Canon, Nikon and Sony News for Oct 2014 Report News & Deals  ►

From the Canon Professional Network:

"Adobe now offers a Creative Cloud Photography bundle that includes Lightroom editing software and Photoshop CC for photographers who want to organise, edit, enhance and share their images via desktop or their mobile devices – this package currently comes bundled with Canon’s EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 6D DSLRs [in the UK]. In a four-part CPN series of articles and video tutorials Richard Curtis (a Principal Solutions Consultant in Digital Imaging for Adobe UK) will examine the workflow between Lightroom software and Photoshop CC to give you a good understanding of the benefits of working with both in tandem. In Part 2 of this series Richard Curtis focuses on the advanced use of Smart Objects for creating composite images within the Lightroom and Photoshop CC workflow and, in a special video, he explains how to create such composite images."

The video can be found on the Canon Professional Network.
 
Adobe's Photoshop Photography Program is only $9.99 per month (Photoshop CC + Lightroom).

B&H has the Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR with 18-135mm IS STM Lens in stock and ready for shipment.

Hampstead, Maryland – October 28, 2014 - OmegaBrandess is proud to announce the acquisition of the assets of the Gigapan hardware division of Gigapan Systems LLC.
 
Gigapan Systems of Portland, Oregon, manufactures Gigapan EPIC Robotic Mounts. GigaPan EPIC robotic mounts empower cameras to take hundreds, even thousands of photos, which are combined to create one highly detailed image with amazing depth and clarity.
 
OmegaBrandess is now in the process of transitioning the operation to their facility in Hampstead, MD where they plan to be in full production as soon as possible. OmegaBrandess will announce the product line at the Photo Plus Show this week at the Javits Center in NY.
 
Bringing Mars Rover Technology to Earth
 
The Gigapan EPIC series of panoramic photography equipment is based on the same technology employed by the Mars Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, to capture the incredible images of the red planet. Now everyone has the opportunity to use technology developed for Mars to take their own incredible images.
 
Gigapan was formed in 2008 as a commercial spin-off of successful research collaboration between a team of researchers at NASA and Carnegie Mellon University. The company’s mission has been to bring this powerful, high-resolution imaging capability to a broad audience.
 
Gigapan EPIC
 
EPIC robotic camera mounts make it fun and easy to capture incredibly high resolution images with almost any camera! Part of a fully integrated solution, EPIC robotic camera mounts work seamlessly with Gigapan Stitch software.
 
The Gigapan EPIC and EPIC 100 are compatible with a broad range of point-and-shoot cameras and small DSLRs to capture Gigapans, quickly and accurately. Light and compact, they are easy-to-use, and remarkably efficient. The EPIC Pro is designed to work with DSLR cameras and larger lenses, features advanced technology, and delivers stunning performance and precision. Strong enough to hold a camera and lens combination of up to 10 lbs, the EPIC Pro enables users to capture enormous panoramas with crisp, vivid detail.
 
How it Works
 
Simply attach your camera and the EPIC directs you through the steps to capture a gigapixel image. Set the upper left and lower right corners of your panorama and the EPIC automatically organizes the hundreds or even thousands of photos your camera will take into rows or columns. The robotic arm clicks away to capture amazing detail in a short amount of time.
 
B&H carries Gigapan products.

 
From the Canon Digital Learning Center:
 
Learn how to use the features and functions of the EOS 7D Mark II in these instructional tutorials, hosted by Canon Digital Learning Center Technical Advisor, Rudy Winston. These videos will give you the information you need to make the most of this camera, and hit the ground running in any shooting situation.
 
Tutorial Videos Include
 

• Taking advantage of the broad AF area coverage
• Utilize the functions in the intelligent viewfinder
• Controlling AI Servo AF to track your moving subjects
• Using the new Full HD video features in real life situations
• Controlling the look of your images with the new exposure control functions
• Fine tuning custom controls to get it to respond with certain features to the way you like it to work in your hand

B&H has the Canon EOS 7D Mark II available for preorder (with shipments starting today).

From DxO:
 
DxO OpticsPro 10 adds DxO ClearView, a spectacular new feature that eliminates haze, and improves its revolutionary PRIME denoising technology
 
October 29, 2014 – DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO OpticsPro 10, the new version of its flagship software that has been acclaimed numerous times for the unrivaled quality of its image processing. DxO OpticsPro 10 adds DxO ClearView, a new feature that eliminates atmospheric haze in a spectacular fashion. This new version also enhances the revolutionary PRIME denoising technology, DxO’s breakthrough noise reduction approach that can improve image quality of up to one full stop over the best noise reduction algorithms currently on the market.
 
DxO OpticsPro leverages DxO Lab’s rigorous scientific calibration of camera equipment, now including over 20,000 camera and lens combinations. Based on this proprietary data, DxO OpticsPro is able to offer the most powerful tools for processing RAW and JPEG images: unequaled optical corrections, intelligent optimization of exposure and contrast, and preservation of colors and details. Its many presets allow photographers to adapt the processing to suit their tastes, and to bring out the best in their photos in just a few clicks.
 
More accessible than ever, DxO OpticsPro 10 is available in two new editions – ESSENTIAL and ELITE – for both Mac and PC, starting from $129/£99/129€.
 
New DxO ClearView feature
The new exclusive DxO ClearView feature automatically eliminates the phenomenon of atmospheric haze visible in many landscape photos, as well as the smog often present in urban images. Based on a powerful algorithm, DxO ClearView analyzes the color components of each pixel and locally improves the image contrast.
 
“Due to its physical nature, the phenomenon of haze increases with the distance between the camera and the subject. That’s why DxO OpticsPro establishes a kind of depth map of the image scene and removes the impression of grey veil only when necessary” explains Frédéric Guichard, Chief Scientist Officer of DxO Labs. He adds: “The correction is local and completely automatic, making it unnecessary to draw areas by hand or to create a graduated filter.”
 
The results are spectacular: in just one click, the contrast in the image is instantly improved and faded colors are revived. For expert photographers, the intensity of the effect can be modified, so as to tailor the correction to the individual taste of each photographer.
 
Revolutionary PRIME technology optimized
Designed to achieve optimal image quality, DxO OpticsPro 10’s revolutionary PRIME (Probabilistic Raw IMage Enhancement) denoising technology has been improved to reveal more details and further optimized to increase speed, with processing time up to 4 times faster! In addition, the interface of the Noise reduction palette has been improved and provides a larger area for previewing denoising.
 
A DxO exclusive, PRIME denoising technology is based on a thorough analysis of the structure of an image in order to differentiate between noise and fine details. For each pixel, nearly a thousand neighboring pixels are studied to identify the similarities and recombine information. This ultra-high-quality denoising brings spectacular results: textures, details, and color saturation are preserved, particularly in shadows, even in images shot at very high sensitivities.
 
DxO Smart Lighting and DxO Lens Softness optimization
The exclusive DxO Smart Lighting feature optimizes the contrast over the entire image by intelligently adapting to its contents. Improved in DxO OpticsPro 10, it now offers a better rendering in automatic mode, thanks to a more detailed analysis of the scene content. In manual mode, the Selective tone sliders act even more precisely: information that one thought was lost in the dark or burnt zones are better restored, even in cases of strong backlighting.
 
With its precise knowledge of lens performance, DxO OpticsPro’s exclusive DxO Lens Softness tool harmonizes the sharpness of photos from the center to the edges, giving images exceptional crispness, regardless of shooting conditions. It performs with fewer artifacts than the previous version, as well as preserves colors better, to provide even stronger visual accents. Default color accentuation has also been increased to obtain even sharper images.
 
The power of DxO ViewPoint’s geometrical corrections applied to RAW files
DxO OpticsPro 10 can now integrate DxO ViewPoint’s powerful geometrical corrections. After the DxO ViewPoint plugin is activated, a dedicated palette lets photographers directly correct perspective problems and volume deformation in RAW and JPEG images. The dedicated DxO ViewPoint palette includes all the same visual tools as the standalone application version.
 
Even more comfort and productivity
The DxO OpticsPro interface has evolved once again. The White Balance and Dust Correction tools can now be used in full-screen mode for greater comfort and precision. The image browser has been simplified and the overall design of the interface has been revised.
 
More powerful than ever before, DxO Optics Pro has sped up its boot speed (x1.5), paired with a much faster file loading sped (x10) on both Mac and Windows for immediate access to images.
 
Finally, DxO OpticsPro 10 now supports DNG files converted using Lightroom or Adobe DNG Converter (so long as the original RAW file is also supported), for an easier workflow with Adobe products
 
New editions and new prices
DxO OpticsPro 10 is now accessible via two new editions, ESSENTIAL and ELITE, both of which support all of the equipment calibrated by DxO. The two editions differ in terms of the number of features available. Check out the feature comparison list for complete details.
 
The two editions of DxO OpticsPro 10 are available at even more attractive prices:
DxO OpticsPro 10 ESSENTIAL Edition - $129.00 (versus $169.00 for the previous version)
DxO OpticsPro 10 ELITE Edition - $199.00 (versus $299.00 for the previous version)
 
Availability and special introductory offer
The ESSENTIAL and ELITE editions of DxO OpticsPro 10 for Mac and PC are immediately available at photo resellers.
 
Photographers who purchased DxO OpticsPro 9 on or after September 1, 2014, are entitled to a free upgrade to version 10. All users who upgrade to DxO OpticsPro 10 ELITE Edition are entitled to a free copy of DxO ViewPoint 1.0.
 
B&H carries DXO OpticsPro 10.

Image quality, vignetting, flare and distortion test results along with specs, measurements and standard product images have been added to the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens Review page.
 
B&H has the new Nikon 20mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens in stock.

From Epson:
 
Epson SureColor P600 Leverages Next-Generation Epson UltraChrome HD Ink to Deliver Exhibition-Quality Prints with Unprecedented Black Density
 
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Oct. 28, 2014 – Epson today announced the industry’s most advanced 13-inch photo printer – the Epson SureColor P600. Designed for creative professionals, fine artists, and advanced amateur and pro photographers, the SureColor P600 combines an advanced MicroPiezo AMC printhead with next-generation Epson UltraChrome HD pigment inks driven by enhanced AccuPhotoTM HD imaging technology to produce exhibition-quality black-and-white prints with never before seen pigment black density and stunningly vivid color prints.
 
“The Epson SureColor P600 was designed to not only meet, but exceed the capabilities of today’s exceptional digital image captures by producing prints with the superior level of quality our customers have come to expect,” said Larry Kaufman, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America. “With the advent of next-generation Epson UltraChrome HD inks and unrivaled fine art and roll paper support, the Epson SureColor P600 is poised to represent the new benchmark in desktop photographic printing.”
 
Advanced media handling, including a front-in and front-out paper path, enables borderless photos with exceptional clarity and sharpness up to 13”x19” on a wide variety of glossy, matte and fine art papers, while improved roll paper support allows for breathtaking panoramas over 10 feet long for Windows and Mac users. In addition, custom images can be created and printed directly onto canvas, art boards and CD/DVDs.
 
The Epson SureColor P600 also offers new ease-of use features and capabilities, such as a 3.5-inch tilting color LCD and touch panel and unparalleled connectivity options for its class, making it easy to print from a home office or studio via USB, Wireless n1, Wi-Fi Direct, or wired Ethernet. High-capacity individual 25.9-mililiter ink cartridges with an innovative Save Ink auto-switching Mode between Photo and Matte Black inks is also available to drive productivity.
 
Designed to provide unmatched performance, exhibition quality and professional media support, the Epson SureColor P600 offers several innovative features, including:
 

• Epson UltraChrome HD Ink: Industry leading professional eight-color ink set delivers rich color and a black density never before seen from a pigment ink. Built on Epson’s heritage of professional ink technology, this ink set offers instant color stability and exceptional print permanence ratings for color and black-and-white prints. Three-level Black ink technology simultaneously uses Black, Light Black and Light Light Black ink for richer blacks and unsurpassed gray balance.
• Advanced Media Handling: The SureColor P600 features three paper paths, including a high-capacity, cut-sheet feeder; a single-sheet, front-in, front-out thick paper path for fine art media up to 1.3 mm thick; and a rear-mounted 2-inch core roll feeder. Allows users to print full-bleed, borderless cut-sheet prints up to 13”x19” on a wide variety of photographic and fine art paper, including Epson’s line of Signature Worthy papers. It also offers enhanced roll paper printing up to 129-inches long for both Mac and Windows users, for gorgeous panoramas, as well as CD/DVD printing.
• AccuPhoto HD Image Technology: Created in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Munsell Color Science Laboratory, this complex mathematical architecture and advanced screening technology ensures precision placement of each individual ink droplet for smooth, grain-free images. This technology optimizes ink usage to maximize color gamut and provide smooth transitions and gradations, and reduces the metameric index to achieve consistent color under different lighting conditions.
• MicroPiezo AMC Printhead: The eight-channel, high-precision printhead produces a maximum resolution of 5670 x 1440 optimized dpi and variable-sized droplets as small as two picoliters and places them with precision and accuracy. For decreased maintenance and increased reliability, the printhead also incorporates an ink repellent coating.
• Intelligent High-Capacity Ink System: Nine individual 25.9 ml ink cartridges with pressurized ink technology ensures reliable ink delivery at all print speeds.
• Auto-Switching Black Inks: The Epson SureColor P600 automatically switches between Photo and Matte black inks to produce the deepest blacks and richest color on glossy, matte or fine art media, and an innovative Save Ink Mode uses less ink when switching from Matte Black to Photo Black.
• Unparalleled Connectivity: Built-in 100 Mbit Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless n1 and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 provide flexible options for fast connectivity to multiple computers in a home or studio.
• Advanced Black-and-White Photo Mode: Professionals can choose from one of four pre-set modes – neutral, warm, cool, or sepia – for stunning neutral or toned black-and-white prints. This feature provides intuitive and consistent control through custom slider bars and a color tone wheel for advanced tone adjustment. In addition, customized settings can be saved and recalled to achieve consistent prints, and using the optional downloadable Epson Print Layout software, users can automatically preview personal images with the selected settings.

Pricing, Availability and Support
 
The Epson SureColor P600 will be demonstrated for the first time in North America at PhotoPlus Expo (booth #701), taking place Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, and will be available for purchase in Q1 2015 through authorized resellers for $799 (MSRP). The printer is supported by a one-year whole-unit exchange limited warranty plan and specialized technical support staff.
 
B&H carries Epson printers.

The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens Review page has been updated with my expectations for this lens. The bottom line is that I expect the EF-S 24 to become one of Canon's most popular lenses in a very short period of time.
 
This is a lens that everyone can afford. B&H is accepting preorders with expected availability listed as November 2014.

From Phottix:
 
U.S. introduction of Indra500 delivers new levels of power and versatility for professional photographers whether on location or in the studio
 
New York, NY (October 28, 2014) – Phottix announces the versatile new Phottix Indra500, a powerful 500 Watt-second Studio Flash designed with essential features that any on-the-go photographer will appreciate. Significant among these features is its built-in TTL Flash Triggering operation designed for use with both Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras, thanks to its award-winning Phottix Odin TTL Flash Trigger technology.
 
The new Indra500 TTL Light also features High Speed Sync up to 1/8000 second and 8 stops of versatile power adjustment from full-power to 1/128 power. Significantly too the flexible Indra500 can be powered by either a Li-ion Battery or an AC Adapter, making this new light perfect for use in the studio or on location.
 
“Having High Speed Sync on a studio light is a game changer for helping photographers control ambient light,” said Phottix CEO Steve Peer. “We’re very happy with the Indra500 TTL because it provides photographers with a lot of power and many control options.”
 
Features:
 

• 500Ws Studio Light
• TTL, Manual and Stroboscopic Modes
• High Speed Sync – 1/8000s shutter speeds
• Second Curtain Sync
• Adjust +/- 3 EV
• Manual Power 1/128 to Full Power in 1/3 Stops
• Wireless Radio Power Control with Phottix Odin and Mitros+ systems
• Odin for Canon and Nikon Receivers Built in
• Phottix Strato II Receiver Built in
• LED Modeling Light
• Battery and AC Adapter Powered
• 400 full-power shots when using 5000 mAh Indra Battery Pack, 2 second recycle times

The Phottix Indra500 TTL was developed for photographers on the move. Developed with input from some of the industries biggest names, the Indra500 TTL packs a lot of punch for its 4 lbs. 10.1 ounces weight.
 
Use TTL to shoot during fast moving events like weddings. Shoot on-location, under harsh sun and control ambient light with high-speed sync. Shoot wide-open with shutter speeds up to 1/8000s. The built-in Phottix Odin Receiver for Canon and Nikon makes the Indra500 TTL easy to control and trigger.
 
The Indra500 TTL offers 8 stops of power adjustment – from full power to 1/128 – perfect for overcoming midday sun or adding just a hint of light when shooting with large apertures. TTL exposures can be adjusted in +/- 3 EV levels.
 
High Speed and Second Curtain Sync
Traditional studio lights have limited shutter speeds to 1/200-1/250s. On location these speeds make balancing ambient light a challenge, having to sacrifice desired depth of field to get proper exposure. With the Phottix Indra500 TTL’s High Speed Sync function photographers can shoot at speeds up to 1/8000s, allowing wider apertures while still being able to control ambient light.
 
The Indra500 TTL’s Second Curtain Sync Functions brings untold functionality to the table. Photographers can’t do that with a traditional studio light. Flash bracketing and flash exposure lock can all be used to help get that perfect shot. With Stroboscopic Mode, the Phottix Indra can be used for special effects and creative images with flash frequency of 1-100HZ and flash count of 1-100 times.
 
Built-in triggering
The Phottix Indra500 TTL has the power and control of the award-winning Phottix Odin TTL Flash Trigger inside. Switch between TTL and Manual modes, adjust EV and manual power levels, use high speed sync and second curtain sync, all from the Phottix Odin TCU or Mitros+ Flash unit. With the Phottix Odin receivers for Canon and Nikon built-in, no extra hardware is needed.
 
Phottix Strato II users can also trigger the Indra500 TTL. With a Strato II receiver built into the Indra, Strato II transmitters can trigger the studio light in manual mode. An optical slave mode is also available. A 3.5mm sync port rounds out the Phottix Indra’s triggering offerings – it’s compatible with most major triggering systems.
 
Battery Pack and AC Adapter
The new Indra series from Phottix offers cutting-edge accessories for both the Indra500 TTL Studio Light and Mitros series flashes, starting with the Indra Battery Pack and AC Adapter. The Indra Battery Pack provides a lot of power in a compact unit. When used with the Indra500 TTL Studio Light it allows photographers to shoot 340 full power shots. Its dual power ports can power two Indra500 TTL Studio Lights simultaneously, perfect for on-location work.
 
The Battery Pack’s LED display provides instant visual feedback on power remaining in the 5000 mAh or 10000 mAh cells. The Battery Pack’s USB charging port allows for easy charging of smart phones or tablets. The Indra Battery Pack can also power hot shoe flashes. With cables compatible for Phottix, Canon, Nikon or Sony flashes, the battery pack offer ultra-fast flash recycle times for small flashes.
 
The Indra AC Adapter can power two Indra500 TTL studio lights in 110 or 220V environments – great for studio use, and provides added functionality for flashes – super-fast recycle times.
 
The Indra AC Adapter can also feed AC power directly into hot shoe flashes for lightning fast recharge times. Battery power is no longer an issue. The perfect accessory for using hot shoe flashes in the studio.
 
The Indra series of products is part of Phottix’s new PhottixPro line-up of products. PhottixPro products will be the company’s most innovative and technologically advanced.
 
The Indra500 TTL Studio Light, Indra Battery Pack and Indra AC Adapter will be available in October 2014. Indra500 TTL Light and Battery Set will be priced at $1295 USD.
 
B&H has the Phottix Indra500 TTL Light available for preorder.

 
From the Profoto YouTube Channel:
 
On October 22, Profoto and Jared Platt did a live webinar on how to use light as an element in real weddings. Did you miss it? Don't worry.The webinar was recorded and is now available as a video.
 
B&H carries Profoto products.

I have loaded the Canon EOS 7D Mark II Review page with my expectations for this highly-anticipated, feature-packed DSLR camera model.
 
B&H is accepting preorders for the Canon EOS 7D Mark II with availability currently slated for October 30th.

From Nikon:
 
Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that its flagship digital SLR camera, the Nikon D4S, supports the next-generation, high-speed Ver. 2.0 specification for XQD memory cards.
 
XQD Ver. 2.0 is a next-generation specification for XQD memory cards announced by the CompactFlash Association (CFA) on February 13, 2014. This new specification enables faster read and write rates than does the current XQD specification. The new specification also uses a dual interface, PCIe Gen2 and USB 3.0 format, making it easier to use with computer devices including card readers, and allowing for high-speed transfer of images to a computer.
 
Sony G series XQD memory cards announced on September 12, 2014 will support the XQD Ver. 2.0 specification.
 
Support for the XQD Ver. 2.0 specification by the Nikon D4S enables faster write times, as well as the ability to capture more shots with continuous shooting, when XQD Ver. 2.0 memory cards are used.
 
Though the Nikon D4 does not support this new specification, mutual compatibility between current XQD memory cards and XQD Ver. 2.0 memory cards means that the same level of performance available with current XQD cards is possible when XQD Ver. 2.0 memory cards are used with the D4.
 
B&H carries the Nikon D4s DSLR camera.

Canon has released its financial results for the third quarter of 2014. We suggest checking out the easy-to-understand, graphically-enhanced Presentation Material.
 

• Presentation Material for 3Q 2014 (PDF)
• Results for 3Q 2014 (PDF)

Time spent in front of Art Wolfe can be expected to be time well spent for any photographer. Paying the regular/full $25 price to hear Art's wisdom and insights sounds like a great deal to me, but we have been provided with coupon code that reduces the price of Art's upcoming Composition, Technique and Impact webinar to an amazing deal price of only $7.00 (with this site still receiving support from your signup).
 
On Nov 3rd at 9:00 PM Eastern (6:00 PM Pacific), Art will present live on the following topics:
 

• How to capture more compelling compositions
• How to improve your technique
• 5 ways to shoot with more impact
• Questions and Answers
• Photo Review of 20 Submissions

To take advantage of this educational opportunity and great deal, navigate to PhotographyWebinars.com (using this link) and use coupon code thedigitalpicture. The site includes a warning indicating that "Space is limited and these LIVE trainings always fill up, so RSVP today to reserve your spot." I signed up.
 
 
Here is the official press release:
 
Art Wolfe Hosts Live Composition, Technique and Impact Webinar November 3rd, 6PM PST
 
Art Wolfe will be hosting a live webinar where he will share actionable insight and experience on how to capture more compelling compositions, improve technique and how to achieve more impact in each photograph.
 
Seattle, Washington – October 27, 2014 - Acclaimed outdoor photographer Art Wolfe will be hosting a live webinar event on Monday, November 3rd 2014.
 
PhotographyWebinars.com is holding the event on Monday, November 3rd at 6:00PM PST. The event will have limited availability and will cost $25 to attend live. Photographers can RSVP by visiting PhotographyWebinars.com.
 
“I couldn’t be more excited to share actionable insights with photographers around the world. I’m going to talk about composition, technique, strategies for getting more impact out of your photographs and a whole lot more. At the end I’ll also be answering questions and reviewing 20 photographs submitted by viewers.”
 
For more information, updates or to RSVP, visit the PhotographyWebinars.com website:
 
Website: PhotographyWebinars.com
 
Again, be sure to use coupon code thedigitalpicture.