Canon and Sony News for Sep 2013

From Photoshelter:
 
Crowdfunding your personal project can seem daunting and overwhelming, but with the right strategy and tactics you can reach your goal. In our upcoming webinar we'll talk with award-winning photojournalists Scott Strazzante and Christopher Capozziello about their recent Kickstarter victories, both of which funded personal projects that hit very close to home for the two of them.
 
Hear what these two learned throughout the course of running their Kickstarter campaigns, what they would do differently the second time around, and more. In this candid discussion both Scott and Chris will speak to:

• Why they chose crowdfunding over other options
• Marketing their Kickstarters and tier prize creation
• Tactics for a solid social media marketing strategy
• Self-publishing vs traditional publishing
• The viability of crowdfunding as a sustainable channel for photographers

Join us for this webinar and begin mapping out how to fund your next big project.
 
Date: Tuesday, October 1
Time: 4:00pm Eastern
 
Register Now

Welcome to filter week at The-Digital-Picture.com. I have been revamping the site's lens filter reviews and to get things started, let's talk about lens protection filters.
 
There is a big debate over the practice of using a protective filter on your lens and the reasoning behind both sides of the argument has merit. Get my opinion and much more is found in the new UV protection filter review.
 
A UV filter review is not new to the site, but instead of having a review page for each filter size with pages most pointing back to the 77mm UV filter review for complete information, I have consolidated all of the UV filter reviews to one completely-rewritten page. Links to make finding the right filter in the size you need are now presented at the end of the review.
 
Jump over to our Facebook page and give us your take on the protection filter issue.

Tamron now has many of their lens user manuals available for download, with more scheduled to be available in the near future.
 
Tamron Lens Manuals Available

Di Series	Di II Series
SP 24-70mm f/2.8 VC	18-270mm VC PZD
SP 70-200mm f/2.8 VC	SP 17-50mm f/2.8 VC
SP 70-200mm f/2.8	SP 60mm f/2 Macro
28-300mm VC	18-200mm
SP 90mm VC Macro
SP 90mm Macro	Di III Series
SP 180mm Macro	18-200mm VC
SP 180-300mm VC

Adorama carries Tamron lenses.

Due to travel this weekend, I won't be able to create the YouTube version of the Weekend Recap this week. However, here's the abridged text-only version:
 
In the news...
 
On Tuesday, Adobe took the wraps off of Photoshop Elements 12 and Premiere Elements 12. Photoshop Elements 12 now features Content-Aware Move, a Straighten Tool, and Guided Edits, while Premiere Elements 12 added Motion Tracking, music scores and new sound effects.
 
In Site News and Reviews...
 
On Monday, Bryan added 40 additional sample pictures to the site. The gear used for the sample images is as diverse as the subject matter. Check out the image captions for helpful hints.
 
On Wednesday, Bryan published his first looks at the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens image quality results. The good news? The lens seems to be performing significantly better than its predecessor on the long end of the focal length range.
 
And for our Deal of the Week...
 
On Monday, we posted an eBay deal from BigValueInc where you could get a Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR camera for only $2,549.99 [auction has ended]. That's a $949.00 off the normal, retail price.

For a limited time, DigitalRev has the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Lens available for $1,679.00. Compare at $1,886.95.
 
Note: When purchased by US customers, items sold by DigitalRev are considered grey market.

From Canon:AbelCine to Provide Comprehensive Optical Service and Support for Users of Canon EF- and PL-Mount Cinema Lenses at New York City and Burbank, Calif., Locations
 
MELVILLE, N.Y., September 26, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today that AbelCine, the U.S.-based motion picture equipment and service provider, is the first official partner to join the Company's new Cinema Lens Service Partner Program.
 
As a Canon Cinema Lens Service Partner, AbelCine joins Canon's existing factory service facility network in providing comprehensive service and support to users of Canon's EF- and PL-mount Cinema Lenses. AbelCine will be authorized to provide warranty repair, non-warranty repair, and preventative maintenance on the full line of Canon EF- and PL-mount Cinema Lenses.
 
In order to qualify for authorization and participation in this new partner program, AbelCine met stringent requirements set by Canon U.S.A., Inc. with regard to service environments, installed tooling and the technical expertise of its staff. AbelCine will participate in ongoing staff training by Canon Technical Engineers, and regular calibration of all tooling and equipment will be done to help ensure the highest level of technical support is provided to Canon customers.
 
"Canon prides itself on providing first-class service and customer support for professional clients. We understand that our commitment to our loyal customers only begins at the point of sale. Our new Cinema Lens Service Partner program looks to identify and align us with those organizations that match our own commitment to service and reliability. We are happy to welcome AbelCine as our first partner in this new program," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.
 
"Since optics are such an integral component of the motion picture process, we believe that providing the highest level of optical service is one of the most important ways to support our customers," stated Rich Abel, vice president and chief operating officer of AbelCine. "We're impressed with the level of commitment Canon has made to servicing their Cinema EOS customers, and proud to be a Cinema Lens Service Partner."
 
AbelCine technicians will be qualified to perform detailed function checks on all Canon Cinema prime and zoom lenses, including diagnosis of issues, as well as lens disassembly, maintenance, adjustment and cleaning.
 
AbelCine's New York City and Burbank, Calif., locations will begin offering Canon Cinema Lens Service to end-users in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Photoshelter is offering a free guide - Growing Your Portrait Photography Business: Part 2. The second installment covers the editorial and commercial portraiture.

Nikon has updated the COOLPIX S3200's firmware to version 1.1.
 
From Nikon:
 
Modifications enabled with this version:

• When the Charging AC Adapter EH-69P and USB Cable UC-E6 were connected to the camera to charge the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL19 with the EN-EL19 at or very near full exhaustion, the battery sometimes could not be charged. This issue has been resolved.

Download: Nikon COOLPIX S3200 Firmware 1.1 - Windows | Macintosh

ISO 12233 resolution chart test results are now available on the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens review page.
 
The new 55-250 STM lens shows a nice image quality improvement over the 55-250 IS II, especially at the long end of the focal length range (135-250mm) as seen in this comparison.

The Canon Camera Museum has published a technical report on the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x.
 
Index

• Development aims
• Feature 1 - 200-560mm focal length range and high image quality of full-frame pictures
• Feature 2 - Built-in extender
• Feature 3 - Superb image stabilization (IS) function
• Feature 4 - Excellent reliability / durability and operability

Adorama carries the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens (review).

From Nikon:
 
Capture NX 2.4.4 Full Version
 
This software is offered to those who have purchased Capture NX 2. When this software is run, it may be necessary to enter the product key again to confirm ownership of a previous version of the software.
 
Be sure that you have read and understand the terms of the license agreement and the sections below before initiating download of this software from the links at the bottom of this page.
 
Modifications that apply to both the Windows and Macintosh versions

• Support for RAW images captured with the COOLPIX P7800 has been added.
• An Automatic (Underwater) option has been added to the Auto Distortion pull-down menu under Camera & Lens Corrections in the Adjust section of the Edit List.
  However, the Automatic (Underwater) option is only displayed when all of the following conditions are met.
  - The image was captured with an advanced camera with interchangeable lenses that supports underwater automatic distortion control, and a lens that also supports the function.
  - The image was captured in RAW format or in JPEG format with the camera's Auto distortion control function disabled.
• The following issues have been resolved.
  - When the slider bar was manipulated while applying settings such as Gaussian Blur, High Pass, or Colorize, flicker in the form of random blocks was sometimes displayed.

Additional modifications to the Windows version

• When OK in the Page Setup dialog opened from the Print layout dialog was clicked after changing printers using the Print button in the Print layout dialog, only the default printer (that normally used) was named in the Printer section at top left in the Print layout dialog.
• "aaa..." was displayed for Artist in the File & Camera Information section of the Metadata palette. (Language versions other than the English version).
• When a date was entered in the Date Created text box in the XMP/IPTC Information section of the Metadata palette, and the user attempted to save the image, an error was displayed and the image could not be saved. (German language version only).
• When an image was edited using the LCH tool in the Adjust section of the Edit List, a message prompting the user to restart the application was sometimes displayed.

Notes:

• When this software is installed on a computer to which ViewNX 2 Ver. 2.2.3 or earlier has been installed, the Picture Control Utility cannot be launched from ViewNX 2. Please upgrade ViewNX 2 to Ver. 2.2.4 or later.
• RAW images saved with Thumbnail only selected for Embed Preview When Saving NEF/NRW in Capture NX 2 Preferences will appear grainy with display in and printing from ViewNX 2.
• If either Capture NX 2 or the Picture Control Utility (one or the other) is launched in 32-bit mode on a Macintosh computer, Capture NX 2 may freeze unexpectedly if Save as a new Custom Picture Control or Load Custom Picture Control Settings is selected from the Manage Picture Control menu in Capture NX 2.
• To use the software in 32-bit mode, be sure that both Capture NX 2 and the Picture Control Utility are running in 32-bit mode.

Download: Capture NX 2.4.4 - Windows | Macintosh

By request, I have added a modestly more complicated HDR example to the recently-posted Natural-Looking HDR Images tips page.
 
On that page, scroll down to the Mowhawk Falls image with the mouse-over links below it to see the new example.

From Canon:
 
Canon launches the Student Network to help students take their next step with imaging
 
United Kingdom, Republic Of Ireland, 23rd September 2013 – Canon today unveils a new program to help engage students in the world of photography. The Canon Student Network (CSN) is designed to help aspiring photographers studying photography or equivalent courses to take their next step with imaging and further develop their love of photography along with real world business advice.
 
The initial phase of the programme, which launches today, rolls out to 11 universities across the UK and Ireland and provides tailored experiences, opportunities and offers to help the students develop, as their course progresses.
 
The opportunities for students include experience events to find out what it is like to be a professional photographer such as “Shoot the Show” at London Fashion Week. There will also be events for those interested in most types of photography including sports, wildlife, portrait and wedding.
 
Education including tips, tricks and business advice from noted professional photographers via seminars around the country and online are also available along with unique offers. There is the opportunity to network with prospective companies and agencies to help establish contacts suitable for a working life in photography once they complete the course.
 
A headline photo competition, where the winner will have the opportunity to have their photo used as the main image within a major Canon campaign including print, outdoor and online advertising as well as in store, is a huge opportunity for any budding photographer.
 
The opportunities, benefits and training compliment and progress with the courses the students are studying. As the programme has been developed in partnership with the universities, it ensures the programme will be of benefit to the course work set and future employment prospects of the students.
 
Access is easy and free for eligible students. Those in first year simply need to be studying photography or equivalent course, within one of the initial 11 roll out universities and sign up to the free Project 1709 – Canon’s beta online imaging management system. Students in their second year will also be required to own a current Canon DSLR and lens. A course for students in their third year will be rolled out in the next academic year, there will be no extra requirement for students in order to join.
 
To sign up students need to register on http://www.canonstudentnetwork.co.uk/.

 
From Adobe:
 
Powerful Mobile Capabilities Make Photos and Videos Accessible Anywhere, Any Time, on Multiple Devices
 
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sept. 24, 2013 — Adobe (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the availability of Adobe Photoshop Elements 12 and Adobe Premiere Elements 12, new versions of the No. 1 selling consumer photo and video-editing software*. Customers will enjoy powerful mobile capabilities, and reap the benefits of professional-grade editing technology delivered in an intuitive experience that makes it easy to create stunning results.
 
“Our customers have a lot of photos and videos, and they love to use their home computers to organize them and be creative, but they also want the freedom and flexibility to view, edit and share on their mobile devices,” said Lea Hickman, vice president, products, Creative Consumer Business, Adobe. “Photoshop Elements 12 and Premiere Elements 12 will provide customers with the best of both worlds, quickly, easily and at their discretion.”
 
Easily Create and Share Sensational Photos with Photoshop Elements 12 with new features and tools that include:

• Mobile Access - With Elements Mobile Albums, customers always have access to their precious memories. Powered by Adobe Revel, people can view, edit and share their photos and videos seamlessly on their smartphones, tablets and desktop devices whether at home or on-the-go.
• Content-Aware Move - This exclusive Adobe technology lets customers easily move objects within a photo and automatically fills in resulting empty spaces.
• Pet Eye Correction - Added in response to customer requests, Pet Eye provides an easy solution to the problem of flash reflection in animals’ eyes, which is not addressed by Red Eye correction technology.
• Auto Smart Tone – Exclusive intelligent software that learns a customer’s editing preferences, resulting in one-click adjustments based on their choiceswhich gets better the more you use it.
• Quick Frames, Effects and Textures – One-click photo frames, effects and textures, inspired by the most popular looks customers have been creating in Expert mode.
• Guided Edits - Step-by-step instructions to create Zoom Burst and Photo Puzzle effects, as well as Restore Old Photo, which enable users to restore damaged or old photos.
• Straighten Tool - Now fills in missing edges through the use of exclusive Content-Aware technology.
• Share to Twitter – Share a photo with a tweet on Twitter.
• 64-bit support for Mac – Allows for more efficient use of your computers’ built in memory, maximizing performance and enabling larger image files and videos to be edited quickly.

 
Create Unforgettable Movies with ease with Premiere Elements 12. New features and tools include:

• Guided Edits – Step-by-step navigation on how to get started, trim frames, add scores, transitions, titles and narrations, as well as animating graphics and creating pictures within pictures.
• Scores – More than 50 soundtracks that automatically regenerate to fit the duration of a clip, making it easy to create home movies with perfectly timed intros, outros and background music.
• Sound Effects – More than 250 effects that add excitement and dimension to audio tracks.
• Auto Smart Tone – The same exclusive technology found in Photoshop Elements 12, for video.
• Film Looks – Four new filters to add stylized Hollywood flare to home movies including Comic, Trinity, Yesteryear and Cross Process.
• Motion tracking – Spotlight your subject by adding graphics, text and effects that move with the object.

Pricing and Availability
 
Adobe Photoshop Elements 12 and Adobe Premiere Elements 12 (Mac and Windows) are immediately available for purchase at www.adobe.com for US$99.99, with upgrade pricing of US$79.99. The Photoshop Elements 12 & Premiere Elements 12 bundle is available now for US$149.99, with upgrade pricing of US$119.99. They will soon be available at retail stores such as Adorama Camera, Inc, Amazon.com, B & H Photo and Video, Best Buy, Best Buy Canada, New Egg, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Staples and Staples Canada.

Nikon USA now has the COOLPIX S02 and P7800 user manuals available for download.
 
Download:
Nikon COOLPIX S02 User Manual - English | Spanish (.PDF, 1.66 MB)
Nikon COOLPIX P7800 User Manual - English | Spanish (.PDF, 14.6 MB)

I have added 40 new sample pictures to the site. The samples come from a wide range of cameras and lenses. Subject matter is equally diverse.

From Photoshelter:
 
Your time is valuable, so stop wasting it on tasks that can be automated in Lightroom. Photography workflow and digital asset management expert Jared Platt will join us to discuss the most effective ways to automate the mundane tasks in the everyday photography workflow, and even your portfolio management.
 
In this live webinar on Tuesday September 24th at 4pm ET, Jared will show us his organization within Lightroom, present a live demo of his workflow, and more. Join us to learn essential, time-saving workflow tips from the self-proclaimed "efficiency junkie."
 
Register Now

By Sean Setters
 
We post a lot of eBay deals here at The-Digital-Picture.com, and a healthy percentage of those are from "bigvalueinc." After BigValueInc's feedback rating dropped 1.5% in a relatively short amount of time last year, we started adding a disclaimer to their posted deals. We revised the disclaimer when we received reports that some customers had received incorrect items.
 
We were also concerned that items purchased from BigValueInc wouldn't be eligible for US warranty repairs. Many items you purchase on eBay are grey market products. Don't get me wrong, there's not usually anything wrong with grey market items - they're made in the same factories and held to the same standards as items earmarked for North American distribution. However, should there be a problem with your grey market item, it would not "technically" qualify for a warranty repair by Canon USA. That's the tradeoff you make for saving money on your purchase price on the front end.
 
Being in the market for a 5D III body for personal use, I decided give BigValueInc a try. I took advantage of one of the deals posted to the site and saved almost $1,000 off the retail price. So far, so good...
 
I received a shipping confirmation for my 5D III the next day. Oddly enough, even though the auction had specifically listed FedEx as the means of shipment, BigValueInc shipped the item via UPS instead. While this discrepancy wasn't a big deal to me, I can understand where some might not appreciate the unrequested and possibly unwelcomed change in shipment method (especially if you strongly prefer one shipper to another).
 
A few days later I received the package. When picking up the package, I noticed the sound of items seemingly moving freely in the box. This was not a comforting sound. After opening the package, I saw a retail box for the EOS 5D Mark III + EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM kit along with some air-fill padding. This didn't surprise me - I had expected it. I assumed BigValueInc was able to sell the 5D Mark III at a lower price because they were buying kits and selling the components separately. One thing was conspicuously absent, though - a purchase receipt. Most sellers include a shipping receipt in the box, but BigValueInc did not include one.
 
Once I opened the retail box, I found out why I had heard components rattling around. The camera accessories - battery charger, battery, manuals, strap, USB cord, etc. - were simply laying in the void created by the long-gone lens. The camera was securely packed, bubble wrapped, and secured in its own compartment. To be fair, no accessory in the box was damaged. However, I think it would have been wise for BigValueInc to add some air-filled padding in the lens compartment to keep the camera accessories from bouncing around.
 
I was pleased to find the camera came with a blank, North American market warranty card - good for the US and Canada.
 
As mentioned, the camera was protected with bubble wrap, undisturbed, in a secure section of the box. I immediately put a lens on the camera and began taking test shots around my home. That's when I noticed an issue - there seemed to be something wrong with the multi-controller joystick. It didn't respond to movements in a dependable way. For every three times I pushed it right, it might register the movement once. I noted the issue but continued shooting with it for the next few days to see if the multi-controller bug would work itself out. I used the main dial and quick control dial to change focus points.
 
Everything else about the camera worked perfectly. The test images looked great. But the issue with the multi-controller remained after several days of consistent use. I decided the 5D III's multi-controller had to be fixed. I shipped the camera to Canon Professional Services requesting a warranty repair. I included my Paypal receipt to prove my date of purchase. I wasn't 100% sure Canon would repair the camera under warranty because BigValueInc is not on their "Authorized Resellers" list. However, Canon repaired the camera, under warranty, at no charge. It's now being shipped back to me as I write this.
 
I honestly think it was purely coincidental that I received a camera from BigValueInc that was in need of repair. I do not believe BigValueInc's business practices led to the issue. Cameras in need of repair straight out of the box are rare; Canon made the situation right by performing the warranty repair at no cost. Everything turned out well.
 
Keep in mind, you shouldn't expect the same type of customer service from BigValueInc that you get from well-established, reputable retailers (like Adorama). BigValueInc notes in their return policy that you may be charged a restocking fee based on the condition of the item being returned. They do make an exception for "defective" products which are eligible for return without incurring a restocking fee, though.
 
So would I buy from BigValueInc again? I would. I saved a significant amount of money purchasing from them and the item's warranty was validated by Canon. Aside from the small drawbacks - an unannounced change in shippers and relatively unsecure accessory packaging - my personal experience was a good one.
 
If you had a different experience buying from BigValueInc, please let us know.
 
And if you're ready to take the plunge, BigValueInc has the 5D Mark III available for $2,549.99 with free shipping.

"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending Sept. 21st, 2013.
 
In the news...
 
On Tuesday, the Photoshop Photography Membership Program went live on Creative Cloud. Those with a valid serial number for Photoshop CS3 or later can now register for Photoshop CC , Lightroom and Bridge CC for only $9.99 per month. See our post for the signup directions.
 
On Thursday, Nikon announced the world’s first waterproof and shockproof interchangeable lens camera, the Nikon 1 AW1 (I accidentally said "A1" instead of "AW1" in the narration), and two new waterproof lenses, the AW 11-27.5mm zoom and 10mm f/2.8 prime. The AW1 and lenses are scheduled to be available in October.
 
On Friday, Sigma released a new version of its Optimization Pro software as well as firmware updates for its 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM and 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lenses. The firmware updates allow for quieter autofocus and, in the zoom’s case, improved optical stabilization. The lenses can be updated using Sigma’s USB dock. If you own one of Sigma’s global vision lenses, getting the USB dock is highly recommended.
 
In site news and reviews...
 
This week, Bryan added sample pictures for the Canon SL1 and EOS M cameras, three Sigma lenses (35mm f/1.4, 18-35mm f/1.8, 120-300mm f/2.8) and the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 VC.
 
On Friday, Bryan also posted a photo of the moon taken at 1680mm. Bryan used the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II, a 2x Extender and a 1.4x Extender to capture the moon with an unexpected, yet certainly welcomed, airplane silhouette.
 
And, for our deal of the week…
 
On Monday, we posted a deal from Adorama where you could get Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 and Premiere Elements 11 for $84.99 with free shipping. That’s a $45.00 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!"

I decided that, with a clear sky, I was going to stack a pair of extenders to the back of my Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens and capture the "Harvest Moon" (the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox).
 
Stacking a Canon EF 1.4x Extender with a Canon EF 2x Extender requires a 12mm extension tube to be mounted between the two – to make the fit possible. The result is 600mm x 2 x 1.4 = 1680mm = Wow!
 
While you should not expect amazing image quality from this setup, the tight angle of view delivered by 1680mm is quite amazing. So tight that tracking the moon through the frame is a constant task. And, avoiding vibrations is a challenge. I opted to use mirror lockup with the 10 second self-timer to make sure that the camera fully settled down before the shutter release.
 
I was trying different exposure settings and verifying the results on the LCD. During one such check, I saw a black spot on the moon. My first thought was that I had a piece of dust on my sensor. Zooming in revealed otherwise.
 
I live well over an hour from the nearest large airport. The sky was black and I had no idea that there were any airplanes in the area. Using the 10 second timer, with the narrow angle of view, meant that I was predicting where the moon would be in the frame at shutter release. Not only did the airplane happen to cross the moon at the exact time of the shutter release, it happened to be in a perfect location over the moon. The timing was divine.
 
This image is an un-touched and uncropped (but reduced in size of course) conversion of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III RAW file. Photography is so fun.

So, what is the one question about photography gear or photography techniques that you would like an answer to?
 
Questions can be at any level of difficulty – from easy to impossible to answer. Please post your question on our Facebook page or send us an email if you'd rather not ask your question in a public forum. We'll be looking at and attempting to answer as many questions as we can!

From MindShift Gear:
 
We've packed some great gear into one of our rotation180° professional camera bags and we're going to choose a winner to take it all! We will also be giving away spot prizes to people that share and comment!
 
What have we packed in?

• MindShiftGear rotation180° Deluxe
• Wimberly Head
• REI Gift Card
• CamelBak 3Ltr reservoir
• Think Tank Photo Custom Pixel Pocket Rocket

To enter, LIKE the promotion page and fill in the giveaway form.
 
Fine Print:
 
This promotion is eligible for entry to anyone where permitted by law. You may enter once per day.
 
The promotion closes on 8th October, 2013 with a winner drawn and announced in the following 48 hours.
 
We reserve the right to announce the winner's name via our social channels, if the winner does not contact us to arrange delivery within 7 days of their email notification (and a couple of follow ups, hey, we're not cruel!) we'll re-draw and a new winner will be plucked.
 
This promotion's prize is not tranferable for cash, gold bullion or single origin coffee beans.

From Delkin:
 
Poway, CA. September 19, 2013 – Delkin Devices is proud to announce the newest addition to their extensive product line of CompactFlash memory cards, the CF 1050X UDMA 7 Cinema memory card. With improved read and write speeds, Delkin’s 1050X Cinema card guarantees smooth, continuous recording and playback on DSLR cameras, especially ones that record in 4K.
 
Delkin’s CF 1050X is a specialized cinema memory card that's designed to excel in high-end recording equipment, such as 4K cameras and digital backs. Capable of recording data at speeds up to 120 MB/s, the 1050X is Delkin’s fastest card to date and is able to keep up with the most demanding digital cinematography requirements. “With 4K being adopted more each year, there is a growing need among filmmakers for memory cards that are fast enough to smoothly capture UltraHD video footage” explains Marketing Manager Anna Lopez. “With Delkin’s CF 1050X Cinema cards, filmmakers can confidently know that all of their footage will be captured in its entirety, without dropped frames.”
 
The 1050X is approved to work in high-end cameras that support 4K UltraHD recording, such as Canon’s EOS-1D C and C500; undergoing thorough testing to ensure compatibility and flawless performance. To record footage in 4K at 24fps, the Canon 1D C requires memory cards that are UDMA 7 and have a minimum write speed of 100 MB/s. Cards with a write speed less than 100 MB/s will either drop frames during filming or stop recording. The 1050X also works on digital file recorders, like AJA’s Ki Pro Mini.
 
The CF 1050X Cinema card also helps improve user workflow by reducing the amount of time it takes to transfer files from card to computer. With a read speed of 160 MB/s, the 1050X saves time and allows you to work on other project-related tasks. As the file size for 4K footage is significantly larger than 1080p, Delkin’s cards are built to transfer files quickly and efficiently, so that you can utilize your time to the fullest. No longer will you have to wait hours before you can start editing footage.
 
Unlike memory cards that are mass-built in overseas facilities, Delkin’s CF 1050X UDMA 7 Cinema memory cards are built with carefully chosen and controlled components to increase longevity, reliability and overall quality. All of Delkin’s memory cards are designed, engineered, and built in the U.S. and are covered under our Lifetime Warranty.
 
Delkin’s CompactFlash product line also includes our 500X (Good), 700X (Better), and 1000X (Best) memory cards. The CF 1050X Cinema card is now available and comes in the following capacities: 32GB, 64GB and 128GB. Retail prices for each capacity are $139.95, $299.95, and $639.95 respectively and can be purchased via Delkin.com or any Delkin authorized retailer.
 
Adorama carries Delkin's new CF 1050X Cinema Cards.

From Sigma:
 
Sigma Optimization Pro 1.1:
 
Even after the update of lens firmware, this updated version of software will allow customers to secure all the settings and adjustment values of AF and OS that are customized via the USB DOCK. Please update to Ver1.1 before operating firmware update of 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C013 and 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A012. When the latest version of SIGMA Optimization Pro is released, users of the previous version will be notified with a pop-up window when the software starts up with an internet connection.
 
Download: Sigma Optimization Pro 1.1: Windows | Macintosh
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Firmware 1.02:

• Refined AF algorithm to reduce the operating noise.
• Improved smoothness of AF as it starts up and stops.

* Please update to SIGMA Optimization Pro Ver1.1 before operating firmware update of 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A012.
 
You can download the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Firmware 1.02 via Optimization Pro 1.1.
 
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Firmware 1.01:

• Improved stability of the Optical Stabilizer's operation.
• Refined AF algorithm to reduce the operating noise.

* Please update to SIGMA Optimization Pro Ver1.1 before operating firmware update of 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C013.
 
You can download the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Firmware 1.01 via Optimization Pro 1.1.
 
Adorama carries the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM, Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM and the USB Dock.

Digital Photo Professional 3.13.45 and EOS Utility 2.13.25 are now available for download. (thanks Marco)
 
From Canon USA:
 
Changes from Digital Photo Professional 3.13.0 Updater for Windows:

• Supports images taken with EOS 70D, EOS Kiss X7 / EOS Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D, PowerShot G16, PowerShot S120.
• Supports new lens (EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM, EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X, EF-M 11-22mm f4-5.6 IS STM).
• The accuracy of the white balance in M-RAW and S-RAW images has been improved.

Changes from EOS Utility 2.13.21 Updater for Windows :

• pport for EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM with lens optical correction.

Download
 
Digital Photo Professional 3.13.45: Windows | Macintosh
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