Canon and Sony News for Nov 2016 (Page 3)

From Nikon:

Changes from Version 1.0.0 to 1.0.1

• Improved the loading of thumbnail images when folders are selected under Play > Camera.

Download: KeyMission 360/170 Utility v.1.0.1

B&H carries Nikon KeyMission action cameras.

From SeaLife:

Moorestown, NJ – SeaLife will unveil their latest digital underwater camera, the DC2000, at the DEMA (Dive Equipment & Marketing Association) trade show. As SeaLife’s most advanced underwater camera to date, the DC2000 includes a full featured waterproof inner camera and an ergonomic, precisely designed and matched 200ft/60m underwater housing. The DC2000 is equipped with a variety of automatic imaging modes for budding photographers to an abundance of full manual exposure controls for advanced users.

Ideal for low light environments, the DC2000 uses a SONY 1” back-illuminated 20MP CMOS image sensor to produce sharp stills and full HD videos with 1080p @ 60 frames per second. There are 4 underwater modes with built-in underwater color corrections are available to select from: dive, snorkel, external light, and external flash, making external color filters unnecessary. Additionally, 25 Land Scene modes are available for shooting topside.

With an auto focus of 4” (10cm) to infinity and an ultra-fast shutter response time of 0.1 second, you’ll never miss a fast moving shot. The DC2000 includes a 7-element fully multi-coated optical grade aspheric lens and a focal length of 11.6mm (film equivalent 31mm). To increase field of view, SeaLife offers a Wide Angle Fisheye Lens (SL975) for an approximate diagonal shooting angle of 110°, or a Compact Wide Angle Lens (SL970) for a shooting angle of 90°.

The DC2000 includes a continuous burst shooting mode, time lapse, GIF, continuous, and pre-shooting. In addition, the camera utilizes optical image stabilization to reduce unwanted camera shake. Use the intuitive dial to select from 8 shootings modes, including manual shutter and 17 aperture settings from F1.8 to F11. With the option to shoot in JPEG, RAW (Adobe .dng), the DC2000 offers endless photo editing options.

The rubber over-molded polycarbonate construction of the DC2000 features an ergonomic design and comfortable handling with the hard-shell exterior housing’s dimensions of 5.9”H x 4”W x 3”D (149mm x 102mm x 81mm). The housing includes a flash link optical cable adapter that easily connects to one or two external flash or strobes. The wide “Piano Keys” control all the cameras essential functions, making it easy to operate with or without dive gloves. The DC2000 inner camera includes a built-in flash, a 3” 920k hi-resolution color LCD screen and an intuitive and user friendly feature navigation menu. The inner camera dimensions are 2.6”H x 4.6”W x 1.4”D (67 x 116 x 36 mm) and is waterproof down to 60ft/18m.

The included 1130mAh 3.7V ion removable battery will power the camera for over two hours. Charging the battery is an easy and quick process done by attaching the USB cable into the camera’s USB port and wall charger. The DC2000 offers 80mb of internal memory and is expandable to 128gb of memory with micro-SD, micro-SDHD, micro-SDXC, or UHS-1 memory cards.

The DC2000’s built-in WiFi wirelessly connects the camera to any iOS and Android smart phone or tablet using the free Link123 Plus app. Without using a laptop or computer, you can directly preview and download pictures/videos from the camera to your smart device and instantly share your diving adventure with friends and family.

The DC2000 is expandable with SeaLife’s powerful Sea Dragon underwater LED lights, Flash and Flex-Connect arms, grips, trays and accessories. Flex-Connect trays, grips and accessories mount together in seconds for easy set-up and disassemble equally as fast for washing or travel.

The DC2000 Auto will be available for shipment approximately on December 1, 2016 at the following prices:

From X-rite:

Colin Smith, Founder of PhotoshopCAFE.com and Best-selling Author takes you through the steps for creating your own custom Look Up Tables for video.

Colin Smith is the founder of PhotoshopCAFE, one of the most popular online destinations for learning Photoshop and digital imaging (over 30 million visitors). His passion for digital imaging caused him to rise quickly into Senior Creative positions. He traded his corner office for the entrepreneurs life as a commercial artist with an esteemed client list that includes Satcchi & Satcchi, Proctor & Gamble, Disney, Apple, Adobe, Toyo Tires, Microsoft and several Hollywood entertainment companies.

Webinar Details

Title: Learn how to create custom LUT's for video with Colin Smith
Presenter: Colin Smith
Bio: Founder of PhotoshopCAFE.com, Educator and Best-selling Author
Date: November 17, 2016
Time: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM EST
Created For: Photographers, Filmmakers + Hybrid Shooters

Register Now

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

by Rick Sammon

As a professional photographer, I am often asked, “Hey Rick, what is your specialty?” I reply, “My specialty is not specializing.” That’s because I like to do it all, which includes taking studio portraits (illustrated by the opening image for this article), outdoor natural light portraits, indoor and outdoor shots, landscapes, scenic images, HDR and so on — all illustrated throughout this article.

When novice photographers come to me for advice, I suggest not specializing, because I feel that not specializing makes for a well-rounded photographer — a photographer with pictures that might attract a range of potential sales or clients. Plus, getting good at one specialty can help getting good at another.

Lately, I have been photographing with the Canon EOS M5 compact interchangeable lens camera, which I call the lightweight and compact camera for photographers who don’t specialize — because it can do it all.

B&H has the Canon EOS M5 available for preorder.

From Photoshelter:

Get inspired by 10 photographers who pull back the curtain & share how they got the shot

We partnered up with Tether Tools - a great source of tethering equipment for photographers - for a brand new guide, How I Got The Shot.

Inside, get behind-the-scenes videos, lighting diagrams, and step-by-step lists from editorial and commercial photographers who share how they nail the final photo for their clients

You'll see how photographers like Clay Cook, Gabriel Biderman and Lindsay Adler think outside the box to bring their ideas to life. Learn how they play with fire and water, photograph an old castle at night or craft eye-catching beauty shots. Most importantly, you'll walk away with tons of inspiration for your next gig.

Get the Free Guide

From DxO:

New automatic perspective and horizon correction tools are complemented by a miniature effect that perfectly mimics tilt shift lenses

Special discounts on all DxO software through December 4, 2016

PARIS—November 16, 2016—DxO, a world leader in digital imaging technologies, announces a major update to DxO ViewPoint, its simple but powerful software that automatically corrects problems inherent in photographs taken with wide-angle lenses. DxO ViewPoint 3 leverages DxO’s advanced image science to automatically correct skewed perspectives and horizons with a single click, making the process quick and easy. The update also introduces a brand new tool that produces a remarkable miniature effect, the first software of its kind to perfectly replicate the popular look made famous by tilt shift lenses.

DxO ViewPoint is simple, but powerful image processing software for Mac and Windows that thousands of photographers rely on for photos taken with their wide-angle lenses because of its ability to fix even the most complex perspective problems, as well as restore the natural shape to subjects situated on the edges of photos. DxO ViewPoint benefits from the automatic corrections provided by DxO Optics Modules, developed by exacting laboratory analysis of thousands of camera and lens combinations.

The existing perspective correction tools have been dramatically enhanced with an innovative, fully automatic mode that can instantly correct geometric distortion, straighten both horizontal and vertical lines, and automatically crop images, effectively eliminating keystoning while preserving the maximum information in the picture. The new auto horizon correction tool is equally efficient at correcting skewed landscape and architectural images. A single click detects the most relevant straight lines in the image, which are analyzed to determine the correct horizon.

“DxO ViewPoint has become an essential tool for me when photographing with my wide-angle lenses, which by their very nature induce all manner of odd deformations,” said architectural photographer, Luca Nicolao. “Its tools let me easily correct for distortions and keystoning, allowing me to achieve a much more natural composition in my images.”

DxO ViewPoint 3 also adds an innovative and useful new tool that perfectly simulates the depth-of-field reduction that’s identical to the type of creative looks that previously required the purchase of costly and tricky tilt shift lenses. To replicate the miniature look, DxO ViewPoint 3 displays the location and intensity of two blur gradients which the user can adjust symmetrically or asymmetrically. The application even enables photographers to simulate a precise type of bokeh.

With just one license, DxO ViewPoint works as both a stand-alone app, and as a plug-in for DxO OpticsPro, Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. DxO ViewPoint 3 can be used as a plugin for DxO OpticsPro starting with version 11.3 (also available).

Pricing & Availability

DxO ViewPoint 3 for Mac and Windows is immediately available at photo resellers at a special discount through December 4, 2016:

• USD: $49 instead of $79
• GBP: £39 instead of £59
• EUR: 49€ instead of 79€ (Suggested retail prices, including VAT)

Photographers who acquired a DxO ViewPoint license on or after September 1, 2016 are entitled to a free upgrade to version 3.

B&H has DxO ViewPoint 3 available for preorder.

From Canon USA:

Canon Challenges Selected Influencers to Push Their Boundaries of Photographic Expression with the New EOS M5 Digital Camera through a Game of “Tag” Via Social Media

MELVILLE, N.Y., November 15, 2016 – In celebration of the release of the new Canon EOS M5 Digital Camera, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the launch of the #TagYoureIt collaborative Instagram campaign. Actress and blogger Jamie Chung and 12 participating photographers, chosen because of their passion for sharing the world around them, will be faced with completing spontaneous photo challenges from now through the end of the year.

Created to celebrate the power of photography in social media, these photo challenges highlight the creativity and speed that can be achieved with the compact and portable EOS M5 Digital Camera. Throughout the campaign, Jamie and each participating photographer will be tagged and challenged by another influencer in the #TagYoureIt program to complete their photo challenge within 24-hours. The game of #TagYoureIt continues when the previous individual tags the next participant on Instagram.

“The EOS M5 Digital Camera is the perfect creative tool for the spontaneous nature of these photo challenges,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “We hope that the photographic journey started by these influencers through #TagYoureIt lives on through their fans and followers who we hope are inspired by these photo challenges.” A sample #TagYoureIt challenge could include creating and capturing a sample outfit inspired by the year you were born or making something inedible look edible and delicious.

"I’m honored to kick off the #TagYoureIt campaign as it really resonates with how I challenge myself every day to see the world differently,” said Jamie Chung. “I love to have fun with my looks and no matter what bag I’m wearing, the Canon EOS M5 is a great camera to pack when shooting for my channel since it’s lightweight and compact but still powerful.” In addition to Jamie Chung, Canon #TagYoureIt participants are:

• Natalie Amrossi, @misshattan
• Morgan Phillips, @morganphillips
• Lucy Laucht, @lucylaucht
• Rodrigo Trevino, @rodtrvn
• Cole Younger, @cole_younger_
• Matt Crump, @mattcrump
• Tiffany Mitchell, @tifforelie
• New Fork City, @new_fork_city
• Sarah Phillips, @Food
• Madeline Lu, @lumadeline
• New Darlings, @Newdarlings
• Emily Ann Gemma, @emilyanngemma

The EOS M5 camera includes a range of features that allows its user to capture beautiful content without the size of a traditional DSLR camera, but with similar power and performance. Camera features include: built-in Wi-Fi1 and NFC technology, Bluetooth2, High-speed continuous shooting, time-lapse, Full HD 60p video to capture fast-moving subjects, compatibility with the full Canon line of EF and EF-S3 lenses and more.

The campaign will extend through December and can be tracked on Instagram using #TagYoureIt. Participating influencers will be challenging their fans to answer a challenge of their own for a chance to get reposted or get a special shout out. Be sure to follow along with #TagYoureIt for an opportunity to participate.

B&H has the Canon EOS M5 available for preorder.

From DJI:

Inspire 2 And Phantom 4 Pro Give Creators Unique High-Performance Tools

November 15, 2016 – DJI, the world leader in unmanned aerial technology, Tuesday introduced two new drones that raise the bar for professional imaging: Inspire 2, the best ready-to-fly platform for high-end film and video creators, and Phantom 4 Pro, the smartest and most creative flying camera of its size.

“Professional filmmakers and photographers always push to create images that have never been seen before, and DJI never stops trying to give them the tools to achieve their vision,” said DJI CEO and Founder Frank Wang. “Our newest flight platforms and stabilized aerial cameras are smarter, faster and more powerful than ever before. We can’t wait to see how creators use Inspire 2 and Phantom 4 Pro to capture dazzling images.”

Inspire 2

An entirely new image processing system, called CineCore 2.0, is embedded into the airframe, which allows processing large files faster than ever before. Inspire 2 captures 5.2K video at 4.2 Gbps for Adobe CinemaDNG RAW videos and leverages a newly-designed, fast CINESSD storage for a smooth work experience. A variety of video compression formats are supported by CineCore 2.0, including Adobe CinemaDNG, Apple ProRes 422 HQ (5.2K, 4K) and ProRes 4444 XQ (4K), H.264, and H.265. When recording 4K video in H.264 and H.265, the birate is up to 100Mbps.

Inspire 2 offers professional capability and control suitable for many scenarios. With optional high-altitude propellers, Inspire 2 can reach a maximum service ceiling of 16,404 feet above sea level, and the self-heating dual battery redundancy system maintains good performance of the battery to -4 degrees Fahrenheit. Through an optimized mode, Inspire 2 streams smooth video at the widely used 1080i50/720p60 broadcast standard. Enhanced Lightbridge video transmission makes smoother HDMI video possible.

High Performance and Professional Reliability

The dual-battery system ensures that if one battery fails during a flight, the other will be able to provide power for a safe return to home. Stereo vision sensors have been included on the front and bottom of Inspire 2 for obstacle detection, and upward facing infrared sensors on top of the aircraft add protection when flying in enclosed spaces.

The redesigned propulsion system can safely carry Inspire 2 through incredible vertical camera moves, climbing at almost 20 feet/second and descending at almost 30 feet/second. Redundant systems provide reliability for the IMU, barometer, electronic speed controller communication and satellite navigation modules. The master and slave controller range now extends to 328 feet and users can switch between 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies to cut through any noise for greater signal stability.

Creative Freedom

Inspire 2’s new intelligent flight modes expand DJI’s computer vision technology to safely fly routes that give creators new ways to capture what they envision. Spotlight Pro Mode locks onto a subject during flight while the aircraft flies freely in another direction – and automatically rotates the aircraft to stay on the shot if the gimbal reaches its rotational limit. The forward-facing camera offers TapFly, which directs Inspire 2 to any point on the screen while avoiding obstacles along the way. ActiveTrack recognizes common subjects such as people, cars and animals, sending Inspire 2 to follow behind, lead in front, circle above or track alongside while always flying forward, ensuring the forward-facing obstacle sensing system keeps the aircraft safe.

New Zenmuse Cameras

DJI is enhancing the imaging potential of the Inspire 2 by expanding its line of interchangeable Zenmuse cameras, which are designed for aerial imaging and communicate directly with the aircraft’s gimbal and flight controllers. For situations that require a balance between weight and image quality, the new Zenmuse X4S has a 1-inch, 20-megapixel sensor with 11.6 stops of dynamic range and a 24 mm equivalent focal length. The Zenmuse X4S offers aperture control (f2.8-11) and a mechanical shutter that cancels rolling shutter distortion. The new Zenmuse X5S has a larger Micro Four Thirds sensor with 20.8 megapixels and an incredible 12.8 stops of dynamic range. The Zenmuse X5S camera now supports 8 lenses from wide angles to zooms. It shoots 20fps continuous burst DNG RAW (20.8 MP). In the future, a handheld mount will be available for the Zenmuse X4S and X5S cameras, bringing those cameras down to the ground for more flexible filmmaking.

Professional Accessories to Enhance Performance

A series of powerful DJI accessories will meet the needs of operators under various filming conditions. DJI Focus, a battery charging station, DJI CINESSD, CINESSD station and other optional accessories are available.

An optional DJI Crystalsky high-brightness IPS monitor features an ultra-bright screen that is clearly visible in direct sunlight and ideal for outdoor shooting. It comes in 5.5-inch and 7.85-inch sizes, with the highest brightness up to 1000 cd/m2 and 2000 cd/m2 respectively, and its dedicated system reduces video transmission latency. Dual Micro-SD Card slots within the screen make it easy to back up footage and can also be used to transfer and play back files. It operates in extreme temperature conditions from -4 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Phantom 4 Pro

Phantom 4 Pro offers a powerful imaging system for professional photo and video creators as well as non-professionals who demand excellence from the camera and platform they use to pursue their creative visions. The camera now packs a 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor, and almost 12 stops of dynamic range bring out levels of detail and low-light performance unprecedented in a flying camera of this size. Its mechanical shutter eliminates rolling shutter distortion in fast-moving scenes. Phantom 4 Pro can capture slow-motion 4K video up to 60 fps at a maximum bitrate of 100 mbps. In addition, the Phantom 4 Pro offers H.265 video compression, which substantially improves video quality at the same bitrate.

Reliable with Enhanced FlightAutonomy System

Phantom 4 Pro builds on DJI’s original obstacle avoidance system with FlightAutonomy – three sets of visual systems that build a 3D map of obstacles in front, behind and below the aircraft, as well as infrared sensing systems on both sides. FlightAutonomy can position, navigate and plan routes for Phantom 4 Pro, enabling it to avoid obstacles in a sensing range up to 98 feet at front and rear, even in complex 3D environments. When returning to home and tapping to initiate auto takeoff or landing, the Landing Protection function is able to detect and help avoid landing on uneven ground or water. Phantom 4 Pro has high-performance battery technology that provides up to 30 minutes of flight time. The Phantom 4 Pro flies at 31 mph in P mode with obstacle avoidance in effect, and has a 45 mph top speed in sport mode.

Professional Control with New Remote Controller

Phantom 4 Pro’s revolutionary new compact remote controller comes with an optional high luminance display, providing a clear and vivid live HD view from the main camera as well as essential telemetry data, even in direct sunlight. The aircraft will automatically choose between 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz once powering on to gain a clear signal in areas with high radio interference. The new controller has a built-in GPS, compass, Micro-SD card slot and HDMI port.

Intelligent Flight

New intelligent flight modes make Phantom 4 Pro the smartest flying camera of its size, opening new vistas for creators, such as the new Draw Mode that allows operators to draw lines on the controller display and direct the Phantom 4 Pro to fly that route.

ActiveTrack recognizes common subjects such as people and bikes, then follows them from any angle while maintaining camera focus, and includes three new modes – New Circle, Profile and Spotlight.

Narrow sensing enhances obstacle avoidance sensitivity so the aircraft can fly through complex environments like narrow doorways. TapFly now works backwards and comes with a new Free mode that allows a pilot to set the direction of flight, turn the Phantom 4 Pro or tilt the gimbal without changing the direction of flight. With the new AR Route feature, operators will be able to tell the flight route on the screen. As an additional safety feature, within a minute of losing GPS signal, the aircraft will automatically return to the last connected position and hover there precisely to wait for the pilot’s command. With the enhanced return to home function, the aircraft knows where it should be going from up to 984 feet away and avoids obstacles along the route.

Price and Availability

Phantom 4 Pro’s U.S. retail price is $1,499 with a standard controller. The Phantom 4 Pro+, which includes a Phantom 4 Pro aircraft, and a high luminance display remote controller, will be available at $1,799.

The U.S. retail price of the Inspire 2 aircraft is $2,999. The Inspire 2 Combo, which includes one Inspire 2 aircraft, one Zenmuse X5S, CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes License Key, is available for $6,198. Customers who order the Inspire 2 Combo before January 1, 2017 can enjoy a special price of $5,999.

DJI Care Refresh

DJI Care Refresh offers plans for four products: Inspire 2 (aircraft only), Zenmuse X4S and X5S cameras, and Phantom 4 Pro (aircraft and camera included). The packages cover Mainland China,the United States, Canada, European Union, Great Britain, Australia and Hong Kong.

DJI Care Refresh provides prioritized replacement units, greatly reducing the time it takes for you to get back in the air. This extra coverage offers up to two replacement units within one year.

For more details visit: http://www.dji.com/service/djicare-refresh

B&H has the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, Phantom 4 Pro+ and Inspire 2 quadcopters available for preorder.

From Seagate:

Consumers are creating more higher-resolution and higher volumes of content than ever before. From action cam enthusiasts to selfie lovers to doting parents who capture every milestone moment on their 4K smartphones, the need for even more space to store photos, movies, music and content—and take it on the go—is growing. While data storage demands are ever-increasing, so is the need to organize, centralize and back up that data.

With today’s launch of the Backup Plus Portable 5TB drive—the largest capacity mobile drive on the market—Seagate is helping its customers better manage their massive deluge of data. This new storage solution is made possible thanks to Seagate’s new BarraCuda internal drive, featuring its breakthrough 2.5-inch 1TB platter technology announced last month. The Backup Plus 5TB drive will be the first device to ship with the new BarraCuda 5TB drive and offers:

• Unparalleled capacity for its size
• Customizable backup options with Seagate Dashboard software for easy local, mobile, cloud and social media backup
• Use on both PC and Mac computers by installing the NTFS driver for Mac
• Quick file transfers with USB 3.0 connectivity
• Sleek 20.5mm form factor with aluminum cover making the drive as durable as it is efficient

The newest Backup Plus 5TB drive joins Seagate’s award-winning family of external drives, including Ultra Slim, Slim, Portable 4TB, Fast, Desktop and Hub. The Seagate Backup Plus Portable 5TB drive will be available this month for an MSRP of $189.99 in black, silver, red and blue color options at consumer electronics resellers worldwide.

B&H carries the Seagate Backup Plus 5TB drive.

From the Google YouTube Channel:

Photos from the past, meet scanner from the future. Get the new PhotoScan app by Google Photos, available now on Android and soon on iOS.

Get it on the Play Store and App Store.

From the B&H YouTube Channel:

In this video, Peter Hurley rocks out his signature Westcott Flexkit system to create amazing headshot portraits. He then works with Canon Speedlites and Westcott Rapid Boxes to create a simple, but effective setup to achieve a similar look.

B&H carries the Westcott Rapid Box Strip - 10x24".

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

by Laura Morita

The kids have been back to school for months. The weather is starting to get cooler. Before you know it, the holidays will be upon us. Holiday wish lists for games, pets, toys, and maybe even a unicorn will be made by your darling kiddos. You'll unpack your holiday decorations and excitedly plan for some fun family traditions. And then one day, you'll get your first holiday card in the mail from a family member or friend. Please tell me that you've had at least one year where that first card has rolled in, and you've been entirely caught off guard. Please tell me that that first card has been your reminder that you haven't even thought about your card yet. I want you to tell me this so that I feel better about my fairly predictable inability to prepare in advance for my own holiday card.

We can do this, people. We can get our holiday card out before the New Year. And here's some tips for wowing your family and friends with a beautiful card this season.

Image quality results from the Canon EOS 5Ds R and Canon EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens Review page.

I'm guessing that the first comparison most of us have been waiting for is the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II vs. I Lens comparison.

Also high on my comparison list was the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II vs. 24-70mm f4L IS Lens comparison

They share the same focal length range and that, to me, means they are worth comparing. Here is the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II vs. f/3.5-5.6 STM Lens comparison

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III results should be added in the next day or two.

I plan to test at least one more copy of this lens and plan to show some CA-corrected results in the review.

Share your thoughts in the comments section.

B&H has the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens available for preorder and was very recently in stock in the 5D Mark IV kit.

From Nikon:

Changes from Firmware Version 1.1 to 1.2

• The camera now supports the iOS version of SnapBridge.
• Fixed an issue that sometimes interfered with focus when the SnapBridge Remote photography option was used on Android devices.

Download: Nikon COOLPIX A300 Firmware v.1.2

From the Canon Imaging Plaza YouTube Channel:

Do you know how Canon EF lenses are made?

The lens is the eye of a camera. Here is an introduction to Canon’s precision-crafted lenses, which was only made possible through the latest technology.

B&H carries Canon lenses.