Canon and Sony News for Sep 2019 (Page 4)

I hope to get to some more in-depth comparisons, but for the DIYers, the specifications records for the just-announced Canon EOS 90D and Canon EOS M6 Mark II are mostly populated and make for some interesting comparisons.

Here are some suggestions:

Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 80D Comparison

Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 70D Comparison

Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS M6 Mark II Comparison

Canon EOS 90D vs. Canon EOS 7D Mark II Comparison

 
Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs. Canon EOS M6 Comparison

Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs. Canon EOS M5 Comparison

Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs. Canon EOS 80D Comparison

To more fully complete the comparisons, use the Camera Product Images Tool. Click "overlay" after following that link to see an interesting comparison.

From Canon Europe:

London, UK, 5th September 2019 – Canon Europe today releases its next generation Cinema EOS System camera – the EOS C500 Mark II. Created with the expertise and technical knowledge at the heart of Canon’s innovative products, and built on the foundations of Cinema EOS System, the EOS C500 Mark II is a compact and versatile 5.9K Full Frame camera. The EOS C500 Mark II’s impressive Full Frame sensor, developed and built by Canon, is powered by Canon’s new DIGIC DV 7 processor. Supporting 5.9K internal Cinema RAW Light and 4K 4:2:2 10bit XF-AVC recording, this camera enables professionals to creatively explore Full Frame, cinematic image. It is the first camera in the range with the ability to record 5.9K Cinema RAW Light onto new, faster storage media – CFexpress cards. Providing professionals with greater flexibility and efficiency, simultaneous recording of the same file format is also possible to dual CFexpress card slots.

The compact size of the camera provides cinematographers with unparalleled creative freedom. With its flexible, modular design, professionals can configure the camera with different expansion units to suit production requirements. The EOS C500 Mark II is the first Cinema EOS System camera to feature a user interchangeable lens-mount for EF Cinema Lock, and PL, giving professionals a wide variety of lens selection. It is also the first Cinema EOS System camera to support Electronic IS.

Breathtaking Full Frame image quality

Featuring Canon’s 5.9K Full Frame CMOS sensor, the EOS C500 Mark II provides a cinematic, immersive Full Frame look combined with Canon’s natural, smooth skin-tone and faithful colour reproduction. Thanks to the 5.9K sensor and the newly developed DIGIC DV 7 processor, the EOS C500 Mark II is an ideal choice for professionals looking to produce content in top quality 4K as it uses a high-quality debayering algorithm when over sampling 5.9K into 4K. This suppresses moiré and reduces noise, resulting in exceptional image quality. With its 15+ stop latitude with wide colour space, the EOS C500 Mark II is perfect for High Dynamic Range Productions. In addition to this, the camera is equipped with a built-in motorised Full Frame ND unit (2,4,6, 81 and 102 stops) making it possible to create images with a shallow depth of field – even in the daytime.

Efficient recording and workflow

The versatile multi-recording format ability of the EOS C500 Mark II provides workflow efficiency to fulfill production requirements. With Canon’s new DIGIC DV 7 image processor, the camera offers Cinema RAW Light internal recording with 5.9K resolution. Cinema RAW Light format has all the benefits of a RAW file in terms of flexibility in post-production yet allows the EOS C500 Mark II to record high quality files in a smaller file size.

In addition to the camera’s ability to record internally onto CFexpress cards in Canon XF-AVC format with 4K 4:2:2 10bit, simultaneous recording as well as proxy recording is possible. This provides professionals with ultimate flexibility, allowing them to choose a recording format suited to their filming and workflow needs. The camera features an advanced 12G-SDI interface which has four times higher transmission speeds compared to 3G-SDI. This 12G-SDI interface enables 4K 50/60p output with a single cable – simplifying 4K workflows. Additionally, the HDMI output allows for 4K 50/60p via a single cable.

Exceptional expandability and versatility for wide production requirements

Cinematographers can configure the camera using two different expansion units – the EU-V1 and EU-V2. Two viewfinders (EVF-V70 and EVF-V50) are also available as optional units. The ability to configure the camera with Expansion Units, along with its compactness and lightweight design, gives cinematographers greater shooting flexibility.

The expansion unit EU-V1 adds a Genlock/Sync BNC interface, Remote B interface for the optional RC-V100 Remote Controller, and an Ethernet interface for IP streaming or browser remote control operation. The EU-V2 expansion unit also includes these interfaces but adds a further two XLR inputs, as well as 12-pin Lens interface. In addition to this, it is equipped with a V-Lock battery mount with D-tap and 24V Power Output.

Stable filming with Electronic IS and Pioneering Auto Focus technology

The EOS C500 Mark II is the first camera to incorporate Electronic Image Stabilization in a Cinema EOS System, providing the camera with 5-axis Image Stabilization. When a lens that supports data transmission is attached, focal length data is automatically received. However, when used with a lens with no lens communication, Electronic IS is possible by manually inputting the focal length. In addition to this, Electronic IS is also compatible with anamorphic lenses.

As with other cameras in the range, the EOS C500 Mark II features Canon’s renowned Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus. Offering high-speed One-Push AF and continuous AF, professionals have the reassurance that footage will be focused. They can also benefit from smooth, intuitive touch focus operation with the new LCD monitor LM-V2, as well as the Dual Pixel Focus Guide which notifies professionals where the focus position is, whether it be in front or the back, helping accurate focus control. Additionally, the EOS C500 Mark II has Face Detection AF and Tracking AF, enabling focus control in a variety of filming situations. To further fine tune AF performance, the camera offers the ability to set the AF tracking speed and response.

Additional features for ultimate creative freedom

The EOS C500 Mark II supports user LUTs, allowing cinematographers to apply or customise their own LUTs. Loading them onto the camera for precise-look monitoring, cinematographers can also apply different LUTs for each terminal. With the added LUT button, professionals have greater operational flexibility. The EOS C500 Mark II also includes high frame rate recording up to 50/60 fps in 5.9K resolution with the Cinema RAW Light codec.

Also launching today is the DP-V3120 and CJ15ex4.3B which, along with the EOS C500 Mark II, will be on display, for the first time globally, on the Canon stand (Hall 12, Stand D60) at IBC 2019. The EOS C500 Mark II will be available from December.

Preorders

Preorder the Canon EOS C500 Mark II from B&H | Adorama

From Nikon:

MELVILLE, NY – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the development of the Nikon D6 professional DSLR camera and the AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR telephoto zoom lens.

Nikon released the D1 digital SLR camera in 1999, making 2019 the 20th anniversary of the single-digit D series. Thanks to the imaging know-how cultivated over Nikon's long history in camera development, Nikon's professional DSLR cameras have continued to evolve by introducing some of the industry's most advanced technologies and responding to the strict demands of professional photographers with the ultimate in performance and reliability, even in the most severe conditions. With the D6, Nikon is currently developing its most advanced DSLR to date.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Nikon F mount. The new AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR F mount lens that Nikon is developing will provide professional photographers in fields such as sports photography with even greater support.

Nikon is striving to expand possibilities for imaging expression and leading the way in imaging culture with both DSLR and mirrorless camera systems, as well as a rich lineup of NIKKOR lenses.

Details including release dates, pricing and specifications for these products will be announced at a later date

From Nikon:

The Versatile NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S Delivers Superior Optical Performance, Equipping Nikon Z Series Creators with an Incredibly Sharp, High-Resolution Lens to Explore Wide-Angle Perspectives

MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the fast, wide- angle NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S, the latest addition to the ever-expanding NIKKOR Z lineup of lenses. The 24mm f/1.8 S is optimized for capturing everything from cityscapes to environmental portraits and is built to take advantage of Nikon’s large Z-mount, delivering the ultimate combination of fast, bright and sharp performance in nearly all lighting conditions.

“The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S continues our commitment to offering exciting prime lenses to Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 users, while also providing exceptional level of quality achieved by the S-Line of NIKKOR Z lenses,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The combination of wide-angle perspective and a fast f/1.8 aperture is optimal for all types of photography including landscapes, making the NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S a must-have lens to unleash the full potential of the Nikon Z series.”

The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S – A Storyteller’s Dream Lens:

The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S joins the S-Line of high-performance NIKKOR Z lenses, giving creators an essential focal length to add to their kit of fast prime Z-mount lenses. The lens takes advantage of the most advanced NIKKOR technologies to deliver optical superiority, exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh and high-resolution across the entire frame, even at maximum aperture.

The new NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S was designed for photographers and videographers looking to capture gorgeous wide-angle landscapes or vivid street photography, a travel adventure or a stunning starscape. For videographers and content creators, this popular focal length is a staple for production due to its natural perspective. Thanks to the advantages of the lens’ bright and fast f/1.8 maximum aperture along with the wider Z-mount, Nikon Z series users can capture exceptionally sharp images in dimly lit settings, with a lens that’s ideal for nighttime shooting and astrophotography.

The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S features 9 rounded aperture blades, allowing users to capture beautifully circular bokeh that adds a level of dimensionality to help capture compelling content. Users can confidently explore their creative potential in nearly any landscape thanks to the lens’ reliable dust and drip resistant design, ideal for tough weather conditions. The lens construction also consists of four Aspherical Lens Elements and one Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass element to combat aberration, while Nikon’s patented Nano Crystal Coat helps eliminate ghosting and flare. The 24mm f/1.8 S is further equipped with Nikon’s Multi-Focusing System, which uses two AF drives in tandem to deliver superior resolving power and achieve fast and accurate autofocus, even at minimum focus distance. In addition to achieving the top-notch image quality that storytellers and content creators have come to expect from the S-Line of NIKKOR Z lenses, the NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S is also optimized for video capture. As a popular cinematic focal length, the 24mm f/1.8 S will be a welcome addition to Z series shooters’ arsenals, boasting near-silent stepping motors for ultra-quiet performance, reduced focus breathing, a customizable control ring for smooth control of aperture and exposure compensation and the ability to take advantage of the in-camera 5-axis VR + eVR of the Nikon Z series cameras.

Price and Availability

The NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S will be available in mid to late October 2019 at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $999.95.

Preorders: B&H | Adorama

Did you notice the Canon EOS R and Canon EOS RP firmware announcement at the bottom of the Canon RF 15-35mm and 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens lens announcement press release?

Free Firmware Update

In addition, a new, free downloadable firmware update will be released in late September for the EOS R system. Those interested can download the update for their respective system via the EOS R and EOS RP support pages. The update will improve three main functions:

• Eye detection AF
• AF frame display delay
• Subject identification

The firmware update aims to add detection of the subject’s eye when the subject is at a distance, improve overall AF frame tracking for moving subjects, as well as improve initial subject recognition and start tracking when subjects are at a distance.

While I already find the R and RP's AF systems to be high performing, this update will take them to an even higher level of performance.

The Canon EOS R is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

The Canon EOS RP is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

MTF charts for the following lenses have been added to the MTF comparison tool:

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens

Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens

Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens

There are some very nice looking charts here.

From Nikon:

The N-Log 3D LUT is a 3D lookup table developed by Nikon for use when color grading movie footage shot with N-Log gamma.

Nikon has tested the product and confirmed that it can be used with the following applications, but note that Nikon neither endorses these applications nor guarantees their operation.

• Adobe: Premiere Pro CC
• Apple: Final Cut Pro X
• Blackmagic Design: DaVinci Resolve 15

Download: Nikon N-Log 3D LUT v.1.00

Canon Thailand has both the EOS 90D and EOS M6 Mark II User Manuals available for download. Links below.

• Canon EOS 90D User Manual
• Canon EOS M6 Mark II User Manual

Preorders

Canon EOS 90D - B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Canon EOS M6 Mark II - B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

With the announcement of the extremely-feature-filled Canon EOS M6 Mark II and Canon EOS 90D, there have been a lot of questions about the future of the Canon EOS M5 and Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera model lines.

The 7D II is now about 5 years old and especially when compared to the 90D, looking a bit long in tooth. With the 90D now having a 2-generation-newer imaging sensor, a joystick, and a 10 fps continuous shooting capability, it seems logical to question if the 90D is the 7D Mark II's successor. In answer to that question, Canon USA specifically informed me that the 90D is not a replacement for the 7D II, noting that the 7D II still has some advantages including dual memory card slots, a stronger build including a magnesium alloy frame, and better weather sealing. With DSLR sales still accounting for about 70% of the overall interchangeable lens camera sales volume, don't look for DSLR development to stop anytime soon. While we don't know anything about plans for a Canon EOS 7D Mark III, such a camera seems quite viable from a business perspective.

Similarly, the M6 II seems feature advantaged over the M5, a camera that many of us who prefer a built-in EVF love. In answer to my question, arising in part from the M camera series naming convention initially seeming to lack direction, Canon USA informed me that the "5" in M5 still denotes a higher model line than the "6" in the M6 II. Also noted was that an M5 replacement was not thought to be in the immediate pipeline.

Canon typically holds future product information close, instead using formal product announcements to make new products known just prior to their arrival. The PhotoPlus Expo is the next big camera announcement timeframe I see on the calendar. With the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens and Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS Lens expected yet this year, those two lenses are likely be on the PhotoPlus announcement list. What else? Stay tuned!