Canon and Sony News for Jul 2013

Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw 8.2 Release Candidate for Creative Cloud is now available.

From Adobe:

New Features:

• The Histogram is now interactive. This enables the ability to click and drag on the Histogram to adjust the Blacks, Shadows, Exposure, Highlights, and Whites slider adjustments.
• A Color Smoothness adjustment slider has been added to the Detail Panel. This helps to reduce low-frequency color mottling artifacts
• Separate Auto Temperature and Auto Tint controls, which is accessible via the Shift+Double Click on either the Temperature or Tint adjustment sliders.
• Workflow presets are now available and can be selected on context-clicking the workflow link.
• Refinements to the Spot Healing Tool:

• New Feather control
• Auto find source method now works better for images with textured areas like rocks, bark, and foliage
• Auto find source method now prefers source areas within the crop rectangle

• Refinements to the Local Adjustment Brush:

• Move brush adjustments by clicking and dragging on brush adjustment pins
• Right Click (PC) / Control-click (Mac) on a brush adjustment pin to bring up a context menu to duplicate or delete
• Control+Alt+Drag (PC) / Command+Option+Drag (Mac) on a brush adjustment pin to clone (duplicate) that adjustment
• Alt+Click (PC) / Option+Click (Mac) on a brush adjustment pin to delete the adjustment

New Cameras Supported

• Canon EOS 70D (preliminary support)

FAQs

Why is it no longer required to place the plug-in file in the specified directory on my hard drive?
The Camera Raw update process has grown to include lens profile and camera profile files which are easiest to install via a single installer process instead of updating several different directories manually.

When will the Camera Raw 8.2 for CC release candidate expire?
9/30/2013

Will additional camera or lens support be available in the final release?
It is possible that additional cameras or lenses will be supported in the final release.

Download:

Camera RAW 8.2 RC Plug-In - Windows (ZIP, 40.6MB) | Macintosh (DMG, 30.2MB)

The Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw and DNG Converter 8.2 Release Candidates for CS6 are now available.

From Adobe:

New Cameras Supported

• Canon EOS 70D (preliminary support)

FAQs

Why is it no longer required to place the plug-in file in the specified directory on my hard drive?
The Camera Raw update process has grown to include lens profile and camera profile files which are easiest to install via a single installer process instead of updating several different directories manually.

When will the Camera Raw 8.2 for CS6 release candidate expire?
9/30/2013

Will additional camera or lens support be available in the final release?
It is possible that additional cameras or lenses will be supported in the final release.

Download

Camera RAW 8.2 RC Plug-In - Windows (ZIP, 82.1MB) | Macintosh (DMG, 75.6MB)
DNG Converter 8.2 RC - Windows (EXE, 124MB) | Macintosh (DMG, 137MB)

Adorama carries Adobe Photoshop CS6.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.2 Release Candidate is now available.

From Adobe:

New Features

• A Smoothness adjustment slider has been added to the Detail Panel under Color Noise Reduction. This helps to reduce low-frequency color mottling artifacts
• Refinements to the Spot Healing Tool:

• New Feather control
• Auto find source method now works better for images with textured areas like rocks, bark, and foliage
• Auto find source method now prefers source areas within the crop rectangle

• Smart Preview size has been updated to 2560 pixels on the long edge.
• Refinements to the Local Adjustment Brush:

• Right Click (PC) / Control-click (Mac) on a brush adjustment pin to bring up a context menu to duplicate or delete
• Control+Alt+Drag (PC) / Command+Option+Drag (Mac) on a brush adjustment pin to clone (duplicate) that adjustment

New Camera Support

• Canon EOS 70D (preliminary support)

Fixed Issues

• Catalog containing images processed with PV2003 were adding a post-crop vignette when catalog upgraded to Lightroom 5.
• Pressing the "Reset" button while holding down the Shift key caused Lightroom to exit abruptly.
• Output Sharpening and Noise Reduction were not applied to exported images that were resized to less than 1/3 of the original image size.
• Incorrect photo was selected when trying to select a photo in segmented grid in Publish Services.
• The Esc key did not exit the slideshow after right clicking screen with mouse during slideshow playing.
• Import dialog remained blank for folders that contain PNG files with XMP sidecars.
• Metadata panel displayed incorrect information after modifying published photo. Please note that this only occurred when metadata was changed after the photo was published.

FAQs

Can Lightroom 5.2 Release Candidate be installed alongside Lightroom 5?
By default, the Lightroom 5.2 Release Candidate for both Windows and Mac will remove or overwrite your existing Lightroom 5 installation. If you wish to return to Lightroom 5 after installing Lightroom 5.2, simply reinstall Lightroom 5 from your original download after uninstalling Lightroom 5.2 Release Candidate.

Both versions of the application share the same catalog format allowing your catalogs to be opened by either version without complications

When will the Lightroom 5.2 release candidate expire?
The Lightroom 5.2 release candidate will expire on September 30, 2013.

Will there be an upgrade charge for the final Lightroom 5.2 release?
No, Lightroom 5.2 will be a free update for all current Lightroom 5 customers.

Will additional camera or lens support be available in the final release?
It is possible that additional cameras or lenses will be supported in the final release.

Download** - Windows (ZIP, 800MB) | Mac (ZIP, 446MB)

** System Requirements

Adorama carries Adobe Lightroom 5.

The New VIXIA mini Compact Personal Camcorder Features an Ultra Wide-Angle Lens, Full HD Video, Vari-Angle LCD Monitor and Slim Ultra-Compact Body with Built-in Stand, and Allows for Convenient Hands-Free Shooting with built-in Wi-Fi

Melville, N.Y., July 31, 2013 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the new VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder. The creatively designed VIXIA mini personal camcorder allows shooters to easily record their hobbies, special interests and memorable moments hands-free, and then share those videos and images on their favorite social networking sites or their own blogs via built-in Wi-Fi or via the free Canon Movie Uploader app*.

The VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder features an ultra wide-angle Canon f/2.8 fisheye lens (160 degree movies / 170 degree photos) allowing a user to shoot from unique and creative perspectives while including their surroundings to make their videos and images more interesting. By utilizing the Wide Mode users can give the viewer a full view of their surroundings and then switch to Close-Up Mode to provide emphasis on a particular subject. While in Close-up Mode, users can record a centered 1920 x 1440 resolution image with little distortion. They can also quickly toggle from one shooting mode to the other, or switch back and forth between video and image mode, by touching the camcorder's innovatively designed 2.7-inch capacitive-tilt touch panel LCD display. Attached to the camera by two parallel hinges, the Vari-Angle LCD monitor allows for various shooting styles, including low-angle shooting, normal and high-angle-shooting and self-shooting.

In addition, the camcorder's 12.8 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor combined with the Canon DIGIC DV4 Image Processor creates the Canon HS SYSTEM, allowing shooters to capture and record stunning Full HD video in MP4 format as well as jpeg still images to a removable microSD card, all in the exceptional image quality standard that the Canon line of VIXIA camcorders are known for. The camcorder's video image quality is further enhanced with the use of a Mechanical Shutter for the recording of moving subjects with little distortion. Beyond delivering high-quality video, the VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder also records high-quality audio thanks to its built-in stereo microphone. By using Audio Scene Select modes, users can choose an audio scene that matches their surroundings such as music or speech or even suppressing road noise.

"The new VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder marks the birth of an innovative video camera designed specifically for the social media savvy user," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "This uniquely styled compact personal camcorder allows users to shoot, view and share videos and photos of themselves enjoying their hobbies or special occasions with family and friends."

Tools to Become the Star
The Canon VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder comes with a feature set that puts the user in the driver seat, expanding their creativity, allowing them to not only be the director of their videos or images, but also the star. Mirror Image Recording/Playback lets users view the scene they are recording in real time so they can watch as they record. So whether they are shooting their latest blog post about cooking a favorite Italian culinary delight, or filming a practice golf swing to help perfect their back stroke, the VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder is a versatile and convenient tool.

New Special Scene Modes such as Food & Fashion, Sports, and Macro provide users with advanced presets to help capture impressive images even under difficult shooting conditions to prevent over/under exposure. For those looking to shoot in a fun and unique perspective, the camcorder's Slow Motion or Fast Motion modes provide imaging effects that allow creativity in controlling space and time. Slow Motion allows shooting video at a choice of two slow motion speeds - 1/4x (VGA) and 1/2x (720p) allowing viewers to easily see and closely examine video of dancers or other fast moving subjects. Fast Motion allows shooting at two fast motion speeds - 4x and 2x - ideal for speeding up footage of cooking, makeup, nail art, etc.

The camcorder's Smart Auto Mode allows the beginning user to capture those spontaneous moments with a touch of the screen. Smart Auto intelligently selects one of 38 predefined situations to give outstanding video and still image output.

The VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder comes with a built-in adjustable stand allowing users to tilt and elevate it up to approximately 60 degrees providing a new way to record video hands-free, and the camcorder's tripod socket also allows for flexible positioning of the device. And an automatic lens cover helps protect against scratches and dust when the camera is not in use.

Advanced Connectivity to Help Users Share Their World
Once a user has recorded their video blog, or a day at the park with the kids, it's time to share the video or images with friends, family and fans. The VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder comes with built-in Wi-Fi allowing users to quickly share their video and photos to social networking sites like YouTube and Facebook, or they can be sent directly to their PC. A user can also upload their video or still images taken with the VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder from virtually anywhere by downloading the free Canon Movie Uploader app onto their iOS supported device.*

The Live Streaming feature allows for users to view and record on their iOS or Android device when they download the free Canon CameraAccess2 App**.The Canon CameraAccess2 App is available for download on both iOS and Android supported smartphones and tablets. The Live Streaming feature also allows a user to control the VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder from remote locations.

Pricing & Availability
The VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder will be available in black and white and is scheduled to be available September 2013 for an estimated retail price of $299.99. An optional VIXIA mini carrying case and strap are scheduled to also be available September 2013 in black or white for an estimated retail price of $14.99.

Adorama carries Canon VIXIA Camcorders.

Image quality test results are now available on the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Lens Review page.

While the focal length range of this lens will not impress many, the f/1.8 aperture certainly will – and the build quality of this lens is also impressive. The image quality appears to be quite good. This lens is looking like another Sigma hit to me.

Preorder your Sigma 18-35mm at Adorama, in stock (third party) at Amazon.

From Nikon's Youtube Channel:

"If you're a pro photographer, you need a support service that gives you fast and efficient repairs. Nikon Professional Services (NPS) Service Technician, Kodai Matsumoto, demonstrates just how quickly he can diagnose and repair a Nikon D4 - shot on location at the FINA World Swimming Championships, BCN2013, in Barcelona. NPS provides support services like check and clean, running repairs and equipment loans to accredited Nikon photographers at major events like BCN2013."

Adorama carries the Nikon D4 DSLR Camera.

Canon has release the following EOS camera firmware updates:

1D Mark III Firmware Version 1.3.2
1Ds Mark III Firmware Version 1.2.3
1D Mark IV Firmware Version 1.1.4

These firmware updates incorporate the following fixes:

1. Resolves the following phenomenon: when the camera is not attached to a lens, power consumption may be higher than usual, causing premature battery drain.
2. Resolves a phenomenon in which “Err 02” may be displayed when the shutter is released without a lens attached.

I find it impressive that Canon continues to release updates for these older cameras.

From Datacolor:

Lawrenceville, NJ - July 29, 2013 - Datacolor, a global leader in color management solutions, announced today its summer 2013 line-up of free color management webinars. The popular webinar series continues with new co-sponsors and a variety of introductory and advanced webinars to demonstrate new techniques for photographers and videographers to enhance their skills. Datacolor is bringing dynamic topics with the help of notable photography related companies including Sigma, Hoodman, onOne Software and Eizo.

The webinars, hosted by David Tobie, global product technology manager for Datacolor, and David Saffir, Datacolor expert and noted landscape and fine art photographer, focus on managing color using tools in both capture and processing stages. Each webinar includes step-by-step demonstrations using Datacolor’s line of Spyder color calibration devices, and in-depth discussions on how photographers can effectively use the right tools and techniques to produce high quality results with their own images.

“From the capture stage through the post-production process, technology can enhance the quality of even the best images,” said David Tobie. “The summer series of webinars aims to help photographers learn how to use equipment effectively by providing tips and techniques, resulting in stunning images. With new partners, Datacolor is able to connect photographers with industry leaders and provide more insight into the latest tools available.”

Upcoming topics for the Datacolor color management webinar series to include:

• July 30, 2013 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT: Safari Photography - Gear and Workflow (Co-sponsor: Sigma)
• August 7, 2013 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT: Advanced Photographic Composition - Landscape and Still-Life (Co-sponsor Hoodman)
• August 22, 2013 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EDT: Postproduction - How to Make Ordinary Images Look Extraordinary (Hosted by: onOne Software)
• September 10, 2013 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT: Selective Color Editing and Adjustment (Co-Sponsor: Eizo)

Those interested in attending can register in advance for the free webinars. Attendees will be given discount codes for Spyder products and/or products from co-sponsors and automatically be entered to win a Datacolor Spyder product and products from co-sponsors. Guests will have the ability to interact with the speakers in a Q&A format, and get first-hand input about applying color management effectively within their workflow.

Register now at Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Lens.

Adorama carries Datacolor products.

"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending July 27th, 2013

In the news...

On Tuesday, Corel announced Painter X3. With the newest version of Painter, Corel introduced new tools such as Jitter Brushes, Crosshair Cloning, Perspective Guides, Smart Brush Controls, and Multi-Layer Transformations. Painter X3 will start shipping in early August.

Also on Tuesday, NASA released images taken by the Cassini spacecraft as it passed near Saturn’s rings on the previous Friday. The images show a small, pale-blue Earth set against the vastness of space below Saturn’s brilliantly illuminated rings. It is truly a humbling sight. Check out NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory page for more information.

In site news and reviews...

On Thursday, Bryan published his full review of the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM “Sports” lens. In short, the lens proved to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor - in both image quality and overall versatility. Bryan was so impressed with the lens that it now has a permanent home in his lens arsenal. For more information, check out Bryan’s full review.

And, for our deal of the week…

On Monday, we posted a deal from DigitalRev where you could get a Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera for $1,629.00. That’s more than a $350.00 off the normal retail price.

This has been the The-Digital-Picture.com’s Weekend Recap. Thanks for listening, and as always, happy shooting!"

CanvasPeople is offering their canvas prints at 70% Off during their "Christmas in July" promotion.

From Adobe:

"As mentioned, we have been investigating a number of issues that Lightroom 5 customers have reported. We are testing fixes for these issues and are planning to release an update next week.

We really appreciate your patience as we ensure that the upcoming release addressing these issues.

Thanks!"

Adorama carries Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.

Adorama has started shipping the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Lens (for Canon) to preorder customers. If you're already in line, you can probably expect yours to arrive in the not-so-distant future. ;-)

From Canon:

"Canon engineers have delivered a technological breakthrough with the new Dual Pixel CMOS AF system in the EOS 70D camera. This new AF system provides excellent AF performance in two situations that, up to now, have been problematic for SLR shooters - taking still images while using Live View and while recording video. In this PDF document (4.59mb), engineers from Canon Inc. in Japan, who were directly involved in the creation of this new AF system, provide insight into the Dual Pixel CMOS AF concept and the challenges they faced in developing it. It’s a look inside the engineering department of a major camera maker, which is rarely seen from the outside."

Adorama has the Canon EOS 70D available for preorder.

The Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM "Sports" Lens review is now available.

This lens is another great example of the overall improvements Sigma has been making as a company. Nice lens.

Photoshelter is offering a free Growing Your Sports Photography Business Guide via email.