Canon and Sony News for Jun 2013

"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending June 29th, 2013

In 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.

Nikon Rebates for June are expiring tomrorow, June 29. Take advantage of the savings while you can!

Buy a qualifying DSLR (Nikon D4, D800, D600, D7100, D7000, D5200, D5100, D3200, D3100) and receive the following rebates*. To get the instant rebates, choose the camera body (links at above) and click the link under "Buy Together and Save" within the product page.

Model	Rebate Amount
Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX Lens	$100.00 (w/ D7100)
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR II Lens	$250.00
Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Lens	$300.00
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S Lens	$200.00
Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G AF-S VR Lens	$100.00 - $200.00
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G AF-S VR Lens	$300.00
Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR Lens	$150.00
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G AF-S DX VR Lens	$100.00
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Lens	$150.00
Nikon 70-200mm f/4G AF-S VR Lens	$300.00
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VR II Lens	$300.00
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR Lens	$200.00
Nikon 28mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens	$100.00
Nikon 85mm f/3.5G AF-S DX VR Micro Lens	$100.00

* A couple of the lens rebates differ depending on the DSLR body you choose. The Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX Lens rebate is only applicable to a D7100 purchase; receive a $200.00 rebate on the Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G AF-S VR Lens when you purchase it with a D600.

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:

• Quick Release Plate for Q6 Top Lock System
• Q6 Top Lock Quick Release Adapter with Plate
• 055 Ball Head with Q6 Top Lock Quick Release
• 054 Ball Head with Q6 Top Lock Quick Release
• 057 Ball Head with Q6 Top Lock Quick Release
• Hydrostatic Ball Head with Top Lock Quick Release

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.

Get your "M" at: B&H | Adorama | Amazon

From Emerald Expositions:

Registration is Open for 30th Annual PDN PhotoPlusInternational Conference + Expo

More Than 90 Seminars, 300 Exhibitors, and Evening Networking Events Capture theEssence of the 30th Anniversary Theme: "Honoring the Past, Envisioning the Future"

New York, NY – June 26, 2013 – –Emerald Expositions, Inc. announced today that registration is open for its PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo -- October 23-26, 2013 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. Celebrating its 30th year of bringing continuing education, emerging technology, and image-makers together, PhotoPlus Expo 2013 will continue to bring the latest technologies, applications, and business strategies to the forefront, while taking a nostalgic look at the last 30 years of the show, and the world of photography. "Honoring the Past, Envisioning the Future" is the theme of this year's show and will be expressed throughout the conference, expo and special evening events in honor of PhotoPlus Expo's 30th anniversary.

This year's PhotoPlus Expo (PPE2013) and conference will offer more than 90 educational seminars and 3 keynote presentations, which have traditionally provided attendees with the motivation and inspiration to explore their own creative outlets. Attendees will participate in discussions with some of the most successful and visually creative photographers and digital image-makers in the world. Conference passes may be purchased in advance in a variety of options: A la Carte Conference sessions, One Day Conference Pass ($199 online thru Oct. 22/ $249 onsite) or Full Conference Pass, October 24-26 ($499 online thru Oct. 22/$549 onsite). All conference passes include free admission to all keynote presentations, Test Drive: New Product Preview + Networking Event, and the PhotoPlus 30th Anniversary BASH.

The learning experience begins on Wednesday, October 23, when several world-class wedding/portrait photographers, and educators including Tamara Lackey, Bambi Cantrell, Ryan Brenizer, Susan Stripling, and others, present WPPI University. The WPPI Universityconference pass ($99 online thru Oct. 22/$179 onsite) includes access to all the seminars on October 23rd.

The expo will feature nearly 300 of the biggest and best manufacturers and service providers in the photographic industry where attendees will be able to touch, test, and compare virtually every piece of photographic hardware, software, service available in the industry. Attendance for the three-day show is expected to reach record levels.Registration for admission to the PhotoPlus Expo exhibit hall is free through Oct. 22 online/$70 onsite.)

"We are very proud to be celebrating 30 years of service to the photographic industry," explains John McGeary, Managing Director of Emerald Expositions. "The photo industry is a very wellconnected group of professionals who view this annual event as the one time during the year where they can experience what’s next and meet face-to-face with old friends, make new ones, and learn and share together. Some of our planned activities to celebrate and commemorate our 30th anniversary will further accentuate the excitement this show brings to the industry."

Attendees may also purchase a special PhotoPlus VIP Expo Pass, which offers tremendous value and includes complimentary admission to all 3 keynote presentations, a private Customer Service Desk, VIP Expo lounge with free WiFi, and a premium gift bag filled with products, special offers, and discounts on a variety of products and services and more.

For more information, check out the PDN PhotoPlus Expo Website

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.

1. Improves focusing speed in One-Shot AF mode.
2. Now supports EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM*†.
3. 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.

Your Windows Phone experience is now completed with Tapatalk, at last. We're excited to introduce Tapatalk to millions of Windows Phone users - now you can troll, participate, or whatever you call it, in over 60,000 internet communities on-the-go.

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

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.

From Nikon:

Modifications enabled with this upgrade of firmware, release date June 25, 2013

• When images captured using a flash in Manual or Repeating flash mode were played back with the “Overview” display enabled, flash output level was displayed in the flash compensation portion of the display. This issue has been resolved.
• When the AE/AF lock button was pressed with Special Effects mode enabled, Selective Color selected, and the view magnified with selective color options displayed in live view, the image did not change while live view was active. This issue has been resolved.
• An issue that caused the Viewfinder Virtual Horizon to freeze when certain operations were performed has been resolved.
• When images captured with white balance bracketing enabled were played back, a white balance fine-tuning value of 9 (steps) was displayed even for images captured with a fine-tuning value of 10 (steps) applied. This issue has been resolved.
• An issue that prevented cursor movement when certain operations were performed in calendar playback mode has been resolved.
• The size of some text displayed in calendar playback mode has been modified.
• Display of focal lengths in 35mm [135] format recorded in image Exif data has been corrected.
• With movie recording at 1920 × 1080/24p in M exposure mode, subject brightness did not change, even when shutter speed was adjusted. This issue has been resolved.

Confirming the firmware version:

1. Turn on the D7100
2. Press the MENU button and select Firmware Version from the setup menu. The camera's firmware version will be displayed.
3. Turn off the D7100

Basic Upgrade instructions:

1. Create a new folder with an appropriate name on your computer.
2. Choose the correct download below for the computer system you are using, and save the download to the folder created in step 1.
3. Run the downloaded file to create the folder titled D7100Update, containing the following file: D7100_0101.bin
4. Format an approved memory card in the camera, then remove .
5. Copy the D7100_0101.bin file to the top level of the memory card using a memory card reader or similar device, do not copy the file into any folder on the memory card.
6. Insert memory card into the cameras memory card slot, and switch on.
7. Select Firmware Version from the setup menu and follow the instructions displayed to upgrade the camera's firmware.
8. DO NOT switch off the camera at any time during the update, doing so may result in the need for service.
9. After the upgrade is complete, trun the camera off and remove the memory card.
10. Check the cameras firmware version to be sure it completed.
11. Format memory card in camera for use.

* - Firmware updates can be performed for you at authorized Nikon service centers.

Download: Windows | Macintosh

B&H carries the Nikon D7100 DSLR camera.

Without further ado, I present the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens Review.

"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending June 22nd, 2013

In the news...

On Monday, Canon announced a service notice for its 1D X and 1D C DSLR cameras. Canon warns that insufficient lubrication within the cameras’ drive mechanism may lead to its inability to autofocus correctly. Check out the service notice to see if your camera is affected and steps for resolving the issue.

Also on Monday, Adobe announced a major update to Creative Cloud. Among other things, the update added new features to Photoshop CC like Camera Shake Reduction and an all-new Smart Sharpen tool. Adobe Creative Cloud is available now through Adobe and authorized retailers.

On Wednesday, Spider Holster announced the newest addition to its product lineup – the Large Lens Pouch. The pouch features a built-in solution for tethering a rear lens cap, a removable pouch lid, and the ability to add additional accessories through the Spider Holster clip system.

On Thursday, Nikon released an apology regarding “Image Space” account issues. Apparently, a technical glitch led to 43 user accounts being accessible by two people – the original user and one additional person. To remedy the situation, Nikon says they have fixed the technical glitch and emailed affected users with a personal apology and directions on how to proceed with their accounts.

And, for our deal of the week…

On Tuesday, we posted a deal from DigitalRev where you could get a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for $369.00. That’s a $280.00 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 Professional Network:

"With the advent of video capture on DSLR cameras the craft of cinematography has moved within the reach of many of those who previously just thought in terms of stills. Carey Duffy (Technical Director of filter company Tiffen in the UK) writes for CPN on what to look for when selecting the right filters for photography and filmmaking..."

The full article covers the basics of neutral density filters (solid, graduated and variable), circular polarizing filters, and low-contrast filters for use in HDSLR video.

B&H carries Tiffen filters.

From National Geographic:

"Over the past year, Anna Possberg and her husband, Claus Possberg, have traveled four times to the Scandinavian Arctic to photograph the [auroras] phenomena, which appear as stunning light shows in many northern countries, especially during dark winters.

Claus is a radiologist who’s also an avid traveler and photographer, and Anna is a full-time professional filmmaker. The Arctic Lightscape project, which the couple funds independently, resulted in a time-lapse video: a series of still photographs stitched together into a video format and published on Vimeo last week."

The full article illustrates some of the challenges faced by the Possbergs and how they overcame obstacles such as freezing temperatures, less-than-ideal weather, and finding shelter.

From Nikon Professional Services:

"Long established as the world's largest independent motorsport picture agency, Sutton Images exclusively concentrates on every aspect of motorsport imagery. With a team of ten dedicated professionals, we offer an extensive range of services from our headquarters situated at the heart of Britain's motorsport industry near Silverstone Circuit, England."

----

Keith Sutton's career as a freelance motorsport photographer took off when a young Ayrton Senna approached him and employed his services as he swiftly climbed the motorsport ladder in Britain during the early 1980s. Afterwards, Keith went on to form Sutton Photographic in 1985 with his younger brother Mark. The company aimed to cover every Formula One Grand Prix, in addition to other motorsport races around the world.

Today, Sutton Photographic has evolved into Sutton Images, and the company continues to go from strength to strength. Based in state-of-the-art offices in Towcester, near Silverstone, Keith and Mark, along with their staff and a team of agents worldwide, continue to cover the best motorsport the world has to offer.

Read the entire article on the Nikon Professional Services website.

B&H carries the Nikon D4 DSLR Camera used by Sutton Images for Formula One racing photography.

From AdoramaTV:

Lightroom 5 has just arrived! Find out why Mark Wallace is stoked about its new features.

In this episode of Exploring Photography, shot exclusively for AdoramaTV, Mark Wallace shares his favorite features of the new Adobe Photoshop Lightroom V5, which was just released and is available now at Adorama. He'll talk about the Upright tool, Radial Gradients and his absolute favorite new feature - the healing brush. See why he says that last feature alone is worth the price of admission! Is there still any reason to own full Photoshop?

Adorama carries Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.

From Nikon Australia:

Attach this accessory to any 1 NIKKOR lens featuring a 40.5mm filter-attachment size and you can get closer to subjects and capture close-up shots with blurred background easily.

A handy lens accessory that enables you to get closer to subjects and capture close-up shots

Simply by attaching the N1-CL1 to any 1 NIKKOR lens that features a 40.5 mm filter-attachment size, minimum focus distance of the prime lens is shortened, and you can capture subjects at a larger size. Even when using a lens with longer minimum focus distance, you can get closer to subjects, enabling image expression utilizing background blur. When attached to a lens such as the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 or 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, you can take shots like those achieved with a micro lens. Even the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 that originally features a high reproduction ratio achieves a clear effect. This accessory is ideal for those who want to easily take close-up shots of flowers or for tabletop photography, for example.

When the N1-CL1 is attached to the 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, you can approach the subject as close as approx. 0.24 m from the tip of the N1-CL1 and the maximum reproduction ratio of the prime lens is increased, making the image of the subject larger by approx. 3.8x.

Carry it anywhere together with a camera body and a lens

With its approx. 10 g weight and 7 mm thickness, superior portability is ensured. Because you can instantly get closer to subjects simply by attaching it to the tip of a 1 NIKKOR lens, you won't miss decisive shutter opportunities.

High-quality texture that matches 1 NIKKOR lenses

The frame delivers a natural color tone and refined texture. Its well-balanced design, achievable only by a genuine Nikon accessory, is perfectly demonstrated when attached to a 1 NIKKOR lens.

B&H carries Nikon 1 cameras and accessories.