Canon and Sony News for Dec 2012

Canon Japan has published a Windows 8 Compatibility Notice for DSLR cameras and software:

* 1 When using the EOS Utility 2.12.0, you will need to download and install ". NET Framework 3.5". In an environment where ". NET Framework 3.5" is not installed, EOS Utility We will not start.

* 2 To automatically start the EOS Utility 2.12.0, you must set up the Windows 8 "Auto-Play" feature. Set up information here.

While not exactly recent, the two interviews below were published in English only a few days ago. During photokina, Megapixel.co.il interviewed both Canon and Nikon about new products, product differentiation, and product development.

Canon Interview:

Synopsis from MegaPixel.co.il:

• Richard Shepherd explained in a few words in the interview about project 1709 (the name is actually the date of the beta announcement). The project is invitation only at this stage.
• The events in Japan in 2011 had a lot of influence on the actual launch of the 1D-X – Canon used the time to tweak and improve the finished product.
• Regarding the delays in launching some of the long telephoto lenses – Canon states that it was important to reach full production capability as to not cause delays later on.
• For Canon – the 6D is the idea travel camera. Although there might be other target audiences for the 6D – people who travel and like a quality camera they can carry are very high on the list.
• The 6D will not be the only DSLR wit GPS and WIFI but don't expect every model from now on to come with these features.
• Although we asked – we didn't get a direct answer whether or not the EOS-M can be fitted with and external digital viewfinder and if it can – does Canon has any plans to do so.
• According to Canon, Pro photographers do not trust digital viewfinders and so for pro cameras, optical viewfinders are here to stay.
• Adding a focus limiter in the camera is possible technically, however Mike Owen explained that so far Canon did not receive substantial enough request for this feature from its costumers.
• The APS-H format is not necessarily dead – this actually depends on the market and the consumer needs.
• The eye-control-focus technology (used for example in the Canon EOS-3) is gone, but it might return again in the future. In the past some photographers liked it but some didn't so its an open issue.
• Don't expect a road map from Canon for its EOS-M lenses (unlike Sony, Samsung, Fuji, Panasonic etc.). Canon is going to focus on what it feels are the right lenses for this format (i.e. mostly compact lenses).

Nikon Interview:

Things covered in the interview with Dirk Jasper:

• Target markets for the Nikon D600 and D800
• Similarities/differences between the D600 and D800
• Why AF points cannot extend to the edges of viewfinder
• Additional costs of full-frame camera production
• External vs internal GPS and WiFi
• The omission of articulated screens in "pro" cameras
• The possibility of electronic viewfinders in DSLRs
• What Jasper believes is the biggest revolution in photography in the last two years (Nikon 1 system)
• The future of photographic tools in the next two years

From Samyang:

The Samyang T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC is a wide-angle, full-frame lens fitted with the perspective control and tilt-shift functions. Its unique optical and mechanical construction makes it an ideal tool for architecture and landscape photography. The product is extremely useful to correct convergence of lines and perspective control. The optical tilt mechanisms enable precise control of depth of focus along with perspective control which can also be used for creative photography and perspective exaggeration, enabling photographers to shape the image according to their individual needs. Suitable for both digital and analogue film formats.

Optical design of the Samyang T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC comprises sixteen lenses arranged in eleven groups, including two aspherical lenses and two Extra Dispersion (ED) lenses. These elements enable the lens to perfectly reproduce detailed elements and provide superior optical performance even when using the tilt and shift (T-S) functionality. Furthermore, each optical component has been covered with multi-layered, anti-reflective UMC coatings, which provide superb light transmission, high contrast and natural colours. With sophisticated optics and developed T-S function, the Samyang T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC is currently the most advanced lens produced by Samyang Optics.

The tilt-shift function in the Samyang T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC allows for smooth and fine adjustment of the focal plane by an angle of +/-8.5 and enables parallel shift of the optical axis by +/-12 mm. To make Tilt-Shift function even more seamless, both the lens mount and the Tilt-Shift section may be rotated on the optical axis. The Tilt-Shift section may be rotated left by 90 degrees (with 30 degree adjustment), while mount of the lens may be rotated both in left and right direction by 90 degrees (with 30 degree adjustment). Filter size is 82mm.

Available in Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony A mounts.
Release Date: March 2013.

eBay (via Buy.com) has the SanDisk Extreme 480GB 2.5" SATA III Solid State Drive available for $299.00 with free shipping.

Just posted: Canon EOS M Camera Review

Interested in knowing the history of the Canon cameras? Check out the Canon Camera Story starting with 1933 - 1936 The Birth of Canon hosted by the Canon Museum. (thanks Stewart)

The Canon Store has Select Refurbished Canon Digital Camcorders on sale for up to 60% off.

Use promo code DEC12 to receive free shipping on orders of $100.00 or more!

I wish you and yours the merriest Christmas ever! May it be filled with great meaning, great memories - and great images!

The hugely popular and iconic Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR Camera is now listed as discontinued on Canon Japan's website.

With the introduction of the EOS 6D, it was inevitable that the dated 5D Mark II (now 4 years old) would be making an exit. Even so, we're just a little sad to see it go.

You can still purchase a Canon EOS 5D Mark II at B&H, Adorama, Amazon, or a refurbished model at the Canon Store (20% off right now).

Nikon recently modified the wording in their "How do I clean a camera lens?" FAQ listing. The following two sentences have been removed:

"Do not breathe on the lens to fog it for cleaning. There are harmful acids in breath that can damage lens coatings."

Hopefully we can infer from the recently modified text that Nikon believes that your breath, while not ideal for cleaning a lens element, will not actually damage it.

The Canon Professional Network has published several Tips and Tricks for the newly released Canon EOS 6D DSLR camera.

Topics regarding the Canon EOS 6D include:

• EOS 6D: ‘Control over HDMI’ for viewing images
• EOS 6D: Live View & sharing with DLNA devices
• EOS 6D: using the camera's rechargeable backup battery
• EOS 6D: smartphone connection via WiFi
• EOS 6D: Auto Update clock settings
• EOS 6D: maximising battery life using the built-in GPS
• EOS 6D: maintaining frame rates at high ISOs

Other recent topics:

• Quick mode, Live Mode and Face Detection
• Live Mode and Face Detection AF on EOS-1 series
• Frame Rate on EOS-1 series DSLRs
• AC Adaptor kits
• AF Quick Switching with EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X
• EOS 5D Mark III Battery Life
• Viewfinder Warnings on EOS 5D Mark III
• Compression Settings on EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X
• Shooting Movies with EOS 5D Mark III: Lock Switch

You also might want to check out CPN's Inside the Canon EOS 6D technical guide.

B&H has the Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera in stock.

From PMA:

JACKSON, Mich. – PMA – The Worldwide Community of Imaging Associations, announces 2014 PMA@CES will be held Jan. 7-10, 2014, at the 2014 International CES®.

“We are fewer than three weeks away from 2013 PMA@CES, but we are already hard at work on the following year’s event – and we are happy to say it will again be held at CES,” said PMA Executive Director Jim Esp. “Offering PMA@CES at the International CES makes it much easier for attendees and exhibitors to discover everything that’s happening in the world of photography and digital imaging in one place, at one time – without the expense and time commitment of two different shows. We are also happy to announce the DIMA, PSPA/SPAA and AIE Conferences will again immediately precede 2014 PMA@CES, on Jan. 5-6, 2014.”

PMA President Allen Showalter commented, “It’s great to be partnering with CES again in 2014. The joining together of these two events allows attendees to experience not only all the digital imaging and photography exhibits at both CES and PMA@CES, but also a huge array of other consumer electronics and technologies that are relevant to our industry. In addition to being able to interact with all the top companies and industry members at PMA@CES, there are plenty of opportunities at CES for our trade and supplier members to network with people in related industries, and find additional ways to increase their revenue streams.”

As is the case for 2013 PMA@CES, the 2014 PMA@CES event will be held at the LVH, an official venue of the International CES, adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

From Canon:

TOKYO, December 20, 2012—Canon Inc. announced today that a range of Canon products have been awarded prestigious product design awards from iF International Forum Design GmbH.

Established in 1953, iF Design Awards are recognized as one of the most prestigious awards within the field of design. Every year iF honors excellent design in three disciplines: product, communication and packaging design. For the 2013 iF Design Awards, seven Canon product designs received coveted iF Product Design Awards.

Within the Audio/Video category, awards went to the EOS-1D X digital SLR camera, the IXUS 500 HS/510 HS (PowerShot ELPH 520 HS/530 HS and IXY 3/1 in other regions) compact digital cameras, the Cinema EOS System of professional digital cinematography products, and the EOS M interchangeable-lens digital camera system. In the Computer category, the PIXMA PRO-1 (PIXUS PRO-1 in Japan) professional inkjet printer, the PIXMA MG6350/MG5450 (PIXMA MG6320/MG5420 and PIXUS MG6330/MG5430) inkjet all-in-one printers, and the i-SENSYS MF4890dw (imageCLASS MF4890dw and Satera MF4890dw) monochrome laser all-in-one printer were awarded.

Encouraged by the multiple iF Design Awards recognizing the company's design excellence, Canon will continue striving to realize products that combine the highest levels of performance and design.

From PocketWizard:

MiniTT1 & FlexTT5 updated beta firmware release plan for new Canon and Nikon Cameras

So. Burlington, VT – As Canon and Nikon continue to release new cameras and flashes, PocketWizard Photo Products has established an evolving Firmware Release plan for the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radios to address compatibility with these new products.

The MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 offer a comprehensive list of unique features such as HyperSync, Power Control with an AC3 ZoneController, Optimized Rear Curtain Sync and many others including our legendary broad-based reverse compatibility. These features are what differentiate PocketWizard radios from other wireless triggers. The MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 require specialized programming which is highly dependent on the internal coding of the camera or flash. When a new camera or flash is released, we must reverse engineer the new internal coding to make sure the timing of our features is compatible with the new hardware. This reverse engineering and testing can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before it meets our standards and can be released as a beta into the market for further testing. Some gear is easier to reverse engineer than others.

It is important to note that PocketWizard does not receive any inside information from either Nikon or Canon regarding the release of new gear. PocketWizard Photo Products must order new Nikon or Canon gear from a local dealer and wait for it to be shipped. Once the product is received at PocketWizard headquarters in Vermont, it is then thoroughly tested, reversed engineered by our firmware engineers, tested again and then tested yet again for compatibility.

In order to expedite the process, we will be releasing “rolling betas” which will then be rolled into production releases based on feedback during the beta phase. Although we cannot provide specific beta firmware release dates, what we can tell you is that a typical beta period is three to five weeks and a production release should fall shortly thereafter assuming nothing major was discovered during the beta process.

Prioritized rolling BETA release plan for MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 Firmware:

1. MiniTT1/FlexTT5 BETA firmware release for Canon
• Compatibility with Canon 1D X Camera*
2. MiniTT1/FlexTT5 Beta firmware release for Nikon
• Compatibility with Nikon D600 & Nikon D3200
3. MiniTT1/FlexTT5 Beta firmware release for Canon
• Compatibility with Canon T4i & Canon 6D

* Please note that the BETA firmware release for the Canon 1D X will have limited compatibility. The firmware release will include Manual Power Control and Manual HSS and HyperSync®. The beta release firmware for the Canon 1D X will not have the capability to perform TTL exposures.

The schedule above represents our BETA release plan. We will make decisions about official PRODUCTION releases as we go, depending on reverse engineering progress and field reports.

We intend to update the Nikon and Canon compatibility pages on wiki.pocketwizard.com on a regular basis. Any updates to the firmware release plan will also be updated on Facebook and Twitter.

Adorama has a Google Nexus 7 32GB Tablet & MiFi 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot (Verizon) Bundle available for $99.00 after an in-store discount of $130.00 and $70.00 cash back in Visa gift cards.

Note: This deal is only available in-store at Adorama (42 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011) and requires a data plan activation by 12/31/12.

From Adobe:

December 19, 2012 For convenience and reliability, we highly recommend that you apply this update directly from within Photoshop. To do so, choose Help > Updates in Photoshop CS6 and apply all of the updates listed under Adobe Photoshop CS6 in the Adobe Application Manager.

The Adobe Photoshop 13.0.3 update enables support for new HiDPI displays on the Macintosh platform for a dramatic improvement in image fidelity and resolution. This update applies to all languages of Adobe Photoshop CS6.

You can download the update here.

Installation instructions:

1. Disable all virus protection software.
2. Ensure that the folder on your hard drive containing Photoshop is named "Adobe Photoshop CS6."
3. Double-click the "AdobePatchInstaller" application. If the updater reports that it cannot find the application to update, uninstall Photoshop CS6, and then reinstall the application (using the default folder name "Adobe Photoshop CS6"). To uninstall Photoshop, navigate to the "Applications/Utilites/Adobe Installers" folder and run "Uninstall Adobe Photoshop CS6" to remove the original installation of Photoshop. Once the removal is complete, reinstall Photoshop, and then run the updater.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

GlacierWorks has a captivating gigapixel image of the Khumbu glacier taken from the Pumori viewpoint near Mount Everest by photographer David Breashears. (thanks Lars)

From PocketWizard:

PocketWizard Photo Products Announces ControlTL Firmware Update for Canon 5D Mark III

Update provides compatibility for Canon version MiniTT1® and FlexTT5® radios with the Canon 5D Mark III digital SLR camera

So. Burlington, VT – December 19, 2012 – LPA Design, manufacturers of PocketWizard Photo Products, the world leader in wireless control of cameras, flash lighting and light meters, announces today a new update to its ControlTL firmware for Canon versions of its MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radios. Available now, firmware version 6.200 for Canon includes compatibility with the Canon 5D Mark III digital SLR camera. Any current owner of the ControlTL system can easily install this version via USB connection and update for free using the PocketWizard Utility. PocketWizard Utility version 1.54 or later is required before installing this update.

“This latest release of ControlTL firmware further strengthens PocketWizard’s compatibility with the Canon brand of digital cameras and flashes,” said Dave Schmidt, Vice President of Marketing at LPA Design, the company that manufacturers PocketWizard Photo Products. “Our engineers worked tirelessly to make this update available to our customers that use the Canon 5D Mark III camera. Our goal is to provide photographers with frequent important upgrades such as this because it allows owners of PocketWizard radios to stay current as new cameras and flash units are introduced.”

Compatibility for the Canon EOS-1D X is not available at this time but firmware for this camera should be available in the near future. Learn more about our firmware development plan here.

For more information on how to update PocketWizard products via USB connection and the PocketWizard Utility 1.55 visit:
http://www.pocketwizard.com/support/downloads/

Resources:
Firmware version 6.200 release notes, click here.
Canon Quick Guide, click here
Full Canon Wiki Manual, click here.

From Nikon:

This software is for upgrading the COOLPIX S800c firmware from v1.0 or v1.1 to v1.2. Verify your camera’s firmware version using the instructions below. If this latest version is already installed in your camera, you need not update the firmware.

Be sure that you have read and understand the terms of the license agreement before initiating download of this software from the links at the bottom of this page.

Modifications enabled in this version

• The position information the GPS function attached to images was sometimes incorrect. This issue has been resolved.
• If images were captured before the playback mode icon is displayed, the date and time recorded was incorrect. This issue has been resolved.

How to verify your cameras current firmware version

If the latest firmware version is already installed on your S800c you need not proceed with download or installation of this Firmware Upgrade. The current firmware version can be verified from the Firmware version item in the camera's setup menu.

1. Turn on the camera.
2. Press the MENU button is shooting or playback mode, and tap Setup.
3. Drag the screen down until Firmware version is displayed, and then tap Firmware Version.
4. The camera's firmware version will be displayed.
5. Turn off the camera.

Quick Install Guide

This is the quick install guide.

Power the camera from AC adapter unit or use a fully charged battery.

1. Create a new folder with an appropriate name on your computer's hard drive.
2. Download the Windows (.EXE) or Macintosh (.DMG) file from the links at the bottom of this page to the folder created in step 1.
3. Run the downloaded file to create a folder called S800CUpdate which contains the firmware folder.
4. Use a card reader or similar device to copy the firmware folder to the root directory of a formatted SD memory card.
5. Insert the memory card into the camera's memory card slot and turn on the camera.
6. Tap Firmware version in the camera's setup menu and follow instructions displayed to upgrade the firmware.
7. After the upgrade is complete, turn the camera off and remove the memory card.
8. Access the Firmware version item in the camera's setup menu to confirm that the firmware has been upgraded.

Download the Firmware Update 1.2: Windows | Macintosh

From RedRock Micro:

DSLR, Digital Cinema and Video Camera Rigs Get Softer Pad, Tool-less Counterweights, Other Improvements

Hollywood, CA and Dallas, TX - Redrock Micro, the recognized leader in affordable professional-grade cinema accessories, announced today the immediate availability of enhanced camera support rigs that improve performance, comfort and reliability for camera operators. Among these upgrades are the microShoulderPad with FieldTech™, tool-less microBalance QR counterweights, and improved hand grips. The new improvements now come standard on all Redrock rigs, and are available as upgrades to existing customers.

New microShoulderPad with FieldTech Molds to Shape of Shoulder

The completely redesigned camera shoulder pad improves comfort and balance, critical requirements for long shooting days. The new microShoulderPad uses super-tough Cordura® and breathable 3D mesh, and is filled with soft free-forming microPoly beads that actively adapt to each shoulder's shape and slope. The microShoulderPad promotes proper alignment and better stability with this uniquely balanced pressure distribution, and ensures a new level of comfort and support.

microBalance QR Delivers Tool-Less Counterweights and Battery Mount

Building on the success of Redrock's microBalance weights, the newly designed microBalance QR rig counterweight speeds rig balance and stability with one-of-a-kind features.

Weights can be added or removed just by pushing a button, and without any tools. Multiple weights can be added or removed at once. Battery mounting patterns on each weight enable brick batteries (such as Anton Bauer, Switronix, Sony, etc.) to be attached directly to the microBalance QR, making the battery mount quick release as well.

microBalance QR can be set up horizontally or vertically, and can be adjusted for left-right balance in the vertical setup, a capability unique to Redrock. These features result in the fastest, full-featured camera counterbalance system available today.

Enhanced Handgrips Improve Grip, Add Features

Redrock's rig hand grips have also been updated with improved design and features. The new diamond pattern reduces potential for moisture build-up while the soft rubber surface keeps things comfortable. The added double-lock on each grip end offers an additional option for adding mounting points or rig extensions. A popular use of this feature is attaching the microRemote fingerwheel to the grip when grips are inverted, such as on the ManCam rig.

Pricing and Availability

The new components are shipping now and are available on all Redrock Micro rigs at no additional cost. Redrock also offers components individually so customers can update their existing Redrock rigs to the latest features. All upgrades are available standalone or in upgrade bundles. As with all Redrock products, customers can purchase direct from Redrock Micro's website at redrockmicro.com, or from any Redrock worldwide authorized reseller.

B&H carries Redrock Micro products.

From Toshiba:

TOKYO—Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today announced that it will launch a new line of high performance CompactFlash^®1 (CF) memory cards, the EXCERIA PRO™² series, expressly targeting the digital single lens reflex camera market. The initial line-up of 16GB, 32GB, 64GB cards will come to market in spring of 2013 and offer the world's highest level³ read and write speeds. EXCERIA PRO™ will position Toshiba to meet the demands of the high-end DSLR market, including high resolution image capture, sustained continuous shooting, HD video recording and high speed data transfers to other devices.

The EXCERIA PRO™ CF cards integrate Toshiba's high performance NAND flash memory and specially developed dedicated firmware. They achieve a read speed of 160MB/s and write speed of 150MB/s⁴, the highest level yet reported.

The new cards are compliant with the CompactFlash Association (CFA) standard CompactFlash^® Specification Revision 6.0 and compatible with the UDMA7 high speed interface, ensuring they can support high performance DSLRs to the full. The cards are also compatible with the latest Video Performance Guarantee standard, VPG-20. VPG-20 secures Full HD video capture streams at a minimum write speed of 20MB/s for compatible host devices and recording media. VPG-20 enables high quality Full HD video capture at high frame rates with no dropped frames.

The market for DSLR is expected to grow by some 50% in the period 2012 to 2015 and demand for CF cards will grow with it. Toshiba aims to capture a 30% market share by 2015 by developing high performance memory cards.

Specifications

Notes:
1. CompactFlash® card is a memory card standardized by CompactFlash Association. VPG logo and CF+ are trademarks of CompactFlash Association. CompactFlash® is a registered trademark of CompactFlash Association.
2. EXCERIA PRO is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.
3. As of December 2012, Toshiba.
4. 16GB cards will have 95MB/s maximum write speed. Read/Write speed was internally tested based on UDMA mode 7 16bit (LBA48). Read and write speed may vary, depending on user specifications such as devices used and file size read or written. (Transfer speed of 1MB/s calculated as 1,000,000 bytes/s)

Just posted: Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera Review

From DxO:

DxO Optics Pro v8.1.1 supports four new cameras

300 new DxO Optics Modules available

December 17, 2012 - DxO Labs, announces the immediate availability DxO Optics Pro v8.1.1 for Mac and Windows, the latest version of its image processing software of reference for all serious photographers. This upgrade allows DxO Optics Pro 8 to support the Sony SLT-A99, the Pentax K-5 II and K-5 IIs, and the Canon EOS M.

DxO Optics Pro v8.1.1 also benefits from the continuous addition of DxO Optics Modules. Nearly 300 new camera/lens combinations have been added to the library, thus providing support for additional Canon, Panasonic, Samyang and Sigma lenses for Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, and Sony cameras.

B&H carries DxO products.

From Kickstarter:

The new Swivl is a multipurpose motion and tracking platform for imaging, teleconferencing and more. No more single purpose devices for one use. The new Swivl works iPads, iPhones, DSLRs and Android devices. It has a smooth, highly adjustable pan and tilt motion system in one sleek form. It automatically follows you for self captured video. It can make your iPad your remote control for your DSLR. It enables engaging telepresence controls with another mobile equipped Swivl. This is a new era of moving images.

For DSLR, the Swivl is a sophisticated motion controlled tripod head. It can only be compared to expensive solutions used by professional photographers for wild life and action shots. It also makes your iPad a wireless command and control center for all your still and video needs. With our Swivl DSLR control app you can set up multi-view shots with remote preview, frame the shot, adjust settings (ISO, exposure, etc) and fire the trigger. You can also use it for panorama or moving timelapse, or just to stabilize your camera for long exposure shots.

Canon Europe has published a great technical guide explaining how the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT flash and Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT operate with EOS cameras. The guide details which features are compatible with all EOS camera and which features are only available with newer (post-2012) DSLRs.