Canon and Sony News for Sep 2015 (Page 5)

 Monday, September 7, 2015

From Canon Australia:

Sydney, Australia, 7 September 2015 – Canon Australia today introduces two new 2/3” 4K field lenses – the UJ86x9.3B and UJ90x9B. Delivering exceptional optical performance, with the UJ86x9.3B surpassing even 4K resolution, both offer outstanding focal range and are ideal for use within live broadcast production environments.

First class 4K image processing
The UJ86x9.3B and UJ90x9B are part of Canon's evolving 2/3” 4K lens line-up and join the recently launched CJ12ex4.3B in the range. Both provide professionals with the freedom to shoot live broadcast or sport events in stunning 4K quality, and in a first for Canon’s 2/3” lens line-up, the UJ86x9.3B offers resolving power beyond 4K.

The new lenses ensure exceptional resolution from the image centre to the edges, at both telephoto and wide angle, thanks to their advanced optical construction. Additionally, an increased use of fluorite and UD glass, combined with Canon’s expert use of coatings, results in exceptional control over ghosting and flare with sharp, high contrast images supporting a large number of tones.

Outstanding focal range and versatility
The new models provide ultimate flexibility – the UJ86x9.3B has an 86x zoom, with a focal range of 9.3mm – 800mm, and the UJ90x9B goes even further to 90x, with a 9mm – 810mm focal range. To ensure operators can capture a diverse range of scenes, both lenses also feature a built-in 2x extender which doubles the telephoto power, while maintaining exceptional 4K resolution.

4K scenarios such as live sport, do not tolerate even the slightest amount of shake. Thanks to Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer technologies, the UJ86x9.3B and UJ90x9B deliver crisp, clear results, acquiring maximum precision, even during panning. This is essential for tracking moving subjects at sports matches and events, while compensating for swing-back. Additionally, operators are able to keep subjects in focus, even in challenging situations, such as when long focus but shallow depth of field is required.

Built to perform
The UJ86x9.3B and UJ90x9B feature a compact design, comparable in size and weight to current HD 2/3” field lenses, allowing easy integration into operating environments. Both lenses also incorporate a 20-pin connector for integration with virtual systems and are fully compatible with existing Canon accessories designed for 2/3” HD Canon field lenses.

UJ86x9.3B key benefits:

  • Class-leading beyond-4K performance right to the edge of the image and throughout the zoom range for unmatched quality
  • Outstandingly high resolution 2/3” 4K field lens with 86x zoom and 9.3-800mm focal length (up to 1600mm with 2x built-in extender)
  • High contrast and high resolution in all wavelength regions of the B, G and R channels in the 4K and beyond 4K frequency bands
  • Similar size and weight to HD field lenses for seamless integration with existing HDTV technical setups and shooting environments
  • Beyond 4K resolution even with image stabilisation applied
  • Full support for virtual systems thanks to the built-in 16-bit encoder
  • Fully compatible with existing Canon HD field lens accessories

UJ90x9B key benefits:

  • 2/3” 4K field lens with 90x zoom and 9-810mm focal length (up to 1620mm with the 2x built-in extender)
  • Achieve stunning 4K resolution from 2/3” 4K cameras that extends right from the centre of the image
  • Retain stunning 4K resolution even with image stabilisation applied
  • Similar size and weight to HD field lenses mean it seamlessly integrates with existing HDTV technical setups and shooting environments.
  • Sustained 4K performance with precise focus and high zoom ratio
  • Cover wide spaces like large sports arenas with a single lens thanks to the wide focal range
  • Full support for virtual systems thanks to the built-in 16-bit encoder
  • Fully compatible with existing Canon HD field lens accessories

Availability
The UJ90x9B will be available from December 2015 and UJ86x9.3B from May 2016, in Australia only. Prices will be set at dealer discretion.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Australia News
Post Date: 9/7/2015 6:07:46 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Canon:

TOKYO, September 7, 2015 — Canon Inc. announced today that it has developed an APS-H-size (approx. 29.2 x 20.2 mm) CMOS sensor incorporating approximately 250 million pixels (19,580 x 12,600 pixels), the world's highest number of pixels1 for a CMOS sensor smaller than the size of a 35 mm full-frame sensor.

When installed in a camera, the newly developed sensor was able to capture images enabling the distinguishing of lettering on the side of an airplane flying at a distance of approximately 18 km from the shooting location.2

With CMOS sensors, increases in pixel counts result in increased signal volume, which can cause such problems as signal delays and slight discrepancies in timing. The new Canon-developed CMOS sensor, however, despite its exceptionally high pixel count, achieves an ultra-high signal readout speed of 1.25 billion pixels per second, made possible through such advancements as circuit miniaturization and enhanced signal-processing technology. Accordingly, the sensor enables the capture of ultra-high-pixel-count video at a speed of five frames per second. Additionally, despite the exceptionally high pixel count, Canon applied its sensor technologies cultivated over many years to realize an architecture adapted for miniaturized pixels that delivers high-sensitivity, low-noise imaging performance.

Video footage captured by the camera outfitted with the approximately 250-megapixel CMOS sensor achieved a level of resolution that was approximately 125 times that of Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) video and approximately 30 times that of 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) video. The exceptionally high definition made possible by the sensor lets users crop and magnify video images without sacrificing image resolution and clarity.

Canon is considering the application of this technology in specialized surveillance and crime prevention tools, ultra-high-resolution measuring instruments and other industrial equipment, and the field of visual expression.

  1. As of September 7, 2015, based on a Canon survey.
  2. Image capture employed a combination of optical and digital zooming while distinguishing of image content was realized through the magnification of an approximately 1/40,000th-sized area of the captured image.

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Posted to: Canon News   
Post Date: 9/7/2015 5:53:50 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Friday, September 4, 2015

From Canon USA:

Join Canon Explorer of Light George Lepp as he explores Silver Falls State Park in Oregon with the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R cameras.

In this episode, he discusses the proper techniques used to capture landscape and panorama images that can then be printed to large prints with tremendous detail.

For the full series and an article about George’s experience with the camera with final images, please visit: http://canon.us/9CVP

B&H carries the Canon EOS 5Ds and 5Ds R.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Photography Education Videos
Post Date: 9/4/2015 12:12:42 PM ET   Posted By: Sean

From the Nikon USA YouTube Channel:

Nikon Ambassador and naturalist Ron Magill shares tips on how to photograph great animal portraits.

B&H carries the Nikon D750, AF-S Nikkor 200-400 f/4G ED VR II, AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR & Nikon SB-910 Speedlight.

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Post Date: 9/4/2015 10:31:02 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Sigma:

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

We would like to announce the update in the lens firmware of the 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports Nikon on the SIGMA Optimization Pro, the dedicated software for the SIGMA USB DOCK.

The latest firmware update improves focusing performance when Continuous servo (AF-C) is in use.

For those customers who own the following products, please update the firmware of the lens via the SIGMA Optimization Pro.

Applicable products:

  • 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports NIKON

Firmware version 1.02:

  • It has improved the focusing performance of Continuous servo (AF-C) mode.
  • Note: Before upgrading the firmware of 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S014, please first update your SIGMA Optimization Pro to Ver1.2.0.

The Sigm USB Dock and Sigma Optimization Pro Software are required to perform the firmware update.

B&H carries the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens.

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Posted to:    Category: Sigma News
Post Date: 9/4/2015 6:56:44 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Eyefi:

Automatic wireless image transfer, organization and backup to both cloud and desktop provides ultimate convenience for vacation, celebration and professional photography.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., September 3, 2015 — Eyefi, the global leader in digital photo apps and services, has expanded the appeal of its WiFi SD card offering, with a 16GB edition of its award-winning Mobi Pro product line. Mobi Pro 16GB provides parents, photography enthusiasts, and professional photographers with instant access from any smartphone, tablet or PC to the high quality images they capture using their digital camera. Mobi Pro 16GB includes one year of Eyefi Cloud, providing unlimited storage and synchronization to the cloud. Eyefi Cloud also archives RAW, JPEG and video files to the photographer’s desktop computer. With Mobi Pro photographers can enjoy the ultimate convenience, peace of mind and enjoyment for all of their high-quality images.

"By offering a 16GB version of our award-winning Mobi Pro WiFi SD card with one year of Eyefi Cloud membership, we’re enabling more photographers to benefit from the convenience and power of EyeFi Cloud,” said Laura Torres, VP of product marketing at Eyefi. “Eyefi goes to work the moment an image is captured, automatically creating a consolidated and intelligently organized photo library synced with all devices, securing photos in the cloud, and even archiving them to desktop computers. It’s like having a photo assistant with you on every shot.”

“When I use Eyefi Mobi Pro and Eyefi Cloud I can spend more time behind the camera focusing on what I love most: taking photos,” said Doug Churchill, commercial photographer and documentary filmmaker. “My clients benefit from instant access to their photos and I benefit from peace of mind knowing my work is safe and secure on my camera, my smartphone and my desktop computer.”

The best value WiFi SD card for automatic image transfer – Simple and fast to set up, Mobi Pro provides photographers with unequalled power and flexibility when capturing images.

  • Selective transfer: Gives photographers control over which images to transfer from their camera to their mobile device or computer for editing, sharing and syncing.
  • Wireless RAW & JPEG file transfer: Fast, wireless transfer of both RAW and JPEG images provides photographers the flexibility to integrate Mobi Pro with their preferred tools and workflow. Send JPEG images to your mobile device for instant preview, quick editing and sharing with others. Send RAW files directly to your desktop or laptop computer for post-processing with tools such as Adobe Lightroom.
  • Infrastructure and direct mode network support: Images are securely and automatically transferred whether shooting on location, at home or in a studio. Away from home, Mobi Pro creates its own WiFi hotspot to enable instant transfer. At home, Mobi Pro connects to a local network to instantly transfer images at high speeds.

Eyefi Cloud: The most complete solution for managing all your digital photos – Eyefi Cloud is a complete imaging solution that supports automatic transfer of new images captured using any device: a digital camera equipped with an Eyefi Mobi card, a smartphone camera, or the latest generation of WiFi-enabled digital cameras from GoPro, Olympus and others. Photographers can even upload existing photo collections from their PC or Mac using Eyefi desktop apps. The one-year Eyefi Cloud membership provides access to an unlimited number of photos of at full resolution, including RAW format images. With Eyefi Cloud, photographers benefit from:

  • One unified and intelligently organized photo collection: Original-resolution photos from any source are consolidated into one collection and organized by date and time, and are always available in Eyefi Cloud. In addition, advanced image analysis automatically classifies and indexes images into 10 primary categories and 80 sub-categories to make it easy to find images to enjoy, edit or share.
  • An entire photo library in your pocket: The Eyefi mobile apps work with Eyefi Cloud to render every image synchronized to any mobile device in high resolution, while using a fraction of the memory of the original image. Device-resident images are stored in a local, synchronized database that can be viewed even when the device is off a data network in “airplane mode.” As a result, photographers can enjoy their entire photo collection for viewing, curating, editing and sharing—anytime, anywhere.
  • The best of both worlds—combined cloud and desktop storage: Eyefi gives photographers complete control over how and where they store and archive their photos. Eyefi desktop apps can be configured to automatically archive any new image transferred to Eyefi Cloud from an Eyefi mobile app. Users have control over where their original images are stored: on the WiFi SD card in their camera, on their mobile device, in the cloud and on their desktop, virtually eliminating any possibility of an image being lost or damaged.

Pricing and availability
Mobi Pro 16GB is available worldwide through online and specialty retailers. Priced at $69.99, the card comes with one full year of membership to Eyefi Cloud with unlimited syncing and storage – a $49.99 value.

B&H carries the Eyefi Mobi Pro 16GB SD Memory Card.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Eyefi News
Post Date: 9/4/2015 6:28:47 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Thursday, September 3, 2015

From the LEE Filters Facebook Page:

You've asked, we listened! Announcing the newest addition to our SW150 Filter System... The Canon 11-24mm Adaptor Ring for the Mark II!

*Please note that due to the physical size of this lens, and the extremely wide angle of view, the SW150 filter holder will vignette at the widest angles. To avoid this we recommend using a minimum focal length of 13.5mm when using the filter holder with two filter slots and 12.5mm when using the holder with one filter slot.

B&H carries LEE Filters and accessories, though the product page for the 11-24mm Lens Adapter has not been created yet.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Lee News
Post Date: 9/3/2015 8:05:16 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Wednesday, September 2, 2015

As is normal for this time of year, B&H will be closed several days this month in observance of Labor Day, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur & Succos. If you need your gear to arrive in a timely manner, be sure to keep the upcoming holiday schedule in mind.

EventDate(s)Schedule
Labor Day Monday, September 7 Open 10AM - 7PM
Rosh Hashana Eve Sunday, September 13 Close at 1PM
Rosh Hashana Monday, September 14 - Tuesday, September 15 Closed
Yom Kippur Eve Tuesday, September 22 Closed
Yom Kippur Wednesday, September 23 Closed
Succos Eve Sunday, September 27 Close at 1PM
Succos Monday, September 28 - Tuesday, October 6 Closed

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: B&H News
Post Date: 9/2/2015 10:36:18 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Tamron:

First to debut: two fast, fixed focal standard lenses packed with exceptional features that deliver ultimate performance

  • SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012)
  • SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013)

September 2, 2015, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces launch of a new series of SP lenses that are optimized to make the most of the superior imaging performance delivered by the latest advancements in digital photography. Sporting a totally revamped external appearance, the new lenses provide the ultimate in functionality and operation. The first two lenses in the series are compatible with full-frame DSLR cameras and offer fast apertures and versatile, fixed focal lengths. The pair consists of the SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012) and SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013), and both can be used with APS-C format cameras as well.

Features of fast-aperture fixed focal lenses: 35mm and 45mm, the first of new SP Series

To develop these two standard fixed focal lenses, goals were established to provide exquisite characteristics certain to set them distinctively apart from ordinary, conventional models. This required a new approach. All of the key performance criteria were redefined to achieve the ultimate in optical performance. VC (Vibration Compensation) was incorporated as an integral part of the opto-electronics design to expand shooting freedom. Priority was set to allow dramatically closer focusing capability to remove what would otherwise be a barrier to the subject. Yet with all this innovation, the overall mechanical package had to be kept within practical size limits with an elegantly sophisticated external design as a human interface.

Having optimized every prerequisite, remarkably versatile lenses have been developed that boast amazing performance from F/1.8 wide open aperture. These lenses can be enjoyed by users of APS-C cameras as well as full-frame.

  1. F/1.8 fast-aperture, fixed focal lenses aimed at ultimate performance
    Optimal use of the latest glass materials, coupled with Tamron's world renowned optical design technology, thoroughly compensated for aberrations of all types to achieve higher resolving power, while fine textures of materials and details are reproduced with subtle tonal gradations. The F/1.8 aperture delivers more light to the viewfinder—making it brighter for easier focusing – and more light to the sensor, allowing use even in very dim lighting conditions. In addition, the bokeh (background blur) effect obtained using the F/1.8 fast aperture delivers impressively smooth and soft transition from the main subject to the background.
  2. Dynamic close-focusing capability, unprecedented among standard lenses
    Both models deliver astonishingly short MOD (Minimum Object Distance) not available from other 35mm or 45mm standard lenses. Photographers can get closer to the subject with ease, unleashing new photo opportunities with an expanded scope of freedom. Superb image capture is ensured throughout the entire range from the closest to normal shooting distances, thanks to Tamron's proprietary Floating System built into both lenses.
  3. VC (Vibration Compensation) system, a feature crucial for high-pixel-density cameras
    Beneficial under all lighting conditions and especially useful in low light levels, the VC function provides noticeable advantages for handheld shooting by minimizing the adverse effects of camera shake. Cameras with high pixel densities, in particular, are sensitive to minute vibrations which cause unsharpness and degradation of image quality. VC works to ensure the maximum imaging performance even in dim lighting to allow photographers to enjoy the fast F/1.8 maximum aperture to the fullest extent.
  4. User-friendly product design with close attention to all details
    Opening a new chapter in the SP legend, product design, opto-mechanical construction and engineering processes are totally integrated. Every single detail and operating function has been thoroughly reexamined, explored and matured to a form that has a friendly, human touch.
External Design

  1. Product design with maximum emphasis on the human interface in order to achieve the ultimate in functional beauty
    While the lens is constructed with the absolutely most modern technologies inside, the exterior is articulated to offer the best possible comfort and confidence under a product design philosophy of "Human Touch." Organically composed lines and patterns on the barrel produce subtle changes in its appearance by reflecting ambient light on the surface. Metal-based barrel materials provide a pleasant feeling of comfort, high quality and durability, fitting firmly in the hands of the photographer. Design of the front face of the lens is also taken into consideration so that it is not intimidating.
  2. Brand ring and SP emblem
    A brand ring that's tinted "Luminous Gold" adorns the lens just above the lens mount. On one side of the lens barrel there is an SP emblem in the same luxurious color.
  3. Design of distance and aperture scales
    The window over the distance scale has been enlarged by 20% to maximize visibility and legibility. Font style of the characters and numbers has been newly developed to enhance the legibility as a critical element of the overall product design.
  4. Switches with optimized geometric shape and tactile feedback
    The geometric shape and sliding torque of the AF/MF change-over and VC On/Off switches have been configured and engineered to deliver the utmost comfort with secured operational feedback.
  5. Lens hood and caps
    To complete the lens product design, accessories such as the lens hood and caps for front and rear have been totally redesigned as well. Attaching and removing the lens hood has been fine-tuned by optimizing the connection interface to render both secure seating and durability.
Preorders:
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD
Tamron SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Tamron News
Post Date: 9/2/2015 5:35:21 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Tuesday, September 1, 2015

From Canon UK:

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 1 September 2015 – Canon Europe and Getty Images today reveal a series of iconic images which, shot by some of the world's leading photographers, represent defining moments from the past decade and bring to light the power of photography and the role it plays in helping to affect change around the world.

Known for enabling people to tell the stories that need to be told, the Canon EOS 5D series celebrates its 10th anniversary with an initiative that showcases 10 amazing images that tell some of these stories. From exposing the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian army, to uncovering illegal logging of rare and endangered trees in Madagascar, the EOS 5D has been the camera of choice for many professional photographers over the past decade and has captured some of the world’s most significant and important moments.

To view all the images and the amazing stories behind them, visit Canon’s Showcase within the Come and See website. The images will also be available to view as part of a special anniversary exhibition within Canon’s space during the professional week at Visa pour l’Image 2015, the annual festival of photojournalism held in Perpignan, France, from August 31 to September 6 2015.

Canon invites you to share your iconic images
To further celebrate 10 years of profound imagery, Canon Europe is also launching a pan-European competition that will offer participants the chance to win limited edition EOS 5D anniversary prizes.

All photographers, from amateurs to professionals, both smartphone and camera users, are invited to share an image that they feel represents a story of change. Winners will be selected by a panel of award winning judges, including Canon Ambassador Brent Stirton and Getty Images photographer Toby Smith.

The Canon Iconic Images competition will run in eighteen European countries (UK, France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Russia) from September 1 until October 2 2015.

For more information please visit the ‘Iconic Images’ competition page within the Gallery section of Canon’s ‘Come and See’ website.

“Since the launch of the original EOS 5D in 2005, the series has grown to become one of the most popular camera ranges of all time. 10 years on and now with four iterations under our belts, we’re showcasing today at Visa pour l’image how the EOS 5D series has enabled photographers around the world to tell some of the most important stories throughout the past decade,” said Kieran Magee, Director, Professional Imaging Group, Canon Europe. “We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved over the past 10 years and want to invite everyone, both amateur and professional photographers, to share their own iconic stories and join us in celebrating the power of photography.”

The 10 iconic Getty Images photographs are:1. John Moore, EOS 5D Mk I; Arlington, USA - May 27, 2007
John’s image of a woman weeping at the foot of her husband’s grave depicts a personal moment of change against a backdrop of simultaneously changing attitudes towards the deployment of troops in conflicts overseas such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Published within many of the world’s leading media titles, his image touched the heart of millions and showed the devastating consequences at home of war.

2. Alvaro Ybarra Zavala, EOS 5D Mk I; Colombia – November 29, 2007
Taken whilst on assignment to document the Colombian civil war, Alvaro’s image of two female guerrilla soldiers caught the attention and imagination of the mainstream media, highlighting the long suffering plight of the Columbian people and bringing the reality of this largely forgotten 50-year conflict to the general public.

3. Veronique de Viguerie, EOS 5D Mk I; Hobyo, Somalia - October 27, 2008
When Veronique de Viguerie and her journalist colleague travelled to Somalia to meet with one of the pirate chiefs it was still an unknown story outside of the region. The resulting report was ground-breaking and was published as the first landmark feature on the subject, just as it was about to enter headlines globally.

4. Toby Smith, EOS 5D Mk II; Masoala National Park, Madagascar - August 21, 2009
Toby’s body of work on illegal logging of endangered species of trees in Madagascar became part of the first prosecution on US soil of international traders using endangered species of timber.

5. Ed Ou, EOS 5D Mk II; Mogadishu, Somalia - April 24, 2010
Ed’s heart-breaking photos of young children armed with powerful weapons were published internationally and later shown in the US Senate which went on to see the US government and UN Security Council apply renewed pressure on the Somali transitional government to stop using child soldiers.

6. Marco Di Lauro, EOS 5D Mk II; Gadabedji, Niger - June 27, 2010
Marco Di Lauro partnered with UNICEF UK to document the serious food crisis gripping the West African nation of Niger. His surreal, striking photograph captured the attention of the public by offering something new, a different side to a widely reported issue. The impact of the work helped raise several million dollars in a few months to help the Nigerien people.

7. Jonathan Torgovnik, EOS 5D Mk II; Port-au-Prince, Haiti – January 10, 2011
Port-au-Prince was one of the most severely damaged places in Haiti during the devastating earthquake in 2010. Published internationally, Jonathan’s image raised refreshed awareness about the extraordinarily poor conditions that people were still living in one year on.

8. Brent Stirton, EOS 5D Mk II; Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya - July 13, 2011
Permanently guarded by four armed sentries, Brent’s image of one of the last northern white rhinos in the world was captured as part of a wider investigation in to the use of animals in black market medicines. Highlighting the fragility of the rhino’s existence, as the world’s most endangered species, the image reached an audience of millions globally.

9. Laurent Van der Stockt, EOS 5D Mk II; Jobar, Damascus, Syria - 13 April, 2013
The series of images, video footage and soil samples which Laurent and a fellow journalist took, were published globally and used by French, British and American administrations as evidence of the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian army. This lead to pressure by world leaders to stop the use of chemical weapons in this conflict.

10. Dan Kitwood, EOS 5D Mk III; Kos, Greece - June 4, 2015
Dan’s image of four Pakistani migrant men arriving on the beach of the Greek Island of Kos from Turkey captures one of the most important stories to have come out of 2015 so far. His work has been published internationally in many influential media outlets, helping to raise awareness of the issue around the world.

Check out the special article on CPN to see the 10 iconic images.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon UK News
Post Date: 9/1/2015 10:28:46 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

by Sean Setters

When I travel, I usually try to visit a zoo if there is one nearby. Zoos offer tremendous opportunities to photograph wildlife that would otherwise be economically infeasible (because of travel) or dangerous to photograph otherwise.

After visiting several zoos over the past few years, I've learned a few things that may help you on your next zoo trip.

Plan to start your day early.

Animals are generally more active in the morning before the sweltering sun sets in for good. Plan to arrive at the zoo when it opens. This will not only give you the best opportunity to see animals active and out in the open, but you will also be able to avoid the large crowds that develop as the day wears on (thereby making the best vantage points easier to reach). Doing online research of the zoo before you set off can help you determine which exhibits you want to visit first to increase your chances of capturing the best shots.

Alligator at Oatland Wildlife Center Savannah GA

Getting to Oatland Wildlife Center as soon as it opened allowed me to photograph the alligators while no one else was around. This gave me the freedom to choose any shooting position I wished for optimal framing.

Pack these: your longest (non-super) telephoto, a general purpose zoom & a standard wide aperture prime lens.

Generally speaking, a telephoto lens in the 300-400mm range will be ideal for many outdoor wildlife exhibits. The long reach and narrow angle of view of these lenses will help allow you fill the frame with your animal subjects while also minimizing the evidence of captivity in your photos. Lenses such as the Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM, EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM work very well in this regard.

Hyacinth Macaw at Nashville Zoo

A long telephoto lens can even aid in minimizing the impact that fences/nets have on your images as long as the barricade is close to the end of your lens and your focus point is well beyond it. This causes the fence/net to become blurred sufficiently enough so that it may not be readily distinguishable in your image (though you will likely notice a loss of contrast).

You may find that your long telephoto lens never leaves your camera while visiting a zoo. However, don't discount the value of having a general purpose lens on hand just in case. My recent trip to Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah, GA proved less than fruitful in regards to animal photography than I had hoped because the early morning heat left most animals hiding in their shaded enclosures. However, one section of the trail proved especially beautiful as the boardwalk ventured out over a large marsh. I quickly affixed the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM to my 5D III and captured the following handheld HDR image.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center Marsh

Another lens you may find particularly useful is a standard wide aperture prime lens in the 50-85mm focal range. These lenses can prove extremely beneficial if the zoo you are visiting features indoor aquariums or exhibits. The wider aperture provided by these lenses can be essential for minimizing motion blur (from animals or the photographer) while maintaining acceptably low ISO levels.

And while on the subject of photographing animals through glass, wearing a dark colored shirt can help you avoid capturing distracting reflections in the glass. Unfortunately, wearing a dark colored shirt may not be ideal if it's a hot summer day, so you may want to simply throw the shirt in your camera bag in case you need it.

Bring sunscreen and water.

While many zoos have done a good job in providing ample shade for visitors, you may find yourself getting a little more sun than you thought you might after a long day of photographing captive wildlife. Be sure to wear sunscreen to the park and keep a small tube of it in your camera bag (inside a zip-top plastic bag) for reapplying when necessary.

Not only can the sun take a toll on your skin, but the heat combined with the exercised involved in toting camera equipment around the park can easily lead to dehydration if you aren't careful. Most zoos have water fountains located throughout the park, but you may want to keep a water bottle on hand for when you need it most. A small snack (like a granola bar) can easily be stowed in your camera bag and can help provide a little energy during a short break.

And that's it. If you have any more tips, please feel free to share them in the comments section!

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 9/1/2015 10:10:00 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From WD:

New My Cloud OS 3 Puts Control of Content into the Hands of Consumers with Greater Photo Sharing, Backup and Synchronization

IFA - BERLIN, Germany – Sept. 1, 2015 – WD, a Western Digital (NASDAQ:WDC) company, and world leader in storage solutions, today introduced significant enhancements to WD’s family of My Cloud personal storage devices, including a new, redesigned My Cloud OS 3 operating system, Software Developer Kit (SDK) enabling enhanced app integration and a dual-drive My Cloud Mirror personal cloud storage offering increased memory and faster processing performance than previous generations.

WD’s My Cloud OS 3 features an intuitive user interface delivering a rich content sharing experience, and back-up and sync capabilities that elevate the personal cloud NAS offering while retaining the privacy and control unique to personal cloud devices physically located in the home or office.

"We know our personal cloud customers place the highest value on their personal content and enjoy the peace of mind from backing up PCs, smart phones and tablets to and centralizing content on their My Cloud systems," said Jim Welsh, senior vice president and general manager of Content Solutions at WD. "They tell us they are confident in the privacy, control and anywhere access we provide them with the My Cloud OS. Now, with My Cloud OS 3, we’ve made users’ management of their digital lives easier than ever before."

My Cloud OS 3 features powerful new photo and video capabilities via two new user experiences: MyCloud.com and My Cloud Albums app. MyCloud.com provides users global access to their My Cloud via an intuitive web browser based user interface and enables file collaboration, comprehensive access management and a photos and videos gallery view. My Cloud Albums, available for download late September on iTunes and Google Play stores, allows a My Cloud OS 3 user to send a link to a common location, or "album", on the My Cloud to all their friends and family.

My Cloud OS 3’s new WD Sync feature syncs data across multiple PCs and notebooks, ensuring that important files are up to date and available to users from almost any device. The new OS also allows users to set up automatic camera-roll backup of photos from smartphones and tablets and offers a new transfer tool that enables users to easily and quickly move their files to My Cloud devices. The OS also includes Chromebook and Chromecast support.

As part of the My Cloud OS 3 launch, WD has introduced My Cloud Device SDK and My Cloud API enabling developers to build new extensions, features and capabilities within the My Cloud ecosystem of personal cloud storage devices. The My Cloud Device SDK, based on the Docker open platform technology, ensures developers can easily access and collaborate to create customized experiences. Partners already developing extensions and new features based on the new SDK include Plex and Milestone.

In addition to new software upgrades, WD has also introduced a new version of My Cloud Mirror personal cloud storage devices, featuring two hard drives set to Mirror Mode (RAID 1), ensuring content is stored on one drive and automatically duplicated to a second drive. My Cloud Mirror personal cloud storage includes the new features announced for My Cloud OS 3 and an improved processor and 1 GB RAM for faster file transfers and application support

Attendees of the annual IFA Consumer Electronics Unlimited show in Berlin September 4-9, 2015 can visit the WD booth (#103) in Hall 11.2 of the Berlin ExpoCenter for a demo and hands-on experience with the new My Cloud OS 3, My Cloud Device SDK and My Cloud API.

Pricing and Availability

WD My Cloud OS 3 will be available at the end of the month as a free download on current My Cloud personal cloud storage devices. My Cloud devices supporting the new OS 3 include: My Cloud, My Cloud Mirror, My Cloud Expert Series EX2/EX4, My Cloud Expert Series EX2100/EX4100 and My Cloud Business Series DL2100/DL4100. Customers can also download the new WD My Cloud mobile apps, which are now available on the iTunes and Google Play stores. All WD My Cloud devices are available today in the WD store at wdstore.com and at select retailers and distributors. Access to My Cloud Device SDK and My Cloud API will be available to interested developers late September.

My Cloud Mirror will have a Manufactured Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of 4 TB $309.99, 6 TB $379.99, 8 TB $429.99 and is available at select retailers and distributors beginning on September 30th.

B&H carries WD drives.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: WD News
Post Date: 9/1/2015 7:40:48 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Adobe:

To respond to the growing demand from creatives worldwide, Adobe decided to expand its annual Adobe MAX conference, taking place in early October at the Los Angeles Convention Center, to 6,000 attendees this year. Last year, MAX attracted 5,500 attendees from 78 countries.

Adobe MAX is the world’s leading creativity conference bringing together the most creative minds across the creative industries, including inspirational and iconic speakers from graphic design and illustration; photography and creative imaging; video; digital publishing; as well as Web and app design.

Adobe president and CEO Shantanu Narayen and David Wadhwani, senior vice president of Digital Media at Adobe, will kick off the show with a high-impact keynote presentation on Monday, October 5.

Check out the Adobe MAX website for more info.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Adobe News
Post Date: 9/1/2015 7:21:03 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
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