Canon, Nikon and Sony News for Feb 2014 (Page 4) Report News & Deals  ►

Commercial photographer Thorsten Ott has created a six part video series explaining the use of various modifiers for indoor and outdoor portraiture.
 
If you're just getting into portrait lighting, this will be an especially good introduction into various lighting tools and techniques.

• Part 1 Intro & Lighting Modifiers Explained
• Part 2 Technical Briefs Primer
• Part 3 Studio & Indoor Portrait Lighting Techniques
• Part 4 Outdoor Portrait Lighting Techniques
• Part 5 Studio & Location Fashion Lighting Techniques
• Part 6 Studio & Location Glamour Lighting Techniques

B&H has the Sigma 24-105mm F/4 DG OS HSM Lens for Nikon in stock.

Canon Europe has published an interesting, informative & graphically illustrated brochure entitled "Story of the PowerShot G1 X Mark II Development" (6.43MB). (thanks Niklas)

 
From the Flickr blog:
 
It’s a real ‘modern-day’ love story: Boy takes a photo and posts it online. Girl randomly finds it and comments on the photo. They talk, meet and fall in love. Four years later, boy asks girl to marry him. And it all happened thanks to Flickr.

 
A little more than a year ago, Sigma gave us our first glimpse of their Aizu Manufacturing Facility.
 
This time, they bring us the appropriately titled, "Sigma Aizu, Chaper II."

Canon Japan has posted the official sample pictures and a video taken with the Rebel T5 / 1200D.
 
B&H has the Canon EOS Rebel T5 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens available for preorder.

Canon Japan has posted sample images from the newly announced PowerShot G1 X Mark II.
 
B&H has the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II available for preorder.

From SanDisk:
 
SanDisk Extreme PRO SDHC/SDXC UHS-II Memory Card Provides the Fastest Memory Card Shot Speed and the Highest Video Performance Available
 
ILPITAS, Calif., Feb. 12, 2014 — SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), a global leader in flash storage solutions, today announced the SanDisk Extreme PRO SDHC/SDXC UHS-II card. It is the world’s fastest SD memory card, and is based on the latest high performance SD specification. The new SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II card offers up to 250MB/s write speeds for continuous burst mode shooting and transfer speeds of up to 280MB/s for maximum workflow efficiency. The SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II card is UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) enabled, a new specification allowing for high-quality 4K video recording.
 
“Camera manufacturers are rapidly introducing camera models for both consumers and professionals that are capable of higher burst rates and 4K video capture. Accordingly, memory card technology must move at a similar pace to provide users with the substantial performance required to take full advantage of these features,” said Christopher Chute, research director, Worldwide Digital Imaging, IDC. “The higher levels of performance delivered by the new SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II card will help ensure that photographers, videographers and filmmakers are able to take advantage of the full capabilities of new professional-grade cameras.”
 
Optimized for the next generation of high-end DSLRs and pro video cameras that support the UHS-II standard, the SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II card delivers the uncompromising results that professional photographers demand. Fast write speeds of up to 250MB/s allows users to take high-resolution images, such as RAW and JPEG, in succession. In addition to industry-leading read and write speeds, the card offers the highest video performance available for sustained video capture of 30MB/s (U3), allowing capture of cinema-quality 4K, 3D and Full HD videos.
 
“The new SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II card shatters the existing barrier of UHS-I limitations, delivering speeds up to three times faster than current cards,” said Susan Park, director, product marketing, SanDisk. “As leaders in the flash storage industry, our goal is to deliver the fastest memory cards on the market, enabling next generation cameras to take advantage of new levels of performance. This is another example of our legacy of innovation and technology leadership in the digital imaging and video industries.”
 
“FUJIFILM has announced the world’s first UHS-II compatible digital camera, the X-T1,” said Toshihisa Iida, senior manager, Optical Device and Electronic Imaging Products Division, FUJIFILM Corporation. “The performance delivered by the new SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II card will ensure that photographers can take full advantage of the FUJIFILM X-T1, which provides an advanced photographic experience including the highest-standard image quality, as well as fast shooting speed and response.”
 
SanDisk Extreme PRO memory cards are tested for durability under extreme temperature conditions and backed by a lifetime limited warranty. The cards also include a one-year downloadable offer for RescuePRO Deluxe media recovery software, which helps photographers recover their images in case of accidental deletion.
 
SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II Card Reader/Writer
SanDisk is also announcing the SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II Card Reader/Writer, the world’s first SDHC/SDXC UHS-II memory card reader/writer, designed to increase workflow efficiency. Small enough for fieldwork, the compact reader is built to handle the high-performance demands of UHS-II card technology. This reader/writer features a USB 3.0 interface, which is capable of transferring card content up to 500MB/s, 10 times faster than a USB 2.0 interface.
 
Pricing and Availability
SanDisk Extreme PRO SDHC/SDXC UHS-II cards are scheduled for worldwide availability in April in 16GB to 64GB capacities carrying MSRPs of $119.99 to $299.99.
 
B&H carries SanDisk Memory Cards.

 
From Canon Australia YouTube Channel:
 
Canon's crown jewel of compacts, the PowerShot G1X Mark II boasts the best imaging performance ever seen in a Canon compact camera, making it the perfect addition to your photography bag.
 
Without a doubt, a true photographer's point and shoot, the Canon developed 12.8 MP High Sensitivity large format CMOS sensor and fast f/2.0 zoom lens makes the PowerShot G1X Mark II the latest, most advanced and highest quality high performance compact camera yet!
 
Plus, with Wi-Fi, NFC and remote shooting, the G1X Mark II easily connects to other devices so you can share your images with ease.
 
B&H has the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II available for preorder.

 
From Canon USA YouTube Channel:
 
Discover the perfect entry into the world of SLR photography with the EOS Rebel T5 digital camera.
 
B&H has the Canon EOS Rebel T5 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens available for preorder.

 
From Adobe Photoshop YouTube Channel:

In this episode of Adobe Creative Cloud TV, Terry White shows you how to get started with Adobe Photoshop CC and covers the 10 things that beginners want to know how to do. If you're new to Photoshop, this is the video you've been looking for!

The video describes how to:

1. Remove blemishes with the Spot Healing Brush tool
2. Work with Layers and Adjustment Layers
3. Utilize Masks
4. Crop
5. Adjust exposure and fix colour-cast problems (Camera RAW filter)
6. Remove an object from a photo (Content Aware Fill)
7. Move an object in a photo (Content Aware Move)
8. Remove a subject from a photo (Smart Select and Refine Edge)
9. Add text
10. Save your photos

Hot Deal: Until March 31, Adobe is offering their Photoshop Photography Program to all photographers - no previous version of Photohop is required for registration.
 
That's Photoshop CC & Lightroom 5 for $9.99 per month with a 1-year commitment whether you currently own Photoshop or not.

Few concrete details of Nikon's next generation flagship DSLR – the D4s – have emerged. However, the product listing over at Adorama may provide some insight:

"Nikon D4S 24 Megapixel HD-SLR Camera with 36.0x23.9mm CMOS Sensor, 11 FPS, 51 Point AF System"

There's still no official word on when the Nikon D4s will hit the shelves or what its MSRP will be.
 
Update: The listing has been removed by Adorama.

There was only a small mention of the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II buried in the Rebel T5 announcement last night. Thankfully, Canon Professional Network has published a little more information on the new ring light.
 
From Canon Professional Network:

"Canon has expanded the EOS System with the launch of the new Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II. Designed for enthusiast and professional DSLR photographers who are passionate about macro photography, the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II provides incredible flexibility to light and shoot a diverse range of subjects, and features independent flash heads, increased responsiveness and enhanced Custom Functions."

See more information at Canon Professional Network.
 
B&H has the Canon MR-14EX II Macro Ring Light available for preorder.

From Canon USA:
 
Ideal for Entry-level Digital SLR Users, the New EOS Rebel T5 Digital SLR Camera Helps Users Confidently Capture Outstanding Still and Video Images
 
MELVILLE, N.Y., February 11, 2014– Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced the EOS Rebel T5 Digital SLR Camera - the latest model in the company's popular EOS Rebel lineup. The new camera provides entry-level photographers with an affordable way to take their imaging skills to the next level. Incorporating an 18.0 megapixel CMOS (APS-C) image sensor and a high-performance DIGIC 4 image processor, the EOS Rebel T5 camera delivers improved functionality with the speed and high quality needed to create impressive images - even in low light.
 
The new EOS Rebel T5 Digital SLR camera offers users an extensive ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) to accommodate shooting situations from bright, natural outdoor lighting to dimly lit indoor settings. The camera can also automatically lock-in on moving subjects with ease using the EOS Rebel T5 camera's nine-point AF system (including one center cross-type AF point). With help from the AI Servo AF, users can benefit from the camera's outstanding autofocus capabilities. The new EOS Rebel T5 camera also offers a continuous shooting mode of up-to three frames per second (fps) to help photographers capture the action at children's activities, sporting events and more. Images can then be easily viewed on the camera's large three-inch LCD monitor.
 
"The EOS Rebel T5 camera is designed for entry-level DSLR photographers looking to expand their creative options and advance their photography skills," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "The improved functionality of this new EOS Rebel camera will help them do just that as it intelligently guides users on how to pinpoint their perfect shot and capture high-quality images and videos worth sharing."
 
Detailed, High-Quality Images
Photo enthusiasts can capture high-quality images that are true-to-life in color, sharpness and contrast with the EOS Rebel T5 camera's 18.0 megapixel CMOS (APS-C) image sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor. Shooting is also made easy thanks to the EOS Rebel T5 camera's Intelligent Auto mode that helps deliver expertly optimized photos and offers improved scene detection, especially useful for shooting at night.
 
The Canon Rebel EOS Rebel T5 camera is also compatible with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses as well as other accessories like the new Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II. Ideal for close-up photography with EF Macro lenses, the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II supports E-TTL wireless autoflash in conjunction with one or more Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT flash units.
 
Full HD Video Capture
The camera's Full HD Movie mode helps make shooting high-quality 1080p movies simple. Capable of shooting in a number of recording sizes and frame rates, the EOS Rebel T5 enables easy manual control of exposure, focus and Live View features, as well as in-camera editing.
 
Intuitive Design and Full Creative Control
The new EOS Rebel T5 camera offers a full creative feature set - providing a variety of effects and settings to enhance photographs and video. Whether adding contrast for a more dramatic effect or boosting exposure for additional brightness, Canon's EOS Rebel T5 camera will guide users on how to hone their photo editing skills and view their original photographs from a new visual perspective. The camera features fun, creative filters including Toy Camera, Fisheye and Miniature Effect enabling photographers to expand their creativity.
 
The EOS lineup is known for its easy-to-operate, intuitive camera models that deliver high-quality images. Canon's latest DSLR camera offers advanced imaging features such as Basic+ and Creative Auto to direct entry-level photo enthusiasts through making camera setting adjustments. The camera's built-in Feature Guide offers short descriptions of shooting modes, setting and effects for easy operation no matter what the shooting situation. This function is designed to guide and educate first-time users on the EOS camera settings, and will also intelligently provide recommendations while shooting in certain settings.
 
Availability
The Canon EOS Rebel T5 Digital SLR Camera bundled with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens is scheduled to be available in March for an estimated retail price of $549.99.
 
B&H has the Canon EOS Rebel T5 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens and MR-14EX II Macro Ring Light available for preorder.

From Canon USA:
 
Canon's Latest G-series Digital Camera Features a New Type of 1.5-Inch CMOS Sensor, 5x Zoom Lens, Wi-Fi and NFC Capabilities, Full HD and A Three-Inch Touch Tilt LCD Screen
 
MELVILLE, N.Y., February 11, 2014 – Building upon the success of the PowerShot G1 X digital camera, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today unveiled its new flagship PowerShot G1 X Mark II, a digital camera designed to meet the evolving needs of today's professional and advanced amateur photographers.
 
Boasting a sensor that is 4.5x larger than a 1/1.7" sensor found in professional level point-and-shoot cameras, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera can produce high-quality images with a wide dynamic range. It features a new type of 1.5-inch, 12.8 megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, made by Canon, allowing for optimum performance with an ISO range of 100-12800. This sensor, combined with the DIGIC 6 Image Processor, comprises the Canon HS SYSTEM resulting in faster autofocusing speeds over the PowerShot G1 X camera, allowing photographers to capture detailed, vivid images even in low-light conditions.
 
Featuring a newly-developed f/2.0 - f/3.9, 5x optical zoom lens (equivalent 24-120mm zoom range) with Dual Control Rings, this new camera provides customized zooming and focus-functionality similar to a DSLR camera. With this wide of an aperture, photographers have the ability to isolate their subjects by separating them from a background that is blurred. This gives more control and creative possibilities when using a PowerShot camera. The Dual Control Rings include a Step Ring to adjust various customizable settings and a Continuous Ring to make focusing adjustments during manual focus, as well as additional customizable settings for manual shooting. The new lens also features a nine-blade aperture to provide beautiful, blurred backgrounds even at full-zoom range.
 
"The new high-end PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera delivers incredible, professional-level shooting capabilities in a compact camera body making it the ideal second camera for DSLR shooters," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "In addition, with the introduction of advanced wireless capabilities such as NFC and enhanced low-light shooting and autofocusing, the G1 X Mark II is a well-rounded professional-level camera that allows photographers to get creative."
 
Improved Operation and Performance
The PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera is equipped with a new type of Canon-made, 1.5-inch CMOS sensor to help achieve optimal performance from low to high ISO speeds. It has a default aspect ratio of 3:2 which is the same ratio the advanced user has come to expect when shooting with a DSLR camera. If the photographer wants to switch to a 4:3 ratio, it can be done without impacting the field of view.
 
The new PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera uses 31 Auto Focus (AF) points, compared to the PowerShot G1 X camera that uses nine AF points, resulting in improved autofocus capabilities allowing the user to easily compose the image and focus on a specific subject in the frame. Utilizing the bright, capacitive touch, three-inch tilt LCD on the PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera helps provide flexibility in shooting by tilting 180 degrees up and 45 degrees down.
 
The PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera is also compatible with Canon's new optional electronic viewfinder that mounts to the hot shoe. A new optional grip* will also be available for the PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera. These accessories are ideal for photographers looking for the feel of a DSLR camera with the portability of a point-and-shoot camera.

Seamless Connectivity
The PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi technology, so users can share still images and videos online quickly and easily using compatible mobile devices.1 Using the Mobile Device Connect button, users can connect to a smartphone, a tablet or a Wi-Fi enabled computer. Connection to the computer is easily done using Canon iMAGE GATEWAY 2 through the cloud. For even easier connectivity, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera introduces Near Field Communication (NFC)** - a first for Canon's G-series cameras - so transferring photos to a compatible Android device can be simple and intuitive. This digital camera's new remote shooting feature also allows the user to sync the G1 X Mark II with a smartphone or tablet and utilize the shutter, optical zoom and self-timer features from that device.
 
Extensive Shooting Modes
Ideal for portrait photography, the camera's Background Defocus mode softens the background behind a subject to help users create professional-looking portraits. In addition, simply pressing the camera's dedicated movie button allows photographers to capture 1080p Full HD video with ease. And, as commonly found in most DSLR cameras, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera has a full range of shooting and recording modes, including 14-bit RAW + JPEG, for outstanding creative control.
 
Unique to Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera features Advanced Star Mode with four options to capture images of starry night skies with impeccable quality. The "Star Portrait" and "Star Nightscape" modes help capture the radiance of stars while still allowing you to capture the subject. The "Star Trails" mode captures video trails of stars to turn trails into a luminous still image, while the "Star Time Lapse Movie" mode will shoot images of star movement and then combine the images to make a film that shows the movement of the stars, creating a truly stunning video.
 
Availability
The PowerShot G1 X Mark II digital camera will be available starting in April for a retail price of $799.99.
 
B&H has the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II available for preorder.