Canon and Sony News for Dec 2018 (Page 4)

Image quality test results from the Nikon D850 have been added to the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E AF-S FL VR Lens Review.

This is a key lens for serious Nikon kits. Here are some comparisons:

Nikon vs. Canon
Nikon vs. Sony

The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E AF-S FL VR Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

Rent the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E AF-S FL VR Lens from Lensrentals.

From Sigma:

Ronkonkoma, NY – December 7, 2018 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading still photo and cinema lens, camera, flash and accessory manufacturer, today announced that its anticipated cine lens – Sigma Cine 40mm T1.5 FF – will begin shipping in December 2018 for $3,499.00, with the option to purchase a fully luminous version (FL) for $4,499.00.

Sigma Cine 40mm T1.5 FF is a fast and sharp T1.5 cine lens compatible with full-frame camera sensors and optimized for ultra-high-resolution 6K-8K productions. Featuring a 180-degree focus rotation, this lens is available in EF, E and PL mounts with lens support foot and cap included.

It is the ninth lens in the Sigma Cine FF High Speed Prime Line. As a standard lens in the cinema industry, the focal length of 40mm has become an essential part of a typical cine prime set. By adding this lens to the Sigma Cine offering, its cine prime set can now satisfy all the demands of professional cinematographers.

Sigma Cine 40mm T1.5 FF is the first lens that was designed and developed for the cinema use rather than converting a still photography lens into a cine lens. This development illustrates Sigma’s commitment to the cine market – by always listening to its customers and what their needs are, and now even more than ever with the fully operational Sigma Burbank showcase facility, Sigma strives to develop new products based on that customer feedback.

The Sigma 40mm T1.5 FF lives up to the performance standard required by high-end cinematographers as it achieves the highest optical quality as well as consistent rendering performance over the entire image circle. The lens produces one of the best MTF charts ever, making it an excellent choice for all levels of filmmakers.

Prominent Characteristics of Sigma Cine Lenses

• Individual inspection of every single lens with A1 proprietary Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) measuring system using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Even previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of their quality control inspections.
• Computer-based ray tracing has been used from the design stage onward to minimize flare and ghosting and enhance contrast in backlit conditions. Ghosting has also been checked at every prototype stage, with its causes identified, assessed and eliminated.
• Color balance standardized across the line to make color correction a breeze.
• Dust-proof and splash-proof construction, with each ring and mount sealed to prevent water and dust from entering.
• The body is made 100% of metal to stand up to tough professional use over the long term.
• Luminous paint for enhanced visibility
• Laser engraving for enhanced durability
• Mount Conversion Service allows users to convert their lenses to and from EF and E-mounts (charges apply). If the camera system changes, it is possible to simply convert the mount system to continue using the high-performance Sigma lenses.
• The Sigma USB Dock allows the user to connect the lens to a computer and update firmware, while the Sigma Mount Converter MC-11 allows users to enjoy the high performance of Sigma’s Canon EF mount interchangeable lenses with the Sony E-mount camera body.

B&H carries Sigma Cine lenses.

Image quality test results have been added to the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens page.

This lens falls under the budget-friendly category of the still-small RF lens lineup.

When comparing results, remember that the site-standard sharpness setting renders EOS R images slightly less sharp than some of the other EOS models. Here is a comparison of the RF 35 vs. near perfection, showing the difference.

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX (preorder).

This lens is not expensive to buy and renting is especially affordable. Rent the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens from Lensrentals.

From the Caputre One Blog:

The new Capture One 12 offers powerful upgrades to existing tools and introduces new features for efficient workflows. This post will quickly guide you through the best of the best.

Re-designed interface and menus

The design of Capture One 12 has been refined, providing a flatter and more modern interface with bigger font sizes. This will help photographers not only navigate more easily but also decrease fatigue from having too much to focus on.

Additionally, the Tool Tab icons have been re-designed for a better indication of what they represent. Remember, you can always customize the Tool Tabs and their content if needed!

Radial and Linear Gradient Masks

If you need other tools than a brush to create your masks, look no further! Radial and Linear Gradient Masks are here. They are parametric, meaning you can transform them after they are created making these tools dramatically more flexible than what you could previously do in Capture One.

Radial Gradients are the new thing, and they let you create circular masks with soft feathering. They can be transformed, rotated and masked either on the inside or the outside of the round shape. Linear Gradients now allow transforming, moving, rotating and even changing the fall-off asymmetrically.

Watch the tutorial below for in-depth information.

Yes, you read that right. Luminosity masking is now possible in Capture One, and it’s easier than you think.

The Luma Range tool can be applied on any mask, even gradients like the above, and will effectively restrict your mask to certain areas based on the luminosity in your image.

“Why do I need this?”, you might ask. Well, have you ever wanted to desaturate your shadows a bit? Or apply color grading with more control than the Color Balance Tool can provide? Or maybe add clarity to the clouds in your landscape image with a tricky horizon line? Luminosity masks make all of this a breeze. Watch the tutorial below to learn more.

It’s no secret that Capture One features a massive library of keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts are customizable, letting you do most actions with a few clicks on the keyboard.

Capture One 12 makes this much easier. You can now search, not only for features and commands, but also for specific keys to see their function. Additionally, shortcuts for features that were previously inaccessible are added for an even larger library of shortcuts.

Plug-in platform

Capture One delivers an extensive suite of powerful tools to manage, edit and export images. Now the new Capture One plug-in ecosystem allows third-party developers to create plug-ins that can add even more features and capabilities to Capture One’s toolset. The first plug-ins will enable direct publishing, round-trip editing, and open-with workflows.

We are just getting started with plug-ins, much more will come! Find out what’s already available and send us your wishes here: www.phaseone.com/plugins

Intelligent copy/apply of adjustments

Capture One has a powerful feature to copy adjustments from one image to others. The functionality will auto-select any adjustments applied to an image, making them easy to apply to other images. Previous to Capture One 12, any composition change, for example, a crop, would also be automatically selected and carried over.

By default Capture One now exclude compositional changes from the auto-select functionality, making it easy to synchronize edits and color gradings between images with different crops and rotations.

Fujifilm Film Simulations

If you have ever shot with a Fujifilm X-series camera, you’re probably aware of the built-in simulations like Acros, Classic Chrome, Velvia etc. Extending on the collaboration with Fujifilm, these simulations are now available in Capture One 12 and will change the starting point of your editing to one of these simulations.

The simulations are available for Fujifilm camera models as Curves within the Base Characteristics Tool.

B&H carries Phase One Capture Pro 12.

You can pre-order Luminar 3 with Libraries for a reduced price along with additional bonuses during this pre-order offer, December 6- 19, 2018. Those who purchase Luminar during this campaign will instantly receive Luminar 2018 + bonuses and then a free upgrade to Luminar 3 with Libraries after its release on December 18.

Pricing

• New users can purchase Luminar 2018 for US$59 ( US$49 with coupon code THEDIGITALPICTURE).
• Current users of Luminar 2018 will be able to update for free .
• Current users of Luminar 2017 can upgrade for US$49 ( US$39 with coupon code THEDIGITALPICTURE).
• Current users of a Luminar 2018 trial (those who have downloaded it before November 1) can purchase Luminar 2018 for US$49 ( US$39 with coupon code THEDIGITALPICTURE).
• Owners of Skylum legacy products (Creative Kit, Noiseless, Intensify, Tonality, FX Photo Studio, Focus, Snapheal, Filters for Photos) can purchase Luminar for US$49 ( US$39 with coupon code THEDIGITALPICTURE).
• Current users of Aurora HDR (2016–2019) can purchase Luminar for US$49 ( US$39 with your coupon code).
• Current users of Photolemur can purchase Luminar for US$49 ( US$39 with coupon code THEDIGITALPICTURE

Note that the price after the Luminar 3 with Libraries release will be US$69.

Bonuses

• ViewBug: 3-Month Pro Membership (US$42 value)
• KelbyOne: 2-Month Pro Membership (US$40 value)
• Rocky Nook: Choice of ANY e-book (US$40 value)
• Daniel Kordan: Awesome Landscapes Tutorial (US$80 value)
• Manfrotto & Gitzo: US$20 Gift card with US$120 purchase (US$20 value)

Preorder: Luminar 3 with Libraries

It is time to put some to-be-anticipated events on the calendar. Consider this a personal invitation to join me for one or all of the following instructional photo tours. Photographers at all skill levels are welcome!

"Bull Elk in Rut and Much More", Rocky Mountain National Park

1 opening: Sun, September 15 to Sat, September 21, 2019
Filled: Sun, September 22 to Sat, September 28, 2019
Wait List or Sign Up for 2020.

"Whitetail Buck in Rut and Much More", Shenandoah National Park

Sun, November 10 to Wed, November 13, 2019 and/or Wed, November 13 - Sat, November 16, 2019

Fall Landscape in Acadia National Park Instructional Photography Tour

Tue, Oct 15 through Sun, Oct 20, 2019

Feel free to contact me with your destination request.

I have the Nikon Z 6 and Nikon Z 7 in my hands and it is time to set up the cameras for use. Following are the 31 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box Nikon Z 6/7 ready for use.

1. Charge battery
2. Install neck strap
3. Mount a lens
4. Insert charged battery and power on the camera
5. While looking at an in-focus subject through the viewfinder, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the view is sharp. To do this, pull out on the adjustment knob beside the viewfinder and turn it until the view is sharp. Then press it back in to lock in the setting.
6. Download and install any Nikon software you want to have available.
7. Insert memory card
8. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
9. Playback Menu: Display Options: Highlights, RGB Histogram
10. Playback Menu: Image review: On
11. Photo Shooting Menu: Image Quality: NEF (RAW)
12. Photo Shooting Menu: Set Picture Control: Neutral with Sharpening = +1, all other parameters set to 0 (this option provides a low contrast view and better shows available dynamic in the histogram)
13. Photo Shooting Menu: High ISO NR: OFF (Low is also a good option)
14. Photo Shooting Menu: Vignette control: OFF
15. Photo Shooting Menu: Diffraction compensation: OFF
16. Photo Shooting Menu: Auto distortion control: OFF (* I'm not able to turn this setting off with the Z 24-70 f/4 S Lens mounted)
17. Movie Shooting Menu: Frame size/frame rate: 3840x2160; 30p
18. Movie Shooting Menu: Set Picture Control: Standard with Sharpening = +2, Mid-range sharpness = +1, Clarity = +1, all other parameters set to 0
19. Movie Shooting Menu: High ISO NR: Low
20. Custom Setting Menu: Auto Focus: AF-C priority selection: Focus
21. Custom Setting Menu: Auto Focus: AF-S priority selection: Focus
22. Custom Setting Menu: Auto Focus: Store by orientation: Yes
23. Custom Setting Menu: Shooting/display: Framing grid display: On
24. Custom Setting Menu: Bracketing/flash: Bracketing order: Under > MTR > over (having my bracketed shots in brightness sequence makes post processing visually easier)
25. Custom Setting Menu: Controls: Custom control assignment: Sub-selector: Same as multi selector; Sub-selector center: RESET Select center focus point, Fn1 button: AF lock only
26. Setup Menu: Format memory card
27. Setup Menu: Time zone and date: <use current>
28. Setup Menu: Copyright information: <set as desired>, Attach copyright information: selected
29. Setup Menu: Airplane mode: ON
30. Setup Menu: Slot empty release lock: Lock (I want the camera to prevent me from taking a picture if a memory card is not installed)
31. My Menu: Add items: Shooting/display: d4 Exposure delay mode (great for tripod use); Setup menu: Format memory card, Shooting menu: Vibration reduction, Long exposure noise reduction, Flicker reduction, Silent photography, Focus shift shooting

To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot - including shooting in RAW-only format (highly recommended). 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. Anytime your camera goes in for a service visit, the camera will likely be returned in a reset-to-factory state (unless you request otherwise). If your camera ever needs reset to factory settings any reason (or you purchase a second model), having your list available means you will be ready to restore your setup quickly while ensuring that you do not miss an important setting when putting the camera into service.

More Information

Nikon Z 6 | Nikon Z 7

The Nikon Z 6 is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

Rent the Nikon Z 6 from Lensrentals.

The Nikon Z 7 is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

Rent the Nikon Z 7 from Lensrentals.

From Genustech:

New headquarters in New York supports expanding media and vlogger teleprompting business

Bohemia, NY – December 4, 2018 – Genustech, a global leader in camera accessories technology including matte boxes, filters and more, has officially moved its corporate headquarters to Bohemia, New York. All Genustech operations, including R&D, customer service and support, and manufacturing, have been transitioned to the United States from Hong Kong to allow the company to continue to innovate and grow its product line while maintaining superb customer support.

The move in operations puts Genustech at the intersection of media production and technology, enabling the company to meet increased product demands through accelerated manufacturing and shipping. “With the launch of Genustech ScriptShade, we have seen an increase in business in non-traditional broadcast markets, in particular with the online vloggers,” comments Kevin Reilly, president, Genustech. “While traditional broadcast and TV operations remain a cornerstone of our customer base, we have a rapidly growing business across YouTube influencers who have enhanced the quality of their programming as well as efficiency with professional gear like ScriptShade.” Reilly adds, “With the potential growth opportunity in front of us, establishing headquarters in New York puts us in the hub of media activity with tremendous access to talent to expand design, sales, service and manufacturing personnel.”

Crafted for the changing media landscape, ScriptShade is a multifunctional, high-quality Matte Box - Teleprompter combination that is lightweight, portable and easy to use. ScriptShade brings professional camera and prompting capabilities in a form factor that is ideal for smaller and remote productions.

According to videographer Keith White, “Genustech ScriptShade is a one-of-a-kind handheld teleprompter, with nothing like it on the market. It’s an ideal solution for on-the-go production crews who need a portable kit to enhance the production value and control the narrative at the same time. It’s incredibly cost-effective, self-contained and nicely packaged with an easy and quick setup.”

Genustech On-Demand Design and Manufacturing

With the Genustech product design and manufacturing teams located in New York in one facility, engineering can incorporate customer feedback into the product design on the spot, with manufacturing building the latest product design to order. Reilly elaborates, “Our core product design philosophy is anchored around customer feedback. With our finger on the pulse of what the customer wants and needs, Genustech can anticipate where the market will grow and thus innovate with new designs and functionality. With such a strong customer support system in place in New York, we are able to always design, build and enhance products on demand.”

In addition to Genustech ScriptShade, the company offers other matte boxes & accessories, filters, adapter rings, camera cages, brackets, plates, arms, jibs, cranes, monitors and much more.

B&H carries Genustech products including the ScriptShade.

From Nikon:

Changes from Version 1.0.0 to 1.1.0

• The application no longer uses Microsoft Silverlight and consequently a network connection is no longer required.
• Added support for Russian and Turkish and ended support for Swedish.
• IPTC categories are now listed both in the selected language and in English.
• Added support for Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.
• Ended support for Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Download: Nikon IPTC Preset Manager v.1.1.0

In this video, photographer David Bergman explains how to create images with custom shapes in your bokeh. This technique can be a lot of fun and can help you produce some very creative imagery. [Sean]

From photokina:

Imaging industry and Koelnmesse decide on new starting point for the new annual cycle

Following a successful photokina 2018, the German Photo Industry Association (PIV), as conceptual sponsor of the trade fair, and the event's organiser Koelnmesse have agreed not to organise the next leading global trade fair in May 2019, as initially planned, but in May 2020. From Wednesday 27 May 2020 to Saturday 30 May 2020, all the market leaders in the imaging industry are expected once again in Cologne. The decision to postpone the start of the announced annual cycle by one year is intended to give all participants the opportunity to further develop the new concept for photokina and to tap into new target groups among exhibitors and visitors in order to heighten the status of the trade fair as a global platform for the photography and imaging industry.

Just posted: UniqBall IQuick3Pod 40.4 Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

What if the tripod spider became a ball housing and the top plate became the ball? Great idea!

The UniqBall IQuick3Pod 40.4 Carbon Fiber Tripod is in stock at B&H and Adorama

From the Adobe Photoshop YouTube Channel:

Meredith Stotzner uses Curves in Photoshop to add a ‘pop’ to her images. Find out how the Targeted Adjustment Tool helps her achieve the tones she wants.

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.