Canon and Sony News for Sep 2016 (Page 5)

I was not in the habit of sharing my camera setup steps when initially receiving the Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR camera, but by request, I'm sharing them with you now. Here are the 37 steps to how I setup my Canon EOS 5D Mark III.

1. Open the box, find the battery and charger and plug it in. If you have another charged LP-E6/LP-E6N battery available, you can continue to the battery-required steps without a wait. Or, the supplied battery may have enough charge to take you through these steps if you can't wait.
2. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box. For me, this is primarily the camera, the eye cup, the neck strap and the Canon Solution Disk.
3. Download and install the latest Canon EOS Solution Disk software on your computer to get support for the latest camera(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, Photostitch and Lens Registration Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
4. Attach the neck strap.
5. Insert a sufficiently charged battery.
6. Power the camera on.
7. The date and time setup screen will show at startup the first time. Use the Rear Control dial and the Set button to update this information.
8. Insert one (or two) memory card(s) (format them via the tools menu option before taking pictures).
9. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv or M (some modes provide only a small subset of available menu options).
10. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the cameras as follows:
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use top dial to set RAW to "RAW" and Rear Control dial to set JPEG to "-"
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image review: 4 sec.
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Beep: Disable
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Release without card: Disable/off (I highly recommend this setting)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Lens aberration correction: All disabled (though I suggest leaving CA correction enabled for most uses - all can be applied to a RAW file in DPP)
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 2: ISO Speed Settings: ISO Speed range: L(50)-H1(51200), Auto ISO Speed range: 100-25600
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 2: Auto Lighting Optimizer: Disabled
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness Strength set to "1" (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram on the back of the camera that most-accurately shows me blown highlights and blocked shadows on the camera LCD. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
19. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: Long exposure noise reduction: I usually have this option set to "Auto", but my choice varies for the situation.
20. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: High ISO speed noise reduction: Off (noise reduction is destructive to image details - I prefer to add NR sparingly in post)
21. AF Menu, Tab 2: AI Servo 1st image priority: Focus priority (I want the images in focus more than I want the time-priority capture)
22. AF Menu, Tab 2: AI Servo 2nd image priority: Focus priority +2 (same reason)
23. AF Menu, Tab 3: One-Shot AF release priority: Focus priority (same reason)
24. AF Menu, Tab 4: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Area + pt
25. Playback Menu, Tab 3: Highlight alert: Enable (flash portions of images that are overexposed)
26. Playback Menu, Tab 3: Histogram disp: RGB (I want to monitor all three color channels for blown or blocked pixels)
27. Playback Menu, Tab 3: Magnification (apx): Actual size (from selected AF point)
28. Setup Menu, Tab 1: Auto rotate: On/Computer only (this provides the largest playback image size on the camera LCD)
29. Setup Menu, Tab 2: VF grid display: Enable
30. Setup Menu, Tab 3: Info button display options: Electronic level only
31. Setup Menu, Tab 4: Custom shooting mode (C1-C3): Auto update set: Enable (see also: Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
32. Setup Menu, Tab 4: Copyright information: Type name as desired
33. Custom Functions, Tab 1: Bracketing auto cancel: [Off] selected
34. Custom Functions, Tab 2: Custom Controls: Set: Playback; Multicontroller: Direct AF point selection; Default erase option: [Erase] selected
35. Custom Functions, Tab 3: Default erase option: [Erase] selected
36. My Menu: Register the following options: Long exposure noise reduction, Mirror lockup, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring what time it is), Sensor cleaning, Expo.comp./AEB
37. Mount a lens, focus on a subject and adjust the viewfinder diopter (if necessary)

To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot – including shooting in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.

If you can't remember your own menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a good idea. Anytime your camera goes in for a service visit, the camera will be returned in a reset-to-factory state (unless you request otherwise). Your list will ensure that you do not miss an important setting when putting the camera back into service.

More Information

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Today's the day. At 1pm (PST) or 4pm (EST), Trey Ratcliff will be revealing the all-new Aurora HDR 2017. HDR expert and pro photographer, Trey, will be demonstrating how to get the best out of the brand new features and answering any questions. Register for the webinar here.

Sign up for the webinar here.

Learn more about Aurora HDR 2017.

From Samyang:

PREMIUM MF 85mm F1.2

Faster than eyes can capture

Samyang 85mm F1.2 is a premium manual focus photo lens designed for high resolution photoshoots. In pursuit of image quality itself, this new lens is equipped with the most advanced optical technology among Samyang Lenses. With over 40 years of research and development in optics, Samyang integrates the essence of history and introduces a signature lens line-up.

It has the unprecedented resolving power, matched with 50 megapixels photo and 8K video productions. The resolving power contains abundant pixel information, allowing photographers the freedom in post-production to create unique image of own. It enables you to capture life-long memories in everlasting image quality. Bokeh, out-focusing, starburst effect creates unforgettable image.

The F1.2 of 85mm is, by far, the brightest lens in existing full frame DSLR lenses, securing the fast shutter speed. It has ten elements in seven groups, applying one aspherical lens and two high refractive lenses. The aspherical lens minimises the aberration and unnecessary light dispersion. Two high refractive lenses effectively adjust the path of light and deliver maximum amount to the sensor for clear and vibrant image. This optimal performance creates impressive image quality from centre to corner of image. Also, the minimised aberration enhance the clarity of image, creating more impressive image than your eyes can see.

Aluminium alloy metal is adopted for maximum durability. With a sleek yet unprecedented design with flowing curves, this signature line-up is a one-of-a-kind lens. The usability is maximized with considerate diameter in 95mm.

Specifications

Wider than eyes can capture

Samyang 14mm F2.4 is a premium manual focus photo lens designed for high resolution photoshoots. In pursuit of image quality itself, this new lens is equipped with the most advanced optical technology among Samyang Lenses. With over 40 years of research and development in optics, Samyang integrates the essence of history and introduces a signature lens line-up.

It has the unprecedented resolving power, matched with 50 megapixels photo and 8K video productions. The resolving power contains abundant pixel information, allowing photographers the freedom in post-production to create unique image of own. It enables you to capture life-long memories in everlasting image quality. Bokeh, out-focusing, starburst effect creates unforgettable image.

14mm F2.4 takes no compromise for the image quality. It is consisted of 18 glasses in 14 groups including four different special optics: two aspherical lenses, one hybrid aspherical lens, two extra-low dispersion lenses and one high refractive lens. This optimal performance creates impressive image quality from centre to corner of image. Also, the minimised aberration enhance the clarity of image, creating more impressive image than your eyes can see.

Aluminium alloy metal is adopted for maximum durability. With a sleek yet unprecedented design with flowing curves, this signature line-up is a one-of-a-kind lens. The usability is maximized with considerate diameter in 95mm.

Specifications

B&H carries Samyang lenses.

From the B&H YouTube channel:

Street photography has seen an incredible surge in popularity in recent years, and what better location than New York City to produce stunning street photos? From trendy SoHo corners to South Bronx housing projects, street photographer Derek Fahsbender has made a name for himself through his vivid photographs of life as it happens in the streets. In this highlight video, you will get a brief overview of the full video that includes the following: create dynamic images, from candid moments to intimate street portraits, as Derek takes you through his thought process and approach.

Hitting the Pavement: Street Photography: Full Version

Firmware Version 1.1.2 incorporates the following improvements to enhance functions.

1. The addition of a selectable color-tone option for the LCD monitor.
2. The addition of a function to append IPTC data.
3. The addition of a function to transfer only protected images.
4. The addition of a function to set the GPS positional data retention period.
5. An increase in the number of network connection settings that can be saved to a memory card from 20 to 40.
6. When retrying FTP transfer, extension of the minimum auto power off time to 10 minutes.
7. Improvement of wireless transmission when using Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E6.

Notes:

1. Once the camera is updated to Version 1.1.2, it cannot be restored to a previous firmware version (Version 1.0.0 / 1.0.2).
2. "Camera setting files" generated on a camera with Firmware Version 1.0.2 or earlier cannot be used on a camera with Firmware Version 1.1.2 or later.
3. EOS-1D X Mark II cameras with Firmware Version 1.1.2 require the latest version of EOS Utility. EOS Utility Version 3.5.0 or later can be downloaded from our Web site.
   *EOS Utility Version 3.5.0 is supported on the following OSes:
   Windows 10 / 8.1 / 7 SP1, Mac OS X v10.9 / 10.10 / 10.11
4. Download the latest version of the Instruction Manual which contains information regarding the enhancements provided through this firmware update.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has arrived and one of the first tasks was to evaluate the frame rate and buffer depth performance. I thought I would share these results with you today.

To test the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV's 7 fps drive mode and 17/21 (21 with UDMA 7 CF card) frame RAW file buffer specs, the camera was configured to use ISO 100, a 1/8000 shutter speed (no waiting for the shutter operation), a wide open aperture (no time lost due to aperture blades closing) and manual focus (no focus lock delay). The lens cap remained on (insuring a black file and the smallest file size) and a freshly-formatted fast memory card was loaded. The tested rates and capacities are about best-obtainable for the camera and card combination being used.

Reducing any concerns about the buffer depth: using a Lexar 64GB Professional 1066x UDMA 7 Compact Flash Card (Max. Read/Write Speed: 160/155 MB/s), the 5D Mark IV captured 36 frames in 4.98 seconds to precisely match the rated speed and, great news, far exceed the rated buffer depth. In addition, with this Lexar card installed, additional frames continued to be captured at a 4.4 fps rate. If DPRAW capture is enabled, the frame rate using the same card drops to 4.9 and the buffer wall is hit at only 9 frames. Subsequent frames are captured at a 2.2 fps rate. The larger-sized DPRAW images definitely impact performance in this regard.

Using a Lexar 128GB Professional 1000x UHS-II SDXC U3 Memory Card, the 5D Mark IV captured 21 frames in 2.85 seconds to once again match the rated drive speed and also match the UDMA 7 buffer depth rating. Using this card, the post buffer-filled frame rate was 1.6 fps.

Using a Sony 32GB Class 10 UHS-I (SF32UX) SDHC Card (Max. Read/Write Speed: 94/45 MB/s), the 5D IV captured a respectable 24 frames in 3.28 seconds to again precisely match the rated drive speed and exceed the rated buffer depth by a few frames. Using this card, the post buffer-filled frame rate was 1.6 fps. So, the slower UHS-I card recorded a higher number of frames before filling the buffer than the faster UHS-II (not-supported) card.

These buffer capacities should be considered best-possible for the referenced cards and your in-the-field results will likely vary, but a fast memory card, especially a fast CF card, definitely makes a difference with this camera.

Following are links to MP3 files capturing the sounds of the 5D IV:

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV One Shot Mode
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Burst Mode
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Silent Mode
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Silent Burst Mode
Burst Comparison: Canon EOS 5D Mark III compared to IV

Camera sounds are recorded using a Tascam DR-07mkII Portable Digital Audio Recorder with record levels set to 50% at -12db gain and positioned 1" behind the rear LCD.

The 5D III vs. 5D IV sound comparison illuminates the more-subdued sound of the 5D Mark IV. The silent modes are once again available, but ... with the camera being quieter to begin with, the silent modes don't seem as dramatically quieter in this camera. Live view shooting can be used to further minimalize the 5D Mark IV's audibility.

Learn much more about the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV here.

You can find Canon 5D Mark IV in stock at these retailers

Canon USA has the following software updates available for download.

Digital Photo Professional 4.5.0

Changes for Digital Photo Professional 4.5.0:

• Supports EOS 5D Mark IV.
• Supports EF-M28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM.

• Supports EOS 5D Mark IV.

You can find Canon 5D Mark IV in stock at these retailers.

by Sean Setters

A few days ago we can across a new kit offered by Canon, the Portrait & Travel 2-Lens Kit. The kit contains the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lenses.

I immediately asked myself whether or not this kit makes sense from a marketing perspective. I'm not entirely sure one way or another, but I'd like to share some thoughts.

Usefulness and Versatility

There's no doubt that a wide aperture, 50mm prime lens is a versatile tool for photography. The general purpose focal length produces a pleasing angle of view which approximates our own eyesight and the wide f/1.8 aperture can allow for great background separation from in-focus subjects. As such, the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (with an 80mm full-frame equivalent focal length) can work very well for portraits for those using an APS-C sensor camera (this kit's target market).

And with a full-frame equivalent focal range of 16-28.8mm, the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM makes a very good landscape lens capable of capturing sweeping views in front of the camera. This lens' image stabilization means that you can use significantly lower shutter speeds to obtain sharp images of non-moving subjects while keeping ISOs (and thus, noise) at a tolerable level.

Both lenses feature Canon's STM AF technology which allows for smooth AF transitions in video mode. Budding filmmakers will appreciate that.

I think it's pretty obvious that this may be an attractive kit from a capability standpoint. However, let's look a little deeper.

Price

While Canon does indeed discount the Portrait & Travel 2-Lens kit compared to purchasing the lenses separately, it's the fact that you're bundling two lenses in the first place with a necessary increase in the investment required compared to a single lens purchase.

This kit's target market – largely first-time consumer DSLR owners – may find it difficult investing in two lenses at once. I remember the agony years ago of deciding on a lens to add to my Rebel XTi + general purpose zoom kit. It took everything I had to pull the trigger on an additional lens. Of course, that tension eases with multiple lens purchases and experiencing the value of having new capabilities at your fingertips. But for someone interested in purchasing their first non-kit lens, a 2-lens kit may well be out of consideration unless the discount is substantial. That said, instant rebates and other purchasing options (like refurbished) complicate the savings calculation.

First off, the Portrait & Travel 2-Lens Kit's MSRP is $429.00 but it currently qualifies for an $80.00 instant savings bringing its price down to $349.00.

Now let's look at some other options for purchasing the two lenses saparately. Below you'll find the regular MSRP and refurbished prices along with any current applicable discounts.

So what are the downsides to purchasing refurbished items from Canon USA? First, your lenses won't come in retail boxes. Second, Canon USA will charge you sales tax up front (you are technically responsible for paying sales tax to the proper authorities for purchases made at online retailers when they do not automatically collect it). Otherwise, you can expect refurbished items to arrive in like-new condition with a retail-matching 1-year Canon USA warranty.

At the end of the day, I couldn't help but think that the Portrait & Travel 2-Lens Kit only really makes sense when it's discounted like it is now. With the kit's $80.00 instant rebate, it's $55.00 less than buying the same lenses separately even with their own instant rebates considered.

However, buying refurbished will oftentimes get you the best deal.

B&H has the Canon Portrait & Travel 2-Lens Kit available for preorder. Canon USA carries the Refurb. EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and Refurb. EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lenses.

Roger Cicala over at LensRentals has just posted a teardown of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. For those interested in seeing the guts of the their new camera, this is the best way to find out without voiding your warranty. :-)

LensRentals has the 5D Mark IV available for rent.

From the CompactFlash Association:

September 07, 2016 – CUPERTINO, Calif. – he CompactFlash Association (CFA) announces the CFexpress Family of high-performance removable storage based on PCIE and NVM Express.

CFA has developed high-performance removable cards standards for the last 21 years with the popular CompactFlash, CFast, and XQD formats. The CompactFlash Association was formed in 1995 as the initial digital film format and continues to serve professional imaging and industrial markets where high performance and high-quality recording media is essential for high-speed capture and high-speed transfer into the workflow.

CFexpress is the next evolution in an open standard format for a broader set of applications, such as professional imaging, personal computing, servers, IoT and industrial. CFexpress differs from prior CFA standards in that CFexpress is a specification spanning multiple form factors and performance levels to match various market requirements while maintaining the same electrical/physical interface and memory/storage protocol. The new CFexpress specification is under development within the CFA CFexpress Working Group.

CFA’s goals for the CFexpress family are:

1. Unify the ecosystem around a removable storage specification that has longevity in the market
2. Provide a platform that scales with performance increases in the PCIE interface
3. Leverages the technologies and skillsets of the larger volume compute markets
4. Seamless compatibility with the capture ecosystem and workflow tools.

CFexpress also utilizes the low latency NVM Express memory/storage protocol across all of the form factors. This enables compatibility with a broader set of ecosystem components, such as controllers, OS, capture devices and workflow modules. In imaging, compute and industrial applications, the use of PCIE /NVM Express enables access to wide range of open standard platforms consisting of mature and proven drivers. In addition, the new CFexpress format also enable easy compatibility with the Thunderbolt interface which is also based on PCIE. Actual CFexpress products will vary in performance based on market requirements and protocol overheads.

Professional video data rate requirements are growing at an exponential rate exceeding the capabilities of existing open standard formats. 4K RAW video at 30fps requires 400-500MB/sec of sustained performance not including any overhead to guarantee performance over the entire recording media. 4K RAW video at 120fps requires 1,600-2,000MB/sec. 4K RAW video at 240fps requires 3,200-4,000MB/sec. Even in High-Quality I-Frame compression formats, the data rates quickly exceed 1.0GB/Sec at high frame rates.

Host and card manufacturers will be able to leverage the compute industry’s investment in PCIE and NVM Express. Media manufacturers will be able to leverage high volume solid state disk (SSD) controller technology to serve the high performance requirements of this market. The new format will have VPG (Video Performance Guarantee) capability with new VPG profiles at every increases performance levels. CFA’s goal for CFexpress is the development of a standard that can span many market segments and provide a stable and consistent format to fully leverage the industry’s R&D investments and less churn in the market of standardized and proprietary recording media formats.

Mr. Koichiro Kawamura of Nikon and CFA Co-Chairman of the board said; “As the Co-Chairman of the CompactFlash Association I am also pleased and excited to introduce CFexpress. The specification is a family of form factors that can serve many market segments with a unified physical interface and unified memory/storage protocol. We are excited with the vision that CFexpress will unify the imaging and industrial ecosystems around formats that are easily compatible with the computing markets. CFexpress represents a unique opportunity to unify the market around truly open standard formats.”

Do you need the benefits of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV for a special project? If so, good news! LensRentals has added the 5D Mark IV to their rental fleet.

Santa Rosa, Calif. – The best rolling camera bags just got better. Based on input from professional photographers, Think Tank Photo’s newly released Airport International V3.0 and Airport Security V3.0 rolling camera bags feature improved handles, greater durability, and dedicated laptop and tablet compartments. These new features, in addition to their airline carry on compliance, TSA approved zipper locks, tripod mounts, and Lost & Found registration system make them the gold standard for photo transport cases.

The Airport International V3.0 holds two gripped DSLRs with lenses attached, plus two to four additional lenses, a 15” laptop, and a 10” tablet. The roller fits up to a 500mm f/4 detached or 400mm f/2.8 attached (hood reversed). The Airport Security V3.0 holds two gripped DSLRs with lenses attached plus four to six additional lenses, a 17” laptop, and a 10” tablet. The bag fits up to a 600mm f/4 detached or 500mm f/4 attached (hood reversed)

“Photographers deserve rolling camera bags that are as high in quality as their photo gear,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s CEO and lead designer. “Take something as simple as the wheels we use. Ours are custom-designed, high-performance, 80mm wheels with sealed ABEC grade 5 bearings for quiet rolling. If we took so much time perfecting something as simple as wheels, one can sense how much care went into the designs of each roller.”

Key Features

• Specially designed interior to maximize gear for carry on: the Airport International meets international carry on size requirements; the Airport Security meets U.S. domestic and most international carry on size requirements
• Dedicated padded laptop and tablet compartments located in a lockable pocket
• TSA-approved zipper locks for the main compartment, and high-strength coated cable and combination lock for the laptop compartment and securing your bag to an immovable object
• Custom designed retractable handle with inset channel on aluminum tubing for added strength and durability
• Quick and easy access to the retractable handle
• Tripod mount pocket on side (additional straps included for larger tripods)
• Expansive top compartment cradles large camera bodies for the perfect fit
• Unique serial number for Lost & Found registration
• Interior zippered pockets for batteries, memory cards, filters and accessories
• User-replaceable retractable handle, wheels, wheel housings, feet and kick plate extend product life
• Extra tall wheel housings protect your bag from scrapes and scratches
• Seam-sealed rain cover included
• Stretchable front pocket
• Handles on three sides ensure rapid and easy retrieval from overhead bins, car trunks, etc.
• Reinforced dividers support heavy gear and maintain strength over time
• Hypalon reinforced rear corners for increased durability
• Business card holder on top for easy identification

Materials

Exterior: For superior water-resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, plus underside of fabric has a polyurethane coating. The roller bags are also constructed with 1680D ballistic nylon, YKK RC Fuse (abrasion-resistant) zippers, custom designed extra tall skid plates, high performance 80mm super quiet wheels with sealed bearings, SpanKodra front pocket, rubberized laminate reinforcement, nylon webbing, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: 210D silver-toned nylon, polyurethane backed Velex liner and dividers, 2x polyurethane coated nylon 210T seam-sealed rain cover, closed-cell foam and reinforced.

Specifications

Airport International V3.0

• Interior Dimensions: 13” W x 18.5” H x 6.5–7.5” D (33 x 47 x 16.5–19.1 cm)
• Exterior Dimensions: 14” W x 21” H x 8” D (35.6 x 53.3 x 20.3 cm)
• Tablet Compartment: 9.4” x 10” x 0.5” (24 x 25.5 x 1.3 cm)
• Laptop Compartment: 10.6” x 15” x 1.2” (27 x 38 x 3 cm)
• Weight: 9.6–11.5 lbs. (4.4–5.2 kg)

Airport Security V3.0

• Interior Dimensions: 13” W x 21” H x 7–8” D (33 x 53.3 x 17.8–20.3 cm)
• Exterior Dimensions: 14” W x 22” H x 9” D (35.6 x 55.9 x 22.9 cm)
• Tablet Compartment: 9.4” x 10” x 0.5” (24 x 25.5 x 1.3 cm)
• Laptop Compartment: 11.4” x 16.1” x 1.2” (29 x 41 x 3 cm)
• Weight: 11.1–12.9 lbs. (5–5.8 kg)

B&H has the Think Tank Photo Airport International V3.0 and Airport Security V3.0 available for preorder.

Just posted: Zeiss 50mm f/2M Milvus Lens Review.

No, I didn't try to time this review with the announcement of three new Zeiss Milvus lenses. Instead of being finsihed with the Milvus reviews (6 so far), it looks like I have more Milvus work incoming. I know – you're feeling sorry for me. ;)

B&H has the Zeiss 50mm f/2M Milvus Lens in stock.

Zeiss has uploaded official sample photos for their newly announced Milvus lenses to its Flickr account. You can find the album links below.

• Zeiss Milvus 15mm f/2.8 Sample Gallery
• Zeiss Milvus 18mm f/2.8 Sample Gallery
• Zeiss Milvus 135mm f/2

Note that these images are not necessarily straight out of the camera results. For instance, EXIF information shows that the sample image displayed above for the 18mm f/2.8 Milvus has been edited in Photoshop CS6 with adjustments to specific color channels, contrast, vibrance, sharpness and clarity with chromatic aberrations corrected as well.

Preorders:

• Zeiss Milvus 15mm f/2.8
• Zeiss Milvus 18mm f/2.8
• Zeiss Milvus 135mm f/2