From the Canon Professional Network:
As Laci Perényi prepares for his tenth summer Olympic Games, CPN writer Mark Alexander spoke with the celebrated sports photographer and Canon Explorer about his relationship with one of the greatest shows on earth...Read the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.Laci Perényi's boundless energy is matched by seemingly endless experience, giving the German photographer an unbeatable temperament that inspires confidence. He has witnessed Olympic history first-hand, capturing moments of heroic success and failure in stunning detail and beautifully timed observation. He is a staple of the sports photography industry and a character to boot.
From the DJI YouTube Channel:
The 24 Hour Race in Nürburgring is one of the most challenging endurance tests any racer can experience. Of course, we at DJI were there to capture aerial shots of this high velocity event.
Multicopter operations were conducted by professional pilots in coordination with manned aircraft pilots and authorities. Please always fly responsibly and follow the local regulations.
Note: The DJI Inspire 1 PRO Quadcopter with Zenmuse X5 4K Camera has recently been reduced in price; it's now $3,399.00 (was $3,899.00).
Nikon has released its financial results for the first quarter of the year ending March 2017 [August 4, 2016].
From Nikon:
Financial Results (PDF:270KB)
Financial and Business Data (PDF:87KB)
Presentation Material (PDF:992KB)
Want the abridged version? Here's a screenshot from page 7 from the Presentation Material:
From Canon USA:
MELVILLE, N.Y., August 3, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will be bringing their service and support expertise to Brazil to help maximize the uptime and performance of its users' professional imaging equipment. From pro DSLR cameras and EF lenses to broadcast television lenses, Canon's award-winning service and support staff will be providing preventative maintenance and repairs to help professionals who have put their trust in Canon imaging equipment.
Canon's team of over 70 highly trained technicians and support staff will be in Brazil for nearly a month to support professional photographers and broadcasters, just as they do throughout the year. Canon Professional Services (CPS) is set to provide comprehensive equipment maintenance and repairs, extensive equipment loans and expert technical support.
"Canon is proud to offer professional photographers and broadcasters high quality image-making solutions that are thoughtfully designed and versatile so that they can capture sharp, clear, detailed images and video," said Elizabeth Pratt, director, Professional Client Development and Support, Canon U.S.A. "Knowing that iconic images will be captured, seen and shared by people around the world really drives Canon to provide professionals with not only high quality equipment but the customer support they need to help ensure they never miss a beat if anything happens to their equipment."
Canon EOS DSLR cameras and EF lenses are the camera and lenses of choice of a majority of the top U.S.-based news agencies and professional sports photographers.
The Associated Press will be using Canon cameras and lenses exclusively, including cameras which are integrated with advanced robotics systems. The robotic camera systems can be mounted both in the rafters high above a field of play and underwater in pools, all fully controlled remotely over a network. "High-speed and high-performing digital imaging solutions like the EOS-1D X Mark II camera and L-series EF lenses are key to our team's success," said Santiago Lyon, vice president and director of photography, Associated Press. "Canon provides innovative technology and world-class optics that give us the solutions we need to create compelling images."
A majority of Reuters photographers from around the world will be using Canon DSLR cameras and lenses and trust Canon products and award-winning support team to keep them up and running. "Photographing large sporting events for thousands of news outlets and an audience of billions requires meticulous planning and technical resilience. The staff and engineers from CPS help ensure that the Canon cameras used by the world's top sports photographers receive precision treatment that allows them to take pictures that capture key moments and illustrate the spirit of competition," said Kevin Coombs, editor-in-chief for Thomson Reuters.
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR camera and ultra-wide zoom EF 11-24mm f/4L USM lens were selected to be used for Getty Images' new high-tech, remote-controlled underwater robotic system. The camera provides Getty Images with a fully networkable solution that features precise white balance, a blazing fast frame rate and impressive low-light capabilities, which make the camera ideal for capturing fast action. When combined with the durable and rugged EF 11-24mm f/4L USM lens, the system will allow Getty Images to capture images at extremely wide perspectives with incredible sharpness and minimal distortion from the center of the image to the periphery, all across the entire zoom range. "As the world's leading visual communications company, we believe that our world class sports photographers must have the most up-to-date photographic technology that empowers them to do their job, and to do it exceptionally well. Getty Images is using Canon's EOS-1D X Mark II cameras and EF 11-24mm f/4L USM lenses in a unique, remotely-controlled underwater camera system that gives us the flexibility to follow and capture action from beneath," said Ken Mainardis, vice president of Sport at Getty Images. "We recently used the new underwater system and the images were remarkable. We're looking forward to using our Canon gear to capture more fantastic underwater imagery."
"The European Pressphoto Agency (EPA) will have a photographic team of 40 capturing incredible moments. Months ago, EPA's entire U.S. contingent switched over to the Canon EOS System," explained Gernot Hensel, EPA's long-standing head of sports and deputy editor-in-chief. "The EPA team is comprised of colleagues from all over the world, and the majority of them will be using Canon equipment, including robotic systems, to capture the action."
Simon Bruty, an award-winning sports photographer and Canon Explorer of Light is one of the best sports photographers in the world. "As a professional photographer, I have to be able to capture every moment of the action because a hundredth of a second can mean the difference between capturing or missing the winning moment or race finish, and Canon cameras, like the new EOS-1D X Mark II, deliver the stunning image quality and speed I need while working," said Mr. Bruty. "The 14 frames per second that the EOS-1D X Mark II camera can capture, which enables over 12 seconds of continuous RAW shooting without buffering, means that I could shoot an entire 100 meter dash without taking my finger off of the shutter release. If I shot in JPEG mode and have a large enough memory card, I could do it for the entire 2+ hours of a marathon race!"
For more information about CPS: http://www.cps.usa.canon.com/
Just in case there wasn't enough evidence that the Pokémon craze is taking the world by storm, the video title says it all. [Sean]
From the Caters Clips YouTube Channel:
This press photographer will go to any length to catch them all, even using downtime during a football match to play Pokémon Go.
During the first half of New York Cosmos versus Jacksonville Armada there was a stoppage in play allowing the snapper to play the hit mobile game.
After one wild Pokémon appeared on the pitch the photographer takes four attempts until successfully landing his pitch-invading prey.
From the Aperture YouTube Channel:
In this week's episode, we discuss the practical ways to shoot and light a car scene. Most scenarios require actors in a car to focus on the scene, not the road, so the safest way is to shoot the car scene inside a stationary vehicle. See Hollywood examples and learn from our guest expert Julia Swain on how you can light a car scene without ever leaving the garage.
B&H carries video lighting equipment.
From PocketWizard:
Intro: Beta Firmware Version 3.818 addresses compatibility with newer Nikon gear introduced since the launch of ControlTL Firmware version 3.800, and includes some minor improvements.
New Key Feature:
The following Nikon gear is now supported in this beta firmware release:
These cameras will work in the ControlTL system with normal operational considerations. Read more about the general Nikon Operational Considerations on the PocketWizard Wiki.
SB-5000 Operational Consideration: The Nikon SB-5000 should only be used as a remote Speedlight on a FlexTT5 (set to TTL, not REMOTE per normal ControlTL operation). We do not recommend using the SB-5000 as a MASTER Speedlight on your camera’s ControlTL radio at this time. It might work as a MASTER on select cameras, but not others. If you use it as MASTER in your setup and it only emits a tiny burst of light at trigger time, it is not compatible. We hope to address this consideration in a future firmware release.
D7200/D5500 Operational Consideration: Rear curtain sync mode with these cameras only works with remote flash, not with on camera flash.
Other Improvements:
* Please make sure to update your camera to the latest firmware.
To install PocketWizard ControlTL MiniTT1 / FlexTT5 Nikon Beta Firmware v.3.818, you must enable Beta Firmware access.
Enabling Beta Firmware
How to enable the beta firmware options.
B&H carries PocketWizard products.
Just posted: Samyang 16mm f/2 ED AS UMC CS Lens Review
I may be sounding like a broken record here, but Samyang has once again delivered a well-constructed manual lens with good image quality and an enticing price. Those shooting the night sky with an APS-C sensor camera will especially appreciate this lens' class-leading coma results.
B&H has the Samyang 16mm f/2 ED AS UMC CS Lens in stock.
From Samyang Optics:
Samyang 35mm F1.2 ED AS UMC CS is a standard angle manual focus lenses for mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensor size. The flow of light is devised based on the uniqueness of the distance from glass to sensor in mirrorless cameras to create optimal performance.
The bright F1.2 aperture secures a fast shutter speed even under the restricted lighting conditions to offer best quality images. It will brighten up your everyday snapshots. Also it creates an outstanding out-of-focus look by highlighting the main object effectively. The versatility of 35mm angle of view is also a charm. It liberates your daily images including landscapes, streets, portraits and even lunch tables and brings the essence and joy of manual focusing to life.
Based on Samyang Optics’ exceptional optical technology, Ultra Multi Coating and two aspherical lenses have been included among nine glasses in seven groups to minimise aberration and unnecessary light dispersion, delivering high resolution from the centre to the corners of the image. Along with portability of mirrorless lens, the 62mm of wide filter diameter brings the maximum amount of light into the lens to create the best work of light in photography.
Note: Pricing and availability information is currently unavailable.
From the Science Channel YouTube Channel:
Video camera lenses are the perfect combo of modern technology and old fashioned craftsmanship. 8 overlapping stainless steel pieces control the amount of light that is let into the camera.
B&H carries Cinema Lenses.
According to the Egami Blog, Nikon has patented the optical formula for a PC-E 19mm f/4 Tilt-Shift lens.
Patent Details
From Nikon:
Reliable, easy-to-use weatherproof camera with a specially designed menu and additional creative options for every member of the family
TOKYO – August 1, 2016 – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the COOLPIX W100, a tough waterproof and shockproof compact digital camera that offers reliable, worry-free use with leisure activities.
The COOLPIX W100 combines reliable image quality with a simple, easy-to-use, animated menu option of Variety Menu, and an ergonomic design for everyone in the family to enjoy fun moments effortlessly. Its compact rounded design, large buttons and intelligent features such as Underwater Face Framing, enable users to capture high quality images and full HD videos easily at the press of a button. New creative options including the Add Cartoon Effects and the Stamp function also aid in cultivating an interest amongst younger users. What's more, the COOLPIX W100 supports SnapBridge, which establishes a connection between the camera and a smart device, allowing users to easily share the photos they have taken via SNSs and the like, without removing and reinserting the SD memory card.
COOLPIX W100 primary features