Canon and Sony News for Nov 2018 (Page 2)

'Tis the season for adding much wanted gear to your photography kit as well as buying gifts for all your close family and friends. As you shop this holiday season, please remember that this site is supported by your purchases. Using our links to make your purchases doesn't cost you anything additional, but it brings vital support that we need to keep the site updated with fresh content including photography tips, lab tests and gear reviews. This site is here for you and it is up to you to keep us funded to continue working for you – your support is needed right now. Without it, we simply couldn't do what we do.

Just use one of the many retailer links on this site immediately prior to purchasing anything from that retailer (it doesn't have to be photography related) and in turn, we receive the support needed to serve you. Other options, including direct one-time and monthly donations are available on our support page.

If you see what looks like a deal at a local store, that deal is likely also available at one of the online retailers we work with. Shopping at one of our primary retailers will allow you to avoid driving in traffic and waiting in long shopping lines. Spend that extra time photographing or sharing ever-fleeting moments with your family. Better yet, do both, documenting your family togetherness time.

There have already been some great deals posted to the site over the last couple of days. Many Canon items are at their lowest price ever thanks to special holiday instant rebates, including higher-than-ever rebates on the 5D Mark IV and 6D Mark II with free battery grips. Not to be outdone, several popular Sony a-series cameras are also at their lowest price ever. This week (including Cyber Monday) is typically your best opportunity to save big on photography gear. Be sure to take advantage of the savings before the best deals are gone.

Along with purchasing items to use personally over the holidays or to gift to someone else, this is a good time to consider renting something fun for recording the holidays. Renting from LensRentals.com is another win-win for you and TDP.

We are grateful for your support!

From Adorama:

If you want quality, selection and value, you’ll love Adorama Rewards. Points add up fast and you can redeem toward your Adorama purchases.

Join For Free
Open a free Adorama account and you’re automatically enrolled in Adorama Rewards. If you already have an account, you’re already a member.

Earn Points
Earn 1 point for every $1 in purchases.*

Redeem Rewards
Simply shop our vast inventory and redeem your Reward points at checkout.

*You must be logged into your Adorama Account at the time of purchase to earn Adorama Reward Points. Earning points on qualifying purchases is limited to 30,000 per year from the date of your first point accumulation from purchases. See terms and conditions for complete program rules and details.

Get more details on the Rewards Program here.

From Nikon:

November 20, 2018 – Tokyo – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce that the total production of NIKKOR lenses for Nikon interchangeable lens cameras has reached 110 million* as of October, 2018.

By providing NIKKOR F lenses for SLR cameras, produced since 1959, as well as NIKKOR Z lenses for mirrorless cameras, newly introduced in 2018, Nikon continues to further enrich the NIKKOR lens lineup.

Nikon will continue to lead imaging culture by providing products that stimulate the creative intent of photographers around the world, while responding to the latest advances in imaging technologies.

* Total number of interchangeable lenses for SLR and mirrorless cameras produced by Nikon.

B&H carries Nikon Nikkor lenses.

From the Daniel Norton Photographer YouTube Channel:

It’s not always convenient or even possible to place your camera on a tripod when creating time-lapse shots. In this short video I show you how to build a small rig that will allow you to hang your camera from a drop ceiling, keeping it out of the way of the situation you are recording.

Pro Tip- get yourself a few 1/4 20 nuts to use as spacers so you don’t need to screw the tripod head tight to the scissors clamp each time.

Gear Links

Ceiling Scissor Clamp - B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Tripod Bushing (1/4 to 3/8 adapter) – B&H | Adorama | Amazon

From Polaroid:

Multiple lighting effects and optimum output power offer endless creative possibilities

Edison, NJ – November 19, 2018 – The new Polaroid RGB LED Camera and Camcorder Light offers photographers and videographers a professional, portable LED light system with powerful output for 99.00 USD. With a wide array of settings to create different moods, atmospheres, color backgrounds and special lighting effects, the easy-to-use light allows photographers to control and fine-tune the light source focus to capture the perfect shot every time. The free companion app allows users to fully control all aspects of the light, including color, brightness and saturation, for a fast and efficient workflow.

Experiment with Numerous Lighting Options
Equipped with 320 professional-grade LED lamps, the Polaroid RGB LED camera and camcorder light provides 99 levels of cool white, warm white and RGB light to create the right ambience for your photo or video shoot. For further customization, you can adjust hue and saturation, brightness level and the exact color temperature you want to achieve in the 3200K-5600K range. With so many lighting options from just one device, the Polaroid RGB LED camera and camcorder light makes experimenting like a pro easy.

Maximum Control Gives Way to Endless Lighting Combinations
Created with a flexible and versatile design, the Polaroid RGB LED camera and camcorder light can be used unmounted, mounted to your camera or tripod, or stacked with additional lights. With endless lighting adjustments, controlling the appropriate levels is effortless with the option to select your preferences manually or from your smart device via Bluetooth with the free downloadable app. With the Polaroid RGB LED camera and camcorder light, you can change the whole look of your shoot directly from your phone!

What’s Included:

• Polaroid RGB LED camera and camcorder light
• Battery
• Battery charger/adapter
• Swivel head mounting adapter
• Diffusing filter
• Carrying case
• Downloadable app

Technical Specifications:

• LEDs: 144 3200K LEDs, 144 5600K LEDs, 32 RGB LEDs
• Color temperature: 3200K-5600K
• Average lifespan: 50,000 hours
• Lumens: 2304 lm
• CRI: 95+
• Output power: 20W
• Dimensions: 9.96” x 3.4” x 2.36” (25.3 x 8.7 x 6cm)
• Weight: 13.6 oz. (387g) without battery

Amazon carries the Polaroid RGB LED Camera and Camcorder Light.

by Sean Setters

I've often heard the phrase, "The best camera is the one you have available when you need to take a picture." And of course, there's a lot of truth in that statement. When time is of the essence, and your ILC (Interchangeable Lens Camera) is not at hand, by default, the smartphone in your pocket is the best available tool to complete the task.

Since mid-September when Olivia Jane was born, my wife has snapped hundreds of pictures of our baby with her iPhone (an Apple iPhone 8, to be exact). And while many of those smartphone shots have been posted to social media, none of them have been deemed worthy of printing and physical display.

Of course, my wife isn't a photographer. But when my wife handed me her iPhone to capture Olivia Jane wearing a cute Halloween costume hat, I didn't feel much like a photographer either. The iPhone 8's 28mm full frame equivalent focal length did little to isolate the subject and the perspective wasn't very flattering for a close portrait. The lag shutter lag also proved to complicate the process of capturing fleeting expressions. My daughter would make a cute face and I'd quickly try to take the picture, but alas, I always seemed to miss it.

After several attempts to create a decent photo, I remembered that my Canon EOS 5D Mark III and a backpack full of prime lenses was one room away in the dining room. The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art was already mounted to the camera, and I figured it would work well in this particular situation. With the camera set to aperture priority mode at f/1.4, ISO 1600 and +1/3 exposure compensation, I framed the scene and snapped a few pictures (the resulting shutter speed was 1/320 sec.). After a quick check of the LCD, I felt vindicated for taking the time (about 30 seconds) to grab my "real" camera. But it wasn't until I really started looking at the images captured that I fully appreciated the difference that the right gear can make.

Here's the best image I captured with the iPhone (straight out of the camera, f/1.8, 1/15 sec, ISO 50):

Of course, the smartphone shouldn't bear the complete burden for this substandard photo. It isn't well framed or well exposed (with a little effort, I'm sure I could figure out how to apply exposure compensation with the camera app). Being used to the 3:2 aspect ratio of Canon DSLR cameras, I'm not really fond of the iPhone's 4:3 aspect ratio. However, I wanted to see how close I could make the smartphone image look like the ILC-captured shot in post processing. After more editing than I care to admit to, this was the result:

Ignoring the less interesting facial expression, it's not a bad result necessarily, but it's still not as good as the DSLR image which required far less editing (highlights +2/shadows+14/saturation -4 in Adobe Camera Raw).

When it comes down to it, shooting with a smartphone left me feeling handicapped and a little annoyed. I know I could learn to be a better smartphone photographer, but the sheer physics of a very small sensor combined with minimal options for adjusting field of view will always leave me wishing I had a better imaging solution in my hands. The iPhone 8's sensor is 3.5 x 4.8mm, which is tiny compared to a full-frame camera's 24 x 36mm sensor.

Even at ISO 50, there's a huge difference in the image quality when compared to the 5D III image at ISO 1600 (with no noise reduction).

Even though the Apple iPhone (in all its iterations) is probably the most popular portrait camera produced of all time, you likely have a much better tool or set of tools (such as an ILC with various lenses) at your disposal to document your memories. If so, make sure those items are as convient to access as your phone, ensuring that you make the most of the imaging opportunities that abound in everyday life.

I realize I'm preaching to the choir here. If you're a regular site visitor, you probably aren't relying on your smartphone for much of your imaging needs. But even so, do you always have your DSLR/mirrorless ILC at hand when your child does something cute (or monumental) or when you're driving home and the sunset in your rearview mirror is overwhelming captivating? I hope so. But if not, it might be time to pack a small bag with your "real" camera, a backup battery and 2-3 lenses to have available on a consistent basis. Of course, keeping up with a camera bag won't be nearly as convenient as carrying a smartphone, but... the quality of the images captured will almost certainly be worth the extra effort.

The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports Lens User's Manual is now available for download from Sigma.

The Canon mount version of this lens is scheduled to be released next month. However, official pricing is still unavailable.

From Tamron:

Dear users and potential purchasers of Tamron interchangeable lenses.

Thank you for using Tamron products and for your continuous support.

We would like to announce that new firmware versions are now available for the following three Tamron models. The new F/W versions make the three models compatible with Nikon Z7 and FTZ adapter for general operations(*1).

This is an update announcement of our October 4th compatibility notice with some of Tamron Di/Di II series for Nikon mount models not operating properly on Nikon Z7 and Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ.

(*1) Functions used on DSLR cameras

Applicable models

• SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A025) for Nikon
• SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Model A022) for Nikon
• 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di OSD (Model A037) for Nikon

The lens firmware can be updated with the separately sold TAP-in Console. If you do not have a TAP-in Console, please contact your nearest Tamron distributors.

From Nikon:

MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the winner of the company’s fourth annual nationwide search for the “Top Spot for Fall Foliage”, naming Michigan as the best state for fall photography in the United States. Participants from all 50 states were more eager than ever to showcase their state’s beautiful autumn landscapes, but it was Michigan (#NikonFallMI) that narrowly claimed the title, giving the state its third consecutive victory.

“Now in its fourth year, this campaign continues to provide a platform for people to show their state pride through photography that displays the natural beauty of our country, while also highlighting the uniqueness of autumn in each individual state,” said Lisa Baxt, Associate General Manager of Communications, Nikon Inc.

Michigan once again earned this year’s title of Top Spot for Fall Foliage, with a plethora of stunning submissions that displayed the state’s knockout combination of vibrant foliage and numerous lakes. Michigan took the crown for the third time, with New York (#NikonFallNY) coming in second-place, and Colorado (#NikonFallCO) trailing close behind in third.

Nikon received thousands of submissions during the nationwide campaign, with entries accepted on the brand’s Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter. When posting on Instagram and Twitter, participants shared designated hashtags unique to each state – #NikonFall followed by the state’s abbreviation. Images submitted by photographers of all skill levels demonstrated the stunning variety of autumnal landscapes from coast to coast, and displayed this year’s gorgeous array of vivid forests, gleaming lakes, and spectacular foliage.

To view all of this year’s submissions on Instagram and Twitter, search the hashtag #NikonFall followed by the state’s abbreviation (e.g. #NikonFallMI, #NikonFallNY). On Facebook visit www.facebook.com/NikonUSA to view the fall foliage submissions. And if you’re interested in capturing some fantastic seasonal landscapes of your own, check out Nikon’s Learn and Explore website for useful tips and techniques.

From Sony:

Benefits and Improvements over the previous update

• Allows you to transfer still images during record and playback operations
• Adds the following new FTP transfer functions:
• Allows you to narrow the transfer target, such as protected images or non-transferred images, and transfer the applicable images together as a batch
• Allows you to transfer the image being viewed by pressing the assigned custom key
• Allows you to transfer all images automatically while recording
• Allows you to select the transfer target file formats when transferring images records in RAW+JPEG format to an FTP server
• Updates the destination folder configuration with the following options:
• Allows you to register up to nine FTP servers
• Allows you to change the destination folder configuration flexibly on the FTP server
• Allows you to save image data in the folder that you choice
• Allows you to register [media card slot number] in the folder configuration
• Allows you to make the folder configuration the same as on your camera
• Improves the overall stability of the camera

Notes:

• When updating to this version, the FTP transfer feature and Wired LAN settings are initialized. You will have to configure the two items again.
• The names of FTP server 1, FTP server 2, and FTP server 3 will be kept, but other items will be initialized.
• If you have set Wired LAN Setting to Manual, each of the manually configured settings will be initialized and the Wired LAN Setting will reset to Auto.
• When the camera is updated from Ver. 3.00 to this version, the registered settings for Fn (function) menu may not be kept.In that event, please customize the menu to your preferred settings again: Setting: [MENU]-[Camera Settings2]-[Function Menu Set.].
• Refer to the HelpGuide for more information on how to update functions.

Download: Sony a9 Firmware v.4.00

From Nikon:

Changes to ViewNX-i, Picture Control Utility 2 & Capture NX-D

• Added support for the Z 6.

Additional changes from Capture NX-D version 1.5.0 to 1.5.1

Fixed the following issues:

• NEF (RAW) photos taken with the Z 7 using HDR (high dynamic range) would sometimes not display.
• NEF (RAW) photos taken using Silent photography with the Z 7 in burst mode could sometimes not be opened.
• Color control points could not be placed on some rotated images.

Download:

ViewNX-i v.1.3.1
Picture Control Utility 2 v.2.4.1
Capture NX-D 1.5.1

From Nikon:

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.01 to 1.02

• Fixed an issue that caused the display to flicker if pictures were scrolled during playback zoom after the user had taken pictures using the viewfinder with Prioritize viewfinder selected for monitor mode and then removed his or her eye from the viewfinder before starting playback.
• Fixed an issue that caused Capture NX-D or ViewNX-i to crash when displaying NEF (RAW) pictures taken with the following options selected for HDR (high dynamic range) in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU:
• HDR mode: On (series) or On (single photo)
• Save individual images (NEF): On
• Fixed an issue that allowed the camera to exceed the value chosen for ISO sensitivity settings > Maximum sensitivity in the MOVIE SHOOTING MENU if it was from ISO 200 to 20,000 and On was selected for MOVIE SHOOTING MENU > Electronic VR.
• Updated some help displays.

Download: Nikon Z 7 Firmware v.1.02

From Nikon:

Nikon Will Also Offer an Array of Special Promotions, Instant Savings and Discount Programs for their Latest Products this Holiday Season

MELVILLE, NY – With the holiday season just around the corner, Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the retail availability of the new Nikon Z 6 camera, which was announced alongside the Nikon Z 7, Mount Adapter FTZ, and the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 35mm f/1.8 S, and 50mm f/1.8 S lenses in late August of this year. In addition to announcing retail availability for this product, Nikon will be offering an array of holiday promotions, instant savings programs and special discounts for a variety of Nikon products.

Nikon Z 6 Availability

The Nikon Z 6 offers an incredible value for photographers and content creators, striking the perfect balance of speed, optical performance and powerfully cinematic video features while maintaining the advantages of a lightweight mirrorless design, all at an incredibly compelling price point. The versatile Nikon Z 6 includes a 24.5-megapixel-BSI CMOS sensor, wide ISO sensitivity range of 100–51,200, 12fps continuous shooting at full resolution, 5-axis in-camera vibration reduction technology, crystal clear 3.6m-Dot Quad VGA viewfinder and full-frame 4K UHD video capture with full pixel readout.

The Nikon Z 6 will be available nationwide starting this Friday, November 16 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,599.95 with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens and $1,999.95 for the body only configuration.

Nikon Holiday Promotions

Nikon Inc. is also unveiling several new holiday promotions to encourage consumers to share the gift of photography with their friends and loved ones.

For consumers in the market for a new mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z system is an ideal entry-point. Now, for a limited time, Nikon Inc. will be offering $100-savings on the Mount Adapter FTZ when purchased alongside the new Nikon Z 7 or Nikon Z 6.

Additionally, Nikon will be offering numerous special promotions on the extensive lineup of Nikon DSLR cameras, camera kits and NIKKOR lenses, which are great gift options for those looking to take their photography and video capture to the next level this holiday season.

The list below outlines the instant savings available starting on November 22, 2018

Entry-Level DSLR Savings:

• Nikon D3500 Double Zoom Lens Kit: $499.95 (after $350 instant savings)
• Nikon D3500 18-55mm VR Kit: $399.95 (after $100 instant savings)
• Nikon D5600 Double Zoom Lens Kit: $699.95 (after $450 instant savings)
• Nikon D5600 18-55mm VR Kit: $649.95 (after $150 instant savings)

Enthusiast and Professional-Level DSLR Savings:

• Nikon D7500 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Kit: $1,449.95 (after $300 instant savings)
• Nikon D7500 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR Kit: $1,749.95 (after $570 instant savings)
• Nikon D7200 Body Only: $799.95 (after $300 instant savings)
• Nikon D7200 Dual Zoom Lens Kit: $999.95 (after $550 instant savings)
• Nikon D750 Body Only with MB-D16 Multi-Battery Power Pack: $1,399.95 (after $939.95 instant savings)
• Nikon D750 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens Kit with MB-D16 Multi-Battery Power Pack: $1,899.95 (after $1,539.95 instant savings)
• Nikon D500 Body Only with MB-D17 Multi-Battery Power Pack: $1,799.95 (after $469.95 instant savings)
• Nikon D500 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR Lens Kit with MB-D17 Multi-Battery Power Pack: $2,399.95 (after $939.95 instant savings)
• Nikon D810 Body Only with MB-D12 Multi-Battery Power Pack: $2,799.95 (after $629.95 instant savings)
• Nikon D810 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens Kit with MB-D12 Multi-Battery Power Pack: $3,299.95 (after $1,229.95 instant savings)
• Select legendary NIKKOR lenses also available at up to $200 in instant savings

Lowepro's new Whistler AW II Backpacks are now in stock at B&H and Adorama.

Also, through December 31, Lowepro Whistler AW II backpack purchases from authorized retailers qualify for a free Gorillapod 3K Stand.

Lowepro Whistler AW II Product Highlights

• Holds DSLR and 10 Lenses (450 AW II) / 8 Lenses (350 AW II)
• Padded Touch-Fastened Interior Dividers
• Dedicated, Padded 15" (450 AW II) / 13" (350 AW II) Laptop Pocket
• Insert Pads for Drone Kits
• Organizational Pockets
• Heavy-Duty Side and Front Straps
• Straps Hold Tripods, Mountain Equipment
• Front Pocket with Drain Hole
• Waist Belt with Pocket, Sternum Strap
• Weather-Resistant Exterior, Rain Cover

From the B&H YouTube Channel:

There is nothing better than turning your passion of photography into a money making profession. Whether it is a part time proposition or a full time effort, Jeff Cable will give you advice on making the transition from hobbyist to professional. To be successful in the photography business, it is much more than taking great photos. Even though Jeff will talk about his equipment recommendations, he will really focus on the business aspects and what can help you get started and grow your business.