Canon and Sony News for Sep 2011

I arrived home from 8 intense days of shooting (plus two travel days) in the incredible Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks at 3:30 AM yesterday morning. It was an awesome trip - I will eventually get through all of my pics and will post some of my favorites (I still need to post pics from my California trip earlier this year).

At this point, I have most of the news posts caught up and have replied to all emails sent through Thu night. Note that I receive between 300 and 400 emails per day and use 3 layers of spam filtration to eliminate the garbage. I bulk-deleted over 3,300 filtered email messages today as the list was simply to long to thoroughly scan. Occassionally these filters generate a false positive - if I have not responded to your email, please send it again.

My trip had a rough start. I had an early AM flight scheduled from an airport just over an hour away, so I set the alarm on my Droid X for 2:30 AM and went to be early. The phone rang and I pushed my wife to get up. After more than a little pushing, she turned over and said "It's 12:30!?"

Half awake, I realized that the alarm had not gone off - I had an actual phone call - from the airline - notifying me that the first flight (of three legs) had been canceled. By 1:30 AM, after a long phone call, I had a new set of flights scheduled - from an airport 3.5 hours away. I was fortunate to get to the St Mary Lodge by 1:00 AM the next day (there are not many flights into Kalispell, MT - and fewer with seats available).

The weather for the week was mostly excellent (warm for late Sep) with great cloud patterns on some days. The crowds were very light (most services were shutting down for the season) and the leaves were just starting to change. The week+ was a great experience - I highly recommend the trip!

The Canon Digital Learning Center has posted Tutorials for EOS Storytellers.

"Canon Live Learning and the imaging experts at stillmotion joined forces to deliver this series of EOS HD production tutorials, developed during Canon Live Learning workshops such as 2010's Canon Cinema Caravan and 2011's Deconstructing the Story: Light, Sound, Motion, and EOS HD"

"These tutorial videos give an inside look at what Canon Live Learning students experienced with the creative and technical leaders of stillmotion during these remarkable programs."

Canon has reportedly sent the following invitation to members of the press:

Other than PIXMA and EOS being listed, little information is provided. (thanks Mike)

Joby Press Release:

JOBY UNVEILS THREE INNOVATIVE NEW CAMERA TRIPODS FOR HOLIDAY SEASON

New Additions to the Popular GorillaPod Family Support Compact System Cameras and Photography On-the-Go

September 28, 2011, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.: – JOBY is pleased to announce the launch of three new portable tripods to extend the innovation of the massively popular GorillaPod product line: the GorillaPod Micro 250, GorillaPod Micro 800 and GorillaPod Hybrid. The three new products are designed to meet the needs of today’s digital camera consumer, whether an enthusiast who shoots on-the-go with a point-and-shoot camera or prosumer sporting the latest compact system camera.

“The JOBY brand has its heritage in photography – that creative passion is in our blood,” explains chief executive officer Forrest Baringer-Jones. “Since the GorillaPod Original launched more than five years ago, we’ve made it our mission to inspire consumers with innovative camera accessories. We’re thrilled to strengthen our core family of GorillaPod flexible tripods with the new GorillaPod Hybrid designed specifically for popular compact system cameras and new GorillaPod Micro series, a pair of revolutionary, portable, always-on micro tripods. At $19.95 - $39.95, the products make perfect gifts for any type of photographer.”

Forever at your camera’s side, GorillaPod Micro is the indispensable companion for your point-and-shoot as the first always-on tripods that offer the stability, range of movement and versatility of full-size supports. Elegantly concealed beneath the base of the camera, the sleek form is convenient to carry and easily fits in any camera case or pocket. The aluminum and zinc alloy construction is engineered for dependable stability, quick deployment and precise ball positioning. Plus, the colorful rubber grips provide rock-solid footing on any surface. Now you can capture crisp low-light landscapes, join group portraits and record time-lapse party scenes, wherever your adventures take you.

The GorillaPod Micro series represents a revolution in camera positioning and stabilization on-the-go with sleek, always-on tripods that feature a machined aluminum positioning ball with up to 36° of movement in any direction. The GorillaPod Micro 250 supports point-and-shoot cameras weighing up to 250g (8.8 oz.), while the GorillaPod Micro 800 supports hybrid cameras weighing up to 800g (1.75 lbs.).

Designed for the rapidly growing segment of compact system cameras (CSC), the GorillaPod Hybrid supports cameras weighing up to 1kg (2.2 lbs.) and is the perfect versatile tripod for the demanding, active photographer. The flexible, wrappable legs provide rock-solid stabilization on any surface and integrated aluminum ball head (±90° tilt, 360° pan) enable precise positioning to capture professional-quality images without the size and weight of a traditional full-size tripod system. Whether you’re staging a last-second street portrait, shooting time-lapse photos or recording stable, shake-free video, GorillaPod Hybrid unleashes the power of your hybrid camera.

The $19.95 GorillaPod Micro 250 is available in grey, red, and blue. The GorillaPod Micro 800 retails for $29.95 in grey, while the GorillaPod Hybrid is available in grey and red for $39.95. All three new GorillaPod products are available for purchase today at popular photography, consumer electronics, outdoor retailers and internet stores, including Adorama, Amazon.com, B&H and more.

Redrock Micro's New LiveLens MFT Delivers Canon EF Lens Compatability for Micro Four-Thirds (MFT) Cameras (press release)

The Lensbaby Movie Maker's Kit (press release) has been announced.

For your email address, PhotoShelter will send you a free PDF guide: Selling Fine Art Photography.

Collaborates with FedEx Office, Sims Recycling Solutions and Close the Loop to Offer Customers Ink Cartridge Recycling

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 27, 2011 – Continuing its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, announces a new nationwide inkjet cartridge recycling program. Designed in collaboration with FedEx Office®, Sims Recycling Solutions and Close the Loop, this program utilizes the best environmental practices in treatment of recyclable materials.

Canon PIXMA printer users can now drop off empty genuine PIXMA inkjet cartridges at more than 1,600 FedEx Office Print and Ship Centers across the United States. From FedEx Office locations, cartridges will be consolidated by Sims Recycling Solutions, who specialize in the large-scale processing of electronic waste. After being consolidated by SIMS Recycling, the Genuine Canon ink cartridges go to Close the Loop, a "material recovery" company specializing in the recycling of inkjet cartridges. This program will be free of cost to all Canon consumers.

"With the rise in consumer environmental awareness, Canon is pleased to offer customers the opportunity to participate in this national recycling program," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications, Canon U.S.A. "Environmental responsibility and awareness have always been a top priority for Canon, and recycling is one of the simplest yet most beneficial aspects of this."

The recycling program will tie into the Canon Generation Green initiative that focuses on helping to reduce the environmental burdens in all stages of a product's lifecycle. Generation Green is designed to provide business partners, customers and consumers a way to identify and learn about the various eco-conscious features and solutions that Canon has to offer, including possible cost savings through energy efficiency.

In addition, components from the recycled cartridges can be turned into materials for other products. Close the Loop's innovative products include felt-tip pens and markers made from inkjet plastics and inks; industrial colorants made from recycled ink; recovered metals that can be recycled into new steel and aluminum ingots; and scrap plastics that can be turned into the company's synthetic "eLumber" and various eLumber products.

Nikon has released Capture NX 2.2.8 updater: USA | Europe

• Support for RAW images captured with the Nikon 1 J1, Nikon 1 V1, and COOLPIX P7100 has been added.

• Information for lenses used with the Auto Distortion correction function under Camera & Lens Corrections in the Develop section of the Edit List has been updated.

• When the Auto Lateral Color Aberration function under Camera & Lens Corrections in the Develop section of the Edit List was applied to RAW images, gray edges were, in some rare cases, displayed in some portions of the subject. This issue has been resolved.

Nikon has released ViewNX 2.2.1. Download the full version: USA | Europe

• Support for the Nikon 1 J1, Nikon 1 V1, COOLPIX P7100, and AW100 has been added.

• Support for the Smart Photo Selector and Motion Snapshot functions built into the Nikon 1 J1 and Nikon 1 V1 has been added.

• All images captured in Smart Photo Selector mode, or just the “best shot” in an SPS series, can be displayed.

• Playback similar to that of camera playback is possible for Motion Snapshot files.

• Motion Snapshot files can be uploaded to my Picturetown.

• An “exclude” option has been added to ratings.

Camera Raw 6.5 Update

This new version of the Camera Raw plug-in replaces the original one that was installed with Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 and Adobe Premiere Elements 9 software. Visit the Camera Raw page for a complete list of supported cameras.

English: Windows | Macintosh

Lightroom 3.5 update

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3.5 update includes these enhancements:

Additional camera support for over 20 new camera models including the Nikon Coolpix P7100, Olympus E-PL3 and Sony SLT-A77

Corrections for issues introduced in previous versions of Lightroom 3

English: Windows | Macintosh

(Thanks Richard)

Update: Lightroom Journal has more details about these updates.

Nikon Capture NX 2.2.8 (USA) / (Europe) is now available.

Built From The Ground Up: The Nikon 1 System Balances Speed, Style And Simplicity To Creatively Capture All Of Life’s Spontaneous Moments

Sorry for being a bit slow in posting news right now - I'm traveling at this time. I'm also running behind in my email replies - just FYI. :)

Press releases:

Adobe Premiere Elements 10 Now Available

Adobe Unveils Photoshop Elements 10

Adobe Releases Photoshop Elements 10 & Adobe Premiere Elements 10 Bundle

Press release:

CANON U.S.A. ANNOUNCES SELECT PIXMA PRINTERS NOW SUPPORT APPLE'S AIRPRINT ENABLING WIRELESS PRINTING FROM iPad, iPhone & iPod Touch

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 20, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced that the PIXMA MG8220, MG6220 and MG5320 Wireless Photo All-In-One inkjet photo printers will now support AirPrint1 wireless printing for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. AirPrint allows users to wirelessly print photos, emails, web pages and other documents without the need to install device drivers, saving time and making for a seamless user experience.

AirPrint will be supported by the majority of Canon PIXMA inkjet printers launched from this point forward. AirPrint works with iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPod touch (3rd generation and later) running using iOS 4.2 or later.

For more information on the support models and other details, please visit www.usa.canon.com/airprint.

Head for the bomb shelter - Canon 24-105mm L Lenses are falling from the sky:

(Thanks Jeff)

WPPI has announced the Keynote and Seminar Schedule for WPPI NYC at PhotoPlus Expo.

Or at least that is what Canon is saying:

Based on the location, the new products announced on this date are likely going to appeal to the motion picture industry.

ISO 12233 chart crops, distortion results and lens specifications and measurements have been added to the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review page.

B&H has the hard-to-get and really-nice Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon T* ZE Lens in stock.

Canon ultra-large-scale, ultra-high-sensitivity CMOS sensor (press release) makes possible wide field-of-view video recording of meteors with equivalent apparent magnitude of 10.

Canon U.S.A. Announces PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS Models With New DIGIC 5 Image Processor Providing Enhanced Resolution and Faster Shooting Speeds (press release)

Canon Europe press releases:
Canon unveils the PowerShot S100 – expert control, seriously compact
35x ultra-zoom and enhanced low-light performance – Canon introduces the PowerShot SX40 HS

Here's more from CPN:
Canon announces PowerShot S100
Canon unveils PowerShot SX40 HS

Note: This is not the S100 being introduced today: Canon PowerShot S100 Digital ELPH

Singh-Ray has posted a new video: Using Singh-Ray Filters in the Field.

In just under 36 minutes, Tony Sweet, Cole Thompson and Adam Barker take you through the use of some of the Singh-Ray filters.

I use Singh-Ray's Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density and Graduated Neutral Density fitlers.

Note that we are approaching B&H's holiday season. Here are the closing dates:

SanDisk has announced a long list of new products (press release) including the 64GB SanDisk Extreme® Pro™ SDXC™ UHS-I Card and the ImageMate® All-in-One USB 3.0 Reader/Writer.

Eye-Fi Press Release:

Eye-Fi’s Patented Wireless Technology and SanDisk’s High-Quality Flash Memory Enables Consumers to Capture, Back Up, Organize and Share Photos on the Go

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., September 14, 2011 — Eye-Fi Inc. (www.eye.fi), makers of the world’s first wireless memory card, today announced an exclusive distribution agreement with SanDisk, a global leader in flash memory storage solutions. The relationship combines Eye-Fi’s strong partner ecosystem with SanDisk’s broad retail presence to deliver a co-branded SD™ wireless memory card to consumers throughout EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa).

The SanDisk® Eye-Fi Wireless memory card allows consumers to instantly transfer photos and videos from a camera to a nearby smartphone or tablet; when within range of Wi-Fi®, the files can glide seamlessly to a computer. Consumers can then organize and share the content to social media or online sites. Eye-Fi expands SanDisk’s product portfolio and addresses the needs of an increasingly mobile, connected world of digital photography. Consumers who purchase the card will also receive access to Eye-Fi services such as Eye-Fi View, a cloud-based storage solution.

“Since 2005, we’ve been building an imaging ecosystem that delivers a connected photography solution that helps people more easily view and share their digital photos, freeing images from devices and releasing them into people’s lives. SanDisk has built wide brand awareness in the memory space and enjoys strong distribution throughout EMEA,” said Yuval Koren, chief executive officer and co-founder of Eye-Fi. “This relationship will deliver a connected solution into more hands and more cameras faster than we could ever have imagined.”

“Eye-Fi’s convenient wireless solution and our high-quality flash memory allow consumers to easily back up, organize and share their digital photos and videos,” said Pascal de Boer, vice president, retail sales, SanDisk. “Now consumers can capture a photo, transfer it to a nearby mobile device and share it with the world, all without ever removing the memory card from their camera.”

The SanDisk Eye-Fi Wireless memory card comes in 4GB and 8GB capacities and features Class 4 minimum sustained write speed, 802.11n wireless performance, automatic backup, social media integration and Endless Memory. Eye-Fi continues to directly distribute its eponymous line of cards throughout the U.S. at both specialty stores and at top retailers like Best Buy, Target and WalMart, and recently increased distribution in Japan.