Canon and Sony News for Oct 2021 (Page 2)

Read the Capture One 21 (14.4.1) release notes for more information.

In addition to bug fixes, notably included in the update is support for the following:

• Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
• Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN | A
• Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN | C
• Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | A
• Sony ZV-E10

Get Capture One at B&H (Download, Mac/Windows).

Just posted: Pelican 1637 Air Wheeled Hard Case Review.

Most photographers will find the Pelican 1637 Air Wheeled Hard Case the ultimate choice for checking cameras, lenses, and accessories for flying and for transporting such gear via other methods.

If you want the padded divider version of this case, order it immediately from B&H as it is OOS everywhere else I checked.

The Pelican 1637 Air Wheeled Hard Case is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

Please share!

From Canon:

It’s time to create VR through a new lens.

[Did you notice the lateral tripod column used to keep the tripod out of the frame?]

The RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens brings VR to Canon EOS, opening a world of possibilities for digital storytellers. It’s the world’s first digital interchangeable lens that shoots stereoscopic 3D 180° VR to a single image sensor*, outputting a single image file for a convenient VR workflow. This L-Series RF mount lens is compact, lightweight, and portable, shooting stereoscopic 3D* with a 60mm interpupillary distance and a maximum aperture of f/2.8 to a deep depth of field f/16. An exciting new entry to the realm of 180° VR production, the RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens brings VR in reach.

More info (press release): Canon RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens.

*When paired with the Canon EOS R5 camera equipped with firmware update version 1.5.0 or later, and with the use of Canon EOS VR Software solutions. Viewing in 3D requires a compatible Head Mount Display.

From Samyang:

A Versatile All-In-One Zoom

Meet Samyang's first ‘All-In-One’ zoom lens, the AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE, celebrating the 50th year since its foundation! The AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE has several features optimized for video shooting to effectively capture the trend change of users who need the flexibility of not only photography but also video shooting. In addition to a zoom lens that reflects consumer needs for video shooting and video-specialized functions, Samyang exclusive accessories allow users to further enjoy functions available on existing professional Cine lenses with this new Samyang zoom lens.

Why the Samyang AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE is the 'All-In-One' zoom lens?

1. Optimized features not only for outstanding still images but also for video shooting
2. Standard zoom angle of view from wide-angle to short-telephoto
3. A bright maximum aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range
4. The weather-sealing design and the custom switch, considering the user's shooting environment and convenience

Optimized Features for Video Shooting

The AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE lens is optimized for video shooting. You can get the video continuously maintaining focus on the subject when zooming in and out on MF mode. As the AF speed is carefully controlled during video recording, focus wobble is reduced, so very stable video recording is possible. Linear MF changes linearly in response to focus ring rotation, giving the user the control immediacy needed for fast, accurate manual focusing. And also the aperture ring moves smoothly and quietly, providing seamless, silent control for moviemaking.

Customized Cine Kit for More Professional Video Shooting

A Samyang Cine Kit, consisting of focus gearing, follow focus, and tripod mount, enables you to shoot professional video. With this Cine Kit, you can easily exchange the shooting system such as the lens or the follow focus, so it saves your time changing systems for shooting. This kit is designed, considering the user's shooting environment, so manoeuvrability is very good. For instance, an additional accessory is usually needed to utilize the rod, but a huge accessory like a cage is unnecessary when you have a Samyang Cine Kit. Enjoy the essential elements of video shooting at once with the Samyang Cine Kit! * The Samyang Cine Kit is available separately.

A Versatile, Bright Standard Zoom Lens, Excellent Resolution in All Areas of the Image

This zoom lens delivers a 24-70mm (wide-angle to short-telephoto) angle of view and a bright maximum aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range, as commonly utilized by full-frame camera users, so it can be used for diverse photos such as landscapes, portraits, and snaps. In particular, the optimum resolution is achieved through the optical design of 17 elements in 14 groups (2 ASP, 1 H-ASP, 3 HR, and 3 ED). Take high-quality images with superior resolution in all areas of the image!

Impressive Background Blur and Bokeh with Bright F2.8 Aperture

Bright aperture of the AF 24-70 F2.8 FE offers beautifully blurred background. The subject and background are effectively separated with shallow depth of field, creating impressive images highlighting the subject. The 9-blade circular aperture contributes natural-looking bokeh and the beautiful starburst effect.

Short Minimum Focusing Distance

The minimum focusing distance is just 0.35m (1.15ft), so it is possible to produce a unique perspective close to the subject. It makes it easier to take various images such as food on tables or portraits with exaggerated features.

Advanced Fast and Quiet AF for Stills and Movies

Now Autofocus needs to consider not only how more accurately and quickly it captures images, but also how quiet and smooth it is. The AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE features the latest STM(Stepping Motor), a larger and heavier focus lens group can be controlled more quietly and precisely, providing excellent image quality in both photos and videos.

Enhanced Usability Considering the Shooting Environment, Weather Sealing for Protection from External Influences

The AF 24-70 F2.8 FE enhanced the usability considering the user's shooting environment. This Samyang's first zoom lens features weather sealing for 7 spots to protect from light dust, rain, and snow and provide the ability to capture stunning images in less than perfect conditions.

Custom Switch to Set Multiple Functions

Equipped with the Custom Switch, shooting and operation are more intuitive and simple. You can easily select various functions such as Aperture Control Mode or MF Mode from the Switch, and enjoy the shooting mode that suits your personal preference.

*More functions will be added through the firmware update in the future.

Orders

Order the Rokinon 24-70mm F2.8 AF Zoom Lens for Sony E from B&H.

From Sigma:

New product announcement: SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary

SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary.

Stunning versatility.

A large F2.8 aperture zoom lens that need never leave your camera This exceptionally small, light and bright standard zoom for crop-sensor mirrorless cameras is the ultimate workhorse lens. SIGMA’s first APS-C size mirrorless zoom lens has a versatile full-frame equivalent zoom range of 27-75mm, which makes it ideal for a wide range of photo and video applications including landscapes, portraits, street photography, architecture and events. It can also be used for macro-style close-up photography owing to its maximum magnification of 1:2.8*1, which allows a minimum focusing distance of just 12.1cm. In terms of its bright F2.8 aperture, it makes for easier hand-held low-light shooting and provides a shallow depth-of-field for high-impact results.

Autofocus is exceptionally fast and quiet thanks to the stepping motor, which can be particularly useful when shooting video, or fast-moving subjects such as children and animals. The lens’ exceptionally small and light form factor that weighs less than 300g makes it perfect as a first interchangeable lens, and as a sub-lens for full-frame bodies*2, as well as for various shooting situations.

*1 The minimum focusing distance and maximum magnification ratio are both values at the wide end.

*2 Please switch to APS-C crop mode when used on full-frame cameras.

Supplied accessories: Petal Type Hood (LH582-02), Front Cap (LCF-55 ?), Rear Cap (LCR?)

Available mount: L-Mount, Sony E-mount

* The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change.

* L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.

* This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.

Orders

Order the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens from B&H and Adorama.

#SIGMA #SIGMA1850mmContemporary #SIGMAContemporary #SIGMADCDN

Apple has announced the 14 and 16" MacBook Pro with M1 PRO and M1 MAX Silicon.

Preorder now at B&H.

Also announced and available for preorder are the Apple AirPods with Charging Case (3rd Generation)

Learn more at B&H Explora.

Canon has made RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens firmware update version 1.1.0 available for download.

Firmware Version 1.1.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Improves performance of the image stabilization when using the electronic shutter of the EOS R3 camera during still image shooting.

Get the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens at B&H.

Can I store a camera without the battery inserted? Or is this a bad idea? This question came to mind as a grumpy airport gate attendant was forcing me to gate check a camera backpack that I knew would fit under the seat.

Sometimes, hearing the answer to a question you thought you already knew the answer to fills some educational gaps. This is especially true when Canon USA's Rudy Winston is answering the question, and I wanted to hear what Rudy had to say on this topic:

No problem with something like leaving a battery out of the camera for a few hours or even days. The primary issue that comes up is that nowadays, the built-in, back-up battery within the camera (retains things like date & time, and other basic info) is recharged when a charged, normal battery (like a Canon LP-E6NH is used in an EOS R5) is installed. If the camera’s normal battery was to be left out of the camera for a long time – like several months – the built-in, secondary battery can lose its charge, and lose ability to retain camera settings and basic info. This might happen, for instance, if the camera was stored without a normal battery in-place for 3 or 4 months. (The built-in, back-up battery would be re-charged, upon installation of a charged “normal” battery.)

The built-in, back-up battery is not user-accessible, nor is it something the user can service or independently charge themselves, aside from what I just mentioned, above.

The rechargeable, back-up battery is something we’ve had in DSLRs and now mirrorless cameras for at least a decade; it replaced the previous concept of having a coin-type, disposable battery (like a CR2025) also located in the camera’s battery compartment.

Hope this helps!

 
While I knew about the rechargeable internal battery, the approximate duration it could hold a sufficient charge is interesting.

Thanks, Rudy!

From Skylum:

Luminar Neo — innovatively solving problems for the modern creative

Skylum solves major workflow challenges with cutting-edge AI tools that free up time for creativity

NEW YORK, NY - October 18, 2021 — Professionals or hobbyists, visual storytellers are often challenged by boring routine tasks and the complexity of sharing their final results online. In the fast-moving era of social media and mobile photography, routine editing and multi-step sharing can hinder the goal of any artist: creating work that fulfills their creative vision.

Today, Skylum reveals more details about Luminar Neo, a creative image editor which ships this winter. Featuring a full suite of tools for visual storytellers, Luminar Neo solves common problems and allows artists to focus on being creative.

New tools solve common frustrations

The Luminar family is well known for providing AI-guided tools that give artists powerful ways to explore their creative muse. But no image is perfect right out of the camera. Many of the existing tools like AccentAI solve common capture problems with exposure and color balance. SkinAI removes blemishes from portraits while Portrait Background RemovalAI allows artists to completely isolate their subjects from the background and make them pop.

Still, right out of the camera, many images are plagued with visual distractions, some in the scene captured and others from within the camera itself. Luminar Neo introduces new tools which leverage AI to deal with these distractions easily.

Dust RemovalAI — When capturing images in the field, artifacts can be introduced from dust on the surface of a lens or dust that finds its way onto the sensor during a lens change. After using AI to automatically detect these artifacts, Dust RemovalAI removes them to provide a spotless result. Now, artists can easily fix ruined photos, clean distracting spots in images, and save their beautiful memories.

Line RemovalAI — Used separately or as part of SkyAI, this new tool automatically removes unwanted power lines and phone lines from the sky in landscape photos. Whether editing photos of weddings, landscapes, or popular sightseeing spots, automatically getting rid of unwanted lines allows artists to focus on making powerful images, not cleaning up distractions.

Overlays leverage the power AI-enabled compositing

Skylum has already revealed RelightAI and Portrait Background RemovalAI, two tools that use Layers and the new MaskAI feature to help artists move beyond photo editing and explore compositing as a tool for creative expression. Overlays, graphic and photographic elements with a transparency channel, are yet another way for artists to break out of the photographic box.

To light the creative fire, Luminar Neo includes a rich library of free overlay content. Our community of artists and ambassadors regularly add new overlay content to the Luminar Marketplace, which is directly accessible from within Luminar Neo. Finally, using MaskAI, creators can create and save custom overlays to be used across their body of work.

Luminar Share

After editing comes another important yet sometimes tedious step in the artist’s workflow: exporting images from desktop to mobile in order to share them. Today, the sharing process is complicated and requires third-party services. Syncing to cloud drives is helpful, but what is really needed is a round-trip experience that fully integrates mobile devices with desktop editing. Luminar Share does exactly that. With Luminar Share, we aim to completely remove exporting complications and give artists the possibility to share their work in one click directly from the desktop.

A native mobile app, Luminar Share connects the photo library on Android and iOS mobile devices directly to Luminar Neo. Using a QR code pairing tool similar to those found in WhatsApp, Signal, and other synced messaging services, Luminar Share creates a secure link between a mobile photo library and Luminar Neo. Advantages include:

• A completely secure and private connection
• Automatic, round-trip synchronization of photos and edits
• Direct sharing from Luminar Neo to social networks (e.g. Instagram)
• No additional cost for cloud storage

Skylum is looking forward to growing and developing in the mobile field, and Luminar Share is the first big step towards that goal. From photographers sharing their work to influencers sharing a new look or a new adventure, visual storytellers of every stripe will find Luminar Share to be a great resource. At launch, it will be available for Android and iOS mobile devices.

Availability

Luminar Neo ships this winter with Luminar Share, Dust RemovalAI, Line RemovalAI, and other exciting tools. Early-bird pricing for the Luminar Neo application and plugin is available here and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee from the time of shipping.

Orders

Don't forget to use our coupon code THEDIGITALPICTURE to (usually) get a $10.00 discount.

For artists making a new purchase:
$76 for 1-seat license for Luminar Neo
$87 for 2-seats license for Luminar Neo

$105 for 1-seat license for Luminar Neo+Luminar AI
$126 for 2-seats license for Luminar Neo+Luminar AI

For artists who own Luminar or Aurora:
$54 for 1-seat license for Luminar Neo
$69 for 2-seats license for Luminar Neo

$83 for 1-seat license for Luminar Neo+Luminar AI
$108 for 2-seats license for Luminar Neo+Luminar AI

A new Canon instant savings program takes $200 off the EOS R. Get it at B&H.

The refurbished EOS R is also discounted by $200.00 at the Canon Store.

Need a great flash? The Canon Speedlite EL-1 has a $100.00 instant savings available.

From Sony:

New product announcement on October 21st 2021

Be ready for the announcement of the new Alpha. October 21st, 10:00 EDT / 15:00 BST / 22:00 SGT

Watch the annoucnement here:

The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens page includes the press release, specifications, product images, MTF charts, and other diagrams.

Before you decide that you do not need this lens, check out the MTF charts — they are very impressive.

Did you count the switches on this lens? Seven of them. Complete control? Or an added challenge to find the most used settings?

The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens vs. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens comparison is an interesting one.

Note the relatively small size and weight difference in the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens and Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens comparison.

Orders

Preorders open today, Oct 14th at 10:00 AM.

I expect the The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens to be hard to get for a long time, so get in line ASAP. Order this lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX

From Sony:

Sony Electronics Continues to Redefine Excellence in Imaging with the Introduction of the new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II

Sony’s Newest G Master Lens Features Superb Resolution and Bokeh with Next-generation AF Performance in the World’s Lightestⁱ Large-aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens

• Constant aperture F2.8 70-200mm telephoto zoom
• Fast, precise quiet AF (autofocus) and continuous AF tracking capabilities
• Advanced features for video creators
• World’s lightestⁱ 70-200mm large-aperture telephoto zoom lens, approximately 29% lighter than the previous model
• Up to approximately four timesⁱⁱ faster AF, with focus tracking while zooming improved by approximately 30% when compared to the previous modelⁱⁱ
• Professional-level control and reliability

SAN DIEGO, CA – October 13, 2021 – Sony Electronics Inc. announced the newest lens in their G Master lineup – the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, which delivers an extraordinary combination of resolution and bokeh as well as unequalled AF (autofocus) performance known to Sony’s G Master design.

“Sony is always listening to our customers. Thanks to feedback from users around the world, including leading professionals, Sony continues to develop and evolve the G Master lineup,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is lightweight and offers outstanding handling in any shooting situation. The newest addition to our G Master series will make a perfect telephoto zoom addition to any creator’s kit who is looking to maximize their gear potential for both stills and video.”

Designed to perfectly pair with Sony’s E-mount camera bodies, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II not only offers outstanding optical quality and advanced AF performance, but it is the lightestⁱ F2.8 70-200mm zoom in the world and allows for unprecedented shooting freedom and flexibility. Sony continues to strengthen the Alpha system with this newest addition to the broadest selection of mirrorless lenses on the market as the 65th lens in its E-mount lens lineup.

New Levels of Performance

The new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II delivers outstanding image quality with high resolution and clarity. Users can expect a clean and clear image from corner to corner throughout the entire zoom range, even when the aperture is wide open. Thanks to the two aspherical lens elements, including one XA (extreme aspherical) element manufactured to 0.01-micron surface precision, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II effectively controls distance-related aberration variations to ensure outstanding resolution throughout the image area.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II also employs two ED (extra-low dispersion) spherical glass elements and two Super ED spherical glass elements to significantly reduce chromatic aberration without color bleeding. This lens also includes an ED aspherical element for the first time in an Alpha system lens, which simultaneously suppresses chromatic and spherical aberration, common issues in other telephoto lenses.

Smooth, beautiful bokeh is made possible by a large F2.8 maximum aperture and a newly developed 11-blade circular aperture unit. In addition, the lens’ advanced optical design including an XA element thoroughly suppresses the unwanted ‘onion ring’ effect, further enhancing the bokeh. The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II also offers excellent close-up performance with deep bokeh. The minimum focusing distance is just 15.7 inches (0.4 meters) at 70mm and 32.3 inches (0.82 meters) at 200mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.3x. Moreover, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II can be easily paired with Sony’s high-performance 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverterⁱⁱⁱ to extend the lens’ focal length to 400mm^iv at an F5.6 aperture, all while maintaining its G Master quality.

To avoid any unwanted flare and ghosting in challenging lighting conditions, Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II produces a uniform anti-reflection coating on the surface of the lens. In addition, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II’s optical design also effectively suppresses internal reflections to improve clarity.

Industry-leading Autofocus

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II’s state-of-the-art lens technology brings out the best in the advanced camera body it is paired with. The new lens uses four Sony-original XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors for extraordinary fast and precise AF, making it up to approximately four times fasterⁱⁱ and with focus tracking improved by 30% when compared to the previous modelⁱⁱ. When paired with Sony’s flagship Alpha 1, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is capable of high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps^v. Superb AF tracking is also available even when using a teleconverter. For video, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II offers smooth and quiet AF to reliably lock in focus and track fast-moving subjects, even while zooming, so the user can leave the focusing to the camera.

Advanced Features for Video

With its constant F2.8 maximum aperture, astounding AF performance, versatile control, and solid reliability, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is a perfect choice for video. The new lens was designed to dramatically reduce focus breathing, focus shift, and axis shift when zooming so that there is minimal unwanted image movement and angle of view variations.

For easy video-use operation, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II features independent control rings for focus, zoom, and aperture (iris), allowing precise manual operation. The aperture ring also has a click ON/OFF switch. Additionally, Sony’s Linear Response MF ensures responsive, low-lag manual focus control. The supplied lens hood also features an opening that allows convenient operation of circular polarizing filters or variable ND filters for more creative flexibility.

Designed for Professionals

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is the world’s lightestⁱ F2.8 telephoto zoom lens and is approximately 29% lighterthan the previous model, weighing just under 37 oz (1,045g). In addition to its light weight, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II was designed for professionals to offer an ideal balance without front-heaviness, ensuring that the lens’ center of gravity falls directly above the tripod mount. It also features internal zoom to keep the center of gravity constant.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has been specifically designed for professionals based on their direct feedback. The new lens includes focus functions to support the user’s professional needs such as Full-time DMF, natural and linear manual focus response, and a focus-range limiter switch. The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II also includes three customizable focus hold buttons that are provided 90° apart for easy access and convenient control when shooting in horizontal or vertical orientation, and nearly any angle.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II features both a click ON/OFF switch and an iris lock switch for quick, flexible aperture control. The aperture ring click stops can be turned ON to provide tactile feedback when shooting stills, or OFF for smooth, silent aperture control when shooting movies. In addition, the zoom ring torque is optimized and now includes image stabilization with MODE 3^vi for moving subjects.

Based on feedback from professionals, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is designed to be reliable in even the most challenging environments. It features dust and moisture resistance^vii, equal to the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS and FE 600mm F4 GM OSS. The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants, while making it easier to wipe off any contaminants or fingerprints that may become attached to the lens surface.

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II will be available in December for approximately $2,800.00 USD and $3,500.00 CAD.

Orders

Order the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX.

Video

Notes

[i] As of the October 2021 product announcement, compared to full-frame F2.8 70-200mm telephoto zoom lenses that support autofocus. Sony survey.

[ii] When attached to the Alpha 1, compared to SEL70200GM. Sony test conditions.

[iii] Maximum aperture with the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters is F4 and F5.6, respectively.

[iv] 2.0x teleconverter can realize 400mm focal length. 1.4x teleconverter can realize 280mm focal length.

[v] Sony test conditions.

[vi] A software update may be required. See Sony’s support page on the web for camera compatibility info.

[vii] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.

Sony Lens Family

From Sigma:

10/19 21:00 JST | Online New Products Presentation “SIGMA STAGE ONLINE”

Information

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

We are pleased to announce the holding of an online event “SIGMA STAGE ONLINE”, which is a presentation of new products. It will be held on Tuesday, October 19th, 2021, from JST 21:00 / CET 13:00 / EDT 08:00.

Date:

Tuesday, October 19th, 2021 JST 21:00 / CET 13:00 / EDT 08:00 (about 30 minutes)

Watch the announcement here!