Canon and Sony News for Mar 2016 (Page 6)

From Profoto:

Profoto releases collapsible, more portable version of the classic Beauty Dish

When the Profoto Softlight Reflector was released in 1980, fashion photographers soon nicknamed it “The Beauty Dish” due to its unique ability to bring out the beauty of the model. Since then it has grown to become one of the most iconic tools for creating a creamy yet crisp light, often referred to as a “beauty light”.

Now, Profoto releases a new version of this classic. The new version is named OCF Beauty Dish and is a collapsible, more portable version of the original.

The main difference is that the OCF Beauty Dish is not made of metal but high-quality fabrics. When collapsed, it is stored in a carrying bag that fits in a small backpack. Mounting the OCF Beauty Dish is quick and easy too, thanks to a clever, patent-pending design that allows you to snap it onto the OCF Speedring without having to bend and fumble with the rods. The entire tool, including speedring and deflector plate, weighs a mere 0.48 kg (1.1 lbs.). When mounted, the OCF Beauty Dish has a diameter of 56 cm (2').

The OCF Beauty Dish is available in two versions: white and silver. The white version delivers a softer and slightly more even light than its silver counterpart, while the silver version delivers a bit more punch and contrast. Both versions are delivered with deflector plate, diffuser and carrying bag.

Being a fully integrated part of Profoto’s Off-Camera Flash system, the OCF Beauty Dish can be used with the B1 and the B2 O -Camera Flashes, as well as the new OCF Gels. Note that it may not be used with any other Profoto flash due to heat issues.

The OCF Beauty Dish is available from March 7 at a recommend price of €160/$179. The OCF Speedring is bought separately.

The OCF Beauty Dish is also included in a special offer available as of today – buy a B1 or B2 Off-Camera Flash kit before June 7, and get the OCF Beauty Dish White 2’ and an OCF Speedring for free.

B&H carries the Profoto OCF Beauty Dish.

From Canon USA:

Liebman listed in top ten “influential movers and shakers” by Long Island Press for fifth straight year

Mar 4, 2016 – MELVILLE, N.Y. – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that Seymour Liebman, executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel of Canon U.S.A., Inc., has been ranked fifth among Long Island’s 50 most influential leaders as part of the Long Island Press’ “Power List.” This is the fifth consecutive year that Mr. Liebman, who also serves as senior executive officer of Canon Inc., and vice chairman of Canon Solutions America, Inc., has both made the list and been placed within the top 10.

“To once again be named alongside these influential leaders in our area is truly an honor that I accept with tremendous gratitude,” said Liebman. “This distinction is a testament to the success of Canon and the great work that everyone continues to do here. I congratulate my fellow honorees and thank the Long Island Press for this prestigious distinction.”

Mr. Liebman accepted the award alongside fellow honorees at a special reception event, hosted this year at Canon U.S.A.’s headquarters in Melville, New York. For thirteen years, the Long Island Press “Power List” has been a collection of influential individuals throughout the fields of business, politics, education, healthcare and not-for-profit across Long Island. Honorees are selected from hundreds of potential candidates by the Long Island Press’ editorial staff based on their impact on Long Island over the past year.

In his current position, Mr. Liebman is responsible for legal affairs and corporate administration functions for Canon Americas. Currently, Mr. Liebman serves as vice chairman of Canon Solutions America, a wholly owned subsidiary that provides sales and support for Canon and Océ hardware, software and services targeting general office, production print and large format markets in the United States. Mr. Liebman's leadership continues to help strengthen the Company's position as an imaging industry leader.

In conjunction with his roles at Canon U.S.A., Inc. and Canon Inc., Mr. Liebman serves as a board member for various local councils and associations including the Touro Law Center where he serves on the Board of Governors, the Long Island Association Board of Directors, the Information Technology Industry Council and the Council of Overseers for the Tilles Center.

From Sean: Does anyone else think it's odd that a company that is famous for manufacturing DSLR cameras and lenses fails to include a headshot of the main subject with its press release?

The Canon Professional Network has updated its Tips and Tricks database with new information. For instance, did you know that Canon advises setting your camera to record JPEGS (instead of RAW files) when performing autofocus microadjustments?

AF Microadjustment - image quality
Several EOS models feature the ability to adjust the focus of the lens to ensure it is in perfect registration with the camera. When performing microadjustment, make sure you set the camera recording quality to large JPEG, even if you normally shoot in RAW, as this will help identify focus issues more easily.

EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R: Live View and IS lenses
When using an Image Stabilizer (IS) lens in Live View on the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R, you will find that the IS is always activated when Live View is turned on, even if you don’t half-press the shutter button. This will shorten the camera’s battery life, so unless you need to use the IS, you should manually switch it off on the lens to preserve power.

• EOS-1D X Mark II: 4K video
• EOS-1D X Mark II: f/8 focusing
• EOS 7D Mark II: Auto ISO shutter speed
• AF Microadjustment - wide and tele
• AF Assist beam and wide-angle lenses
• EOS 7D Mark II: AI Servo AF response
• EOS 7D Mark II: AI Servo AF
• EOS 7D Mark II: Quick card check
• EOS Movie shooting with multiple cards
• EX Speedlites: AF Assist beam focusing
• EOS Movie shooting with Auto ISO
• EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R: ISO 50
• Keeping track of LP-E6 batteries
• Live View shooting and Modelling Flash
• Live View shooting and Flash Exposure Lock
• EOS DSLRs with SD cards
• EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R: Eyepiece cover
• EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R: Focusing in low light

B&H has the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens available for preorder with free expedited shipping.

Product Highlights

• Full-Frame Format
• Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16
• One LD Element and One XLD Element
• eBAND and BBAR Coatings
• Fluorine Coating on Front Element
• USD AF Motor, Full-Time Manual Focus
• VC Image Stabilization
• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
• Moisture-Resistant Construction
• Compatible with TAP-in Console

From the B&H YouTube Channel:

You don’t need a ton of gear to create professional and dramatic lighting, just the right tools – used right. In this class, Kevin Kubota covers the essential lighting tools and modifiers that every portrait photographer should have and know how to use. The gear is versatile, easy to use, and creates a wide variety of looks in almost any lighting situation. Kevin also covers indoor portrait lighting, outdoor lighting, and mixed-light situations.

The full version can be found here.

Image quality results from the EOS 5Ds R and EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens Review.

This lens has been in Canon's lineup since 2003, but still represents a decent value. The comparison needed to be made is the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L vs. 16-35mm f/4L IS lens. The 16-35 is more expensive, but ... worth the difference for most.

B&H has the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens in stock with a $100.00 instant rebate.

B&H has the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens in stock, also with a $100.00 instant rebate. Now would be a great time to add this excellent lens to your kit.

From the Secure Digital Association:

SDA introduces fastest high-quality video speed class at CP+2016

SAN RAMON and PACIFICO YOKOHAMA, Japan - CP+ BOOTH G-O6 - Feb.25, 2016 - The SD Association (SDA), a global ecosystem of companies setting industry-leading memory card standards, today launched its fastest speed class, Video Speed Class, which also delivers real-time multi-file recording for many applications and supports the highest video resolutions and qualities available today. With Video Speed Class, 4K, 8K, 3D and 360 degree video recordings are now assured and accessible to consumers and professionals alike.

Consumers will easily capture memories at their devices’ best quality by following device manufacturer recommendations and matching the Video Speed Class mark on their device to an SD memory card with the same Video Speed Class mark. The new marks will appear on SDHC and SDXC UHS-I and UHS-II memory cards.

The new Video Speed Class maintains the tradition of ensuring guaranteed minimum performance levels as the familiar Speed Class and UHS Speed Class systems do today. Minimum speeds will range from 6MB to 90 MB per second.

The fastest options, V60 and V90, support 8K resolution, while V6, V10 and V30 capture high-definition and 4K resolution. All speed classes guarantee minimum video recording speeds to ensure smooth video playback, so actual recording performance may be even faster.

“With Video Speed Class, SD device and memory card manufacturers can offer the highest-quality video recording to consumers and professionals that keep pace with the awesome video resolutions not only offered today, but anticipated tomorrow,” said Brian Kumagai, president of the SDA. “New products leveraging the capabilities of Video Speed Class will be based on the high storage capacities offered by SDHC and SDXC memory cards.” Video Speed Class, part of the latest SD 5.0 specification, gives SD manufacturers flexibility in using the latest flash memory technology to support a range of current and expected video applications. SDA anticipates and encourages market transition to the newly introduced Video Speed Class as the choice for future applications. The SDA expects video recording device and card manufacturers will offer the first products supporting Video Speed Class soon.

Video Speed Class marks will be located on supporting devices and memory cards, product manuals or packages so consumers will know what type of card should match their device, assuring their video is recorded at their devices’ highest quality with the best playback.

Visit the SD Association at CP+2016 in Booth G-O6 Thursday, Feb. 25, through Sunday, Feb. 28, to discuss the Video Speed Class for the next SD memory cards and video recording devices. SDA members will also demonstrate applications currently in the market, including UHS-I and UHS-II memory cards and devices, wireless SD memory card data transfers, TransferJet technology and more.

B&H carries SD memory cards.

From Adobe:

Lightroom 2.2 for iOS is here, and brings a bunch of improvements, including an oft-requested feature: full resolution output.

With version 2.2, we added in the ability for Lightroom mobile to output full resolution files for any file that was either captured on the device or added to the device, either through the camera connection kit, transferred via Wi-Fi from a camera directly, or transferred to the device via services like email, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Additionally, any files that were added directly to an iPhone or iPad are transferred in full resolution to other mobile devices signed into the same account. This way, files captured with your iPhone are available for further editing and exporting from your iPad, in full resolution and vice-versa.

One of my favorite workflows is shooting with my camera and transferring to my iPhone for quick editing and sharing. The photo in this post was shot the last time I was in Japan for cherry blossoms, and after reading about how cherry blossom season is going to be extra early this year, I felt it was finally time to finish the image. I transferred the file via Wi-Fi to my iPhone, imported it into Lightroom mobile, edited the file, and exported. Of course, our blog then down sampled the image, but that’s a different story…

The full list of improvements are:

• New: Full resolution output. Now, export and share photos that were captured on your device or that you added to your device at full resolution.
• Updated: 3D Touch support in the Camera Roll browser view. Quickly preview your image with Peek & Pop when browsing Camera Roll photos in the app.
• Fixed: Issue that lead to a potential crash.
• Improved: Various bugs and issues.

Lightroom mobile 2.2 is available immediately for iPhones and iPads from the App Store.

The Creative Cloud Photography Plan (Photoshop CC & Lightroom CC) is an excellent value at only $9.99/month.

Standard test results, including specs and measurements, have been added to the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G AF-S DX VR II Lens page.

B&H has the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G AF-S DX VR II Lens in stock.

From Photoshelter:

21 Photographers Share Why Shooting Tethered is a Game Changer

We’ve partnered up with Tether Tools for a new guide, Better When You Tether. Inside, get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the industry’s best and brightest who share why shooting tethered has improved their workflow and strengthened communication with clients.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• Tips from 21 photographers who are shooting tethered to improve their workflow
• A list of tethering gear to keep your workflow efficient and your clients happy
• Firsthand interviews with PhotoShelter members like Joe McNally, Lindsay Adler and Steve Boyle who share how tethering has impacted their business
• Plus more!

Tethered photography has changed photographers’ workflow both in the studio and on location - and it’s not just about the technology anymore. It’s completely revamped the experience of working directly with art directors, brands, and clients to see images in real time. The result? You improve communication with your client, make decisions more efficiently, and look like a total professional.

Get the Free Guide

B&H carries Tether Tools gear.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens Review.

The first comparison that comes to my mind is the EF-S 10-22mm USM vs. 10-18mm IS STM Lens comparison.

B&H has the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens in stock (a 9-rated used lens is also available for $399.95).

Tuesday, 1st March 2016, Sydney Australia – Leading pro-audio brand RØDE Microphones is excited to announce 'My RØDE Reel' is back for its third year and is bigger and better! With close to 5,000 video submissions from 89 countries, 'My RØDE Reel' has not only become the world's largest short film competition, but has also established itself as a staple amongst the global filmmaking community.

RØDE Microphones launched 'My RØDE Reel' three years ago to huge international engagement. The competition returns in 2016 with an increased total prize pool of more than $300,000 and more awards than ever before.

From amateur to professional – all filmmakers are encouraged to take part and tell their story. To enter 'My RØDE Reel', people are required to create a short film of three minutes or less, as well as a behind-the-scenes reel that features a RØDE product being used during the production of the film. The entry kit is available now at www.myrodereel.com.

As well as the four marquee awards featured in previous years - Judges' Film award for the best short film, Judges' BTS award for the best behind-the-scenes reel, publicly voted People's Choice award for the most popular short film, and the Young Filmmaker award for the best short film by an entrant under the age of 18 – RØDE is excited to announce the introduction of the Female Filmmaker award. This award, selected by the judging panel, is designed to encourage and celebrate women in the film community. Each of these award winners will be presented with an enviable production filmmaking kit valued at more than $30,000.

Additional technical and genre awards are available for Best Sound Design, Best Soundtrack and more, with a prize pack being awarded for each. And for the first time in 2016, RØDE has introduced a new genre award 'Music Video' to acknowledge filmmaking's many and expanding forms.

RØDE Microphones has brought together the most respected brands in filmmaking, to assemble an incredible prize pool valued at more than $300,000. This includes equipment from Adobe, Angelbird, Atomos, Blackmagic Design, Blastwave FX, Bright Tangerine, F&V, FilmConvert, Freefly, G-Technology, KesslerCrane, Miller, Movcam, Music Bed, New York Film Academy, NiSi, Paralinx, Red Giant, Sachtler, Shane's Inner Circle, SmallHD, Story & Heart, Teradek, ZEISS, and of course RØDE.

“We're extremely excited to launch My RØDE Reel for 2016.” commented Scott Emerton, RØDE's Global Marketing Manager. “Over the past two years we've seen the global filmmaking community really get behind the competition and create some incredible cinematic experiences.”

“Historically entries have been largely male dominated, however we're aiming to correct that this year with the addition of a Female Filmmaker award specifically designed to encourage women of all ages to get behind the camera and take part in My RØDE Reel.” he continued.

Entries for 'My RØDE Reel' are open from March 1st and close June 1st 2016. RØDE has provided a free entry pack, which is available now by registering at www.myrodereel.com.

B&H carries Rode microphones.

From Polaroid:

Perfect for photographers, videographers and more, the Polaroid brightsaber pro LED lighting wand with integrated rotating tungsten filter provides outstanding lighting for stunning results

RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ – March 1, 2016 – The Polaroid brightsaber pro LED lighting wand is the easiest and most affordable way to get a perfectly lit shot, whether on set, in the field, or anywhere in between. The highly portable lighting solution can be comfortably handheld or mounted to a tripod for studio setups, and comes with an integrated rotating tungsten filter to give photographers, videographers, event planners, set decorators and more the light they need to create a beautiful look.

Polaroid Brightsaber Key Features

• Includes infrared lamp and camera shutter remote; rechargeable battery pack
• Professional-grade LED lamp driver chip enhances consistency and lighting stability
• Ergonomically designed, the 1.7” diameter multi-purpose grip provides maximum comfort during handheld use, while a built-in threaded tripod mount enables studio setups
• Intelligently integrated, freely rotating, tubular tungsten filter in wrap-around design ensures perfect lighting balance
• Array of 298 powerful, efficient, low-heat 5600k LED bulbs rated at >50,000 Hours

Your Work in a Different Light…and Lots of It
The Polaroid brightsaber’s 298-piece LED bulbs deliver true daylight color 5800K, and have been engineered to be in optimal proximity to the gently frosted light diffuser, resulting in a soft yet powerfully projected and evenly dispersed shine. Photographers can easily set the light to a rapid or slow flash with the press of a button. Offering the pros extra versatility, the Polaroid brightsaber features a tungsten color temperature filter in the form of a 3200k sleeve, giving users the ability to add dramatic lighting effects without the need for additional devices.

Video or Still, Pro or Prosumer, It’s All the Lighting You Need
Getting a well-lit shot is easy with the Polaroid brightsaber, eliminating the need for lighting umbrellas, stands, mounts and sweat-inducing spotlights. At just 22 ounces, the Polaroid brightsaber is super lightweight, portable and overall refreshingly manageable. Even so, it provides a full range of powerful and sophisticated “studio-level” features professionals will appreciate in the studio and on location.

Infrared Remote
Helping photographers stay focused on set, the Polaroid brightsaber comes with an innovative multi-function IR remote. This handy device gives users full control over the lighting, while doubling as a remote shutter release for virtually any Canon, Nikon or Pentax camera.

Pricing and Availability
The Polaroid Brightsaber Pro is available now on Amazon for $162.29 USD and ships with a lamp, filter, remote control, battery, AC power adapter, case and manual.

DJI has just announced their next generation consumer drone – meet the Phantom 4.

Highlights

• Gimbal-Stabilized 4K Camera
• 12MP RAW / JPEG Still Photos with HDR
• Visual Sensor for Obstacle Avoidance
• Streamlined Shell / Magnesium Unibody
• Top Speed of 44.7mph in Sport Mode
• DJI Go App for iOS and Android
• Visual Tracking of Moving Subject
• TapFly Touch-Based Flight Control Mode
• Cine-D / D-Log Professional Video Modes
• Up to 28 Minutes Flying Time

Other videos:

• Phantom 4 - The Most Powerful Technology
• Phantom 4 - Your Creative Sidekick
• Phantom 4 - The Thrill of Speed
• Phantom 4 - One Step at a Time
• Phantom 4 - Mountain Riding
• Phantom 4 - Winter Wilderness
• Phantom 4 - Running Together, Training Together

B&H will carry the DJI Phantom 4.

Thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.

In July of 2015, we announced that the shutter in some Nikon D750 digital SLR cameras manufactured in October and November of 2014 may not function normally, sometimes resulting in shading of a portion of images. Since that time, we have learned that the same issue may also affect D750 cameras manufactured from December, 2014 through June, 2015.

For those who have already purchased a D750 and would like to have their camera serviced for this issue, Nikon service centers will service cameras as indicated below. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused.

Identifying affected D750 cameras
To check whether or not your camera may be one of those affected by this issue, click the Check Your Serial Number button (found here) and enter your D750's serial number as instructed. . If your D750 camera is one of those that may be affected, instructions for obtaining service will be displayed. If your D750 camera is not one of those to which this issue may apply, rest assured that service to your D750 camera as to this issue is not necessary and you may continue using your D750 camera without concern for this issue.

Resolution
If your D750 camera may be affected, as confirmed with the serial number check above, you will be provided with the necessary information to obtain service for this issue free of charge. Once your D750 camera is received by Nikon, your D750 camera’s shutter will be examined and replaced, and your D750 camera returned to you free of charge, even if your D750 camera warranty has expired.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this matter may have caused you.

Nikon will continue to take all possible measures to further improve product quality. Therefore, we hope that you will continue to choose Nikon for your photographic needs.