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

Just posted: Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens Review
 
Warning: Reading this review may create a very strong desire to add this lens to your kit. Read with caution.
 
Of course, B&H stands ready to ship a Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens to you, quenching that desire.

 
The Canon USA YouTube Channel has posted an on-camera tutorial explaining basic video operation on the EOS 6D.
 
Other Canon EOS 6D On-Camera Tutorial Videos

• Basic Overview
• The Auto Options
• Image Quality
• In-Camera RAW and JPEG Processing
• Composition Aids
• Low Light Shooting
• Multiple Exposure Shooting
• Auto Exposure Bracketing
• In-Camera HDR

By Sean Setters
 
I bought an EOS M back when retailers were slashing prices on Canon's mirrorless kits. Since then, I have really enjoyed having a compact camera capable of capturing high quality images. However, the camera has been relegated to fulfilling the needs of a "vacation camera" in my kit. Last week, that all changed.
 
That's when I installed a Magic Lantern nightly build on my EOS M. With Magic Lantern installed, the EOS M makes a great time-lapse camera. It's small, easy to set up and quiet. You also don't have to worry about the wear and tear of your mirror mechanism (because, coincidentally enough – there isn't one!). These features make time-lapse shooting with an EOS M ideal; unfortunately, time-lapse photography is not possible with an EOS M without a little help.
 
The fact is that no Canon DSLRs or mirrorless APS-C sensor cameras have a built-in intervalometer. Instead, Canon offers a wired controller to fill that roll – the oddly named TC-80N3. Unfortunately, the EOS M doesn't have the E3/N3 port necessary for triggering the camera via a wired controller.
 
But that's where Magic Lantern comes in. It gives you a built-in intervalometer (as well as a boat-load of other features). The intervalometer is fantastic and full of customizable options. On the downside, the nightly build I tried out isn't quite ready for prime time. The Magic Lantern menu sometimes disappears from the screen for no apparent reason while trying to change values or simply navigating the menu. But with a little patience and a little more persistence, the Magic Lantern firmware can really increase the usefulness of Canon's all-but-forgotten entry into the mirrorless market.
 
Using an EOS M loaded with Magic Lantern, an EF 17-40mm f/4L USM, Viltrox EF-M to EF/EF-S Adapter, B+W Circular Polarizer, B+W .6 ND filter and a tripod / ball head, I was able to create the time-lapse for the following video (watch full screen in HD for best results):
 

 
For post-processing, I compiled the time-lapse in Panolapse and then created the final video in Adobe Premiere Elements 11.
 
Yes, I know the video is cheesy. But it's safe to say that a more significant project could easily be augmented by something so simple as a time-lapse captured by an EOS M. If I had installed Magic Lantern on my EOS M a little sooner, I probably wouldn't have wasted 400 shutter clicks on my EOS 7D shooting this behind-the-scenes time-lapse. So even though it might not be stable enough for a final release, it still might be fun (and useful) to play around with in its current state.
 
Disclaimer: If you install Magic Lantern, you do so at your own risk. The-Digital-Picture.com (or the Magic Lantern team, for that matter) is not responsible for damage due to use of non-OEM firmware.

By Sean Setters
 
First off, let me admit something up front – I'm not a big fan of most of the HDR images I see. Most of the HDR images I come across look too unrealistic or simply too over post-processed for my taste. But there are times when creating an HDR image makes a lot of sense. Indoor architecture is probably one of my favorite uses of HDR imagery.
 
A few months ago my friend told me about a location in town that I was completely unaware of. Last week I finally made a point to go see it. I brought my EOS 5D Mark III, Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 and a tripod.
 
The location, "The Arcade," turned out to be a building right in the middle of my hometown with a foyer that seems as if it were transplanted from a bygone era. As I would later find out, the building is now over 100 years old and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
 
The bottom floor was beautiful, but the second floor view seemed to provide an even better vantage point for a picture. Stained glass skylights allowed some of the midday sun to peek through the ceiling, but overall the light was pretty dim on the second floor. The extremely bright light coming from the 1st floor doors at the end of the foyer also presented a problem when using longer shutter speeds to expose the scene.
 
The extreme difference between highlight and shadow in the scene made it a good candidate for HDR photography. I set my tripod-mounted 5D Mark III to record a bracketed exposure (5 shots) and later post-processed the image with Google's HDR Efex Pro 2 plugin for Photoshop CS6.
 
In post-processing, I left the front doors fairly blown out because the brightness tended to draw the my eye to the center of the image (although I did dim its reflection on the floor). In my opinion, the blown out area also makes the exposure seem a bit more believable overall. And while it's an HDR image, it doesn't scream "HDR!!!" to me. And I think that's why I like it...

From Canon Professional Network:
 
"When using your EOS camera you may occasionally get an error code or message appearing on the camera’s LCD screen. Most of these errors can be quickly and easily resolved – the various EOS error codes and messages are described below with information that should assist you in resolving your issue."
 
Check out all the Error Codes and Tips on the Canon Professional Network.

Nikon France has published a collection of sample images from the newly announced D810 DSLR to their Flickr photostream.
 
Nikon Europe has posted a behind the scenes look at the fashion images shown in the photostream:
 

 
B&H has the Nikon D810 DSLR Camera available for preorder.

Image quality and distortion test results along with standard product images have been added to the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens review page.
 
I was very anxious to get my hands on this lens. With well over 1000 shots captured with it so far, I am now loving this lens and expect it to become one of my most-used lenses. The 16-35 f/4L is very sharp across the frame, AF is very fast and extremely accurate and IS works very well.
 
Here are a couple of relevant comparisons:
 
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS Lens compared to Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II Lens
 
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS Lens compared to Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L Lens
 
Completion of the full review is my current highest priority.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens in stock.

From Sigma:
 
Thank you for purchasing and using our products.
 
We are pleased to inform you the SIGMA 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM F/CANON Firmware Update is now available.
 
This firmware update allows you to use the SIGMA USB DOCK with the SIGMA 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM F/CANON. If you have the products mentioned below, please start up SIGMA Optimization Pro and then operate lens firmware update.
 
Applicable products: SIGMA 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM S013 F/CANON
 
Benefits of this firmware update:

• It has improved the Auto Focus speed of "Standard" and "Speed-priority" modes.
• It has improved the focus accuracy when it is mounted on Canon EOS-1D Mark III or Canon EOS-1D Mark IV.

Please update to SIGMA Optimization Pro Ver1.2 before operating firmware update of SIGMA 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM S013 F/CANON.
 
SIGMA Optimization Pro Download Page
 
Note: Apparently, blogger/photographer JerseyShooter had a big hand in alerting Sigma to the need for this firmware update. Check out his blog for more info.
 
B&H carries the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM lens and the Sigma USB Dock.

From Nikon USA:
 
With Extreme Resolution, Powerful Video Features and Enhanced Performance, the New Nikon D810 is the Essential Asset for Pro Photo and Video Applications
 
MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the D810, the next benchmark in D-SLR image quality for professional photographers and cinematographers. The D810 features a brand-new 36.3-megapixel, full-frame FX-format sensor without an optical low pass filter (OLPF) for extreme resolution and staggering dynamic range. Bolstered by Nikon’s EXPEED 4 image processing engine, the D810 delivers enhanced response and performance for a wide variety of photographic, cinematic and broadcast disciplines. Whether photographing weddings, fashion or landscapes, shooting documentary-style cinema or video for broadcast, this is the one D-SLR that provides the ultimate in versatility and capability.
 
“Once a user experiences the intense level of fine detail they are able to render using the immersive resolution of the D810, it will be hard to imagine a project without it,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “When coupled with the amazing imaging capabilities of NIKKOR optics, the D810 becomes a powerful storytelling tool to create images and broadcast-quality video with unprecedented detail, dynamic range and sharpness.”
 
Nikon’s Greatest Image Quality Yet
 
The Nikon D810 is the pinnacle of D-SLR image quality, continuing to rival medium format cameras thanks to a variety of Nikon technologies engineered for professional image capture. At the core of the D810 is a brand-new, 36.3-megapixel FX-format (7360 x 4912 resolution) CMOS sensor that lets photographers wield the benefits of extremely high resolution, with rich tonality and a broad dynamic range. This super-high resolution gives professionals the power to capture with stellar sharpness, make massive prints or crop liberally with confidence. The OLPF has been removed to maximize the potential of every pixel, resulting in outstanding resolution and sharpness, yielding images that render subtle details with striking fidelity.
 
Image quality further benefits from the application of Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED 4 image processing engine, which also provides enhancements to overall performance while suppressing instances of false color and moiré. Photographing in the field or in the studio, users will see the difference with the ability to create stunning images with unprecedented clarity in gradation rendering, expanded dynamic range and high accuracy white balance. Additionally, EXPEED 4 enhances noise reduction performance, and helps to achieve a wider ISO range, from 64 to 12,800, to improve low-noise image capture in a variety of lighting conditions. The ISO range is also expandable from 32 (Lo-1) to 51,200 (Hi-2) letting the photographer shoot with maximum fidelity under studio lighting or confidently capture a faintly-lit wedding reception or other subjects in even the most challenging light.
 
Nikon has also implemented a myriad of new features aimed at improving overall image quality for all types of photographers. Nikon’s Advanced Scene Recognition System with the 91,000-pixel 3D Color Matrix Meter III provides unbelievably balanced exposures in difficult scenes. The system analyzes each scene to recognize factors such as color, brightness and human faces with startling precision to determine what type of subject a user is shooting. The system then compares all the data using an image database to adjust exposure, AF, auto white balance, i-TTL flash control and enhances subject tracking.
 
Further enhancing the D810’s image quality, a “Clarity” setting has been added to the available Picture Control adjustment parameters, which adjusts mid tones to enhance details within an image. To help preserve the most amount of detail in shadows and highlights, the new “Flat” Picture Control Profile is now available. This Picture Control Profile allows both photographers and filmmakers to get the widest tonal range out of their cameras for maximum flexibility in post processing. For further customization of Picture Controls, users are now able to make adjustments in .25 step increments for the maximum level of custom color, saturation and brightness levels. Additionally, the D810 employs a new highlight-weighted metering option, which detects the brightness in a scene and determines optimum exposure, preventing blown-out highlights, which is ideal for stage and performance capture.
 
Video Features Fit for Production
 
The D810 has powerful video features that make it a valuable tool for any production environment. Whether a user is looking for manual control for pro video application or portability and lens selection for episodic broadcast, the D810 delivers a truly cinematic experience with a wide range of professional-oriented features:

• Broadcast quality video: Full HD 1920 x 1080 video capture at a variety of frame rates, including 60/30/24p.
• Versatile crop modes: FX and DX crop modes give users a telephoto boost when needed, a feature that has been very popular with camera operators because of its added flexibility on set.
• Flat Picture Control profile: This neutral color profile is ideal for video and gives the user maximum flexibility in post-production.
• HDMI output: The D810 can relay uncompressed digital video to an external recorder via HDMI, while simultaneously displaying the video on the rear LCD display and external LCD monitor. Operators can now also record both to the internal card (compressed) and to the external recorder (uncompressed) simultaneously.
• Smooth in-camera time-lapse and interval timer: Like the Nikon D4S, the D810 uses an auto-exposure setting to help create super-smooth exposure and tonal transitions for professional results with time-lapse and interval-time shooting.
• Audio control: The D810 features a built-in stereo microphone, and an external microphone can also be attached, such as the Nikon ME-1. Additionally, wide and voice frequency ranges are also now available for audio capture.
• Expanded ISO for video: The ISO range is expanded for video, now encompassing a clean ISO 64 to a versatile 12,800. The Auto-ISO function is also available while recording to adapt the exposure as the light changes, which can eliminate the need to adjust the aperture (in manual mode, ISO 200- 51,200).
• Zebra stripes: A zebra pattern can be displayed during live view, making it easy to spot overexposed areas.
• Highlight weighted metering: This new setting helps to prevent blown-out highlights in video. This is especially useful when capturing spot-lit stage performances or shoots with harsh directional lighting.
• Full manual control: With the innovative Power Aperture setting, it is simple to adjust the exposure and depth of field on the fly while recording to an external recorder or SD/CF cards. In manual mode, users can also control shutter speed and ISO while recording. Additionally, white balance and exposure compensation can be adjusted prior to recording.
• Full time AF: The Live View AF has been improved, and now provides faster full-time AF (AF-F mode).
• NIKKOR lenses: Cinematographers and filmmakers are supported with more than 80 NIKKOR lenses, many of which are a popular choice for cinema applications because of their brilliant optical quality and characteristics.

Accuracy and Speed
 
With the ability to brandish the results of such staggering resolution, accuracy and precision become paramount as the need for razor-sharp focus is critical. The D810 renders every subtle detail and nuance in epic clarity, with the enhanced Multi-Cam 3500-FX AF sensor module that utilizes new AF algorithms for fascinating precision, even in challenging light. The focus system also has 15 cross-type AF sensors for enhanced accuracy, and works with the Advanced Scene Recognition System to provide accurate face detection even through the optical viewfinder. The camera also utilizes 11 cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and teleconverters (aperture value up to f/8), which is especially useful for wildlife photography. In addition to normal, wide area, face tracking and subject tracking modes, the D810 also features the new Group AF mode for enhanced accuracy, even while tracking subjects.
 
Despite the D810’s immense imaging power, it will astound with its rapid response and speedy performance, thanks to the implementation of the EXPEED 4 image processing engine. The addition of EXPEED 4 allows for an overall 30% boost in performance, as well as a faster burst speed and enhancement to overall energy efficiency. Now the D810 is capable of shooting at 5 frames-per-second (fps) at full resolution and 5:4, 6 fps in DX or 1.2x modes, (15.4-megapixel, 25.1-megapixel, respectively), and 7 fps in DX mode (15.4-megapixel), with battery pack. For full workflow versatility, the D810 also gives users the option to shoot in full resolution 14-bit RAW/NEF file format or the new RAW Size Small format. This 12-bit file format is half the resolution and approximately 1/4 the file size of full RAW files, for increased flexibility when speedy downloads are desired or memory space is at a premium.
 
Refined Controls and Construction
 
From all day in the studio to an extended assignment in the field, the D810 has been engineered for superior comfort and operability. When looking through the wide and bright viewfinder with 100% coverage, users will see shooting data displayed on an organic EL display element for maximum visibility. The viewfinder now also features a prism coating for enhanced clarity. In addition, the grip has been refined for comfort and ergonomics, and the “i” button has been added for quick access to common mode-dependent settings.
 
Both photographers and videographers will clearly see the benefits of the new high-resolution (1229K-dot) 3.2-inch LCD screen, which makes it simple to check focus, review images or compose a scene. The color space of the LCD screen can now also be fully customized, a feature that is useful for matching monitor or print calibration settings. Using the high-resolution LCD screen, users can also activate the new Split Screen Display Zoom function. This new mode magnifies two separated points on the same horizontal line, making it easier to confirm the two points are both level and in focus; a true advantage for architecture, industrial and landscape photographers.
 
Inside the durable magnesium alloy structure of the D810 improvements have also been made, including the use of a redesigned mirror sequencer / balancer unit, which minimizes vibration during shooting to increase sharpness during multiple frame bursts. Additionally, the electronic front curtain can now act as an electronic front shutter when using live view or first composing through the optical viewfinder in mirror-up mode. This new feature is useful to attain exacting sharpness when shooting slow-shutter landscapes or astrophotography. The shutter unit has also been tested to 200,000 cycles for years of maximum reliability. For further durability, the body of the D810 has been thoroughly sealed and gasketed to resist the elements, reinforcing this camera’s role in extreme production environments.
 
Superior System Support
 
Such extreme resolution requires that no compromise be made on glass, and NIKKOR lenses are the perfect choice to complement the D810. With more than 80 FX and DX-format lenses available, NIKKOR lenses offer the ultimate in image quality with sharpness and faithful color representation that is second to none. To light a scene imaginatively, the D810 has a built-in flash and is compatible with Nikon's acclaimed Creative Lighting System, including a built-in Commander mode for controlling wireless Speedlights. The MB-D12 battery grip is also available to give users both extra grip and extra power when it is needed most.
 
For wireless control, the D810 is compatible with a full range of Nikon’s remote systems, including the new wireless remote system with the WR-1 to trigger the camera remotely. This system uses radio frequency rather than infrared, eliminating the need for line of sight communication.
 
Nikon will also be making a Software Developers Kit (SDK) available in the near future for the D810. This SDK will give third party developers the resources needed to create applications and enhance the flexibility of the D810.

Robust New Software Suite: Nikon Capture NX-D
 
Capture NX-D is Nikon’s new software for processing and adjusting RAW images captured with Nikon digital cameras. Capture NX-D is a free software application that will replace the current Capture NX 2 program, and adds interface and performance enhancements. In addition to RAW images, the program can also be used to adjust JPEG and TIFF files. This new software will support many functions needed by professional photographers, including batch image processing, filtering and an enhanced user interface with a variety of displays and floating palettes that are ideal for multiple monitors. Additionally, photographers will also have the ability to adjust parameters including exposure and white balance in RAW files, and can adjust tone curves, brightness and contrast, as well as functions for correcting lateral color aberration and vignetting in JPEG and TIFF files. The software also features a new “sidecar” format, which retains and saves the adjusted image as a separate file.
 
Nikon will also make available at no charge the new Picture Control Utility 2 software. This new software allows users to create custom Picture Control profiles, which can be easily loaded into the camera.
 
Price and Availability
 
The Nikon D810 will be available in late July for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $3,299.95. The MB-D12 battery pack is currently available for $616.00 SRP. The new Capture NX-D software package will be available mid-July for download at no additional cost.
 
Additionally, Nikon will be offering two kits designed for videographers and filmmakers; the D810 Filmmaker’s Kit consists of the D810 body, AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G, AF-S NIKKOR 50mmm f/1.8G, AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G lenses, 2 additional EN-EL15 batteries, ME-1 Stereo Microphone, Atomos Ninja-2 External Recorder, and Tiffen 67mm and 58mm Variable Neutral Density Filters (8-Stops). For stop motion applications, the D810 Animator’s Kit features the D810 body, AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G ED VR lens, EH-5b Power Adapter, EP5B Power Supply Connector and Dragonframe Stop Motion Software plus Dragonframe USB Keypad Controller.
 
Preorder Opportunities: B&H | Adorama | Amazon

From Nikon:
 
Adoption of ebonite resin for an elegant look and feel that creates a unique and rich texture over time
 
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Soft Shutter Release AR-11, developed for use with the Nikon Df FX-format digital SLR camera.
 
The AR-11 is an optional accessory that may be attached to the camera by screwing it into the release socket on the camera's shutter-release button. Adoption of ebonite resin for the top surface of the AR-11 allows users to enjoy a soft and light feel when pressing the shutter-release button. Ebonite resin creates a unique and rich texture over time that melds with the finger. It is often used in high-end fountain pens and the mouthpieces of wind instruments such as saxophones and clarinets.
 
The combination of adoption of a material with a soft and light feel for the AR-11, and the utilization of a magnesium alloy for the elegant body and large metal mechanical dials, excellent in their ability to offer simple visual confirmation of settings, for the Df increases the superior look and feel of the camera as a precision instrument. Users can further increase their enjoyment of owning the Df with the texture and operational feel of their own camera that changes according to the way they use it.

B&H now has the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens in stock and ready for shipment.

From Eyefi:
 
Seamlessly transfer, organize, sync and share photos from smartphones, tablets and PC's anytime, anywhere
 
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 24, 2014 — Eyefi , the global leader in digital camera connectivity, today announced that more than 300 digital camera models now include Eyefi Connected functionality. In achieving this milestone Eyefi Connected is by far the most widely adopted technology for connecting digital cameras to a wireless SD card, providing customers with the easiest and most capable connectivity solution on the market.
 
Eyefi Connected firmware is embedded into cameras enabling them to instantly detect when an Eyefi SD card is inserted. This functionality allows the photographer to control the wireless features using the in-camera menu options to seamlessly transfer pictures to their smartphone, tablet or PC, wirelessly. Eyefi Connected cameras also include features such as the ability to power toggle the WiFi radio, select when photos transfer and advanced power management to maximize battery life.
 
Eyefi Connected has been adopted by virtually every digital camera manufacturer, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Casio, Ricoh, Pentax, JVC, Olympus and Panasonic – representing nearly 100 percent of all digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras sold in 2014.
 
"Our research shows that even with the explosive growth in mobile photography, many consumers still rely on digital cameras for important picture-taking occasions and special events," said Alan Bullock, associate director of connected imaging trends at InfoTrends. "Eyefi brings WiFi connectivity to nearly any digital camera and with Eyefi Connected technology built-in to most cameras, Internet connectivity is a seamless part of the camera's function."
 
This achievement coincides with the one year anniversary of Eyefi Mobi – the company's flagship product offering. In April, the company launched Eyefi Cloud, making Eyefi Mobi the world's first WiFi SD card to automatically transfer photos from the camera to the cloud, making every picture instantly accessible, anytime, anywhere—to enjoy, curate and share securely and privately.
 
"Eyefi Connected is one of the most important benefits we offer our camera partners and consumers," said Matt DiMaria, CEO of Eyefi. "When combined with Eyefi Mobi and Eyefi Cloud, photographers can enjoy the full power and quality of their digital cameras with the convenience of their smartphone, tablet or smart TV".
 
B&H carries Eyefi wireless memory cards.

The Canon USA YouTube Channel has posted several informative videos that explain various features of the EOS 6D.
 
Canon EOS 6D On-Camera Tutorial Videos

• Basic Overview
• The Auto Options
• Image Quality
• In-Camera RAW and JPEG Processing
• Composition Aids
• Low Light Shooting
• Multiple Exposure Shooting
• Auto Exposure Bracketing
• In-Camera HDR

From Photoshelter:
 
Fashion photographers, this one's for you!
 
We’ve partnered up with Breed, an online community of fashion photographers, for our latest guide, Breaking Into Fashion Photography. Inside, get tips to market yourself right, establish your brand, approach photo buyers, and find work.
 
In this new guide, you’ll also learn:

• Tips to break into the industry and find clients
• Strategies to establish a lasting fashion photography brand
• Social media do’s and don’ts to help connect with dream clients online
• How outlets like New York Magazine’s The Cut want to be pitched
• The 5 biggest mistakes photographers make when submitting their work
• Plus more!

Also get advice from experienced fashion photographers like Lindsay Adler, Melissa Rodwell, Jonathan D Pryce and the founders of Bello Mag who have learned important lessons along the way on growing a successful fashion photography business.
 
Get the free guide!