Canon and Sony News for Jun 2013 (Page 4)

From Datacolor:

Creating extraordinary images may seem daunting. It’s important to choose the right combination of tools to bring your work to the next level. Combining Spyder products with onOne Software solutions will enable you to work confidently throughout your workflow. You'll have everything you need to solve the most common problems in digital photography, correct your color, maximize your creativity and realize your photographic vision.

Join us, Tuesday, June 18th from 2PM-3PM EDT, as Datacolor Experts David Saffir and C. David Tobie explore the tools and techniques necessary for having controlled focus and enhancing or limiting depth of field along with focus related issues related to color management.

Be sure to attend to hear our special partnership announcement!

An interactive Q&A will take place throughout the webinar to answer any questions you may have.

Webinar attendees will have the chance to win a free Spyder4PRO or onOne Software Perfect Photo Suite 7 and receive exclusive discount offers!

Title: Focus Control: Before, During, and After the Shot Co-sponsored by onOne Software
Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

Register here.

B&H carries Datacolor Products.

Microsoft has posted Camera Codec Pack 16.4.1899.0416 for download.

Download:

Windows Vista / Windows 7
Windows 8

The update includes support for the Canon EOS 6D, Rebel T4i and Nikon 1 V1, D600, and D5200 as well as many others. Check out the Windows 7 download link for a complete list of supported cameras.

From Lowepro:

Get the ultimate flexibility and fast access with the Transit AW series. The innovative UltraFlex™ fit system provides multiple ways to organize and protect your camera, laptop/tablet and personal gear via the central flex divider. Rotate from back to front for rapid access. Use the full-panel access to outfit with an attached long lens.

Premium features include: a dedicated tablet compartment with protective padding; patented, built-in All Weather AW Cover™; Hideaway Tripod Mount™; front stash pocket with key fob; stow-away stabilizing waist strap; and a padded, mesh-covered backpad.

The Lowepro Transit AW Series Features:

• UltraFlex™ fit system offers multiple ways to configure camera and personal gear
• Fast-access side opening allows rapid gear access when rotated from back to front
• Dedicated laptop/tablet compartment provides separate storage for a vital tech tool
• Hideaway Tripod Mount™ helps secure a compact tripod to the side
• Patented, built-in All Weather AW Cover™ offers protection from the elements

Transit Sling 250 AW
MSRP: $120.00

Transit Backpack 350 AW
MSRP: $149.00

B&H has the Lowepro Transit AW Series Bags in stock.

From Nikon:

Capture NX 2.4.3 Full Version

This software is offered to those who have purchased Capture NX 2. When this software is run, it may be necessary to enter the product key again to confirm ownership of a previous version of the software.

Modifications enabled in this version

Modifications that apply to both the Windows and Macintosh versions

• Information for lenses used with the Auto Distortion function under Camera & Lens Corrections in the Develop section has been updated.

Notes

• When this software is installed on a computer to which ViewNX 2 Ver. 2.2.3 or earlier has been installed, the Picture Control Utility cannot be launched from ViewNX 2. Please upgrade ViewNX 2 to Ver. 2.2.4 or later.
• RAW images saved with Thumbnail only selected for Embed Preview When Saving NEF/NRW in Capture NX 2 Preferences will appear grainy with display in and printing from ViewNX 2.
• If either Capture NX 2 or the Picture Control Utility (one or the other) is launched in 32-bit mode on a Macintosh computer, Capture NX 2 may freeze unexpectedly if Save as a new Custom Picture Control or Load Custom Picture Control Settings is selected from the Manage Picture Control menu in Capture NX 2.
• To use the software in 32-bit mode, be sure that both Capture NX 2 and the Picture Control Utility are running in 32-bit mode.

Download Capture NX 2.4.3: Windows | Macintosh

B&H carries CaptureNX 2.

ViewNX 2.7.6 Full Version

ViewNX 2 is an all-in-one image browsing and editing software application for both still images and movies. Nikon Transfer 2 is incorporated into ViewNX 2 for transferring images to a computer. Smoother collaboration with NIKON IMAGE SPACE, Nikon's image storage and sharing service, has also been achieved.

This is the full version of ViewNX 2.7.6 for Windows and Macintosh computers. If you are currently using ViewNX 2 this download will uninstall your existing version and then install version 2.7.6. This software supports all Nikon D-SLR cameras, Nikon 1, and all COOLPIX cameras with USB support..

Modifications enabled with Ver. 2.7.6

• Information for lenses used with the Auto Distortion function under File & Camera Information in the Metadata palette has been updated.
• The destination for the link when the NIKON IMAGE SPACE website is opened from the NIKON IMAGE SPACE area in the Browser palette has been updated from my Picturetown to NIKON IMAGE SPACE.

Notes

• 32-bit and 64-bit versions of ViewNX 2 and Windows Operating System compatibility
  The 64-bit version of ViewNX 2 Ver. 2.7.6 can be used with the following operating systems.
  - 64-bit versions of Windows 8
  - 64-bit versions of Windows 7
  - 64-bit versions of Windows Vista
  The 32-bit version of ViewNX 2 Ver. 2.7.6 can be used with the following operating systems.
  - 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 8
  - 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7
  - 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista
  - 32-bit versions of Windows XP
  Only the 32-bit version will run under a 32-bit operating system.
• When transferring files using Nikon Transfer 2:
  - Image transfer using Nikon Transfer 2 is not possible with the following cameras. Use a card reader to transfer images to a computer for storage.
  COOLPIX 910/900/600/300/100
  - Image transfer using Nikon Transfer 2 with the camera connected to the computer is not possible with the cameras indicated below. Use a card reader to transfer images.
  - D1, D1X, D1H
  - COOLPIX 990, 950, 880, 800, 700
• Restrictions on Nikon Movie Editor
  1. Movies up to 60 minutes in length can be edited with the Windows version; movies up to 30 minutes in length can be edited with the Macintosh version.
  2. The following restrictions on the number of movies and still images that can be added to the storyboard apply.
  Windows
  - A project containing up to 10 movies, or a total of 30 movies and still images, can be previewed and exported.
  - When a movie a few seconds in length with transition effects applied is added to the storyboard, the movie file may not be properly exported, even if it does not exceed restrictions on the number of movies and still images.
  Macintosh
  - A project containing 4 H.264 (1920 × 1080) movies and 2 still images can be previewed and exported. However, when H.264 movies recorded at 720p and lower are used, the number of movie files and still images that can be used in a project increases.
  - In addition, when only Motion JPEG (1080p) movies are used, a project containing up to 30 movies can be previewed and exported.
  3. Movies recorded at a setting of 1080/60i are handled as 1080/30p movies.
• NRW (RAW) images
  When images captured at a white balance setting of Auto and an image quality setting of NRW (RAW) are enhanced using ViewNX 2, the results achieved may differ from those achieved with in-camera NRW (RAW) processing.
• Ratings applied with a COOLPIX camera
  Ratings applied with a COOLPIX camera in playback mode are not reflected in ViewNX 2 or other applications that support ratings.
• H.264 movie playback under Macintosh
  Colours will appear lighter in movies played back on a computer running Macintosh.
• Display of MPO-format images shot in 3D
  MPO-format images shot in 3D can only be viewed with a viewer that supports 3D images.
• COOLPIX S550, S560, L20 and L19 Smile mode
  Scene mode information is not correctly displayed in the Metadata palette for images captured in Smile mode. However, all other operations function properly.
• Capture NX 2
  - When this software is installed on a computer to which Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.2.8 or earlier has been installed, the Picture Control Utility will be replaced with a version not supported by Capture NX 2, making it impossible to launch the Picture Control Utility from Capture NX 2. Please upgrade Capture NX 2 to Ver. 2.3.0 or later.
  - RAW images saved with Thumbnail only selected for Embed Preview When Saving NEF/NRW in Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.3.0 or later Preferences will appear grainy with display in and printing from ViewNX 2.
• Capture NX
  When this software is installed on a computer to which Capture NX has been installed, the Picture Control Utility will be replaced with a version not supported by Capture NX, making it impossible to launch the Picture Control Utility from Capture NX.
• Windows version of QuickTime Ver. 7.7 (32-bit version of ViewNX 2 only)
  In some rare cases, depending upon the system to which QuickTime Ver. 7.7 is installed, the following features may not function.
  - Slideshow
  - The Convert Motion Snapshot to Movie item in the File menu
  - Uploading of Motion Snapshot files to a Web service other than NIKON IMAGE SPACE using the Web Service item in the File menu
• Macintosh version’s Synchronize camera date and time to computer when camera is connected (supported cameras only)
  Camera date and time will not be synchronized with the computer’s, even when Synchronize camera date and time to computer when camera is connected (supported cameras only) in the Nikon Transfer 2 Preferences panel is checked, when Calendar is set to any option other than Gregorian in the Language & Text>Formats panel of the computer’s System Preferences.

Download ViewNX 2.7.6: Windows 32bit | Windows 64bit | Macintosh

After four years of trying, photographer Mike Olbinski finally accomplished is goal – photographing one of natures most beautiful and awesome events, a rotating supercell storm. The pieces finally fell into place near Booker, Texas on June 3.

Olbinski used a Canon 5D Mark II with a Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC lens to capture the dramatic timelapse.

Read more about Oblinski's supercell quest on his blog.

Do you know how many custom functions the Canon EOS 6D has? Want to compare that answer to the Rebel SL1's answer to the same question?

What is your DSLR's AF light level working range? And how does that value compare to the DSLR you have your eye on? What is the GN spec for your DSLR's built-in flash? What is the viewfinder coverage?

In addition to the site's popular Lens Specifications Tool, we have just added a Camera Specifications Tool that allows you to compare (side-by-side) well over 100 features and specifications from Canon DSLR cameras introduced over the past few years. Like the current lens spec tool, this tool is designed to be your go-to reference for answers to spec-related questions.

Check out our latest tool and then send feedback and suggestions our way via the site's Facebook page or via the Contact Us page.

Waukegan, IL - June 11, 2013 – Fotodiox, a leading manufacturer and distributor of photography and videography accessories and equipment, today announces a line of LED Fresnel lights for film, television, and studio photography work. The compact DY-200 LED Fresnel lights offer focusable, dimmable light that remains cool-to-the-touch while providing powerful light.

Available in 5600 Daylight and 3200 Tungsten color temperatures, the DY-200 and DY-200w LED Fresnel lights feature accurate flicker-free light, low power draw, simple cool-to-the-touch operation, and remote controlled power and focus. A separate ballast unit and an adjustable yoke mounts on either a floor stand or hangs from a lighting grid for many mounting options.

“Until now, photographers and videographers often shoot under hot lights in order to get the powerful light they need, creating uncomfortable working conditions,” said Drew Strickland, vice president of Fotodiox. “LED lighting gives users a cool option that still emits powerful light and the DY-200 LED Fresnel lights provide even more control for professionals to get the exact effect wanted.”

The Fotodiox DY-200 LED Fresnel lights feature on-board controls which offer a full range of light levels, as well as control over the motorized focus to create a wide floodlight or a powerful spotlight. The light’s intensity and focus can be adjusted in one of three ways: ballast control box with an integrated LED display, a wireless remote, or by connecting it to any DMX-compatible lighting control system.

Other features include:

• Daylight 5600 ± 300, Color Index Rating > 85
• Tungsten 3200 ± 200, Color Index Rating > 85
• 9,100 – 60,000 Lux/m Luminance
• Dimmable: 0-100% Power Output
• Focusable Beam Spread of 12 – 75 degrees
• Removable collapsible Barndoor with Gel Holder Clips
• U-Shape Light Stand and Hanging Bracket
• Included fan is whisper silent and flicker free

The DY-200 and DY-200w Fresnel lights include either the Daylight or Tungsten light unit, power supply ballast with cables, DMX cables, handheld wireless remote control and safety cable wire. The lights are available now for $1,199.95 at Amazon (DY-200 Daylight / DY-200w Tungsten).

Nikon has published firmware updates for the Nikon 1 J1, J2, J3, V1 and S1 mirrorless cameras in addition to a firmware update for the Mount Adapter FT1.

Nikon 1 J1

This service provides software for upgrading Nikon 1 J1 firmware to A:1.30 / B:1.30.

Modifications enabled with this firmware upgrade

• Support for AF-C (Continuous AF) focus mode when the Mount Adapter FT1 is used with AF-S lenses has been added.
• To use this function, the Mount Adapter FT1 firmware must be version 1.10, which supports this function.
• Support for the 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2, equipped with a focusing ring, has been added.
• The following changes to playback zoom for images captured in MF (manual focus) focus mode have been applied.

• 1× magnification has been added.
• The amount of time allowed to pass before normal display is restored when no operations are performed after playback zoom is applied has been reduced.

• When shooting in Electronic (Hi) release mode at 10 fps using the Mount Adapter FT1, the shutter speed displayed with a half press of the shutter-release button and that displayed when the shutter-release button was fully pressed differed. This issue has been resolved.

Download: Windows | Macintosh

Nikon 1 J2

This service provides software for upgrading Nikon 1 J2 firmware to A:1.10 / B:1.10.

Modifications enabled with this firmware upgrade

• Support for AF-C (Continuous AF) focus mode when the Mount Adapter FT1 is used with AF-S lenses has been added.
• To use this function, the Mount Adapter FT1 firmware must be version 1.10, which supports this function.
• Support for the 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2, equipped with a focusing ring, has been added.
• The following changes to playback zoom for images captured in MF (manual focus) focus mode have been applied.

• 1× magnification has been added.
• The amount of time allowed to pass before normal display is restored when no operations are performed after playback zoom is applied has been reduced.

Nikon 1 J3

This service provides software for upgrading Nikon 1 J3 firmware to A:1.10 / B:1.10.

Modifications enabled with this firmware upgrade

• Support for AF-C (Continuous AF) focus mode when the Mount Adapter FT1 is used with AF-S lenses has been added.
• To use this function, the Mount Adapter FT1 must be firmware version 1.10, which supports this function.
• Support for the 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2, equipped with a focusing ring, has been added.
• 1× magnification has been added to playback zoom ratios for images captured in MF (manual focus) focus mode.

Download: Windows | Macintosh

Nikon 1 V1

This service provides software for upgrading Nikon 1 V1 firmware to A:1.30 / B:1.30.

Modifications enabled with this firmware upgrade

• Support for AF-C (Continuous AF) focus mode when the Mount Adapter FT1 is used with AF-S lenses has been added.
• To use this function, the Mount Adapter FT1 firmware must be version 1.10, which supports this function.
• Support for the 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2, equipped with a focusing ring, has been added.
• The following changes to playback zoom for images captured in MF (manual focus) focus mode have been applied.

• 1× magnification has been added.
• The amount of time allowed to pass before normal display is restored when no operations are performed after playback zoom is applied has been reduced.

• When shooting in Electronic (Hi) release mode at 10 fps using the Mount Adapter FT1, the shutter speed displayed with a half press of the shutter-release button and that displayed when the shutter-release button was fully pressed differed. This issue has been resolved.
• The precision of time synchronization when the GPS Unit GP-N100 is attached to the camera and the Use GPS to set clock option is set to Yes has been increased. However, errors in time synchronization using GPS cannot be completely eliminated. Please update GP-N100 firmware to Ver. 1.02 , which supports this improvement.

Download: Windows | Macintosh

Nikon 1 S1

This service provides software for upgrading Nikon 1 S1 firmware to A:1.10 / B:1.10.

Modifications enabled with this firmware upgrade

• Support for AF-C (Continuous AF) focus mode when the Mount Adapter FT1 is used with AF-S lenses has been added.
  To use this function, the Mount Adapter FT1 must be Ver. 1.10, which supports this function.
• Support for the 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2, equipped with a focusing ring, has been added.
• 1× magnification has been added to playback zoom ratios for images captured in MF (manual focus) focus mode.

Download: Windows | Macintosh

Mount Adapter FT1

This service provides software for upgrading Mount Adapter FT1 firmware to 1.10.

IMPORTANT: To update 1 NIKKOR lens or Mount Adapter firmware using the Nikon 1 V2, please be sure to update Nikon 1 V2 firmware to A: and B: 1.10 or later FIRST. Do Not use a Nikon 1 V2 with A: and B: 1.00 firmware to update a 1NIKKOR lens or the Mount Adapter FT1 as they will not be accurately upgraded and doing so may prevent their use. If you have already upgraded either a 1 NIKKOR lens or the Mount Adapter FT1 using a Nikon 1 V2 firmware version 1.00, then please consult the Nikon Service Department.

Modifications enabled with this firmware upgrade

• Support for AF-C (Continuous AF) focus mode when the Mount Adapter FT1 is used with AF-S lenses has been added.
• Camera firmware versions that support this function are as follows.
• When updating both the camera and FT1's firmware, be sure to update the camera's firmware before updating the FT1 firmware.

• Nikon 1 V2 A/B firmware Ver. 1.10
• Nikon 1 V1 A/B firmware Ver. 1.30
• Nikon 1 J3 A/B firmware Ver. 1.10
• Nikon 1 J2 A/B firmware Ver. 1.10
• Nikon 1 J1 A/B firmware Ver. 1.30
• Nikon 1 S1 A/B firmware Ver. 1.10

Download: Windows | Macintosh

FT1 Firmware Update Instructions: English | Spanish

B&H carries Nikon 1 Mirrorless Cameras and the FT1 Mount Adapter.

Here's a simple, yet brilliant tool for organizing a crowded camera bag - LenzBuddy Caps.

While the LenzBuddy body caps are more novel than [in my opinion] terribly useful (but who doesn't like bling?), I can see where their lens end caps could help you easily distinguish which lens is in which pocket at a glance.

Of course, a roll of duct tape and a magic marker could accomplish the same thing, but it wouldn't look nearly as nice. ;-)

You can cross bad image quality off of your list of potential reasons to not get the new Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Ext 1.4x Lens. Because this lens totally rocks in that regard. Image quality results from the 200-400mm f/4L IS Lens are now available on the site. These are among the best results I've ever seen from a zoom lens - or from any lens.

I'll let you decide if the 200-400 L bests the previous zoom lens image quality title holder, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens. Here is the 200mm comparison (use the mouseover or toggle buttons feature). Note that you are going to see some distortion differences in these results as the 70-200 is at its longest focal length and the 200-400 is set to its widest focal length. Also note that the 70-200 has a 1-stop wider aperture in this comparison. I'll let you decide if they would be more-fairly compared at equivalent (f/4) apertures (you can change the comparison tool settings if you vote this way).

There are some things you need to know about the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Ext 1.4x Lens image quality test results. The built-in extender with external extender compatibility complicates complete image quality presentation of this lens in our tool. So, here is what we are showing.

The first tested copy of this lens (we have two right now) is presented as two lens samples – sample "1" and "2". Sample "1" is tested at all focal lengths (including those with extenders) with the built-in extender switch set to 1.0x (not being used) with the only exception being the first of the two 560mm focal length tests – the one that indicates "1.4x Extender Int". Sample "2" results were all captured with the built-in extender in place – the switch was set to 1.4x with no exceptions. Sample "2" results showing one of the "III" extenders in use also had the built-in 1.4x in use. You will notice the ultra-high focal lengths in these results.

Here are some interesting comparisons that can be made:

Compare the image quality of the 200-400mm L lens at various focal lengths with and without the built-in extender in place by comparing lens sample "1" to lens sample "2". The with-extender image quality is really good, but there is a modest image quality penalty for using the extender. This is not unexpected from adding 8/4 elements/groups to the light path. Stop down 1 stop to eliminate most of that penalty.

Compare the image quality of the 200-400mm L lens' built in 1.4x extender to the external Canon 1.4x III Extender. The first difference I notice is that the internal extender appears to add pincushion distortion while the external extender adds a touch of barrel distortion. This difference is what would account for the difference in test chart detail sizes. Otherwise, I don't think you will see a difference in image quality between these two extenders used on this lens.

While extended focal lengths up to 1120mm are supported with Canon's blessings, I doubt that many will want to go to this extreme.

From Adobe:

Camera Raw 8.1 is now available as a final release through the update mechanism in Photoshop CS6. This release provides support for HiDPI capable displays, new camera and lens support and address bugs that were introduced in previous versions of Camera Raw. Customers of previous versions of Photoshop can utilize DNG Converter 8.1 to receive raw file support for newly added cameras.

Photoshop CS6 customers traditionally have received camera updates through Camera Raw 7.x releases. This is the first time that we are providing camera support through a version of the camera raw plug-in that is a whole version number greater than the version of Camera Raw that shipped with a specific version of Photoshop. (Photoshop CS6 shipped with ACR7 and now we’re providing support to CS6 with ACR8.) As mentioned here, this change allows us to be consistent with our past policy of providing raw support for currently shipping products. However, when ACR8 is hosted by Photoshop CS6, it will not offer any of the new features described in Photoshop CC marketing materials for ACR8.

Bugs Corrected in Camera Raw 8.1

• Occasionally the Fill Light adjustment introduced artifacts. This only occurred when processing an image using the PV2010 process version.
• When using the Red Eye removal tool, setting red eye darken to 100% would lighten the adjustment instead of darkening it.
• Reduced the default amount of sharpening applied to images taken with the Fuji X100s camera.

New Camera Support in the Camera Raw 8.1

• Hasselblad H5D-60
• Olympus PEN E-P5
• Olympus PEN E-PL6
• Phase One IQ260*
• Ricoh GR
• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6
• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LF1

* denotes preliminary support

Download Links

Camera Raw 8.1 – Please use the update mechanism in Photoshop CS6

DNG Converter 8.1 – Mac | PC

B&H carries Adobe Photoshop CS6.

From Adobe:

Powerful New Features Advance Photography Workflows

SAN JOSE, Calif. — June 10, 2013 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the availability of Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 5 for Mac OS® and Windows®. The product is available as an individual license or as part of Adobe Creative Cloud™. Designed for both photography enthusiasts and professionals alike, Lightroom 5 adds critical photo editing capabilities and creates groundbreaking workflows. Lightroom 5 was initially released as a free, public beta in April 2013.

“Lightroom was originally conceived through the requests of Adobe customers, and this feedback continues to drive each new iteration,” said Winston Hendrickson, vice president of products, Creative Media Solutions, Adobe. “As the digital photography landscape advances and evolves, Lightroom is the best solution for photographers and passionate hobbyists who want to get the most out of their digital images.”

New Features in Lightroom 5

Lightroom 5 adds powerful new editing tools to help photographers create better images faster. The Advanced Healing Brush enables customers to fix irregularly shaped imperfections such as dust spots, splotches, and other distractions with the precision and flexibility of a fine brush. The Upright tool analyzes each image to automatically straighten objects such as buildings and level horizons. Radial Gradients offer customers the control to make photo subjects stand out by applying off-center and multiple vignettes in a single image.

Lightroom 5 also brings extended sharing and publishing capabilities. New video slideshows enable customers to combine still images, video clips and music in a creative HD slideshow that can be viewed on almost any device. Updates to the Book module bring the ability to create, personalize and print elegant photo books from a variety of tailored, easy-to-use templates, as well as create customer-specific templates.

Smart Previews, new in Lightroom 5, enable photographers to make edits to their images offline, without bringing their entire library of original files with them. Edits and metadata changes to Smart Preview files are automatically applied to the original images when they are reconnected.

Pricing and Availability

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 is available now for immediate download for Adobe Creative Cloud members. Standalone software is available at Adobe.com and participating retailers for US$149 or US$79 for upgrades. For more detailed information about product features, upgrade policies, pricing and language versions, please visit www.adobe.com/go/lightroom.

B&H has Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 available for pre-order.

This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending June 8th, 2013

In the news...

On Monday, Eye-Fi announced its new Mobi card. The Mobi card allows images taken with a digital camera to be instantly available on a smartphone or tablet using Eye-Fi’s free mobile app.

On Tuesday, we announced the availability of Sigma’s USB Dock for EF mount lenses. We have one in-house and have already used it to update the firmware on a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 using Sigma’s Optimization Pro software. So far, everything has worked just as expected.

On Thursday, Canon announced the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens. The new wide-angle lens becomes only the third EF-M lens to be added to Canon’s mirrorless lineup, the others, of course, being the 18-55 and 22mm STM lenses.

Along with the announcement of the 11-22mm lens, Canon also announced an upcoming firmware update for the EOS-M Mirrorless camera. The new firmware update, expected at the end of this month, is purported to more than double autofocus performance.

In site news and reviews...

On Monday, Bryan posted his full review of the Samyang 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift Lens. Overall, Bryan was dissatisfied with the lens’s image quality performance compared to its Canon counterpart which is sharper wide open than the Samyang is at any aperture. Read Bryan’s full review for more information.

On Friday, Bryan published the Spring 2013 Canon Big White L Lens Family Picture. Just a word of caution – staring at this image too long may result in an increased investment in “L” glass. Beautiful, aren’t they?

In other news, we received two Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lenses this week. So far, the results have been very impressive. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.

And, for our deal of the week…

On Saturday, we posted a deal from Adorama where you could get a Nikon D90 DSLR Camera Kit for only $599.00 with free shipping and 2% rewards. That’s a $350.00 off the normal going rate. [Note: Deal has expired.]

This has been the The-Digital-Picture.com’s Weekend Recap. Thanks for listening, and as always, happy shooting!

With the new arrival now home, the Canon Big White L Lenses just had to have their spring 2013 family picture created (download larger images below).

Featured in these pictures, from left to right, are the following lenses:

Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM Lens
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens
Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Ext 1.4x Lens
Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens
Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens

Download Larger Images

Download larger images for your wallpaper, physical wall – or just to get a closer look (grab a tissue to catch the drool):

No Hood | Hood

From Lensbaby:

Those watching the anticipated “Much Ado About Nothing,” out in theatres today, will see the magic of Lensbaby at work

Portland, OR - June 7, 2013 – Lensbaby, creator of award-winning Creative Effects SLR, mirrorless and PL mount camera lenses, is extremely excited to announce that its products were used to captivate audiences in the film “Much Ado About Nothing,” directed by the renowned Joss Whedon.

Shot in just 12 days, this new film puts a contemporary spin on Shakespeare’s classic comedy “Much Ado About Nothing.” The Director of Photography on “Much Ado About Nothing,” Jay Hunter, recently sat down with Lensbaby and gave some insight into how and why he used Lensbaby lenses during filming.

"We shot the flashback scenes on a Canon 7D with a Lensbaby Composer with Double Glass. I really love how the Lensbaby sends you into an abstract world, by defocusing and warping the frame while leaving other portions of the frame sharp. It helps directs your eye to certain moments, but also creates a dream state right out of the box," explained Hunter.

"The first time we used Lensbaby was in a flashback scene. I framed it up and told [director Joss Whedon] we could use a straight lens if the Lensbaby didn't work for him. However, Joss looked at it and said it was perfect — it just clicked for him. There was no discussion after that; it just became the way we were going to shoot all of the flashbacks in the film. There’s just something organic about doing things in camera, the way all of the elements come together. You get this end product that is so much more satisfying and higher quality in the end than spending a ton of time and money trying to replicate it in post-production."

See the “Much Ado About Nothing” trailer.

B&H carries Lensbaby products.