Canon and Sony News for Sep 2016 (Page 3)

From Canon UK:

We would like to make our customers aware that Canon Inc. Headquarters in Japan have announced a number of compatibility issues with the new Operating System macOS 10.12 (Sierra) which will affect a selection of our products and software packages (please see below for a full list of affected models).

If you own an affected product or software item listed below, then we strongly advise that you do not upgrade your operating system until confirmation of full functionality has been provided.

Canon is planning to provide further information by the end of September and we apologise for any inconvenience this will cause.

Affected Products and Software

The software items that are experiencing compatibility issues with macOS10.12 (Sierra) are listed below

• Camera Window DC
• EOS Utility 2
• EOS Utility 3
• Map Utility

From Adobe:

Lightroom CC (2015.7) and Lightroom 6.7 are now available. The goal of this release is to provide additional camera raw support and lens profile support, and to address bugs that were introduced in previous releases of Lightroom.

Please note that this version of Lightroom contains compatibility fixes for macOS 10.12 (Sierra) and also requires macOS 10.10 and greater.

We recommend you update to Lightroom CC (2015.7) and Lightroom 6.7 prior to updating to macOS 10.12 (Sierra).

Publish to Adobe Stock Contributor Site

You can now submit images directly from Lightroom CC to the brand new Adobe Stock Contributor Site using the included Adobe Stock Publish Service. By contributing to Adobe Stock, you have the opportunity to showcase your work to millions of customers directly inside Creative Cloud applications.

Updates to “All Synced Photos”

We’ve made it easier to access your Lightroom CC images on the go with Lightroom for mobile and Lightroom for web.

You can now drag images directly to the “All Synced Photographs” collection in the Catalog panel. By doing so, the image syncs with the Creative Cloud, and ensures that you’ll be able to edit, organize, or share the photo on the go with Lightroom across your devices.

Smart Previews for Faster Performance

You’ve always been able to use Smart Previews in the Develop Module as a way to edit photos without having access to the original images on disk. Astute customers reported faster performance in the Develop Module when using Smart Previews and keeping their original images disconnected from their computer. Now, you can set a Preference in the Performance tab so that Lightroom will always use Smart Previews in the Develop Module, if they are available, even when the original files are also available.

To do so,

1. Choose Edit > Preferences.
2. In the Preferences dialog, select the Performance tab.
3. In the Develop section, select Use Smart Previews Instead Of Originals For Image Editing.
4. Click OK and then restart Lightroom.

• Apple iPad Pro 9.7? (wifi and cellular)
• Apple iPhone 6s Plus
• Apple iPhone 6s
• Apple iPhone 7
• Apple iPhone 7 Plus
• Apple iPhone SE
• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV*
• Casio EX-ZR4000 (EX-ZR5000)
• GoPro HERO5 Black
• Hasselblad H6D-100c
• Nikon D3400
• Panasonic DMC-G8 (DMC-G80, DMC-G81, DMC-G85)
• Panasonic DMC-LX9 (DMC-LX10, DMC-LX15)

*Please note that we support the import and editing of jpegs, raw files and dual pixel raw files from this camera model. We do not support any specific dual pixel raw functionality. If you are planning to use Dual Pixel raw files, please read Limitations with Canon Dual Pixel raw files in Camera Raw and Lightroom.

**We added new versions of Adobe Standard color profiles for the Canon EOS 5DS and Canon EOS 5DS R cameras. These versions are denoted as V2, and the v2 profiles have lower contrast than the original Adobe Standard (v1) camera profiles.

New Tethered Shooting Support in Lightroom CC (2015.7) / 6.7

• Nikon D5
• Nikon D500

New Lens Profile Support in Lightroom CC (2015.7) / 6.7

• Click here to see new lens profile support.

Customer reported issues resolved

• Selected Published Folder or Collection is not deselected if a folder is selected
• Adjustment brush stops working after deleting photo
• Collections with counts greater than 5 digits are truncated
• Exporting with a watermark changes white point.
• White Balance Loupe displays incorrect RGB values
• Error message about not being able to import photos when in fact the issue is due to the destination folder is read only
• Fuji E X2 file imported as DNG is unreadable “The File Appears to be unsupported or damaged”
• Keyword suggestion for a word having &(ampersand) is incorrect
• Vignette correction for Zeiss Batis 25mm f2 too aggressive
• Improved performance when using the Temperature and Tint slides for adjusting White Balance
• Fixed issue where Panorama merge failed when using source files from a Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
• Fixed issue where the SIGMA 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM lens for Pentax mount was not being auto recognized

Installation Instructions

Please select Help > Updates to use the update mechanism in the Creative Cloud app.

Give us feedback

Once you’ve updated to the latest version of Lightroom, don’t forget to leave us feedback about your experiences. Lightroom wouldn’t be what it is today without our passionate and loyal customers around the world. Giving us regular feedback helps us to find and fix issues that we may otherwise not know about. We are listening.

Here are a few ways that you can send us feedback:

Report bugs and suggest features

Discuss workflow and get help with how-to questions or basic troubleshooting

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

From Adobe:

Camera Raw 9.7 is now available through the update mechanism in Photoshop CC and the Creative Cloud application.

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. This release also brings support for Pressure Sensitive tablets to Camera Raw.

Please note that this version of Camera Raw for Mac requires macOS 10.10 and greater.

Pressure Sensitive Support

A pressure sensitive pen is very useful for making precise adjustments using brush strokes within your images, and we’re excited to announce that Camera Raw 9.7 now provides support for pressure sensitive devices such as Wacom tablets and Surface Pros.

Pressure applied to the pen will affect the Flow slider within the Local Adjustment Brush. You can still set your flow to a maximum value, and then use your pressure sensitive pen to fine tune. Lighter pen strokes result in decreased flow, and heavier pen strokes increase flow.

We also support the erase mode if your pen supports this feature. Turning the pen over and using the “eraser” side will automatically switch the brush to eraser mode, as if you had held down the option key.

New Camera Support in Camera Raw 9.7

• Apple iPad Pro 9.7? (wifi and cellular)
• Apple iPhone 6s Plus
• Apple iPhone 6s
• Apple iPhone 7
• Apple iPhone 7
• Apple iPhone 7 Plus
• Apple iPhone SE
• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV*
• Casio EX-ZR4000 (EX-ZR5000)
• Hasselblad H6D-100c
• Nikon D3400
• Panasonic DMC-G8 (DMC-G80, DMC-G81, DMC-G85)
• Panasonic DMC-LX9 (DMC-LX10, DMC-LX15)

*Please note that we support the import and editing of jpegs, raw files and dual pixel raw files from this camera model. We do not support any specific dual pixel raw functionality. If you are planning to use Dual Pixel raw files, please read Limitations with Canon Dual Pixel raw files in Camera Raw and Lightroom.

**We added new of Adobe Standard color profiles for the Canon EOS 5DS and Canon EOS 5DS R cameras. These versions are denoted as V2, and the v2 profiles have lower contrast than the original Adobe Standard (v1) camera profiles.

New Lens Profile Support in Camera Raw 9.7

• Fixed issue where Panorama merge failed when using source files from a Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
• Vignette correction for Zeiss Batis 25mm f2 too aggressive
• Fixed issue where the SIGMA 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM lens for Pentax mount was not being auto recognized
• Fixed bug that resulted in an abnormal exit of the Camera Raw plugin. Please note that this issue occurred intermittently and only when using Adobe After Effects CC on macOS
• Improved performance when using the Temperature and Tint slides for adjusting White Balance
• Improved the legibility of Text Labels in the User Interface

Installation Instructions

Camera Raw 9.7 – Please select Help>Updates to use the update mechanism in the Creative Cloud app.

Please note – If you have trouble updating to the latest Camera Raw update via the Creative Cloud application, please refer to the following plugin installation:

http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/multi/camera-raw-plug-in-installer.html

DNG Converter 9.7 download links: Win | macOS

From Western Digital:

PHOTOKINA, COLOGNE, GERMANY, Sept. 20, 2016 – Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: WDC), a global storage technology and solutions leader, today unveiled its SanDisk 1TB terabyte (TB) SDXC card prototype at the world's leading trade fair for photo and video professionals. With increasing demand for high resolution content, such as 4K and 8K, the company continues to push the boundaries of technology with solutions that support the exponential growth of data-intensive production demands.

“Showcasing the most advanced imaging technologies is truly exciting for us,” said Dinesh Bahal, vice president, product management, Content Solutions Business Unit, Western Digital. “Sixteen years ago we introduced the first SanDisk 64MB SD card and today we are enabling capacities of 1TB. Over the years our goal has remained the same; continue to innovate and set the pace for the imaging industry. The SanDisk 1TB SD card prototype represents another significant achievement as growth of high-resolution content and capacity-intensive applications such as virtual reality, video surveillance and 360 video, are progressing at astounding rates.” Since the introduction of the record-breaking 512GB SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Memory Card at Photokina 2014, Western Digital has proven it can nearly double the capacity in the same SD card form factor using proprietary technology. Higher capacity cards expand the possibilities for professional videographers and photographers, giving them even greater ability to create more of the highest quality content, without the interruption of changing cards.

“Just a few short years ago the idea of a 1TB capacity point in an SD card seemed so futuristic – it’s amazing that we’re now at the point where it’s becoming a reality. With the growing demand for applications like VR, we can certainly use 1TB when we’re out shooting continuous high-quality video. High-capacity cards allow us to capture more without interruption, streamlining our workflow, and eliminating the worry that we may miss a moment because we have to stop to swap out cards,” said Sam Nicholson, CEO of Stargate Studios and member of the American Society of Cinematographers.

Western Digital will be demonstrating the SanDisk 1TB SDXC card prototype and showcasing its newest offerings at Photokina, Hall 02.1 Stand A014.

B&H carries SanDisk memory cards.

From Phase One:

Phase One released Capture One 9.3 – the third major update for Capture One 9.

The previous 9.2 update released two months ago delivered new file handling features. The new Capture One 9.3 is about under the hood improvements and bug fixes. It also brings a calibration feature for owners of Eizo displays and profiles for 11 new cameras including the new Canon 5D Mk IV, Fujifilm X-T2 and X-E2s.

Here is a detailed overview of all the new features of Capture One 9.3.

New Features

Eizo Monitor Calibration

Eizo monitors are designed for professional photography. They are known for great display quality and color accuracy.

The CG Series of Eizo monitors have a built-in SelfCalibration sensor. With this sensor, you can calibrate the monitor without the need of a third-party calibration device. The new feature of Capture One 9.3 allows to start a calibrating process right from Capture One settings menu. It’s a quite useful addon for professionals who are supposed to regularly recalibrate working displays.

Supported monitors:

• CG245W
• CG275W
• CG246
• CG276
• CG247
• CG277
• CG247X
• CG248 (UHD 4K)
• CG318 (DCI 4K)

Metadata handling

In Capture One 9.3 developers updated how the application would handle metadata information and exchange it with XMP sidecars. They have also fixed a number of existing bugs.

Visually everything works like it has before: you can adjust Metadata preferences in Capture One settings. But now it should work faster and be more reliable.

Recipes

The same under the hood update was delivered to Recipes in Capture One 9.3 to improve a stability of processing.

In Capture One 9.3 you would not find any new tools for editing, but it is an important update to improve Capture One stability and is definitely recommended to install.

New Cameras Support

• IQ1 100MP
• iXU-RS160
• iXU-RS180
• iXU-RS160 Achro
• iXU-RS150
• iXU-RS1000
• Canon 5D Mk IV
• Fujifilm X70
• Fujifilm X-E2s
• Fujifilm X-T2
• Panasonic GX80
• Panasonic GX85
• Panasonic G7 Mk II

New Lenses Support

• Schneider Kreuznach LS 45mm f/3.5
• Schneider Kreuznach LS 150mm f/2.8
• Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 II USM
• Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM
• Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM
• Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM
• Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
• Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro
• Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
• Canon EF-M15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35 mm F2.8 ZA SSM II
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24–70 mm F2.8 ZA SSM II
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70 mm F4 ZA OSS
• Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
• Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 II
• Sony 1.4x Teleconverter
• Sony 2x Teleconverter
• Zeiss Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA

Bug fixes: Mac

• Fixed a settings migration issue that could cause some loss of information
• Fixed an issue causing local adjustment masks not to be persisted properly
• Allow negative increments for the capture counter
• Fixed an issue causing image settings to be ignored when importing images with existing adjustments
• Fixed an issue causing certain lens correction profiles not to be applied properly
• Fixed some strings for the Italian localization
• Fixed crashes with certain shortcuts
• Fixed a crash related to the camera tool properties
• Fixed a minor memory leak
• Various other minor fixes and improvements

Bug fixes: Win

• Sometimes the wrong ICC profile was applied and the image would look pale until restart of Capture One
• Fixed issue where certain lens metadata was ignored
• Fixed issue where you couldn’t import keywords from a Capture One Session
• Sometimes the browser wouldn’t list incoming files when in “list mode”
• When dragging a file from Media Pro to Capture One some custom metadata would be lost
• Various crashes
• Various other minor fixes and improvements

B&H carries Phase One Capture One Pro 9 licenses.

BlackRapid are proud to announce their new range of camera straps BlackRapid Several years of development, innovation and customer interaction have culminated in the new BlackRapid Breathe range of camera straps that have been designed to deliver a higher level of comfort and performance.

A new shoulder pad design allows for a better weight distribution and strap position across the body, and also features a removable underarm stabilising strap.

The new shoulder pad also features an ‘airmesh’ grip layer, that fixes the strap’s position on the shoulder more firmly, and increased ventilation that means you can wear the strap for extended periods without compromising on comfort.

In addition to the newly designed shoulder pad, the Breathe range also features:

• Duraflex Buckles: lighter than previous designs with enhanced strength
• Hypalon hook up points: offering increased strength and reduced weight
• Springloaded bumper locks: faster and easier to operate than previous models
• CR3 (Connect R): refined strap connection increasing durability, security and easeofuse
• FR5 (Fasten R): improved connection to camera

The new Breathe models will debut at Photokina this week and will be available on September 20, 2016 at retailers everywhere. Founder and photographer Ron Henry is excited about launching the fresh new lineup at Photokina 2016. " We've made some changes that I think people will get excited about." He added, "If you haven’t yet, we know that once you try on one of our straps you’ll see why we've become the leader in the Slingstrap market today."

B&H carries the BlackRapid Breathe camera straps.

From Profoto:

From Profoto:

With a flash duration as fast as 1/80,000 of a second, and the power to generate a huge amount of light in a very short time, you can now freeze everything from a water splash to a waterfall perfectly.

Ever since the release of the Pro-1 in 1968 Profoto has created game changing flashes for the world’s best photographers. Today everything is about to change again with the launch of the Profoto Pro-10. This studio generator will open doors to creative possibilities that until now – were simply out of reach.

To say it’s fast is an understatement with breathtaking flash durations up to 1/80,000 of a second. But what really sets the Pro-10 apart is that it’s the perfect fusion of speed and power – 2400Ws of power to be exact. The light output it generates is truly enormous and it provides a shorter flash duration than any other flash across the entire power range. This dramatically increases the scale of what you can shoot and freeze, every-thing from a water splash to a waterfall are perfectly frozen in time.

Recycling time is equally impressive. The Pro-10 can easily match the fastest cameras even when the light output is set high, making it easier to capture the perfect moment by shooting in bursts. Combine all of that with TTL and Profoto’s patented High-Speed Sync (HSS) technology, and you have a flash that is capable of handling any and all lighting challenges. Power however, is nothing without control. And with the Pro-10 the controls are typically intuitive with three large rubberized dials and a huge hi-resolution display, so it’s easy to see, feel and hear every change in the flash settings. As a result the photographer’s attention is exactly where it should be – focused on creating a great image.

The power range is an impressive 11 f-stop, making the minimum light output a mere thousandth of that at full power. And the power can be controlled minutely in 1/10 f-stop increments with remarkable power and color temperature consistency from shot to shot.

During development the Pro-10 was heated, beaten and stressed like never before – it is truly built like a tank. Combined with the Profoto promise of continuous software upgrades, it will still be enabling the world’s best photographers to unleash their creativity decades ahead.

Because ultimately the Profoto Pro-10 is so much more than the world’s fastest studio flash – it’s your imagination set free. It’s the speed to exceed.

The Pro-10 is released September 20, 2016.

Adorama carries the Profoto Pro-10.

From Adobe:

This update contains the Adobe DNG Converter 9.7.

The Adobe DNG Converter is a free utility that enables you to easily convert camera-specific raw files from more than 600 cameras to the more universal DNG raw format.

Digital Negative was developed to address the lack of an open standard for the proprietary and unique raw files created by each digital camera. DNG allows photographers to archive their raw camera files in a single format for easy cataloging and access in the future. With the format specification freely available, any developer can build software that supports and takes advantage of DNG. For more information, visit the Digital Negative page.

Support for the following cameras has been added. Visit the Camera Raw page for a complete list of supported cameras.

• Apple iPad Pro 9.7" (wifi and cellular)
• Apple iPhone 6s
• Apple iPhone 6s Plus
• Apple iPhone 7
• Apple iPhone 7 Plus
• Apple iPhone SE
• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
• Casio EX-ZR4000 (EX-ZR5000)
• GoPro HERO5 Black
• Hasselblad H6D-100c
• Nikon D3400
• Panasonic DMC-G8 (DMC-G80, DMC-G81, DMC-G85)
• Panasonic DMC-LX9 (DMC-LX10, DMC-LX15)

Download: Adobe DNG Converter 9.7 Windows | Macintosh

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

From Sigma USA:

Sigma Adds the 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art, and 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport Lenses to Its Global Vision Line

Outstanding optical performance, ultra-wide zoom range, and versatile flagship sports lens headline the Sigma line-up at Photokina 2016

Cologne, Germany – September 19, 2016 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading camera, DSLR lens, flash and accessories manufacturer, unveiled its new 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art and 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport Global Vision lenses at the Photokina 2016 event (hall 4.2, stands B020, B028 and C029).

“We are thrilled to announce three state-of-the-art additions to the Global Vision line. The Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art has been a highly requested lens and we are very confident those customers who have been waiting for us to deliver this lens will be more than pleased with the superior optical performance and zero compromise,” states Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “In addition, the re-engineered 12-24mm F4 and highly competitive 500mm F4 Sport lens both embody the world-class performance our Global Vision lenses are known for. We look forward to seeing the incredible images our customers will create using these new Sigma lenses.”

Delivering the ultimate in creative expression, the new Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art lens is engineered to support the highest resolution sensors on the market with an exceptional degree of sharpness. The high-performance optical system is purpose-built by Sigma R&D to produce the attractive bokeh effect sought after by discerning photographers. The lens’ advanced architecture features two SLD (special low dispersion) glass elements and one glass element with a high rate of anomalous partial dispersion and refraction. A re-engineered AF system brings 1.3X the torque of its predecessor, while other features such as a full-time manual focus override have been added, which can be controlled when the focus ring is rotated, even during continuous AF.

The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. The Nikon mounts feature a brand new electromagnetic diaphragm.

The Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art lens will be available in late October and retails for a recommended street price of $1199.00 USD.

Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art Ultra-Wide Angle Zoom for the Era of Ultra-High Resolution Digital Cameras

Boasting the renowned Global Vision image quality from center to edge, the new Sigma 12-24mm F4 features the largest aspherical glass mold in the industry, offering photographers an ultra-wide angle zoom with virtually no distortion, flare or ghosting. Encompassing the long history of Sigma wide angle lens development expertise, the new 12-24mm F4 performance highlights include constant F4 brightness and the brand new Sigma AF system with 1.3X torque boost. The 12-24mm F4 features lens elements made with FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass, which is equivalent to calcium fluorite in performance. Combined with an optimized power distribution, the result is outstanding image quality from center to edges. With a minimum focus distance of 9.4 inches at 24mm, photographers can compose incredible close-up shots with expansive backgrounds.

The all new Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art lens supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. The Nikon mounts feature the brand new electromagnetic diaphragm.

The Sigma 12-24mm F4 Art lens will be available in late October and retails for a recommended street price of $1599.00 USD.

Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport Lens - Pro Fast-Aperture Prime Super Telephoto

The flagship Sigma super telephoto 500mm F4 Sport lens incorporates the very latest in Sigma optical technology and innovation. Designed for the professional sports and wildlife shooter, the ultra-durable lens features magnesium alloy components, a carbon fiber hood, a water and oil resistant front element, and is dust and splash proof. The 500mm F4 features a drop-in rear filter slot for polarizers, UV and other critical filters. To help prevent damage during shooting and maintenance, the lens is also compatible with the exclusive SIGMA Protector LPT-11 (sold separately).

The lens incorporates two FLD and one SLD glass elements, while the optimized power distribution helps minimize spherical aberration and axial chromatic aberration. The optical system also effectively minimizes transverse chromatic aberration, which can affect the edges of the shots taken in the telephoto range. In addition, image quality remains exceptional when the lens is used with a Sigma Telephoto Converter (sold separately).

Other key performance features include Sigma's two-mode Optical Stabilizer for enhanced performance when shooting handheld for still subjects or panning and tracking for moving subjects. There is also a customizable AF "return" function for setting the focus position of one's choice and returning to that preset distance. The all new Sigma 500mm F4 supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. The Nikon mounts feature the brand new electromagnetic diaphragm. The Sigma 500mm F4 Sport lens, in Canon and Sigma mounts, will be available in late October. The Nikon mount will be available in late November. The 500mm F4 will retail for a recommended street price of $5999.00 USD.

All Sigma Global Vision lenses, including the new 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art, and 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Global Vision lenses, can be updated with the latest lens firmware from a workstation or laptop using the Sigma Optimization Pro software and Sigma USB Dock (sold separately).

Preorders:

• Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art Lens – B&H | Adorama
• Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens – B&H | Adorama
• Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports Lens – B&H | Adorama

From Sigma:

SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM | Art

The SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM | Art, an ultra-wide-angle zoom for DSLRs with full-frame sensors. This new lens offers an optimal package of center-to-edge image quality, minimized distortion, and a minimal focusing distance.

To achieve these qualities without compromise, the SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM | Art incorporates the latest lens design, advanced materials such as low-dispersion glass and cutting-edge large-diameter molded glass aspherical lens processing methods.

Release date and price: TBD
Accessories: Case
Corresponding AF mounts: SIGMA, Canon and Nikon

The SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the ultimate lens for portraits, the SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art which offers outstanding resolution with minimized chromatic aberrations.

Outstanding resolution and the attractive bokeh effect that large-diameter lenses offer. Fulfilling the exacting standards of the Art line, the SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art delivers both of these elements at the highest level. The bokeh effect is so precise, you can focus on the pupil of the subject’s eye while blurring the eyelashes. Adding to the effect, the area in focus is extremely high-resolution while the bokeh area is very attractive in appearance. The SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art incorporates 14 lens elements in 12 groups, a remarkable structure that helps the lens deliver ultra-high-resolution. This lens is therefore an excellent match for full-frame DSLRs offering 50-megapixel or higher resolution.

Release date and price: TBD
Accessories: Case, Hood (LH927-02)
Corresponding AF mounts: SIGMA, Canon and Nikon

The SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the flagship lens of the Sports line, SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports which has both outstanding functionality for challenging shoots and top-level optical performance.

The SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports incorporates SIGMA’s latest technologies and delivers a full range of advanced features and functions: enhanced dust- and splash-proof construction, Optical Stabilizer (OS) system, SIGMA Tele Converter compatibility, AF function switch, SIGMA’s latest-generation Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), and more. Combining top-level optical performance with functionality for challenging shoots, the flagship lens of the Sports line, SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports sets a new standard for high-performance telephoto lenses.

Release date and price: TBD
Accessories: Case, Hood (LH1388-01),WR Protector,Lens is equipped with fixed tripod socket.
Corresponding AF mounts: SIGMA, Canon and Nikon

B&H has the following available for preorder:

Preorders:

• Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art Lens – B&H | Adorama
• Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens – B&H | Adorama
• Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports Lens – B&H | Adorama

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

by Jem Schofield

A vlog is really a video-based blog and can be about anything. Like a written blog, it contains the ideas, activities and opinions of a particular person or people. It can be an edited version of their daily lives, a combination of commentary and gameplay (some of the most successful vloggers in the world are gamers), or a more focused “show” that teaches others certain techniques such as how to do makeup, exercise, brew beer or in my vlog, the craft of video production and filmmaking.

In 2008, I started theC47 as an educational brand that was focused on teaching the craft of video production and filmmaking. I recently launched a new weekly vlog called “Random Acts Of…” on theC47’s YouTube channel. Basically, it covers Random Acts Of… Lighting, Composition, Camera Movement, Lighting Control, Gear and anything else that interests me as a producer, DP and all around tinkerer.

You shouldn’t start a vlog with the intention of making lots of money. It can help people build their brands, but it’s the passion for the subject matter and a commitment to creating ongoing content that are key – and the one thing many successful vloggers seem to have in common. If the content they create is interesting, and it is posted regularly (generally daily or at least weekly), they can find an audience over time.

B&H carries the Canon EOS M3.

From Nikon USA:

The New Nikon KeyMission 360, KeyMission 170, and KeyMission 80 Enable Storytellers and Adventurers to Break Traditional Boundaries and Tell Stories Through Captivating Content

COLOGNE, GERMANY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the new line of KeyMission action cameras that encourages users to discover, capture and share their personal missions from an entirely new perspective. Rooted in Nikon’s legendary excellence in imaging innovation, this new camera lineup offers users a hands-free way to push the limits and document their adventures through high-quality immersive video that puts the viewer in the middle of the action. Previewed at CES 2016, the rugged KeyMission 360 is the first Nikon camera capable of full 360° video in 4K UHD, providing users a unique way to create engaging content like never before. Also introduced today is the new Nikon KeyMission 170, an adventure-ready camera capable of amazing stills and 4K UHD video at a wide-angle point of view, as well as Nikon’s KeyMission 80, a compact and lightweight camera for capturing the spontaneous moments of everyday life.

Nikon’s KeyMission line is based on the belief that life is about discovering new people, new places, new knowledge and new purpose – that each individual is on a journey to find their personal mission that brings out the best version of oneself. The world is a better place when we experience and share our adventures, our stories and our loves; The KeyMission line provides a new way of seeing and sharing these missions with the world.

“The KeyMission series introduces amazing new tools for everyday storytellers eager to find and pursue their personal missions while sharing their loves with the world,” said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “History is full of stories told from behind the camera – the KeyMission 360, KeyMission 170 and KeyMission 80 will challenge tradition and invite users to embark on a journey to share their missions from entirely new, immersive perspectives.”

Nikon KeyMission 360 – Fulfill your mission in full, immersive 360° video

Challenging the traditional boundaries of content capture, the Nikon KeyMission 360 gives storytellers the ability to explore, experience and share their missions like never before. The entire environment becomes one’s canvas, with Full 360° video ready to preserve an immersive chronicle of the moments that matter. Whether capturing a first skydiving experience, preserving an epic underwater adventure or immortalizing a child’s first birthday party, the KeyMission 360 allows users to see the world differently and easily share what they love.

Key Features:

• Capture amazingly sharp, true 360° video in 4K UHD at 24p [3840 x 2160]1 or Full HD (1080p) that puts the viewer at the center of your journey
• Two f/2.0 lenses and two 20-megapixel CMOS sensors combine to create stunning videos and photos without blind spots2
• Automatic in-camera stitching cuts down on the previously daunting editing process while eliminating the need for multiple cameras or specialized, expensive rigs, making it easy to share on supported 360° content platforms
• Customize videos with shooting modes like Superlapse, Time-Lapse or Loop Movies that help provide unique perspectives of any story - or capture 360°, 30-megapixel still images
• An in-camera stereo microphone helps provide crisp and clear accompanying audio, while Electronic Vibration Reduction (VR) is available after-capture to help steady playback
• Extremely compact and waterproof (98 ft.), shockproof (6.6 ft.) and freezeproof (14° F) rugged design, no housing required, helps ensure you are ready to fulfill your mission, wherever the journey takes you
• Share completely stitched, immersive content in full 360° from either a compatible smart device or desktop computer:
• The new Nikon SnapBridge 360/170 app3 for iOS and Android devices4 allows users to access camera settings, simple editing functions or live view and share content directly
• For more advanced editing functions, the KeyMission 360/170 Utility program for PC and Mac users opens up a new world of editing options for more discerning visual storytellers
• Included alongside the camera are a variety of accessories and mounting solutions that will help visualize a variety of activities, including a Base Mount Adapter, two Base Mounts, Silicone Jacket for added grip and protection, two lens protectors and a cardboard-style head mounted display that, alongside a compatible smartphone, allows for fully immersive playback
• The KeyMission 360 uses a standard 1/4 in. tripod socket to which a variety of different mounts and accessories can be used with the included base adapter. It is also compatible with an optional remote control

Nikon KeyMission 170 – Experience life’s missions from a true POV experience

In a visual world where we learn through both our own personal experience and the shared experiences of others, the Nikon KeyMission 170 lets users tell stories from an individual’s point of view. It’s easier than ever to relive life’s adventures in fantastic quality, and transport the viewer right into the action to enjoy the moment as if they were there. Tethered to a surfboard or mounted to a backpack on the family hike, the KeyMission 170 helps bring any incredible journey to life.

Key Features:

• A super-wide 170° angle-of-view, f/2.8 lens and 8.3-megapixel CMOS sensor combine to capture brilliant 4K UHD or 1080p Full HD video
• Creative tools help users create unique and engaging content for sharing, including Highlight Tagging which helps create a highlight reel montage of the user’s favorite content, slow motion movies, Time-Lapse and Loop Recording
• Capture high-quality still images during video recording, while in-camera Electronic Vibration Reduction (VR) (1080p HD) helps minimize camera shake
• The compact and rugged KeyMission 170 is waterproof (33 ft.), shockproof (6.6 ft.) and freezeproof (14° F) without a housing, always ready for your next adventure
• The camera sports a rear LCD that helps frame shots in live view, play back video and change settings with ease
• Users can utilize the Nikon SnapBridge 360/170 application for simple editing, framing and sharing, while the KeyMission 360/170 Utility program for PC or Mac offers more advanced editing capabilities
• The camera features a standard 1/4 in. tripod socket which alongside the supplied base mount adapter, connects to all other KeyMission accessories
• The KeyMission 170 also comes with a remote control accessory, useful for stopping and starting recording or creating tags while capturing exciting new content
• Optional Waterproof Housing available to extend underwater performance to 131 ft.

Nikon KeyMission 80 – Live your mission and let the camera do the rest

Life is full of spontaneous moments, and the wearable Nikon KeyMission 80 is always ready to capture life’s everyday adventures, making sure you enjoy the moment while the camera takes care of saving the memory. Whether conquering your next hike, exploring the streets of Rome or simply playing catch in the backyard, the KeyMission 80 is there to easily and effectively capture your mission.

Key Features

• Using the camera’s Time-Lapse recording and interval timer functions will allow users to chronicle life’s journeys with hassle-free high-quality stills or Full HD 1080/30p video
• Beautiful stills and video are made possible utilizing a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor and 25mm (80° angle-of-view) f/2.0 lens
• A secondary front-facing 5-megapixel camera with a 22mm (90° angle-of-view), f/2.2 lens helps users seamlessly snap selfies on the go
• Small, rugged and lightweight, the KeyMission 80 is ready to capture fleeting shots at a moment’s notice. Easy to use one-handed, it turns on immediately after being unclipped from its camera holder ensuring users don’t miss out on their next precious memory
• Waterproof (3.2 ft.), shockproof (6 ft.) and freezeproof (14° F), the KeyMission 80 will go with you almost anywhere
• Versatile 1.75-inch touch LCD display lets users easily change settings, frame shots or play back captured content
• Use Nikon’s SnapBridge app for seamlessly sharing via Bluetooth5 or Wi-Fi6

KeyMission Mounts and Accessories

Introduced alongside Nikon’s KeyMission line of action cameras are numerous optional mounts and accessories that will help users creatively capture unique content from a variety of different perspectives. Available accessories include:

• Compatible with all KeyMission Cameras – KeyMission Tripod7, KeyMission Extension Arm7, KeyMission System Case (soft case for accessories and cameras), KeyMission Hard Case (hard case for accessories and cameras)
• Compatible with KeyMission 360 and 170 – Remote Control Accessory (supplied with KeyMission 170), Helmet Strap, Wrist Mount, Handlebar Mount, Chest Mount, Surfboard Mount, Backpack Mount, Suction Cup Mount, Handy Grip
• Compatible with KeyMission 170 – Waterproof Case (extends underwater performance to 131 ft.)
• Compatible with KeyMission 80 – Tripod Adapter

Price and Availability

The new Nikon KeyMission products will be available starting in October 2016. The KeyMission 360, KeyMission 170 and KeyMission 80 will be available for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $499.95, $399.95 and $279.95, respectively. Accompanying mounts and accessories, the Nikon SnapBridge 360/170 application and KeyMission 360/170 Utility program for PC will also be available starting in October 2016

B&H has the Nikon KeyMission Action Cams available for preorder.

by Sean Setters

Not long ago I was walking down a street near my home when an abandoned, overgrown lot grabbed my attention. While the lot wasn't what I would call "scenic" with its fallen branches and litter, the tall weeds in the middle of the lot intrigued me. A short time later I was contacted by a model wanting some images to add to her portfolio and I she liked my suggestion of using an overgrown lot for our backdrop.

As I mentioned, the vacant lot on the whole did not look very good. As such, I decided to use two techniques to minimize the impact of the shooting location and draw focus to the tall weeds which I really liked: a long focal length and a wide aperture.

I had originally planned on using the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM, a very wide (f/1.2 - f/1.8) aperture and a 4-stop neutral density filter (to allow me to achieve a shutter speed below the 5D III's max flash sync speed) for the shoot. Unfortunately, I had temporarily misplaced my 4-stop ND filter. Without a 4-stop ND filter at hand, I decided to use the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM (predecessor to version II) paired with a 2-stop ND filter instead.

My inability to find the 4-stop ND filter actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The 85L II has a field of view (FOV) of roughly 28° while the 70-200L IS has a FOV of 12° at 200mm. The smaller field of view meant that I could capture a smaller slice of the background in each frame. And when coupled with a wide f/2.8 aperture (with background elements a decent distance from my subject), the background became a creamy blur of color which didn't include recognizable [distracting] elements. Another benefit of the 70-200mm lens in this particular case was an increased working distance (with similar framing) that allowed me more opportunities to capture blurred foreground elements as well.

For lighting I used a radio triggered, battery-pack powered White Lightning x3200 monolight reflected into a 60" white parabolic umbrella perched atop a C-stand.

Here's another image captured during the session:

From Samyang:

Discover to Create

Expand your video and filmmaking experiences with XEEN cinema lenses. With a T2.6 and outstanding optical performance for 4K+, focus on the Mise-en-scène of the images you want to create.

XEEN lenses feature declicked gear rings in identical locations, so that changing lenses is no longer a hassle. Mounts are interchangeable, meaning each lens can be used on a variety of cameras. The XEEN series aims to delivers unparalleled performance with affordability to satisfy the needs of videographers and filmmakers, regardless of the situation or equipment.

Features

• Ultra Wide Angle in 106.9°
• Designed for Films – 114mm Front Size, High-durability, FFG, Declicked aperture
• Smooth Focus Ring
• X-coating
• Circular aperture with 11 blades

B&H carries Samyang/Rokinon XEEN lenses.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

This article is the second of a two-part article on Photographing People and their Pets for the Advanced Amateur or Aspiring Pet Photographer. You can read part one here.

The following info is a list of tools and techniques that might be difficult to find elsewhere. In the nearly 30 years of specializing in photographing people and their pets, I’ve not seen a printed list or series of videos that cover this particular material. And even if you could find some of this information as it pertains to photographing animals, it wouldn’t be a matter of who’s right or wrong, but whether or not you consider using the following tools to develop the suggested techniques. If you do, you’ll be well on your way to creating not only sellable images, but images of style and distinction you can be proud of... and images your clients will treasure for a lifetime!