Canon and Sony News for Feb 2014 (Page 2)

MELVILLE, NY – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that a beta version of Capture NX-D will be available free of charge beginning today. Capture NX-D is new software for processing and adjusting RAW images captured with Nikon digital cameras.

Capture NX-D is a free software application that will replace the current Capture NX 2 application. RAW images (NEF or NRW file extension) captured with Nikon D-SLR cameras, Nikon 1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lenses, and Nikon COOLPIX compact digital cameras can be loaded into the application for processing and adjustment of images. In addition to RAW images, the application can also be used to adjust JPEG and TIFF files.

During the period that Capture NX-D is available as a beta version, Nikon will invite users to try the software, and will collect feedback about the user experience and the application from those using it. Nikon will then use this feedback to improve the application prior to its official release.

The new software will support many functions needed by professional photographers, including batch image processing, filtering and an enhanced user interface with a variety of displays and floating palettes that are ideal for multiple monitors. Additionally, photographers will also have the ability to adjust parameters including exposure and white balance in RAW files, and can adjust tone curves, brightness, and contrast, as well as functions for correcting lateral color aberration and vignetting in JPEG and TIFF files. The software also features a new “sidecar” format, which retains and saves the adjusted image as a separate file.

Nikon will continue to update and provide support for the current Capture NX 2 application while the beta version of Capture NX-D is available. Once the official version of Capture NX-D is released, Capture NX 2 will no longer be supported with updates.

To download the beta version of Nikon’s Capture NX-D, please visit http://beta.nikonimglib.com/to sign up.

From SanDisk:

MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, BARCELONA, Feb. 24, 2014 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), a global leader in flash storage solutions, today announced the new 128GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I memory card, the world’s largest capacity microSD card. Smaller than the size of a fingernail, the new SanDisk Ultra microSDXC card enables consumers to use their phones and tablets as if storage limitations were never a concern, allowing users to capture thousands of songs and photos, and hours of video on a single, removable card.

“SanDisk’s high-performance 128GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC memory card will reshape the way users interact with their devices,” said Stuart Robinson, director, Handset Component Technologies, Strategy Analytics. “Until now, consumers had to spread out their content between multiple products because the memory on those devices was not able to hold enough data in one place. This 128GB microSD card is going to be popular as the preferred removable storage option, giving users fast, secure and reliable access to their personal data archives.”

Ideal for Today’s Smartphone and Tablet Users
Designed for Android smartphones and tablets, the new SanDisk Ultra microSDXC card provides consumers the highest storage capacity available in a removable form factor. Ideal for shooting Full HD video and high-quality pictures, the 128GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC card delivers twice the speed of ordinary microSD memory cards and offers the highest video recording performance available.

“The new SanDisk Ultra microSDXC card again demonstrates how SanDisk continues to expand the possibilities of storage so that consumers can benefit from our latest technology advancements,” said Susan Park, director, retail product marketing, SanDisk. “With 128GB of removable storage, consumers will enjoy the freedom to capture and save whatever they want on a smartphone or tablet, without worrying about running out of storage space.”

An Enhanced SanDisk Memory Zone App – Smarter Ways to Organize, Optimize, and Backup Android Smartphones
A new version of the SanDisk Memory Zone app (available on the Google Play store in beta) lets users easily view, access, and backup all of their files from their phone’s memory in one convenient place. As a part of the SanDisk Memory Zone app, SanDisk is releasing OptiMem, a new feature that allows Android users to enhance their phone’s internal memory by automatically transferring some of their old photos and videos to their microSD card. OptiMem will continuously monitor the user’s mobile device memory levels, and inform them whenever the internal memory falls below a pre-defined threshold.

Technological Breakthrough
Compared to when the microSD card format was first launched in 2004 with 128MB of capacity, SanDisk has increased storage capacity of microSD cards 1,000 times over in less than a decade with the 128GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC card. To enable 128GB of storage on a removable microSD card, SanDisk developed an innovative proprietary technique that allows for 16 memory die to be vertically stacked, each shaved to be thinner than a strand of hair.

“The technology used to design the 128GB Ultra microSDXC card is well in line with what mobile users expect, and demonstrates SanDisk’s commitment to mobility,” said Christopher Chute, research director, Worldwide Digital Imaging, IDC. “Being able to fit this much capacity into a microSD card smaller than a fingernail is a game changer, and expands the possibilities of what people can do with their mobile devices. The 128GB Ultra microSDXC card frees users from constant concerns around storage limitations.”

Pricing and Availability
The family of SanDisk Ultra microSD memory cards is available worldwide in capacities ranging from 8GB to 128GB with MSRPs of $29.99 to $199.99. In the U.S., the 128GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC card is available exclusively at BestBuy and Amazon.com.

From Canon USA:

Announcements Include a New Canon RC-V100 Remote Control and Firmware Updates for Peripheral Illumination Correction Support and Continuous Recording for EOS C100 Video Camera

MELVILLE, N.Y., February 24, 2014 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced a variety of performance updates for cameras in its Cinema EOS and XF professional camcorder line. Announced today is a new optional feature upgrade for the EOS C300 Cinema camera which will support Canon's innovative Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus (AF) technology and enable continuous autofocusing with the entire line of Canon EF lenses and optimized for Canon's stepping motor (STM) line of lenses when used with the EOS C300 camera. This optional feature upgrade is expected to be available in May 2014 for a cost of $500.00 and will require the EOS C300 camera body to be shipped to an authorized Canon service center for installation.

In addition to the optional feature upgrade for the EOS C300 camera, Canon has also announced the new RC-V100 remote control for Cinema EOS cameras and the XF Series professional HD camcorders; a firmware update that allows for Peripheral Illumination Correction when using the Canon CN-E35mm T1.5 L F Cinema prime lens or the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens with the EOS C500, EOS C300, or EOS C100 cameras and a Continuous Recording function for the EOS C100 Digital Video Camera to help ensure capture of crucial shots in unpredictable situations, such as wedding/event videography, documentary, news, or wildlife production.

"We continue to strive to demonstrate our support of filmmaking and television production professionals through innovative new updates and equipment upgrades that allow our products to better serve these visual storytellers," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "By listening to our customers and responding to the various ways our equipment is used in the marketplace, we look to continually advance the capabilities and features inherent in our cameras, lenses, and accessories."

EOS C300 Dual Pixel CMOS AF Feature Upgrade
Originally introduced in the Canon EOS 70D Digital SLR camera, Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology is designed to provide continuous autofocus when shooting in single operator, or run-and-gun set-ups like documentaries, weddings, events, or electronic news gathering (ENG). When used in combination with an STM lens, this technology allows for the capture of high quality video without the interruption of noise by the focusing motor.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF is an innovative image-plane phase-detection AF technology that employs a CMOS sensor on which all of the effective pixels are able to perform both imaging and phase-detection AF simultaneously. Although camera operators can still focus manually, this new optional feature upgrade can enable smooth continuous AF with phase detection, a particularly useful feature when shooting with a small crew or single-operator run-and-gun filming and cinéma vérité style shoots.

The optional Dual Pixel CMOS AF feature upgrade for the EOS C300 Cinema camera supports continuous AF with all compatible Canon EF series lenses when shooting subjects positioned in the center of the imaging area. The technology involves complementary use of a contrast signal to achieve advanced autofocus stability that helps reduce the occurrence of loss of focus on a subject. Also included is an AF Lock which allows users to lock a focus point once AF is achieved and recompose the shot. Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF also nearly doubles the speed of the EOS C300 Cinema camera's One-Shot AF function, which enables a DP to focus on a subject located at the center of the screen with the push of a button, a feature that is currently supported on 104 Canon EF lens modelsi.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF feature upgrade for the EOS C300 Cinema camera will be made available to users through an authorized Canon service center. For more information please visit the Canon U.S.A. website at http://pro.usa.canon.com/EOSC300FeatureUpgrade.

Canon RC-V100 Remote Control
The Canon RC-V100 Remote Control is designed to respond to a diverse array of production needs requiring remote camera operation. The RC-V100 Remote Control enables users to remotely control main camera functions and is compatible with the XF Series professional HD camcorders and Canon's Cinema EOS C500, Cinema EOS C300 and Cinema EOS C100 cameras. It allows users to remotely control a wide variety of functions built into the cameras, as well as adjust and set various controls, such as exposure and white balance.

The RC-V100 Remote Control is expected to be available in June 2014 at a suggested retail price of $2,999.

Peripheral Illumination Correction
This firmware performance update adds two additional Canon lenses to the list of lens models that maintain even illumination across an image plane, and virtually eliminates vignetting when used in combination with the EOS C500 and EOS C300 Cinema cameras, and the EOS C100 Digital Video Camera. This latest update adds the CN-E35mm T1.5 L F Cinema prime lens and the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens to the seven other Canon CN-E Series Cinema Lenses that share this performance advantage, including the CN-E15.5-47mm and CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L S compact Cinema zooms, and the 14mm, 24mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm Canon CN-E Cinema prime lenses. Fourteen other Canon EF-Series photographic lenses also deliver Peripheral Illumination Correction in combination with these cameras.

The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens offers high magnification in a compact and lightweight telephoto zoom lens with an Optical Image Stabilizer for up to 3.5* equivalent stops for shake correction. The lens' ultra-quiet stepping motor and focus mechanism support the Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus optional upgrade for the Cinema EOS C300 and EOS C100 cameras, providing smooth, continuous autofocusing during video shooting on upgraded models.

EOS C100 Camera Continuous Recording Function Firmware Update
Designed for the capture of crucial, unpredictable scenes during wedding/event, documentary, news, or wildlife filming, the Continuous Recording Function firmware update for the EOS C100 Digital Video Camera enables videographers to insert metadata markers identifying crucial scenes and moments in their footage while continuously recording to the memory capacity. These markers — for both "in" and "out" points — can be set with the press of a button without interrupting the recording process. These markers are identified in metadata as separate "shots," and are simultaneously recorded to both SD card slots of the EOS C100 camera.

A recap and availability timeline of the feature upgrades and firmware updates detailed in this release can be found in the grid below. For more information, please visit the Canon U.S.A. website at http://usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/standard_display/cinema-firmware.

B&H carries the Canon EOS C100, EOS C300 and EOS C500 Cinema Cameras as well as the Canon XF300 and XF305 Professional Camcorders.

From the Flickr Blog:

It’s not every day a photographer can make you look twice at a photo and seriously marvel at it. But for 18-year-old Laura Williams, nearly 200,000 people viewed Laura's self-portrait in awe and bewilderment — making it a viral sensation.

“I like the idea of creating an image that’s perhaps a little less obvious, like an illusion,” Laura tells The Weekly Flickr in the accompanying video. “One that really intrigues the viewer and tries to trick the eye. It’s something I strive to do, and I love it!”

Check out the entire article over on the Flickr Blog.

An article on Nikkan Kogyo suggests that Canon may be bowing out of the low-priced compact camera market to focus on high-magnification zooms and its DSLR market.

Focusing on higher end camera systems sounds quite reasonable as the prevalence of smart phones has squeezed the low end market for all traditional camera manufacturers.

[via Slash Gear]

Roger Cicala over at LensRentals has published part III of his informative blog posts explaining how you can optically evaluate lenses at home. The third and final installment in the series provides examples of "problem lenses" and shows what kind of improvement can be achieved with optical adjustmets.

Posts:

• Why You Can’t Optically Test Your Lens with Autofocus
• Setting Up an Optical Testing Station
• Examples Using an Optical Testing Station

If renting from LensRentals, support this site by clicking on the appropriate product review and then clicking the "Rent" button on the item's review page.

From Adobe:

Please note — Camera Raw 8.4 and DNG Converter 8.4 are no longer officially supported on the following platforms: Mac OS 10.6.x (Snow Leopard), Windows XP, Windows Vista.

Welcome to the Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw 8.4 for CS6/CC plug-in release candidate on Adobe Labs. A “release candidate” label indicates that this update is well tested but would benefit from additional community testing before it is distributed automatically to all of our customers. Camera Raw 8.4 RC for CS6 update includes support for many new cameras and lens profiles. A release candidate build of DNG Converter 8.4 is also provided.

The Camera Raw plug-in provides easy access within Adobe Photoshop CS6 to the raw image formats produced by many leading professional and midrange digital cameras. For more information on the Camera Raw plug-in, please visit the Camera Raw pages on Adobe.com.

The Camera Raw team would like the community to help verify the quality of the plug-in through normal usage as this will ensure that the plug-in is tested on a diversity of hardware and software configurations not available internally at Adobe. If you do experience an issue with this release candidate please report it within the Camera Raw discussion forum.

Download
Camera Raw 8.4 for CS6: Windows (ZIP, 150 MB) | Macintosh (DMG, 129 MB)
Camera Raw 8.4 for CC: Windows (ZIP, 106 MB) | Macintosh (DMG, 69 MB)

For a limited time, Adobe has the Photoshop Photography Program available for $9.99/mo (with 1 year commentment) without previous ownership requirements.

From Think Tank Photo:

Think Tank Photo’s newest About A Photograph video features the story behind photojournalist John Stanmeyer’s award-winning photo of African migrants on the shore of Djibouti City at night, their phones raised in an attempt to capture an inexpensive signal from neighboring Somalia. The international jury of the 57th annual World Press Photo Contest recently selected his image as the World Press Photo of the Year 2013. The video can be found at http://blog.thinktankphoto.com/about-a-photograph/

In the video, Stanmeyer relates that, “This is a perfect example of modern day migration and the issues of modern day migration and our ability and desire to reconnect with our loved ones back home…It’s about hope.”

Jillian Edelstein, jury member from the UK/South Africa said: “It’s a photo that is connected to so many other stories—it opens up discussions about technology, globalization, migration, poverty, desperation, alienation, humanity. It’s a very sophisticated, powerfully nuanced image. It is so subtly done, so poetic, yet instilled with meaning, conveying issues of great gravity and concern in the world today.”

John Stanmeyer, born in Illinois, is a founding member of the VII photo agency. Living in the Far East for over 12 years, he has witnessed throughout that time nearly every major historical event in Asia, photographing the rapid changes taking place throughout the entire region. Working globally, he has focused on the plight of refugees from the Ugandan civil war, spent months chronicling the effects of the 2004 Tsunami and documented the mental healthcare crises in Asia.

He has been the recipient of numerous honors including the prestigious Robert Capa award, named Magazine Photographer of the Year, awarded numerous World Press, Picture of the Year and NPPA awards and in 2008 received the National Magazine Award for this in-depth essay on the global Malaria epidemic.

Think Tank Photo's “About a Photograph video series features some of the world’s leading photographers recounting the stories behind their images that captured global attention. Each short video focuses on the forces that led up to that perfect moment in time when subject, story, setting, equipment, and photographer converged.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center (<---click to see video):

Join wedding cinematographer, Joe Simon, as he shares his views and techniques for shooting a stylistic wedding video using Canon’s Cinema EOS and HDSLR cameras. Joe also discusses his experiences using the new Dual Pixel AF feature upgrade available for the EOS C100, and how it has improved his shots by opening up the potential for more dynamic camera movement and focus effects.

In this video you will also learn:

• One-shot AF improvements with the Dual Pixel AF feature upgrade
• Continuous AF improvements with the Dual Pixel AF feature upgrade
• AF Lock and unlock functionalities, and how to take advantage of them
• Joe's approach to camera setup for filming the ceremony and first dance
• Which camera support systems Joe uses for weddings, and why

B&H carries the Canon EOS C100 Cinema Camera and the EOS 70D DSLR Camera.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

"As photographers, our goal is to recreate the scene before us using both light and color. As advanced as digital cameras are these days, they don’t yet match the complexity of the human mind so we have to work with a few technical limitations when trying to record a scene as our eye sees it. Snow covered winter landscapes, in particular, can present some very specific challenges when it comes to getting accurate looking colors.

If you’ve ever looked at one of your winter images and thought that things look a little blue, then you’ve discovered one of the challenges of photographing snow: getting the right white balance or color temperature. White balance is a fundamental camera setting that adjusts color rendition to give a neutral appearance, without any obvious overall color tints or shifts. Cameras come with several White Balance presets (Daylight, Tungsten, Flash, etc.), but difficulties can arise when there are mixed light sources all adding their own color cast. In fact, it doesn’t even need to be a direct source either because all reflected light will have a color cast that’s dependent on the color of the object the light just bounced off of. If there are objects in your image (quite likely!) then you’ve got multiple color casts, in some way."

Check out the entire article on the CDLC Blog.

Just Posted: Oben CT-2491 Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

There are a huge number of tripods availabe right now. The Oben CT-2491 is a better choice than most.

Roger Cicala over at LensRentals has written two very information blog posts explaining how you can optically evaluate lenses at home. The posts should allow you to detect a "...decentered or optically maladjusted lens in 10 minutes or so."

Part three of the series (expected in the next few days) will provide several examples of "problem lenses."

Posts:

• Why You Can’t Optically Test Your Lens with Autofocus
• Setting Up an Optical Testing Station

If renting from LensRentals, support this site by clicking on the appropriate product review and then clicking the "Rent" button on the item's review page.

From Canon UK:

London UK, 20th February 2014 – Canon will be demonstrating its imaging solutions for the broadcast industry at BVE 2014. A full cine and broadcast camera range, shooting studio, DSLR bar and EF lens line up will be available at the event, allowing visitors to get a real hands-on experience (Stand G05).

Canon’s shooting studio will feature a kitchen set up, with chefs baking and decorating cakes during six live sessions throughout the day. Nine cameras from the cine and broadcast range will be positioned around the action studio to demonstrate the camera capabilities in a broadcast environment.

At the DSLR bar, visitors will be able to test shooting video using Canon’s range of DSLR cameras, which have already revolutionised the way that professional video is shot. A low light area will also feature on-stand to demonstrate how the EOS range performs when light levels fall.

Canon’s EF lens line up will be available to enable visitors to experiment with Canon’s wide selection of studio, field and portable lenses.

Austin Freshwater, Director – Professional Imaging Group at Canon UK and Ireland, said: “Canon is constantly updating the way it develops and manufactures its products to keep pace with the rapid changes taking place in the broadcast industry. By showcasing our offering at an event like BVE we can show first-hand how we are supporting videographers in capturing the highest quality footage in a huge range of environments.”

Visit Canon at BVE from 25th – 27th February 2014 at Stand G05 at ExCel London.

From Photoshelter:

Learn from one of the world’s foremost authorities on Digital Asset Management, Peter Krogh.

In this webinar, Peter Krogh will answer the photographer's plea “Just tell me what to do!” when it comes to storing, organizing, and optimizing your workflow within Adobe Lightroom.

Peter will focus on how to maximize your use of Lightroom as an image cataloging tool. This is for those looking to tame their out-of-control, unorganized file system and truly understand Lightroom’s organization power.

In this webinar you’ll learn:

• How to approach image file storage in a simple and safe way
• The advantages of the DNG file format
• What to do when you’ve outgrown your photo library
• How to organize your photos with metadata tags, apply them to entire shoots, and when to use custom tags
• Finding images quickly using filters
• How to use Lightroom Projects to create photobooks, slideshows, web galleries, videos and more
• About the publishing service within Lightroom

Peter will also be giving away free copies of his book, Digital Asset Management for Photographers, to 10 lucky attendees!

Register Here

From Custom SLR:

First introduced in an exclusive pre-release opportunity during Custom SLR's Air Strap Kickstarter campaign, the Hand Strap brings a new way for photographers to carry their camera with added flexibility and security.

February 19, 2014 – Custom SLR, a photography accessories company in Silicon Valley, today launched its latest product, the Hand Strap, providing a new way for photographers to carry their camera without putting stress on their neck and shoulders.

“We are excited to expand our strap line beyond camera sling straps and continue to create products that improve the shooting experience,” said Ivan Wong, chief operating officer of Custom SLR. “The hand strap is a highly requested product from photographers who want the added security of a strap without having to wear anything on their shoulders.”

The Hand Strap allows photographers to carry their camera in their palm with a comfortable and secure grip. By keeping their finger close to the shutter button, photographers have easy access and instant engagement. With its added flexibility and security, the Hand Strap is perfect for those who are constantly on the move. Some other features include:

• Ergonomic fit and design
• Silicone prints on the back for better grip
• Made from a comfortable neoprene material
• Works with most SLR cameras with hand strap mount or battery grip
• Compatible with the Custom SLR C-Loop Strap Mount
• Easily transitions to a tripod with the M-Plate Pro + Hand Strap Attachment

The Hand Strap was first introduced through an exclusive pre-release opportunity during Custom SLR’s successfully-funded Air Strap Kickstarter campaign. The Hand Strap is now available to the general public for purchase on CustomSLR.com for $14.95.

B&H carries Custom SLR products.