Canon and Sony News for Nov 2017

From Think Tank Photo:

Santa Rosa, Calif. – Think Tank Photo’s new Airport Advantage Plus rolling camera bag is specifically designed for traveling photographers. By complying with international carry-on requirements, photographers can keep their most valuable gear safe and near them when they fly. The roller’s ultra-lightweight design at 6.9 lbs. (3.1 kg) helps meet weight restrictions, yet features the same level of protection for which Think Tank is known. Its dedicated laptop pocket fits up to a 17” laptop in a padded sleeve, a 10” tablet, or an Eagle Creek Medium Clothing Folder for overnight trips.

The Airport Advantage Pus holds one gripped DSLR with lens attached, one ungripped DSLR with lens attached, plus five to eight additional lenses, and a 17” laptop. Or, it can hold two gripped DSLRs with lenses detached, plus five to seven lenses. For Mirrorless users, the roller can fit two bodies with a crazy amount of lenses. It can hold up to a 200–400 f/4 detached (hood reversed) lens.

“Traveling photographers are finding it increasingly difficult to keep their most valuable and fragile gear—their bodies, lenses, and laptops—near them and safe from rough baggage handling,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s CEO and lead designer. “The new Airport Advantage Plus was designed with not only this in mind, but with the more restrictive size and weight requirements that go with international travel.”

KEY FEATURES

• Multi-use interior for cameras and clothes
• Custom designed retractable handle with inset channel on aluminum tubing for added strength and durability
• Extra tall handle height keeps the bag away from feet when rolling
• Tripod mount pocket on side (Additional straps included for larger tripods)
• YKK RC Fuse zippers, ballistic nylon, and closed-cell PU foam are the highest quality materials in the industry
• Lockable zipper sliders (lock not included)
• Travel pouch included for organizing clothing or shoes
• Interior zippered pockets for batteries, memory cards, filters and accessories
• User-replaceable retractable handle, wheels, wheel housings, and front foot extends product life
• Custom-designed, high-performance, 80mm wheels with sealed ABEC grade 5 bearings for quiet rolling
• Seam-sealed rain cover included
• Handles on three sides ensure rapid and easy retrieval from overhead bins, car trunks, etc.
• Reinforced dividers support heavy gear and maintain strength over time
• Business card holder on top for identification

MATERIALS

Exterior: For superior water-resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, plus underside of fabric has a polyurethane coating. The bag is also constructed with 420D velocity nylon, YKK RC Fuse (abrasion-resistant) zippers, custom designed extra tall skid plates, high performance 80mm super quiet wheels with sealed bearings, rubberized laminate reinforcement, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: 210D silver-toned nylon, polyurethane backed high-density nylex liner and dividers, 2x polyurethane coated nylon 210T seam-sealed rain cover, closed-cell foam and reinforced PE board dividers, mesh pockets, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Interior Dimensions: 13.4” W x 20.5” H x 4.9 – 6.4” D (34 x 52 x 12.4–16.3 cm)
Exterior Dimensions: 13.8” W x 22” H x 7.3” D (35 x 55.9 x 18.5 cm)
Laptop Compartment: 13” x 17.6” x 2.9” (33 x 44.7 x 7.4 cm)
Weight: 6.9 lbs. (3.1 kg)

Think Tank Photo has the Airport Advantage Plus Rolling Camera Bag in stock. And as an added bonus for using our links, you'll get a free gift with your purchase.

From Canon USA:

Canon EOS-1D X

Firmware Version 2.1.0 incorporates the following improvement and fixes:

• Fixes a phenomenon in which standard exposure may not be obtained, or an irregular exposure may result, when Silent LV (Live View) shooting with the following TS-E lenses: TS-E 50mm f/2.8L MACRO, TS-E 90mm f/2.8L MACRO, or TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO.
• Changes the maximum number of "Release cycles" displayed from 1,000,000 cycles to 9,999,000 cycles. This value can be checked under the "Camera system information" menu.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which a synchronization failure may occur during multiple flash shooting.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which Error 80 occurs depending on the shutter release timing.

Download: Canon EOS-1D X Firmware v.2.1.0

Firmware Version 1.1.8 incorporates the following fix:

• Fixes a phenomenon in which standard exposure may not be obtained, or an irregular exposure may result, when Silent LV (Live View) shooting with the following TS-E lenses: TS-E 50mm f/2.8L MACRO, TS-E 90mm f/2.8L MACRO, or TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO.

Download: Canon EOS 6D Firmware v.1.1.8

From Canon USA:

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

Firmware Version 1.1.4 incorporates the following improvements and fix:

• Support has been added for chromatic aberration correction, peripheral illumination correction, distortion correction, and Digital Lens Optimizer when using Digital Photo Professional to process RAW images captured with the following TS-E lenses: TS-E 17mm f/4L, TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II, TS-E 50mm f/2.8L MACRO, TS-E 90mm f/2.8L MACRO, or TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which standard exposure may not be obtained, or an irregular exposure may result, when Silent LV (Live View) shooting with the following TS-E lenses: TS-E 50mm f/2.8L MACRO, TS-E 90mm f/2.8L MACRO, or TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO.
• Support for Exif 2.31 has been added.

Download: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Firmware v.1.1.4

Firmware Version 1.3.5 incorporates the following fix:

• Fixes a phenomenon in which standard exposure may not be obtained, or an irregular exposure may result, when Silent LV (Live View) shooting with the following TS-E lenses: TS-E 50mm f/2.8L MACRO, TS-E 90mm f/2.8L MACRO, or TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO.

Download: Canon EOS 5D Mark III Firmware v.1.3.5

B&H is currently hosting a live stream discussion panel on the recently announced Sony a7R III. See below for the live stream access.

Sony a7R III Product Highlights

• 42MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
• BIONZ X Image Processor & Front-End LSI
• 399-Point AF System & 10 fps Shooting
• UHD 4K30p Video with HLG & S-Log3 Gammas
• 3.69m-Dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF
• 3.0" 1.44m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
• ISO 102400 & Pixel Shift Multi Shooting
• Built-In Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Dual SD Slots
• USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C Port & PC Sync Port

Preorder: Sony a7R III at B&H

B&H has started shipping the Sony a7R III Mirrorless Camera to early preorder customers.

Product Highlights

• 42MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
• BIONZ X Image Processor & Front-End LSI
• 399-Point AF System & 10 fps Shooting
• UHD 4K30p Video with HLG & S-Log3 Gammas
• 3.69m-Dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF
• 3.0" 1.44m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
• ISO 102400 & Pixel Shift Multi Shooting
• Built-In Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Dual SD Slots
• USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C Port & PC Sync Port

Just posted: LensCoat RainCoat Review.

I found the camo camera and lens raincover I was looking for.

Looking for a great gift idea? Any of the many RainCoat models qualify!

The LensCoat RainCoat is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

From Nikon:

November 30, 2017 – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of version 2.0 of SnapBridge, the app that enables users to easily and conveniently expand the rich experience of their Nikon digital camera via Bluetooth connection to a smart device.

SnapBridge Version 2.0 reflects feedback from users of earlier versions of the app, and represents a complete overhaul of screen design and menu structure. It also offers new functions, including instructions for connecting to a camera, that make the app easier to use, more intuitive, and enable simpler connection.

When pairing a smart device with a camera, the SnapBridge app provides clear instructions on the steps to be performed with each device, for a simpler pairing process. The convenience of the app has also been increased in a number of ways — it is equipped with a power-saving mode, images are displayed faster, and connections are more stable to ensure the smooth and reliable transfer of photos.

Lastly, functions that support full-scale remote photography with a digital SLR camera have been extended. This enables users to apply and adjust main camera settings using the app. With all of these added improvements, the app has been developed with the focus on significantly improving the user experience.

Nikon will continue to enhance the app's usability and strengthen its functions in order to provide users with increasingly rich imaging experiences well into the future.

Key advances

1. A new screen design and menu structure for improved operation

Screen design and menu structure have been significantly overhauled in a number of ways, including the adoption of progress displays, to provide visual confirmation of the status of an operation. These include when a smart device is paired with a camera or connection is changed to a Wi-Fi connection. Direct access to help functions from the app menu is also available.

2. Instructions that make it easier to pair for the first time are displayed

The app offers different instructions for each category of camera. With explanations of the steps to be taken with both the smart device and the camera provided using text and images, even those attempting to pair devices for the first time will have an easy time of it.

Further, up to five cameras can now be registered with the smart device running the app. This makes switching between cameras much easier for those who own multiple Nikon cameras.

3. Lower power consumption, faster operations, and more stable connections

The stability of smart device connections to cameras has been increased for all operations, including the automatic downloading of photos. Additionally, the speed with which images are displayed has been improved, enabling the faster display of images in the SnapBridge app — acquired via auto download or those within the camera with manual download. The app is also equipped with a new power-saving mode that controls the amount of smart device power consumed by the app when it is not connected to a camera for an extended period of time.

SnapBridge Version 2.0 also features a location data accuracy setting that allows users to choose between lower power consumption and greater location data accuracy by selecting how often the smart device updates location data. Three options — High (high accuracy), Medium and Low — are available.

4. Greater flexibility with remote photography

Important digital SLR camera settings can now be controlled from the SnapBridge app with remote photography. The live view display on the smart device can be used to confirm and adjust camera settings, allowing users to enjoy more full-scale shooting.

Settings that can be applied/adjusted

• Exposure mode (P/S/A/M)
• Shutter speed
• Aperture value
• Exposure compensation
• ISO sensitivity
• White balance

5. More thorough collaboration with Nikon's photo sharing service, NIKON IMAGE SPACE

SnapBridge Version 2.0 has a dedicated tab that makes it easier than ever to use NIKON IMAGE SPACE. In addition, photos taken using remote photography can now be uploaded to NIKON IMAGE SPACE automatically. This means that all photos that have been downloaded to the smart device can now be automatically uploaded to NIKON IMAGE SPACE.

Download: SnapBridge Version 2.x (iOS | Android)

B&H is hosting a live stream discussion panel on the recently announced Sony a7R III starting at 12:30pm Eastern Time today. Once it goes live, the live panel discussion can be accessed below.

Sony a7R III Product Highlights

• 42MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
• BIONZ X Image Processor & Front-End LSI
• 399-Point AF System & 10 fps Shooting
• UHD 4K30p Video with HLG & S-Log3 Gammas
• 3.69m-Dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF
• 3.0" 1.44m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
• ISO 102400 & Pixel Shift Multi Shooting
• Built-In Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Dual SD Slots
• USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C Port & PC Sync Port

Preorder: Sony a7R III at B&H

B&H has updated its availability notices for the Canon TS-E 50mm f/2.8L, TS-E 90mm f/2.8L & TS-E 135mm f/4L Macro Tilt-Shift lenses indicating they will be available December 4 (Monday).

From Canon USA:

Firmware Version 1.1.2 incorporates the following improvements and fix:

• Support has been added for chromatic aberration correction, peripheral illumination correction, distortion correction, and Digital Lens Optimizer when using Digital Photo Professional to process RAW images captured with the following TS-E lenses: TS-E 17mm f/4L, TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II, TS-E 50mm f/2.8L MACRO, TS-E 90mm f/2.8L MACRO, or TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which standard exposure may not be obtained, or an irregular exposure may result, when Silent LV (Live View) shooting with the following TS-E lenses: TS-E 50mm f/2.8L MACRO, TS-E 90mm f/2.8L MACRO, or TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO.
• Support for Exif 2.31 has been added.

Download:
Canon EOS 5Ds Firmware v1.1.2
Canon EOS 5Ds R Firmware v1.1.2

Just posted: Gitzo GT1555T Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod Review.

If you do not have a high quality travel tripod in your kit, consideration of a model from the Gitzo Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod lineup is warranted.

The Gitzo GT1555T Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama. Additional recommended retailer options are included at the end of the review.

Image quality results from the Sony a7R II have been added to the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens page.

Go create some comparisons. Here is one to get you started.

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

In the video above, we get a glimpse of an upcoming feature to Photoshop CC – the ability to select subjects in an image with a single click. Looking closely at the video, it looks like the automatically calculated selections will need some refinement, but... the new feature looks like it provides a fast and solid starting point for subject selections.

From the Adobe Photoshop YouTube Channel:

We’re excited to give you a sneak peek into one of the new functionalities coming to Photoshop CC. Select Subject, powered by Adobe Sensei, is a tool that enables users to make their selections in one click. With Select Subject, you’ll be able to get started with your selections faster than ever before.

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

If you enjoy coffee as much as photography, then there's no better way to enjoy two of your greatest loves than with a coffee mug that looks like a camera lens. With a camera lens coffee cup perched on your desk, it's as if you're telling the world "I am a photographer, and now I'm ready to shoot."

History of the Lens Coffee Mug

The mug that started the lens coffee mug craze was actually handed out by Canon at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The mug looked like a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens and was a hit with photographers who were fortunate enough to get one.

Want to know more about the mug? We have a pretty thorough review on the site.

From Sony:

Ultra-fast G Series CFast memory cards with up to 510MB/s write speed for photographers and videographers

ASIA PACIFIC, 28 November 2017 – Sony today announced the launch of a range of high performance CFast memory cards designed to meet the needs of professional photographers and videographers. The new G Series CFast responds to the ever increasing capabilities of high-end DSLR and 4K cinema-grade broadcast cameras, offering lightning-fast write speeds of up to 510MB/s and read speeds of up to 530MB/s1 . Joining an established range that includes Professional internal SSDs, XQD and SxS cards, as well as the world’s fastest SD card2 , the new CFast models strengthen Sony’s position as a leader in professional memory solutions.

Step up to industry-leading write speeds
Professional photographers demand faster speed for continuous burst shooting of higher resolution images like RAW. With up to 510MB/s write speed, far outperforming the capabilities of existing CFast cards, G Series supports high-speed burst shooting of high resolution RAW, maximizing the capability of high-end DSLR cameras like the Canon 1DX Mark 2.

Reliable 4K video recording with VPG130 support
As well as ultra-fast write speed, the new CFast cards support VPG1303 for reliable recording of Cinema-grade or high-bitrate 4K video. A minimum sustained write speed of 130MB/s is guaranteed, making the new media ideal for stable recording of professional grade 4K video such as Cinema RAW light mode with Canon C200 video cameras.

Super-fast read speed for ultra-effective workflow
Efficient workflow is essential for professional photographers and videographers working in challenging environments to tight deadlines. With a blazing fast read speed of 530MB/s, G Series CFast dramatically reduces the time it takes to transfer RAW files, long 4K video footage and high-resolution images to a PC.

Designed for strength and reliability
The new CFast cards have passed a variety of stringent drop, vibration, shock and rigidity tests, making them perfect for shooting in many different locations. They work reliably across a wide range of temperatures and are highly resistant to static. With a hard case and Sony File Rescue software4 included for recovering accidentally deleted photos such as RAW images and videos, professionals can shoot with confidence in the toughest conditions.

The new G Series CFast 2.0 memory cards will be available in 32GB (CAT-G32), 64GB (CATG64) and 128GB (CAT-G128) capacities in selected Asia Pacific countries in the 1 st quarter of 2018. Please check with the authorized dealers for pricing and availability.

Just posted: Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM Lens Review.

Professional and serious amateur photographers have another must-have lens to add to their list.

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM Lens is (momentarily) in stock at Adorama and available for preorder at B&H | Amazon | WEX

A huge number of hours goes into creating a review such as this one. Please extend the value by sharing it with others! Thanks!

Macphun/Skylum Luminar 2018 v.1.0.1 has been released with the following changes:

Luminar 2018 version 1.0.1 for MAC:

• Fixed crash on saving to .PSD format
• Fixed bug when Adobe Photoshop Elements is unavailable.
• Fixed bug with Luminosity Mask preview on filter
• Fixed "Image Cannot be saved” issue with Adobe Lightroom
• Fixed RAW Develop\Develop issue when converting Panasonic files
• Added support for more Adobe Photoshop plugins, including Topaz Labs plugins
• Improved RAW processing on opening file
• Improved Windows preset preview
• Improved accuracy of the filter collapse/expand triangle control
• Improved application and Batch processing UI
• Fixed RAW Develop/Develop issue with DNG files
• Plus other performance improvements and fixes to the reported issues.

Luminar 2018 version 1.0.1 for Windows:

• Workspaces
• Luminosity Mask
• Image Resize & Sharpen on Export
• Improved Hotkeys support
• Improved RAW opening & processing
• RAW support for more cameras, including Nikon D850
• Fixed bug when launching Photoshop with a blank image
• PLUS; Improved performance and fixes for a number of reported bugs, including the fixed issue with LowRes image preview on layers with masks; Fixed progress bar for opening images.

Through November 29, use promo code THEDIGITALPICTURE at Macphun/Skylum to save $10.00 on the already discounted Black Friday pricing for new or upgrade purchases of Luminar 2018 and Aurora HDR 2018.

Just posted: Gitzo GM4562 Series 4 Carbon Fiber Monopod Review.

The GM4562 is currently my daily-use monopod.

The Gitzo GM4562 Series 4 Carbon Fiber Monopod is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX

PhotoBulk Lite is a stripped down version of Eltima Software's PhotoBulk 2 which allows you to create your own unique watermark with a variety of settings: choose Font, Style, adjust the Opacity and the Color of the text. Also, you can control angle and position of your logo in the live-preview box.

This app can be especially handy if all you want to do is add "PROOF" to the middle of your photo previews. You can download PhotoBulk Lite on the Apple Mac App Store.

For more advanced watermarking, PhotoBulk 2 is likely worth its $9.99 price.

From the Adobe Photoshop YouTube Channel:

Discover how to use the Fill command in Photoshop CC. Quickly fill areas in an image with color, patterns, history, and the content aware technology to remove distracting elements in an image.

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

It is highly likely that you will be doing some Christmas shopping over the next month or so and that is a great opportunity to support us at no additional cost to you. This site is here for you, it is up to you to keep us funded to continue working for you and your support is needed right now.

Simply use one of the many retailer links on this site immediately prior to purchasing anything from that retailer and in turn, we receive the support needed to serve you. Other options, including direct one-time and monthly donations are available on our support page.

Note that, if you see what looks like a deal at a local store, that deal is likely also available at one of the online retailers we work with. Unless you prefer driving in traffic and waiting in lines, you will likely find the online experience with the primary retailers we recommend to be a much better option. Spend that extra time photographing.

Along with purchasing items to use personally over the holidays or to gift to someone else, this is a good time to consider renting something fun to capture your holidays with. Renting from LensRentals.com is another win-win for you and TDP.

We are grateful for your support and love serving you!

Just posted: Breakthrough Photography X4 Dark Circular Polarizer Filter Review.

Looking for a gift for a photographer? It is very likely that this filter would be both a useful and a unique piece of kit for them.

The Breakthrough Photography X4 Dark Circular Polarizer Filter is in short supply right now with some sizes in stock at Breakthrough Photography.

Adorama is accepting preorders.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

by Liza Gershman

On a professional commercial or editorial shoot, food stylists prepare food to make it look “real,” or better than real, which requires quite a few tricks. Setting the scene and telling a story is also the job of the stylist team, and once that has been created then the photographer and photo assistant handle the lighting, composition, and framing. If you are photographing for a blog, magazine, or cookbook, working with a great food stylist isn’t always possible, but using these helpful tips when photographing food will enhance your imagery.

Think of the food before you even begin to photograph and plan the steps that it takes to create a successful food image.

Ask yourself, what is the size, shape, height and dimension of the food? What makes the subject special or unique?

Image quality test results have been added to the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM Lens page.

I've been anxiously awaiting these results. Check them out and let us know what you think!

Here is an 85mm lens image quality comparison to get you started.

I think I might know what you want under the Christmas tree this year. The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM Lens is available for preorder at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX