From Canon USA:
New Professional Service & Support Center in Burbank, Calif., Becomes Dedicated Location for Studios, Post-Production Facilities, Suppliers and Professional Organizations
MELVILLE, N.Y., July 13, 2017 – Continuing its support of professional clients in the filmmaking and still imaging communities, Canon today officially opened its doors to its newest Professional Technology & Support Center in Burbank, Calif. Evolving from what began at Canon’s original Hollywood facility, the new state-of-the-art Canon Burbank facility provides these customers with enhanced technical environments and accessible service and support.
Canon Burbank is poised to support Canon’s clients’ productivity through a dynamic mix of product evaluation and testing, product & workflow training, industry events and expedited repairs. Every aspect of the new facility's design and operation was made in consideration of improving customers' experience with Canon products from input to output, and in improving access to the highly trained Canon service and support team. Facility highlights include:
“Since our 2011 launch of Cinema EOS, Canon has been steadfastly committed to exceeding the high expectations of our professional clients in the production community,” said Eliott Peck, executive vice president and general manager of the Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Our new Burbank location represents the culmination of our commitment to listen to our clients, understand their needs and provide them with what they need to bring their artistic and passion projects to life. As Canon continues on its journey to support the production community and evolve with changes in this industry, our mission is now clearer than ever, to be a resource and a beacon for industry professionals.”
At Canon Burbank, customers may now take advantage of walk-in service Monday through Friday, with plenty of convenient parking. The location will feature a steady calendar of educational offerings from top professionals on the latest equipment and filmmaking techniques, the ability to color correct and screen content, and a lab for testing Canon cameras and lenses. The facility's multipurpose room is also configurable for industry gatherings and special events.
The new Burbank location is yet another extension of Canon Professional Services’ (CPS) powerful support network for the region’s professional photographers, filmmakers, and videographers. CPS members are invited to visit Canon Burbank for all of their service needs, Canon Live Learning sessions, and professional training tailored to their needs.
For a virtual tour and more information on the Burbank facility – usa.canon.com/canon-burbank
From LPA Design:
More timing features, same great reliability, all at a lower price.
So. Burlington, VT – July 13, 2017 – LPA Design, manufacturers of PocketWizard Photo Products, the global leader in reliable wireless control of cameras, flash lighting and light meters, announces the MultiMAX II and the return of unique timing features that only PocketWizard technology provides. Whether you are a sports, wildlife or wedding photographer, you will be happy to learn that the most powerfully-featured wireless radio on the planet, the PocketWizard MultiMAX, is back and fully compatible with all other PocketWizard radios.
Building on the legendary MultiMAX, the MultiMAX II takes its place as the most versatile, reliable and predictably compatible radio on the market. For the past 16 years, the MultiMAX has helped capture amazing images, many of which have landed on magazine covers throughout the world. MultiMAX Transceivers continue to be found in frequency crowded environments triggering arena flashes or remote cameras behind soccer goals, hockey nets, basketball nets, horse jumps, bull chutes, and the finish line of major International Track and Field events.
After a brief hiatus, the MultiMAX II returns with new features including 20 ControlTL channels, Manual Power Control and an improved blue backlit LCD which provides better contrast for improved viewing in dimly lit studios or on-site locations. The key pad is brighter too, allowing photographers to easily change settings on the fly. Its 344 MHz frequency sets it apart from 2.4 GHz noise in crowded venues.
“The MultiMAX II continues to provide incredible features that professional photographers have come to rely on. It has a whole suite of built-in tools designed for the demanding sports shooter like Patterns, programmable delays, and a settable contact time. The MultiMAX II is also Custom ID ready. Photographers can create incredible depth of field or stroboscopic effects with Multi-pop, give rear curtain sync to any camera, and even synchronize multiple cameras together, states Patrick Clow, Technical Support and Customer Service Manager.
The MultiMAX II has a total of 52 channels: 32 Standard Channels and 20 ControlTL Channels. Photographers can creatively control groups of lights or cameras allowing them to work in crowded venues or with multiple flash set-ups. And now with Power Control, photographers can remotely adjust the manual power settings of ControlTL compatible radios and flashes in up to three zones with as many flashes in each group as you want.
“Professional photographers have clamored for years to bring back the MultiMAX. We listened and we responded by making a great radio even better and offering it at a lower price. The MultiMAX II Transceiver is and remains the only radio on the market that performs special PocketWizard features including Infinite Intervalometer, SpeedCycler and Ultra Long Range. It is the most reliable Transceiver on the market for capturing life’s most amazing moments, states Karen Marshall, CEO of LPA Design.
The MultiMAX II will be available at retail and on line in the US and Canada starting July 17, 2017. The retail price will be $229.00 USD in the US and $309.00 CAD in Canada.
B&H carries PocketWizard transceivers.
B&H has the Gitzo 100-Year Anniversary Edition Tripod with Ball Head available for preorder with free expedited shipping. The tripod is expected to be available at the end of Oct 2017.
Product Highlights
B&H has the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera with Canon Log available for preorder with free expedited shipping.
From Macphun:
Macphun debuts its first-ever software for the PC, heralding a new era of cross-platform solutions for photographers
San Diego, CA – July 13, 2017 — Macphun, the California-based developer known for delivering award-winning products for Mac, today launched the free public beta of its award-winning photo editor Luminar for Windows. To download the beta, please visit macphun.com/beta.
Luminar is a powerful photo editor designed to tackle anyone’s photography needs, from correcting challenging image problems to artful stylizing. Users can choose between levels of image processing complexity based on their experience, and adapt the workspace controls to their skill level, moving up to more advanced modes as they learn. Luminar works in non -destructive fashion and aims to take “ work” from photo editing “ workflow” for photographers worldwide.
In April, only 5 months after its launch, Luminar for Mac won the prestigious TIPA award for Best Imaging Software 2017. This all-in-one photo editor is a cutting-edge solution for creating fascinating images without extra hassle. Luminar includes over 300 robust tools that make fixing, editing and perfecting a photo as easy as moving a slider.
“We are thrilled to release our first PC product today and give photography enthusiasts around the world the first taste of our best-selling Mac product,” said Kevin La Rue, Vice-President at Macphun. “By test-driving Luminar for Windows, beta testers can help shape our software and make the final release a perfect fit for everyone,” concluded La Rue.
The public beta is free of charge and already matches some of the most important features of Luminar, such as the newest and most advanced tool developed by Macphun’s Research and Development Lab – the Accent AIFilter, powered by artificial intelligence technology. The filter allows anyone to create stunning images with a single slider, substituting for dozens of traditional controls like shadows, highlights, contrast, tone, saturation, exposure, details and many others.
Admittedly, several features from the Mac version of Luminar remain in development for the Windows platform, among them workspaces, plug-in integration, object removal, noise reduction, and more. As these are completed, the public beta will be updated regularly leading to a full cross-platform release late in 2017.
Key features of the Luminar for Windows public beta:
Download: Luminar for Windows
From the LensRentals Blog:
We’ve had a number of fun, new lenses to test this summer and one I was pretty eager to get to was the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art, for a couple of reasons. First of all, it’s a 14mm lens that has a wider aperture than f/2.8, and that’s certainly interesting. Second, it’s a new Sigma Art prime lens, and those have been spectacular. So I begged and threatened and got the first ten copies for some bench testing before they went in stock.Read the entire article on the LensRentals Blog.As always, these are optical bench tests, so take them for what they’re worth. It is not a lens review because I don’t review lenses. That’s what photographers do. I test them, because, well, I’m a tester. Test results should tell you if the lens is worth consideration and further investigation, not that you should run out and buy it. I don’t make any suggestions about what you should run out and buy because I have no idea how you shoot or what’s important to you. But if the resolution is important to you, then read on.
As always, these are the results of 10 tested copies; each tested at four rotations with 84 data points. For those who don’t speak MTF, the easy version is higher is better, and dotted and solid lines of the same color close together are better.
B&H has the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens available for preorder. The lens is expected to be available July 14.
From the Canon USA YouTube Channel:
Two Minute tips will help to answer frequently asked questions about Pro photography and printing. Each video will cover a different and interesting topic that will aid in the success of a photographer.
From the Lightroom Journal Blog:
On Lightroom PerformanceB&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.I would like to address concerns recently voiced by our community of customers around Lightroom performance, as improving performance is our current top priority. We have a history, starting with our first public beta, of working with our customers to address workflow and feature needs, and we’d like to take that same approach regarding your performance concerns. We already understand many of the current pain points around GPU, import performance, certain editing tasks and review workflows and are investing heavily in improving those areas. Over the past year we’ve added numerous enhancements to address your performance concerns but we understand we will have a lot of work to do to meet your expectations. If you have feedback or would like to work with the Lightroom team on your most pressing issues, please fill out this survey.
Regards,
Tom Hogarty
From Nikon:
MELVILLE, NY – MELVILLE, NY - Today, Nikon announced the new AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR, modernizing this popular zoom lens with a myriad of the latest Nikon technologies. The new lens features enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization capability and integrates a stepping motor for fast and quiet AF performance, making it Nikon’s first full-frame AF-P lens. This new NIKKOR lens is a versatile, compact telephoto option for intermediate FX and DX-format photographers looking to capture sports, wildlife, candids, travel and other subjects at long distances, all with stunning clarity.
“This latest lens reaffirms Nikon’s commitment to giving FX-format shooters of all levels the unparalleled quality of NIKKOR glass, with the benefits of our latest optical technologies,” said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc.
Updated with the Latest NIKKOR Lens Technologies
Whether capturing a baseball game from the bleachers or the sights of a scenic vacation, the new AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR is a versatile lens that helps users capture sharp images and video, even in challenging light. The new AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is lighter than its predecessor, despite packing new technologies that help those shooting photos and video achieve stellar results. Enhancements to the lens include:
Price and Availability
The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR lens will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $699.95**, and availability will be announced at a later date.
Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR Lens Preorders: B&H | Adorama
From Nikon:
Nikon D5 Firmware v.1.20
Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.10 to 1.20
Notice: Users of the software listed below will need to update to the following versions to support the changes in this firmware update:
Download: Nikon D5 Firmware v.1.20
Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.12 to 1.13
Download: Nikon D500 Firmware v.1.13
Just posted: Rokinon/Samyang SP 14mm f/2.4 Lens Review.
Learn about this new premium-grade lens from Rokinon/Samyang, the company that has long been the source of great value lenses.
This lens currently has a $200.00 instant savings available. The Rokinon SP 14mm f/2.4 Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama.
The Canon Digital Learning Center has two new articles for those who are interested in photographing the upcoming solar eclipse.
Multiple Camera Eclipse Coverage
Written by Dave Henry and Ken SkluteIt’s always a good idea to take advantage of technology and labor saving devices and try to multi-task whenever you can.
For example, your automatic lawn sprinklers water your yard, while your dishwasher is washing the dishes, while your robotic vacuum cleans your floors and your DVR records your favorite ball game – all while you are having fun editing your vacation photos on your computer. Add to that a self-driving lawn mower and that would be the ultimate in multi-tasking.
The same multi-tasking possibilities occur in photography.
It is possible to have one camera shooting a time-lapse sequence with an intervalometer automatically clicking the shutter while you’re operating a second camera. You can add to that a video camera documenting your movements and/or that of your friends and family at the same time. It just takes planning, coordination and equipment.
Written by Dave Henry and Ken SkluteB&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions and solar eclipse gear.A photograph is all about visual communication and telling a story.
Combining multiple images into one composite photograph helps to tell a complete story in one view. The process however, takes some forethought.
First you have to visualize the end result. Do you want to produce a sequence of the eclipse at several phases, or a series of images of the entire eclipse crossing the sky with a recognizable foreground? With that decision in mind, you have to put a plan into motion and begin accumulating the hardware you’ll need to make it happen and begin scouting your foreground location.
The illustrations shown below are composites, meaning that each image is composed of numerous individual component photographs. What makes the two composite images different is the concept and the execution.
In this article, we're going to discuss using an image-editing program (such as Adobe Photoshop), to stack numerous individual images of the sun into one finished composite image. It's beyond the scope of this article to go into detail about the software process of layering images, working with layer masks, and so on, but this information is readily available online from numerous sources. We won't be using the in-camera multi-exposure feature found in many Canon EOS and other digital cameras, although that's an alternative users can consider. One benefit of the composite approach — using individual images and creating a final image in software — is the creative flexibility it provides, after the eclipse has occurred.
From the Nikon USA YouTube Channel:
On August 21, Americans can experience the first total solar eclipse in the US in nearly 40 years! Nikon Ambassador Lucas Gilman shares important safety tips, a list of suggested gear and his favorite camera settings and tips for creatively capturing the solar eclipse.
B&H carries solar eclipse supplies.
From Nikon:
Nikon Inc. is asking your cooperation in connection with a voluntary recall of certain lot numbers of its Nikon Model EN-EL15 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. The battery pack can experience a short circuit causing it to overheat and possibly causing the outside casing to become deformed, posing a potential hazard to consumers. There have only been seven (7) confirmed reports of incidents of the problem worldwide, and while no injuries have taken place, Nikon Inc. has initiated this recall of the affected lot numbers as a reflection of its commitment to safety and product quality. We are asking that owners of the affected battery pack contact Nikon Inc. to initiate a free product exchange.
The Nikon EN-EL15 battery pack is provided as a supplied accessory with the purchase of Nikon’s digital SLR D800, D800E, D810A, D810, D610, D600, D7200, D7100, D7000, D500 cameras and the Nikon 1 V1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens. However, EN-EL15 batteries supplied with D810A, D810, D610, D600, D500, D7200, D7100 are not included in this voluntary recall. It is also sold separately at retail under Nikon’s model number 27011. The EN-EL15 battery pack involved in this recall was first distributed by Nikon in March 2012 and is still being sold at retail.
No other Nikon battery packs are involved in this recall. Nikon’s digital SLR D800, D800E, D810A, D810, D610, D600, D7200, D7100, D7000, D500 cameras and the Nikon 1 V1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens as well as any other Nikon cameras are also not subject to this recall.
What you should do:
1.) Determine if your EN-EL15 battery pack is affected
This voluntary recall is limited to EN-EL15 battery packs in lots E and F. First, please confirm that “EN-EL15” is printed on the label of your battery pack. Then, please locate the 14-digit lot number beside the recycle symbol, as shown on the photo below.
Click here to use our lot number lookup tool.
2.) If your EN-EL15 battery pack is affected
3.) If your EN-EL15 battery pack is not affected
No further action is needed. Please continue using your EN-EL15 battery pack as usual.
Nikon is committed to safety and to providing to its customers only the highest quality products. We regret any inconvenience this matter may cause you and appreciate your continued support of Nikon and its products.
From Reuters:
Canon Inc's stock fell to its lowest levels in more than two months on Friday after EU regulators said they may fine it up to 10 percent of annual revenue for jumping the gun in its acquisition of Toshiba Corp's medical unit.The EU Commission said it had reached a preliminary view that Canon breached rules by using a so-called "warehousing" two-step transaction structure involving an interim buyer to buy the company prior to obtaining relevant approvals.