Canon, Nikon, and Sony News for Sep 2019 (Page 3)

Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the Lowepro ProTactic SH 180 AW Shoulder Bag for DSLR Camera & Lenses available for $59.95 with free shipping. Regularly $129.95.
 
Product Highlights
 

• Holds DSLR, 2-3 Lenses & Accessories
• Accommodates an iPad mini
• Top-Zip Opening for Fast Access to Gear
• Padded Touch-Fastened Interior Dividers

See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals for excellent savings opportunities.

Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the Sony AtomX SSDmini (2TB) available for $349.00 with free shipping. Regularly $649.00.
 
This 2TB Sony AtomX SSDmini is designed specifically for the Atomos Ninja V recorder, but it works with most Atomos recorders (some recorders require an optional adapter).
 
Product Highlights
 

• 2TB Storage Capacity
• Works with Atomos Recorders
• 500 MB/s Sequential Write Speed
• 20% Shorter than Conventional SSD

See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals for excellent savings opportunities.

If you photograph outdoors, there are few better places to be in the fall than Acadia National Park. Consider joining a small group of enthusiastic photographers in this bucket-list-grade location from Tue, Oct 15 through Sun, Oct 20, 2019. Sign up ASAP – only two spots remain open.
 
Here are the details: Fall Landscape in Acadia National Park Instructional Photography Tour
 
Contact me now to sign up!

Just posted: Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD Lens Review.
 
This is a compact, lightweight ultra-wide-angle lens with image quality the exceeds its price.
 
The Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD Lens from Lensrentals.

B&H has the Rotolight RL48 Interview Kit V2 available for $99.99 with free shipping. Compare at $209.99.
 
Product Highlights
 

• Two 80W Equivalent LED Ring Lights
• Two Stands for Shoe & 1/4" Stud Mounting
• 24 Filters (Temperature, ND, Effects)
• Belt Pouch

Canon has released new versions of its Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility, and Picture Style Editor. (thanks David)
 
Download: Canon DPP 4.10.50, EOS Utility 3.10.30, Image Transfer Utility 2.2.10, & Picture Style Editor 1.22.50

Think Tank Photo is having a StreetWalker Backpack Sale. Save 15% through Sept. 30th, 2019 (or while supplies last).
 
I have a couple of these backpacks and use them frequently. They are often the right choice for the job.
 
Don't forget that you'll get a free gift and free shipping when using our links for your purchase ($50.00 minimum purchase required).

With a Canon EOS M6 Mark II in hand, it was time to set up the camera for use. Following are the 36 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box M6 II ready for use.
 

1. Open the box, find the battery and charger and plug it in. If you have another charged battery available, you can continue to the battery-required steps without a wait. Or, the supplied battery may have enough charge to take you through these steps if you can't wait.
2. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box. For me, this is primarily the camera, the eye cup, and the neck strap
3. Install the latest Canon EOS Solution Disk software on your computer to get support for the latest camera(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, and Lens Registration Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
4. Attach the neck strap.
5. Insert a sufficiently charged battery.
6. Power the camera on.
7. The date and time setup screen will show at startup the first time. Use the Rear Control dial and the Set button to update this information.
8. Insert a memory card (format them via the tools menu option before taking pictures).
9. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv or M (some modes provide only a small subset of available menu options).
10. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use top dial to set RAW to "RAW" and Rear Control dial to set JPEG to "-"
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image review: Off
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 2: ISO Speed Settings: ISO Speed range: 100-H (51200), Auto ISO Speed range: 100-25600
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Lens aberration correction: All disabled (though I suggest leaving CA correction enabled for most uses - all can be applied to a RAW file in DPP)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: White balance: AWB-W (Auto: White priority)
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness Strength set to "1" (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram on the back of the camera that most-accurately shows me blown highlights and blocked shadows on the camera LCD. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: High ISO speed noise reduction: Low or Off (noise reduction is destructive to image details - I prefer to add NR sparingly in post)
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Eye Detection AF: Enable
19. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Touch & drag AF settings: Touch and drag AF: Enable
20. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback information display: Leave options 1 and 2 (only) checked and press info to change option 2's histogram to RGB
21. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Highlight alert: Enable (flash portions of images that are overexposed)
22. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback grid: 3x3
23. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Magnificatn (apx): Actual size
24. Setup Menu, Tab 1: Auto rotate: On/Computer only (this provides the largest playback image size on the camera LCD)
25. Setup Menu, Tab 1: Mode guide: Disable
26. Setup Menu, Tab 1: Feature guide: Disable
27. Setup Menu, Tab 3: Beep: Disable
28. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Shooting info. display: Screen info. settings: Enable 1, 3, 4
29. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Shooting info. display: VF info/toggle setting: Enable 1 and 3
30. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Shooting info. display: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes helpful for alignment checking)
31. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Shooting info. display: Histogram disp: RGB, Small (I want to see the brightness levels of each channel separately and don't want the graph to take up much space in the display)
32. Setup Menu, Tab 5: Custom shooting mode (C1-C3): Auto update set: Enable (see also: Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
33. Setup Menu, Tab 5: Copyright information: Type name as desired
34. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn II :Autofocus: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Pt only
35. My Menu: Add the first tab; Register the following options for Tab 1: Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring what time it is), Sensor cleaning, Expo.comp./AEB
36. Mount a lens, focus on a subject and adjust the viewfinder diopter (if necessary)

I of course make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.
 
To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot - including shooting in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.
 
If you can't remember your own menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a good idea. IF your camera is reset-to-factory state for some reason, such as when being serviced, you will be ready to restore your setup quickly while ensuring that you do not miss an important setting. If you purchase another same or similar camera, you will be able to quickly set it up.
 
More Information
 
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
 
Order the Canon EOS M6 Mark II at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

B&H has shared expected availability dates for the recently announced Canon gear:
 
Canon EOS 90D: Thu Sep 12
 
Preorder: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Canon EOS M6 Mark II: Thu Sep 26
 
Preorder: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens: Thu Sep 26
 
Preorder: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens: Thu Sep 26
 
Preorder: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
As always, thanks for supporting this site going by starting your shopping using our links!

With a Canon EOS 90D in hand, it was time to set up the camera for use. Following are the 36 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box 90D ready for use.
 

1. Open the box, find the battery and charger and plug it in. If you have another charged LP-E6/LP-E6N battery available, you can continue to the battery-required steps without a wait. Or, the supplied battery may have enough charge to take you through these steps if you can't wait.
2. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box. For me, this is primarily the camera, the eye cup, and the neck strap
3. Install the latest Canon EOS Solution Disk software on your computer to get support for the latest camera(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, and Lens Registration Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
4. Attach the neck strap.
5. Insert a sufficiently charged battery.
6. Power the camera on.
7. The date and time setup screen will show at startup the first time. Use the Rear Control dial and the Set button to update this information.
8. Insert a memory card (format them via the tools menu option before taking pictures).
9. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv or M (some modes provide only a small subset of available menu options).
10. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use top dial to set RAW to "RAW" and Rear Control dial to set JPEG to "-"
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image review: 4 sec.
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Release without card: Disable/off (I highly recommend this setting)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Lens aberration correction: All disabled (though I suggest leaving CA correction enabled for most uses - all can be applied to a RAW file in DPP)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 2: ISO Speed Settings: ISO Speed range: 100-H (51200), Auto ISO Speed range: 100-25600
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: White balance: AWB-W (Auto: White priority)
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness Strength set to "1" (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram on the back of the camera that most-accurately shows me blown highlights and blocked shadows on the camera LCD. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: High ISO speed noise reduction: Low or Off (noise reduction is destructive to image details - I prefer to add NR sparingly in post)
19. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback information display: Leave options 1 and 2 (only) checked and press info to change option 2's histogram to RGB
20. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Highlight alert: Enable (flash portions of images that are overexposed)
21. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback grid: 3x3
22. Setup Menu, Tab 1: Auto rotate: On/Computer only (this provides the largest playback image size on the camera LCD)
23. Setup Menu, Tab 3: Beep: Disable
24. Setup Menu, Tab 4: Mode guide: Disable
25. Setup Menu, Tab 4: Feature guide: Disable
26. Setup Menu, Tab 4: Viewfinder display: Select all options
27. Setup Menu, Tab 5: Custom shooting mode (C1-C3): Auto update set: Enable (see also: Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
28. Setup Menu, Tab 5: Copyright information: Type name as desired
29. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn I :Exposure: Bracketing auto cancel: Disable
30. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn I :Exposure: Bracketing sequence: -, 0, +
31. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn II :Autofocus: AI Servo 1st image priority: Focus priority (I want the images in focus more than I want the time-priority capture)
32. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn II :Autofocus: Focus priority (same reason)
33. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn II :Autofocus: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Area + pt
34. Custom Functions, Tab 1: C.Fn III : Operation/others: Custom controls: AF-ON: One shot AI Servo; Set: Playback; Multicontroller: Direct AF point selection
35. My Menu: Add the first tab; Register the following options for Tab 1: Mirror lockup, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring what time it is), Sensor cleaning, Expo.comp./AEB
36. Mount a lens, focus on a subject and adjust the viewfinder diopter (if necessary)

I of course make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.
 
To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot - including shooting in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.
 
If you can't remember your own menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a good idea. IF your camera is reset-to-factory state for some reason, such as when being serviced, you will be ready to restore your setup quickly while ensuring that you do not miss an important setting. If you purchase another same or similar camera, you will be able to quickly set it up.
 
More Information
 
Canon EOS 90D
 
Order the Canon EOS 90D at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

B&H has the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens on sale for $240.00 off with a free Sigma USB Dock and "Free Expedited Shipping."

From Canon U.S.A.:
 
In response to feedback from customers about the recently launched PowerShot G7 X Mark III, Canon U.S.A. plans to issue a firmware update that can help improve video autofocus speed, accuracy and subject detection performance.
 
This update will be free for all customers to download from the Canon U.S.A. website at the end of October 2019.
 
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is in stock at B&H.

 
From the Adorama YouTube Channel:
 
Learn a fast and easy way to create interesting art with just some incense and a camera. In this episode, Mark Wallace walks through all the steps for creating smoke photos. Once you know the basics you can expand your editing and create something that is truly yours.
 
Amazon carries incense sticks.

For a limited time, Adorama has huge discounts on its CLAR brand lighting products. If you've been wanting to take your filmmaking to the next level, this would be a great place to start. Below are just a few of the great deals available.
 
CLAR Lighting Deals
 

Item	Reg. Price	Sale Price
CLAR P120DT Blackbezt Bi-Color Turbo LED Panel	$490.00	$99.99
CLAR MX-B10 1 x 1 Bi-Color LED Light w/ V-Mount Plate	$419.00	$159.00
CLAR MX-B15 2 x 1 Bi-Color LED Light w/ V-Mount Plate	$560.00	$298.99
CLAR Illumi Max 120 High Power Bi-Color LED Light	$419.00	$249.95
CLAR Illumi Max 300 High Power 5600K LED Light	$599.00	$399.00
CLAR CL-1144R Pro DiskLight Bi-Color SMD Flood LED Circular Light (14.6")	$298.00	$99.00

Adorama has the Rokinon 14mm F2.8 UMC for Nikon Z available for $429.00 with free expedited shipping. Compare at $499.00.

From Tamron:
 
SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD for Canon
 

• New firmware version makes the model compatible with Canon "EOS R/RP" and Canon "Mount Adapter EF-EOS R" for general operations

For details about the service, please contact your nearest Tamron dealer.
 

---

SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD, 70-210mm F/4 Di VC USD, 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD for Nikon
 

• Enables general operations on Nikon Z7/Z6 with FTZ by the firmware updating. [NOTE] Nikon FTZ mount adapter is required to attach the lens to Nikon Z7/Z6.

A separately sold TAP-in Console is needed for the update.

B&H has a Used Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head with Full-Size Lever-Release (Condition: 9) available for $366.50 with free shipping. Compare at $489.00 new.
 
Product Highlights
 

• 50 lb Load Capacity
• Max Height: 3.7"
• Dual 90° Notches for Portrait Mode
• Separate Tension Control Knob

B&H typically offers a 90-day warranty on used items. Please check the product listing above to verify.

B&H has the Auray RF-C17 Studio Isolation Filter available for $69.95 with free shipping. Regularly $129.95.
 
Product Highlights
 

• Four-Layer Acoustic Isolation
• Rugged ABS Polymer Frame
• Vented Back Reduces Sonic Coloration
• Reduces Bounce-Back Reflections

I hope to get to some more in-depth comparisons, but for the DIYers, the specifications records for the just-announced Canon EOS 90D and Canon EOS M6 Mark II are mostly populated and make for some interesting comparisons.
 
Here are some suggestions:
 
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D Comparison
 
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 70D Comparison
 
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS M6 Mark II Comparison
 
Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 7D Mark II Comparison
 
 
Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs. Canon EOS M6 Comparison
 
Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs. Canon EOS M5 Comparison
 
Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs. Canon EOS 80D Comparison
 
To more fully complete the comparisons, use the Camera Product Images Tool. Click "overlay" after following that link to see an interesting comparison.

Time to upgrade your computer or device? Check out the huge Apple sale at B&H.
 
Use Payboo and save the tax.

From Canon Europe:
 
London, UK, 5th September 2019 – Canon Europe today releases its next generation Cinema EOS System camera – the EOS C500 Mark II. Created with the expertise and technical knowledge at the heart of Canon’s innovative products, and built on the foundations of Cinema EOS System, the EOS C500 Mark II is a compact and versatile 5.9K Full Frame camera. The EOS C500 Mark II’s impressive Full Frame sensor, developed and built by Canon, is powered by Canon’s new DIGIC DV 7 processor. Supporting 5.9K internal Cinema RAW Light and 4K 4:2:2 10bit XF-AVC recording, this camera enables professionals to creatively explore Full Frame, cinematic image. It is the first camera in the range with the ability to record 5.9K Cinema RAW Light onto new, faster storage media – CFexpress cards. Providing professionals with greater flexibility and efficiency, simultaneous recording of the same file format is also possible to dual CFexpress card slots.
 
The compact size of the camera provides cinematographers with unparalleled creative freedom. With its flexible, modular design, professionals can configure the camera with different expansion units to suit production requirements. The EOS C500 Mark II is the first Cinema EOS System camera to feature a user interchangeable lens-mount for EF Cinema Lock, and PL, giving professionals a wide variety of lens selection. It is also the first Cinema EOS System camera to support Electronic IS.
 
Breathtaking Full Frame image quality
 
Featuring Canon’s 5.9K Full Frame CMOS sensor, the EOS C500 Mark II provides a cinematic, immersive Full Frame look combined with Canon’s natural, smooth skin-tone and faithful colour reproduction. Thanks to the 5.9K sensor and the newly developed DIGIC DV 7 processor, the EOS C500 Mark II is an ideal choice for professionals looking to produce content in top quality 4K as it uses a high-quality debayering algorithm when over sampling 5.9K into 4K. This suppresses moiré and reduces noise, resulting in exceptional image quality. With its 15+ stop latitude with wide colour space, the EOS C500 Mark II is perfect for High Dynamic Range Productions. In addition to this, the camera is equipped with a built-in motorised Full Frame ND unit (2,4,6, 81 and 102 stops) making it possible to create images with a shallow depth of field – even in the daytime.
 
Efficient recording and workflow
 
The versatile multi-recording format ability of the EOS C500 Mark II provides workflow efficiency to fulfill production requirements. With Canon’s new DIGIC DV 7 image processor, the camera offers Cinema RAW Light internal recording with 5.9K resolution. Cinema RAW Light format has all the benefits of a RAW file in terms of flexibility in post-production yet allows the EOS C500 Mark II to record high quality files in a smaller file size.
 
In addition to the camera’s ability to record internally onto CFexpress cards in Canon XF-AVC format with 4K 4:2:2 10bit, simultaneous recording as well as proxy recording is possible. This provides professionals with ultimate flexibility, allowing them to choose a recording format suited to their filming and workflow needs. The camera features an advanced 12G-SDI interface which has four times higher transmission speeds compared to 3G-SDI. This 12G-SDI interface enables 4K 50/60p output with a single cable – simplifying 4K workflows. Additionally, the HDMI output allows for 4K 50/60p via a single cable.
 
Exceptional expandability and versatility for wide production requirements
 
Cinematographers can configure the camera using two different expansion units – the EU-V1 and EU-V2. Two viewfinders (EVF-V70 and EVF-V50) are also available as optional units. The ability to configure the camera with Expansion Units, along with its compactness and lightweight design, gives cinematographers greater shooting flexibility.
 
The expansion unit EU-V1 adds a Genlock/Sync BNC interface, Remote B interface for the optional RC-V100 Remote Controller, and an Ethernet interface for IP streaming or browser remote control operation. The EU-V2 expansion unit also includes these interfaces but adds a further two XLR inputs, as well as 12-pin Lens interface. In addition to this, it is equipped with a V-Lock battery mount with D-tap and 24V Power Output.
 
Stable filming with Electronic IS and Pioneering Auto Focus technology
 
The EOS C500 Mark II is the first camera to incorporate Electronic Image Stabilization in a Cinema EOS System, providing the camera with 5-axis Image Stabilization. When a lens that supports data transmission is attached, focal length data is automatically received. However, when used with a lens with no lens communication, Electronic IS is possible by manually inputting the focal length. In addition to this, Electronic IS is also compatible with anamorphic lenses.
 
As with other cameras in the range, the EOS C500 Mark II features Canon’s renowned Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus. Offering high-speed One-Push AF and continuous AF, professionals have the reassurance that footage will be focused. They can also benefit from smooth, intuitive touch focus operation with the new LCD monitor LM-V2, as well as the Dual Pixel Focus Guide which notifies professionals where the focus position is, whether it be in front or the back, helping accurate focus control. Additionally, the EOS C500 Mark II has Face Detection AF and Tracking AF, enabling focus control in a variety of filming situations. To further fine tune AF performance, the camera offers the ability to set the AF tracking speed and response.
 
Additional features for ultimate creative freedom
 
The EOS C500 Mark II supports user LUTs, allowing cinematographers to apply or customise their own LUTs. Loading them onto the camera for precise-look monitoring, cinematographers can also apply different LUTs for each terminal. With the added LUT button, professionals have greater operational flexibility. The EOS C500 Mark II also includes high frame rate recording up to 50/60 fps in 5.9K resolution with the Cinema RAW Light codec.
 
Also launching today is the DP-V3120 and CJ15ex4.3B which, along with the EOS C500 Mark II, will be on display, for the first time globally, on the Canon stand (Hall 12, Stand D60) at IBC 2019. The EOS C500 Mark II will be available from December.
 
Preorders
 
Preorder the Canon EOS C500 Mark II from B&H | Adorama

B&H has the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens available for $7,999.00 with free expedited shipping and 4% Rewards. Compare at $8,999.00.
 
Product Highlights
 

• EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/32
• Two Fluorite Elements
• Sub Wavelength Coating

B&H also has the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens reduced to $9,499.00.
 
OK with a used verssion of this lens? B&H has one for $8,073.95.

B&H has the Saramonic Blink Microphone System in stock with free shipping.
 
Product Highlights
 

• For Journalists, Vloggers, YouTubers
• Omni Lavalier Mic & Built-In Omni Mic
• Ultracompact Clip-On Transmitter
• Ultracompact Dual-Channel Receiver
• Connects to 3.5mm Input on Camera
• Easy to Use, Plug & Play Operation
• Adjustable Gain via Simple Buttons
• USB-Rechargeable 5-Hour Batteries
• 3.5mm Cables for Camera & Mobile Device
• 18 Systems at Once Max, up to 164' Range

Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the Axler Robin Pro 40 Stabilizer L available for $139.95 with free shipping. Regularly $399.95.
 
Product Highlights
 

• 15 lb Maximum Payload
• Two-Axis, Multi-Piece Counterweights
• Height-Adjustable Gimbal
• 2-Stage Center Column

See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals for excellent savings opportunities.

B&H is offering a $25.00 instant savings on the limited lifetime warranted Lexar 256GB Professional 1667x UHS-II SDXC Memory Card. These cards are typically priced at $94.00. Other capacity cards are also on sale, but the 256GB card has the most significant discount.
 
Note that this is a V60 card, indicating that the minimum write speeds, what you care about when photographing, are guaranteed not to drop below 60 MB/s. I've been watching for this card to go on sale. I've shared the deal with you and now I'm off to buy a few for myself.