Canon and Sony News for Jul 2014 (Page 2)

From Adobe:

Adobe Camera RAW RC 8.6 Modifications

Features

• Improve performance when batch processing images (via the Save button in Camera Raw) and when converting images to DNG (via DNG Converter). This performance improvement is only available on 64-bit systems.

New Camera Support

• Nikon D810
• Panasonic LUMIX AG-GH4
• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ1000

New Lens Profile Support

Download:
Adobe Camera RAW 8.6 RC for Photoshop CC & CC 2014
Adobe Camera RAW 8.6 for RC Photoshop CS6

From Canon Professional Network:

"Modern action movies are generally packed with computer-generated imagery (CGI), resulting in production budgets that have soared into the stratosphere. But when director Scott Waugh enlisted Shane Hurlbut as Director of Photography on the movie spin-off from the ‘Need For Speed’ game franchise he wanted to buck the trend and shoot the action as close to live as possible, which called for a special camera. CPN writer James Morris spoke to Shane Hurlbut to discover how and why Canon’s EOS C500 Digital Cinema Camera satisfied all the important requirements for shooting live action at 150 miles per hour."

Check out the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.

B&H carries the Canon EOS C500 Cinema Camera.

From PocketWizard:

South Burlington, VT - July 17, 2014 - The PocketWizard MultiMAX, our venerable flagship radio product, is being retired effective immediately.

The MultiMAX was born in early 2001 and is just a little older than Windows XP. One of the first digital transceivers in the photo industry, the MultiMAX became the professional choice for over a dozen basketball seasons, seven Olympics, and countless portraits and weddings. Its special mix of technology enabled it to survive the industry’s transition from film to digital. Some of its features, like Custom IDs, True Trigger Confirmation, and Equalization, have never been duplicated. Certainly, the MultiMAX has earned its place in the history of photography.

Today, key parts are no longer being manufactured. Case in point is the LCD which was based on an early flip phone (the Motorola StarTac of the late 1990’s). So, regrettably, we can no longer market the MultiMAX.

Fortunately, the PocketWizard Plus III radio carries on the primary features of the MultiMAX, like 32 channels, Quad-Zone Triggering, Long Range Mode, and Auto-Relay and is fully compatible with the MultiMAX and the entire PocketWizard line.

Stock:
Final orders have shipped. Check with your dealer or distributor for retail availability.

Warranty Repairs:
PocketWizard will honor warranties and perform customer repairs for the next few years. If warranty repairs are unable to be performed due to parts depletion, we will make reasonable efforts to help photographers maintain PocketWizard compatibility by offering alternative product at a special value.

Custom IDs:
The Custom ID service for the MultiMAX will remain available for MultiMAX owners. We will investigate the possibility of implementing Custom IDs in the Plus III or a future radio.

Special Accessories:
All PocketWizard remote camera and flash cables will remain in the product line. MultiMAX specific accessories like PW-CC (Confirmation Cable) and PW-AC-MX (AC Adapter for older 6-pin radios) will no longer be produced, but may still be available at retailers.

If you have a moment, please share your MultiMAX stories on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pocketwizards

B&H carries PocketWizard products.

The Canon Digital Learning Center has published a lengthy Quick Tips page for Underwater Photography.

"With its richly colored landscapes and fascinating sea creatures, there are few places more beautiful to photograph than the underwater world. Whether you’re scuba diving among sharks or snorkeling along a reef, the photographic possibilities are endless and intriguing.

Of course, underwater photography can be a little intimidating since it presents unique photographic challenges. But you’ll get immediate feedback with your digital SLR, so you can make adjustments when necessary and it won’t be long before you’ll be showing off images of your underwater adventures to fellow divers, snorkelers and land-locked shutterbugs. To help you gear up and grab those once-in-a lifetime shots, here are some guidelines and tips to get you started."

Check out the Underwater Photography Tips on CDLC for a tidal wave of information. :-)

From Nikon:

Camera Control Pro - 2.18.0 Update

Precautions

• This updater software updates Camera Control Pro 2.13.0 -2.17.0 to 2.18.0.
• Camera Control Pro 2.13.0 - 2.17.0 must be installed before running this software.
• When this updater software is run, it may be necessary to enter the product key again to confirm ownership of a previous version of the software.
• On a Macintosh running Mac OS X version 10.7-10.9, run this updater software and then enter the application’s product key.
• Turn off all virus-scanning software and exit Camera Control Pro 2, or any other application that may be running, before proceeding with this installation.
• You must have Administrator authority to run this updater software on a Windows computer. You must enter the Admin password to run this updater software on a Macintosh computer.
• This updater software cannot be used to install a different language version, or to modify the language version, of the application currently installed.

Updates included with this release, 2.18.0

Modifications that apply to both the Windows and Macintosh versions

• Support for the D810 has been added.
• Highlight-weighted has been added to Metering options in the Exposure 2 tab (available only when the D810 is used).
• Metering options have been added to the Movie tab (available only when the D810 is used).
• Flat has been added to Picture Control options in the Image Processing tab. (available only when the D810 is used).
• A Clarity setting has been added to the adjustment dialog displayed when the Edit... button in the Image Processing tab is clicked. (available only when the D810 is used).
• A Show Capture NX-D option has been added to the Tools menu.

Additional modifications to the Windows version

• Windows XP is no longer supported.

Additional modifications to the Macintosh version

• Mac OS X version 10.6 is no longer supported.

Download Camera Control Pro - 2.18.0 Update – Windows | Macintosh

Wireless Transmitter Utility 1.5.1

Precautions

Modifications enabled with version 1.5.1

Modifications that apply to both the Windows and Macintosh versions

• Support for the D810 has been added.
• Support for the Communication Unit UT-1 Firmware Ver. 2.1 has been added.

Additional modifications to the Windows version

• Windows XP is no longer supported.

Download Wireless Transmitter Utility 1.5.1 – Windows| Macintosh

B&H has the Nikon D810 DSLR Camera available for preorder.

The site's first tested Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens was provided by Sigma. That Sigma could have handpicked a superior lens was questioned, so I picked up a retail copy of this lens to verify the image quality this lens model delivers.

The image quality results from the second lens are now included in the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens Review. The first link loads a comparison between the two lenses with the new lens shown on the left (sample "1"). I would say that the second lens is even slightly sharper than the already-impressive first lens. AF consistency for the second lens is the same as the first.

Image quality test results from the EOS 60D are also now included for this lens.

FreeFly MoVI's biggest competitor, the DJI Ronin, is set to be available beginning next month. DJI's stabilizer seems to equal FreeFly's in every way except for price – the Ronin can be preordered for only $2,999.00 (compared to $4,995.00 for the MoVI).

Only time will tell if the DJI Ronin is as good as the ground-breaking MoVI; the lower price will certainly make the Ronin very alluring for a lot of filmmakers.

From Canon UK:

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 17 July 2014 – Canon today announces the details of its presence at IBC, the leading global tradeshow for media and broadcast professionals held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. An IBC exhibitor for more than three decades, Canon will be showcasing its entire line-up of broadcast solutions and technologies, including the recently announced CN7x17 KA S – the company’s first-ever cinema lens to feature a servo drive unit.

With growing consumer demand for Ultra High Definition content, there’s never been more focus on the industry to provide the equipment and services required to move professional broadcasting to the next generation. To reflect this, visitors will be able to experience Canon’s full range of cutting-edge solutions as well as live demonstrations including 4K output from studio camera configurations and live colour grading enabled by its 4K reference monitors.

“We’ve already seen some dramatic shifts in the industry this year and Canon’s presence at IBC 2014 is a reflection of changing times,” said Kieran Magee, Marketing Director, Professional Imaging, Canon Europe. “The bar for quality content is rising every year. Canon is at the forefront of the creative industry, providing products and solutions that professionals need to craft outstanding content, whether in HD or 4K. Helping our customers to capture and tell stories has never been more important. The portfolio of products, and expertise, we’re displaying this year is a demonstration of the tools that they are using to set new standards every day.”

Highlighting the company’s commitment to providing an unrivalled choice of creative products and solutions, attendees can experience Canon’s extensive range of professional lens and camera technologies, including the full power of its optics portfolio. Broadcast professionals will be able to get hands-on with over 100 lenses and a vast array of focal lengths and types, from ENG to cinema to EF lenses. The stand will also display the entire line-up of Canon’s X-series camcorders, providing visitors the opportunity to touch and try the recently announced XF205 and XF200, as well as the company’s pioneering range of Cinema EOS products.

In addition to Canon’s on-stand experts, a selection of independent industry professionals will also be on-hand to present on an exciting array of topics, sharing their experiences of using Canon products and answering visitors’ questions.

Canon’s stand location at IBC 2014 will be Hall 11, Stand E50.

From Photoshelter:

Are you using Instagram the right way?

In our latest guide, The Photographer’s Guide to Instagram, get tips to make the most of this powerful marketing tool to showcase your brand, build your audience, and even generate revenue.

In this guide, you’ll also learn:

• 10 ways to win at Instagram and take advantage of all its features
• Ideas to organically build your audience faster and smarter
• Why Instagram is a must-use tool to connect with photo editors
• Tips to measure your success
• Plus more!

Also get advice and inspiration from photographers having success on Instagram, amassing followings up to 830,000. How’d they do it? We asked and found out.

Download the free guide!

B&H has the Tokina AT-X 70-200mm f/4 PRO FX VCM-S Lens for Nikon available for preorder.

Canon EOS 60D Image quality results have been added to the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens review.

B&H has the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens in stock. Check out the rave reviews this lens is getting from B&H customers. This feedback matches what I am hearing from you.

After a rather large EOS 6D On-Camera Tutorial Series, Canon is expanding its HD Video Tutorial Series with the relase of two new videos – Using Filters and Tripod Systems.

Current List of HD Video Tutorials

• Using Prime Lenses
• Full Frame & Crop Sensor Cameras
• External Monitoring Options
• Building Cinema Rigs
• Using Zoom Lenses
• Using Filters
• Tripod Systems

B&H carries DSLR video gear.

From PDN:

Registration is now open for the 2014 PhotoPlus Conference + Expo.

Register now for the best seminars, most popular speakers, and special events, including our keynote presentations, new Photo Walks and intimate Master Classes.

Join us at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. The Conference will be held October 29, through November 1, 2014 and the Expo will be held October 30 through November 1.

The event will feature over 80 educational seminars, a dozen intimate Master Classes, plus a major display of new products and creative solutions to touch, try and compare from over 200 exhibitors. You’ll also see inspirational photo galleries and enjoy evening networking events, all designed to help you expand your expertise, your business, and your passion for photography, digital imaging and filmmaking, surrounded by the many attractions of New York City.

And now is the Best Time to become a Photo Group Member (PDN, PhotoServe.com, & WPPI). All the great perks, discounts and advantages got better, just in time for PhotoPlus.

Members save up to 30% on ALL conference seminar passes: Full Conference Pass, One Day Conference Pass, A-la-Carte Passes, and Master Classes. You can even purchase your membership while registering for PhotoPlus and take full advantage of all the savings.

A PhotoGroup Membership includes:

• Discounts on PhotoPlus and WPPI Conference seminars
• Subscriptions to PDN and Rangefinder magazines (print, online, and digital editions)
• Listing on PhotoServe.com portfolio display site with hot links and up to 10 searchable specialties
• 30% discount on all entry fees for PDN and Rangefinder photo contests and select WPPI competitions
• Vendor / association discounts (TCP Insurance, ASMP, Agency Access, BlinkBid) and more

Relevant Links

• Schedule and Pricing
• Registration

The Nikon D810 User's Manual is now available for download.

Nikon D810 User's Manual - English (PDF, 23.9 MB) | Nikon D810 User's Manual - Spanish (PDF, 24.2 MB)

B&H carries the Nikon D810 DSLR camera.

Nikon Capture NX-D is now out of beta with version 1.0.0 available for download.

Download Nikon Capture NX-D v1.0.0.

At an hour and forty minutes long, this isn't exactly "light viewing." However, this video may prove useful if playing in the background while you're completing other tasks. If you overhear a tip you're interested in, you can always focus your full attention on the video at that time. At least, that's how I usually enjoy these videos... [Sean]

From B&H's YouTube Channel:

Is trying to master certain aspects of Photoshop making you pull your hair out in frustration? The Event Space and expert Andy Graber are here to help. We tried something new with this class: We asked YOU to help us design the curriculum by interacting with us on social media. What aspects of Photoshop are you having trouble with? What is it you need to learn about? In advance of the class, we chose a selection of your questions and built this workshop around them.

Just posted: Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Review

The ultra-wide, ultra-light, ultra-small, ultra-affordable Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens will be a no-brainer choice for a large number of APS-C DSLR kits.

Get your Canon EF-S 10-18mm IS STM Lens at B&H, Adorama or Amazon.

From Ubertronix:

The Strike Finder TOUCH is our top of the line device in our camera trigger line-up. It has a programmable touch-screen interface that features 5 capabilities in one device. One of the most exciting features is the ability to trigger time lapse based on an external event such as lightning, motion and sound. When it detects high-speed flash events (such as lightning or fireworks), a tripped laser beam, movement, or sound, it sends a signal to the camera or flash at the precise moment to capture the photograph. The fully programmable touch-screen interface allows you to set multiple options (e.g. Sensitivity, Exposure, Timing, Delay (in milliseconds) and will detect motion up to 30 feet away! The motion and sound sensors can be extended by adding additional extension cables.

The Time Lapse is one of the hallmarks of the Strike Finder TOUCH, it contains all options you’d expect from an intervalometer but also boasts a unique feature that allows a photographer to start time lapse based on external events such as motion, a high-speed flash, sound, etc. Anytime one of these external events occurs, it will take multiple photos based on your setup taking a sequence of pictures from one to several thousand and also lets you adjust the frequency and exposure.

Adjustable Settings:

• Time
• Exposure
• Number (number of pics to take)

Additionally, it has the ability to start time lapse when:

• Motion is detected
• Sound is detected
• Lightning is detected
• Laser beam is broken

When using the Lightning feature, it can capture lightning strikes day or night depending on how far the storm is. Since lightning strikes can last for several hundred milliseconds (ms) and contain dozens of strikes, the Strike Finder TOUCH has plenty of opportunity to catch the lightning bolt. The device is very fast, triggering the camera in less than 1ms!

Adjustable Settings:

• Delay
• Sensitivity
• Number (number of pics to take)

The Laser Trigger was designed to capture anything that breaks the laser beam from water droplets to insects, to bigger things such as a sprinting runner. Once the laser has been tripped, the device instantly sends a signal to the camera telling it to release the shutter (external laser pointer required).

Adjustable Settings:

• Delay
• Sensitivity
• Number (number of pics to take)

The Sound Trigger allows you to do high speed photography using sound. The sensor attachment plugs into the side of the Strike Finder TOUCH with an 12? cable. When it senses a loud sound, the device sends a signal to your camera to release the shutter.

Adjustable Settings:

• Delay
• Sensitivity
• Number (number of pics to take)

The Motion Trigger uses a passive infrared sensor that is capable of detecting motion of any kind. Once detected, the device will trigger your camera once or multiple times depending on your setup. The sensor comes as an attachment that plugs into the side of the device with an 12? cable and can be extended with additional extension cables.

Adjustable Settings:

• Interval (frequency(in seconds) to take pics while motion is present)
• Number (number of pics to take)

Technical Specs:

Size 4" x 2 1/4" x 1"

Powered by 4 AAA batteries or optional power adapter Sound and motion sensors are external attachments that plug into the device, extension cables are available too.

B&H carries the new Strike Finder Touch.

From RODE:

RØDE Microphones has today announced the iXY with Lightning connector for iPhone 5, 5s and 5c -- the highly-anticipated update to RØDE’s stereo microphone for Apple iPhone devices, that allows high-quality recording at sample rates up to 24-bit/96kHz.

The original iXY was announced in early 2013 and was the world’s first microphone for iOS devices, able to record at such a high-quality resolution. This innovative approach saw the iXY awarded several product design awards, culminating with the prestigious International Red Dot Design Award, which recognizes products of the very highest quality by an expert panel of 37 judges from around the world.

Equipped with the same broadcast audio performance as the original 30-pin microphone, the iXY with Lightning connector features a matched pair of ½ inch condenser capsules arranged in a stacked X-Y configuration, with on-board high-fidelity analogue to digital conversion. This ensures accurate, immersive and true to life stereo recordings.

Interchangeable rubber mounting clamps are supplied to suit both iPhone 5/5s and 5c, which also provide shock mounting and help to minimise vibration transferring to the microphone capsules. A foam windshield for outdoor recording and protective storage pouch are also included. The RØDEGrip mount is optionally available for mounting the iXY and iPhone on a camera or microphone stand, and a “deadcat” windshield for high wind conditions will be available shortly.

“The original iXY was an industry leader in both design and function, so we’re thrilled to continue this success with the updated version for iPhone 5.” commented Damien Wilson, RØDE’s Global Sales and Marketing Director. “Being able to record at this quality with a device that sits in your pocket has been a game changer not only for audio professionals, but for enthusiasts alike. We saw this first-hand with so numerous entrants to our My RØDE Reel short film competition choosing to use the iXY for their amazing short films”.

Finally, RØDE’s field recording app for iOS devices, RØDE Rec also recently received an update to increase compatibility and stability on the iOS 7 platform. RØDE Rec and RØDE Rec LE are available now in the App store for iPhone and iPad.

B&H carries RODE products.

Canon USA has released two more videos in its EOS 6D On-Camera Tutorial Series:

• Built-in Wi-Fi: Registering with CANON iMAGE GATEWAY
• Built-in Wi-Fi: Sharing through CANON iMAGE GATEWAY

Complete List of EOS 6D On-Camera Tutorial Videos

• Basic Overview
• The Auto Options
• Image Quality
• In-Camera RAW and JPEG Processing
• Composition Aids
• Low Light Shooting
• Multiple Exposure Shooting
• Auto Exposure Bracketing
• In-Camera HDR
• Basic Video Operation
• Built-in GPS Technology
• Time Coding Operation Basics
• Built-In Wireless: How to Enable WiFi
• Built-in Wireless: Remote Capture
• Built-in Wi-Fi: Transfer Images Between Wi-Fi Cameras
• Built-in Wi-Fi: Registering with CANON iMAGE GATEWAY
• Built-in Wi-Fi: Sharing through CANON iMAGE GATEWAY

B&H carries the Canon EOS 6D.

From the Lightroom Journal:

What happens to Lightroom after my membership ends?

Since the launch of the Creative Cloud, Adobe has engaged in an ongoing dialog with the photographic community. We’ve tackled mobile workflows, provided ongoing enhancements and lastly, provided a membership plan tailor made for all levels of photographers. With the latest update to Lightroom 5.5 I believe we’ve also addressed a lingering concern in the community: What happens to my photographs after my membership ends?

With Lightroom 5.5, at the end of a membership, the desktop application will continue to launch and provide access to the photographs managed within Lightroom as well as the Slideshow, Web, Book or Print creations that we know many photographers painstakingly create. The Develop and Map modules have been disabled in order to signal the end of the membership and the need to renew in order to receive Adobe’s continuous innovation in those areas. Access to Lightroom mobile workflows will also cease to function. We hope this meets the expectations of our customers and we look forward to an ongoing dialog.

TDP Note: For what it's worth, I'm a big fan of Adobe's Photoshop Photography Program. In my opinion, a continuously updated Photoshop CC and Lightroom 5 for only $9.99 per month is a great deal – and one I'll be more than happy to invest in for the foreseeable future. [Sean]

Roger Cicala over at LensRentals has put the new Petzval lens to the test using his Trioptics MTF bench and OLAF machines.

Check out LensRentals Blog post to see how the lens (with its 175 year-old design) performed.

From B&H:

We are proud to announce our recently-upgraded shipping policy for the continental U.S.

In keeping with our tradition of bringing you the greatest shopping experience, we have launched our new B&H FREE EXPEDITED SHIPPING PROGRAM that delivers your orders of $49 or more in 1, 2, or 3 business days, depending upon your order’s destination. There are NO membership fees.

B&H constantly seeks new ways to improve your shopping experience and we hope you’ll enjoy this new program.