Canon and Sony News for Jun 2013
"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending June 29th, 2013In the news...
On Wednesday, Canon released a significant firmware update for the EOS M mirrorless camera. Announced at the beginning of June, the updated firmware significantly increases autofocus performance in One-Shot mode. If you have an EOS M camera, installing the firmware update is highly recommended.
On Friday, we reported the availability of Manfrotto’s new Acra-Swiss compatible quick-release mounts and plates. As Bryan noted in the announcement, “Manfrotto makes great gear and gives you a lot for your money. I found the lack of Arca-Swiss compatibility to be a drawback. That drawback has now been erased.”
On Saturday, we reported on Carl Zeiss’s rebranding announcement. Joining the likes of Madonna and Bono, “Carl Zeiss” lenses will now be known by the single word – “ZEISS.” The company decided to drop “Carl” from their lens branding because of the strength and global recognition of the ZEISS name and to create greater consistency among its product markets.
In site news and reviews…
On Monday, Bryan posted his full review of the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens. The best word to describe the lens – impressive. In versatility, image quality, and investment required. Check out Bryan’s full review for all the details.
On Thursday, Bryan posted his full review of the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. In short, the lens is a significant upgrade to its predecessor. Canon’s new kit lens features an improved AF motor, better manual focusing ring, and a front element that doesn’t rotate with focusing. The lens is an especially good value when purchased in a camera kit.
And, for our deal of the week…
On Tuesday, we posted a deal from DigitalRev where you could get a Sekonic Lightmaster Pro L-478DR Touch-Screen Light Meter for $359.00. That’s more than a 23% savings off the normal retail price.
This has been the The-Digital-Picture.com’s Weekend Recap. Thanks for listening, and as always, happy shooting!"
From Canon USA:
This firmware update (Version 1.0.1.1.00) incorporates the following additional functions and modifications:
- A function has been added which allows automatic continuous focusing and iris setting on a subject in the center of the screen when using the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.
- The polarity balance of the XLR terminal has been modified to improve compatibility with external audio devices. The pin configuration has been modified to be consistent with the Instruction Manual.
For details about the new functions, please see the latest user’s manual (PDF) on Canon’s Web site.
Download C100 v1.0.1.1.00 Firmware
B&H carries the Canon C100 cinema camera.
From Zeiss:
From “Carl Zeiss” to “ZEISS” – a brief story about our brand communication
How did the name ZEISS come about?
ZEISS is well-known across the globe and the associations with the brand are positive in every respect. Carl Zeiss is the name of the company’s founder and part of the company name Carl Zeiss AG. However, the brand has been called ZEISS for a long time. In general language usage, “ZEISS” is already well established in many countries and languages when referring to both the logo and the company. ZEISS is now taking this development into account in its decision to create consistency across its brand communications. The goal is to create an even clearer and more consistent image of ZEISS in the perception of its customers. ZEISS will be used as much as possible in future to eliminate the lack of consistency in how Carl Zeiss and ZEISS are used. As a result, ZEISS will also label its lenses differently: Carl Zeiss will become ZEISS.
ZEISS operates in many product areas: from microscopes and measuring machines to eyeglass lenses, binoculars and camera lenses. Throughout the company, the label ZEISS can be found on products in most markets and product areas. The lenses have for the most part been the exception here for historical reasons. The decision to also label all lenses “ZEISS” with immediate effect provides an opportunity to retell the history of the brand name.
“Carl Zeiss Jena” appeared in the first trademark of ZEISS, and as early as the 1920’s various subsidiaries used variations of this lens-shaped label. An example is the Zeiss Ikon AG, in which Carl Zeiss held a majority interest. After the Second World War, Carl Zeiss employees, who had been ordered by the American forces to relocate to southern Germany, established the Zeiss Opton factory in Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg. It therefore made sense, like Zeiss Ikon, to adapt the trademark for the new company.
From the spring of 1953 Carl Zeiss Oberkochen and VEB Carl Zeiss Jens developed independently of one another. Carl Zeiss Oberkochen went its own way and called itself “Carl Zeiss” and removed the word “Jena” from the lens-shaped logo. This led to lawsuits around the world to clarify usage of the name Carl Zeiss, the trademark on the lens, as well as other trademarks and product names of Carl Zeiss Jena in the Federal Republic of Germany. It became the longest court case in the history of East Germany.
The so-called “London agreement” was reached in 1971, after nearly 18 years of litigation. Under the terms of the agreement, logos, trademarks and company names of Carl Zeiss in East and West should clearly be distinguishable from each another. In addition, as had already happened with “Jena,” the first name “Carl” was now also removed from the logo of the West German company. At the end of the 1970’s, the word “ZEISS” was included in a square, and in order to clearly differentiate itself from Jena, “West Germany” was added as the designation of origin.
The reunification of both Carl Zeiss companies in 1991 was also intended to raise the visibility the common logo. In 1993-1994, a new combined word and design mark was created with the curve of the lens incorporated in the logo, which is still in use today. The color scheme of the ZEISS logo as we know it today has been in use since 1997.
In 2011-2012, the senior management set up a work group to investigate the current identity and positioning of ZEISS, and to make recommendations for further developing the brand. The result is a range of brand management principles that will govern the future use of the ZEISS brand, including the consistent use of the ZEISS logo in all labeling on all of our products.
As a result, we have decided to use only the ZEISS logo on the front ring of lenses for all future product families and not, as has been the case up to now, the name of the company “Carl Zeiss.” “ZEISS has been a global brand for a long time and we can all be proud of that,” says Martin Dominicus, Head of Marketing of ZEISS Camera Lenses. “When you go on vacation or on a business trip anywhere in the world and mention you work for ZEISS, you are greeted with a smile.”
The changeover for the lenses will take place at the family level: existing lens families will not be changed after-the-fact, but future families will be labeled with ZEISS. The first family to introduce this change is the ZEISS Touit lenses. For production-technical reasons, some Touit lenses were produced and placed on the market with the label “Carl Zeiss.” Perhaps these will one day become coveted collector items. Both versions are original lenses and do not differ from each other in any other respect.
B&H carries Zeiss lenses.
Until now, if you asked me what I thought Manfrotto's biggest weakness was, I would have told you that it was the lack of compatibility with the Arca-Swiss clamp and plate standard. Manfrotto makes great gear and gives you a lot for your money. I very frequently recommend their products to those on a modest budget, but again, I found the lack of Arca-Swiss compatibility to be a drawback.
That drawback has now been erased. I am happy to report that Manfrotto has begun embracing the AS standard by releasing a new line of Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mounts and plates.
New Manfrotto Items:
Just a quick piece of advice: If you have not installed firmware version 2.0.2 on your Canon EOS M, move that task up on your to-do list. I'm not ready to say that convetional phase detection AF is dead, but ... the M focuses very noticeably faster with this update – it is a worthwhile install.
If AF speed was holding you back from purchasing an "M", you may want to reconsider that decision.
The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Review is now live on the site.
Reviewing this lens on a Canon EOS Rebel SL1 at the same time as the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Ext 1.4x Lens on a Canon EOS-1D X was an exercise in extremes.
From DxO:
06/26/2013
448 new lens / camera combinations have been added to the DxO Optics Modules library, providing support for Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Sigma, Sony and Tamron lenses for Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Sony cameras.
To see supported and planned combinations, click on the link below then select the second tab.
Supported or planned combinations
New DxO Optics Modules :
Canon | Fujifilm | Nikon | Olympus | Panasonic | Pentax | Samsung | Sony
B&H carries DxO Optics Pro.
From Cotton Carrier:
June 27, 2013 - Cotton Carrier is pleased to announce the introduction of their latest product, the Hand Strap. Quick and easy to use, the Hand Strap provides additional comfort and security when holding a DSLR providing a more practical solution to photographers than the conventional neck strap. The solid Velcro strap allows camera users to instantly tighten or loosen the hand against the body of the camera and fits hands of all sizes and shapes.
“The aim was to introduce a highly effective carrier system that can be used by both professional and amateur photographers alike,” comments British Columbia-based photographer and founder of Cotton Carrier, Andy Cotton. “The Hand Strap keeps your camera secure in the palm of your hand making heavy cameras and lenses a pleasure to use. It is definitely a must-have for photographers.”
Cotton Carrier Hand Straps are suitable for all DSLRs and make it easier for photographers to handle and maneuver their cameras, without having to install an additional grip. The Hand Strap attaches to the base of a camera with a standard Arca-Swiss style plate allowing photographers to either clamp their camera directly to the tripod or attach a range of popular quick release plates to the base.
Priced at only 24.95 Euro, the Cotton Carrier Hand Strap is not only a cheap and ergonomic alternative to the neck strap but also offers enhanced photographic pleasure making it a great tool for everyone who enjoys photography.
B&H has the Cotton Carrier Hand Strap in stock and available for $19.95.
Canon has made EOS M firmware version 2.0.2 available for download.
Firmware Version 2.0.2 incorporates the following fixes and improvements.
- Improves focusing speed in One-Shot AF mode.
- Now supports EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM*†.
- Corrects errors in the Simplified Chinese, Hungarian, Traditional Chinese and Korean language menus.
* When placing the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM without conducting the firmware update, although rare, at times the EOS M will not function.
† The EF-M 11-22mm F4-5.6 IS STM lens is not sold in the United States. Accordingly, Canon USA does not sell or service the EF-M 11-22mm F4-5.6 IS STM lens.
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Tapatalk works especially well for keeping up with the latests posts on sites like The-Digital-Picture.com Community. ;-)
You can purchase TapaTalk in the Windows Phone Marketplace.
Roger over at the LensRentals Blog has a very good post on various methods for protecting yourself from gear theft. In the post, Roger covers everything from preventing theft to methods of gear recovery.
"In case you don’t know it, cameras and lenses are prime theft targets. You may never think it’s going to happen to you, but almost every day I hear from someone who is missing thousands of dollars worth of gear with no hope of getting it back.As a rental company, we have lots of experience with preventing theft and recovering stolen items. I’m not going to give specifics about all the exact measures we take; that would be like leaving a blueprint for those who want to steal our gear. But we’ve learned a lot and have at least tried everything I’m going to talk about today."
Read the entire article on the LensRentals Blog.
From Canon:
June 26, 2013 - At a Board of Directors meeting held on June 26, 2013, Canon Inc. (the “Company”) passed a resolution regarding distribution of a retained earnings dividend, record date June 30, 2013, as follows.
1. Dividend Details
| Determined amount | Most recent dividend forecast (Announced April 24, 2013) | Previous period result (First half of fiscal year 2012) | |
| Record date | June 30, 2013 | June 30, 2013 | June 30, 2012 |
| Dividend per share | 65 yen | Undetermined | 70,270 million yen |
| Total dividend amount | 74,932 million yen | 60 yen | |
| Effective date | August 27, 2013 | August 27, 2012 | |
| Dividend resource | Retained earnings | Retained earnings |
2. Reason
The Company works to provide a stable return and actively return profits to shareholders, mainly in the form of a dividend, taking into consideration medium-term profit forecasts along with planned future investments, cash flow and other factors. The Company plans to distribute an interim dividend of ¥65 per share for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013 (the 113th Business Term), half the amount of the annual dividend paid out in fiscal year 2012 (includes commemorative dividend), to provide a stable return to shareholders. The year-end dividend, however, has yet to be decided.
From DxO:
June 25, 2013 – DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO FilmPack v4.0.2, its celebrated film simulation and creative rendering software. This update allows DxO FilmPack 4 to interact perfectly with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.
With DxO FilmPack v4.0.2, users of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 can apply to their digital images all of the characteristic color, contrast, and grain of dozens of analog films that have made photo history.
DxO FilmPack 4 also offers numerous original looks, filters, tonings, and visual effects, all of which can be infinitely combined and customized. In addition, 65 renderings and stunning visual effects are available to allow photographers to give their images greater emotional impact and an even more unique style, whether in color or in black & white.
Available in two editions, Essential and Expert, DxO FilmPack v4.0.2 can be installed as a plugin for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 and 5, Photoshop CS3, CS4, CS5 and CS6, Photoshop Elements 10 and 11, Apple Aperture 3, and DxO Optics Pro v8.2, and as a standalone application for Mac and Windows — all with the same license.
Photographers who purchased a DxO FilmPack 3 license on or after March 1, 2013 are entitled to a free upgrade to version 4. Other customers are entitled to a special discount on their upgrade directly from their client account, through June 30, 2013.
B&H carries DxO FilmPack 3. They also have DxO FilmPack 4 available for preorder.
From Think Tank Photo:
We just released the second in our “About A Photograph™” video series. Sports Illustrated staff photographer Simon Bruty narrates the events behind his London Olympics’ image of German Olympic weightlifter Matthias Steiner barely escaping injury when he dropped a 432 pound barbell onto his neck.
Said Simon, “The thing about being a sports photographer, it wasn’t like I created everything. What it is down to is me getting there early, me getting a decent spot, and then paying attention and concentrating.”
During his career, Bruty has traveled extensively to work on feature stories as diverse as soccer in Zambia, golfers in Greenland, and badminton in Indonesia. Somewhere along the way he learned how to make people sit still and developed a diverse archive of portraiture including Michael Phelps with his eight Olympic gold medals, Lance Armstrong, Ben Bradlee, and David Beckham, among other modern luminaries. In 2003, The London Observer chose one of Bruty's photographs to be included in their list of the World's 50 Greatest Sports Photographs.
Think Tank Photo’s “About a Photograph™ video series features some of the world’s leading photographers recounting the stories behind their images that captured global attention. Each short video focuses on the forces that led up to that perfect moment in time when subject, story, setting, equipment, and photographer converged.
“About A Photograph” is being produced by Kurt Rogers and Deanne Fitzmaurice, Think Tank Photo’s co-founders and award-winning photojournalists. The video series will feature current as well as classic and historic photographs that span a range of styles, including documentary/photojournalistic, fine art, nature/environment, sports, and politics.
Note: Use the links from this site to get a free gift with your purchase of $50.00 or more at Think Tank Photo!
From CamRanger:
Alexandria, VA - June 25, 2013 - CamRanger LLC, creators of the award winning CamRanger, a device that wirelessly controls Canon and Nikon digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, has released a new Android app for wireless control of Canon and Nikon DSLRs for photography and movie recording. The new application allows wireless tethering to Android users with their Canon or Nikon DSLR camera using the CamRanger device or allows wireless file transmission to the Android device.
“Until now, the CamRanger has been a great tool for photographers with iPads, iPhones, or Mac and Windows computers,” stated Dave Pawlowski, co-founder and co-developer of CamRanger. “We are pleased to announce that users of Android tablets and phones can now control their Digital SLR camera using the CamRanger device.”
The CamRanger is a wireless device that plugs into your Digital SLR camera to create an ad hoc wireless network that can be used without existing internet to connect a camera to an Android tablet or phone (running OS 3.2 and higher), as well as to an iPad, iPhone, or Mac or Windows computers. Free apps are either available from the Google Play store or the iTunes store.
“We regularly update the CamRanger software, making it compatible with more devices and cameras in the market,” added Dave Pawlowski. “It was a natural step to allow photographers who own Android devices to use the CamRanger device.”
The CamRanger has a wireless range of up to 150 feet for wireless tethering for photography and video monitoring and control. The CamRanger allows wireless tethering for over 30 different Canon and Nikon cameras. The included software includes live view, touch focusing, focus stacking, intervalometer, HDR, changing settings, record and focus during movie, client mode and much more. The CamRanger can also act as a wireless file transmitter for Canon and Nikon cameras. It operates on a rechargeable and replaceable battery and can be recharged using a USB cable or AC adapter. The system comes with its own protective case for safe storage and an Ethernet cable for firmware upgrades.
The cameras compatible with the CamRanger:
Canon: Xsi, T1i, T2i, T3i, T4i, 40D, 50D, 60D, 6D, 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, 1DS Mark III, 1D Mark IV, 1Dx
Nikon: D5000, D5100, D5200, D90, D7000, D7100, D300, D300S, D700, D600, D800, D800E, D3, D3s, D3x, D4
The devices compatible with the CamRanger:
iOS: iPad 1 and newer (including iPad mini), iPhone 3GS and newer, and iPod Touch 3rd generation and newer (download at the iTunes store)
Android: 3.2 software and up (download at the Google Play store)
Mac OSX: 10.7 and 10.8 OS (download at CamRanger.com)
Windows: Windows 7 and 8 OS (in beta, download at CamRanger.com)
B&H carries the CamRanger wireless tethering transmitter.
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