Canon and Sony News for Jul 2021 (Page 2)

 Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Adorable or vicious killer? Right — both descriptions accurately describe this little predator.

The opportunity was a unique one. What started as a glimpse of a weasel hunting in the brush turned into an afternoon of waiting, with some watching and photographing mixed in.

Often nocturnal, weasels are seldom seen, and when they show do themselves, getting these fast- and erratically-moving critters in the frame is tremendously challenging, even without accounting for accurate focusing. This weasel finally paused momentarily to check out (her reflection in?) the near-ground-level Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens aimed in her direction.


A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 7/13/2021 8:10:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Monday, July 12, 2021
 Saturday, July 10, 2021

You don't leave when the sun sets, do you? Usually, the best show is yet to come when the fiery ball goes below the horizon.

With primarily flat ground outside of Badlands National Park, the sun is not blocked by tall nearby mountains when the sun is at a low angle. This scenario bodes extremely well for sunrise and sunset sky color, creating an above-average percentage of great opportunities, especially during the storm season.

Sunrises and sunsets can be seen nearly anywhere, and they are often beautiful — highly photogenic. But, having a great foreground can give sunrise and sunset images an additional positive element, and when you are somewhere special, make your images show that place.

My least favorite foreground element is a power line. My most favorite foreground element is a glassy reflective lake or pond. However, a mountain with character ranks just behind that favorite. So when it became apparent that the skies would light up after sundown this evening, I headed for such a mountain.

Upon arrival on the scene, the first task was to set up a Canon EOS R5 with an RF 15-35 mounted with an also interesting close foreground. With exposure duration bracketing established for later HDR compositing, getting the time of day bracketed was the remaining key for this camera's capture. Pressing the shutter release frequently (using the 2-second self-timer) took care of the latter goal.

As this scene's primary intrigue seemed to be the incredible sunset color fronted by the gnarly character of the Badlands mountain, a panorama capture was calling me. The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens mounted on another R5 was the perfect option.

The first task was to establish a manual exposure. The scene brightness varied significantly throughout the proposed pano, promising a range of auto exposures that would increase the stitching challenge later. This manual exposure was established by pushing the red channel, much brighter than the green or blue, against the right side of the histogram.

After autofocusing on the mountains (I depend on the R5's excellent AF accuracy), the AF/MF switch was moved into the MF position. Having all images focused at the exact same distance eliminates any focus breathing issues for panorama stitching.

The image captures ensued. The camera was rotated from left to right, capturing vertically orientated images with at least 1/3 scene overlap between frames (more like 50% overlap, which was overkill). The frames were captured in quick succession to reduce cloud movement and sky brightness change between the frames. The viewfinder grid was used to keep the images vertically aligned. Upon pressing the shutter release, the height of the horizontal grid line was noted against the background and maintained as the camera was panned.

When quickly capturing frames handheld, it is easy to rush the shots and end up with blurry images. Ensure that the camera is still for each gentle press of the shutter release (with a slight lag to the release of the press — a follow-through of sorts) to ensure sharp images. A tripod works best for this task, but that support was under the RF 15-35 mentioned above, and there was not enough capacity to bring two tripods on this trip (my preference). The RF 100-500 and R5 coordinated IS were not stressed by the 1/100 second shutter speed and delivered a 100% sharp image rate.

I mentioned that the exposure was established to protect the red channel. That exposure provided a dark foreground. While the foreground needed to stay dark for a natural balance, making foreground details slightly visible seemed a good idea. Taking advantage of the R5's dynamic range, the original frames were processed brighter. Note that the brighter foreground is much easier to see in a larger version and with a darker background.

Photoshop's Photomerge feature with "Reposition" selected created the pano from 16 source images. Unfortunately, that PS feature created a slightly different resulting image from the brighter-processed source files than from the darker ones. Creating 16 HDR images to use for the stitching source seemed too much work (and likely prone to additional differences), so the foreground pano was manually position-adjusted where it did not properly align. A small area of the sky was processed slightly darker and blended into position. The final images measure over 300 megapixels. For improved display on devices, the image was cropped on the right side, with a sense of balance used to establish where the right side should be.


A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.

 
Camera and Lens Settings
100mm  f/5.6  1/100s
ISO 100
24449 x 9050px
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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 7/10/2021 7:00:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Friday, July 9, 2021

From Sigma:

Firmware update for SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports in Canon EF mount

We would like to announce that a new firmware update is now available for SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports in Canon EF mount.

[Applicable product]

SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports in Canon EF mount

[Benefits of the update]

It has improved the AF speed when used in combination with Canon mount adapter EF-EOS R series attached on Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6.

[How to update]

Connect the lens to a computer via the SIGMA USB DOCK UD-01 (sold separately), then open SIGMA Optimization Pro*. If the lens firmware isn't the latest version, the following message will appear: "The latest lens firmware is available". Click "Yes" to update.

* Before updating lens firmware using the SIGMA USB DOCK UD-01, please ensure you update SIGMA Optimization Pro to the latest version.

SIGMA Optimization Pro Download page: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/software/sigma-optimization-pro/

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Post Date: 7/9/2021 2:46:12 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

From Sigma:

Firmware update for the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 EF-E

We are pleased to announce that a firmware update for the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 is now available.

[Applicable product]

SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 EF-E

[Benefits of the update]

It makes the converter compatible with the SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports in Canon EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver. 2.03.

[How to update]

Connect the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 to a computer with the included USB cable, then open SIGMA Optimization Pro. If there is a newer firmware version available than the one currently installed on your converter, you will see the message "There is the latest firmware for the converter". Click "Yes" to update.

* Before attaching the updated SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 to the camera body, please remove the battery pack from the camera then reinsert.

* Please be sure to update SIGMA Optimization Pro to the latest version when updating the MC-11 firmware.

SIGMA Optimization Pro Download page: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/software/sigma-optimization-pro/

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Post Date: 7/9/2021 2:45:28 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Canon has released new versions of Digital Photo Professional and EOS Utility. (thanks Scott)

Changes for Digital Photo Professional 4.15.0:

  • Supports Firmware Version 1.5.0 or later for the EOS-1D X Mark III.
  • Supports Firmware Version 1.4.0 or later for the EOS R6.

Download: DPP 4.15.0 and EOS Utility 3.13.30

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Post Date: 7/9/2021 8:08:52 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Thursday, July 8, 2021

Canon has made EOS R6 firmware update version 1.4.0 available for download. (thanks Goran)

Firmware Version 1.4.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

  1. Adds [Canon Log 3] to [Canon Log settings].
  2. Simultaneous movie recording on card 1 and card 2 has been added.
  3. Improves operation stability when using the RF400mm F2.8 L IS USM and RF600mm F4 L IS USM.
  4. Fixes an issue in which, during HDMI connection, if the camera's screen turns off, a zebra pattern is displayed via the HDMI output.
  5. Fixes an issue in which sufficient image stabilization effects may not be attained immediately after the start of shooting.
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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Firmware Updates
Post Date: 7/8/2021 10:58:56 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Canon has made EOS-1D X Mark III firmware update version 1.5.0 available for download.

Firmware Version 1.5.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

  1. Adds [Canon Log 3] to [Canon Log settings].
    • Support for RAW movies shot with Canon Log 3 and RAW (Light) will be available in a future version of Cinema RAW Development and in Digital Photo Professional software.
    • Support for the processing of RAW movies shot with Canon Log 3 and the application of Viewing LUT will be available in a future version of Digital Photo Professional software.
  2. Simultaneous movie recording on card 1 and card 2 has been added, however RAW movies and RAW(Light) movies cannot be recorded simultaneously on card 1 and card 2.
  3. Support for the VPG 400(Video Performance Guarantee Profile), a standard based on the CFexpress 2.0 specification, has been added.
  4. Fixes an issue in which there are rare instances where the shooting settings for Still Photo mode are retained when a user switches to Movie mode.
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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Firmware Updates
Post Date: 7/8/2021 10:53:40 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Wednesday, July 7, 2021

From Canon JP (translated):

Apology and guidance regarding product supply status

We have received more orders than expected for each of the following products, and it will take some time before delivery.

We thank you for your many orders and apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers. Thank you kindly look forward for your understanding.

[Applicable products]

  • RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 IS USM
  • RF100mm F2.8 L MACRO IS USM
  • RF400mm F2.8 L IS USM
  • RF600mm F4 L IS USM
  • Ring type tripod mount E (B)
  • RF14-35mm F4 L IS USM

 
On a related note, the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens is now shpping in the USA (officially, July 8th).

The Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Announcements
Post Date: 7/7/2021 8:26:34 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Tuesday, July 6, 2021
 Friday, July 2, 2021

Fireworks season is upon us. Check your local fireworks display schedule, read our Fireworks Photography and Creative Fireworks Photography pages, and head out to your selected show!

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 7/2/2021 10:27:56 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Image quality test results have been added to the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens Review.

The first comparison I wanted to see was with the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens.

The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Please share!

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Posted to: Sony News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 7/2/2021 8:12:01 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Thursday, July 1, 2021

From MAC Group:

MeFOTO, MeVIDEO and INDURO consolidate under Benro.

This opportunity sets Benro up for future growth with a broad range of solutions for content creators, livestreamers, filmmakers and photographers.

White Plains, NY USA

July 1st, 2021 - Benro, a global leader in the photo and video space has been busy planning for future success.

The MeFOTO, MeVIDEO and INDURO brands have been manufactured at Benro’s facility and have now merged their product design and innovation resources, becoming available as “Super” Collections under the Benro brand. Long favorites of traveling photographers and content creators who appreciated their range of features and thoughtful design aesthetic, the move consolidates and unifies the MeFOTO, MeVIDEO, INDURO and Benro design and innovation teams in order to share best practices and resources within the state-of-the-art Benro manufacturing facilities.

Benro has long been committed to providing support to a global community of creators in the photography and filmmaking spaces as well as the ever-expanding universe of content creators who need support systems to tell their unique and diverse stories. The range of technology available today makes it simpler than ever for a creative individual at any experience level to pick up a device and begin sharing their vision. This also represents a growth opportunity as creators look to add tools that enable them to maximize what’s possible.

B&H carries Benro products.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Benro News
Post Date: 7/1/2021 10:18:55 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

From X-Rite: Introducing Calibrite Photo Solutions Powered by X-Rite

X-Rite partners with Calibrite to serve the global photo, video and content creation markets.

Grand Rapids MI, North White Plains NY, Birmingham UK, July 1st, 2021 - Today, X-Rite Incorporated and Calibrite announce their partnership to transition the X-Rite photo and video portfolio to Calibrite, a newly formed company dedicated to servicing the color management needs of the photo, video, and content creation markets. Calibrite will collaborate with X-Rite on product development and take direct global control of the packaging, distribution, and marketing of X-Rite photo solutions. The new Calibrite suite of products will be powered by X-Rite technology.

For decades, X-Rite led the market for color management products in the photo and video industries and developed a range of award-winning products, including color targets and calibration devices. As part of a strategic change, X-Rite decided the photo and video market would be best served through a dedicated partner solely focused on the unique needs of photographers and filmmakers.

Calibrite was formed by a group of passionate investors who worked with X-Rite in the photo and video markets for more than 20 years. Calibrite will continue to provide industry-leading solutions for photographers, filmmakers, designers, and content creators who demand the very best tools for working with color. The Calibrite team is committed to building upon X-Rite’s products and legacy while adding a heightened level of education, inspiration, and customer support.

Powered by X-Rite

Under the agreement, Calibrite will license core technologies from X-Rite. X-Rite will manufacture the devices for monitor and printer calibration and provide color materials from the Munsell Lab for ColorChecker targets. This is intended to ensure Calibrite customers will receive the same level of quality and innovation X-Rite photo customers have enjoyed for decades.

Innovation by Calibrite

The team at Calibrite remains dedicated to an extensive research and development program that will result in upgrades and new products covering monitor, printer, camera, scanner, and projector calibration. Calibrite will collaborate with X-Rite color scientists to develop solutions that evolve with the speed of technology.

Calibrite ColorChecker Name

All of Calibrite’s products should look familiar. X-Rite i1Display and i1Studio devices and the full range of ColorChecker targets will now be rebranded under the Calibrite ColorChecker name.

Calibrite Global Distribution

X-Rite’s distributors, MAC Group in North America and LUMESCA Group in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, are appointed by Calibrite as exclusive Calibrite distributors in those territories. There is a seamless transition for their customers to the new Calibrite product range. Calibrite has agreements with other X-Rite photo and video distributors in the Asia-Pacific region and is actively seeking new partnerships for territories that are not currently covered.

Support for Current X-Rite Customers

Calibrite is providing global support for all existing X-Rite photo and video customers and honoring warranties for products previously sold by X-Rite. Customer support is provided via a dedicated support portal on www.calibrite.com with technical specialists responding to support requests by email or phone. Calibrite maintains access to X-Rite’s massive library of customer support documents.

Calibrite-branded items are available for order at B&H.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Calibrite News
Post Date: 7/1/2021 8:38:24 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Canon has made Canon EOS C70 firmware update version 1.0.1.1 available for download.

Firmware Version 1.0.1.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

  1. Adds ITU-R.BT.709 standard compliant Gamma[BT.709 Standard / BT.709] the to the Custom Picture.
  2. Adds [Whole Area] to the AF Frame option so the camera focuses automatically on a subject at the center of the screen.
  3. Object or Face Tracking can now be initiated by touching the LCD monitor during 'Whole Area' AF.
  4. Adds [2x] option to the Magnification.
  5. Adds [Mask 100%] to the [Aspect Marker] and [Safe Area Marker].
  6. Adds "B&W during Magn." as an option to the Assistance Function menu.
  7. Adds View Assist function to video output from the HDMI OUT terminal.
  8. Adds EF lenses compatible with EF-EOS R 0.71x Mount Adapter(*1 It is also necessary to update the firmware of EF-EOS R 0.71x.)
    EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
    EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM
    EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM
    EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
    EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
    EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM
    EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM
  9. Changes to display the AF frame only when operating the AF, while using with EF-EOS R 0.71x Mount Adapter
  10. Adds Wi-Fi adapters tested for use with the camera.
    ASUS USB-AC68
    TP-LINK Archer T9UH
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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Firmware Updates
Post Date: 7/1/2021 8:37:36 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
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