Canon and Sony News for May 2015 (Page 6)

From Triggertrap:

Pebble support from day one; Apple Watch coming very soon!

Triggertrap - creators of the world’s most versatile camera triggering solution - have today unveiled a brand new “Wearables” mode for their popular iOS app, Triggertrap Mobile. The new Wearables mode enables photographers to use a smartwatch to trigger a DSLR camera via an iOS app for the very first time.

Photographers everywhere now have the ability to trigger their camera remotely from their wrist. This can be incredibly useful for simple applications, such as taking self-portraits, to more advanced techniques like triggering long exposures for light painting or starting a timelapse sequence. All these possibilities lie within the photographer’s smartwatch.

This latest update supports the current range of Pebble smartwatches, as well as the upcoming Pebble Time. Meanwhile, Triggertrap’s development team are working hard to bring Apple Watch support to the app in the coming weeks.

As well as being a handy tool, using a smartwatch to take photos is great fun. An early user of the Pebble Smartwatch alongside Triggertrap’s Android app explained that using the watch to trigger the camera “makes me feel a bit like James Bond”.

The update is available to download on the iOS app store now and the Triggertrap app for Pebble is available on the Pebble App Store.

The Triggertrap Mobile Dongle (review) is available direct from Triggertrap.

Image quality results from a second Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens are now available on the site.

The second lens (sample "2") is slightly sharper in the center and slightly less sharp in the corner.

B&H has the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art Lens available for order with "coming soon" the expectation.

For a limited time, DigitalRev has the Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens (White Box) available for $239.00.

Note: When purchased by US customers, items sold by DigitalRev are considered grey market.

From the SmugMug Films YouTube Channel:

Last year, Elena Shumilova took photos of her sons by the Russian countryside and put them online. Those photos struck magic and went viral with over 60 million views. She invited SmugMug onto her farm in Russia, where we got a behind-the-scenes look at how she captures these beautifully nostalgic photos.

Learn more about Elena on SmugMug Films.

Cinematography: Anton Lorimer
Translated Voiceover: Kerry Ellis

From Canon USA:

Three Lucky Fans Will Win a Trip To The Little League World Series in August

MELVILLE, N.Y., MAY 6, 2015 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the continuation of their multi-year partnership as the official camera and printer sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball, the world's largest youth sports organization. As part of the partnership, Canon and Little League are teaming up to present the "Picture Perfect Season," a initiative kicking off this month with the Canon Little League Photo Contest powered by PIXMA Printers. By submitting their photos based on three monthly themes, fans will have the chance to win one of three trips to the Little League Baseball World Series in South Williamsport, PA and see their photos on display in the World of Little League Museum in the Richard "Hank" Bauer, Jr. Little League Photography Exhibit in the World Series Gallery presented by Easton Foundations.

"Canon is thrilled to support the Little League World Series, capturing special moments of fans, families and players," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "This year, through the use of our input-to-output solutions, we're taking the Great Wall of Fandom on the road and inviting fans at the regional tournaments to show their support on the ground through Regional Walls of Fandom. Culminating at Williamsport and displayed during the tournament, we're excited to share the power of the printed image with fans across the country and deepen our relationship with Little League."

The Canon Little League Photo Contest powered by PIXMA Printers kicks off with "Stepping Up to the Plate," a theme focusing on shots of game play. Whether it's a Little Leaguer sliding into home base or catching a fly ball, these images should capture the essence of what it means to be on the field. Entries will be judged on the use of theme and on the quality of the image and overall impression.

The contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents aged 18 and up. To submit your photos and read the official rules, visit littleleague.org/canonphotocontest.

Last year, Canon built "The Great Wall of Fandom," a real-time installation showcasing photos and messages from fans around the world, in support of the teams at the Little League Baseball World Series. This year, Canon and the Little League community will be using the Canon PIXMA MG7520 Wireless Inkjet Photo All-In-One printer to bring the photos to life throughout the entire journey, capturing and preserving moments from Opening Day to the Regional Tournaments, both nationally and internationally, and culminating at the Little League Baseball World Series. Canon will also be hosting the PIXMA Play and Print Experience loaded with baseball-themed activities for kids, giving fans in Williamsport another way to make their fandom real during every moment of the action.

Beginning in late July and running through the end of the tournament on August 30th, baseball fans around the world can share photos and words of encouragement via thegreatwalloffandom.com. Fans at regional tournaments will also be encouraged to print and show their support on their region's very own Great Wall of Fandom. In both instances, Canon will print high-quality versions of the photos and messages on a Canon PIXMA MG7520 Wireless Inkjet Photo All-In-One printer, made possible via cloud connectivity, and add them to "The Great Wall of Fandom."

This year marks the 76th Anniversary of Little League, and part of its longtime success in providing healthy youth sports opportunities for 2.4 million children in more than 80 countries can be attributed to the assistance provided by sponsorships. Canon continues its partnership with Little League as one of 16 national sponsors, which helps Little League maintain low-team affiliation fees and provide valuable training and educational resources to coaches, parents, umpires, and volunteers. Many of Little League's national sponsors also participate in enhancing the fan experience at the Little League Baseball World Series Family Fun Zone.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with Canon as a national sponsor of Little League and the Little League Baseball World Series," said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League vice president of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships. "Little League is more than a youth sports organization, it is a youth leadership organization, and thanks to the support of our national sponsors, Little League is able to provide parents a healthy, affordable recreational outlet for their children. Canon's involvement with Little League reminds us to capture and preserve the precious moments that children make on Little League fields around the world."

Image quality results from a second copy of the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens are now available.

The second copy tested slightly better in the wide aperture corners and is presented as lens copy "1" in the results. Really impressive lens.

B&H has the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens available for preorder with "coming soon" being the expectation.

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 6th May 2015 – Today Canon announces the launch of a series of downloadable and app based city guides that offer fresh and unique perspectives of six cities across Europe - London, Paris, Madrid, Berlin, Milan and Amsterdam. The curated guides invite consumers to explore the world around, look deeper and seek out the fascinating and beautiful stories that unfold everyday.

The introduction of the city guides is part of Canon’s continuing ‘Come and See’ brand campaign, the latest iteration of which features two freeclimbers who explore cities around the world from unique perspectives and breathtaking vantage points. The city guide series offer a more everyday look at cities, inviting people to take a fresh look at familiar landscapes and encouraging the discovery of hidden locations from unexpected angles.

To curate each exclusive guide, Canon has collaborated with six sets of influencers, local to each selected city. Each personality brings their passion, creative flair and area of expertise to offer their unique perspective on the tour stops mapped out:

• UK: London - Professional parkour athlete and photographer, Scott Bass
• Spain: Madrid - Fashion and street style blogging duo, Mike & Gabriel of Cup of Couple
• Netherlands: Amsterdam - Professional photography duo, Andres & Joyce of On a Hazy Morning
• Germany: Berlin - Graphic desiger and blogger, Nina of Smaracuja
• Italy: Milan – Visual street artist, Alice Pasquini
• France: Paris – Photographer, Saúl Aguilar

Nigel Taylor, Consumer Imaging Marketing Communications Director, Canon Europe, commented, “In a world full of fascinating stories, breath-taking views and hidden gems, it’s natural that in the hustle and bustle of life we overlook and at times take our surroundings for granted. At Canon, we want to help consumers enjoy cities across Europe in all their unique glory. We hope that people will relish the opportunity to seek out new perspectives and in turn capture that beauty on camera or video to cherish forever”.

Downloadable City Guides
All six city guides will be available for download via Canon’s dedicated 'Come and See' website from May 1st 2015, inviting consumers to discover European cities as they’ve never experienced them before. In addition, the website provides consumers with insight into the ‘Come and See’ campaign, including videos featuring the influencers, as well as technology stories and product information.

City Guides via Canon Companion Apps
Each city guide will also be featured as part of Canon’s new EOS 760D & EOS 750D, and EOS M3 Companion apps, compatible with iOS and Android, consumers can download and use the app regardless of whether they own the product or not. Users will be able to navigate their way through guides and city maps and gain handy photography tips and advice to inspire and support them in their journey of exploration around each city*.

Share your travel story with us!
City guide users are encouraged to share their favourite travel photos and experiences with the hashtag #comeandsee.

* The Madrid, Amsterdam, London, Berlin and Milan guides are available within the app from today, with Paris to follow in June.

From the ExpoImaging YouTube Channel:

Erik Valind demonstrates how to capture a portrait with soft light using only one speedlight, one window, and a Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro Lighting System.

B&H carries the Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro.

May 5, 2015, Commack, New York – Tamron USA Inc. announces its 2015 eBook series, with the first installation in the series already available for free download at http://www.tamron-usa.com/lenses/ebooks.php. Expansive, breathtaking photographs serve as the visual backdrop for each 12-page-plus eBook, accompanied by descriptive commentary and hands-on techniques and tips for each book's specific photographic theme, genre, or location.

First in the 2015 series is "Road Trip Across the Southwest," a gorgeous pictorial journey with photographer Ken Hubbard through the mountains, tufa towers, and slot canyons of the American Southwest. In this edition, Hubbard and fellow Tech Team colleague André Costantini take the Tamron Tailgate Tour van on a side trip to test-drive the new Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC lens, the world's first F/2.8 ultra-wide-angle zoom lens with image stabilization. The second eBook, "Sports Photography: A Guide to Camera Setup and Exposure" with Tamron Pro Photographer, Jillian Bell, was also posted last week. Four more eBooks are in the works and will be posted in May, June, July/August and September.

Featured eBook authors are members of Tamron's exclusive Tech Team, a highly skilled group of photographers, educators, and experts in Tamron lenses and lens technology. Tamron's eBook authors hone their craft behind the lens every day, then share that photography expertise with beginners, serious amateurs, and professionals across the country through visits to dealers, schools, camera clubs, and photography shows.

The 2015 eBooks will be companion pieces to the eBooks already available at http://www.tamron-usa.com/lenses/ebooks.php, including Close-Up Photography by Jillian Bell; Nighttime Photography by Jeff Allen; Sunrise/Sunset Photography by Rob Moody; Travel & Landscape Photography by Ken Hubbard; and Natural-Light Photography by André Costantini.

B&H carries the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens.

From Apple:

This update adds RAW image compatibility for the following cameras to OS X Yosemite:

• Canon EOS 5DS
• Canon EOS 5DS R
• Canon EOS Rebel T6i / 750D / Kiss X8i
• Canon EOS Rebel T6s / 760D / Kiss 8000D
• Fujifilm X-A2
• Hasselblad CFV-50c
• Hasselblad H5D-50c
• Leica C (Typ 112)
• Nikon 1 S2
• Nikon D7200
• Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
• Panasonic LUMIX CM1
• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF7
• Pentax MX-1

Download:
Apple Digital Camera RAW 6.04

The first time that Sean and I gave Canon's Digital Photo Pro version 4.0.0 a workout, we declared that it wasn't ready for prime time. DPP 4 is now at version 4.2.10.0 and, forced by the lack of Canon EOS Rebel T6s and T6i support in DPP 3.14.48.1 (and presumably the same issue coming for the Canon EOS 5Ds and 5Ds R), I am once again working with the latest version of Canon's image processing software. While I'm not ready to make recommendations on use of the latest version, I want to communicate a change that you might notice in forthcoming image quality results processed using DPP 4.

Any time a new RAW image processing engine is used, there is a possibility of the output being different. With each version of DPP we load, a comparison test is done to insure that our results are not impacted by the new engine. It has been a long time since the first digit of DPP's version number has been incremented and ... I was nervous. Primarily, I didn't want to leave the huge inventory of lens tests unavailable for comparison with the latest-tested gear.

Based on testing performed on the Canon EOS 5D Mark III (supported on both versions of DPP), I'm reporting is that DPP 4 indeed changes the output. However, I think that you are going to view the change as positive and non-harming to comparisons with older tests going forward. Important is that I don't see any change in sharpness based on the same standardized test settings (Neutral Picture Style, Sharpness = "1"). However, there is a clear reduction in the artifacts seen in the resolution lines in the test chart. The lead image in this post was processed in the latest version of DPP 4 and the following image was processed in the latest version of DPP 3.

To best compare these images, control-click on each to open them in new browser tabs and toggle between the tabs. Or, download and open the images in your favorite image viewer. Show the images at 200% and then toggle between them. Very little difference other than the artifacts clearing will be seen.

From a color standpoint, I am not seeing any changes between the two RAW image processing engines. From a noise standpoint, DPP version 4 has a very slight edge at higher ISO settings. The edge is tiny enough to be meaningless to most and unless toggling instantly between images at 100%, probably few would detect the difference.

Testing against all of these small changes is very time consuming, but ... worth it for accurate evaluations.

From the Joe McNally YouTube Channel:

With the help of two amazing Cirque du Soleil performers, Joe showcases the strength and stability of Gitzo Tripods.

B&H carries Gitzo tripods.

From the Canon USA YouTube Channel:

Learn more about the Canon EOS 5Ds and EOS 5Ds r through the experiences of Canon Explorers of Light as they see what 50.6 MP can do while visiting the Valley of Fire in Nevada.

B&H has the Canon EOS 5Ds / 5Ds R available for preorder.

With the arrival of the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II, it seemed like a good opportunity for the Canon family to sit down for the Big White Lens spring 2015 family picture (download larger images below).

Featured in these pictures, from left to right, are the following lenses:

• Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM
• Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM
• Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM
• Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM
• Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Ext 1.4x
• Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS II USM
• Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM
• Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS II USM

Download Larger Images

Download larger images for your wallpaper, physical wall – or just to get a closer look (grab a tissue to catch the drool):

FHD (1920x1080): No Hood | Hood
Retina (2880x1800): No Hood | Hood

The Westcott Ice Light 2 LED light is an enhanced version of its predecessor built on the wish lists of photographers in the field. Ice Light 2 is engineered with patented new LED technology offering 50% brighter output than the original Ice Light and 1,740 lumens of beautiful daylight-balanced light while maintaining a compact housing. Weighing a mere 20 ounces, the Ice Light 2 can be easily operated with one hand, giving photographers and filmmakers the ability to simultaneously shoot and light their subjects.

Unlike traditional LED panels, the Ice Light has a built-in diffuser that is custom-designed to protect the LEDs and provide a vast 73° beam angle. This casts a large spread of incredibly soft quality light.

The Ice Light 2`s LEDs feature the advantages of high efficiency and colour purity with low energy consumption and long lifetime. Daylight-balanced at 5500K and rated for 50,000 hours with a stunning Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of 96 meaning the subject will be presented in near perfect light also the Ice Light 2 provides flicker-free output and stable light consistency perfect for photographers and videographers alike.

A removable Lithium-ion battery is yet another Ice Light 2 refinement. A 2.5-hour charge gives you 60+ minutes of runtime with the convenience of being able to charge a backup battery outside the unit. Affordable replacement batteries are available for prolonged use.

The Redesigned Handle offers a dedicated on/off power slider with an 18-step flicker-free range and a light output memory which remembers your last power setting between uses. Battery indicator displays the current battery level using illuminated blue lights. Both ends of the Ice Light 2 include 1/4"-20 thread`s to mount to a light stand, tilter bracket or tripod.

Ice Light 2 is designed for the future with built-in Bluetooth with USB connectivity that will allow use with smart device apps and is compatible with all existing accessories including the original Ice Light barn doors, tungsten gels, two-way connectors, and more.

Product Features

• 50% Brighter Than Original Ice Light
• CRI: 96
• 73° Beam Spread
• Digital Display 18-Step Dimming
• Wireless Bluetooth Technology
• Removable 60 Minute Lithium-ion Battery
• 100-240 VAC Charger
• 50,000 Hour LEDs

B&H carries the Westcott Ice Light 2.