Canon and Sony News for Dec 2013 (Page 5)

 Tuesday, December 3, 2013

From Sigma:

Thank you very much for purchasing and using Sigma products.

We have found that the current firmware of our Nikon fitting interchangeable lenses may not work properly with the Nikon Df camera's OS and Auto Focus functions. This is similar to the phenomena described in "Information Regarding the Nikon D5300 Cameras" that we have announced on November 19th.

However, for the Nikon Df cameras, it includes those lenses that do not have an internal AF motor, and the following products will require a firmware update.

For those customers who use Sigma lenses in Nikon mount with the Nikon Df camera, we are going to provide a free firmware update. Please note that all the products we dispatch from the factory will have the latest firmware.

Phenomenon
Without the latest firmware, the OS and Auto Focus functions do not work properly when it is used with the Nikon Df cameras.

Concerned Products
Nikon fitting interchangeable lenses not yet updated for the Nikon D5300 camera. It includes the following lenses that do not have an internal AF motor:

  • 8mm F3.5 EX DG CIRCULAR FISHEYE
  • 15mm F2.8 EX DG DIAGONAL FISHEYE
  • 20mm F1.8 EX DG ASPHERICAL RF
  • 24mm F1.8 EX DG ASPHERICAL MACRO
  • 28mm F1.8 EX DG ASPHERICAL MACRO
  • MACRO 50mm F2.8 EX DG
  • MACRO 70mm F2.8 EX DG

* For some discontinued products, we may not be able to offer the firmware update due to the discontinuation of related repair parts. Please contact your nearest authorized Sigma distributor for further details.
* Please refer to the link below for further information on the firmware update for the Nikon D5300
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/new/new_topic.php?id=402

Support
For those customers in need of the latest firmware, we are going to provide a free firmware update from December 4th. For discontinued products, please contact your nearest authorized Sigma distributor for further details. Also, for lenses that are compatible with the SIGMA USB DOCK, it is possible to update the firmware via SIGMA Optimization Pro.

Local Service Center
You can contact your nearest authorized Sigma distributor for the firmware update. Details of your nearest authorized Sigma distributor can be found on the following web page.
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/network/index.html

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Posted to:    Category: Sigma News
Post Date: 12/3/2013 10:05:53 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Below are the specs for the newly announced EOS M2. The big question remains, though – will this camera be released in the North American market?

Type
TypeSingle-lens mirrorless AF / AE camera
Recording mediaSD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card
Image Sensor SizeApproximately 22.3x14.9 mm
Compatible lensesCanon EF-M, EF and EF-S lens (with adapter)
Lens mountCanon EF-M mount
Image Sensor
TypeCMOS image sensor
Effective PixelsApproximately 18 million pixels
Aspect Ratio3:02
Dust removal functionAuto, Manual
Recording system 
Record FormatDesign rule for Camera File System 2.0
Image TypeJPEG, RAW (14 bit Canon original)
RAW + JPEG can be recorded simultaneously
Recording PixelsL (large): approximately 17.9 million pixels (5184 x 3456)
M (medium): about 8.0 million pixels (3456 x 2304)
S1 (the small one): about 4.5 million pixels (2592 x 1728)
S2 (Little 2): Approximately 2.5 million pixels (1920 x 1280)
S3 (small 3): Approximately 350,000 pixels (720 x 480)
RAW: approximately 17.9 million pixels (5184 x 3456)
Image processing during shooting 
Picture StyleAuto, Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Defined 1-3
Basic +Shot by ambience selection, Shoot by lighting or scene type
Additional effects shootingWith (Creative Auto mode)
White BalanceAuto, Preset (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent, Flash), user-defined
Creative FiltersBlack and white particles, soft focus, fish-eye effect, painting effect, watercolor effect, Toy Camera Effect, Miniature Effect
Noise ReductionCan be applied to long exposures and high ISO sensitivity shooting
Automatic image brightness correctionAuto Lighting Optimizer
Highlight tone priorityYes
Lens aberration correctionPeripheral illumination correction, color correction
AF 
TypeHybrid CMOS AF II
(Face + tracking, multi-point freedom of movement, freedom of movement 1:00)
Focus31 points (maximum)
Focus modeSingle AF, servo AF, manual focus
Focus brightness rangeEV 1 ~ 18 (23 C, ISO 100)
AF-assist beamBuilt-in (LED lights)
Exposure Control 
Metering ModeUsing real-time image sensor metering
• Evaluative metering (315 zones)
• Partial metering (approximately 11%)
* Spot metering (approx. 2.8%)
* Center-weighted average metering
Metering RangeEV 1 ~ 20 (23 C, ISO 100)
Exposure ControlProgram AE (Scene Intelligent Auto, Creative Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Children, Food, Night Portrait, Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control, Program), shutter-priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual Exposure
ISO sensitivity
(Recommended Exposure Index)
Basic Zone modes: at ISO 100 - 6400 set automatically
Hand-held Twilight: The ISO 100 - 12800 set automatically
Landscape: 100 - 1600 set automatically
Creative Zone modes: in ISO 100 - 12800
Manual at ISO 100 - 6400, Auto ISO can set the maximum ISO sensitivity or ISO expansion to H (equivalent to ISO 25600)
Exposure CompensationManual: ± 3 to 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments
AEB: ± 2 in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments
(can be used in combination with manual exposure compensation)
AE LockAutomatic: When focus is in the application of evaluative metering single AF mode
Manual: By AE lock button
Shutter 
TypeElectronically controlled focal plane shutter
Shutter speed1/4000 to 30 seconds, B [Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.]
Flash sync speed of 1/200 sec.
External flash 
Compatible flashEX-series Speedlites
Flash meteringE-TTL II automatic flash
Flash exposure compensationInterstage ± 2 in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments
Flash Exposure LockYes
PC terminalNo
Drive System 
Drive ModeSingle, Continuous, 10 seconds self-timer / remote control, two seconds and 10 seconds delay self-timer delay Continuous
Continuous shooting speedSingle-shot AF / MF: up to about 4.6 / sec.
Maximum BurstJPEG Large / Fine: Approx 13 (about 17)
RAW: about 5 (about 5)
RAW + JPEG Large / Fine: Approx 3 (about 3)
Still image shooting 
Aspect Ratio Settings3:2,4:3,16:9,1:1
Focus modeAF, Manual Focus (available for about 5 times, 10 times magnification confirmation), Automatic + Manual Focus
Continuous AFYes
Touch ShutterYes
Show gridlines2 types
Depth of Field PreviewYes
Movie Shooting 
Video compressionMPEG-4 AVC/H.264 [variable (average) bit rate]
Audio recording formatLinear PCM
Record FormatMOV
Recording size and frame rate1920x1080 (Full HD): 30p/25p/24p
1280x720 (HD): 60p/50p
640x480 (SD): 30p/25p
File Size1920x1080 (30p/25p/24p): about 330MB / min
1280x720 (60p/50p): about 330MB / min
640x480 (30p/25p): about 82.5MB / min
Focus modeHybrid CMOS AF II (Face + tracking, multi-point freedom of movement, freedom of movement 1:00)
Manual focus (can be about five times, 10 times magnification confirmation)
Focus brightness rangeEV 1 ~ 18 (23 C, ISO 100)
Focus modeAF, Manual Focus (available for about 5 times, 10 times magnification confirmation), Automatic + Manual Focus
Servo AFYes
Metering ModeUse the image sensor Center-weighted average metering and evaluation
Metering RangeEV 1 ~ 20 (23 C, ISO 100)
Exposure ControlShort Program AE and manual exposure
Exposure CompensationBetween ± 3 in 1/3 increments
ISO sensitivity
(Recommended Exposure Index)
When using manual exposure shooting: Auto / Manual ISO 100 - 6400 set, can be extended to H (equivalent to ISO 12800)
Digital zoom3-10x
Video Snapshot2 seconds / 4 seconds / 8 seconds
Miniature Effect movieYes
RecordingBuilt-in stereo microphone
External stereo microphone terminal
Can adjust the recording level, with wind suppression function (when using the built-in microphone), with the attenuator function
Show gridlinesYes; Two Types
LCD Monitor 
TypeTFT color LCD monitor
Monitor size and dotsWidescreen, 3.0 (3:2), about 104 million points
Brightness adjustmentManual (7)
Interface Language25 kinds (including Simplified Chinese)
Touch screen technologyElectrostatic capacity mode
FeaturesCan be displayed
Playback 
Image Display FormatSingle image display, single image + information display (basic information, shooting information, histogram), 4/ 9/36/100 image index
Enlarge Display1.5 - 10x
Image browsing methodsSingle image, jump (by 10 or 100 images, shooting date, folders, video clips, still images, score)
Image RotationYes
Highlight alertOverexposed highlights blink
RatingYes
Movie playbackYes (LCD monitor, video / audio output, HDMI output) with built-in speaker
Image ProtectionYes
SlideshowAll images, by date, folder, video clips, still images or scoring (can choose five kinds of transition effects)
Background musicYou can choose to play as a slide show and video playback
Image post-processing 
Creative FiltersBlack and white particles, soft focus, fish-eye effect, painting effect, watercolor effect, Toy Camera Effect, Miniature Effect
ResizeYes
CroppingCan crop, change orientation and aspect ratio
Direct PrintYes, with PictBridge-compatible printer
Image Print CompatibilityJPEG and RAW images
Custom Functions 
Custom Functions7
My Menu registrationYes
Copyright InformationCan be entered
Interface 
Audio / Video Output / Digital TerminalAnalog video (with NTSC / PAL compatible) / stereo audio output for computer communication and direct printing (equivalent to Hi-Speed USB)
HDMI mini output terminalC-type (automatic switching resolution), CEC-compatible
External microphone input terminal3.5 mm diameter stereo mini-jack
Wireless RemoteRemote control RC-6
Power supply 
BatteryBattery LP-E12
Battery Life
(Based on CIPA testing standards)
Approx. 230 at 23 C, 200 at 0 C
Video recording timeAbout 1 hour 30 minutes at 23 C, 1 hour 20 minutes at C
Size and Weight 
Dimensions (W × H × D)Approximately 104.9 × 65.2 × 31.6 mm
WeightApprox. 274 grams (CIPA guidelines), approx. 238 g (body only)
Operating environment 
Operating Temperature Range0 C ~ 40 C
Operating humidity range85% or less
Battery LP-E12 
TypeRechargeable lithium batteries
Rated voltage7.2 V DC
Battery capacity875 mA when
Operating Temperature RangeDuring charging: 5 C ~ 40 C
During filming: 0 C ~ 40 C
Operating humidity range85% or less
Dimensions (W × H × D)Approximately 32.5 × 12.5 × 48.5mm
WeightApproximately 35 g
Battery Charger LC-E12C 
Compatible BatteryBattery LP-E12
Charging timeAbout 2 hours (23 C pm)
Input Voltage100 - 240 V AC (50/60 Hz)
The output voltage8.4 V DC/540 mA
Operating Temperature Range5 C ~ 40 C
Operating humidity range85% or less
Dimensions (W × H × D)Approximately 65 × 25.5 × 90mm
WeightApproximately 76 g (without power cord)

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Posted to: Canon News   
Post Date: 12/3/2013 8:36:10 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Yesterday Bryan posted his "What I Want for Christmas from Canon." So today we ask...

What do YOU want from Canon for Christmas?

Let us know on The-Digital-Picture.com Facebook Page!

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Facebook Discussions
Post Date: 12/3/2013 7:33:25 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Instead of trying to clean up the Google Translated announcement from Canon Japan, I'll simply post the new feature set until Canon USA/UK/Australia publishes their press release.

From Canon Japan (Google Translated):

Key Features:

  • Hybrid CMOS AF II
  • 8% Size Reduction
  • 4.6 FPS Burst Rate
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Release Date: Mid-December

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Posted to: Canon News   
Post Date: 12/3/2013 5:50:52 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Monday, December 2, 2013

From Canon USA YouTube Channel:

"This 3-part video series will walk you through major tips and tricks, as well as important settings, so that you can turn your Canon EOS Rebel camera into a powerful HD video recording device. In this 1st video, you'll learn what you need to get started with some basic filming and gear tips, including an overview of Canon STM lenses that are optimized for smooth, quiet focus during video recording."

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon USA News
Post Date: 12/2/2013 11:25:18 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Datacolor:

Digital Imaging Prizes from Industry Leading Brands Awarded Daily Throughout the Month of December

Lawrenceville, NJ – November 25, 2013 – Datacolor, a global leader in color management solutions, today announced it will be hosting a month long holiday giveaway during the month of December. Beginning December 1, daily prizes will be awarded through the Datacolor website with a new door opening each day to reveal the featured prize and partner. Professional and novice photographers, videographers and graphic designers alike are encouraged to enter the Datacolor Happy Holidays Giveaway for a daily chance to win essential tools to enhance their digital workflow..

The Datacolor Happy Holidays Giveaway will include prizes from the award-winning Datacolor Spyder line such as Spyder4ELITE and SpyderCAPTURE PRO, as well as products from partnering brands like DxO Labs, Fujifilm, Gura Gear, Lowepro, MyPix2, SanDisk, Tamron, Wacom, Zenfolio, and many more. A full list of partners can be found at spyder.datacolor.com/holidaygiveaway-friends. Winners of the Datacolor Happy Holidays Giveaway will be chosen at random and announced daily on the Datacolor website.

“For the second year in a row, we’re partnering with some of the industry’s most recognizable brands in an effort to make the holiday season for many imaging professionals even brighter,” said David Tobie, global product technology manager for Datacolor. “Not only is this a fun way for us to close out the year, but it provides digital imaging specialists of all skill sets the opportunity to start the New Year with a gear bag full of cool new gadgets.”

Adorama carries Datacolor products.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Datacolor News
Post Date: 12/2/2013 10:52:35 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Adorama:

Enter for FREE now while browsing Adorama.com to win a football fan package that includes VIP events and the chance to see the Big Game, plus be automatically entered and save big on Adorama’s “Deal of the Day” special items!

New York, NY – December 2, 2013Adorama, the official electronics retailer for the New York Giants and one of the world’s largest photography, video, imaging and electronics retailers, today announced its most exclusive giveaway contest yet: the Adorama FANtasy Escape Weekend Sweepstakes. Anyone can enter for free in the Adorama store or online. Winners will receive VIP tickets to the kickoff Celebrity Party in NYC on Friday, VIP access to the Celebrity Flag Football Challenge on Saturday, and then see the Big Game on Sunday. With the 2014 championship game coming to New York City - the home of the Adorama Superstore - there’s no better way to celebrate than with an exclusive sweepstakes.

“We couldn’t be more excited for the 2014 championship game to come to our city next February,” says Ahron Schachter, director of strategic planning, Adorama. “Seeing the Big Game can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we’re pleased to be able to offer our customers access to such an exciting contest. In the midst of the busiest shopping season of the year, we’re providing a multitude of ways for shoppers to enter the contest, ensuring just about every purchase is another chance to win.”

More Ways to Get in the Game: Discounts and Featured Items
With the holiday shopping season in full effect, Adorama has brought back its wildly popular "Deal of the Day" holiday extravaganza. From now through Christmas Eve, shoppers can visit Adorama.com for unbeatable holiday savings on select electronics, computing, photography and video products. When customers purchase any "Deal of the Day" item, which is only available online for 24 hours, they’ll be automatically entered in the Adorama Ultimate FANtasy Escape Weekend sweepstakes.

In addition to automatic entry into the Adorama Ultimate FANtasy Escape Weekend sweepstakes, customers will be automatically enrolled in Adorama’s VIP program when purchasing any “Deal of the Day” Product. Exclusive VIP benefits include: 30 gigs of free, lifetime cloud storage provided by Pogoplug; free photography education through the New York Institute of Photography, Adorama Learning Center and Creative Live; the opportunity to purchase products only available to VIPs; special VIP pricing on products throughout Adorama; exclusive email offers and much more.

Customers can get an additional three entries to the sweepstakes when they purchase specially designated items throughout Adorama.com.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   
Post Date: 12/2/2013 9:18:30 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Site visitor Stewart sent me a fascinating article yesterday regarding evidence that Johannes Vermeer (1600's Dutch painter) used a camera obscura to create his "photo realistic" paintings. If art, historic optical technoglogy and/or contraversy intrigue you (as they do me), then you'll likely enjoy the Vanity Fair article.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   
Post Date: 12/2/2013 8:51:49 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Ilford Imaging Switzerland GMBH:

November 29th, 2013 – Marly Switzerland – Today ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH announced that the company is again facing liquidity issues and is no longer able to honour its full financial obligations. The Managing Directors have already informed the employees and have sent a letter to the court of Fribourg declaring insolvency.

In June 2013, ILFORD Imaging experienced a liquidity issue after the former shareholder Paradigm Global Partners, a UK based financial investor suddenly withdrew from the business. Since then the management took over the company to secure the business short-term and also to find a new long-term investor.

The new shareholders, Paul Willems and Jean Marc Métrailler, initiated the sale of land owned by the real estate company ILFORD Property and invested these funds in ILFORD Imaging in order to provide sufficient liquidity to bridge the time until a new investor could be found. The ILFORD investment opportunity was presented to more than 20 interested parties from all over the world. Unfortunately, a new investor for ILFORD Imaging has not yet been found and the last potential investor pulled out earlier this week.

After the liquidity issues during the summer, it was challenging to re-start the business, as many existing customers began to buy products from competitors, which resulted in a large negative impact on the company’s revenue. In addition, ILFORD had to operate in a particular difficult market where demand is decreasing and manufacturers compete on low prices due to excess capacity. Furthermore, most suppliers would only deliver raw materials against payment in advance. These circumstances, along with the fact that the company had to replenish its inventories, and after payment of the late salaries of June and July, required additional cash.

The restructuring measures that were taken in August 2013 were necessary to improve the competitiveness of the company medium- to long-term. However these measures have not been fully effective yet and the impact will only be realised in the first quarter 2014.

The management is working closely with the State and the appropriate authorities in order to minimise the negative impact on all parties involved. No further information can be provided until the decision of the court is made and the next steps are understood.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Ilford News
Post Date: 12/2/2013 8:01:42 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Profoto:

On December 2, 2013, Profoto will introduce twelve new high-quality umbrellas in all shapes and sizes, including a deeper, more parabolic version.

Umbrellas are the backbone of many photographers’ toolboxes, and understandably so. Umbrellas are affordable, easy to work with and very easy to transport. The downside is that many of them are quite fragile and it can be difficult to control their light spread. Swedish lighting manufacturer Profoto aims to solve both of these issues with the new Umbrella Deep and the Umbrella Shallow.

Umbrella Deep is available in two sizes (130cm/51” and 165cm/65”) and in three fabrics: White, Silver and Translucent. All six versions have a deeper, more parabolic shape than the average umbrella. The deeper shape gives the photographer better control of the light spread. It also allows the photographer to focus and shape light by simply sliding the umbrella shaft in its holder.

Umbrella Shallow is also available in two sizes (85cm/33” and 105cm/41”) and in three fabrics: White, Silver and Translucent. The most important difference is that Umbrella Shallow is smaller and less parabolic, making it very lightweight and portable.

Much effort was invested into making both Umbrella Deep and Umbrella Shallow as reliable and sturdy as possible. The fabrics were selected to provide a superior quality of light over years of heavy-duty use, and the metallic elements have been surface treated to prevent rust and discoloration.

The optional Diffusor is also worth mentioning. This is simply pulled over the front of the White or the Silver version to turn it into a large softbox with an even softer and more even light spread.

All umbrellas are delivered in a high-quality bag that protects the umbrella during storage and transport.

The new Umbrella Deep XL replaces the old Umbrella XL. The new Umbrella Deep L replaces the old Umbrella L. The new Umbrella Shallow M replaces the old Umbrella M. The new Umbrella Shallow S replaces the old Umbrella S.

Adorama carries Profoto Deep and Profoto Shallow ubrellas.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Profoto News
Post Date: 12/2/2013 7:03:10 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Canon:

TOKYO, Japan, December 2, 2013—Canon Inc. announced today that an ultra-high-sensitivity 4K camera was used to successfully capture video of the comet ISON from the International Space Station at approximately 7:08 p.m. JST on November 23, 2013. Canon technology contributed to this world's-first achievement as video production equipment from Canon's Cinema EOS System was used to record the astronomical phenomenon.

Discovered in September 2012, ISON was unique in that, among the many large comets that have passed through the solar system in recent years, none had traveled so close to the sun. Accordingly, expectations were high that the “sungrazing” ISON would provide earthbound stargazers with a rare performance that would not likely be repeated anytime soon. After the video was shot, however, the comet is believed to have largely broken up and evaporated, meaning that it will no longer be visible in the night sky.

The footage of the comet ISON was shot from the vantage point of outer space, which is not subject to atmospheric fluctuation, enabling the capture of clear video images that would not have been possible if shot from Earth. As a result, the video will likely prove of high value to the scientific community.

The Canon video production equipment taken on the mission, all from the company's Cinema EOS System lineup of professional digital cinematography products, comprised the EOS C500 PL professional cinema camera (launched in October 2012) and two EF Cinema Lenses: the CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 L SP (launched in December 2012) and the CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L SP (launched in October 2012). All three support 4K image resolution and the EOS C500 PL makes possible exceptional high-sensitivity imaging performance that facilitates the capture of usable footage even in low-light conditions.

The actual EOS C500 PL used on board the International Space Station underwent special modifications to further boost sensitivity and to enable the camera to withstand the rigors of shooting in space.

Adorama carries the Canon EOS C500 cinema camera.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon USA News
Post Date: 12/2/2013 6:27:34 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Dear Canon,

Christmas is coming and hopefully I'm still on your "Nice" list. With that dangerous assumption, and since it has been a few years since my last What I Want From Canon for Christmas List, I present my Christmas wish list for this year (with a few repeats that were somehow missed). As I know you might need a little more time to develop some of my requests, I'll give you 2014 to complete my wish list. :)

I Want a Sharp Mode
I'll start my list with my biggest and most-complicated wish first. I want a new camera mode. Your marketing wizards will likely think of a good name for it, but I'll get you started: It can be called "Sharp Mode", "Pro Action" Mode, "Stop-the-Action Mode", "Bryan's Mode", etc.

Via this mode selection, I want to tell the camera to automatically select the slowest shutter speed that will deliver no subject or camera motion blur in my image. The camera will utilize the viewfinder imaging sensor to determine a subject's rate of motion across the frame (caused by either camera shake or subject motion). Based on this intelligence, the camera can instantaneously determine the slowest shutter speed necessary to capture a sharp image.

By using the slowest shutter speed necessary, the lowest ISO setting possible can be used – resulting in the lowest noise possible in an image. And of course, there would be no motion blur in the result.

I will always want to set the aperture manually in this mode. For overall image brightness, there should be manual and auto exposure options. In manual mode, the image brightness will remain as I set it. The ISO will always be Auto and the camera will use the lowest ISO setting possible to deliver proper image brightness. In auto mode, the camera will determine how bright the image should be (with exposure compensation available). In manual mode, the camera will maintain the brightness I set (with offsetting adjustments to brightness parameters). Once ISO 100 is reached in any mode, the shutter speed should not be further shortened – a too fast shutter speed is rarely an issue when stopping all motion is a priority.

This mode will work with or without image stabilization enabled. A menu option will allow me to adjust the sensitivity of the camera's motion detection – to tune the setting as desired.

A significant benefit from this mode will be the assurance of sharp results at the lowest ISO setting possible. Reduced noise will be the benefit of not having to shoot at insurance-level, faster than necessary shutter speeds.

Here is an example of how I would use this mode:

I am shooting a soccer match on a very cloudy day. I am shooting with a wide open aperture (say f/4) and using a 1/1600 shutter speed to insure that most action is stopped. This exposure requires an ISO setting of 3200 for correct brightness – high enough that noise is very noticeable in the images. But, not every shot captured at this match needs a 1/1600 sec exposure to stop the action. A ball carrier that has momentarily stopped, a portrait captured immediately after a big play, the keeper on the ground with the ball safely in his/her hands. These shots can safely be captured at far longer exposures with lower ISO settings that deliver higher image quality.

With Sharp mode selected, the camera can instantly and automatically shift-down the ISO setting to give me a higher quality, but still sharp, image. Some shots such as a hard kick captured at a close distance might need an even faster shutter speed than my 1/1600 and this mode would instantly adjust for this.

Another example:

I am high up on a mountain shooting handheld. It is mid-day under a partly cloudy sky and I am shooting landscapes with a circular polarizer filter installed. Since parts of the scenery are always under a full sun, I know the exposure I need. And I want an f/11 aperture.The big differentiator in determining the shutter speed necessary for sharp images is the strong gusting wind. Sharp mode can determine how much camera shake is showing in the viewfinder, even with the image stabilized lens I'm using, and can determine the shutter speed necessary to stop that shake – the instant the picture is taken. When the wind stops, I can possibly shoot at 1/10 sec or longer, but during gusts, I might need 1/80 or even higher. The camera can simply boost the ISO setting to give me always-sharp images.

Adding this capability (even to the fully-auto green square+ mode) would be a huge benefit – especially for beginners. This would be a game-changing feature that would sell a huge number of cameras.

I discussed Sharp mode with Chuck Westfall (Canon USA) at the PhotoPlus Expo this fall. I don't expect to see a firmware update bringing this feature to us, but I do hope that Canon will include this feature in new DSLR camera models.

Exposure Compensation in M mode with Auto ISO
I've been asking for exposure compensation in Manual mode with Auto ISO for a long time (including directly to Chuck Westfall). This wish has been partially granted in the announced firmware update for the EOS 1D X, but I have some other cameras that desperately need it. This feature should be an easy firmware implementation for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and other EOS models.

Viewfinder Electronic Level that Remains Available During AF
Focus, frame, use the electronic viewfinder level and shoot before the camera goes out of level. That's how it should work. Instead, with most current Canon electronic viewfinder level implementations, I focus, turn off AF, frame, enable the electronic viewfinder level, shoot and hopefully remember to turn AF back on.

The Canon EOS 70D, with its dedicated viewfinder LCD level, gets the job done right. While I'm not expecting the viewfinder in my other Canon DSLRs to be updated, I think a firmware tweak could make the level indication remain visible during AF.

Tv Settings Longer than 30 Seconds
Why is 30 seconds the longest exposure allowed in-camera? There are plenty of uses for longer exposures and I am not aware of any limitation to today's cameras taking exposures much longer than this. I want Tv settings up to (at least) 5 minutes to be available in 1/3 stop settings in-camera. Allow a menu option for limits to be set shorter than this (those who do not need anything close to 30 seconds will also be accommodated).

Built-in Intervalometer
The camera is a computer and an intervalometer is a very basic function for a computer to accomplish. Why is an interval timer not available in-camera?

Ultra-High Resolution Canon EOS-1Ds X DSLR
Simply take the current Canon EOS-1D X (or the Canon EOS 5D Mark III) and drop a 40MP (or similar) sensor into it. I'd rather give nothing up to gain this resolution, but ... you can take 1 fps if you need to. :)

Ultra-High Resolution Via Multiple Shots
Taking the ultra-high resolution DSLR camera wish one step further, I want Canon to utilize multiple images to composite a much higher resolution image and/or higher quality image. There are multiple ways to accomplish this goal, but adding a very tiny imaging sensor shift in the X and Y axis between each shot is a possible method. Limitations would be similar to those encountered with HDR photography including motionless subjects needed. I made this request to Chuck in person, so he is at least thinking about this one.

Effective ISO 7.25, 12.5 and 25
I no longer want to buy or carry neutral density filters in multiple densities and multiple thread sizes. Please figure out how to give me lower ISO settings with no loss of dynamic range. Throw away some photons or something.

And while you are working on this request, can you give me digital graduated ND filter capabilities in-camera? Allow me to use the touch-enabled LCD to show the camera the area of the frame that is to be made darker. Allow me to set the gradient shape, size, softness and density.

Can you also give me a built-in circular polarizer filter?

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens
Canon has recently given us a pair of great 24-70 L lenses, but I still would like an f/2.8 IS version. Basically, add a 4-stop image stabilizer to the current Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens and I would be a very happy camper. In addition to giving us an awesome lens, Canon would give those of us trying to decide between (or trying help others decide between) the 24-70 L II and the 24-70 f/4L IS or 24-105 f/4L IS a huge time savings. I asked for this lens a long time ago - and will keep asking until I get it or something better. If Tamron can make this product, I'm certain that Canon can.

Canon EF 16-50mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens
Landscape photography is extremely popular – how about a landscape-specific lens? Landscape photography often requires deep depth of field – which often translates to narrow apertures and wide angles of view. I'll give up the wide apertures for lighter weight and any other benefits I can have in place of them. IS will let me shoot handheld in many situations – even in strong winds with a circular polarizer in place. I of course need razor sharp images right into the full frame sensor corners, no distortion, no flare, no CA and no vignetting even with a standard CP filter installed. Standard threaded front filters must be supported and weather sealing is necessary.

Canon EF 500mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens
I would like to see a great bird and wildlife photography lens that is both smaller and much more affordable than the current supertelephoto lenses, but I am of course not willing to accept less than perfection from the image quality. The gap between the 100-400 L & 400mm f/5.6L lenses and the big white guns leaves a room for such a lens.

Canon Lens Hoods for All
I want the proper lens hood to come with all Canon lenses I purchase – not just L lenses. I don't need "flocking" – matt plastic inside the hood will be fine (and easier to clean).

 
I know, I don't ask for much. But filling my wishlist will make me happy, happy, happy!

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Posted to: Canon News   
Post Date: 12/2/2013 5:30:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Sunday, December 1, 2013
This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending November 30th, 2013.

In the news...

This week began with a flood of holiday deals. Amazon kicked off the week by starting their Black Friday deals the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The unprecedented move led to many retailers starting their Black Friday deals early as well – like Adorama, who started their Black Friday deals the following Wednesday.

In other news, on Thursday Canon released their firmware update for the EOS C300 Cinema Camera. Canon originally released the firmware update on November 12th but later pulled the update from their site because of discrepancies in color balance caused by the new firmware. The re-released firmware fixes the color balance issues associated with the previous version.

In site news and reviews...

On Monday, Bryan posted some Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM “Art” lens eye candy. The review page now features many original images for site visitors to enjoy.

On Wednesday, Bryan posted the highly-anticipated image quality results for the Sigma 24-105. Check out the Sigma 24-105’s Review Page for all our standardized tests including image quality, vignetting and distortion.

And, for our deal of the week…

Being the week of Black Friday, picking a deal of the week was no small task. We were flooded with tremendous deals from many of our favorite retailers. While many of the deals would qualify for recognition, I picked this week’s deal based on two things: the value represented by the deal and the fact that it’s still available at the time of the Weekend Recap’s publication…

On that note, this Saturday we posted a deal from Amazon where you could get the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens for $1,799.00 after $300.00 mail-in rebate. Considering that the lens normally retails for $2,499.00, this price represents an excellent value for one of Canon’s most useful, high-performing zoom lenses.

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

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Weekend Recaps
Post Date: 12/1/2013 1:33:32 PM ET   Posted By: Sean
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