Canon and Sony News for Mar 2018 (Page 3)

From Adobe:

Creative ARR Exceeds $5 Billion in Q1 FY2018

March 15, 2018 – SAN JOSE, Calif. – Adobe (Nasdaq:ADBE) today reported strong financial results for its first quarter fiscal year 2018 ended March 2, 2018.

Financial Highlights

• Adobe achieved record quarterly revenue of $2.08 billion in its first quarter of fiscal year 2018, which represents 24 percent year-over-year revenue growth.
• Diluted earnings per share was $1.17 on a GAAP-basis, and $1.55 on a non-GAAP basis.
• Digital Media segment revenue was $1.46 billion, with Creative revenue growing to $1.23 billion and Document Cloud achieving revenue of $231 million.
• Digital Media Annualized Recurring Revenue (“ARR”) grew to $5.72 billion exiting the quarter, a quarter-over-quarter increase of $336 million. Creative ARR grew to $5.07 billion, and Document Cloud ARR grew to $647 million.
• Digital Experience segment revenue was $554 million, which represents 16 percent year-over-year growth.
• Operating income grew 50 percent and net income grew 46 percent year-over-year on a GAAP-basis; operating income grew 43 percent and net income grew 64 percent year-over-year on a non-GAAP basis.
• Cash flow from operations was $990 million, and deferred revenue grew 25 percent year-over-year to approximately $2.57 billion.
• Adobe repurchased approximately 1.6 million shares during the quarter, returning $301 million of cash to stockholders.

A reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP results is provided at the end of this press release and on Adobe’s website.

Executive Quotes

“Adobe’s outstanding growth is driven by enabling our customers to be more creative, work smarter and transform their businesses through our relentless focus on delivering innovation and intelligence across our solutions,” said Shantanu Narayen, president and CEO, Adobe.

“Our leadership in the large addressable markets we created, combined with Adobe’s leveraged operating model, contributed to another record quarter in Q1," said Mark Garrett, executive vice president and CFO, Adobe.

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

The University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland (HES-SO Valais-Wallis) has posted a behind-the-scenes look at capturing its latest class picture.

From Redrock Micro:

Burbank California - Disney | ABC Television Group and Disney Research has selected Redrock Microsystems to license certain Disney technology and patents, and will work with them to bring resulting products to market.

"Disney has a rich heritage of developing technology to enhance the tools and systems of tomorrow," said Anthony Accardo, Director, Research & Development, Disney ABC Television Group. "We look forward to working with Redrock to develop and launch technologies that we think will add tremendous value for productions industry-wide."

Under terms of the agreement, Disney has licensed technology and patents to Redrock aimed at improving mobilized video production. Redrock is currently integrating Disney and Redrock technologies to release generally available products. These products target small crews, solo operators, independent productions, and field broadcast applications including news, sports, and event coverage.

"When Disney approached us, we immediately recognized how wide ranging this technology is for improving field production," said James Hurd, President, Redrock Micro. "We've come to appreciate the innovation Disney brings to the table, and this relationship makes perfect sense: marrying Disney's advanced technology with Redrock Micro's proven product designs and delivery."

B&H carries Redrock Micro products.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

by Rudy Winston

Here’s a relatively new Canon feature in mid-range and upper-end EOS DSLRs that I think flies a bit under the radar for many photographers. But every time I use it, I’m grateful that we have it as an option. I’m speaking of Canon’s “AE Lock with Hold” feature, which is an option within the camera’s Custom Controls (in the Custom Functions menu) on the following cameras:

• EOS-1D X Mark II; EOS-1D X
• EOS 5DS; EOS 5DS R
• EOS 5D Mark IV; EOS 5D Mark III
• EOS 6D Mark II; EOS 6D
• EOS 7D Mark II
• EOS 80D; EOS 70D

Want to know more about one of these cameras? There's a treasure trove of information available right here.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

When it comes to real estate photography, nothing will have a more positive impact on your target audience than an eye-catching image or video. If you’re a photographer hoping to take your real estate or architectural photography to the next level, here are some helpful tips!

From Nikon:

KeyMission 360 Firmware v.1.5

Changes from Firmware Version 1.4 to 1.5:

• Uncompressed equirectangular video of the view through the lens can now be output via the HDMI connector together with audio from the camera microphone. See the online manual for more information.
• Fixed an issue that caused visible variation in contrast in images recorded using Active D-Lighting.

Download: Nikon KeyMission 360 Firmware v.1.5

Changes from Version 1.2.11 to Version 1.2.12

• Fixed the following issues with NEF (RAW) images shot with On selected for Auto distortion control:
• Attempting to edit the images or add ratings or other information would result in ViewNX-i quitting unexpectedly when the images were saved.
• Selecting Add additional information to files in the preferences dialog when attempting to transfer the images using Nikon Transfer 2 would result in Nikon Transfer 2 quitting unexpectedly.

Download: ViewNX-i (for Mac) v.1.2.12

From Novoflex:

The new Modular Tripod of choice for discerning professionals looking for the sturdiest, modular support solution

For almost four years, the NOVOFLEX TrioPod tripod collection has been lauded as the most innovative tripod system on the market. The Product Innovation Team at NOVOFLEX is proud to announce the expansion of this tripod series with a modular, high-capacity tripod system, the TrioPod PRO75.

Exceptionally stable and modular with immense load capacity.

The basis for the all-new TrioPod PRO75 is the advanced tripod spider, which offers exceptional stability and immense load capacity. Thanks to the reinforced design of the individual components and new 8-layered carbon fiber legs, this modular tripod can be used for even the heaviest photo and video equipment.

The system can be purchased with 3 or 4 section carbon fiber legs plus two mini legs for maximum versatility.

In addition to the recommended new tripod legs C3930 and C3940, existing TrioPod legs can also be used with the new TrioPod PRO75 as well. With the optionally available carbon leg extensions, a total height of 79 in./2.0 m is possible. Short 2-segment carbon fiber legs C2820 are also available allowing you to achieve completely new perspectives and are even compatible with the existing TrioPod and QuadroPod Systems.

Features

• Maximum Load Capacity – 143 lbs/65 kg – Maximum holding capacity for maximum protection.
• Removable Base Plate – A new feature of the tripod spider is the removable base plate that easily be detached and replaced with the optional leveling ball (MBAL-PRO75) or a geared center column (TRIO-CC-PRO75).
• Unmatched Versatility – To build your tripod to meet the needs of any job the PRO75 can fit most 75mm accessories, even from other manufacturers. The optional leveling ball (MBAL-PRO75) can also be used with any other tripod you may have with a ¼” & 3/8” connection.
• Self-Locking Geared Center Column – The innovative 3/8” studs on both ends of the geared center column provide an extra measure of security and compatibility by taking the load off the ¼” threads. The column itself can be adjusted by 19 in./48 cm.
• 7 Leg Lock Positions for Any Situation – For shoots on level surfaces, the TrioPod PRO75 spider allows the legs to be set at 23°, 45°, 65°, and 87°. Should you find yourself in a more confined space, a further locking position of 155° enables you to support the tripod against vertical surfaces. Particularly innovative is a new 43° angle that allows the tripod to flip upside down quickly for ground-level work, eliminating the need to reverse the center column and/or tripod head. For easy packaging, the legs can also be folded up at 180°.
• Ground Level Work
• Easy Packaging

The TrioPod PRO75 is available in two kits:

• TRIOPROC3930 – consisting of TrioPod PRO75 tripod spider, (3x) C3930 3-segment carbon fiber legs, (2x) A1010 mini-legs, a tripod bag and multi-tool.
• TRIOPROC3940 – consisting of TrioPod PRO75 tripod spider, (3x) C3940 4-segment carbon fiber legs, (2x) A1010 mini-legs, a tripod bag and multi-tool.

The two QLEG-A1010 mini-legs that are part of the kits can be screwed into the accessory thread creating limitless possibilities: Add one leg to smooth your workflow by attaching your camera bag, keeping your tripod weighted and giving you quick access to your equipment. Alternatively, replace two legs to create a “leaning pod” and achieve a new variety of creative perspectives for your boundless imagination.

B&H carries the Novoflex TrioPod PRO75.

B&H has the FEISOL TT-15B Mini Tripod and Ball Head available for preorder.

Bryan reviewed the original sans-ball head Feisol TT-15 and came away impressed with the mini tripod. He even used it when photographing New York City from the top of Rockefeller Center. I added a TT-15 to my kit soon after and it has proven extremely useful when carrying a traditional tripod would be inconvenient or simply not allowed. [Sean]

Product Highlights

• Load Capacity: 18 lb
• Maximum Height: 8.1"
• Minimum Height: 4.7"
• Leg Sections: 1
• Weight: 14.1 oz
• Includes Ball Head
• Three Variable Leg Angles
• Anodized CNC Milled Aluminum
• Carbon Fiber Constructed Legs

The Canon USA Store has the Canon EOS Rebel T7 with EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS II Kit available for preorder.

It's interesting the Canon is keeping this DSLR all to themselves; it still isn't available for preorder at any authorized retailer, at least as far as I can find, even though the body was announced almost 3 weeks ago.

Last week, we reported that Sigma had released firmware updates for several of its Global Vision-series lenses. The updates was designed to allow compatibility with Canon’s in-camera Lens Aberration Correction. However, it seems the updates may have had unintended consequences.

A site visitor noticed that after updating his Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art lens' firmware to v.2.00, his lens exhibited noticeable backfocusing which required a -8 setting at various focus settings to correct via the Sigma USA Dock.

As I had yet to update my own Sigma 50mm Art's firmware, I decided to see if I replicate the issue. I tested the lens' performance on my 5D Mark III and 7D Mark II and the lens focused accurately with no AFMA value applied in-camera or in-lens (via the USB dock) with firmware v.1.00. After updating Sigma Optimization Pro to the latest version, I upgraded the Sigma 50A's firmware to v.2.00. After the upgrade, the lens required a -6 AFMA correction to be applied either in-camera or in-lens (at all focus distances) for accurate autofocusing.

Note that the Sigma 50mm Art lens' AF was advertised as being adjusted in its specific firmware release notes for "an improved focus accuracy during Live View mode."

We're interested to know whether or not the AF recalibration is necessary for all of the lenses whose firmwares were updated, or if it's only the Sigma 50mm Art that's experiencing the issue. So if you have one of the following lenses and you'd like to provide your feedback, apply the latest firmware update and let us know if your lens required recalibration for accurate AF.

• SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art Canon
• SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art Canon
• SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art Canon
• SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art Canon
• SIGMA 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art Canon
• SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Art Canon
• SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary Canon

Let us know how it goes in the comments.

B&H has Syrp Magic Carpet PRO Kits and Accessories available for preorder.

Syrp Magic Carpet PRO Slider Highlights

• Extendable Alloy Slider
• Carriage has a Built-In Flywheel
• Alloy End Caps with Quick-Release Legs
• Supports up to 70 lb
• Includes Soft Carry Bag

I'll add one "Do" to the list: DO charge your batteries just before you plan to fly your drone. If you don't start your flying session with a fresh battery, you may get a low voltage warning under certain circumstances that will cause your DJI drone to automatically land even if the battery has more than half a charge in it. [Sean]

From the Adorama YouTube Channel:

Creating drone videos of your holiday or adventure is simple, but there are a few things to consider to get things just right. In this episode, Mark Wallace explains some of the “Do’s and Don’ts” he’s learned while creating videos using his DJI Mavic Pro during his travels.

Now live: Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens Review.

This will be the most-used lens in many Sony kits.

The Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens is available for order at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

A wide variety of photographable wildlife is available to everyone, in fact many may live close to your home. How do you find suitable spots where photographable wildlife is plentiful?

Start with the Internet
A tremendous amount of wildlife information is easily found on the Internet. Search for potentially wildlife-rich places in nearby national parks, nature centers, lakeshores, state and city parks, seacoasts, public swimming areas on local lakes, boat docks, fishing lakes and hunting areas. And don’t forget local, state, and national wildlife refuges. Most of these places are open to the public.

Adobe's Creative Cloud Plan prices are going up April 16, 2018. Here are the details (from Adobe):

Our current STE Student/Education, Creative Cloud Photography and Acrobat CC plans will see no pricing adjustment.

Prices will vary by plans, for example:

• Creative Cloud for Individual Single App plans will increase to $20.99 per month from $19.99 per month or $1 per month
• Creative Cloud for Individual All Apps plans will increase to $52.99 per month from $49.99 per month or $3 per month
• Creative Cloud for Teams All App plans will increase to $79.99 per month from $69.99 per month or $10 per month

For an annual plan, the price will not change until the following annual term.

Want to lock in the current rate? B&H sells annual Creative Cloud licenses.