Canon, Nikon, and Sony News for Oct 2012 (Page 3)

 
From Custom SLR:
 
Custom SLR Launches M-Plate Mini Universal Quick-Release Tripod Plate
 
Crowd-funded Custom SLR announces M-Plate Mini, a versatile quick-release tripod plate for Arca-Swiss and ManfrottoTM RC2-style heads with additional ports for attaching a variety of accessories
 
SAN JOSE, CA, October 9, 2012 – Custom SLR, a design company creating performance products that improve the shooting experience for photographers, today announced the upcoming availability of the M-Plate Mini, a universal quick-release tripod plate offering compatibility with most Arca-Swiss and ManfrottoTM RC2-style tripod and head systems. The versatile, durable plate includes ¼”- 20 attachment sockets ensuring photographers can still connect an assortment of attachable accessories even if the plate is occupying their camera’s tripod mount.
 
Sharing similar tripod functionality with the popular M-Plate Pro system, which also enables the attachment of a hand strap and sling strap like the company’s C-Loop and Glide Strap, Custom SLR recognized the value the universal mini release plate could provide to photographers seeking an upgrade to the standard quick-release connectors on the market. Durable and sturdy, yet lightweight, the M-Plate Mini provides a stable and a secure connection between camera and tripod head, making for smooth and easy transition to Arca-Swiss and ManfrottoTM RC2-style heads.
 
Designed and developed in the USA from aerospace-grade aluminum, the M-Plate Mini comes in a black anodized finish for a sleek profile when attached to the camera’s tripod socket. The M-Plate Mini can serve as a cost-effective alternative to the mono-tasking tripod plates on the market, and its modular design will allow it to function along with planned Custom SLR attachments currently in development such as video rigs and flash brackets.
 
“Our philosophy with design is to keep our products modular and to give photographers options that truly improve their shooting experience,” said Ivan Wong, Chief Operations Officer, Custom SLR. “Like the M-Plate Pro, the M-Plate Mini expands on this goal, serving as the backbone to a new line of photo and video attachments that we will introduce to the market in the coming months.”
 
The M-Plate Mini carries an MSRP of $49.95 and is targeted for a November release when the product will be available through many authorized dealers worldwide.
 
B&H carries Custom SLR products.

From Lightroom Journal:
 
Lightroom 4 includes the ability to easily create and publish photo books. While many Lightroom customers have enjoyed creating photo books inside Lightroom, some have reported a disturbing bug about which I’d like to provide additional information.
 
The Issue
 
While working on a page spread that contains a caption with multiple colored text, the book can disappear.
 
To Avoid the Issue

• Update to Lightroom 4.2 immediately. Lightroom 4.2 contains safeguards that may aid in the recovery of a lost book. To update, please either use the Help-> “Check for Updates” menu option within Lightroom or download the update here [Windows, Mac]
• Avoid using multiple text colors within the same text box

Recovering a lost book

• If you are using Lightroom 4.2*, this warning will appear.
  
• Click “Cancel”.
• Quit Lightroom 4.2.
• The warning will appear again. Click “Cancel” again.
• Restart Lightroom.
• In the Book module, your book will be there.

*We are not aware of any methods to recover a lost book in either Lightroom 4 or Lightroom 4.1. Please update to Lightroom 4.2 through the Help->”Check for Updates” menu option within Lightroom or download the update here [Windows, Mac]
 
Next Steps
 
The Lightroom team is currently researching and evaluating this bug to ensure that there are no other ways that it can be triggered. Our aim is to include a fix in a future update to Lightroom 4. In addition to the feedback we received from the Lightroom community and feedback forums, I’d like to also personally thank two Lightroom customers who played a critical role in helping us isolate and better understand the bug. Alan Shapiro and Marko Nara, thank you for all of your help in getting to the root of this issue.

Eye-Fi has just released an advisory regarding Nikon D800/D800E DSLR cameras:
 
From Eye-Fi:
 
"The Nikon D800 / D800E is not compatible with Eye-Fi X2 Cards.
 
Eye-Fi engineering has found and confirmed a compatibility issue with the Eye-Fi card that impacts the use of Direct Mode in the Nikon D800. We are currently investigating an issue with the D800's SD slot that appears to contribute to a lack of steady signal while the Eye-Fi card is in Direct Mode which makes the Direct Mode feature incompatible with the camera. The Nikon D800/D800e passes all other wireless network tests and is compatible with wireless transfers via a wireless router."

Adobe has created a blog post addressing several questions it received regarding the new enhancements of the Digital Negative 1.4 Specification.
 
The new enhancements include:

• Default User Crop
• Transparency
• Floating Point (HDR)
• Lossy Compression
• Proxies

If you would like even more detail, you can download the complete 101 page DNG Specificaiton.

Some image quality comparisons are now available on the Canon EOS Rebel T4i / 650D Review page.

From Canon Professional Network:
 
Canon Explorer Ulla Lohmann pushes her cameras to the limits in some of the most remote areas of the world, often near to the intense heat and ash conditions of erupting volcanoes. CPN writer Mark Alexander spoke to her and found out that the German photographer is finding her match in the EOS 5D Mark III DSLR.
 
Read entire article...

 
Company’s first series of Video Camera Support Systems provide solid and versatile performance for today’s videographers and photographers
 
North White Plains, NY – October 3, 2012 – Benro, manufacturer of tripods, monopods and heads designed for demanding professional photographers and filmmakers, announces today the availability of new Video Camera Support Systems. Designed exclusively for today’s videographers and photographers, these new systems include both Carbon Fiber and Aluminum Alloy based Tripod Kits and Monopods and S-Series Video Heads.
 
“As first previewed at NAB 2012, these new Video Camera Support Systems are designed to appeal to both the photographer experimenting with video capture as well as experienced videographers who prefer significantly smaller, more portable camera systems,” said Jan Lederman, President of MAC Group. “Videographers and photographers can rest assured that these new Video Camera Support Systems will securely stabilize their video camera equipment.”
 
Offering exceptional rigidity and torque-resistance that’s critical to smooth camera movement, these tripod and monopod kits are available in a variety of sizes, using both durable Carbon Fiber and Aluminum Alloy legs in combination with strategically select cast and machined aluminum and magnesium alloy components.
 
Benro Video Tripod Kits
The lightweight and compact customizable Benro Video Tripod Kits feature S-Series Video Heads available in three weight load capacities, matching Quick-Release (QR) Plate, Panning Handle, aluminum alloy or carbon fiber legs and a padded travel case for added protection. Each Benro Video Tripod Kit is based on an eighth-generation design of single leg tubes and flip-lever leg lock mechanisms for rapid access and tear-down. In addition, a sliding center column with an integral 60mm bowl allows fine camera positioning on vertical and angular axis for properly located and level panning.
 
Multi-angle locks let each leg angle be set independently for further rapid adjustment and to accommodate irregular terrain. Removable rubber feet can be interchanged with a set of included stainless-steel spikes to ensure footing on virtually any surface, and a retractable hook on the bottom of the center column provides a place to hang a camera bag or other weight to provide additional stability. These tripod kits are available now in prices ranging from $200 - $465.
 
For more information on these Benro Video Tripod kits visit: http://www.benrousa.com/products_Video-Tripod-Kits
 
Benro Video Monopod Kits
Also based on an eighth-generation design of single leg tubes and flip lever leg lock mechanisms, each Benro Video Monopod Kit, paired with the proper S-Series Video Head, provides professionals on the go with dependable solid support, flexibility and portability.
 
In addition, a swivel rubber pod foot insures positive vertical angular movements and good grip on a wide variety of surfaces and terrain. These monopod kits are available now in prices ranging from $141 - $280.
 
Benro Video Heads
The compact and lightweight new S-Series Video Heads were designed to be the perfect companion and part of every Benro Video Tripod Kit and Video Monopod Kit. Built on a flat base 3/8” threaded mount they are also ideal for virtually any tripod, monopod, ball adapter or other support rig.
 
All Benro Video Heads include a sliding QR camera plate with double safety release to provide simple and safe camera mounting, dismounting and balancing. Simple controls allow adjustment to provide additional tension on the independent pan and tilt drag mechanisms. In addition, integral fluid cartridges produce a balance setting and maximum load capacity of best-in-class for each size category.
 
Double rosettes provide dual mounting points for pan handles and an on-board level assures proper orientation for panning. The top-of-the-line S6 Video Head also features stepped balance control, a rosette safety break-off, adjustable length pan handle and an illuminated bubble level. Benro S-Series Video Heads are available now in prices ranging from $76 - $160.
 
B&H carrries Benro products.

Just posted: Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens Review

From Eye-Fi:
 
Improved Class 10 Speed Allows For Faster Performance; Right in Time for Holidays
 
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., October 3, 2012 - Eye-Fi Inc. (www.eye.fi), makers of the world’s first wireless memory card, has announced today a new Eye-Fi Pro X2 16GB, Class 10 card that increases both storage and speed capabilities while continuing to deliver convenient, reliable wireless upload of photos and videos from cameras. The new 16GB card provides twice the storage capacity of the prior Pro X2 card, while the Class 10 performance delivers ultra-fast read and write speeds. That means more power and speed for the same retail price of $99.99. And, the new Pro X2, like Eye-Fi’s other X2 series cards, enables you to wirelessly connect a camera to a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, or use an authorized WiFi network to move content directly to a computer.
 
"Cameras have more megapixels, and pictures and videos are more demanding in terms of size. Moving to a 16GB, Class 10 card keeps up with these trends and delivers what our customers have been asking for,” said Yuval Koren, CEO and co-founder of Eye-Fi. “Customers already know and love our Eye-Fi cards for instant wireless uploads, so the added space and faster speeds are a great addition, especially with the highest-volume photo days coming up.”
 
Anyone with the new 16GB, Class 10 card can immediately use Eye-Fi’s popular features to:

• Upload anywhere: users can instantly upload images to their home computer, smartphone or tablet, either connecting wirelessly to the device with Direct Mode or over an authorized WiFi network
• Shoot forever with endless memory mode: Cards can be set to automatically free-up space after photos & videos are transferred, so photographers never have to worry about running out of space
• Transfer RAW files: as with the prior Pro X2, the highest resolution photos can transfer wirelessly
• Back-up automatically: Pictures are safely stored on a home computer or Eye-Fi’s cloud, Eye-Fi View – a great relief if the camera is lost or stolen
• Share in real-time: Card can be set to automatically share with selected social networks or photo sharing sites (Facebook, Flickr, etc.)
• Geotag pictures immediately: Eye-Fi’s auto WPS Geotagging feature tags photos, allowing users to instantly see where memories were made

Eye-Fi Pro X2 16GB card is available for pre-orders that ship within the United States for $99.99 USD from Amazon.com. The card will also be available, within the coming weeks, for customers in Australia for $108.00 AUD and Japan for ¥9980. With the launch of the new Eye-Fi Pro X2 16GB card, the previous Eye-Fi Pro X2 8GB and the Eye-Fi Mobile X2 8GB will be reduced from $99.99 to $79.99 and $79.99 to $59.99, respectively, starting this month. For more information, visit www.eye.fi.
 
Amazon has the Eye-Fi Pro X2 16GB card available for pre-order.

From DxO:
 
10/03/12 - 200 new lens / camera combinations have been added to the DxO Optics Modules library, providing support for Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sigma, Sony, Tamron, and Tokina lenses and Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus, and Sony cameras.
 
The complete list of New DxO Optics Modules is available on DxO's website.
 
B&H carries DxO products.

 
From RedRock Micro:
 
Canon 1DX, Nikon D4, DSLR Battery Grips and Red Scarlet/Epic Enjoy New Professional-Grade Baseplate at Revolutionary Price
 
Hollywood, CA and Dallas, TX - Redrock Micro, the recognized leader in affordable professional-grade cinema accessories, announced today the availability of the new lowBase camera baseplate for taller DSLR cameras and Red Epic/Scarlet. The lowBase delivers camera rigs and video accessories support for taller cameras including the Canon 1DX, Nikon D4 and RED Scarlet or Epic digital cinema cameras.
 
Delivers the Essential Features for Video Production
 
The lowBase transforms the camera body into a functional video production powerhouse. Its low profile adds no unnecessary height to the camera body. The lowBase locks at the bottom to secure the camera and delivers the features needed and desired for filmmaking and production with these great cameras.
 
Key features of the lowBase include:

• Industry-standard 15mm front rail support for attaching follow focus, mattebox and other camera-front accessories (60mm spacing).
• Industry-standard 15mm rear rail support for adding shoulderpad, external battery and other rig accessories.
• Lift n' lock repositionable thumbscrews.
• Rubberized pads securely grip and hold the camera body.
• Adjustable 1/4-20 screw for camera mounting to plate.
• Optional rear 3/8-16 for additional camera mounting point for RED Scarlet/ Epic.
• Storage bays on bottom of plate for additional 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 camera screws.
• Available as standalone baseplate or as part of a ready-to-go rig.

Designed for Canon 1DX, Nikon D4, Red Scarlet / Epic and Others
 
The lowBase is designed specifically for taller camera bodies so cinema accessories can be easily adapted and rigs can be quickly configured. It also works with popular DSLRs configured with a battery grip, such as Canon 5D MKII, Canon 5D MKIII, Canon 7D, Canon 60D and Nikon D800.
 
"We've been using the lowBase on our RED Scarlet for quite some time, and found the lowBase to be a great simple solution to building our rigs without over-complicating things," said Chris Edwards, Cinematographer and Owner of Production Junction, a boutique camera rental shop in Manhattan's East Village. "It's a straightforward, bomb-proof piece of gear that requires minimal investment for a big return."
 
"Up until now, support solutions for taller-bodied DSLR cameras have been limited," said James Hurd, Chief Revolutionary at Redrock Micro. "The lowBase is designed specifically to rig and accessorize these larger camera bodies and transform them into serious production powerhouses."
 
The Right Rig for You
 
In addition to the standalone baseplate, the lowBase is offered as part of four ergonomic, complete rigs. Jump right into production or use them as a starting point to create the perfect rig:

• DSLR Studio Bundle with lowBase - the ultimate rig for studio-based shooting on tripods, dollies, jibs and cranes.
• theEvent with lowBase - balanced, compact handheld rig ready for a follow focus.
• Field Cinema Deluxe Bundle with lowBase - comfortable shouldermount for all-day shooting.
• eyeSpy with lowBase - shouldermount with centered camera for rear LCD operator monitoring.

Professional-Grade at a Revolutionary Price
 
Like all Redrock-branded equipment, the lowBase is designed for 24/7 production environments. Aircraft-grade aluminum is precision-machined and extra weight removed wherever possible, resulting in compact, lightweight gear. Cinema standards ensure compatibility with other Redrock equipment and third-party products. Redrock gear is designed and made in the USA and carries a lifetime warranty.
 
Whether a full-time professional, serious hobbyist, student or educator or aspiring amateur, Redrock products deliver quality results and last a lifetime.
 
Pricing and Availability
 
The lowBase baseplate is priced starting at $199. It is available now for purchase direct from Redrock Micro's website at store.redrockmicro.com or from Redrock's worldwide network of authorized resellers.
 
B&H carries RedRock Micro products.

Adobe has released Lightroom 4.2, DNG Converter 7.2 and Camera Raw 7.2 updates:
 
Adobe Lightroom 4.2 Update
 
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4.2 update includes these enhancements:

• Album Support within the Revel Publish Service
• Additional camera support for over 20 new cameras including the Canon EOS 650D / Rebel T4i, Fujifilm X-E1, and Sony DSC-RX100.

English: Windows | Macintosh
 
DNG Converter 7.2 Update
 
This new version of the DNG Converter supports over 20 new cameras including the Canon EOS 650D / Rebel T4i, Fujifilm X-E1, and Sony DSC-RX100 . Visit the Camera Raw page for a complete list of supported cameras:
 
English: Windows | Macintosh
 
Camera Raw 7.2
 
Camera Raw 7.2 is now available as a final release through the update mechanism in Photoshop CS6. The goal of this release is to provide additional camera raw support, lens profile support and address bugs that were introduced in previous releases of Camera Raw. Customers of previous versions of Photoshop can utilize DNG Converter 7.2 for raw file support for newly added cameras.
 
As well as supporting new cameras and lenses, the following items have been fixed in Camera Raw 7.2:

• Cannot change “Erase” size, feather and flow settings while utilizing the Option key.
• Cannot write metadata to images previously opened in some 3rd party software.
• Luminance Noise slider is unresponsive when Clarity is greater than 0.
• In certain cases, the new Defringe controls can cause vertical streaks to appear.
• Some images from Canon 5D Mark II exhibited pattern noise in the form of maze/green split artifacts.
• Adjusting the Blue channel does not affect monochrome images.
• Certain TIFF files can cause Bridge to become unstable.
• Defringe settings are not retained when editing the file in Photoshop as a Smart Object and then returning to ACR.

New Canon Cameras Supported:

• Canon EOS 650D / Rebel T4i
• Canon EOS M

Newly Supported Canon Cameras for Tether Capture (Lightroom):

• Canon EOS Kiss X5
• Canon EOS Kiss REBEL T3i
• Canon EOS 600D
• Canon EOS Kiss X50
• Canon EOS REBEL T3
• Canon EOS 1100D
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III
• Canon EOS-1D X

New Canon Lenses Supported:

• Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM
• Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM
• Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
• Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM
• Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
• Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
• Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM
• Zeiss Distagon T* 2/25 ZE
• Zeiss Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZE

 
From THK Photo:
 
NEW HOYA alpha FILTERS
 
For Immediate Release
October 1, 2012
 
UV, Cir-PL*

• Multi-coated UV reduces reflections off the surface of the glass.
• Great optical quality at an affordable price.
• Precision milled aluminum frame.

These new HOYA series plus the EVO filters are manufactured by HOYA exclusively for distribution in the United States of America.
 
B&H carries Hoya filters.

From Imaging-Resource:
 
"Talk about a photographic treasure trove! Over 600 signed prints by legendary American photographer Ansel Adams have been discovered in a box at the University of California's Berkeley campus.
 
The prints -- totalling 605 in number -- were part of a project Adams had been hired for in the 1960s, which involved photographing the UC system. The images were slated to be part of a coffee table-sized book celebrating the university system's centennial in 1968.
 
But the man who hired Adams at the time, University of California President Clark Kerr, was fired by then Governor Ronald Reagan and the centennial project was mothballed. Quite literally.
 
The prints were discovered recently by UC Berkeley theater and dance professor Catherine Cole after she had been combing through documents in the school archive for an unrelated project."
 
Read entire article...

 
From Benro:
 
Available in a choice of modern metallic colors, the stylish new MeFOTO Travel Tripod Kit quickly and easily converts to a monopod.
 
North White Plains, NY - October 1, 2012 - Benro, manufacturer of tripods, monopods and heads designed for today’s demanding professional photographers and filmmakers, announces today the eye-catching and very versatile new MeFOTO Transfunctional Travel Tripod Kits. This new tripod provides photographers with a reliable camera support for sharp photos and videos while allowing them to express their individual style when choosing from a selection of brilliant Red, Green, Blue, Gold and Titanium Metallic colors.
 
Offering even greater versatility, the new MeFOTO Transfunctional Travel Tripod provides all the same great features of the Compact MeFOTO Travel Tripod kit, plus the ability to convert from a full size tripod into a 64” monopod quickly and easily – without tools.
 
"These colorful, well-built and modern new Transfunctional Travel Tripods are the perfect addition to the MeFOTO product line,” said Jan Lederman, President of MAC Group. “While the Compact MeFOTO Travel Tripods are ideal for any general picture-takers using lightweight point-and-shoot digital cameras and compact interchangeable lens digital camera systems, this new Transfunctional model provides photographers with dependable support for larger camera bodies and lenses."
 
Utilizing a Reverse Folding Leg system based on the popular Benro Travel Angel kits, the new MeFOTO Transfunctional Tripods, available in one size with a choice of five colors, are only 15.4" when folded yet 61.6" extended. The MeFOTO Transfunctional Travel Tripod weighs 3.6 lbs. and can securely support up to 17.6 lbs.
 
Aluminum alloy material is utilized extensively in the construction of these tripods to take advantage of cast, forged and CNC machining techniques, all accentuated by an elegant series of robust surface treatments accented with color.
 
Features include:

• Travel Compact – Reverse Folding Leg system
• Quick Twist Rubber Lock Grips with Anti-Rotating Legs
• Two Position Leg Angles
• Tool free conversion from Tripod to Monopod
• Recessed Center-Column Hook
• Precision Matched Dual Action Q Series Ballhead with Arca-Swiss Style QR Mount and QR Plate
• Separate Head and Pan Lock
• 360-degree Pan Index
• Integral Bubble Level
• Compact Carry Case with Shoulder Strap

The new MeFOTO Transfunctional Travel Tripod Kit is available now. Suggested retail price for the new Tripod Kit is $229.
 
B&H carries Benro products.