Canon and Sony News for Mar 2014

Just posted: Canon EOS Rebel T5 / 1200D DSLR Camera Review

While experienced DSLR photographers are not going to find this new camera too drool-worthy, the T5 is a very nice upgrade from the Rebel T3 / 1100D. Highlights include a higher resolution imaging sensor, a larger/higher resolution LCD, significantly improved video capabilities and a rubberized grip surface.

From Profoto:

Profoto releases the first firmware upgrade for the B1 off-camera flash and the AirTTL system, enabling TTL metering with Canon EOS-1D X.

When launched in November 2013, the Profoto B1 off-camera flash caused such a buzz in the photographic community that the company’s website crashed. The B1 was the world’s first cordless monolight with TTL. The words “game changer” have appeared in reviews and forums ever since.

The TTL metering is made possible with Profoto’s patent-pending AirTTL system. Already at launch Profoto promised to continuously update the AirTTL system. One of the most frequently requested features is TTL metering with Canon’s flagship model: the Canon EOS-1D X. Today, this feature is made available free of charge through an easily installed firmware upgrade.

Note that it is not the B1 off-camera flash itself that needs to be upgraded; it is the small radio transmitter that is mounted on the Canon camera’s hot shoe: the Air Remote TTL-C.The process is very simple:

1. Go to www.profoto.com/support.
2. Sign in with an existing My Profoto account or create a new one.
3. Register your B1 and your Air Remote TTL-C.
4. Download the upgrade.
5. Open the software and follow the simple instructions. That is it. You can do all of this without having to contact a service station.

“Enabling photographers to do the upgrades themselves is a great step in our quest for providing Profoto users with the best in class customer support,” says Göran Marén, Product Manager at Profoto. “This is something we will strive to provide for all new products.”

This is the first of many planned upgrades for the B1 off-camera flash and the AirTTL system. Profoto is currently working on a firmware upgrade for high-speed sync (HSS). Profoto is also busy developing the new Air Remote TTL-N that will enable TTL metering with Nikon cameras. Both the HSS upgrade and the Air Remote TTL-N are expected to be released in 2014.

B&H carries the Profoto B1 Off-Camera Flash.

Update from Profoto: As some of you might have noted, the firmware upgrade we released on Mar 31 contains a bug that causes the B1 to get stuck at full power. The bug only appears when shooting in TTL mode with Canon EOS-1D X, but considering today's announcement, that is more than enough to remove it from our site.

The short, non-technical explanation for the bug is: we were too eager and didn't test the upgrade properly. For that we are sorry.

Rest assure that we're now working hard to fix this problem. Vacations have been cancelled, the coffee is brewing, and we will get back to you as soon as we can with an update.

For the meantime, it is not possible to download the firmware upgrade from the Profoto site.

Those of you who do not shoot with Canon EOS-1D X will not notice this bug, regardless if you've performed the upgrade or not. Everything will work just fine.

From Nikon:

With regard to the issue with which multiple granular black spots are reflected in images captured with the D600 digital SLR camera, Nikon sincerely apologizes for any concern and inconvenience suffered by D600 users, retailers, and all concerned.

Because Nikon takes this matter very seriously, we will continue to offer users of the D600 a special service with which cameras are inspected, cleaned, and if necessary, shutter and related components are replaced free of charge, even after the product warranty has expired. However, if a number of multiple granular black spots are still noticeable in images captured with a D600 upon which the above service has been performed several times, Nikon will replace it with a new D600 or an equivalent model.

Nikon will continue to work to improve the quality of its products and services even further.

We hope that you will continue to choose Nikon products for your photographic needs.

For more information, please see:
Products & Support—Imaging Products

Because they make awesome products for the adventure-minded photographer, MindShift Gear is the latest affiliate to be added to the site. We have a rotation180° Professional in-house for evaluation and we're pretty impressed by it.

MindShift Gear is the sister company to Think Tank Photo, so that we are impressed with their camera backpacks and accessories is really no surprise.

Kudos to MindShift Gear for winning a prestigious Red Dot Award for its rotation180° Panorama backpack.

I posted a Canon EOS Rebel T5 / 1200D ISO Noise Comparison to the site.

Use this page to compare the high ISO noise of the Rebel T5 / 1200D to eight different Canon DSLR cameras. Decide with your own eyes if Canon has pushed the APS-C image quality boundary with this brand new camera model.

From Datacolor:

Datacolor Webinars Offer Ideas for Managing Digital Workflow and Step-by-Step Techniques to Produce High Quality Digital Images

Lawrenceville, NJ – March 27, 2014 –– Datacolor, a global leader in color management solutions, today announced its Spring 2014 line-up of free color management webinars. The webinars will cover important topics in the photo and video industry with the help of notable sponsors including, Plura Broadcast, Macphun Software, X-Shot, Wacom, PhotoshopCAFE and Hunt’s Photo & Video.

The webinars will include an interactive question and answer format, allowing participants to communicate directly with the speakers to get first-hand advice about video reference display calibration and photo and video editing techniques. Registered attendees will receive discount codes for Spyder products and/or products from co-sponsors, as well as automatic entry for a chance to win products from Datacolor Spyder or co-sponsors. Each webinar will be hosted by David Saffir, Datacolor expert and noted landscape and fine art photographer.

“As the video and photo industries continue to converge, Datacolor recognizes the need to provide users with tools and techniques that can be easily integrated into their digital workflows,” said David Tobie. “From calibrating video reference displays to mastering time lapse photography, our Spring 2014 webinar series is designed to provide photographers and videographers of all levels with information about the tools needed to achieve the most accurate color and editing results while ultimately improving their workflow.”

Datacolor Spring 2014 webinar series to include:

• April 1, 2014 2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT: Video Reference Display Calibration – (Co-sponsor: Plura Broadcast)
• April 16, 2014 2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT: Landscape Image Editing and Enhancement: New Editing Tools for Photoshop and Lightroom 5 – (Co-sponsor: Macphun Software)
• May 7, 2014 2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT: Extend your Photography – (Co-sponsor: X-Shot)
• May 20, 2014 2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT: Calibration for the Capture Stage of the Digital Workflow – (Co-sponsor: Hunt’s Photo & Video)
• June 3, 2014 2:-00 – 3:00 pm EDT: Fundamentals of Image Editing – Using Layer Masks for Compositing in Photoshop – (Co-sponsor: Wacom)
• June 12, 2014 2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT: Time-lapse Photography – The Move from Still to Motion – (Co-sponsor: PhotoshopCAFE)

Register now at spyder.datacolor.com/freewebinars.

B&H carries Datacolor products.

From ZEISS:

ZEISS is launching the Compact Zoom CZ.2 15-30/T2.9 at this year’s NAB Show in Las Vegas from April 7-10, 2014. The third member of the Compact Zoom family broadens the cine zoom line-up in the wide-angle range. From August 2014, the lens will be available for € 17,900 or US$ 23,900 (excl. VAT)*. The new zoom lens fills the wide-angle gap and complements the already available CZ.2 28-80/T2.9 and CZ.2 70-200/T2.9 lenses. It does not only offer extreme angles of view but also fulfills all the requirements for motion picture zooms: It stands out for its optical brilliance, as well as its distortion-free images.

The ZEISS Compact Zoom CZ.2 family of lenses sets new standards only experienced with fixed focal lengths from ZEISS. Equipped with this set of three zoom lenses, cinematographers can master an enormous range of shooting situations without having to resort to frequent time-consuming lens switches. For sophisticated filmmakers, the ZEISS cine zooms open up new creative possibilities. When working with a zoom lens, you can move a lot more quickly because you don’t have to change lenses and can make different shots from the same perspective.

The ZEISS Compact Zoom lenses are the only cine-style zooms in the world with full-frame coverage. All three zooms were calculated for the full-frame format of 36x24 mm. As a result, they are also compatible with image sensors larger than Super 35 (ex: image diagonal 31.5 mm) and therefore already ready to accommodate future developments in the field of growing sensor sizes. When the lenses are used on Super 35 cameras, users benefit from the positive “sweet-spot effect”: the image circle used by the sensor comes from the inner circle of the lens. As a result, the lens only uses that part of the illumination that has the highest quality in terms of sharpness, light and contrast. In line with the reliable and strict quality requirements that ZEISS lenses are subject to, all three representatives of the Compact Zoom family enable 4K capture.

The cine zooms from ZEISS are masters of flexibility whenever the goal is to achieve high-quality results with little lens changes. The optical balancing between ZEISS cine zooms on the one hand and ZEISS high-end cine lenses on the other fulfills filmmakers’ highest demands, whether they are making big-screen, TV, documentary, music video productions or feature films. All three zooms have a consistent aperture of T2.9, also making them suitable for situations with less available light. And thanks to the established ZEISS color matching, the lenses can be used in combination with the existing lens families ARRI/ZEISS Master Prime, ARRI/ZEISS Ultra Prime and ZEISS Compact Prime, with no additional color grading needed.

Over many years, ZEISS has been continuing to develop the bokeh – that special look of an out-of-focus area in an image. After all, bokeh is one of the most important characteristics of a lens. With special optical design and circular f-stop forms, ZEISS zooms here achieve a particularly harmonious result and depict out-of-focus highlights as circular without any bothersome artifacts. In addition, the Carl Zeiss T* coating – based on several layers in the nano field – ensures a visible reduction of stray light and reflections. The result: brilliant images with a three-dimensional effect.

A special protection against dust and spray water for rough use on the set underscores the high professional standard of these cine lenses.

The cine zooms from ZEISS deliver the well-known quality and performance for which ZEISS lenses have been known for decades. For cinematographers on smaller budgets in particular, it is critical to make safe investments in their equipment. On this point, the Compact Zoom CZ.2 lenses stand out strongly: due to the interchangeable mount system (IMS), with currently five different mounts (PL, EF, F, MFT und E), the lenses can be fitted without problems onto different camera mounts. As a result, the zooms can always be used on the latest camera models, and always in an optimal system mix.

All three lenses – the new Compact Zoom CZ.2 15-30/T2.9, the CZ.2 28-80/T2.9 and the CZ.2 70-200/T2.9 – will also be available as a complete set (without transport case) for € 44,999 € or US$ 59,900 (excl. VAT)*.

B&H carries ZEISS lenses.

From X-Rite:

North White Plains, NY – March 27, 2014 – X-Rite Photo Marketing announces a free April 2014 webinar that has been developed to address specific photography and color management topics. This webinar entitled “Using Lightroom to Process and Improve Your Photos” is designed to appeal to both professional and serious amateur photographers.

California-based photographer, author, educator and X-Rite Coloratti Chris Orwig who has a reputation for bringing practical experience, technical expertise and passion to the teaching he provides will lead the April webinar. Using his own images from start to finish, Chris will highlight how photographers can use an X-Rite ColorChecker Passport with Adobe Lightroom, to make better photographs. Attendees of this live webinar will also have the opportunity to ask questions of Chris Orwig.

Here are some specifics of what will be discussed:

• Lightroom New Features
• Working with Catalogs and backing up your work
• Creating Custom Profiles with the ColorChecker Passport
• Organizing with the Library Module
• Enhancing your photographs with Develop Module
• Crafting expressive photographs
• Lightroom Workflow from start to finish

“The April X-Rite webinar featuring Photographer Chris Orwig covers a wide range of information and topics including digital workflow and color management. This solid foundation knowledge is important and should be of great interest to all serious photographers,” said Joshua Fischer, Product Marketing Manager, X-Rite Photo Marketing. “Learning from photographers like Chris Orwig who are both creative and technically proficient, should be on every photographer’s bucket list.”

Webinar Schedule

Date: Friday April 11, 2104
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm EDT
Title: Using Lightroom to Process and Improve Your Photos
Presenter: Photographer Chris Orwig

B&H carries X-Rite color calibration products.

Adorama has the Tokina Cinema Lenses available for preorder. The lenses are scheduled to ship next month.

Lenses Available for Preorder

• Tokina Cinema AT-X 16-28mm T3.0 Lens
• Tokina Cinema AT-X 11-16mm T3.0 Lens

From Canon:

TOKYO, Japan, March 27, 2014—Canon Inc. today announced that the Company's interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and compact-system cameras) have maintained the No. 1 share worldwide in terms of volume within the interchangeable-lens digital camera market for the 11-year period from 2003 to 2013.

In addition to the interchangeable lenses, Canon also develops the key components—the CMOS image sensors and image processors—employed in its interchangeable-lens cameras. The most advanced of these technologies are incorporated in the Company's flagship EOS-1D series. By applying these technologies to other models as well, Canon has successfully created a powerful product lineup that effectively responds to the needs of a wide range of users, from professionals to entry-level users, which has enabled Canon to maintain the top global share.

In 2003, the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D Digital in other regions). This compact and lightweight user-friendly camera set the stage for growth in the digital SLR market and captured the top share of the global market. Since that time, Canon, in its ongoing pursuit of high image quality, has launched a number of models for advanced-amateur users that offer among the highest levels of performance for their class, including the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording.

In 2013, targeting entry-level users, Canon launched the EOS Kiss X7 (EOS Rebel SL1 or EOS 100D), which combines the world’s smallest and lightest digital SLR camera body with exceptional basic performance, and the EOS M2 compact-system camera, featuring significantly enhanced autofocusing performance. Also, within the advanced-amateur user segment, the Company introduced the EOS 70D, equipped with innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus technology, which has earned high praise from the market. These robust products provided the driving force enabling Canon to achieve its 11th straight year as the world’s market leader.

Additionally, in February 2014, Canon realized another industry milestone as cumulative production of EOS-series film and digital cameras surpassed the 70-million unit mark. Furthermore, during the first half of 2014, cumulative production of Canon EF-series interchangeable lenses for EOS cameras is on track to reach 100 million units. Underpinning these achievements is the high market share that Canon has maintained, made possible through the long-standing support dating back to the film camera era that the Company has received from its wide user base.

With a history of producing cameras that dates back to the Company's founding in 1937, Canon will continue refining its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce exceptional and reliable lenses and cameras that cater to the varying needs of photographers—from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals—while contributing to expanding the photographic and video imaging culture.

From Canon:

TOKYO, Japan, March 27, 2014 — Canon Inc. today celebrated a camera-manufacturing milestone as combined production of the Company's compact digital and interchangeable-lens digital cameras surpassed 250 million units on January 31, 2014.

Canon, a company that has continuously produced cameras since its founding in 1937, began producing and marketing digital cameras in the mid 1990s. In 1995, when film cameras were still the norm, Canon launched its first digital camera, the professional-model EOS DCS 3* digital SLR camera.

At the time, compact cameras were leading the digital shift within the camera industry. In 1996, Canon announced its market entry with the introduction of the PowerShot 600, the Company's first compact digital camera. In 2000, amid the market's rapid growth, Canon launched the IXY DIGITAL (PowerShot S100 or DIGITAL IXUS in markets outside of Japan), featuring a ground-breaking compact, stylish body design that set the trend for compact digital cameras.

Subsequent models released by the Company reflected the diverse evolution of compact digital cameras with models becoming increasingly compact and lightweight, achieving higher sensitivity, incorporating more enhanced automatic functions, and realizing greater network connectivity. This evolution fueled robust growth as Canon's cumulative production of compact digital cameras surpassed the 100-million-unit mark in 2008, and broke through the 200-million-unit threshold in December 2013. Aiming to further extend its production volume, in 2014 Canon launched a new lineup of compact digital cameras that let users enjoy high value-added photography, including the PowerShot G1 X Mark II, designed to deliver the highest levels of imaging performance, and the new-concept-model PowerShot N100.

As for interchangeable-lens digital cameras, while the market in the mid 1990s had consisted primarily of professional models, with the start of the 2000s, the segment rapidly took off. In 2000, Canon launched the EOS D30, developed as a "next-generation standard digital SLR camera" to satisfy the needs of a wide user base, from advanced photo enthusiasts to professional users. In 2003, Canon again led the market with the introduction of the entry-level-model EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D), which set the stage for dramatic expansion of the market.

Since that time, Canon has successively launched innovative products that capitalize on the Company's strengths in CMOS sensors, image processors and EF lenses, such as the professional-model EOS-1 series and EOS 5D series targeting advanced-amateur users, as well as the compact-camera-system EOS M series. As a result, in 2005, production of Canon interchangeable-lens digital cameras reached 25 million units and, in February 2014, surpassed 50 million units. Among the new products worthy of note that contributed to the realization of this milestone were the EOS 70D, featuring innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus technology, and the entry-level EOS Kiss X7 (EOS Rebel SL1 or EOS 100D), which combines a ground-breaking compact, lightweight body design with advanced basic performance.

Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce exceptional and reliable cameras and lenses that cater to the varying needs of photographers—from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals—while contributing to expanding the culture of photographic and video imaging.

* The EOS DCS 3, jointly developed by Canon and Eastman Kodak, was also sold under the Kodak brand.

The video for the Gulf Photo Plus 2014 Shootout was finally posted yesterday. In it, relative newcomer Sara Lando squares off against veteran Zack Arias. Special guest host is none other than the Strobist himself - David Hobby.

Watch how each contestant tackles, or in Zack's case – completely ignores (with good reason) – the competition's theme, H2O.

If you're unfamiliar with Gulf Photo Plus, here's a quick rundown:

"[Gulf Photo Plus 2014] is the region's biggest & only photography festival bringing the world's best photographers and instructors to Dubai to share their knowledge and experience with the Middle East and Africa's professional and amateur photography community. The dates for the 2014 event are 7th-14th March." - GulfPhotoPlus.com

If you have a Google+ account, please consider adding me to your circles: Bryan Carnathan.

I have been uploading some of my favorite images in moderately-high resolution and will reply to any questions you have about those images or other topics.

Thanks!

You can also get this site's news feed in your Google+ account. Simply add The-Digital-Picture to your circles.

From Lowepro:

PETALUMA, Calif., March 25, 2014 — Lowepro, the product design company that builds protective, high-quality gear for photography, video and portable electronic devices, launches its Passport Series of soft-sided and modern camera bags: Passport Backpack, Passport Messenger and Passport Sling III.

“The Passport Series offers consumers a discreet and flexible way to carry their photo gear, along with a laptop or tablet and personal items,” said Tim Grimmer, Lowepro brand director. “The backpack, messenger and sling each include an impact-resistant and removable camera insert, so you can blend in with the crowd and feel confident your gear is protected.”

Impact-resistant Camera Insert
Protection and flexibility combine in the build of the impact-resistant camera insert. Padded and adjustable dividers allow you to fit anything from a CSC to a compact DSLR, plus an extra accessory, and keep your kit secure from bumps and abrasion. Lift out the insert and your bag becomes a fully functioning backpack, messenger or sling for the day.

CradleFit for Laptop/Tablet
The Passport Series features a new kind of protective space for carrying a laptop or tablet: a CradleFit pocket. It features classic Lowepro padding with floating-foam construction to suspend and protect a device within each Passport Series bag.

Three, Everyday Styles
Soft-sided and modern, the Passport Series takes inspiration from Lowepro’s original and everyday camera sling design. The series expands to include the next-generation sling, backpack and messenger – each suited to day trips or longer travel with a full set of convenient features and low-key, non-camera-bag style. Whichever styles consumers choose, they can use their Passport Series bag to keep a compact camera, go-to tablet and plenty of essentials protected and within easy reach.

Thoughtful Details
Convenient touches add to the everyday appeal of the Passport Series. Each bag includes an interior mesh zippered pocket and a built-in key clip to secure small items and quickly retrieve them.

The Passport Backpack features a zippered front organizer pocket, two tall side pockets for water bottles, plus a padded mesh backpad with contoured shoulder straps for a comfortable fit.

The Passport Messenger includes a front organizer pocket under the flap, a quick-grab handle for an extra carrying option, and an adjustable shoulder strap with a removable shoulder pad for customized comfort while wearing.

And the Passport Sling III includes an expandable compartment that allows the user to unzip and increase interior storage space by 30% – ideal for farmers market finds and souveniers. The sling also features an adjustable shoulder strap with removable shoulder pad.

• Passport Backpack fits: CSC or compact DSLR (such as Nikon D3200 with 18-55mm lens), extra lens or flash, 13? laptop or tablet, smartphone and personal items.
• Passport Messenger fits: CSC or compact DSLR (such as Nikon D3200 with 18-55mm lens), extra lens or flash, 13? laptop or tablet, smartphone and personal items.
• Passport Sling III fits: CSC or compact DSLR (such as Nikon D3200 with 18-55mm lens), extra lens or flash, tablet, smartphone and personal items.

Specs and U.S. MSRP for Passport Series camera bags:

• Passport Backpack is available in Black Interior Primary Camera Compartment (WxDxH): 10.2 x 4.9 x 6.9 in. / 26 x 12.5 x 17.5 cm Exterior (WxDxH) 11 x 7.3 x 15.6 in. / 28 x 18.5 x 39.5 cm Weight: 1.4 lbs. / 0.6 kg U.S. MSRP: $64.99
• Passport Messenger is available in Black and Grey/Orange Interior Primary Camera Compartment (WxDxH): 14.8 x 5.9 x 10.6 in. / 37.5 x 15 x 27 cm Exterior (WxDxH) 15.2 x 6.5 x 11.3 in. / 38.5 x 16.5 x 28.8 cm Weight: 1.1 lbs. / 0.5 kg U.S. MSRP: $69.99
• Passport Sling III is available in Black and Grey/Orange Interior Primary Camera Compartment (WxDxH): 4.1 x 7.5 x 7.5 in. / 10.5 x 19 x 19 cm Exterior (WxDxH) 5.7 x 17.3 x 16.1 in. / 14.5 x 44 x 41 cm Weight: 1.1 lbs. / 0.5 kg U.S. MSRP: $59.99

B&H carries the Lowepro Passport Series.

From Canon USA:

Highlights Include Shooting Galleries, Live Speaker Sessions, Extensive Lens Exhibits, Full On-Site DI Suite, Live 4K Broadcast Demonstrations, and the Canon Theater

MELVILLE, N.Y., March 26, 2014 - At the 2014 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will showcase its full line of professional, high definition imaging equipment for motion picture, television production, video content creation, and still photography at booth C4325. Within this year’s booth, Canon will feature a live 4K Workflow Demonstration where visitors will have the opportunity to interact with industry-leading colorists and editors in a 4K DI (Digital Intermediate) suite. Visitors will also have the opportunity to touch and try a range of Canon Cinema, HD Video and DSLR cameras and Broadcast HDTV lenses through various simulated shooting situations in three different shooting galleries centrally located in the Canon booth. Canon will also feature a 4K frame-grab demonstration where a professional photographer will utilize the Canon Cinema EOS-1D C camera to deliver still images from 4K video.

Canon will be showing a 4K Live Broadcast demonstration, highlighting how spectacular HD broadcast footage can be captured, digitally rendered and cropped for live-action broadcast coverage using Canon’s Cinema EOS equipment. Visitors to this demonstration will see, in real-time, the results and stunning coverage which have already been successfully used in the market in multiple high-speed productions, including live-action sports.

Throughout the 2014 NAB Show, Canon will host a series of unique stage presentations with renowned cinematographers, broadcast specialists, and filmmakers on the Live Learning Stage. These industry professionals will provide insight into the ever-changing field of optical and imaging technology and showcase their projects and works that were shot using Canon equipment, as well as share best practices and real-world applications for utilizing Canon technology.

Highlighting the Company’s strength and achievements in the realm of optical technologies, Canon will exhibit all 125 of its current EF, Cinema and BCTV lenses. This dedicated optics section of the booth will include technology displays to help educate visitors on the intricate systems that help make Canon lenses such powerful tools. Unique Canon lens applications and projects will also be highlighted, including such achievements as the Subaru telescope located in Hawaii. Visitors looking for a firsthand experience will be able to test and try various lenses on the Canon Lens Tower, a tiered platform allowing attendees to experience the power of Canon’s extensive lens lineup.

Exhibiting some of the recent artistry and award-winning footage shot on Canon Cinema EOS equipment, show attendees are welcome to enter a 90-seat Canon Theater to view spectacular footage and testimonials which illustrate HD, 2K and 4K projects including behind-the-scenes footage on how each project was captured.

Now available for purchase, the Canon DP-V3010 4K Reference Display will be featured throughout the booth, including the DI suite, where Canon will demonstrate how DP-V3010 4K Reference Displays match up to high-quality 4K projectors.

Professional cinematographers in need of a fast, easy way to print images for scene continuity or to preserve highlights of a recently completed project will appreciate the convenience and versatility of Canon’s photo-quality printers. Demonstrated in the Canon booth will be the 24-inch imagePROGRAF iPF6450 and the 44-inch imagePROGRAF iPF8400, large-format printers. The PIXMA PRO series of desktop inkjet printers will be on display, including the PIXMA PRO-1 Professional Inkjet Printer, PIXMA PRO-10, and PIXMA PRO-100 Wireless Professional Inkjet Printers. Also being shown is the SELPHY CP910 Wireless Compact Photo Printer.

Canon’s Pro Education Team will be hosting in-booth guest speaker seminars and off-floor workshops at the 2014 NAB Show. In-booth speakers will include cinematographer Suny Behar, Canon’s Larry Thorpe, director and photographer Vincent Laforet, Saturday Night Live DP Alex Buono, and filmmaker Amina Moreau. The aforementioned guest speakers have collaborated with Canon in the past to develop educational content, and will be conducting user-focused product and workflow demonstrations, as well as question and answer sessions with attendees.

On Tuesday, April 8th, Canon Live Learning (CLL) will be hosting two off-floor workshops in room N239. From 10:30am-12:30pm there will be the “Canon Small Chip Sensor Workshop.” Attendees will be invited to discover how to create and deliver near instant video production in the field and in the studio with the XA20, XA25 and VIXIA mini X video cameras. Then, from 2:00pm-5:00pm, CLL will be hosting the “Canon Cinema EOS Operational Training Workshop.” Technical advisors will be on-hand to demonstrate Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus technology, now available as an optional upgrade in both the Canon Cinema EOS C100 and Canon Cinema EOS C300 Digital Cinema Cameras.

After the success at the 2013 NAB Show, Canon’s Professional Services (CPS) will again be hosting the Canon Hospitality Suite. The Canon Hospitality Suite (Room C201) is open to all NAB tradeshow attendees with priority support for CPS Gold, Platinum, Cinema, and Enterprise members. After checking in at the CPS kiosk in the Canon Booth, visitors to the suite located just off of the tradeshow floor, can experience Canon’s commitment to service and support for the professional imaging community first hand.

For NAB 2014, CPS is announcing the addition of the Cinema Membership level to its program. This new Cinema level caters specifically to the cinema professional and in addition to the existing CPS Silver, Gold, Platinum and Enterprise levels, demonstrates Canon’s continued commitment to supporting the professional imaging industry.

Suite visitors will also be able to chat with Canon experts about Canon’s exciting developments in cinema, video and DSLR technology and Canon technical representatives will be on-hand to provide product consultations. Gold, Platinum, Cinema, and Enterprise CPS members can take advantage of the complimentary onsite Clean & Check Service (limited to two current* Canon DSLR bodies or lenses or one current* Cinema product or XF professional video camcorder registered to a member’s CPS account). Show attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up for Canon CPS membership. Product serial numbers for qualifying CPS equipment will be needed in order to process on-site membership applications. For information, please visit www.cps.usa.canon.com.

The Canon Hospitality Suite hosted by CPS will be open April 7th through April 9th from 9:00am to 6:00pm and April 10th from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

From Manfrotto:

Manfrotto is proud to announce the launch of two innovative tools designed for every professional and enthusiast photographer: Nanopole Stand and Snap Tilthead.

These two products when used in combination, represent the best solution for strobist photographers.

Nanopole Stand
It is a new lightweight stand that can be easily carried everywhere. The closed size is only 49cm (13.3in), and the stand guarantees a payload of 1,5Kg and outstanding stability.

Snap Tilthead
It is an innovative and versatile tilthead with pioneering features that make it unique in the market. Easy to use and specifically designed to be actionable in few seconds, is perfect for an easy preparation of the set.

Technical Details:

Nanopole Stand MS0490A/MKSTRO1

Two-in-one Product
Its main characteristic is being a two-in-one product: pressing the button with Manfrotto’s logo, the central column can be pulled out and easily turns into a hand held boom. Manfrotto Nanopole Stand is suitable for a great variety of situations and provides exciting new possibilities to the photographer with no need to spend extra money for a boom.

Maximum Flexibility
Besides being the perfect portable tool for use in studio, the stand is also provided with an extendable leveling leg and with a hook for sandbag that make it suitable for use in outdoors sets.

Manfrotto Snap Tilthead MLH1HS

The Highest Safety for the Equipment
The Snap tilthead is provided with a smart counterbalance mechanism that prevents the flashgun from dropping along the stand; thus assuring maximum safety to the photographer’s equipment.

Instant SetUp
It is quick and easy to operate: it allows an instant and straightforward setup of the equipment thanks to its innovative locking system, which allows the set up to be completed in a matter of seconds.

The Manfrotto Nanopole Stand and Snap Tilthead will be available soon at authorized retailers.

B&H carries Manfrotto products.

From Custom SLR:

Featuring breathable vents, moisture-wicking fabric and a quick-adjust slider, the Air Strap packs the most comfort and versatility into a lightweight, portable design.

San Francisco, CA – March 25, 2014 – After exceeding its funding goal on Kickstarter, Custom SLR today announced the immediate availability of the all-new Air Strap, a camera strap that does more with less. With breathable vents, moisture-wicking fabric, a quick-adjust slider and universal compatibility, the Air Strap packs all the comfort and features photographers want into a sleek, lightweight design. Today’s announcement follows the completion of Custom SLR’s fifth consecutive successful Kickstarter campaign, in which the Air Strap reached 880% of its funding goal.

"The tremendous interest and support for the Air Strap on Kickstarter shows there is a high demand for a simple yet functional camera strap,” said Ivan Wong, chief operating officer of Custom SLR. “Photographers are looking to upgrade from traditional straps, and want something well-made, feature-rich and comfortable. We are thrilled to offer a premium camera strap at an affordable price."

Following the success of Custom SLR’s award-winning Split Strap, the Air Strap is the lightest and most versatile strap in the company’s growing line of innovative photography products. It is carefully engineered with breathable vents throughout the strap that keep it lightweight and channel heat and moisture away from the shoulder. Perfect for the photographer on the move, the strap introduces a convenient quick-adjust slider that makes it easy to keep your camera secure at your side while maneuvering through crowds and tight spaces, and provides easy access to extend the strap when you need to take a photo.

Unlike other camera straps, the Air Strap has a wider, more ergonomic design that distributes weight evenly on the shoulder to prevent fatigue. It also features a unique swivel buckle that adjusts with your body’s movements, and cushy neoprene padding that absorbs shock. The strap is compatible with most cameras and bags, and adjusts to fit most users. With an optional attachment, it can easily transition to laptop or gym bags for an instant upgrade. Use it with the Custom SLR C-Loop strap mount for a tangle-free camera strap system.

The Air Strap Kickstarter campaign was launched on Nov. 14, and hit its funding goal of $15,000 by the next day. By Jan. 9, it had exceeded its funding goal by more than $100,000, making it the most successful Kickstarter campaign Custom SLR has launched.

The Air Strap is now available at a retail price of $19.95.

Amazon carries the Custom SLR Air Strap

Want to know the history and evolution of Canon's cross-type and high precision AF points? Canon pro Rudy Winston has written a great article for the Digital Learning Center that covers the subject quite thoroughly.

From Canon Digital Learning Center:

"One of the important design goals for Canon’s engineers in developing the new 61-point High Density Reticular AF system in the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X was to truly optimize the performance of each point on the autofocus sensor. It’s easy to toss around terms, but if a photographer is not clear on what they mean, they may miss out on a lot more than a marketing pitch. Knowing the characteristics of the AF array in these cameras puts the photographer in the position to get the most out of the AF system.

Cross-type AF points: what are they?

Certainly a fair question. And all the more so, because it's not something the photographer can see just looking through the viewfinder. Perhaps the easiest way to answer it is to take a trip down memory lane in AF SLR design..."

Read the information-packed article on the Canon Digital Learning Center. (thanks Stuart)

Canon Australia has published a very cool promo for its #WhatDoYouSee campaign.

From Canon Australia YouTube Channel:

There are over 7 billion of us on our planet, all looking at the world in our own way. But no one sees it like you. #Whatdoyousee?

In the latest tips article to be added to the site, I explain How to Calculate Lens Working Distance.

While this distance is easy to calculate with a tape measure or other distance measurement tool, you can also use the site's Lens Specifications and Measurements tool to obtain this information without leaving your seat.

Those having read the yesterday-posted Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Review will recognize the discussed formula.

From JOBY:

New flash accessory lets photographers use a stop sign, a fence or a door to dramatically improve photo lighting

SAN FRANCISCO, March 25, 2014 – To create more dramatic lighting effects, photographers use off-camera flashes to avoid the flat images that often result from built-in camera flashes. In order to create more interesting lighting angles, a photographer often requires bulky tools or an assistant to hold the flash in place. With the JOBY Flash Clamp & Locking ArmTM photographers can now quickly place off-camera flashes at unique angles for a more professional look.

"We often see awkward setups with off-camera flashes, such as people holding their flash in one hand while holding their camera with the other, or people wrestling with a light stand or pole. We think that JOBY’s tools, with their ability to adapt to their environment, make for a much more fun and imaginative way of positioning your flashes." said Michael Jue, director of product design at JOBY.

The JOBY Flash Clamp & Locking Arm innovates with a clamp that lets users quickly secure their Canon Speedlite 430 EX II Flash, Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight i-TTL Flash, PocketWizard Plus III, or any other wireless flash to any surface less than two inches (5.08 centimeters) in width. Now, a stop sign can hold the primary key light. To bring more details to shadows, a fence can mount a fill light. To separate the subject from its background, the top of a door can be a backlight platform. The locking arm also has two fully articulating ball joints that position the flash at any angle needed while providing a long-lasting hold. The Flash Clamp & Locking Arm comes with a removable Universal Flash Shoe that can be used on any tripod with a 1/4"-20 screw.

"To achieve good lighting, it’s critical to create the best angles," said Noah Balmer, lead designer at JOBY. "Some people see everyday objects at the shoot as nuisances and obstacles. At JOBY, we see them as photography platforms. Combine a few Flash Clamp & Locking Arm with our GorillaPod Hybrid or SLR-Zoom, and now, the whole world becomes your flash mount."

The JOBY Flash Clamp & Locking Arm retails for $39.95 (US MSRP) and is available for purchase at popular photospecialty retailers and consumer electronics stores. The Universal Flash Shoe can also be bought separately for $4.95 (US MSRP).

B&H carries the JOBY Flash Clamp and Locking Arm and the Universal Flash Shoe.

From the Vocative YouTube Channel:

Kirill Oreshkin likes taking photographs. Selfies, landscapes, the usual stuff—except his shots are captured atop some of the world's tallest buildings.

Once Oreshkin gets as high as the stairs or elevator will take him, he often scales up scaffolding or other parts of the structure. The tallest building he has climbed to date is the Mercury City Tower in Moscow. At 338 meters (about 1,109 feet), it's the tallest in Europe. Oreshkin is one of Russia's extreme urban climbers, known to hang off the edge of buildings by only his fingers. He does all this unsupervised and without any safety gear.

"Using safety measures changes something—no one is going to recognize that you really risked your life," Oreshkin says, adding that he knows what he's doing is dangerous.

Oreshkin's hobby started in 2008, when he began climbing to the roofs of homes and buildings in his neighborhood. He still doesn't do any particular physical training, since he says it's all about having the right mentality. He claims he was nervous about heights at first, and had trouble standing on the edge, which he now does with ease.

"It's no longer about overcoming myself," he says. "I just really like doing it. I like to look and study the city from different viewpoints."

Climbing has become second nature to him. "What's going through my head when I'm up there? Nothing special," he says. "I just try to think about hanging tight and staying alive."

Want to see more of Kirill Oreshkin's work? Check out his his 500px page for more photography from atop Russia's highest buildings.

B&H is hosting "The Wedding Event of the Season" featuring a live broadcast of wedding photography specialists nearly all day.

MORNING SESSION

AFTERNOON SESSION

Doing some fundraising: I have my Used Gear for Sale page up and loaded.

Check it out to see if there is anything you can use.

Just posted: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Review

This is a nice lens with great image quality. And it has a huge $300.00 instant rebate available right now, making it a bargain.

B&H has the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens in stock.