Canon, Nikon, and Sony News for Sep 2012

Good news: The Canon Summer 2012 DSLR, Lens & Flash Instant Rebate Program has now stretched deeper into the fall season. The rebates have been extended until Oct 27th.
 
Also check out the new Canon PowerShot Camera rebates in effect from Sep 30th through Oct 27th. Save up to $80.00 on cameras including the G12, S100 and SX40 IS: B&H (note: B&H's site is not yet showing the new rebate amounts) | Adorama

Adobe Photoshop CS6 13.0.1.1 Update is available for download. From Adobe:
 
Adobe Photoshop 13.0.1.1 update for Adobe Photoshop CS6
 
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.
 
This update applies to all languages of Adobe Photoshop CS6.
 
The Adobe Photoshop 13.0.1.1 update includes many critical fixes improving security, stability and performance while also addressing a number of high priority bugs with 3D, Crop, Type, Painting, Paths, and Shapes.
 
Multiple Languages: Windows

From the Adobe Blog:
 
We love hearing from Photoshop users, and one fan’s story in particular really stood out when she told us about her forearm-long tattoo. Megan Orsi, now known across the web as “the girl with the Photoshop tattoo,” is a Sr. Lead Web Designer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Megan discovered her passion for arts as a sixth grader, attended the Pittsburg High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, and later graduated from college with a degree in Specialized Technology. She’s also a wife and mother to an 18-month-old son.
 
Read entire article...

From PMA:
 
JACKSON, Mich. – PMA, the Worldwide Community of Imaging Associations, announces The Big Photo Show, a not-to-be-missed event that will bring suppliers, retailers, labs and service providers together with consumers who are passionate about photography and videography.
 
The inaugural event will be held from 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. on May 4-5, 2013, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California.
 
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to present and demonstrate their products and services to the most valuable customers in the imaging industry – those whose purchases are driven by an unbridled enthusiasm for photography and videography.
 
Attendees will get the chance to try new products, discover tips and tricks from professional photographers, improve their skills, experience the latest photo and video innovations, learn about new imaging services, find communities of like-minded enthusiasts, and even bring their own images to be framed or restored onsite.
 
“The Big Photo Show is all about passionately promoting the growth of photography, videography and photo printing,” said Allen Showalter, president of PMA. “I could not be more excited about this event, and the opportunities it will bring to exhibitors, attendees and our membership.”
 
Companies interested in exhibiting or in sponsorship opportunities at The Big Photo Show can contact Jeff Frazine at jfrazine@pmai.org for more information.

A shipment of the hard-to-find Nikon D800E FX DSLR is scheduled to arrive at Abe's of Maine in 2-3 days. They assured me the expected shipment exceeds their current preorders.

The Canon Camera Museum just published a technical report on the new EOS M mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.
 
B&H has the Canon EOS M available for preorder.

 
From Manfrotto:
 
Acknowledging the market trend towards smartphones as serious image capture devices, and the huge number of videos and stills taken on the iPhone, Manfrotto, the market leader in photo and video accessories, have taken their first step into making products for those that want images from their iPhone. KLYP offers a stylish, functional method of attaching supports and additional lights to your phone, allowing you to make images, FaceTime and video capture better and easier.
 
Five KLYP kits
KLYP comes in five distinctive kits: as a case alone with two adaptor clips to enable use of your own supports and lights, one with the Manfrotto ML240 LED light for videography, Facetime and photography in low light situations and another one with the ML240 and the Manfrotto Pocket tripod for supporting the case when out and about. The more compact ML120 LED light is also available as an option in place of the ML240 in both options.
 
The KLYP case is made of a rigid polycarbonate with a quality feel soft touch coating giving it a silky smooth appearance. The KLYP features a felt inlay to enable smooth fitting of the two parts to the phone without possibility of damage and it clips together positively.
 
Stylish looks with the added design input of people who understand supports and lighting, KLYP is optimised to allow the attachment of a tripod and Manfrotto LED light without detracting from its appearance.
 
What makes KLYP unique?
By using two cleverly designed removable accessory “clips”, Manfrotto have developed the KLYP case with a patented rail system, which enables the case to remain sleek and have no protrusions to detract from its appearance. The accessory “clips” can be attached to any of four different points around the case to allow landscape and portrait images to be taken with ease, and in darker conditions, to add a Manfrotto LED light in the optimum position to fill in shadows when shooting stills or video in low light. When using the iPhone’s FaceTime feature, the continuous light can be turned 180 degrees to light the user in a soft pleasing way.
 
Key Features

• Easy to fit “always-on” two piece casing offering iPhone protection
• Soft felt insert to avoid damage when fitting
• Silky smooth soft touch coating gives the case a high quality appearance
• Designed to have no protruding parts for comfortable carrying
• Four points to attach tripods and additional lighting for flexibility and performance
• Unique clip and rail system for simple secure fixing

Key Benefits

• Designed to allow additional lighting to be fitted for better quality video and stills in low light
• Compact size, even with LED light fitted. Can be taken anywhere you would take your phone. Always with you!
• The ML240 LED light adds soft light giving natural skin tones to your videos and stills in low light
• The ML120 LED light provides a more portable solution, with lower light output, ideal for FaceTime or Skype conversations

B&H carries Manfrotto products.

Just posted: Part 1 (the major part) of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens Review.

 
From the BBC:
 
The world's first colour moving pictures dating from 1902 have been found by the National Media Museum in Bradford after lying forgotten in an old tin for 110 years.
 
The discovery is a breakthrough in cinema history.
 
Michael Harvey, from the National Media Museum, and Bryony Dixon, from the British Film Institute, talk about the importance of the discovery.
 
The previous earliest colour film, using the Kinemacolour process, was thought to date from 1909 and was actually an inferior method.
 
The newly-discovered films were made by pioneer Edward Raymond Turner from London who patented his colour process on 22 March 1899.
 
The story of Edwardian colour cinema then moved to Brighton. Turner shot the test films in 1902 but his pioneering work ended abruptly when he died suddenly of a heart attack.
 
Now the film has been restored by the National Media Museum and is being shown to audiences for the first time. (thanks Stewart)

From Amateur Photographer:
 
Westfield London Travel Event 26-28 October 2012
 
Join Amateur Photographer and What Digital Camera for special photography activities at Westfield London as part of the Westfield Travel Event taking place on 26-28 October.
 
Amateur Photographer will be running Photography Masterclasses* and talks with AP Editor, Damien Demolder - demonstrating ‘seeing the shot' and ‘top tips for travel photography'.
 
e What Digital Camera editorial team will also be on hand in the ‘What Digital Camera Clinic' answering your queries - and giving you ‘advice prescriptions' - whether it be the best camera to take away with you or the best lens to achieve the ultimate shot.
 
The Travel event is themed across the three Sun, Snow and City zones, and will provide you with the chance to find out more information about a whole range of inspiring destinations to visit and photograph as you consider your next trip abroad or within the UK.
 
It's the perfect event for all the family - and there's the chance to win some great holidays!
 
1) Masterclasses with Amateur Photographer's Damien Demolder
 
Friday and Saturday: 9am - 11am
Sunday: 11am - 1pm
 
*Sessions are free of charge, and are pre-bookable. To book: email apcw@ipcmedia.com stating WESTFIELD TRAVEL in the subject line. Please include Full name and a contact mobile number for the day.
 
2) Expert Sessions Drop in Clinic - City Zone
 
Friday and Saturday: 12pm & 4pm
Sunday: 2pm & 4pm
 
What Digital Camera's editorial team will be on hand to help you with all your camera and kit dilemmas before you go on holiday.
 
3) Expert Sessions Drop-in Talks - Sun Zone
 
Friday and Saturday: 1.30pm & 4pm
Sunday: 3pm & 4pm
 
How to work with the sunlight to take a great holiday photograph. Our experts will talk through images on a screen to look at ways of using different lenses in the sun, how to take great panoramic shots, action shots of kids playing on the beach and lots more!

From Samyang:
 
United Kingdom, September 25th 2012 - Samyang Optics is pleased to announce the latest addition to the Samyang VDSLR family, the 85mm T1.5 AS IF UMC VDSLR lens.
 
The 85mm T1.5 AS IF UMC lens joins the four existing Samyang VDSLR lenses, the 8mm, 14mm, 24mm and 35mm.
 
Optical construction is the same as a standard version of the 85mm lens. However this new VDSLR version is designed specifically for cinematography. As such it features focus gearing (allows control of the focus with the aid of a follow focus system) and a silent aperture ring.
 
Product pricing, available mounts and release date will be confirmed at a later time.
 
B&H carries Samyang lenses.

From Adobe:
 
Revamped User Interfaces and Innovative Features Make Photo and Video Editing, Organizing and Sharing Easier
 
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sept. 25, 2012 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 11 and Adobe® Premiere® Elements 11, newly designed versions of its No. 1 selling consumer photo- and video-editing software*. Photoshop Elements 11 offers a complete solution for editing, organizing and sharing photo creations while Premiere Elements 11 offers easy creation of engaging home movies with professional flair. Available as stand-alone products, Photoshop Elements 11 and Premiere Elements 11 can also be purchased together in a low-priced bundle, providing powerful, easy-to-use tools that simplify editing and turn everyday snapshots and videos into sensational photos and home movies, creating memories that can instantly be shared with friends and family. Both solutions are available for Windows® and Mac.
 
“Photos and videos allow us to capture and share moments in time,” said Lea Hickman, vice president products, Creative Consumer Business, Adobe. “Powerful – yet friendly and easy to use – Photoshop Elements 11 and Premiere Elements 11 inspire creativity and help consumers make the most of remembering and sharing these personal memories.”
 
Create Great Photos with Powerful, Intuitive Tools in Photoshop Elements 11
Make photos look their best with editing options that offer virtually everything from quick fixes to a number of creative possibilities:

• A completely refreshed, user-friendly interface featuring the same engine as Adobe Photoshop - the industry standard for digital imaging - includes easily-navigated Quick, Guided and Expert editing modes; one-click options; a helpful Action bar; and big, bold icons to help users get the most from their shots
• Organize photos based on people, places (via Google maps geo-tagging) or events easily and intuitively
• New Guided Edits make pro-level effects like tilt-shift, vignettes and high and low-key easy to create
• New filters – Comic, Graphic Novel and Pen & Ink – inspire creativity by turning photos into stunning illustrations
• Intelligent Photoshop technology makes it easy to extract objects from different photos
• Easily share photos via email, Facebook, YouTube™, Vimeo® and more†

Pro-quality Videos Made Easy with Premiere Elements 11
Create attractive, pro-level videos with automated moviemaking options to take the work out of editing:

• An entirely new and improved user interface including many of the same updates found in Photoshop Elements 11
• Add polish with a wide range of great-looking effects, transitions, themes, titles, disc menus and professional-level effects and sound
• Give videos Hollywood movie styles with FilmLooks; easily apply slow and fast motion effects; dial-in colors with slider controls; effortlessly integrate blends for seamless transitions; and make adjustments with Quick Presets
• Show off finished creations with integrated video sharing on Vimeo†

Pricing and Availability
Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 and Adobe Premiere Elements 11 software for Windows and Mac is available now at www.adobe.com, and will soon be available at retail outlets such as Amazon.com, B and H Photo and Video, Best Buy, Costco, New Egg, Office Depot and Staples. The Photoshop Elements 11 & Premiere Elements 11 bundle is available now for a suggested retail price of US$149.99, with upgrade pricing of US$119.99. Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 and Adobe Premiere Elements 11 are available individually for a suggested retail price of US$99.99, with upgrade pricing of US$79.99.
 
Information about other language versions, as well as pricing, upgrade and support policies is available at Adobe.com. For free training videos, visit Adobe TV.
 
Education pricing for students, faculty and staff in K-12 and higher education is available from Adobe Authorized Education Resellers and the Adobe Education Store. Visit www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/volumelicensing/education for more information about education volume licensing for higher education and K-12 institutions.
 
B&H has the new Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 and Premiere Elements 11 available for order.

Artist PJ Linden has created a one-of-a-kind Canon EOS 7D covered in candy. It may not be practical, but it looks delicious!

Nikon Camera Control Pro 2.12.0 Updater is now available for download.
 
Additional modifications to the Windows version

• Reverse indicators options have been added to the General tab in the Options dialogue box (Tools menu > Options...), allowing users to reverse indicator display

Additional modifications to the Macintosh version

• PowerPC models are no longer supported.
• Reverse indicators options have been added to the General tab in the Preferences dialogue box (Camera Control Pro 2 menu > Preferences...), allowing users to reverse indicator display.
• When the computer entered sleep mode with a camera connected and Camera Control Pro 2 running, camera connection was sometimes not recognized when the computer recovered from sleep mode. This issue has been resolved.

Biz Stone, Twitter co-founder, has partnered with Canon for “Project Imaginat10n,” encouraging consumers to submit photos to inspire a short film he will direct. Under the tutelage of two-time Academy Award® winner Ron Howard, Biz joins four other celebrity directors in this creative endeavor - Eva Longoria, Jamie Foxx, Georgina Chapman (designer and co-founder of Marchesa) and James Murphy (founder of LCD Soundsystem).
 
Biz is now looking for inspiration for his directorial debut and will ask the public that Monday to tweet photos with a hashtag. In the meantime, consumers can submit at imagination.usa.canon.com. Biz will then review and comment on photos LIVE in public at Biz's Project Imaginat10n Tweet Station, responding with personal tweets as to what inspires him. The event will showcase how Biz is considering photos to craft the story for his film and the customized activation will also allow consumers to learn about and interact with Canon’s campaign.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens Review will be completed in two parts. Here is why.
 
I often preorder more than one copy of Canon's new lenses as I like having at least two sets of image quality results to work from. I seldom see much variation between the multiple copies, especially between Canon's higher grade L lenses. Unfortunately, two copies of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens were not enough.
 
Copy 1 is extremely sharp - until 70mm at f/2.8 where its performance is only average and even trails the original Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens in the center of the frame. An ISO 12233 chart retest delivered identical results. Real world shooting confirms the test results. This lens is so sharp at the rest of the focal lengths and at 70mm f/4 that I was hesitant to return it.
 
A significant backfocus problem at 70mm (note that manual focus is used for image quality evaluation) made the keep or return decision a no-brainer as I need to be able to use this lens on non AFMA-capable DSLRs.
 
Copy 2 of the 24-70 L II is very sharp in the center of the frame at f/2.8 throughout the entire focal length range - including 70mm. The problem with this lens is that the mid and outer portion of the image circle is not as sharp at f/2.8 as copy 1 (example). This is perhaps a misalignment problem.
 
I think lens 1 properly examples what we should expect up until 70mm. I think lens 2 shows what we should expect in center-of-the-frame image quality at 70mm. Since lens 2 is soft in the corners at the other focal lengths, I think it is also softer in the corners at 70mm than it should be.
 
My conjecture is that the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens is incredibly sharp across the entire focal length range and at least the vast majority of the image circle.
 
I expect to get past the unfortunate QC anomalies I've initially encountered and expect to show you how great this lens really is. I'm not sure when I'll have a replacement lens (or lenses) available (the 24-70 L II is impossible to find right now), but hope to complete part 1 of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens review next week.

Nikon Europe has made the Nikon D600 user manual available for download.

In a blog post, the Adobe Photoshop team noted that Microsoft Windows XP will not be supported in future versions of Adobe Photoshop.

The Zeiss blog just posted a Q&A regarding their new high-end SLR family of lenses.
 
From the Zeiss blog:
 
Carl Zeiss is heralding a particularly powerful new full-frame SLR lens at photokina 2012. Dr. Michael Pollmann, Consumer Lenses Product and Program Manager in the Carl Zeiss Camera Lenses Division, is addressing strengths and technical details of the new high-end SLR lens family in a Q&A.
 
What is meant by “high-end SLR lens family”?
 
This is about lenses for full-frame (36x24mm) SLR cameras with manual focusing capability. This family of lenses is geared towards delivering uncompromising image quality for demanding users. The lenses are perfect for high-resolution, full-format digital cameras with more than 30 megapixels such as D800. The combined performance approaches that of medium format systems. If you shoot with the largest aperture, cameras with smaller number of pixels also benefit from much better image contrast.
 
Will it be a family or just a single lens?
 
It will be its own family of lenses independent of our current ZE and ZF.2 lenses.
 
What focal lengths will be available?
 
Currently, we are developing three prime lenses, with more in the planning stage. We are not ready to reveal them at this time.
 
How much will the lenses cost?
 
Since the lenses are more demanding in terms of material selection and construction than our previous ZE and ZF.2 lenses, the price level will be higher. We are expecting prices around EUR 3,000.
 
For which bayonets will the lenses be available?
 
They will be available for EF bayonet (ZE) and F bayonet (ZF.2).
 
Where will the lenses be made?
 
The lenses will be manufactured in Japan. They will be developed in close consultation with our longstanding global production network of trusted partners in the optical industry to ensure that the lenses’ actual performance corresponds to their theoretical optical design performance.
 
What does “uncompromising image quality” mean?
 
The new lenses will achieve extremely high image quality throughout the entire picture including edges even at maximum aperture. At the same time, chromatic aberration is extremely low.
 
How come 1.4/55 is considered a Distagon type despite its standard focal length?
 
Due to the high performance required, we were looking for a fresh approach. It is true that the Distagon type is predominantly found in wide-angle lenses. This is because wide-angle lenses also require additional design effort in terms of number and arrangement of lenses. Since we were aiming for the best possible imaging performance for the new family of lenses, we decided to manufacture the 1.4/55 as a Distagon. Due to the number and arrangement of lenses, this lens unit is slightly larger in size and weight but uncompromising in its performance.
 
When will the first lens come to market?
 
The expected arrival is autumn 2013.
 
B&H carries Zeiss lenses.

From Induro®:
 
Induro® Expands Dual Range Hi-Hat Tripod Series
New DR Hi-Hat TableTop tripod shown for the first time at Photokina 2012 in Cologne, Germany
 
North White Plains, NY – (September 18, 2012) – Induro (www.indurogear.com), makers of tripods, heads and accessories designed for demanding professional photographers and videographers, announces today the new LFB75S Dual Range (DR) Hi-Hat TableTop Tripod Set.
 
The DR Hi-Hat TableTop tripod concept was first shown at NAB 2012, where the Induro LFB100S DR Hi-Hat Tabletop Tripod Set received rave reviews. Just like it’s slightly bigger brother, the new LFB75S was designed with both photographers and videographers in mind. This unique support system provides a range of capabilities that makes this tripod compatible with the requirements of still cameras as well as video platforms. Supporting up to a 165 lb. load, the new DR Hi-Hat Tabletop Tripod Set consists of both a short Aluminum Alloy tripod with 75mm Bowl, and a 75mm Half Ball Adapter.
 
"We've innovated on traditional Hi-Hat's that are cast iron. Standard products used in film and video production have been limited to a fixed position. We are pleased to now offer photographers and videographers the unique DR Hi-Hat family of amazingly compact, flexible and extremely strong support systems," said Jan Lederman, President of Induro. "And with the availability of both 75mm and 100mm versions in the DR Hi-Hat line, there is a support product sure to satisfy a user’s range of requirements for still cameras and video platforms."
 
Matching traditional Hi-Hat dimensions, the DR Hi-Hat’s go far beyond in terms of operational scope and flexibility. Each leg features a two section extension and three steps of variable angle adjustment, making height adjustments and terrain adjustments a breeze. Specially reinforced pivoting ovoid feet provide a sure grip on virtually any surface, plus the capability to be screwed, spiked or otherwise firmly secured to establish a rock-solid connection to a tabletop, the ground or a board.
 
Bubble levels are incorporated on the tripod spider, and three evenly spaced points provide secure 3/8" and 1/4" threaded mounts for accessories.
 
The new Induro LFB75S DR Hi-Hat Tripod Set will be available in stores in December 2012.
 
B&H carries Induro products.
 
Also, check out Induro's previously released Hi-Hat tripod, the Induro LFB100S DR Hi-Hat.

Flare test results have been added to the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens Review page and to the Canon EF 28-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens Review.

News concerning the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS Lens has been relatively sparse. However, CNET Asia recently published an article on the expected availablility of the lens. (thanks Keith)

From ILFORD:
 
ILFORD announced today that it has expanded its award-winning range of GALERIE Prestige inkjet photo papers with the introduction of new media crafted specifically for creating black and white prints. An answer to the call from fine art professionals, these papers feature surfaces that translate vivid artistic vision with the archival-quality image rendition that ILFORD is known for. The new line-up includes:

• GALERIE Prestige Gold Mono Silk : This black and white media achieves the perfect monochrome image reminiscent of prints from the traditional darkroom with its acid-free, lignin-free fibre base.
• GALERIE Prestige Gold Cotton Smooth 330gsm & Gold Cotton Textured 330gsm : These 100% rag products are free of optical brighteners and feature a traditional mould-made base from a fine art paper mill, image stability and a matt surface that fine art printers can rely on.
• GALERIE Prestige double-sided Fine Art Smooth 220gsm & Fine Art Textured 220gsm: These double-sided products come in a smooth or textured surface, offering a bright white base that delivers sharpness, contrast, crisp detail and vivid color.

These new offerings are currently on display at the ILFORD stand at photokina (Stand D.011/E0.10).

ILFORD has announced new IIC profiles for the Canon PIXMA PRO-100, PIXMA PRO-10, and new large format printers.
 
New GALERIE profiles for the latest CANON printers
 
ILFORD develops ICC profiles to maximize printing results with the new Canon PIXMA PRO-100, PIXMA PRO-10 and the new Canon large format printers, the iPF6400, iPF6450, iPF8400 and the iPF9400.
 
Marly, Switzerland, 17 September, 2012 - ILFORD, a leading developer and manufacturer of professional quality media for both inkjet printing and color photographic processes, today announced that it has developed ICC profiles to maximize printing results when using the innovative ILFORD GALERIE range of inkjet papers with the latest Canon printers. The new profiles, available for free at http://www.ilford.com/, ensure breath-taking colors and consistent results when printing on GALERIE with the new Canon products announced today.
 
The two new premium A3+ PIXMA PRO-100 and PIXMA PRO-10 photo printers from Canon are ideal for semi-professional and serious amateur photographers looking to produce professional-quality photos at home or in the studio. The new models both feature Canon’s stylish EOS-inspired design, individual inks, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
 
The PIXMA PRO-100 replaces the PIXMA Pro9000 MkII and features an 8-ink dye-based system for creating stunning colour and monochrome photographs at home. Outstanding quality prints can be produced quickly, with fast print speeds of approx. 90 seconds for an A3+ bordered colour photo, across a wide range of media.
 
The PIXMA PRO-10 replaces the PIXMA Pro9500 MkII and features a 10-ink pigment-based system with Chroma Optimizer, making the PRO-10 ideal for semi-professional and serious amateur photographers looking to work with a wide range of media. The PRO-10 boasts print speeds of approx. 3 minutes 35 seconds for A3+ bordered, colour or black and white photo prints.
 
The latest additions to the Canon Large Format printer range are the iPF6400, the iPF6450 (also available with optional spectrophotometer), the iPF8400, the iPF9400 and the iPF9400S.
 
All the new models use LUCIA EX inks, making Canon the only company to use a singular ink set across an entire large format range, and ‘hot swap’ technology. The ink set provides a wider color gamut, more expressive blacks, better scratch resistance and a more stable color for optimum image quality to ensure absolute consistency between devices. The ‘hot swap’ technology gives the ability to replace ink while printing, providing uninterrupted production and reduced down time.
 
The 12-colour, 24” imagePROGRAF iPF6400 and iPF6450 are replacing the iPF6300 and iPF6350 models. The new optional spectrophotometer with the imagePROGRAF iPF6450 enables precise, highly stable and consistent colour that has a switchable UV filter to give users much greater flexibility with their range of media.
 
Calibration Link allows the spectrophotometer to provide a unified solution to all the 12-color large format printers launched by Canon in 2012. Needing only to be installed on the iPF6450 at one location, users can centrally control the color management of multiple imagePROGRAF units installed in other sites, optimising output and ensuring uniformity of color.
 
The imagePROGRAF range is further enhanced by the 44” imagePROGRAF iPF8400, a 12-color printer, which replaces the iPF8300 that comes with an increased internal HDD of 250GB and a faster throughput. Also launching are the 60” imagePROGRAF iPF9400 and the iPF9400S models, 12-color and 8-color respectively. Overall image quality is improved by using LUCIA-EX inks which provide approximately 20% wider color gamut and the fast printing speed will appeal to the photographic, fine arts and in-house signage markets.
 
At http://www.ilford.com/, ICC profiles for printing with the new Canon products will be available free for download to coincide with the worldwide availability of the printers*. This includes profiles for five brand new fine art GALERIE papers to be introduced during photokina 2012, which will be the latest additions to the growing top-of-the-line, award-winning GALERIE Prestige range. The new GALERIE product introductions will be announced on Wednesday 19 September, with full product information to be published at http://www.ilford.com/. ICC profiles for using existing Canon printers with a wide range of GALERIE papers are currently available from the ILFORD website.
 
Visitors to photokina 2012 will have the opportunity to see all four brand new Canon introductions being demonstrated in the Canon space in Hall 3.2 using ILFORD media. Meanwhile, the ILFORD stand D.011 – E.010 in Hall 6.1 will feature one of the brand new Canon Large Format models, the iPF6450, plus a brand new CANON PIXMA Pro-100 and a Canon PIXMA Pro-1, showcasing the impressive results produced by the printers when using new and existing GALERIE media.
 
“ILFORD is committed to continually developing our ICC profiles so that photographers using GALERIE papers can achieve outstanding prints with the most innovative printers on the market,” said Jane Dixon, Director of Global Marketing at ILFORD. “By developing ICC profiles for use of the brand new ILFORD GALERIE papers with the latest Canon printers, ILFORD is pleased to demonstrate that we develop all our new products with the photographer in mind.”
 
ILFORD ICC Profiles are developed by technicians on the ILFORD Research and Development team who specialise in the creation of profiles that accurately reflect a true photographic image. A detailed ReadMe file is available in the profile download section of the ILFORD website, offering easy to use step-by-step instructions. The carefully defined printer settings override standard settings for optimal print results with the entire GALERIE range.
 
* Worldwide availability of new Canon printers:

• Large Format Printers: The iPF6400, iPF6450 (also available with optional spectrophotometer), iPF8400, iPF9400 and iPF9400S are available worldwide in September 2012.
• Premium A3+ PIXMA PRO-100 and PIXMA PRO-10 photo printers are available in the U.S.A mid-October 2012 and across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in November 2012.

ISO 12233 chart results are now available on the Canon EF 28-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens Review page.