Canon and Sony News for May 2019 (Page 2)

B&H has the following [quietly introduced] Lowepro products available for preorder with free expedited shipping:

• Lowepro Photo Active BP 300 AW Backpack
• Lowepro Photo Active BP 200 AW Backpack

Lowepro Photo Active BP Backpack Highlights

• Holds DSLR, Mirrorless, or Video Gear
• For Travel and Outdoor Enthusiasts
• Ripstop Nylon & High-Abrasion Polyester
• 3 Easy-Access Entry Points
• Top Compartment for Personal Gear
• Configurable QuickShelf Divider System
• CradleFit for Laptop/Tablet or Hydration
• Side Pockets for Bottle & Compact Tripod
• IP-6/7 Rated DryZone & AW Cover
• Ventilated ActivZone Back Panel

Apple announced new 13.3" and 15.4" MacBook Pro models today. B&H has an overview of the new systems here.

B&H is accepting preorders for the new Macs.

If you don't need the latest models, save up to $800 on the mid-2018 Macbook Pro models.

Via KickStarter, Peak Design has introduced a unique, ultra-compactable travel tripod.

From Peak Design:

Peak Design Unveils The Next Generation of Camera Tripods

New Travel Tripod Promises to Redefine Product Category for Years to Come

San Francisco, CA (May, 2019) – After multiple award-winning bag releases, Peak Design, the worldwide leader in crowdfunding and everyday carry solutions, is proud to disrupt yet another product category—the camera tripod. More than four years in the making, Peak Design’s newest release, Travel Tripod, is a ground-up reexamination of camera tripod design to produce the world’s most portable, packable, and easy-to-setup tripod for professionals and first-time tripod owners alike.

Peak Design directly addressed their biggest rub about traditional tripods: spatial inefficiency and unnecessary bulk. Peak Design’s goal was to eliminate the dead space within a tripod, an ever-present inefficiency that often doubles or triples the effective diameter of a packed tripod. Peak Design engineers reworked Travel Tripod’s legs and center column to nest perfectly together in order to achieve a total packed diameter of just 3.25 inches—roughly the diameter of a water bottle. The result is a tripod that deploys to 60 inches tall while taking up less than half the volume of its competitors.

“During my travels in 2008 I began wondering why on Earth my tripod was so big. The thing was full of negative space and knobs, and I felt like something designed for portability could do much better,” commented Peak Design CEO, Peter Dering. “I quickly realized that anything short of a complete design overhaul would fail to meet my criteria of the perfect travel tripod. It took years of development but the outcome is a camera tripod that seamlessly integrates into all aspects of travel and adventure.”

Travel Tripod is among the quickest-to-deploy and most intuitive to use tripods on the market. Peak Design developed a system of non-inverted legs that rapidly deploy along an aligned system of locking cam levers. With three swift hand movements, the legs can be fully extended and ready for action.

Peak Design also optimized the Travel Tripod ball head to operate more fluidly than traditional tripod heads while still prioritizing spatial efficiency. Travel Tripod eliminates bulky and confusing knobs with a single adjustment ring for simple and smooth 360-degree adjustment. Peak Design’s proprietary quick-release plate technology facilitates lightning-fast camera attachment—easily accommodating a full frame DSLR with telephoto lens—and is compatible with Peak Design carrying equipment and with Arca Swiss tripod dimensions. Furthermore, Travel Tripod’s ball head measures just 3.25 inches in diameter, keeping it aligned with the packed profile of the tripod’s legs for exceptionally compact carry.

In addition to a thorough rethinking of a tripod's architecture and user interface, carefully considered material choices and construction techniques provide the stability and vibration dampening demanded by avid photographers. A builtin universal phone mount, bubble-level, hook for counterweights, and included soft case round out a packed feature list that fans of Peak Design have come to expect.

Available both in carbon fiber and aluminum legs (MSRP: $599.95 // $349.95) the Travel Tripod will launch on KickStarter (peakdesign.com/ks) for a pre-sale discount beginning May 21, 2019. The tripod will then be available for purchase online at peakdesign.com and through major retailers in time for the 2019 holiday season.

In addition to Image quality test results, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available on the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens page.

Note that the product images are cropped hard due to my choice to keep them in the smaller lens comparison format where this lens can be compared to the 100-400mm lens class and others.

The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is in stock or coming soon at B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | WEX

Rent the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens from Lensrentals.

Watch as Julieanne Kost demonstrates three methods for altering specific colors in Photoshop CC.

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

Canon USA has posted information about the RF lens control ring click stop removal service being offered. Note that the price seems reasonable considering the significant disassembly required for this service.

From Canon USA:

What is the Control Ring's Clicking Sound Modification Service?

Canon’s control ring’s modification service offers RF lenses and Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R owners the opportunity to remove/reapply the control ring's clicking sound.

Why might this be needed?

The click action of the control ring allows the user to have a sense of how much it is being turned. However, if used during video shooting, the sound of the control ring operation may be recorded.

Pricing

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON (toll free) 1-800-652-2666
For additional support options: usa.canon.com/support

Just posted: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Review.

Do you want an f/2.8 aperture and image stabilization in a full-frame ultra-wide-angle focal length lens? This lens and its predecessor are still your only options.

The Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens from Lensrentals.

In the recent On the Ledge at R. B. Ricketts Falls in Ricketts Glen State Park post, I mentioned that my camera rain cover failed, allowing the camera and lens to get wet. The link associated with the camera rain cover was to the LensCoat RainCoat review. That is the rain cover brand I should have been using, but not the one that failed. The inadequate rain cover was an inexpensive model I was evaluating. Sorry for any confusion!

From Nikon USA:

The Nikon Z 6 Filmmakers' Kit "Test Drive" Rental Program Provides the Opportunity to Create Your Own Contest Entry and Discover Why Everyone is Talking About the Incredibly Capable Z 6

MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the “Follow Your Passion” video contest, which encourages content creators across the United States to capture their passion using a Nikon Z series mirrorless camera. Entrants can submit a short film for a chance to win a Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit and up to $25,000 in prize money.

To enter, users are invited to submit a video project from 3 to 5 minutes in length, captured with a Nikon Z 6 or Z 7, showcasing their passion through filmmaking. Interested participants can submit videos starting on Wednesday, May 15 through Saturday, August 31, 2019.

Nikon is also giving users the chance to discover why the Nikon Z series is a new star in small-footprint productions with the Nikon “Test Drive” Program. This Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit rental program, available at approximately 138 retailer locations nationwide, will provide more creators with the opportunity to experience first-hand what the Nikon Z series is capable of. Through this program, consumers can rent a Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit from a participating retailer for up to $99.95* for three days or up to $149.95* for one-week. This program offers an extremely cost-effective way for consumers to capture their contest submission, or simply to explore their passion for filmmaking. Additional information, including a list of participating retailers can be found at www.nikonusa.com/ztestdrive.

“Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker, an aspiring creator, or a stills shooter eager to explore the world of video, this is the contest that will give you a chance to follow your passion, share it with the world and potentially be rewarded for your work,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The Nikon Z series offers an extensive video feature set that opens up a world of possibilities for filmmakers; and with the Test Drive program, Nikon makes it easy to explore those possibilities.”

The first, second and third place winners of the Nikon “Follow Your Passion” Z series video contest will each receive a Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit worth approximately $4,000. Additionally, the first and second place winners will take home $25,000 and $10,000 in prize money, respectively.

Full contest details, including rules can be found by visiting www.followyourpassion.com.

The Nikon Z for Video Capture

The versatile Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras are ideal for content creators who are serious about filmmaking. Both Z series cameras capture full-frame 4K Ultra HD video and come equipped with fast hybrid AF systems, 5-axis in-body image stabilization and Nikon-designed FX-format BSI CMOS image sensors that deliver outstanding image quality and powerful video performance. These cameras also offer advanced features for videographers, including focus peaking, time-code, 10-bit output with N-Log via HDMI, along with stellar sharpness, low-light ability and dynamic range.

The Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit pairs the powerfully cinematic Z 6 with a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens, Mount Adapter FTZ, MOZA Air 2 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer, RODE VideoMic Pro+ Microphone, Atomos Ninja V 4K Recording Monitor and more, allowing users to unlock the camera’s full video potential.

B&H carries the Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit.

From Nikon:

Technical Service Advisory for users of the Z 7 and Z 6 mirrorless cameras

Thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.

It has come to our attention that the vibration reduction (VR) function built into some Z 7 and Z 6 mirrorless cameras does not achieve its full potential. We will repair affected cameras free of charge.

Identifying affected products

To check whether or not your camera is one of those affected by this issue, click Affected Product Serial Numbers below and enter the serial number for your Z 7 or Z 6 as instructed.

Your camera's serial number will be checked against those of affected products. If your camera is one of those affected, instructions for requesting repairs will be displayed. If your camera is not one of those to which this issue applies, rest assured that repairs to your camera are not necessary and you may continue using your camera without further concern for this issue.

Z7 Affected Product Serial Numbers
Z6 Affected Product Serial Numbers

Resolution

Please contact your nearest Nikon service center if you own a Nikon Z 7 or Z 6 affected by this issue. They will keep your camera, inspect it, and re-adjust or replace components as needed free of charge, even if the camera's warranty has expired or is not valid in your region.

Requesting corrective servicing

Please direct enquiries regarding this matter to your nearest Nikon Service Centre or create a Free Service Returns Request. Nikon Service Centre’s will usually serve customers within 1-2 weeks after receiving products for servicing. For details we recommend you contact your local Service Centre.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this matter may have caused you.

Nikon will continue to take all possible measures to prevent issues like this from happening again.

Once again, thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.

From Nikon:

Capture NX-D v.1.5.3

Changes from Version 1.5.2 to 1.5.3

• Added support for the COOLPIX W150.
• Added support for Z 7 firmware version 2.00 and Z 6 firmware version 2.00.

Download: Capture NX-D v.1.5.3

Changes from Version 1.3.2 to Version 1.3.3

• Added support for the COOLPIX W150.
• Added support for Z 7 firmware version 2.00 and Z 6 firmware version 2.00.
• Adjusted the width of the lines for the focus point frames.

Download: Nikon ViewNX-i v.1.3.3

Changes from Version 2.28.0 to 2.28.2

• Added support for Z 7 firmware version 2.00 and Z 6 firmware version 2.00.
• Fixed an issue that resulted in the camera and the LCD display area in Camera Control Pro 2 showing different statuses for exposure lock if AE Lock only was deselected in Camera Control Pro 2 while exposure lock engaged on the Z 7 or Z 6 under certain conditions.
• Fixed an issue that resulted in Camera Control Pro 2 and the camera showing different options for white balance if the user switched from Programmed Auto to another exposure mode while Enable Controls on Camera Body was disabled.

Download: Camera Control Pro 2 v.2.28.2

From Nikon:

Nikon Z 6 / Z 7 Firmware v.2.00 Changes

• Added eye-detection AF for use when taking photographs. To enable eye-detection AF, select:
• AF-S or AF-C for Focus mode in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU
• Auto-area AF for AF-area mode in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU
• Face and eye detection on for Custom Setting a4 (Auto-area AF face/eye detection) in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU
• Improved autofocus performance for photos and movies shot under low light: -3.5 – 19 EV (low light autofocus -6 – 19 EV) [Z 6] / -2 – 19 EV (low light autofocus -4 – 19 EV) [Z 7], measured in photo mode with single-servo AF (AF-S) at ISO 100 and 20°C with an f/2 lens.
• The following improvements have been made to the Continuous H (extended) option for Release mode:
• Not only focus but now also exposure will respond to changes in the subject during shooting
• The burst shooting display after the memory buffer fills is now easier to read
• Reduced the length of time the display turns off (the blackout period) when pictures are taken with On or On (monitor only) selected for Image review in the PLAYBACK MENU.
• Item d5 in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU, formerly Electronic front-curtain shutter, has been renamed Shutter type and offers a choice of Auto, Mechanical shutter, and Electronic front-curtain shutter. If Auto is selected, the camera will automatically choose a shutter type according to shutter speed.
• Changed the color the focus point turns when the AF-ON button is pressed or the shutter-release button is pressed halfway with Auto-area AF selected and face detection or target tracking active.
• Edited and revised help text.
• Fixed the following issues:
• The camera would stop responding if certain operations were performed while HDMI output was in progress with 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) selected for frame size.
• The value selected for maximum sensitivity would sometimes be exceeded during movie recording in mode M with On selected for Auto ISO control (mode M) if Active D-Lighting was enabled.
• The display would sometimes briefly behave unexpectedly in movie mode before or during recording. [Z 7]
• The items in My Menu would sometimes not display correctly.

Download: Nikon Z 6 Firmware v.2.00 | Nikon Z 7 Firmware v.2.00

That is a question I struggled with and, based on emails coming in, many of you are also feeling the pull to move to the R-series, or at least bring one into an existing kit.

What We Know

• The Canon EOS R is a great-performing camera, full-featured with a great price for what it offers.
• The Canon EOS RP is tiny, well-featured, and extremely-well-priced.
• Lenses are critically important and the RF Lenses available now are very impressive with extremely high image quality, ultra-wide apertures, and/or compact size and light weight.
• The RF lenses slated for delivery later this year promise at least equal to the impressiveness of the ones we already have available.
• More EOS R camera models are promised, including pro models.

You Should Buy a Canon R-Series Mirrorless Camera Now If

• You want to start taking advantage of the RF lenses and/or want to keep your kit optimized to the best-available lenses. If a lens you want to use now to is available in an RF mount version, this is a good time to consider buying into the R system.
• You want the advantages of an electronic viewfinder, including clear, focused-to-your-eye image preview and review in bright daylight, and don't mind the EVF disadvantages, including a brief video pause when an image is being captured.
• You want incredibly-low-light AF capabilities.
• You want improved AF accuracy with third party lenses.
• You want to learn how to use the mirrorless models. While the learning curve is not big, the fun of learning something new is.
• You primarily photograph landscapes, street, still life, family and events.
• You want the benefit of eye-tracking focus, especially useful with wide aperture lenses.
• You want to reduce the size and weight of your kit.
• You want to take advantage of the up-to-$500 rebates currently available.

You Should Wait to Buy a Canon R-Series Mirrorless Camera If

• You primarily photograph sports and wildlife. The EOS R's frame rate is mediocre and a brief EVF video pause during each image capture makes tracking erratic-moving fast action challenging. The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II or the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV are currently better choices for capturing fast, erratic action.
• You don't see any advantages to the EOS R-series camera and RF lens system over what you are using now. If nothing about the new cameras and lenses interests you, stay with a DSLR.
• You require an economy kit lens with a native RF mount. I expect an inexpensive RF kit lens to show up at some point, but ... an adapted EF lens is currently the best low-cost option for a general-purpose zoom lens.
• You require ultra-high resolution. We do not yet have a Canon EOS 5Ds R-equivalent resolution option available in the R-series. The EOS R's 30.3 MP resolution is very high, but getting higher resolution in a Canon R-series camera requires waiting.
• You require dual memory card slots.
• You require IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization). Of course, most of the RF lenses have either an ultra-wide aperture or image stabilization reducing the need for stabilization in-camera.
• Current video capabilities are not adequate.

Note that there will always be a new camera model coming. How long it takes to get here is a key component to decision-making and with the manufacturers not sharing their future plans, that component is an unknown and a lot of years of current model usage could potentially be had before an alternative arrives. New models usually bring new features that are useful, at least to some, but they also typically have higher price tags, at least higher than a similar model being replaced or higher than a model positioned lower in the lineup. New models make no difference to how current models perform – a camera owned today will continue to perform the same tomorrow. If you can make use of a current model now, now is a good time to get that model.

The Canon EOS R is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

The Canon EOS RP is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

This is the application you've been waiting for! No, it is not April Fools Day. Now you can wear pictures of the grandkids on each finger!

From Canon:

MELVILLE, NY, May 14, 2019 – Look down – how are your nails looking? Is it time for a new set? No problem – Canon has you covered! Eliminating the need to visit your local nail salon, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, introduces printable nail stickers for select PIXMA series printers. Now, you can refresh your manicure in the comfort of your own home.

With a quick download of the Canon Nail Sticker Creator App*, users of compatible iPad®, iPhone® and Android™ mobile devices, and Canon PIXMA TS9521C, PIXMA TS9520, PIXMA TS8220 and PIXMA TS702 Printers can select from an assortment of 200 designs and have access to newly uploaded designs four times per year, or create their own nail art** within the app. When using the Canon Printable Nail Sticker sheets, the nail sticker design of choice will print onto a precut sheet of stickers placed on the printer’s multipurpose tray, and can be peeled off and adhered to the user’s nails. After a quick filing of the edges and application of a top coat to seal the design(s) – the mani is complete!

"With the launch of printable nail stickers, we are excited to provide our customers with another reason to expand their printing needs and let their creative expression flourish right on their fingertips,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

The new Canon Printable Nail Sticker sheets (twelve stickers per sheet) are available two per pack and initially, will be available exclusively on the Canon Online Store for $12.99 per pack***. For more information and the full list of product specifications, visit https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/glossy-paper.

 
Even if the nail stickers are not your thing, you might find the 1/2-priced Canon Photo Paper interesting.