Canon, Nikon and Sony News for Mar 2013 (Page 2) Report News & Deals  ►

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.

Through March 27, the Canon Store is featuring 20% Off select Refurbished Consumer Camcorders.

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.

From Profoto:
 
CONNECT TWO HEADS TO YOUR ACUTEB2 WITH THE ACUTEB TWO-HEAD SPLIT CABLE!
 
The new AcuteB Two-head Split Cable from Profoto is a cord with one plug in one end and two in the other. Connect it to the output on your AcuteB2 and you have two outputs at your disposal. Very simple, yet very effective.
 
The AcuteB2 600 AirS is Profoto’s most compact and lightweight battery generator. This makes it perfect for on-location shoots and situations where you need to stay moving. It has only one output, but with the Split Cable that is not an issue.
 
Connect the Split Cable to the output of the AcuteB2 and suddenly you have two outputs. In other words, you can now work with two light sources – and this without having to bring another generator with you. So, it is either half the baggage or twice the possibilities, depending on what you are used to.
 
“This is admittedly an uncomplicated product,” says Göran Marén, Product Manager at Profoto. “But sometimes the simplest solutions are the best.”
 
With the Split Cable connected, the power distribution from the AcuteB2 becomes fully symmetric and each head can be powered with up to 300Ws.
 
B&H carries Profoto products.

 

"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending March 23rd, 2013.
 
In the news...
 
On Thursday, Canon announced the EOS Rebel SL1 and T5i DSLR cameras, the EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens and the PowerShot SX280 HS and SX270 HS digital cameras.
 
Arguably, Canon’s biggest announcement was the Rebel SL1, the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR camera. The new camera weighs less than a pound yet features an 18 megapixel sensor, 3” LCD touchscreen, 9 point center-cross point AF system, a 4 frames per second burst rate, and continuous autofocus in movie recording.
 
The T5i seems to be an incremental update over its predecessor with new features such as an updated exterior finish, 360 degree mode dial, digital zooming during movie recording, and lighter weight. The biggest update, however, comes in the form of a new kit lens, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. The introduction of Canon’s third STM lens should prove popular for those using their DSLR cameras for video recording.
 
And lastly, Canon’s announcement of the PowerShot SX280 HS and SX270 HS digital cameras brought a small surprise – the introduction of [Canon’s] new DIGIC 6 image processor. According to Canon, the new DIGIC 6 processor allows for even greater image quality in low light conditions and the encoding of MP4 movie files during video recording.
 
Along with the DIGIC 6 image processor, the new PowerShot cameras feature a 25mm lens with 20x zoom, full HD video recording, manual, AV and TV modes, an intelligent IS system, and in the SX280’s case, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS.
 
In other news, Adobe announced on Wednesday that their Creative Cloud subscriber base had hit half a million subscribers in less than a year. Free and trial memberships exceed 2 million over the same period.
 
On Thursday, Nikon announced the establishment of a manufacturing facility in Laos to reinforce its digital SLR camera manufacturing organization and reduce costs. The new facility is scheduled to commence production in October 2013 and employ 800 people.
 
In reviews...
 
On Saturday, Bryan added a camera size comparison tool to the website. Now visitors can compare the size difference for cameras from the top, back or side views.
 
And, for our deal of the week…
 
On Friday, we posted a deal where you could get a Refurbished Canon EOS 60D DSLR camera from Adorama for only $599.00. That’s a $150.00 savings off the price of a new item.
 
This has been the The-Digital-Picture.com’s Weekend Recap. Thanks for listening, and as always, happy shooting!"

Canon camera size/product image comparison pages are now available from the Camera and Lens Comparison Tools page.
 
These are the same comparisons you have seen in the Canon Camera Reviews. There are now so many Canon DSLR cameras that the load time for these review pages with all cameras included was getting too long. I will still include these comparisons in the reviews, but will show only a small subset of the cameras.
 
The Rebel T5i / 700D and Rebel SL1 / 100D images are included. Check out the size difference between these bodies.

B&H has the Nikon COOLPIX A Digital Camera in stock.
 
B&H also has a couple of Nikon COOLPIX A accessories available for preorder:
 
UR-E24 Filter Adapter & HN-CP18 Lens Hood
DF-CP1 Optical Viewfinder
 
Update: Adorama also has the Nikon COOLPIX A Digital Camera in stock.

Introducing the world's smallest and lightest DSLR camera: the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 (Press Release).
 
Product Highlights

• 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 5 Image Processor
• 3.0" Clear View II Touchscreen LCD
• ISO 100-12800, Expandable to 25600
• Full HD 1080 Video with Continuous AF
• 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
• 9-Point AF System
• Scene Intelligent Auto Mode
• Compact and Lightweight; Weighs 0.8lb
• Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S Lenses

Preorders
 
SL1 Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon
SL1 with 18-55mm IS STM Lens: B&H | Adorama | Amazon
 
Visit the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Review placeholder page for more product images and information.

Canon has today announced the Canon EOS Rebel T5i / 700D (Press Release).
 
Product Highlights

• STM Lens Support for Quiet AF in Movies
• 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 5 Image Processor
• Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0" 1,040,000 dot Clear View LCD II
• ISO 100-12800, Expandable to 25600
• Full HD 1080 Video with Continuous AF
• 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
• 9-Point All Cross-Type AF System
• Multi Shot Noise Reduction
• Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S Lenses

Preorders
 
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
 
Visit the Canon EOS Rebel T5i / 700D Review placeholder page for more product images and information.

Canon today introduced its latest kit lens, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Press Release.
 
Product Highlights

• 28.8-88mm Zoom Lens (35mm Equiv)
• Maximum Aperture Range: f/3.5-5.6
• Optical Image Stabilization - up to 4 stops of correction
• Dynamic IS (Movie Shooting Mode only) delivers a wider IS correction range, ideal for shooting while walking
• Stepping Motor and Inner Focusing System
• Supports Movie Servo AF Feature
• Smooth and Quiet AF Ideal for Video
• Inner focusing system, high-speed CPU, and optimized AF algorithm allow high-speed autofocus
• EF-S Mount for APS-C Format EOS Cameras
• One Aspherical Element
• One UD Lens
• Manual Focus Override in AF Mode
• Accepts 58mm Filters

Preorders: B&H | Adorama
 
Visit the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Review placeholder page for more product images and information.

From Canon UK:
 
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland 21 March 2013 – Canon today unveils two new powerful PowerShot SX models – the compact and versatile PowerShot SX280 HS and PowerShot SX270 HS. Combining Canon’s brand new DIGIC 6 image processing technology with a 20x optical zoom, these models are the ideal travel companions for recording everything from panoramic landscapes to family holidays, in stunning detail and Full HD 60p video. Shooting and sharing high-quality images on the move is also easy with the PowerShot SX280 HS’s integrated Wi-Fi function, allowing instant connectivity with other devices such as tablets, PCs or smartphones.
 
Incredible performance with DIGIC 6
At the heart of both models is Canon’s next generation DIGIC 6 image processor, enabling the capture of outstanding images in even the lowest of light conditions, as well as realistically smooth, Full HD movies at up to 60fps. Whether at a party or under moonlight, new DIGIC 6 ensures pictures are low on noise and perfectly-exposed, with up to 30 per cent more detail captured than the models’ predecessors, without the need to use a flash or tripod.
 
The HS System pairs the new DIGIC 6 processor with a 12.1 Megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor to deliver exceptional images in low light, with minimal blur and noise, as well as wide dynamic range – perfect for capturing shadowy detail as the sun sets on holiday. Using the DIGIC 6 processor and HS System, users can enjoy shooting with incredible ISO sensitivity, up to ISO 6400, with outstanding results.
 
Using DIGIC 6, movies are recorded in the widely-compatible MP4 format, and can be played on a range of portable devices – providing the ability to share recordings quickly and easily with family and friends, without the need for lengthy file conversions.
 
Get closer to the action with super zoom
The PowerShot SX280 HS and PowerShot SX270 HS are ideal for every precious family and holiday moment, thanks to the 25mm wide-angle 20x optical zoom Canon lens with a 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer (IS). ZoomPlus technology even digitally extends the reach of the zoom to 40x whilst maintaining crisp, detailed, high-quality resolution, allowing users to get even closer to the action whilst maintaining a discrete distance.
 
Keep track of your travels; sharing made easy
The PowerShot SX280 HS’s Wi-Fi function allows users to share their most memorable moments with friends and family by transmitting their stunning images to social networks, connected devices, or the internet for online back-up.
 
Ideal for travellers who wish to track their route effortlessly, or remember the exact location of a perfect shot, the PowerShot SX280 HS’s inbuilt GPS automatically tags each picture or movie with the local time and pinpoints the location in which it was taken. The integrated GPS logger function tracks the location of the camera at regular intervals on a journey, while A-GPS functionality uses Wi-Fi to quickly download additional Assisted GPS data, which greatly decreases the time to acquire a satellite signal.
 
Switch from stills to movies with Full HD capture
Users can quickly switch from still images to movies to record action in Full HD quality (1920x1080p) with stereo sound. Advanced 60p recording allows a new level of movie performance, with the ability to capture fast paced action with improved smoothness across the whole scene. Fine Detail Movie Processing technology (30 fps) offers incredible detail, while DIGIC 6 offers enhanced noise processing in Full HD movies (30fps), allowing users to capture every moment.
 
The huge 20x optical zoom can also be used whilst filming. Movies shot on the move are kept crisp and blur-free thanks to the latest version of Intelligent IS, which features an enhanced Dynamic IS mode. The improved mode employs a five-axis Image Stabilizer, correcting a range of additional types of camera shake, including rotational and parallel shake – a typical occurrence when filming whilst walking - for even smoother footage.
 
Whether on a family holiday or the trip of a lifetime, travellers can easily frame and review their recordings on the bright 7.5 cm (3.0”) PureColor II G LCD screen with approximately 461,000 dots. A tempered glass layer provides additional strength and protection, and high contrast also combines with Quick Bright technology to make the display perfect for movie playback in bright sunlight.
 
Capture every moment creatively
The PowerShot SX280 HS and PowerShot SX270 HS make it easy to point and shoot with confidence, offering Canon’s acclaimed Smart Auto mode which detects up to 58 different scenes to determine the most appropriate settings to achieve the best possible result.
 
Combining creative flexibility with high quality images, both the PowerShot SX280 HS and PowerShot SX270 HS feature new Hybrid Auto mode which records the four seconds before every shot in 720p resolution, before using Smart Auto to determine the best settings to capture the perfect shot. At the end of each day, the four-second clips are merged into one to tell the “behind-the-scenes” story of the day’s images. Stills can also be transformed by using one of seven different Creative Filters, including Fish-eye Effect and Miniature Effect.
 
More ambitious and experienced photographers, or those wanting to develop their photography skills, can also take complete control of their camera settings. Using the range of more advanced modes, including Tv and Av modes to control shutter speed and aperture, or full manual mode to control all settings, users can explore their creativity and improve their knowledge with these powerful, compact cameras.
 
PowerShot SX280 HS – key features:

• 20x zoom, 25mm lens
• HS System: 12.1 MP CMOS, DIGIC 6
• Intelligent IS, Enhanced Dynamic IS
• Wi-Fi
• Full HD (60fps)
• 7.5 cm (3.0") PureColor II G LCD
• GPS with A-GPS
• Hybrid Auto; Smart Auto
• Manual, Av and Tv modes
• High-speed shooting. Optional Waterproof Case

PowerShot SX270 HS – key features:

• 20x zoom, 25mm wide lens
• HS System: 12.1 MP CMOS, DIGIC 6
• Intelligent IS, Enhanced Dynamic IS
• Full HD (60fps)
• 7.5 cm (3.0") PureColor II G LCD
• Hybrid Auto; Smart Auto
• Manual, Av and Tv modes
• High-speed shooting
• Optional 40m Waterproof Case

Preorders*
 
Canon Powershot SX280 HS (Black): B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon Powershot SX280 HS (Red): B&H | Adorama | Amazon
 
* The Canon PowerShot SX270 HS was not mentioned in the Canon USA Press Release. No preorders are availalbe at this time.

Canon Japan has just published sample images and videos from the newly announced EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera.
 
Preorder Opportunities:
 
SL1 Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon
SL1 with 18-55mm IS STM Lens: B&H | Adorama | Amazon

Canon Japan has just published sample images and videos from the newly announced EOS Rebel T5i DSLR Camera.
 
Preorder Opportunities:
 
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