Canon and Sony News for Sep 2016 (Page 2)

From the Canon Professional Network:

The advent of 4K DSLR video in Canon’s flagship EOS-1D X Mark II, and now the EOS 5D Mark IV, has revolutionized still photography: this is high-resolution video, so good that each frame has sufficient quality for use in both web and print applications. Imagine what this means, not only for wildlife, sports, and other “action” applications, but also for wedding and event photographers. From a video sequence of, for example, a rodeo cowboy on a bucking bronco, the photographer can select the single frame that conveys the exact moment of peak action; separate, or “grab” that still from the video sequence; improve it in post-capture software such as Canon’s DPP and Adobe Photoshop; and use the resulting file in web applications or prints. An entire event might be captured in video, later yielding stills for promotion or other publication. We’ve known this was coming, and those who’ve embraced and mastered the video capabilities of recent DSLRs are ahead of the game. (I told you so.)

B&H carries the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the EOS-1D X Mark II.

From Manfrotto:

The new solution for the travelling professional:

• International carry-on size roller bag for photo and video cameras
• Fits gripped DSLR with attached 400/2.8 or 200-400/4 or 500/4 (detached)
• Fully customizable dividers also fit Canon C100 w/ light stands inside
• Manfrotto Camera Protection System absorbs shock and safeguards equipment
• TSA-approved combination zipper lock
• Strong, wear-resistant, weather-resistant protection
• Comfortable handle, high-mileage replaceable wheel system

Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, presents the Pro Light Reloader – 55 Photo Roller bag, the new carry-on size camera roller designed to give professional photographers and videographers a highly protective, comfortable and stylish bag to travel and work with. The Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader-55 is built to carry typical pro DSLR camera sets (e.g. 3 bodies with 8 lenses), super-tele DSLR sets (e.g. 1 body with 400mm f/2.8 lens attached and 3 more lenses) & camcorder with lighting set (e.g. disassembled Canon C100 with 2 light kits). Fitting the standard for carry-on luggage for most airlines, it gives professionals the peace of mind of having their most valuable possessions near them at all times. When it’s time to shoot, the roller becomes a workstation, with gear and accessories visible and in easy reach.

The low profile design handle securely holds the bag, leaving more space for the kit. Inside the fully customizable Manfrotto Camera Protection System dividers provide shock absorption and vibration reduction with all configurations - from full day photo or video shoots to intercontinental assignments – or a personal photography adventure on the go. The outside of the bag is made of high quality, water-repellent Pro Light Rip-Stop nylon fabric, ensuring reliable protection from external shock & extreme weather conditions. The corners & bottom of the bag are carefully designed to resist wear. Large 84mm wheels ensure comfort and extensive mileage, and users can easily replace them when needed. A built-in TSA-approved combination zipper lock ensures a hassle-free travel experience through TSA partner airports.

The Pro Light Reloader-55 features independent padded pockets for 17” laptop & 10” tablet outside the equipment compartment, so they can quickly be taken out at security without opening the main zipper. The bag also carries a tripod and comes with a rain cover to keep its contents dry in the rainy season.

The Pro Light Reloader 55 is priced at $359.99.

B&H has the Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader 55 Camera Roller Bag in stock with free shipping.

by Sean Setters

Portrait photography is an art. And while the most important component for expressing that art lies between the photographer's ears, there are a few accessories that can help elevate one's portraiture to higher levels.

A great portrait starts with great/inspiring/creative light. While great portraiture can be created using only ambient light, being able to redirect that light is a liberating asset. That's where the simple, collapsible reflector comes in handy.

Reflectors come in wide variety of shapes and sizes and are typically gold, silver or white. A white reflector will provide the softest results while the gold and silver versions will be able to reflect a higher intensity light onto your subjects (although your surface choice will affect the color of light being reflected). Thankfully, the fact that collapsible reflectors have two sides means that you usually get at least two different reflective surfaces with a single investment. When comes to collapsible reflectors, my personal favorite is the Sunbounce Sun-Mover. Although relatively small, the Sun-Mover's spring steel frame keeps the reflector very taut and the built-in handles make it very easy for a person to hold and direct. For larger reflectors, I've owned an Impact 41x74" Collapsible Reflector for years and it has also worked well for me.

If you do not have an assistant to hold your reflector, as the photographer you can hold the reflector yourself. However, this technique will limit your ability to position the reflector and the amount of hands available to hold and control the camera. The solution to this problem is the collapsible reflector mounting arm. The mounting arm attaches to a light stand (that link is preloaded with my favorite stand) and allows you to freely position the reflector while leaving both of your hands free for manipulating/supporting the camera.

If using the stand and reflector outside, I highly suggest weighing down the ring to prevent wind from tipping it over (risking damage to gear and injury to your subjects). Sandbags are a convenient option and purpose built for such needs.

While on-camera flash can certainly produce eye catching portraits especially when bounce flash is employed, getting the flash off-camera allows for greater flexibility for creative portraiture. And considering that all recently released, non-full frame Canon DSLRs feature a master optical pop-up flash, it's easier than ever to get an Speedlite flash off-camera. That said, Canon's radio communication enabled flashes – the 600EX-RT, 600EX II-RT and 430EX III-RT – offer even more creative freedom by allowing flashes to be spaced farther apart without line-of-sight requirements.

If you don't mind going fully manual, there are a ton of relatively low-cost radio triggering options to help you get your flash off-camera. And by spending a little more, you can even get radio triggers that allow you to control a TTL flash's power manually from the camera. And with a little more trigger investment, full radio controlled, high range TTL-enabled flashes are well in within reach. Traditional studio flashes are another option if portability is less of a priority.

Light modifiers play a key role in getting the most out of your off-camera flash, especially when it comes to portraiture. Types of light modifiers include:

• umbrellas (white/silver, normal/parabolic, etc.)
• soft boxes (including octa and strip boxes)
• grids
• beauty dishes
• colored gels
• reflectors/scrims/flags
• snoots
• gobos
• ...and more!

Each modifier will affect the flash's output in different way and may only fit specific types of lights (or else may have a mount that can be customized for one's specific gear). My suggestion is to start out with an inexpensive, medium-sized collapsible white umbrella, an umbrella swivel, a light stand, a sandbag or two and a radio trigger (if needed) and then move on to the next modifier that intrigues you.

There are some people who are very particular about color; I'm not necessarily one of them. However, few people will complain if the color of your images is spot on. For that, a color calibration target is essential. My personal favorite is the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport Photo. Here's how it works:

1. Take a properly exposed RAW image of the color calibration target in the same lighting used for your portrait (most of the time I just have the subject hold the calibration target for a test capture).
2. Open the calibration target image in Lightroom or Photoshop. Save the image as a *.DNG file. Close the post processing application.
3. Open the calibration target *.DNG in X-Rite's ColorChecker Passport software. The software will automatically detect the calibration target.
4. Save the Camera Profile with a unique name.
5. Open your post processing software and import the original color calibration target and portrait session RAW files. Apply the unique Camera Profile and use the target for setting white balance.

It's surprising how a small amount of movement in long hair can take a portrait to the next level. As such, a fan is a good thing to have on hand. However, this is one item you likely already have lying around the house (in one form or another). If going the mechanical route, it's important that your fan can be set not to oscillate and that it can be dialed down very low. If you want to use a fan on location where no power outlet is available, you have a couple of options.

The first option is to use a voice-activated reflector holder (in other words, an assistant who wafts a reflector at your subect on cue). This is the easiest and least expensive option if you happen to have a photo assistant available for your session.

The second option is to get a battery-powered fan for location use. Some battery-powered fans even have clips that you can use to attach to a spare light stand for optimal positioning (expect needing to position the fan relatively close to your subject because of these fans' relatively lower power). Otherwise, if you own rechargeable Ryobi hand tools, this portable hybrid fan should provide plenty of power from a ground level position.

Note: The Ryobi fan does not come with a battery or charger which must be purchased separately if not already owned.

So that's our top 5 portrait photography accessories. Did we miss an item that you think should have been included? Let us know in the comments.

From Arca-Swiss:

ARCA-SWISS Monoball Z1+

The ARCA-SWISS Monoball Z1+ is the latest tripod head in the Monoball Z-Family. Following the introduction of the Z2+ and Z1g+, the new Z1+ will benefit equally from the further refined “Motion Related Gravity Control” system.

MRGC is a variable bi-directional drag system which operates independently on both axes but is stabilized in all directions.

With horizontal movements, the friction setting of the ball head remains the same, whereas vertical movements take advantage of the aspherical ball which leads to a progressive increase of the friction as the camera/lens is tipped forward or back.

This increase makes our ball head the safest available. No flopping around! Intelligent engineering and precise manufacturing guarantee well distributed radial forces to provide a strong hold, while simultaneously allowing smooth and accurate positioning of the camera.

The new Monoball Z1+ is available with a single or double pan. The double pan allows perfectly horizontal panning, irrespective of the tripod placement.

ARCA-SWISS p0

ARCA-SWISS is offering a new version of our compact and lightweight p0 tripod heads. All p0 tripod heads are fitted with an aspherical ball and a patented locking mechanism based on three planetary locking elements.

These locking elements apply uniform force around the ball ensuring smooth movements of the camera in any axis.

Above the head’s locking mechanism, ARCA-SWISS has now integrated two self-locking, geared segments, each of which can precisely adjust up to a range of ± 10° in the X or Y axes.

This allows the Photographer to adjust or level the camera coarsely with the ballhead using the p0 locking ring, and then be able to fine tune his camera position precisely in both axes, using the MicroMetric gear driven knobs. These mechanisms have been designed so the camera moves within a circular arc over the center. Additionally, if the nodal point is adjusted for, there will be virtually no change in the distance to the subject that can be seen in the viewfinder or dis - play. After the alignment and lev - eling of the camera, a panoramic swivel device placed above the two axes, allows for a completely level rotation of 360°, with no further adjustment of the camera required. It’s the perfect solution in applications requiring fast but precise adjustments, such as for architectural, table top, macro and panoramic photography.

ARCA-SWISS C1 and D4 gp

The patented ARCA-SWISS C1 cube and ARCA-SWISS D4 with their unique design and innovative construction have been further developed and are now available with a gear driven self-locking panning device situated underneath the camera quick release, for secure and precise positioning. The new versions of our heads will be designated “gp” for geared panning control.

The photographer now has a choice when using pan for an image — gear driven or free movements. When the gp knob is pulled out, the pan movement is free for coarse and quick panning adjustments. When the gp knob is pushed in, the gears inside the panning device are re-engaged and will offer precision geared rotation of the camera.

Using the new geared panning device, cameras and lenses can be moved micro-metrically in three axes. Due to its position, panoramic movements will maintain the central axis.

Additionally, ARCA-SWISS C1 cube gp and ARCA-SWISS D4 gp are equipped with a second manual panning control at the base of the head for aligning the head on the tripod.

The new C1 cube gp and D4 gp will be offered separately and are not replacing the current versions.

B&H carries Arca-Swiss heads.

In the video above, photographer Karl Taylor tours the Lee Filters manufacturing plant to discover how graduated NDs are made. Fast forward to the 4:10 minute mark to see Lee's surprising low-tech solution for achieving filter graduation.

B&H carries Lee graduated ND filters and the new Super Stopper 15-stop ND filter.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

With the launch of the EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon introduces its first camera with the ability to input IPTC metadata directly into each image file, as it’s taken by the photographer. For many years, digital cameras have been able to add numerous details of shooting data — date, time, file numbers, and even some user-defined information such as the user’s name and fields for copyright information.

But IPTC data is different, and completely in addition to the EXIF shooting data we’re accustomed to seeing in our image files. Far from simply displaying camera settings, IPTC data allows the user to input very specific types of detailed information, which can be used for numerous purposes once images are downloaded from the camera to a storage area. In this article, we’ll introduce this feature, and describe how it’s implemented in the EOS 5D Mark IV camera.

Adorama has the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in stock with free 2-day shipping.

From PhotoPlus:

We have an all-day Drone+ experience planned for Saturday, October 22 that will bring you the latest in creativity, technology and policy to make your drone-based business successful.

Start your Saturday with Early Bird Flight Fest (8:00a-10:00a), an opportunity to fly drones with industry professionals and try out the latest gear in our indoor netted flight area.

Then, sit in on our discussion panels and talks moderated by Drone User Group Network President, Steven Cohen. Learn from industry luminaries about how their businesses have flourished thanks to the advent of drone technology, participate in Q&A's with those that have been shaping the policy and legal landscape, and be inspired by the breathtaking work being done by those that have already adopted drones in their personal and commercial work.

Use Promo Code EXPLORE to Get a FREE 3-Day Expo Pass

From Reikan:

New Features

• Full Canon EOS 5D Mark IV support added – calibrate this camera automatically with FoCal (more details below)

Improvements:

The following enhancements and fixes are included with FoCal 2.3

• Reinstate Raw support for Canon cameras.
• Improvements to speed and reliability of image downloading on all Canon cameras.
• Fix issue with selection of certain focus points on the D5 and D500 (affected MultiPoint Focus Test in some cases).
• Shutter count functionality restored for all mid-age cameras except Canon 1DX Mark II, 5DS/R, 5D Mark IV and 80D.
• Ensure FoCal Comparison Data is shown (where available) for Nikon cameras in File Mode.
• Ensure mirror lockup is used correctly during Aperture Sharpness tests.
• More informative message to indicate Distortion Correction should be disabled on Canon cameras where necessary.
• Opening Canon Cameras is now up to 3 times faster.
• Fully Automatic Calibration range, step size and shot count control hidden by default as they are more applicable for advanced users (enable from the Pro tab in Preferences)
• Fixed issue where communications with Canon cameras could be unreliable on Mac when camera connection had been closed and re-opened.
• Fix to ensure correct operation with certain Nikon zoom lenses when testing at the wide end of the focal length range.
• Improvement in Camera Info tool to provide more information.
• Fixed an issue for some users with the review of Dust Analysis setup on Windows.
• Fixed an issue where liveview zoom state would sometimes not be restored after focusing in Target Setup.
• Fixed an issue that could cause FoCal to hang on the splash screen.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Support Added

This release brings full support for this new Canon camera, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and FoCal automates as much as possible during calibration.

The 5D Mark IV runs in User Assisted mode, it’s automatic, and users will be prompted a few times to change the AF Microadjustment during a calibration.

5D Mark IV HotKey

The User Assisted Mode HotKey is the same as similar Canon cameras. Once the AF Microadjustment has been input on the camera screen, while half pressing the shutter button click the aperture dial once to change the aperture. This will notify FoCal to continue with the calibration (no need to go back to the computer!).

We are continuing to investigate what might be possible to make use of the Dual Pixel Raw functionality within this camera, so far we think there’s scope to make use of this extra data, blog post at 5D Mark IV “Dual Pixel Raw” provides further details.

macOS Sierra Support Status

macOS Sierra (OS X 10.12) is now officially released. We had already been working with beta releases of macOS Sierra and will finalise support for this new operating system in the next FoCal release. One of the factors is waiting for Canon to update their interface libraries, which at the moment will stop FoCal from initialising on Sierra (see also Canon’s OS compatibility page)

As it stands, FoCal 2.3 will not control any cameras when running on Sierra based systems.

There will be a fully working version of FoCal for Sierra, exact timescale is hard to predict but we expect this to happen soon.

Software Support Status

Mac

The following table shows the support for FoCal for Mac:

The following table shows the support for FoCal for Windows:

Download FoCal 2.3 by logging in to the LMS at lms.fo-cal.co.uk. Once logged in, you will see a download link to the software.

FoCal 2.3 is available for Windows (Windows 7 and newer) and Mac (OS X 10.9 – 10.11) operating systems, for users who are still within their Included Updates Period today (22nd September 2016). If your Included Updates Period has expired, you can purchase another 12 months by logging in to the LMS at lms.fo-cal.co.uk.

If you don’t own FoCal, you can purchase the software as a download or boxed product, as well as Focal Hard Targets from the store.

From Phottix:

Another Phottix First!
Anything Goes

Phottix presents the first studio light system compatible with Canon’s radio flash system. The Indra TTL was the next generation of Phottix’s innovative TTL products–the Indra500LC takes that one step further – incorporating the radio control and triggering the Canon RT and the Phottix Laso triggering systems. The Indra500LC gives photographers 500W/s of TTL power, opening up new possibilities and allowing photographers to shoot in shutter and aperture priority modes with incredible power.

High Speed Sync
With the Phottix Indra500LC TTL’s High Speed Sync function photographers can shoot at higher sync speeds* allowing wider apertures while still being able to control ambient light. In manual mode the Indra500LC offers 8 stops of power adjustments - from full power to 1/128 in 1/3rd stop increments. With Stroboscopic Mode, the Phottix Indra can be used for special effect and creative shooting with flash frequency of 1-100HZ and flash counts of 1-100 times.

Built-in Triggering
The Phottix Indra500LC TTL has the power and control of the Canon RT and Phottix Laso triggering systems built-in. Switchbetween TTL and Manual modes, adjust EV and manual power levels and use high speed sync, all from the Canon ST-E3, compatible Canon RT Speedlites and the Phottix Laso Transmitter - no extra hardware is needed

Supports older Canon non-RT flashes
One of the best things of the Phottix Laso Triggering system is it’s ability to incorporate older non-radio Canon flashes into your workflow. There’s no need to set aside your 580 EXII – add a Phottix Laso Receiver and have the ability to control and trigger it, and add it your other Canon RT-enabled flashes – and the Phottix Indra500 LC.

The Indra500 LC comes with a Li-Ion battery, cables, charger, carrying bag and a new, smaller 5” reflector to make the Indra500 LC easier to pack and take on location.

*On compatible cameras.

A 500W Studio Light Compatible with Canon’s RT flash system

Phottix Laso System launched a year ago to much industry buzz and acclaim. It provided something sorely lacking in the Canon RT flash system – backwards compatibility with legacy non-RT-flashes.

Phottix’s is continuously developing new user-friendly products that provide efficient and innovative solutions to photographers and is proud to announce another industry first – a Phottix Laso and Canon RT compatible version of the award-winning Phottix Indra500. The Indra500LC offers Phottix Laso and Canon RT system users another tool in their lighting arsenal.

INDRA500LC - THE POWER-UP FOR YOUR LIGHTING!

Fully compatible with the Phottix Laso and Canon RT ETTL System

• Control and trigger the Indra500LC directly from the Phottix Laso Transmitter, Canon ST-E3, compatible Canon RT-enabled Speedlites.Empower Canon Speedlites with a more powerful Big Brother: Take lighting to the next level.
• Augment the power of Canon Speedlites with the Indra500LC, featuring 500W/s of power, high speed sync up to 1/8000s and remote control and triggering.

Improved Accessories and functions

• 5” Reflector: Smaller and easier to take on location with a reflective angle of 135 Degrees.
• Smaller Gear Bag: More convenient for photographers that want to travel light-weight.
• Real-Time Control Details: Changes made on the Laso or other control device are displayed on the Indra500LC display.

Pricing and availability to be announced.

B&H carries the Phottix Laso TTL Flash Trigger Transmitter & Receiver.

From Sigma:

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

Please find the following notes on the usage of SIGMA interchangeable lenses for EOS, when attached to Canon EOS 5D Mark IV that is released on September 8th.

• MO (Manual Override) function is unavailable with this camera (Full-time Manual function can be offered).
• When using a SIGMA interchangeable lens for EOS, setting the corrections to [Disable] is recommended, as “Lens Correction” functions of the camera, such as Peripheral illumination correction, Chromatic aberration correction, Diffraction correction and Distortion correction are not supported.*

* If those functions are activated, the performance of lenses may not be accurate.
* This is not only for EOS 5D Mark IV, but also for other camera bodies with the same function.

We appreciate your continued support for our company and products.

From the B&H YouTube Channel:

Just out of reach of the longest selfie stick and the lowest hovering helicopter, drones are the hottest technological force of the 21st century. The ancient human desire to take flight and see the world from a towering perspective is now available to the masses. So, how can you communicate a soaring visual story and elevate your artistry to new heights? Join award-winning photographer Chase Guttman, author of the upcoming Handbook of Drone Photography, as he guides you through the airspace of the newest photographic frontier.

Note: Shown above is the highlight reel from the event. The full version can be found here.

B&H carries aerial imaging platforms, aka drones.

Introduced in 2012, the EOS 6D became Canon's affordable, entry-level full frame DSLR with the 5D III sitting right above it in feature set and price. With the release of the Canon 5D Mark IV, the gap between the 5D-series of cameras and the EOS 6D has widened significantly.

While we have no knowledge of an EOS 6D Mark II in the works, considering Canon's development history it's relatively safe to assume one is coming in the not-so-distant future. So we want to know – what specifications and features would you like to see in an EOS 6D Mark II?

Let us know in the post's comments.

Join us at 11:30am EDT on September 27th, 2016 to see how DJI is going to change your world again.

Learn more: http://live.dji.com/adventure/

From the B&H YouTube Channel:

Color calibration is an important process when taking and editing photos. With the Spyder5CAPTURE PRO bundle, it only takes a few steps to ensure perfect, consistent color in all your shots. The kit includes, the SpyderCHECKR to give your photos a color reference, the SpyderLENSCAL, to adjust autofocusing, the SpyderCube, to obtain perfect exposure, and the Spyder5Elite, for accurate monitor calibration.

B&H carries the Datacolor Spyder5CAPTURE PRO which currently qualifies for a $100.00 instant savings.

From Photoshelter:

How do you get a rep’s attention and seal the deal?

Having a photo rep may mean access to new clients, help with marketing, negotiating, accounting, and an overall support system. But how do you lock this partnership down?

To help demystify the world or representation, we’re tackling it head on in our latest guide, Tips to Getting a Photo Rep.

Inside, check out interviews from photographers who share:

• How to get you (and your work) ready for pitching agencies
• How to determine if a rep is a good fit for you
• Tips to get on a rep’s radar and ink a deal
• How to work with a rep day-to-day

Also hear from reps at Jed Root, Glasshouse Assignment and NatGeo Creative who talk through how they find new photographers and what it’s like to work with someone for the first time.

Download the free guide today!