Canon and Sony News for Aug 2019 (Page 2)
Canon has released an interim financial report for the period of January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019, which can be downloaded here. The reason why Canon has decided to release this interim report is detailed below:
We are pleased to provide this overview of the first half (from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019) of our 119th Business Term.The world economy in the first half of this term saw a slowdown in growth as a whole due to a deceleration in European economy and the effect of the lingering U.S.-China trade friction.
Under such conditions, corporate demand for office multifunction devices and laser printers stagnated, while the markets for digital cameras and inkjet printers continued to shrink. As a result, both Office Business Unit and Imaging System Business Unit experienced a decrease in sales. Sales of the Medical System Business Unit, which delivered strong sales results for computed tomography (CT) systems and other products in the Americas, increased. On the other hand, sales of the Industry and Others Business Unit, which includes semiconductor lithography equipment, decreased as customers continued to adjust their capital investment.
As a result of the above, on a consolidated basis, net sales for the first half of this term decreased by 10.0% year on year, while net income attributable to Canon Inc. decreased by 51.2% year on year. For the interim dividend, we decided to pay 80.00 yen per share, which is the same amount as the interim dividend for the previous term, from the perspective of ensuring stable returns to shareholders.
Although the business environment surrounding the Canon Group remains fluid, we will endeavor to improve our business results by further improving the competitiveness of our products and services not only in existing businesses, but also in steadily growing new businesses.
We look forward to our shareholders’ continued support and encouragement.
In this video, photographer Karl Taylor enumerates the vital accessories he relies on every day for product photography.
Items Covered
- Clamp
- Gel
- Acrylic Rod
- Hot Glue Gun
- Compressed Air
- Acrylic Mirror Card
- C-Stand
- Diffusion Scrim
- Foam Board (Black/White)
- Tape (Electrical/Gaffer)
Canon has released a new firmware update for its EOS RP Mirrorless Camera with the following changes: (thanks Goran Škrlec)
Firmware Version 1.2.0 incorporates the following enhancement and fix:
- Support for the RF24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM lens has been added.
- Corrects a phenomenon in which the top of some captured images may be dark during high-speed sync shooting with an external flash.
Download: Canon EOS RP Firmware v1.2.0
A new Canon EOS R firmware – v.1.3.0 – which adds support for the RF24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM lens, has been posted to Canon UK's website.
Tamron has released a teaser campaign alerting consumers of its plan to release four new mirrorless lenses. Considering the optical performance of its latest lens releases, there's good reason for mirrorless shooters to get excited about these impending announcements.
Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens page.
Sony is going to sell a LOT of copies of this lens. Here are some comparisons:
Compared to Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens
Compared to Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
Compared to Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR Lens
Compared to Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens
Compared to Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens
Compared to Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens
Compared to Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 Lens
Sanity check: Compared to Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens
This lens was a huge hit before we saw the image quality it was capable of. Finding one on the shelf anytime soon should be challenging. Preorder now to get in line. The Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens is available for preorder at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens from Lensrentals.
Just posted: Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens Review.
I expect to see this lens ending up on many short lists.
The Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens from Lensrentals.
From Sigma:
The SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce that SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports and SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports have won EISA Awards 2019-2020.
SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports
Name of Award: EISA TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS 2019-2020
The SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports is a unique 10x zoom lens with a super-telephoto reach of up to 600mm. Its optical design delivers sharp images across the zoom range while ensuring maximum correction of chromatic aberration. It features an Intelligent OS system that delivers a reliable image stabilization effect of 4 stops, allowing sharp images to be obtained handheld. In addition, the Hyper Sonic Motor provides fast, accurate autofocus. The weather-resistant construction incorporates magnesium alloy, which ensures durability and enhances portability. Should you require even greater reach, the lens can be combined with one of SIGMA’s teleconverters.
SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports
Name of Award: EISA PROFESSIONAL TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS 2019-2020
Part of SIGMA’s Sports line of telephoto lenses, the 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports is the new flagship that meets the needs of professional photographers. The optical design provides excellent resolution from center to corners, while eliminating chromatic aberration. The large aperture ensures smooth bokeh – ideal for portrait photography. Dust- and splash-proof construction means you can use the lens in challenging conditions. SIGMA’s Hyper Sonic Motor makes autofocus fast and quiet, while the Intelligent OS system provides sharp images when using longer shutter speeds. As with all recent SIGMA lenses, many settings can be customized via the SIGMA USB DOCK.
B&H carries the SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports and SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports lenses, both of which currently feature enticing instant rebates.
B&H has the Gitzo 3-Way Fluid Head available or preorder with free expedited shipping.
Product Highlights
- Load Capacity: 28.6 lb
- Height: 4.5"
- Weight: 2.1 lb
- Arca-Type Compatible
Also available for preorder - the Gitzo GT2542 Mountaineer Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod with GHF3W 3-Way Fluid Head Kit.
It was just another typical rainy weekday in Ricketts Glen State Park. It was the perfect time to take my favorite ultra-wide-angle zoom lens and landscape camera body, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens and Canon EOS 5Ds R, for a hike.
I am not aware of this cascade having a name, but I always find it photo-worthy. It is hard to go wrong with a series of lines leading into the bottom of the frame and the leading lines in the rock are the big draw to this location.
Camera height is something a photographer usually has some control over, at least within their physical reach ability or the height of their tripod if such is being used. When photographing flat water (pond, lake, ocean, slow-moving river, etc.), a higher camera position will often provide a higher percentage of the frame being filled with water than a lower camera position IF a similar overall scene framing is used. For example, photographing an ocean from a standing position with a level camera will result in far more water percentage in the frame than doing the same while lying down at the edge of the water due to the angle of view across a flat surface. Often, supporting that big IF requires that the camera angle be changed and camera angle also plays a role in determining how much of the frame is filled with water. A downward-tilted camera can include more water than a level camera.
The key is to find the right balance for the scene you are photographing and there may be multiple right answers. Work with a scene until you can find no more camera positions that work well. Then move on.
The small waterfalls seen here do not qualify as flat water, but there is still a lot of near-flat water in this scene. The right balance for this image was using an ultra-wide-angle focal length positioned with enough downward angle to show a significant amount of water and low enough to gain the right perspective to emphasize the foreground rock lines.
I don't always take the time to photograph this cascade, but especially with the wet rock bringing out strong color (saturation aided by a circular polarizer filter), I couldn't resist stopping on this day.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
ISO 100
8688 x 5792px
From X-Rite:
Grand Rapids, MI USA, August 15, 2019 – X-Rite Incorporated, global leader in color science and technology, is now shipping the new i1Photo Pro 3 Plus, a spectral color measurement solution specifically designed for professional photographers who print on challenging textured and glossy photo media looking for the most accurate color in their RGB print workflows. i1Photo Pro 3 Plus combines the new i1Pro 3 Plus spectrophotometer and i1Profiler software to deliver the ultimate professional level color management for displays, projectors, scanners RGB printers and cameras.
Current profiling solutions are limited in their ability to measure textured, rough, or uneven surfaces and cannot accommodate various material thicknesses. Many devices do not have the resolution required to ensure the highest color quality when printing detailed patterns, metallic effects, or photography images. This leads to costly color errors and re-work which impacts a photographer’s bottom line.
New in the i1Pro3 Plus spectrophotometer:
- Larger 8mm aperture supports new materials and substrates used in digital printing.
- Polarization Filter (measurement condition M3) that reduces specular highlights and shadows to provide “better blacks” and richer colors on rough surfaces and glossy medias, like canvas prints and fine art photo papers.
- High Brightness Measurement up to 5K NITs for ultra-bright displays.
- Simultaneously measure M0, M1 and M2 in a single pass to account for optical brighteners so photographers can quickly predict how colors printed on optically brightened substrates will look under different lighting conditions.
- New LED illuminant that improves device reliability. The i1Pro3 Plus allows for four measurement conditions (ISO 13655 M0; M1: D50; M2: UV Excluded, M3Polarized).
- Transmission scanning support for backlit materials.
- Longer scanning ruler to support wider charts.
New X-Rite iO Table
In addition, X-Rite announces a new i1iO Automated Scanning Table that supports the i1Pro 3 Plus hardware. This hands-free test chart reader offers automated color profiling on a variety of substrates with reduced risk of color measurement errors. It is ideal for color perfectionists who want to speed up and automate the measurement process and eliminate manual strip reading. The new i1iO table can be used with a variety of materials including canvas, textiles, ceramics, corrugated, etc. and supports materials up to 33mm thick, with the optional z-axis spacer. It also supports transparencies and backlit materials.
Additional i1Pro 3 Plus Solutions:
In addition to i1Photo Pro 3 Plus, X-Rite is now shipping these new i1Pro 3 Plus solutions:
- i1Basic Pro 3 Plus - includes monitor calibration and quality control for monitors and printers
- i1Publish Pro 3 Plus - includes CMYK+ printer module and all features of i1Photo Pro 3 Plus
No other company brings the level of color science and commitment to color accuracy than X-Rite. The i1Photo Pro 3 Plus is just the latest in a series of unparalleled solutions developed by Color Perfectionists for Color Perfectionists who print.
From Nikon:
From beach vacations and pool-side getaways, to hiking trips and camping expeditions, the family-friendly COOLPIX W150 was made to capture one-of-a-kind moments on every adventure
MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the U.S. retail availability of the COOLPIX W150, the latest rugged yet family-friendly compact digital camera. Thanks to being both waterproof and shockproof, the COOLPIX W150 allows users to easily capture and share unforgettable moments on every adventure, vacation or get-together. The W150 boasts an extremely easy-to-use design, sharp image quality and variety of unique scene modes, making it a great travel camera for the whole family.
With a 13.2-megapixel image sensor, 3x optical zoom and full HD video recording, the COOLPIX W150 offers the flexibility to easily capture both stunning still images and Full HD videos, wherever life takes a person. Even those who have never used a camera will immediately be comfortable snapping shots due to the simple menu system, 2.7-inch 230-k dot LCD screen and Target Finding autofocus, which allows for easy detection and focus on the primary subject.
Built to capture memories, the COOLPIX W150 is waterproof up to 10m (33 feet), shockproof from 1.8m (6 feet) and freezeproof up to -10°C (14°F). Additionally, the COOLPIX W150 is equipped with a variety of scene modes and editing functions, allowing users to explore their creativity and create fantastic photos, even underwater. Users can also seamlessly upload to their phone wirelessly for sharing, all with the Nikon SnapBridge app.
Price and Availability
The COOLPIX W150 in white will be available in the U.S. in early September 2019 at a suggested retail price (SRP)* of $169.95.
B&H has the Nikon COOLPIX W150 available for preorder.
From Nikon:
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce that its full-frame mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z 6, and its high-performance standard zoom lens, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, are the recipients of the EISA Camera of the Year 2019-2020 and the EISA Professional Standard Zoom Lens 2019-2020 awards, presented by the Expert Imaging and Sound Association (EISA).
Reasons the Nikon Z 6 was selected as the EISA Camera of the Year 2019-2020 (EISA comments)
With the Z 6 (released in November 2018), Nikon has made a superb camera with sensational handling and robust build quality that delivers excellent images in almost any shooting situation. Its autofocus system includes Eye-Detection AF, allowing accurate focus wherever the subject is placed in the frame. The large and sharp electronic viewfinder provides a truly accurate preview of how your images will turn out, while in-body image stabilization helps keep your pictures sharp with every lens you can use, including F-mount DSLR optics. Quite simply, this is the best all-round camera that serious photographers can buy right now.
Reasons the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S was selected as the EISA Professional Standard Zoom Lens 2019-2020 (EISA comments)
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S (released in April 2019) is a fast, professional standard zoom lens for the Nikon Z mount system. Solid and robust, it employs Nano Crystal Coat and the new ARNEO Coat to reduce flare and ghosting, while the front and rear elements have a fluorine coating to repel dust, oil and moisture. Thanks to a customizable control ring the photographer can easily adjust the aperture or exposure compensation, while an OLED panel on the barrel displays aperture, focus distance or focal length. With stunning optical performance that combines high resolution and attractive bokeh, this lens is the perfect partner for the Nikon Z series.
B&H carries the Nikon Z 6 Mirrorless Camera and NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens.
From Tamron:
August 15, 2019, Saitama, Japan - Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the presentation by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) of its EISA Awards to two Tamron lenses; 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046) for "EISA WIDE-ANGLE ZOOM LENS 2019-2020" and 35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD (Model A043) for "EISA BEST BUY ZOOM LENS 2019-2020". Tamron has been honored with EISA Awards for 14th consecutive years and has been recognized with two awards each year for the past three years.
Excerpt from the Award Citation of the EISA Jury
EISA WIDE-ANGLE ZOOM LENS 2019-2020
17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046)
The Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is an affordable large-aperture wide-angle zoom for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. Designed to complement the firm’s 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD, it features a similarly compact, lightweight design and weather-resistant construction. It’s a really strong performer in terms of image quality: resolution and contrast are excellent for its class, while the optical system assures outstanding colour accuracy with minimal chromatic aberration. The lens employs a silent and fast stepping motor for autofocus, making it very suitable for both stills and video recording.
EISA BEST BUY ZOOM LENS 2019-2020
35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD (Model A043)
The Tamron 35-150mm F2.8-4 Di VC OSD is a standard zoom lens for Canon and Nikon full-frame DSLRs. Its somewhat unusual zoom range, combined with a minimum focus distance of 45cm, makes it particularly well suited for portraits, ranging from environmental studies to close-ups. Thanks to its compact size and light weight it is also a perfect travel companion. It offers an unusually fast aperture for such a range, from f/2.8 at wide-angle through to f/4 at the telephoto end. The lens incorporates Tamron’s Dual Micro-Processing Unit system, which assures optimal autofocus performance and effective vibration compensation, allowing for sharp handheld shots.
B&H carries the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD and Tamron 35-150mm F2.8-4 Di VC OSD lenses.
Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens page.
Expensive? Absolutely.
Weight? Incredibly light for the focal length and aperture.
Image quality? You get what you pay for.
Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS compared to Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III Lens
Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS compared to Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II Lens
Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS compared to Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR Lens
Please share these results with your friends!
Act fast: I expected this lens to be very difficult to get for a long time, but Amazon USA has two in stock (Samy's Camera is reputable)! WEX also has this lens in stock.
The Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens is available for preorder at B&H | Adorama
Rent the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.
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