Canon, Nikon and Sony News for Aug 2016 Report News & Deals  ►

From Canon:
 
TOKYO, August 31, 2016—Canon Inc. today announced that it has developed a new CMOS sensor equipped with a global shutter function that, because it exposes all of the sensor's pixels at the same time, enables the capture of distortion-free images even when shooting fast-moving objects. Employing a new signal-readout drive system and new pixel structure that significantly expands the full well capacity and reduces noise, the sensor contributes to high-image-quality video capture by making possible the realization of a wide dynamic range.
 
Distortion-free image capture when shooting fast-moving objects
Standard CMOS sensors make use of the rolling shutter method, which sequentially exposes the pixels one row at a time. Because rolling shutters can create slight discrepancies in signal-readout timing depending on the location of the pixel, images of fast-moving objects may appear distorted and flash photography may result in the occurrence of the flash band phenomenon, in which the upper and lower portions of images display different levels of brightness. Because Canon's newly developed CMOS sensor employs a global shutter, when shooting such fast-moving objects as a rotating propeller or a speeding train, subjects are able to retain their proper form to create distortion-free images. Enabling the confirmation of object shapes with a high degree of accuracy, the sensor offers potential benefits in industrial applications, including as a sensor for use in inspection cameras.
 
Wide dynamic range realized through new proprietary drive method and pixel structure
When the newly developed CMOS sensor converts light into electrical signals and stores the signal charge in memory, the new drive system achieves a significant expansion in full well capacity. Also, because it employs a structure that efficiently captures light and each pixel incorporates an optimized internal configuration, the sensor makes possible increased sensitivity with reduced noise. The expanded full well capacity, realized through the sensor’s new drive system, and substantial reduction in noise, enabled by the new pixel structure, combine to deliver a wide dynamic range, facilitating the capture of high-image-quality, high-definition footage even when shooting scenes containing large variances in brightness.
 
Canon will explore various industrial and measurement applications for the newly developed CMOS sensor and consider deploying it in the field of video production for cinema production applications, TV dramas, commercials and more.

Image quality results from the Canon EOS 5Ds R and Canon EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens page.
 
This lens lives at the bottom of Canon's telephoto zoom lens lineup. It is available in refurbished condition for less than the cost of a good filter. But, it was next in line to go in front of the highest resolution DSLR available. Check out how it fared.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens in stock. This lens is also available in a USM version. Why does the USM version cost $10 less?

From Nikon:
 
Nikon D500 Firmware v.1.10
 
Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.02 to 1.10:
 

• Added support for the iOS version of SnapBridge.
• Changed some help text.
• Fixed the following issues:
• Images would not display correctly if playback zoom was used during image review.
• The focus point display would not light if the shutter-release button was pressed halfway after the standby timer had expired.
• The camera would stop responding if a command dial was used in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU > f Controls > f1 Custom control assignment > Movie record button + menu.
• If an option other than Off was selected for Active D-Lighting in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU, pictures taken with an optional flash unit in auto aperture (AA), non-TTL auto (A), or distance-priority manual (GN) flash mode would be underexposed.

Download Nikon D500 Firmware v.1.10
 

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Nikon D3400 Firmware v.1.10
 
Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.00 to 1.10:
 

• Added support for the iOS version of SnapBridge.

Download: Nikon D3400 Firmware v.1.10
 
B&H carries the Nikon D500 and has the D3400 DSLR available for preorder.

Want a blast from the past? The Boston Public Library has uploaded thousands of old photos and postcards to its Flickr photostream with albums featuring:
 

• Accidents: Aviation
• Accidents: Miscellaneous
• Accidents: Train & Trolley
• Aerial Photographs
• Animals: Farm & Domestic
• Aviation: Charles Lindbergh
• Alabama Postcards
• Alaska Postcards
• Arizona Postcards
• Arkansas Postcards

Those are just some of the interesting albums I found before getting to the albums starting with "b." Have fun killing an afternoon perusing the seemingly endless supply of interesting images.

From Sigma:
 
Thank you for purchasing and using our products.
 
We would like to inform you of the lens firmware updates which incorporate a new algorithm to improve AF performance even further. Although we announced on April 14th, 2016 that release of the firmware updates is planned around June to August, the development has been delayed and the actual release will start from October onward.
 
For customers waiting for the availability of the lens firmware updates, we apologize for the inconvenience. We appreciate your understanding and will continue the development with our utmost efforts.
 
Release of the firmware updates will be announced as they become available.
 
Products that we are developing its firmware
 

Lens	Mount
SIGMA 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM | Art	Sigma / Canon
SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports	Sigma / Canon
SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports	Sigma / Canon
SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary	Sigma / Canon
SIGMA 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM | Contemporary	Sigma / Canon
SIGMA 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | Contemporary	Sigma / Canon
SIGMA 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | Contemporary	Sigma / Canon

B&H carries Sigma lenses.

The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens and Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens pages have been updated. Updates include MTF chart comparisons (very interesting) and side-by-side new vs. old lens product images.
 
Important: Using this site's links to place your preorders provides the support we need to keep this site maintained. Thanks for that!

 
From the Joe McNally YouTube Channel:
 
Big Lights, Big City! A behind-the-scenes video (shot with Nikon’s D5) about creating a photo portfolio for a beautiful young dancer who just arrived in NYC. Follow Joe as he uses two new additions in Nikon’s line up, the D500 camera and the SB-5000 Speedlight, as he photographs this dynamic subject around town, in the studio and on stage.
 
B&H carries the following gear used for the video:
 

• Nikon D500
• Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
• Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
• Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
• Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II
• Nikon SB-5000 Speedlight
• Nikon SD-9 Battery Pack
• Nikon WR-A10 Wireless Remote Adapter
• Nikon WR-R10 Wireless Remote Controller

From Canon USA:
 
Canon Professional Services (CPS) Supports Professional Photographers Urgently in Need of Replacement Equipment
 
MELVILLE, N.Y., August 29, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today that from August 6 to August 20, nearly 70 percent of professional photographers on assignment in Brazil were Canon shooters. In addition, Canon brought a team of more than 70 highly trained technicians and support staff to Brazil this month to help maximize the uptime and performance of its professional broadcast and EOS imaging equipment users. Canon HDTV field lenses were ready on the evening of August 5 bringing viewers worldwide approximately 80 percent and nationwide 100 percent of the images they saw on TV.
 
"It is humbling to know that such a large number of the world's most talented sports photographers relied on Canon equipment to capture this historic sporting event. Their iconic images from so many different events have been and will be seen by millions of people around the world for years to come. To support the needs of our customers and help them accomplish their goals, Canon Professional Services is always set up and ready at major sporting events throughout the year to assist by providing comprehensive equipment maintenance and repairs, extensive equipment loans and expert technical support," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc.
 
During the events, a photographer that had equipment stolen was quickly assisted by CPS staff so he could get back on assignment. According to Brett Costello, News Corp. Australia photographer, "The CPS team in Brazil was amazing. I was very upset at having my gear stolen on August 4 at a café and thought my ability to cover the coming events were over. When I told the Canon staff there what had happened to me, they didn't hesitate in helping with the loan gear I required. Thanks to Canon I put the event behind me and was able to complete my assignments."
 
The CPS team also:
 

• Averaged a 12 hour turnaround time for products needing repair
• Loaned 8,163 products with the EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR camera and EF 200-400MM F/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X being the most requested product loans
• Had in stock 950 cameras and 1,500 lenses
• Communicated with photographers in 12 languages

Canon Professional Services proudly attends to photographers at major sporting, auto racing, Hollywood, and political events throughout each year.
 
For more information about CPS: http://www.cps.usa.canon.com/
 
B&H carries the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II.

With the arrival of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, many questions are being raised. Recently, we answered the Should I get the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the 5D III? question. Here, we're going to compare the 5D Mark III's successor to the ultra-high resolution 5Ds and 5Ds R models in attempt to answer the "Should I get the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the 5Ds/5Ds R? question.
 
It seems logical to start such a comparison by showing a chart of the specification differences. For the purposes of this post, we'll lumping the 5Ds and 5Ds R models together as they are identical except for the low-pass cancellation feature found in the "R" model.
 

	5D Mark IV	5Ds/5Ds R
Resolution	30.4M	50.6M
DLA	f/8.6	f/6.7
Image Processor	DIGIC 6+ plus iTR/AF processor	Dual DIGIC 6
Continuous Shooting / Buffer	7 fps / 21 RAW	5 fps / 14 RAW
AF Working Range	EV -3 - 18	EV -2 - 18
AF points @ f/8	61	5
Metering Range	EV 0 - 20	EV 1 - 20
Sensor AF	Dual Pixel CMOS AF	Contrast AF
ISO Sensitivity	Auto 100-32000 (L:50, H1: 51200, H2: 102400)	Auto 100-6400 (L: 50, H1: 12800)
LCD	Touch panel 3.2-inch (3:2) / 1,620K dots	3.2-inch (3:2) / 1,040K dots
Video Recording	4K (17:9) 4096 x 2160 (29.97, 25, 24, 23.98 fps) Motion JPEG Full HD (16:9) 1920 x 1080 (59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, 23.98 fps) intra or inter frame Full HD (16:9) 1920 x 1080 HDR ( 29.97, 25 fps) inter frame Full HD (16:9) 1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25) lite inter frame HD (16:9) 1280 x 720 (119.9, 100 fps) intra frame	FHD (16:9) 1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps) intra or inter frame HD (16:9) 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps) intra or inter frame SD (4:3) 640 x 480 (59.94, 50 fps) inter frame
Wi-Fi / NFC / GPS	Built-in	GPS / Wi-Fi via accessories
Battery Life	Approx. 900	Approx. 700
Weight	31.4 oz (890g)	32.8 oz (930g)

Here is the full EOS 5D Mark IV vs. 5Ds specifications comparison.
 
Obvious from the table above is that the EOS 5Ds/5Ds R has one notable advantage over the EOS 5D Mark IV – resolution. The 5Ds R model, specifically, also has a slight sharpness advantage on the 5D IV as the latter features a traditional low-pass filter without the R's cancellation feature. Here is a resolution test chart comparison between the 5D IV and the 5Ds R.
 
Just as I noted in the 5D IV vs. 5D III post, if you're interested in creating 4K content, or otherwise need the benefits of Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF, the choice is clear – get the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.
 
If you're a landscape, wildlife or studio photographer who requires the ultimate in resolution for making big prints, the 5Ds/5Ds R models offer 40% more resolution compared to the 5D IV. Aside from big prints, the additional pixels allow for more leeway in cropping while maintaining still-manageable resolutions. To put that into point perspective, the 5Ds/5Ds R's 1.6x crop feature (simulating the field of view realized by using an APS-C sensor camera) results in a 19.6 megapixel image. This difference is noticeable. To obtain the same APS-C field of view with a 5D IV base image, the end result would be 11.7 megapixels.
 
Does that make the EOS 5Ds/5Ds R a better camera for those interested in wildlife? Maybe, but not necessarily. There are a lot of factors that go into creating a compelling wildlife image. The ability to crop an image heavily is just one of them.
 
Other factors like burst speed, buffer depth, high ISO noise results and AF capability/performance also play significant roles. That the 5D IV allows for two additional frames-per-second in burst shooting may not seem like much, but it can definitely help. The greater buffer capacity is always welcome. As hinted to by the increased standard max ISO setting (to 32000), the 5D IV performs better in the noise department than its predecessor, the 5D Mark III, and the 5D IV also performs better than the 5Ds at the pixel level in this regard.
 
Downsize the 5Ds image to 5D IV dimensions and the comparison becomes considerably closer. The 5D IV is still the better performer, but the equivalent comparison shows this attribute being less of a decision factor. The 5Ds/5Ds R's standard max ISO tops out at 6400.
 
The 5D IV also features a vertically expanded AF point spread to its benefit. This is a feature that wildlife (and many other) photographers will appreciate. If a subject is moving, AI servo is needed and if AI servo is in use, a focus point must be held on the subject (usually their closest eye). Having a larger AF point spread sometimes permits better subject framing in these situations (I provided an elk photo example in the 5D IV review).
 
So, which body is best for you? If you want the most versatile, general purpose DSLR, the 5D Mark IV's feature set will likely make it the best overall choice. At their introduction, the ultra-high resolution 5Ds and 5Ds R were marketed more as specialty cameras rather than a camera for everyman. And their place in Canon's camera lineup hasn't changed; the only difference is that the everyman camera has a "IV" in its name and packs a great new feature set to go with it.
 
Get your Canon 5D Mark IV and/or EOS 5Ds/5Ds R at B&H.

Accodring to c|net, Adobe is planning to add Dual Pixel RAW support in Photoshop CC and Lightroom CC.
 
While no time table was specified, it's promising news for those who don't want to be limited to using Canon's Digital Photo Professional for taking advantage of the new feature.
 
Read the entire article on c|net.
 
B&H has the 5D Mark IV available for preorder and carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

The Canon Professional Network** has published an article featuring fashion and beauty photographer John Swannell. It it, Swannell recounts a story of a bag he purchased from a thrift store for a couple of pounds.

We pause to reflect on Helmut Newton, an abrasive character to many, but to Swannell a bit of a diamond in the rough. “I once spent four days with Helmut on a shoot in the south of France and he took a shine to my camera bag.”
 
“I’d found the bag in a charity shop in London for a couple of quid and really loved it because it had lots of pockets. But Helmut wanted it and wouldn’t take no for an answer. He kept on offering me money for it during the shoot and went up to $500 and still I wouldn’t sell it to him.”
 
Swannell laughs at the recollection: “This made him really grumpy with me and on the last day, as we were walking across the tarmac to board the aircraft, he turned round to me and said ‘there must be something of mine you want, I have to have that bag!’ so I replied ‘OK, sign me a print from the cover of your book White Women’ and you can have it. He said ‘you must be mad, that’s about $3000!’
 
“He was so mean, was Newton, and wouldn’t have it. But I held my ground and said that was the price of the bag. And then suddenly, in front of everybody, he took my bag off me and tipped all my stuff onto the tarmac, and marched off with it. I turned to his wife Alice [Springs] and said ‘you are my witness!’ And a few days later, a signed print arrived. Ten years later I sold that print for £32,000. So that old bag wasn’t a bad investment...”

From Canon Professional Network.
 
** Because the gallery showcase images featured in this article contain nudity, we have chosen not to link directly to the article.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV owner's manual is now available for download. (thanks David)
 
676 pages of educational/leisure reading for the weekend!
 
If you have not already done so, preorder the new Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and other new gear here.

With the recent announcement of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, I'm sure many are considering a DSLR upgrade in the not-so-distant future. For those currently shooting with a 5D Mark II or III, the upgrade path is reasonably clear (although the 5Ds and 5Ds R still deserve consideration); however, if a photographer is currently using a Rebel-series or **D model, there are still reasons to consider the very capable EOS 5D Mark III as one's upgrade of choice.
 
Let's look at some of the major differences between the 5D Mark IV and 5D Mark III:
 

	5D Mark IV	5D Mark III
Resolution	30.4M	22.3M
ISO Speed	100–32000 (L: 50, H1: 51200, H2: 102400)	100–25600 (L: 50, H1: 51200, H2: 102400)
Focus Points	61 points (41 cross-type points, 61 points at f/8) Vertically expanded AF area	61 points (41 cross-type points, central single point at f/8)
Metering Range	EV -3 – 18	EV -2 – 18
Sensor AF	Dual Pixel CMOS AF	Contrast AF
Mirror	Motor-driven	Spring-driven
Auto Exposure Sensor	Approx. 150,000 RGB + IR metering sensor with Anti-Flicker timing	IFCL Metering System with 63-zone dual-layering metering sensor
Continuous Shooting	Approx. 7fps	Approx. 6fps
Video Recording	[4K] 4096 x 2160: 30p [Full HD MOV] 1920 x 1080: 60p [Full HD MP4] 1920 x 1080: 60p [HD] 1280 x 720: 120p (High frame rate movie: without sound)	[Full HD] 1920 x 1080: 30p [HD] 1280 x 720: 60p [SD] 640 x 480: 30p
Video Compression	[4K] Motion JPEG [Full HD / HD MOV / MP4] MPEG-4 AVC / H.264	MPEG-4 AVC / H.264
Video ISO Speed	[Full HD] 100–25600 (H2: 102400) [4K] 100–12800 (H2: 102400)	[Full HD] 100–12800 (H: 25600)
4K Screen Grab	Yes	N/A
LCD Monitor	Touch panel 3.2-inch (3:2) / 1,620,000 dots	3.2-inch (3:2) / 1,040,000 dots
USB	3.0	2.0
Wi-Fi / NFC / GPS	Built-in	GPS / Wi-Fi via accessories

The increase in resolution is a big one – this one is going to be noticeable. The increase in the base ISO setting range will not likely make the differentiation list for most, but promised improvements in noise and especially in shadow detail will. The new AF system is a significant differentiator, especially in low light and when f/8 max aperture lenses are being used.
 
Dual Pixel AF is a game changer for video and the improved video capabilities, including 4k capture, must be considered. As this will be a popular camera for wedding photographers, the flicker-avoidance capabilities are going to be highly valued by some. Those who need Wi-Fi, NFC and/or GPS capabilities are going to strongly favor the 5D IV's built-in features. Not included in the above list is the 5D Mark IV's Dual Pixel RAW capabilities. While we see this as a good feature and we are anxious to see how it performs, the benefits are said to be subtle.
 
Very obvious is that the 5D Mark IV appears to be the better camera. The question is whether or not the 5D IV is worthy of the additional cost over the 5D Mark III, an upgrade expense for those coming from the 5D Mark III. If any of the 5D IV's upgraded features are "must-have's," then there really isn't any choice. But what about customers without such demanding requirements? What's important here is the incremental value of those differentiating factors and whether or not the 5D IV investment is worth the price difference to a potential camera buyer.
 
The EOS 5D Mark III is a solid camera. It has been used and loved by a huge number of photographers and it remains a solid upgrade from many other cameras. Its low noise full frame sensor image quality alone differentiates it from all of the APS-C models.
 
And that brings us to the biggest benefit of purchasing a 5D Mark III over a 5D Mark IV – price. The 5D Mark IV will likely be selling at its introductory price for a decent while. However, the 5D III currently sells for $900.00 less for a new/retail model with USA instant savings applied. And if you're willing to purchase a refurbished model, you can save even more.
 
In short, if you want a solid, versatile full-frame body at a bargain price, get the 5D Mark III. If you want/need the latest and greatest features, some being significant, get the 5D Mark IV. If upgrading to a 5D-series camera from any of the APS-C models, won't likely be disappointed either way.