describes totally new features like the camera’s Anti-flicker shooting function.
To learn more please visit:
http://learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2014/eos7dmk2_afGuidebook.shtml
Helpful EOS 7D Mark II articles
Read our series of helpful articles made exclusively for the EOS 7D Mark II Digital camera. Each piece offers an in-depth explanation of features or functions of the camera, including the new Intelligent Viewfinder, Auto ISO operation, HD video features, and more. These articles provide the material needed to educate users on the exciting possibilities the EOS 7D Mark II can bring to your photography.
To learn more please visit: http://learn.usa.canon.com/dlc/tags/eos_7d_markii_tag/tagItemsListing.spr
From Canon USA:
Affected Product
Speedlite 600EX-RT
Phenomenon
When the flash is powered on with the bundled Color Filter Holder SCH-E1 already attached, there are instances where the low battery icon appears and the flash does not power on, even if the batteries have sufficient power.
Support
Workaround
When the phenomenon described above occurs, follow the procedure below:
When I think about portraiture, I think of Gregory Heisler. When I think about photojournalism, Joe McNally is who I think of first.
I've been a big fan of Joe McNally's work for several years now. To me, Joe's work perfectly blends creative storytelling with technical skill. Watching this video simply confirmed what I already knew – that Joe's a master of his craft. [Sean]
From the Joe McNally YouTube Channel:
Joe McNally Photojournalist Exhibition at the Monroe Gallery of Photography in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A 30 year retrospective of Joe McNally's diverse and dynamic images. Joe reflects on the passage of time. Sidney Monroe discusses collector's rising interest in photojournalism as a fine art.
Ever since the 7D Mark II was announced, the big question on my mind has been "How does the 7D Mark II AF system compare to the best-ever-prior AF system found in the 1D X and 5D Mark III?"
The 1D X and 5D Mark III AF systems are easily the best I've ever used and my in-focus hit rate when using these cameras, especially with subjects in motion, has never been higher. Then the 7D Mark II was announced with even more focus points (including a higher number of cross-type AF points) and many of the same or even improved AF features found in the 1D X/5D Mark III.
To answer this question, Chuck Westfall (Advisor, Technical Information, Canon USA) was gracious enough to prepare a detailed technical comparison for us. Chuck's information is a must-read for anyone choosing between these three DSLRs:
Chuck Westfall Compares the 7D Mark II AF System to the 1D X and 5D III AF System
Get your Canon EOS 7D Mark II at B&H.
From Apple:
This update adds RAW image compatibility for the following cameras to Aperture 3 and iPhoto '11:
For more information on supported RAW formats, see http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6476.
Download
Apple Digital Camera RAW 6.01
MELVILLE, N.Y., November 14, 2014 - Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that Academy Award-Nominated director Sebastian Junger (Restrepo, Korengal) and cinematographer Rudy Valdez chose Canon EOS Digital Cinema cameras and lenses for their new documentary The Last Patrol, the third installment of Junger's trilogy of war documentaries. The pair of filmmakers relied on the Canon EOS C300 Digital Cinema camera to capture The Last Patrol, which premiered on HBO on November 10, 2014 and is currently airing on HBO.
The Last Patrol follows Junger, photojournalist Guillermo Cervera, and combat veterans Brendan O'Byrne and Dave Roels as they hike the 300-mile stretch of railroad lines from Washington, D.C. to New York City - a trek Junger originally planned with his close friend and acclaimed war photographer Tim Hetherington before Hetherington was killed in 2011 while covering the Libyan civil war. The goal of the journey was to get to know America again after a decade of war and discuss why combat is so incredibly hard to give up. Because hiking along the tracks is illegal, they moved with a purposeful invisibility designed to echo the isolation felt by many who return from war.
"The Last Patrol is a compelling example of the kind of storytelling that the Cinema EOS system was designed to support," said Yuichi Ishizuka, President and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "We are honored that the filmmakers selected Canon professional cameras and lenses for their epic project."
The men lived outdoors and carried all of their own supplies, which presented an unusual challenge for the filmmakers.
"What I needed was, basically, the ultimate camera," said Junger. "Not too heavy, easy to use with numb fingers, good in low light, rugged if you throw yourself in a ditch, and something that delivers absolutely gorgeous cinematography."
After searching for a camera that would produce a consistent, top-of-the-line image under rough conditions, Junger and Valdez determined the Cinema EOS C300 digital cinema camera was the best camera for the job.
"The EOS C300 camera seemed like it was designed specifically for this project," said Valdez. "It's a lightweight camera with a large sensor that works really well in low light. With the added bonus of being able to shoot in Canon Log, it ended up being a pretty easy decision."
Carrying the EOS C300 digital cinema camera on his back during the entire trek, Valdez shot using only natural light while the former soldiers and combat journalists dodged rail security and hiked terrain as varied as dense wilderness and urban streets.
The images Valdez captured exceeded Junger's expectations: "When we watched the material, I was absolutely speechless. It all absolutely glowed with a kind of meaning. That glow came from the machine we were shooting on."
Valdez rounded out his kit with a set of Canon Cinema prime lenses, including the CN-E24mm T1.5 L F, CN-E50mm T1.3 L F and CN-E85mm T1.3 L F.
"After some days on the trek, I started looking at the camera with a kind of reverence," said Junger. "It was incredible. I can't imagine making this film with any camera that lacked the power and capability of the EOS C300 camera."
For more information about Canon Cinema EOS cameras and lenses, please visit the Canon U.S.A. website at http://cinemaeos.usa.canon.com/
B&H carries Canon EOS Cinema equipment.
From Sigma:
SIGMA WR PROTECTOR, SIGMA PROTECTOR, SIGMA WR UV FILTER and SIGMA WR CIRCULAR PL FILTER are scheduled to start the shipment towards the end of this month.
SIGMA WR* FILTER
SIGMA FILTER
*WR=Water Repellent
B&H has the Sigma WR Protector and Sigma Protector filters available for preorder.
From the Canon Professional Network:
"Adobe now offers a Creative Cloud Photography bundle that includes Lightroom editing software and Photoshop CC for photographers who want to organise, edit, enhance and share their images via desktop or their mobile devices – this package currently comes bundled with Canon’s EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 6D DSLRs (in the UK region), plus the PowerShot G1 X Mark II and G7 X compact cameras. In a four-part CPN series of articles and video tutorials Richard Curtis (a Principal Solutions Consultant in Digital Imaging for Adobe UK) examines the workflow between Lightroom software and Photoshop CC to give you a good understanding of the benefits of working with both in tandem. In Part 3 of this series Richard Curtis focuses on the use of the Camera RAW Filter within the Lightroom and Photoshop CC workflow and, in a special video, he explains how to creatively adjust an image using Smart Objects and the Camera RAW Filter. Please click on the play button in the window above to watch the video…"See the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.
Full Lightroom & Photoshop CC Workflow Series
DIRE Studio has informed us that ShutterCount has been updated with support for the Canon EOS 7D Mark II.
About ShutterCount:
ShutterCount displays the number of shutter actuations (the shutter count) of Canon EOS digital cameras and is developed for Mac and Windows users.
The shutter count is read directly from a USB-connected camera, and thus provides accurate numbers that are not attainable with simple EXIF-based methods.
Using this application you are no longer required to visit a Canon Service Center to read out the exact shutter count, thus saving you time and money. In addition to that, ShutterCount provides unlimited readings for an unlimited number of cameras.
The app supports the following cameras:
ShutterCount is certified to work with all of the cameras listed above, using their latest firmware revision.
Current owners can update their app by opening the program and navigating to HELP/Check for Updates.
For more information, please visit the app’s website: http://www.direstudio.com/shuttercount