Canon and Sony News for Mar 2016 (Page 5)

From Canon USA:

Become the next Internet sensation with built-in Wi-Fiand NFC connectivity

MELVILLE, N.Y., March 10, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced its newest entry-level DSLR camera, the EOS Rebel T6. The Canon EOS Rebel T6 camera offers easy sharing of high quality photos and videos to popular social media sites via compatible smartphones and other mobile devices* as well as Canon’s Connect Station CS100.

“Smartphone users passionate about photography and ready to take that next step to creating their best images and videos ever will appreciate the ease-of-use and affordability of the new EOS Rebel T6 camera,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “With the latest addition of the EOS Rebel T6 camera, the Canon EOS Rebel series continues to be one of the most popular DSLR camera lines on the market.”

• 18.0 Megapixel Canon CMOS (APS-C) image sensor and high-performance DIGIC 4+ Image Processor for excellent image quality and speedy operation.
• ISO 100–6400 (expandable to H: 12800) for shooting from bright light to low light.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing to smart devices, social media sites and the Canon Connect Station CS100 device.
• 9-point AF system (including one center cross-type AF point) and AI Servo AF provide impressive autofocus performance with accurate results.
• High-performance Optical Viewfinder helps facilitate quick and accurate focusing by firmly framing and capturing the subject at hand.
• Large, 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 920,000 dots for easy viewing and reviewing.
• Full HD video mode for high quality, easy-to-use video capture.

Missed Photo Ops a Thing of the Past
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 camera provides a wide ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to ISO 12800), making it ideal for shooting both still and moving subjects in a wide variety of lighting conditions ranging from low light to bright sunny days. In addition, the camera is capable of shooting high-resolution 18 megapixel still photos continuously up- to- three frames per second (fps), with predictive autofocus to help keep every image sharp and clear, even with moving subjects.

The Scene Intelligent Auto mode in the Canon EOS Rebel T6 camera analyzes the image, accounting for faces, colors, brightness, moving objects, contrast and whether the camera is handheld or on a tripod. Scene Intelligent Auto mode then chooses the exposure and enhancements that can bring out the beauty in virtually any scene or situation. Simplifying DSLR image capture, Scene Intelligent Auto mode lets you concentrate on composing images without puzzling over settings.

Another exciting addition to the Canon EOS Rebel T6 camera is a new ‘Food Mode’ on the mode dial for the foodie or blogger to easily capture stunning images of the food they love. This mode enhances the color and brightness of the food images while at the same time making the images ready to share. Other fully automatic exposure modes include portrait, night portrait, landscape, sports, and close-up. Additionally, the easy-to-use Full HD video mode captures sharp, high-definition video up to 1080p resolution with the choice of automatic or manual focusing. Creative filters such as Fisheye, Toy Camera, Miniature, and Soft Focus give users additional ways to create fun and imaginative images to enjoy, print and share. The camera’s new “white priority” Auto White Balance setting enables users to create images with a more neutral tone when shooting under incandescent lighting. In addition to all the automatic modes, the new Canon EOS Rebel T6 camera provides complete manual exposure and focus controls plus RAW image output for advanced amateur photographers and photography students.

The Canon EOS Rebel T6 camera is compatible with the entire Canon EF and EF-S lens system including over 60 current models enabling users to capture their world in different perspectives ranging from Fisheye to Super-Telephoto. Scheduled for availability in April 2016, the estimated retail price of the Canon EOS Rebel T6 camera will be $549.99 when bundled with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II standard zoom lens.

B&H has the Canon EOS Rebel T6 available for preorder.

From the Canon Professional Network:

Canon Explorer and travel photographer Joel Santos makes the most of every adventure he organises. As CPN writer Mark Alexander finds out, a recent trip to Namibia with the EOS 7D Mark II and the new EF100-400mm telephoto zoom was no different...

B&H carries the EOS 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM.

Just posted: Induro GIT304L Grand Series 3 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

The Induro GIT304L Grand Series Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod offers significantly high quality and functionality for a value price.

B&H has the Induro GIT304L Grand Series 3 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod in stock with free expedited shipping.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

You’re probably all-too familiar with the typical photo you get when you use your camera’s built-in flash. At best, it looks a lot like the one to the left.

Sure, it’s sharp, correctly exposed and in focus, but if you’re looking for subtlety, variety, and sophistication, you’re going to have to up your game. One of the best and easiest ways to do it is to invest in a simple, affordable, and versatile device known as a Canon EOS Speedlite. A Speedlite is what Canon calls its electronic flash units that fit into the accessory shoe on top of your EOS system camera. Even the smallest, lowest cost Speedlite will make a significant improvement in the quality of your photos, even if you only use it for direct on-camera flash.

• Flash-Fill
• Indirect Flash
• Off-Camera Flash
• Wireless Off-Camera Flash
• Macro Flash
• Dragging the Shutter

B&H carries Canon EX-series Speedlites.

AquaTech is excited to announce the new Base Water Housing Kits customized for a wide range of Canon, Nikon, & Sony cameras. The Base Water Housing Kits retail for $995 (USD) and include everything you need to get started: the Base water housing, one lens port, and a pistol grip trigger with 2-button control for focus and fire. Each kit comes with a custom camera plate dedicated to the camera the photographer is using for precise placement within the housing.

Engineered to the same levels as our current range for extreme, shallow water conditions, the new models feature a maximum depth rating of 33 feet / 10 meters and are built using superior quality, high impact polyurethane materials. The housings feature an interchangeable lens port system, quick release safety clips for rapid set up, and standard tripod mounting point. Included in the Base Series Kit is a water housing with the new Base level back plate, a P-65 Lens Port designed to suit a range of lenses commonly used by water photographers, and a two-button Pistol Grip trigger with dedicated auto focus and shutter release for easy single handed operation. The Base is compatible with AquaTech’s full range of lens ports and accessories including Flash Housings and Pole shutter kits.

Creating high quality professional equipment at an entry price point has always been a goal for us. Offering the Base Series as a turnkey solution for those starting out is very exciting and we hope to see more photographers in the water pushing their photography to new limits.

The new AquaTech Base Water Housing Kits will sell for $995.00 (USD). Pre-sales for each model will begin on March 1st, 2016 with estimated shipping March 15th, 2016.

B&H carries the AquaTech Base Water Housing Kits.

From Canon USA:

MELVILLE, N.Y., March 7, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the expansion of the imagePROGRAF PRO Series with four large format inkjet printers. The extension of the Series includes the 11-Color plus Chroma Optimizer 44-inch imagePROGRAF PRO-4000 and 24-inch imagePROGRAF PRO-2000, designed to provide spectacular image quality for the fine art and photographic markets, as well as the eight-color 60-inch imagePROGRAF PRO-6000S and 44-inch imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S, two affordably priced models to economically create eye-catching posters and vivid displays for the production signage industry.

Continuing to deliver output solutions for photographers who are “equally obsessed" with the printed image, the imagePROGRAF PRO-4000 and imagePROGRAF PRO-2000 are 11-color plus Chroma Optimizer printers delivering the quality demanded by the fine art community. Complementing Canon’s professional line of DSLR cameras not only in their appearance, but also in their ability to create industry-leading imagery, these new models ensure a level of stunning Canon image quality from input to output, known as “Crystal-fidelity.” Mirroring the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, the 11-color models are also marked by the distinctive Canon red line, echoing the same red line found on Canon’s EF L-Series lenses.

“From the time a photo is taken, to the time it is reproduced in print, imaging professionals require output solutions that accurately preserve the detail and vibrancy of that moment,” said Toyotsugu Kuwamura, senior vice president and general manager, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The new imagePROGRAF PRO Series models not only deliver an impressive and well-appointed design equal to Canon’s EOS digital cameras, but are also equipped with advanced technology features to faithfully reproduce high-quality photos taken by Canon’s EOS digital cameras with outstanding image quality.”

Outstanding Image Quality
The LUCIA PRO 11-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system provides exceptional image quality, allowing for increased color gamut, reduced bronzing, improved scratch resistance, greater image clarity, gloss uniformity and excellent shadow reproduction, as well as increased black optical density. Compared to previous models, the Series features a wider print head (1.28-inch wide) with anti-clogging technology, which improves efficiency as well as reduces cleaning cycles and prevents wasted ink. This newly developed print head allows for a more compact printer design as only one print head is installed in each PRO Series printer. Additionally, all models maintain high print quality with a multi-sensor that calibrates the printer, ensuring color consistency from the first print to the last. They also feature a redesigned high-precision mechanical platform, providing a uniform, rigid frame to reduce vibrations during printing and more accurate ink ejection. The models also feature effortless media feeding capabilities, allowing photographers to no longer have to worry about blemished prints due to fingerprints.

High Productivity
For increased versatility, a Multifunction Roll System comes standard in the 60-inch eight-color model and is an option for the 44-inch and 24-inch models in the Series, marking its first appearance in a 24-inch imagePROGRAF printer. When used as a dual roll, the Multifunction Roll System will enable users to load glossy media in one roll and matte media in the other to seamlessly print to both rolls without needing to switch media or black inks. The Multifunction Roll unit will intelligently send the job to the correct media, automating the process and providing increased ease of use. The roll can also act as a take-up unit with bi-directional rewind, ideal for long, uninterrupted print runs.

All four new models feature the L-COA PRO processing engine for high-precision image reproduction and high-speed processing of high resolution data. The Sub-Ink Tank feature loved by users of the imagePROGRAF Series has been carried over to these new models, helping to reduce downtime and minimize costs by automatically enabling ink tank replacement during printing. The eight-color models utilize the same new 12-channel print head but the key colors of C, M, Y and MBk are arranged symmetrically in a mirrored arrangement, helping to realize high-speed printing, as well as high-color density.

Ease of Use
These new imagePROGRAF PRO Series models include several enhancements for increased usability, including a redesigned 3.5-inch color LCD touch panel, direct USB drive print capabilities and mobile connectivity. Users can now print PDF and JPEG files directly from a USB thumb drive for fast and easy printing without the need for a computer. The 3.5-inch LCD will render a preview of the file to ensure users are printing the correct file. Additionally, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) capability allows for smooth and easy connection to wireless LAN in office environments.1

User-Friendly Software
Further enhancing the user experience with these new imagePROGRAF PRO printers is the intuitive software solution of Print Studio Pro. With a focus on quality and ease of use, Print Studio Pro is a plugin for Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom2 and Canon Digital Photo Professional software, to easily exports files directly to the printer.1 The Quick Utility Toolbox feature provides users with a portal to launch and control software from one central interface, and Accounting Manager is included to help photographers keep track of consumable costs such as ink and media, helping users to determine their overall printing expenses. Also included is Device Management Console, an administrative tool which provides users with the means to manage up to 50 imagePROGRAF PRO Series printers by monitoring activity such as error messages and printer information such as the execution status of calibrations, all from one location.

Availability
These imagePROGRAF PRO models are expected to be available in late spring of 2016. The imagePROGRAF PRO-4000 is available for an MSRP of $5,995 or $6,995 with the addition of the optional Multifunction Roll System. The imagePROGRAF PRO-2000 is available for an MSRP of $2,995, or $3,795 with the optional Multifunction Roll System. The imagePROGRAF PRO-6000S comes standard with the Multifunction Roll System at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $9,995. The imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S is available for an MSRP of $4,995, or $5,995 with the optional Multifunction Roll System. The previously announced PRO-1000 is available for an MSRP of $1,299.99.

B&H carries Canon imagePROGRAF printers.

Go behind the scenes with Joe McNally as he turns Domenick European Car Repair, Inc. into his own personal studio. Joe is able to capture a wonderfully visual counterpoint to the gritty surroundings, with the addition of the beautiful Misfit Dior to the scene.

B&H carries the Nikon D810 and SB910 Speedlights.

The Canon Digital Learning Center has added another article to its Liza Gershman Wedding Photography Series, with this one covering 19 Ways To Create Traditional Wedding Images.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

Many weddings follow a traditional standard format. You can ask the planner or the wedding couple in advance of the wedding if they will have traditional elements like bouquet and garter toss, cake cutting, and the first dance. Knowing these items in advance will help prepare you to have the best lenses, the lighting in mind, and a beautiful composition.

Images of getting ready, when done right, can be some of the most stunning photographs of the wedding day. Hair and makeup preparation can be lengthy. Budget an hour more than the hair and makeup people suggest.

How early is early enough to start photographing? Two hours before the ceremony should be enough time to photograph the couple as they get ready; the attire details; the wedding venue; and some of the portraits. The following order is helpful when photographing a traditional wedding ceremony:

From the Canon Europe YouTube Channel:

As the sun goes down, try shooting cityscapes. Millions of lights give you the chance to photograph stunning night cityscapes.

Just posted: Gitzo GH3382QD Series 3 Center Ball Head Review.

This is easily among the best tripod heads I've used.

B&H has the Gitzo GH3382QD Series 3 Center Ball Head in stock. Alternatively, choose one of the smaller Gitzo Center Series Ball Heads.

Want to spruce up your next photo composite?

The NewBlueFx Blog has found 10 Iconic Movie Title Fonts which are free to download.

From PocketWizard:

New Auto-Sensing Transceiver allows photographers to combine on-camera TTL flash with remote manual flash

So. Burlington, VT (March 7, 2016 )– LPA Design, manufacturers of PocketWizard Photo Products, the world leader in reliable wireless control of cameras, flash lighting and light meters, announces that the new PocketWizard Plus IV Transceivers first announced last fall, are now shipping to retailers in the United States.

PocketWizard now offers the best of both worlds in one easy-to-use, reliable wireless trigger. The Plus IV Auto-Sensing Transceiver provides photographers with the benefit of on camera TTL flash combined with remote manual flash. When used as a transmitter, the top shoe provides on camera TTL compatibility with most Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Fuji and Olympus cameras and flashes. When used as a receiver, the top shoe pairs with virtually any speedlight for easy mounting and manual power adjustment of a remote flash. Built on the reliability and simplicity of the PocketWizard PLUS legacy line of products and loaded with numerous features and functionality, the Plus IV Transceiver is the “go to” radio when a fast set-up is required.

“Serious photographers understand the benefits of controlling the light at the time of exposure, both in-studio and on location,” said Karen Marshall, CEO of LPA Design, the U.S.-based manufacturer and distributor of PocketWizard products. “I’m delighted that PocketWizard engineers have been able to add TTL pass–through, for use with on-camera flash, and a metal foot and applied it to our time-tested technology, offering our users even greater versatility.”

The Plus IV includes performance enhancing features such as Long Range and Repeater Modes to help photographers tackle the most challenging shooting environments, opening the door for never-attempted image ideas. All features, channels and zones can be easily set using the soft-touch keypad and are clearly displayed on the backlit LCD display.

The new Plus IV looks like a Plus III on its side, with the most requested features added in. However, the Plus IV is not a replacement for the Plus III, rather they’ve been designed to complement each other. For example, an ideal set-up might be a Plus IV for on-camera flash in TTL mode, another Plus IV with a speedlight mounted in manual mode and two Plus IIIs connected to studio lights. The Quad-Zone feature in both the Plus IV and the Plus III allows photographers to easily turn their remote flashes on or off directly from the camera, and either create different looks or work in different areas.

The versatile new PocketWizard Plus IV is compatible with all other PocketWizard radios and virtually every popular flash and professional digital SLR camera system. The standard ISO compatible hot shoe can accommodate almost any speedlight for simple manual triggering, including newer Sony models. It also communicates with all PocketWizard-enabled photo gear including select Profoto, Dynalite, Norman and Photogenic flash systems and Sekonic light meters.

The new PocketWizard Plus IV Transceiver is now available at Retailers in the United States at an MSRP of $153.00.

B&H has the PocketWizard Plus IV Transceivers available for preorder.

With its 15 stops of light-reducing power, the Super Stopper sits at the top of the Stopper family, joining the Big and Little Stoppers in the long-exposure photography revolution.

The Super Stopper is designed for use in bright conditions, during the middle of the day – a time that’s traditionally considered unsuitable for photography because of the harsh, contrasty nature of the light.

However, with the Super Stopper filter fitted, the softness that arises from any movement contrasts pleasingly with any areas of bright light, creating an effect rarely seen in photography before now.

Like all the filters in the Stopper family, the Super Stopper is constructed from the high-quality optical glass and is supplied in a metal case for protection. It has only a minimal colour cast that is easily corrected in postproduction.

The exposure guide chart below allows you to find out the extremes to which photographers can now take their long exposures.

Just posted: Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash Review.

The smaller brother to the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT Flash, the 430EX III-RT is a great-performing and very capable flash. This is a significant upgrade from the Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash.

B&H has the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash in stock with a $40 instant rebate.

Note that the 600EX-RT currently has an $80.00 instant rebate available. This is a great time to upgrade your flash kit.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

Weddings can be the most important day of a couple’s life, and the photographic memories are a wonderful gift and keepsake. In this article series by Liza Gershman, you will learn valuable information for photographing weddings. Liza provides important tips from her extensive experience, and discusses preparation, organization, and explains traditional wedding images that will aid you in your own wedding photography.

• Top Tips for Great Wedding Photos
• Tips for Successful Wedding Photography: The Preparation

We posted Liza Gershman's first article "Top Tips for Great Wedding Photos" a couple of weeks ago. At the time, however, we didn't realize the article was intended to be part of a larger series. It appears that more articles will be added over time covering many different aspects of wedding photography.