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

From Canon USA:
 
Updates to Hardware and Software, Can Help Lead to Seamless Productivity and High-Quality Images
 
MELVILLE, N.Y., July 31, 2014 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today unveiled six new models in its imagePROGRAF lineup: four new five-color, large-format inkjet printers - the 36-inch iPF785 and iPF780 models, and the 24-inch iPF685 and iPF680 models - and two new large-format imaging systems - the iPF785 MFP M40 and iPF780 MFP M40. These devices offer faster printing speeds and lower operation costs as compared to their predecessors, as well as upgraded software for an enhanced user experience particularly in mobile and cloud based printing applications.
 
Designed for a variety of industries that print maps, technical drawings, renderings, site and facilities management plans, signs and posters, the 36-inch devices boast print speeds of up to 21 seconds for an Arch D (24" x 36") print and now support 300 ml ink tanks, helping to lower the cost-per-print. A sub-ink tank system allows users to deplete all of the ink in the tank before replacing them, as well as to replace empty ink tanks without needing to stop the printer, increasing productivity during continuous print runs. In addition, the iPF785 and iPF685 models come equipped with a 320GB internal hard drive for enhanced file processing, personal mailbox space and job storage for up to 500 print jobs.
 
The iPF785 MFP M40 and iPF780 MFP M40 models now have the ability to scan documents up to 315" in length as a PDF or JPEG file, and up to 590" in length as a TIFF file. The M40 scanner has a maximum optical resolution of 1200 dpi, scan speeds of up to 13" per second for monochrome, 3" per second for color and also the capability to scan documents up to 2mm thick. The system features a stand-alone computer and multi-touch-screen monitor, and come with SmartWorks MFP software V 3.55 to simplify Scan-to-print, File and Share processes.
 
"In addition to some welcome feature set enhancements such as hard drive capacity and increased scan length, the standout aspect of Canon's new-generation models is their productivity," said David Sweetnam, head of Research and Lab Services for BLI. "For example, the iPF680/780 and iPF685/785 MFP models all showed significant productivity gains over their predecessor models, notably in Fast and High Quality modes, so users can remain highly productive without compromising image quality. The models also deliver higher color gamut, richer color saturation, more distinct fine lines and more natural-looking skin tones. The models further deliver excellent GIS/CAD/AEC graphics with an improved depth of field in GIS graphics, even on plain paper, delivering a more realistic 3D rendering of topographical features. And the SmartWorks MFP software on the iPF785 MFP is even easier to use than previous versions, with flexible options for batch scanning that are not currently available with some leading rivals."
 
"The new imagePROGRAF models introduce powerful new features that can help save time, cut costs and ensure that print jobs move along seamlessly for outstanding productivity," said Junichi Yoshitake, senior vice president and general manager, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc., Canon U.S.A. "These versatile devices lend themselves to numerous applications, including computer-aided design, architecture, engineering and construction, as well as signs and posters and are excellent companions for industries ranging from manufacturing and government to education."
 
Bolstered Productivity
Ideal for businesses that need to print documents quickly while retaining high image quality, these new imagePROGRAF models are designed for maximum versatility and performance. In their fastest modes, the iPF785 and iPF780 printers can produce an Arch D sized print (24" x 36") in approximately 21 seconds and Arch E sized print (33.1" x 46.8") in approximately 41 seconds, while the iPF685 and iPF680 printers have output speeds of up to 25 seconds for Arch D prints and 48 seconds for Arch E prints. The 24-inch printers now also come standard with a Flat Stacker/Basket that provides the capability to neatly stack up to 20, 24 x 36 inch plain paper prints.
 
Simple, Intuitive Software
Addressing the needs of a diverse range of users, Canon's Direct Print & Share 2.0 software is a downloadable cloud portal solution for expanding printing workflows. This software empowers users to view, share and print a variety of files, including PDF, TIFF, JPEG and HP-GL/2 formats, from virtually anywhere. Users can utilize the new "Shortcut Print" feature to drag and drop files they wish to print into hot folders on their desktops helping to streamline their workflow process.
 
These devices are compatible with Canon's new imagePROGRAF Print Utility mobile app, which helps facilitate wireless printing from a compatible iPad device. The app allows users to perform a number of actions, including previewing their PDF file, number of copies, orientation, and quality before sending the job to any of the compatible imagePROGRAF printers sharing the same network.
 
Increased Color Range and Precision
These imagePROGRAF devices come with a five-color dye/pigment reactive ink system, including a newly formulated magenta ink that helps produce more vivid reds and yellows. Canon inks provide outstanding adhesion to media, are scratch- and marker-resistant, and help produce crisp and legible text. These devices include Canon's high-density PF-04 print head, which uses 15,360 nozzles to lay down ink.
 
SmartWorks MFP Software
SmartWorks MFP software provides tools needed to help you quickly and easily scan to print/file/share large format technical documents. New features include:

• Ability to add custom presets with one-touch retrieval for those frequently used settings
• Full integration with Canon Digital Print & Share cloud software

Users have more control over their workflow with access to editing functions such as invert, mirror, and black and white point adjustments. Custom presets help users control the scanner and increase control over printer settings.
 
Optional Software
SmartWorks V3.5 Plus gives users the ability to scan and print multi-page PDF documents on the fly. This allows users to take multiple drawings or documents, scan them in using the M40 scanner and either save or print the set as one multi-page document. In addition to this added feature, users can now perform color corrections and automatically crop the borders on their files using the preview mode and large touch-screen monitor, to ensure that they will be obtaining the desired output. The Plus version also supports PDF/archiving functionality.
 
PosterArtist with a new low MSRP of $395, includes essential features customers need to easily create posters, signs and banners. To make sharing simple PosterArtist now offers the ability to save posters including custom images, clipart, and fonts, to a new file format. This complete file can be exported directly from PosterArtist to Canon's Direct Print & Share cloud portal software for sharing between users.
 
In addition, there are a host of independent software vendors that have made software available for use with these new imagePROGRAF printers. Cloud4MPS allows users to web enable compatible imagePROGRAF printers for Remote Device management, Status & Usage Readings, Consumable Management and more. Other companies include SA International, Technesis, Sepialine, EFI, Shiraz, Caldera, ColorGate, DEV Studio, SCP and PosterJET.
 
Availability
These new imagePROGRAF models are scheduled to be available on July 31, 2014 at manufacturer's suggested retail prices of $4,995 (iPF785), $4,495 (iPF780), $3,195 (iPF685), $2,495 (iPF680), $8,995 (iPF785 MFP M40), $8,495 (iPF780 MFP M40 and $395, for PosterArtist. And ($595) SmartWorks MFP Plus software.
 
B&H carries Canon imagePROGRAF large format pritners.

From the Canon Professional Network:

"We’ve all heard the line: 'Oh, I must get an agent.' But what do you actually need an agent for? The person representing you is not, according to respected manager Mark George, someone who’s going to be working the phone getting you bookings. The role is much wider and far-reaching, as CPN Editor David Corfield discovers...
 
Note the noun: ‘manager’. Mark George is not an agent. He hates the word, and shuts me up in a puff of cigar smoke as I sit down and sip my coffee. 'An agent to me sounds like someone who just gets you bookings, like a rep. I hate that term. I might represent somebody in a managerial way but there is a difference. I look after people who are too focused on what they do to understand that the world around them needs looking at as well. And that’s where I come in.'"

Read the entire article at the Canon Professional Network.

 
Karl Taylor has posted a three-part video intereview series where he explains the lighting setups for several of his images. He does a good job of explaining the motivation behind his light modifier choices and placement.
 
Even though the series was sponsored by Broncolor to promote their specific lighting products, you can apply many of these lighting techniques using whatever flash gear you're currently using (assuming you have similar modifiers).
 
B&H carries Broncolor gear.
 
Interview Series

• Lighting Techniques Interview with Karl Taylor - Part 1
• Lighting Techniques Interview with Karl Taylor - Part 2
• Lighting Techniques Interview with Karl Taylor - Part 3

From Adobe:
 
Lightroom 5.6 Release Notes
 
New Camera Support in Lightroom 5.6

• Nikon D810
• Panasonic LUMIX AG-GH4
• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ1000

New Lens Profile Support in Lightroom 5.6

Mount	Name
Canon	Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
Canon	Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
Canon	Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD A010E
Canon	Tamron 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 DiIII VC B011EM
Nikon	Nikon 1 NIKKOR VR 70-300mm f/4.5 – 5.6
Nikon	Tamon 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD A010N
Pentax	Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM A013
Phase One A/S	Schneider Kreuznach LS 40-80mm f/4.0-5.6
Sony Alpha	Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM A013
Sony Alpha	Sony 28mm f/2.8
Sony Alpha	Sony 16mm f/2.8 Fisheye
Sony Alpha	Sony 100mm f/2.8 MACRO
Sony Alpha	Sony DT 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Sony Alpha	Sony DT 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3
Sony Alpha	Sony DT 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3
Sony Alpha	Sony 70-200mm f/2.8G
Sony Alpha	Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM
Sony Alpha	Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM
Sony Alpha	Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II
Sony Alpha	Sony 135mm f/2.8 [T4.5] STF
Sony Alpha	Sony 300mm f/2.8 G SSM II
Sony E	Zeiss Touit 2.8/50M

Please note – the profile for the newly added Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM lens is not automatically located when applying lens profile corrections. This is a bug and we will fix it in a future release. The workaround is to:

• Manually select the profile and choose “Save New Lens Profile Defaults” in the Setup menu on the Profile tab. From then on, the lens should automatically select when the profile is enabled.

Bugs Corrected in Lightroom 5.6

• Collections with a custom sort order would sometimes not properly sync with Lightroom mobile.
• Updated the “Adobe Standard” color profile for the Nikon D810. Please note that this only impacts customers who used Camera Raw 8.6 or DNG Converter 8.6 to convert NEF raw files from the D810 to DNG
• Star ratings set in Lightroom mobile did not properly sync to Lightroom desktop. Please note that this only occurred on images that were added to Lightroom mobile from the camera roll
• Resolved the issues causing the persistent “Syncing … images” state that some of our customers have reported.”
• Star ratings would sometimes not sync from Lightroom desktop to Lightroom mobile. Please note that this only occurred when attempting to sync a Collection that contained more than 100 photos that already contained star ratings.
• Added information to the “System Info” dialogue to help designate if the customer installed Lightroom from the Creative Cloud.
• Unable to open sRaw files from the Nikon D810. Please note that this only impacted customers that converted D810 sRaw files to DNG in either Camera Raw 8.6 RC or DNG Converter 8.6 RC.
• Images with invalid GPS coordinates would not properly sync with Lightroom mobile
• Lightroom occasionally crashed when changing image selection on Windows. Please note that this only occurred on the Windows platform.
• JPEG files exported from Lightroom would not open or be available to edit within Canon Digital Photo Professional application software.
• Lightroom would run in reduced functionality mode when it should not.

Download
Adobe Lightroom 5.6 - Windows | Macintosh
 

---

 
Adobe Camera Raw 8.6 and DNG Converter 8.6
 
New Camera Support in Camera Raw 8.6

• Nikon D810
• Panasonic LUMIX AG-GH4
• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ1000

New Lens Profile Support in Camera Raw 8.6

Mount	Name
Canon	Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
Canon	Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
Canon	Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD A010E
Canon	Tamron 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 DiIII VC B011EM
Nikon	Nikon 1 NIKKOR VR 70-300mm f/4.5 – 5.6
Nikon	Tamon 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD A010N
Pentax	Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM A013
Phase One A/S	Schneider Kreuznach LS 40-80mm f/4.0-5.6
Sony Alpha	Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM A013
Sony Alpha	Sony 28mm f/2.8
Sony Alpha	Sony 16mm f/2.8 Fisheye
Sony Alpha	Sony 100mm f/2.8 MACRO
Sony Alpha	Sony DT 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Sony Alpha	Sony DT 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3
Sony Alpha	Sony DT 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3
Sony Alpha	Sony 70-200mm f/2.8G
Sony Alpha	Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM
Sony Alpha	Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM
Sony Alpha	Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II
Sony Alpha	Sony 135mm f/2.8 [T4.5] STF
Sony Alpha	Sony 300mm f/2.8 G SSM II
Sony E	Zeiss Touit 2.8/50M

Please note – the profile for the newly added Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM lens is not automatically located when applying lens profile corrections. This is a bug and we will fix it in a future release. The workaround is to:

• Manually select the profile and choose “Save New Lens Profile Defaults” in the Setup menu on the Profile tab. From then on, the lens should automatically select when the profile is enabled.

Release Notes
 
Camera Raw 8.6 adds camera matching color profiles for the following camera models:

• Sony DSC-RX100 III
• Sony A7S (ILCE-7S)
• Sony Alpha SLT-A77 II (ILCA-77M2)

Camera Raw 8.6 introduces the following new features for Photoshop CC customers:

• Improved performance when batch processing images via the Save button (in Camera Raw) and when converting images to DNG (in DNG Converter). The performance improvements are available only on 64 bit systems.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed crash on launch in some cases on Hi DPI (Retina) systems.
• Fixed crash when opening some Sigma SD9 raw files.
• Fixed issue with JPEG images saved by Camera Raw not readable in some external applications.
• Fixed automatic lens profile selection for Leica M (Typ 240) when using most recent firmware version.
• Fixed issue with some Hasselblad H5D-50c and H5D-60 3FR raw images appearing slightly too dark. Unfortunately, this fix may affect the appearance of existing images captured with this combination of settings. It is recommended that you (1) purge the Camera Raw cache via the Camera Raw Preferences dialog, and (2) review previously captured images for unexpected brightness changes.
• Fixed bug with converting Nikon D810 and Nikon D4S sRaw files to DNG.
• Tweaked and updated the Adobe Standard color profile for the Nikon D810. Please note that this only impacts customers that used Camera Raw 8.6 RC with the Nikon D810.

Please note – If you have trouble updating to the latest ACR update via the Creative Cloud application, please refer to the following plugin installation:
http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/multi/camera-raw-plug-in-installer.html
 
Download
DNG Converter 8.6 - Windows | Macintosh
 
B&H carries Adobe Lightroom 5.

Canon India posted a teaser this morning with the message, "Get your camera ready, something BIG is coming."
 
The teaser seems to indicate a new big white lens will soon be announced...but that may not be an accurate interpretation. What do you think it is?

 
The new Radiopopper Jr2 Transmitter and Receiver are now available for purchase at B&H (with shipping in 3-7 business days).

 
From Canon USA:
 
In this video you'll learn about handheld and shoulder rigs ideal for use with EOS HD SLR cameras.
 

---

 

 
In this video you'll learn about a brief explanation on external audio recorders and on-camera 'reference audio' in video production.
 

---

Current List of HD Video Tutorials

• Using Prime Lenses
• Full Frame & Crop Sensor Cameras
• External Monitoring Options
• Building Cinema Rigs
• Using Zoom Lenses
• Using Filters
• Tripod Systems
• Shutter Speeds & Frames Rates
• Setting Frames Rates
• White Balance
• Handheld & Shoulder Rigs
• Single System Sound

B&H carries DSLR video gear.

From Nikon:
 
This is the Capture NX-D 1.0.1 software download - This is a update installer for Windows systems only.
 
Updates included with 1.0.1

• When the 64-bit Windows version of the application was used to create JPEG-format files converted from RAW (.NEF/.NRW), TIFF, or JPEG images using the Convert Files... or Run Batch Process... option in the File menu, a gray band was sometimes visible at the bottom of the images when they were opened in the 64-bit Windows version of Capture NX-D. This issue has been resolved.

Download Capture NX-D 1.0.1 for Windows.

Just posted: MindShift Gear Rotation 180 Professional Review
 
The MindShift Gear Rotation 180 Pro is very high quality-constructed camera backpack with a very usefully-innovative design. It is also the most comfortable pack I've use to date.
 
Get your MindShift Gear Rotation 180 Pro at B&H or directly from MindShift Gear.

From Canon USA:
 
With an Impressive 42x and 30x Optical Zoom, respectively, Canon's new PowerShot SX520 HS and PowerShot SX400 IS Digital Cameras Provide High-Quality Imaging Tools to Meet Varying User Needs
 
MELVILLE, N.Y., July 29, 2014 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced two new compact, super-zoom cameras: the PowerShot SX520 HS and the PowerShot SX400 IS digital cameras. Designed to give users the versatility and telephoto reach they need to capture subjects from far distances, these new cameras are packed with impressive features. The new PowerShot SX520 HS digital camera includes a high-powered 42x Optical Zoom lens (equivalent to 24-1008mm) and the Canon HS SYSTEM for clear sharp images and Full HD Video. With a 30x Optical Zoom (equivalent to 24-720mm), the PowerShot SX400 IS digital camera allows photographers to capture the moments that mean the most to them quickly and easily, even at long range.
 
"Our goal is to provide people who are passionate about photography with the imaging tools they need to capture the moments that inspire them," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "The PowerShot SX520 HS and PowerShot SX400 IS digital cameras offer users features that help produce high quality-images and video with ease allowing them to capture their most creative shots."
 
The PowerShot SX520 HS Digital Camera
Building on the features of the PowerShot SX510 HS digital camera, the PowerShot SX520 HS digital camera incorporates a 42x Optical Zoom with Canon's Optical Image Stabilization, ideal for active families that want to take high-quality close-up shots of their children's soccer game or dance recitals. In addition to featuring a powerful optical zoom range, the SX520 HS digital camera combines a 16 Megapixeli High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and Canon's DIGIC 4+ Image Processor to create the Canon HS SYSTEM allowing for excellent low-light performance.
 
Giving users the ability to capture life in motion, the camera features a dedicated movie button so users can easily record 1080p Full HD video utilizing the camera's full 42x optical zoom capability. The camera also features an enhanced grip for added handling comfort. Additionally, the camera's Intelligent IS automatically chooses from one of eight modes to help optimize image stabilization for virtually shake-free images in various shooting conditions. The camera's High Speed AF allows users to achieve fast autofocusing speeds to help capture every shot with ease. The PowerShot SX520 HS digital camera's advanced Zoom Framing Assist feature intelligently controls the lens, making it easy to locate the main subject by zooming out, and then zooming back in quickly and automatically for dramatic close-ups with face detection where applicable.
 
Upgraded from its predecessor, the PowerShot SX520 HS digital camera features Canon's Creative Shot mode that uses a combination of lighting, color and composition from the original image to create unique, artistic images. Smart AUTO technology selects 32 different pre-defined scenes for still shots and 21 scenes for video without the need to switch modes, making it possible to take beautiful images and video in a variety of situations. The Hybrid AUTO mode featured in the PowerShot SX520 HS camera creates a beautifully stabilized HD video clip (up to approximately four seconds) every time a user shoots a still image, then compiles the clips into a single movie that forms a "highlighted reel" for the day. This new camera is equipped with a built-in mini-HDMI port that makes it easy to connect to an HD TV set at home or on the road so everyone can comfortably enjoy viewing the footage.
 
The PowerShot SX400 IS Digital Camera
With a compact design and a powerful 30x Optical Zoom range with Optical Image Stabilizer, the PowerShot SX400 IS digital camera is a versatile camera that can be used daily anytime, anywhere. The 16 Megapixeli CCD sensor and DIGIC 4+ image processor combine with Canon's Intelligent IS system to provide users with outstanding functionality, while the updated grip design improves handling comfort. With Smart AUTO, the camera identifies an ideal image setting by intelligently selecting from one of 32 pre-defined modes for still shots and 21 scenes for video.
 
The PowerShot SX400 IS digital camera is always ready for action with a dedicated movie button to easily stop and start recording 720p HD video. Additionally, like the PowerShot SX520 HS camera, the PowerShot SX400 IS camera can record even far distances through the use of the camera's full 30x zoom range. The PowerShot SX400 IS digital camera's High Speed AF, upgraded from the previous model, helps to reduce lag time so that the perfect shot can be captured quickly and with ease.
 
Pricing and Availability
The PowerShot SX520 HS digital camera will be available in September 2014 for an estimated retail price of $399.99.
 
The PowerShot SX400 IS digital camera will be available in August 2014 in black or red for an estimated retail price of $249.99.
 
B&H has the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS and PowerShot SX400 IS available for preorder.

B&H has receive limited stock of the Nikon D810 DSLR Camera. Don't wait to Add to Cart if this item has been on your Wish List.

Now is the time that the annual fair rolls into towns across in middle Tennessee. This year I finally remembered to bring my camera and tripod.
 
The beautiful array of colorful lights combined with the predictable motion of the rides creates the perfect opportunity for a long exposure. Here are a few tips:

• Pack your widest focal length lenses and a tripod.
• Arrive at the fair well before sunset. Scout out the midway and find the optimal spots for shooting your images.
• The best opportunity for capturing images will come moments after sunset where the ambient light level and the amusement ride lights are well balanced. Have your gear set up for your first shot as the sun is dropping below the horizon.
• Work fast. You may only get about 15 -25 minutes of optimal working time if hoping to capture detail in the sky.
• Although somewhat counter-intuitive for low-light photography, use a narrow aperture and a low ISO allowing for the use of a relatively long shutter speed. The long shutter speed will allow the ride lights to blend together and will also allow people moving directly in front of your camera not to be recognizably recorded.

EXIF for the image above this article:
 
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC
f/16, 3.2 sec, ISO 50
 
Post processed with Photoshop CC.

Amazon is listing the Canon EOS 7D as "DISCONTINUED." Does this – along with Canon's steep Refurbished discounts – mean that Canon is clearing inventory ahead of a DSLR announcement?
 
Only time will tell...

 
From Canon Australia:
 
Phil Hart, David Malin Astrophotography Awards winner, guides you through the simple star portrait, star nightscape, star trails and star time lapse settings of Canon's ultimate compact camera - the PowerShot G1X Mark II.
 
B&H carries the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II.