From Reikan:
Reikan has released a major update to its automated focus calibration and testing software FoCal for both Nikon and Canon cameras.
FoCal 2020 includes the unique ability for users to compare lens calibration and focus test results directly with results from other FoCal users around the world, helping to answer the age old question, "Is my camera/lens a good copy?".
New features in FoCal 2020 include "Calibration Check", a rapid test to quickly determine whether a particular camera/lens combination would benefit from lens calibration and "MultiTest". The MultiTest function is the most comprehensive way to test lens calibration available across the entire aperture range. Looking at all apertures means FoCal is able to calculate the ideal focus adjustment not just when the lens is 'wide open' but also what happens across the most commonly used apertures.
Get Reikan FoCal at B&H.
Already in stock: The affordable DJI Mini 2. From DJI:
Meet DJI Mini 2, The Ultra-Light, Feature-Packed, Easy-To-Fly Drone You’ve Been Waiting For
Weighing Under 249 Grams, DJI Mini 2 Now Has State-Of-The-Art OcuSync Transmission, Robust Motors, and a 4K Camera
November 4, 2020 – Today, DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, launched DJI Mini 2, a high-performance camera drone that packs impressive new features into a small, portable design in the safest drone category weighing less than 249 grams. The successor to DJI’s original Mavic Mini, DJI Mini 2 is easy to fly, with improved imaging capabilities, powerful flight performance, and significantly enhanced transmission technology for longer and more reliable connection. Intelligent, pre-programmed modes have been optimized so that you can capture eye-catching footage with just a few taps while beginner tutorials and learning tools help get new pilots up to speed on how to fly this fun new drone. Supported with a wide array of fun, safe, and creative accessories, DJI Mini 2 users can make the system their own with personalized items or show it off with the illuminated display case.
“Mavic Mini was a monumental breakthrough for DJI and for drone pilots across the world, as its unprecedented combination of weight, safety, performance, and overall value became the entry point for countless new drone pilots and fans,” said DJI President, Roger Luo. “DJI Mini 2 enhances those key aspects, packing larger drone performance in an approachable, small design in the safest drone category that is perfect for beginners and will also impress more experienced pilots.”
Mini Design, Impressive Results
Just like the original Mavic Mini, DJI Mini 2 features the iconic folding design that makes traveling with a drone incredibly easy. The lightweight system adds minimal weight to your bag and can easily be brought with you in case the opportunity to fly arises. Small yet mighty, DJI Mini 2 has impressive upgrades to vital flight performance features compared to the original version. OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology has now been incorporated. OcuSync 2.0 is DJI’s world-renowned transmission technology responsible for ensuring stable, long distance, and reliable connection between the remote controller and the drone. Dual-frequency technology automatically switches between channels to help against interference. DJI Mini 2 has a maximum transmission range of 10 km1, which is a 150% increase in transmission range when compared to the original Mavic Mini. Upgraded motors provide 31 minutes of flight time, faster acceleration and speed, along with the ability to withstand winds up to 24mph.
Surprisingly Easy to Fly, Reassuringly Safe
DJI Mini 2 was made to be fun to fly, simple to operate, and safe for everyday use, whether that is daily life or an exciting adventure. A live feed from the drone’s camera is sent to your mobile phone so that you can see exactly where Mini 2 is and what it sees. Simplified buttons and functions keep things streamlined and easy to understand compared to more advanced drones. Like all DJI drones, high-grade positioning and vision sensors help Mini 2 hover precisely in place. GPS keeps track of where the drone is while the vision sensors on the bottom map out the ground below it and assist automated landing. DJI drones are renowned for their safety features so that both new and experienced pilots can enjoy the flying experience. Some of these features include GEO fencing, which keeps drones out of sensitive areas like airports, Return to Home, a feature that can be activated so the drone returns to the pilot, and Altitude Lock, an adjustable limit on how high the drone can go. Together, these modes and features make DJI Mini 2 not only a thrill to fly but safe for all skill levels.
Vivid Photos, Steady Video Footage All At Your Finger Tips
Capture those moments in detail with the help of the 1/2.3-inch sensor capable of recording 12-megapixel images and a maximum video resolution of 4K/30fps @100 Mbps. Additionally, images can be saved in standard JPEG as well as RAW for advanced users who want to edit footage further. Shake-free, smooth footage is possible because of the class-leading 3-axis gimbal, which compensates for drone movement, wind, and more. While recording in 1080p resolution, pilots can get closer to their subject without actually having to move the drone thanks to the 4X Zoom (2X lossless in quality) option. Pre-programmed intelligent modes mean the drone does the hard work of capturing beautiful footage with set movements and imaging features. Make your content stand out with just a tap thanks to these pre-set modes including:
Easy To Create, Easier To Share With The World
Sharing is caring, and the DJI Fly app and DJI Mini 2 have a ton of enhancements that make sharing immediately on social media easy and intuitive. Now, your cell phone can connect directly to the drone without the remote controller, and after capturing that shareable footage, download images at a high-speed rate of 20 MB/s once landed safely. Once the images are downloaded to your phone, apply your own edits with the dedicated editing tools in the DJI Fly app or use the new Enhanced Photo option, which applies edits automatically to make it pop. Video footage can take up a lot of space so now, pilots can choose to trim it before downloading using Trimmed Download. DJI Mini 2 is not only simple to fly and fun to operate, the footage you record with it can be shared with all your followers in a matter of seconds.
Add-Ons To Make DJI Mini 2 Your Own
New and updated accessories for DJI Mini 2 help get the most out of its size. These accessories include:
DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh is now available for DJI Mini 2. For an additional charge, DJI Care Refresh offers comprehensive coverage as well as up to two replacement units within one year. The 2-year plan provides 3 replacement units in 2 years and extends the original warranty period by one more year. Receive your replacement even sooner with DJI Care Refresh Express. DJI Care Refresh also includes VIP after-sales support, and free two-way shipping.
Price and Availability
DJI Mini 2 is available for purchase today from authorized retail partners. DJI Mini can be purchased in two options. The standard package includes DJI Mini 2, remote controller and one battery for the retail price of $449. The Fly More Combo is also available, which includes three batteries, charging hub, DJI Mini 2, a carrying case and remote controller for the retail price of $599.
In Stock – Order Now!
B&H and Adorama have the DJI Mini 2 in stock!
Learn more at B&H Explora.
Somewhat off-topic, but interesting nonetheless — from Canon USA:
NEW INDUSTRIAL MACHINE VISION CAMERAS FROM CANON UTILIZE NEXT-GEN 19 MICRON SENSOR TECHNOLOGY FOR COLOR LOW-LIGHT IMAGE CAPTURE
Industrial and Modular Camera Design Offers Choice of Lens Mounts and Video Output
MELVILLE N.Y., November 4, 2020 — Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced the Company’s next generation of multi-purpose cameras, the ML-100, and the ML-105 , which deliver amazingly high sensitivity to capture Full HD Color video with a minimum subject illumination of less than 0.0005 lux (at maximum 75 dB gain setting, equivalent to an ISO sensitivity of over 4,500,000). With the ability to capture color low-light images, these multi-purpose cameras can be utilized in industrial system design, where seeing color images is critical during day and night.
Canon’s new series of multi-purpose industrial machine vision cameras employ a next-generation 19um, 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor. The modular design of the cameras allows implementation and integration into industrial machine vision environments.
The ML series is available in two models with two different lens mounts and two video output configurations to choose from, for a total of four camera options. The ML-100 camera features a CoaXpress terminal, which allows for the transmission of video, camera-control data and power on a single coaxial cable, ideal for use in industrial systems. The CoaXpress terminal produces 12-bit RAW data output at up to 73 fps and allows for more flexibility during processing. The ML-100 features approximately 2.74 million pixels of maximum video output and supports Region of Interest, which can improve frame rate output up to 164 fps at 720p resolution. The ML-105 camera features a 3G/HD-SDI video terminal and can be suited for standard video environments where Canon image processing, including YCC 4:2:2 10-bit output, is required. The ML-105 features the Canon DIGIC DV4 Image Processor, capable of delivering Full HD resolution at 60fps. Both cameras can be ordered with either an EF or M58 mount for total system design flexibility.
The EF mount gives customers the ability to choose from Canon’s still and cinema lens lineup, while the M58 offers lens customization and design choice to the user.
The M58 mount version of the Canon ML-100 multi-purpose camera is scheduled to be available at the end of December 2020. The other three models are scheduled to be available in April 2021
The Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens and Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens pages have product images, preorder links, and specifications now included. The full reviews will, of course, come when the lenses arrive.
The mockup image shared with this post shows the RF 70-200mm F4 L IS next to the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens. Like its sibling, the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens, the F4 lens has a retracting design, enabling it to have a significantly more compact size. The RF F4 will be much easier to include in the case than the EF variant. Also like the RF F2.8 lens, the RF F4 lens is not compatible with Canon RF Extenders. Unlike the RF F2.8 lens, a tripod mount ring is not available. Expect overall performance of the RF 70-200 F4 to be impressive – Canon told us to expect extremely high image quality. B&H expects this lens to be available on Dec 11th.
Here is the specifications comparison between those lenses:
Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens compared to Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens
Below is the RF 50mm F1.8 STM compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens.
Not much changed from a size standpoint (without an adapter factored in), but the RF 50 utilizes a new optical design. Note that this STM AF system will not be completely silent, similar to other RF STM AF systems such as that in the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens. B&H expects this lens to be available on Dec 4th.
Here is the specifications comparison between these two lenses:
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens compared to Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
Orders
Order the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX
Order the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX
Order the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Printer from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX
Two more highly attractive RF lenses and a significantly upgraded printer from Canon:
CANON ADDS TWO RF LENSES AND PIXMA PRO PRINTER IDEAL FOR THE ENTHUSIAST PHOTOGRAPHER
MELVILLE, N.Y., November 3, 2020 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to introduce the compact and lightweight RF70-200mm F4 L IS USM and the RF50mm F1.8 STM, two completely re-designed RF mount lenses with bloodlines to immensely popular EF models that feature new lens formulas and enhanced elements. Canon is also introducing the PIXMA PRO-200 printer, which is ideal for photography students and graphic designers.
“As Canon began to further build out the company’s RF lens portfolio, the goal in mind was to create advanced lenses, for a variety of experience levels, that also featured a sense of familiarity for longtime Canon users,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice president and general manager of Canon U.S.A.’s Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “Canon prides itself on being able to uniquely offer both input and output solutions to our customers. We are equally excited to see the images captured with the new lenses, and the prints that are to be created with the new PIXMA PRO-200 printer.”
Canon RF70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens
The Canon RF70-200mm F4 L IS USM lens is ideal for photography enthusiasts ranging from advanced amateur to professional skill levels. The compact and lightweight nature of the lens makes it Canon’s shortest and lightest 70-200mm F4 zoom lens to date. This RF lens is approximately 32 percent shorter and 11 percent lighter than its EF counterpart with a large portion of the lens element arrangement closer to the camera body. This arrangement is designed to provide photographers with a more balanced feel and experience even at the zoom range’s telephoto end. Additionally, the shorter and lighter design allows the lens to more easily be stowed away in a camera bag when not in use.
The RF70-200mm F4 L IS USM features two independent Nano USM motors, providing an even greater level of high-speed autofocus for still image shooting as well as quiet and smooth autofocus for video shooting. The lens also incorporates a floating focus control that drives the two lens groups individually while using the two aforementioned Nano USM motors. The floating focus lens element shortens the focusing distance and helps reduce breathing, providing users with fast, consistent and reliable performance.
Additional Features of The Canon RF70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens Include:
Creatives love using a 50mm lens because that focal length is similar to the natural viewpoint of the human field of vision. This perspective allows for the lens to be used in a wide variety of shooting situations, including portraits, landscapes and food photography. What’s more, Canon 50mm f/1.8 lenses have long been a popular tool for both photographers and creators due to their budget-friendly price point, extremely compact and lightweight form factor, and versatility.
The tradition continues with the RF50mm F1.8 STM that, in many ways, is improved over its EF counterpart. The first visually noticeable improvement is the customizable control ring that has become synonymous with RF lenses. The control ring allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture, or ISO and with a flip of the side switch can adjust focus. The inclusion of a PMo aspherical lens helps to reduce chromatic aberration and provides high-image quality even at the periphery of the image. Additionally, the combination of the lens shape and Super Spectra Coating (SSC) helps to minimize ghosting and flaring.
Additional Features of The Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens Include:
Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Printer
Continuing a long history of high-quality input to output digital imaging equipment, the PIXMA PRO-200 printer is 15% smaller than its predecessor, the PIXMA PRO-100. With the ability to print up to 13 inches x 19 inches and featuring improved ChromaLife 100+ dye-based ink, the latest PRO printer helps to create prints that are more representative of the original digital file. A helpful tool of the trade for photographers who print work for themselves and graphic artists or photography students working on their portfolios from their homes, the PIXMA PRO-200 printer also features:
Pricing and Availability
The Canon RF70-200mm F4 L IS USM, and RF50mm F1.8 STM lenses are scheduled to be available in early and mid-December 2020 for a suggested retail price of $1,599.00 and $199.99, respectively*.
The PIXMA PRO-200 printer is scheduled to be available later in November for a suggested retail price of $599.99*.
Orders
Order the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX
Order the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX
Order the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Printer from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX
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* Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
i Based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standards. Testing performed at a focal length of 200mm using the EOS R camera.
ii Based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standards. Testing performed at a focal length of 200mm using the EOS R5 camera.
iii Based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standards. Testing performed at a focal length of 50mm using the EOS R5 camera.
Do adapted EF lenses work well with the Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6? Yes! Adapted EF lenses will continue working as well on a Canon EOS R-series camera as they always did on your favorite DSLR. With the improved AF performance of the latest mirrorless models, you might find your EF lenses performing even better than before. A significant EF lens kit should not be a hindrance to a mirrorless migration.
I love clean wildlife portraits with beautiful frame-filling subjects. Our workshop crew referred to this bull elk as "Incredibull". For 2020, this elk was sporting a huge, symmetrical 6x6 rack – easily one of the best-looking racks I've seen. I look forward to seeing what 2021 brings for this beast.
The soft portrait lighting seen here is courtesy of a lenticular cloud hovering over the meadow. With the edge of the cloud covering the sun, soft, bright light was provided for most of the over 7 hours I spent with this bull and his cows.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.