Canon and Sony News for Jan 2019 (Page 5)
From the Adobe Creative Cloud YouTube Channle:
Adobe’s Creative Residency program provides a year of financial and creative support to artists growing their careers. Learn more and apply here.
Just posted: MindShift Gear FirstLight 30L Review.
The MindShift Gear FirstLight series cases are really nice. After falling in love with the 40L, and hearing the same report from so many site friends, I opted to give the 30L a try and ... it is just as nice.
The MindShift Gear FirstLight 30L is in stock at Think Tank Photo (MindShift Gear) | B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
From Canon:
TOKYO, January 8, 2019—Canon Inc. ranked third for the number of U.S. patents awarded in 2018, becoming the only company in the world to have ranked in the top five for 33 years running, according to the latest ranking of preliminary patent results issued by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services. What's more, Canon once again ranked first among Japanese companies.
Canon actively promotes the globalization of its business and places great value on obtaining patents overseas, carefully adhering to a patent-filing strategy that pursues patents in essential countries and regions while taking into consideration the business strategies and technology and product trends unique to each location. Among these, the United States, with its many high-tech companies and large market scale, represents a particularly important region in terms of business expansion and technology alliances.
| Year | Overall Ranking | Ranking Among Japanese Companies | No. of Patents |
| 2018 | 3rd | 1st | 3,056 |
| 2017 | 3rd | 1st | 3,285 |
| 2016 | 3rd | 1st | 3,665 |
| 2015 | 3rd | 1st | 4,127 |
| 2014 | 3rd | 1st | 4,048 |
| 2013 | 3rd | 1st | 3,820 |
| 2012 | 3rd | 1st | 3,173 |
| 2011 | 3rd | 1st | 2,818 |
| 2010 | 4th | 1st | 2,551 |
| 2009 | 4th | 1st | 2,200 |
| 2008 | 3rd | 1st | 2,107 |
| 2007 | 3rd | 1st | 1,983 |
| 2006 | 3rd | 1st | 2,366 |
| 2005 | 2nd | 1st | 1,829 |
Note: Number of patents for 2016 to 2018 are based on figures released by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services. Figures for 2005 to 2015 are based on information issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Canon promotes the acquisition and application of intellectual property rights, not only for fundamental technologies required for next-generation products, but also such technologies as the wireless communication and image compression technologies shared by next-generation social infrastructure. Canon contributes to the realization of technology that serves society by continuing to provide even better products, greater convenience and by contributing to the development of manufacturing.
From Nikon:
A compact and lightweight lens that supports filter attachment and offers superior optical performance
January 8, 2019 – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S, a high-performance ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that is compatible with full-frame (Nikon FX-format) mirrorless cameras for which the new larger-diameter mount has been adopted.
The NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that covers a 14 mm to 30 mm range of focal lengths with a constant maximum aperture of f/4 throughout the range. Furthermore, the lens is part of the S-Line, a newly designated grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that adhere to a new benchmark in optical performance, creating new definitions of design principles and quality control.
The combination of superior optical performance and compact size is made possible by the new Z mount system. The NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S features four ED glass and four aspherical lens elements in its lens optics, and demonstrates outstanding optical performance that maximizes the potential of high-pixel-count digital cameras. These features are evident in cameras like the Z 7, with its effective pixel count of 45.7 megapixels and excellent resolving power. Additionally, the use of Nikon's exclusive coating technologies, including Nano Crystal Coat, effectively suppresses ghost and flare, contributing to the output of extremely clear photos and videos. This achieves rendering performance that will change the perception of ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses with a maximum aperture of f/4.
The adoption of a button-less retractable mechanism provides excellent mobility while preserving optical performance, enabling a smaller, more portable size that allows for quick shooting. Nikon's exclusive fluorine coat, which is effective in the repelling of dust, water droplets, grease, and dirt, and possesses superb anti-reflection characteristics, has been applied to the external surface of the front lens element.
Furthermore, the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is the world's first*1 full-frame lens to support direct filter attachment despite starting at a 14 mm focal length. This allows users to enjoy the effects of different filters such as polarizing and neutral density filters, which was not possible before. The support for filter attachment also enables shooting in more active situations as the front element is better protected by the filter and lens hood, in addition to the dust- and drip-resistance considered in the design of the lens.
The NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S lens barrel is equipped with a control ring. The focus (M/A)*2, aperture, or exposure compensation function can be assigned to the control ring. The control ring does not click with rotation, supporting smooth shooting. Its quiet operation is especially beneficial with movie recording. Additionally, focus breathing is also effectively controlled. This not only captures natural footage in which the angle of view does not change when the focus position is shifted forward or backward, but also makes capturing a series of images that can be combined to create a single image with increased depth of field easy using focus shift shooting.
The high-performance NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S, with its superior mobility and operability, makes it possible for users to enjoy dynamic imaging expression utilizing the ultra-wide-angle to wide-angle range of focal lengths for still images and videos that exhibit excellent image quality.
*1 Among FX-format interchangeable lenses for digital cameras with interchangeable lenses with a focal range beginning at 14 mm or lower, available as of January 8, 2019. Statement based on Nikon research.
*2 A function that enables immediate switching from autofocus to manual focus using the control ring.
Primary features
- Support for a range of focal lengths that allows users to enjoy dynamic expression from the ultra-wide-angle 14 mm to the highly practical wide-angle 30 mm commonly used to capture a wide variety of subjects and scenes
- The world's first* full-frame ultra-wide-angle zoom lens starting at 14 mm focal length to support filter attachment
- A retractable mechanism that works without buttons helps achieve compact portability while supporting immediate shooting
- Outstanding optical performance that delivers excellent image and video quality throughout the entire zoom range
- Optics for which four ED glass and four aspherical lens elements have been adopted ensure excellent resolution, across all edges of the frame, from maximum aperture
- Nikon's exclusive coating technologies, including Nano Crystal Coat, effectively suppresses ghost and flare for clear images
- A constant maximum aperture of f/4 throughout the entire zoom range maintains exposure settings while the zoom function is in use
- A control ring that demonstrates superior operability with quiet and smooth operation
- Focus breathing control that is effective not only with movie recording, but also for focus shift shooting
- Designed with consideration to dust and drip resistance; fluorine coat effectively repels dust, water droplets, grease, and dirt
- Adoption of a stepping motor (STM) realizes a fast, quiet, and accurate AF drive for both still-image and movie recording
- An electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism enables extremely precise aperture control
* Among FX-format interchangeable lenses for digital cameras with interchangeable lenses with a focal range beginning at 14 mm or lower, available as of January 8, 2019. Statement based on Nikon research.
The Nikon Z Series: Upcoming Firmware on Display at CES
The Nikon Z series will continue to adapt to changing user needs through the development and roll-out of firmware updates to meet and exceed creative expectations. Taking into account feedback from photographers and creators, Nikon will display three feature updates under development that open creative opportunities for the Z 6 and Z 7. Displays will include:
- CFexpress - Coming soon to the Z 6 and Z 7 cameras is support for CFexpress, which is compatible with the XQD memory card form-factor.
- Eye AF - Under development is an Eye AF function, which will automatically detect the subject’s eyes to make attaining critical focus on the eyes easier. It will allow users to capture photos in which focus has been clearly acquired on the subject's eye, which is useful for portrait, event and street photography scenarios.
- RAW Video Support - Nikon is currently developing a feature that works with the ATOMOS Ninja V to output video in RAW format, using the ProRes RAW codec.
Details, including the release date of new firmware updates, will be shared at a later date.
New for CES 2019 – Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit
For content creators and filmmakers looking to fully utilize the Nikon Z 6’s advanced video capabilities, Nikon has created a new Filmmaker’s Kit incorporating the camera as well an array of essential video capture accessories. The bundle includes: a Nikon Z 6 camera, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens, Mount Adapter FTZ, Atomos Ninja V 4K HDR 5” Monitor Recorder, Rode VideoMic Pro Plus, MOZA Air 2 3-Axis Hand-Held Gimbal Stabilizer, an additional EN-EL15b battery, a coiled HDMI cable, a 12-month Vimeo Pro membership and a complimentary Nikon School Online class. The Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit will be available in late January 2019 for a suggested retail price of $3,999.95.
Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S Lens Preorders: - B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | Wex
Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit Preorders - B&H | Adorama | Amazon
From Canon USA:
MELVILLE, NY, January 7, 2019 – It’s easy to love going to the office when your office is wherever you want it to be. Road warrior, traveling sales person, start-up founders – whatever the title, work doesn’t have to take place within the confines of a traditional office. Using lightweight, portable and versatile office equipment – work can happen anywhere. That’s why Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced a portable mini projector, the new Canon Rayo S11, allowing business professionals and consumers to mirror their smartphones, project photos, videos and documents, and play audio files wherever the job takes them.
With the ability to run for up to two hours completely wirelessly and share presentations from a USB drive or internal storage, the art of business pitches and presentations can now be refashioned thanks to the Rayo S1 and its variety of features. Users can showcase PDFs, word-processing documents and slide presentations, as well as host conference calls where office space is limited. The Rayo S1 projects up to 84 inches, giving users the ability to take their presentations on the road. In addition, the transition from office life to home life is seamless. The Rayo S1 can easily integrate into family activities making it the quintessential tool for projecting movies at sleepovers and playdates or sharing photographs during family gatherings. The pre-installed Canon Camera Connect app allows for connection to compatible Canon cameras.
"The average person’s workday isn’t the traditional nine-to-five within an office - it’s early mornings, late nights and being on-the-go. In order to align with the consumer’s needs, it is necessary to provide business equipment that matches the work lifestyle of today,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "With its sleek design and compact size, the Rayo S1 effortlessly fits into a consumer’s work life as well as their home life.”
At the core of the Rayo S1 is portability – weighting 0.5 pounds and measuring 4 inches x 4 inches in size. The projector is a small but mighty image solution featuring 4GB of internal storage as well as:
- A smart touchpad for easy navigation
- Compatibility with select wireless mouse, keyboard and presenters
- The ability to connect and mirror a smartphone or tablet
- On-screen QWERTY keyboard to type
- Built-in power bank for charging mobile devices
- 3 Watts Bluetooth speaker
- Built-in web browser
- WiFi connectivity
- Built-in Canon Camera Connect application
- Android OS
- Tripod mount
The new Canon Rayo S1 is scheduled to be available for purchase in May 2019 at an estimated retail price of $259.99.
B&H will carry the Canon Rayo S1 Mini Projector.
In this episode of Two Minute Tips with David Bergman, David explains the benefits of using an L-bracket on your camera.
Warning: Once you get used to using an L-bracket, you may find living without one to be quite difficult/annoying. I always factor in the cost of a Really Right Stuff or Kirk L-bracket when purchasing a new camera. Be sure to choose the correct model to fit your camera; if you intend on using a battery grip, you'll need to purchase an L-bracket specifically designed to fit your camera+battery grip combination. [Sean]
From Canon USA:
ENG-Style Camcorder is The First G-Series Camcorder with 4K 30P Recording and 20x Optical Zoom Lens
MELVILLE, NY, January 7, 2019 – A versatile addition to the VIXIA G-series family of camcorders, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the Canon VIXIA HF G50. The camcorder is the first VIXIA G-series camcorder to feature 4K 30P recording and is an ideal tool for advanced amateur filmmakers, wedding videographers and student reporters. Featuring a genuine wide-angle Canon 20x (29.3-601mm)* optical zoom lens, the VIXIA HF G50 provides a well-rounded feature set at an affordable price point.
“As filmmaking and videography continue to grow into a more ubiquitous medium of visual expression, it is imperative that creatives have products that help capture their unique vision,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Not only is Canon eager to view what our users create with the VIXIA HF G50, we are excited to be with them along the way as their skills and ideas further evolve into the future.”
The VIXIA HF G50 camcorder records 4K UHD/30p (4:2:0 8 bit) and 1080p Full HD (4:2:2 10 bit via SDI/HDMI Output) in MP4 format to dual-card SD card slots with dual and relay recording. Users can also record in slow and fast motion interval from 0.4x to 1200x providing users with additional creative possibilities. To help provide enhanced image quality over its predecessor, over sample HD processing can be utilized with information obtained from the 4K 1/2.3-inch sensor and the DIGIC DV 6 image processor.
The VIXIA HF G50 camcorder’s Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization five-axis system Dual-Pixel CMOS AF provides users with powerful image stabilization via a Dynamic mode, which reduces image distortion even when shooting while walking. By adopting the 8-bladed circular aperture applying the EF lens technology, it is possible to take pictures using natural beautiful bokeh. The ergonomically designed and highly portable camcorder has a 3-inch LCD touch panel screen and tilting, user-friendly, high-resolution color Electronic View Finder (EVF).
Pricing and Availability
The Canon VIXIA HF G50 4K UHD video camcorder is scheduled to be available in April 2019 for an estimated retail price of $1099.00.
B&H has the Canon Vixia HF G50 UHD 4K Camcorder available for preorder.
Stories are great. Sometimes a picture tells a story and sometimes a story comes from getting the picture. One afternoon during a fall photo trip to Colorado, we headed to Owl Creek Pass. This area is very scenic, especially with fall colors.
The dirt road over the top of this pass can be questionable after a rain (at least without an off-road-capable vehicle) and we had plenty of rain but opted to give it a go with the small Ford Edge AWD SUV we had rented. At a relatively high elevation, we discovered that the road was being worked on and by the time we reached the top, we were bottoming out on loose gravel being dumped (tailgated) onto the road. By maintaining forward momentum, we made it over this rather long obstacle but were then greeted by a thick mud road surface until finally reaching the top of the pass.
As we went over the top, the serious question was whether or not we should risk going down the other side. That answer was quickly provided in the form of a 6-wheel-drive grader coming up the other side. It was mostly sideways and consuming the entire width of the relatively narrow road. The large machine had its rear scarifier down and was tearing up the road surface, preparing it for a fresh layer of stone similar to what we had just driven through. The decision to turn back was easy and immediate with a strong sense of that get-out-while-you-can feeling.
While on our way back down the mountain (it is easier to plow stone when going down hill), beyond the active road construction area, the sun broke through the clouds and we stopped to take pictures at the next clearing. Very few people were around this rather remote area, but a couple was at this spot taking a selfie. My daughter asked them if they would like us to take their picture, volunteering me to do so. They were quite happy about that and I quickly obliged while very anxious to get my shot before the small hole the clouds passed and the sunlight again was again shut off.
Looking at my hat, purchased in Hawaii over 5 years prior, the young guy asked if I had been to Hawaii. Turns out that he was a crew member for the boat company I had sailed with during the Canon Hawaii product announcement event only a few weeks prior. He showed me pictures on his phone of the boat I had been on. What are the odds that?
We chatted for a while and I of course captured a large number of images of this spectacular scene while doing so.
Direct sunlight shining under heavy clouds is at the top of my favorite lighting scenarios list. When the light is this good, the image results can be striking without much processing. The standard picture style was used to process this image and no additional contrast adjustments were made. The biggest processing challenge was to determine which image to share with you.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
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London, UK, Wednesday 2nd January 2019 — Canon Europe, a world leader in digital imaging solutions, announces the release of its new camera API package, offering a range of resources to developers. The combined EOS Digital software development kit (SDK) and all-new Camera Control API (CCAPI) create unique opportunities for developers and software engineers to take advantage of select Canon cameras and lenses, launching with the PowerShot SX70 HS.
Many developers have already benefited from Canon SDKs, enabling them to integrate Canon cameras and lenses in their solutions and control them remotely, wired via USB. Such applications include photo booths, robotic / automated units, event photography and recording, mass portrait / passport and photogrammetry systems.
The EDSDK benefits will allow users to control Canon cameras remotely from a Mac or PC and use the same code across all compatible Canon cameras. To take advantage of multi-platform support on select models1 for fast development, the new CCAPI features an agnostic operating system, allowing wireless usage in any environment, such as Windows, Mac, Android, iOS or Linux.
Key EDSDK/CCAPI functions include:
- Detecting, connecting/disconnecting the camera
- Checking and changing camera settings, including time
- Remote shooting
- Downloading/erasing images, formatting cards
“We are delighted to be expanding our EOS Digital SDK to the PowerShot series2 and provide a tool that enables control of the camera and its power zoom remotely”, said Yuko Tanaka, ITCG Product Marketing Director. “In addition, the new Camera Control API is based on Internet Protocol, making it compatible with all operating systems”.
The PowerShot SX70 HS is Canon latest premium bridge camera, that delivers a truly portable and versatile shooting experience. The camera features a powerful 65x optical fixed lens zoom, equivalent to a 21–1365mm focal length. It also has DSLR-style looks and handling, a 7.5cm Vari-Angle LCD screen, 20.3 Megapixel sensor and 4K Ultra High Definition video. The PowerShot SX70 HS is an ideal all-in-one camera, capable of handling all types of shooting scenario, without the need to carry multiple lenses.
Camera API Package Availability
The camera API package is a release driven by business users’ feedback and is part of Canon’s commitment to deliver convenient solutions to developers and integrators. The EOS Digital SDK is available for immediate download at www.didp.canon-europa.com.
The Camera Control API will be available from March 2019 via the Canon developer’s website.
From Canon USA:
Join Canon Explorer of Light Joel Grimes as he takes you through his portraits session with the Canon EOS R and Canon tilt-shift lenses. Go behind the scenes throughout the entire workflow; from capture, to edit, to print.
Learn more about the gear used here:
From Laowa:
Featuring a 113° field of view, close-to-zero distortion & affordable pricing, Laowa 9mm f/2.8 DL Zero-D is a dream lens for DJI Inspire 2 pilots.
Anhui China, 3 Jan 2019 – Venus Optics, the camera lenses manufacturer who had previously launched a number of unique Laowa camera lenses, is proud to introduce the widest lens currently available for the DJI X7 cameras on Inspire 2 drones, Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D DL.
The new DL mount has the same specifications and optical performance as the existing Fuji X, Sony E and Canon EF-M mounts launched in 2018. All of them feature an ultra-wide 113° angle, cover Super35-sized sensor and have a close-to-zero distortion. The Laowa 9mm is significantly wider than the currently widest DL lens (i.e. 80°) in the market, allowing aerial cinematographers to capture more in limited distances. The ultra-fast f/2.8 lens also provide more flexibility to do night time aerial videography.
The lens is carefully designed to reduce the optical distortion to a close-to-zero level. It allows straight lines to be perfectly retained and saves videographers tremendous time in post-processing. Venus Optics is reputable in producing distortion-free lenses for multiple systems including the widest f/2 lens for full frame E-mount cameras (i.e. Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D).
The size and weight of the lens have also been compressed to the minimal in its class. It weighs only 210g (0.46 lbs) and 60mm (2.36 in) long. This compact and lightweight lens comprises of 15 elements in 10 groups with 2 pcs of aspherical elements and 3 pcs of Extralow dispersion elements. This optical design successfully minimizes the distortion and chromatic aberrations to its lowest but at the same time, delivers a superb optical performance. A 49mm filter thread is also included for cinematographers to use with ND filters.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 9mm |
| Max. Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Angle of View | 113° |
| Format Compatibility | Super35 |
| Lens Structure | 15 elements in 10 groups |
| Aperture Blades | 7 |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
| Dimensions | 60 x 53mm |
| Weight | 210g |
| Mounts | DJI DL |
Pricing & Availability
The retail selling price of the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D DL mount in US is USD $499.00 (ex- VAT). Pricing may vary in different countries.
The lens is now available to order from Venus Optics authorized resellers and is available to ship immediately.
B&H carries Venus Optics Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D Lenses (DL mount will likely be available soon).
I love Pronghorn most because of their colors. But, they have many other great qualities. The dark, semi-heart shaped horns are one and that mohawk hair style is great.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
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From ProGrade Digital:
Get Simultaneous Transfer of Files from Cards in Both Slots at Speeds of to 10Gb/s (1.25GB/s)
SAN JOSE, Calif., January 04, 2019 — ProGrade Digital, founded with a mission to provide the highest quality professional grade digital memory cards and workflow solutions, introduces and announces immediate availability of its newest product, the SD Dual-Slot USB 3.1, Gen. 2 Card Reader, $79.99 USD. As with all other ProGrade Digital USB 3.1, Gen. 2 workflow readers, files on each card transfer simultaneously at speeds of up to 10Gb/s (1.25GB/s).
“Many of today’s professional cameras have two SD slots, so it is only natural that ProGrade Digital’s newest USB 3.1, Gen. 2 workflow reader be a dual-slot for SD cards,” said Wes Brewer, founder and CEO of ProGrade Digital. “Based on the successes of earlier workflow readers, we know that our patent-pending magnetic base, compact rugged design and inclusion of two USB cables (Types A to C and C to C) really resonates with both professionals and prosumers. The dual-slot reader for SD cards provides just one more choice for our customers.”
The Prograde Digital USB 3.1, Gen. 2 Dual-Slot SD Card Reader is available on Amazon.
When going afield, I often have some image goals in mind. Being opportunistic, taking advantage of every opportunity afforded, is always the primary plan with wildlife photography, but looking for opportunities to capture the goal shots is also part of the plan.
When viewed straight on from the front, most animals appear symmetrical and that is a look that can often work well in an image. One of my goal shots for this trip was a head-on image of a bugling bull elk (cow elk do not bugle) with its head and antlers characteristically laid back. Put that elk in a meadow with a strongly blurred background and I'd be even happier.
This shot nailed the head position I was looking for and most of the other aspects were in line with the goal. The elk's body position is nearly ideal, but the bull seemed to have its neck shifted slightly, breaking perfect alignment. Few sets of antlers are perfectly symmetrical and this set has some side-to-side variation.
I'll be attempting to one-up this image in the fall.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
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It is time to put some to-be-anticipated events on the calendar. Consider this a personal invitation to join me for one or all of the following instructional photo tours. Photographers at all skill levels are welcome!
Brown Bear Chasing Salmon, Remote Katmai National Park, Alaska
Thu, September 17 to Fri, September 24, 2020
Feel free to contact me with your destination request.
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