Canon and Sony News for Mar 2017

 Friday, March 31, 2017

by Sean Setters

A week ago, the wispy clouds drew my attention as I walked outside to water my garden plants. With sunset soon approaching, I decided to grab the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, a tripod and a selection of lenses with the hope of catching some sunset and/or blue hour shots in downtown Savannah, GA. I specifically chose the crop sensor 7D II because a) the crop sensor lenses are smaller allowing for a wider range of focal lengths to be carried in a small backpack and b) I didn't necessarily need the benefit of the 5D III's high ISO performance for sunset imagery.

My original plan was to capture a sunset behind a silhouette of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge. After heading across the Savannah River to one of my favorite locations for photographing River Street, I realized that scene I had imagined was impossible to capture from the location I had in mind. And, unfortunately, there wasn't another easily accessible location on Hutchinson Island that would provide the angle I needed (without obstructions) to capture the sun behind the bridge. If I had taken the time to research the sun's position in relation to my intended shooting location, I would have realized that my imagined shot was not possible. Regardless, I decided to regroup and see what I could do with the beautiful sunset occurring before my eyes.

As the sun sank just below the horizon, the sky became striped with vibrant colors. Using a couple of cranes and the stacks of a building under construction to anchor the image, I chose a verticle framing and, using the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM and the 7D II set to HDR mode, captured the dramatic skies the sunset had created.

In post processing, I blurred the water in the bottom of the resulting HDR JPEG image to simulate a longer exposure, increased contrast a bit and increased saturation/vibrance to further enhance the colors in the sky.

Sometimes, things work out just as you plan them; other times, they don't. Always be prepared to go with a "plan B" option, even if your backup plan is created completely on the fly. By grabbing your camera and heading out the door when conditions look favorable, you'll likely find yourself with a myriad of options to frame in your viewfinder. And don't forget, having a go-bag ready can make heading out the door that much easier.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 3/31/2017 7:35:18 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From the Canon Imaging Plaza YouTube Channel:

“Walking In The Air” was shot using the ultra-wide angle lens EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM. The advanced aperture F2.8, ultra-wide angle zoom lens is popular with professionals and highly skilled enthusiasts. Enjoy the scenery of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach in Australia.

B&H carries the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM (review).

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Posted to: Canon News   
Post Date: 3/31/2017 7:31:09 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

In this video by Kodak Moments UK, Kodak pranks unsuspecting UK residents by pretending to accidentally wipe their smart phones' data. Why? To prove how important it is to print out important images.

Of course, off-site backup storage solutions offer similar (if not better) short term security for your images, but... a high quality printed image on archival paper can last for generations and can easily be enjoyed by those within close proximity.

B&H carries photo printers and archival paper.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   
Post Date: 3/31/2017 7:15:39 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Canon has released firmware updates for the EOS C700, EOS C100 Mark II, EOS C100 DAF, EOS C100, XC10, XC15, ME20F-SH, and ME200S-SH cameras. See below for details.

Canon EOS C700 Firmware v.1.0.1.1.00

Firmware Version 1.0.1.1.00 incorporates the following fixe and enhancements:

  1. Adds the following new recording modes: 4.5K RAW and Apple ProRes in CDX-36150*1
    • RAW Format: Media: Capture Drive 2.0 (Resolution / Max. Frame Rate)
    • [4.5K] 4512x2376 / 100 fps
    • [4.5K Cinescope] 4512x1920 / 120 fps
    • [2K Crop] 2048x1080 / 240 fps- ProRes Format*2
    • Media: Capture Drive 2.0 (Resolution / Codec / Max. Frame Rate)
    • 4096x2160 / ProRes 422 HQ / 60 fps
    • 3846x2160 / ProRes 422 HQ / 60 fps
    • 2048x1080 / ProRes 422 HQ / 120 fps
    • 2048x1080 / ProRes 4444 XQ / 60 fps
    • 2048x1080 / ProRes 4444 / 60 fps
    • 1920x1080 / ProRes 422 HQ / 120 fps
    • 1920x1080 / ProRes 4444 XQ / 60 fps
    • 1920x1080 / ProRes 4444 / 60 fps
    • 2048x1080 (Crop) / ProRes 422 HQ / 240 fps
    • 1920x1080 (Crop) / ProRes 422 HQ / 240 fps

  2. Allows CDX-36150 firmware to be updated through the camera menu. *3
  3. Fixes communications with the Remote Controller RC-V100.
*1 Codex Digital Recorder module.
*2 When you initialize a Capture Drive with the main recording format set to [ProRes (Capture Drive)], the recordable space will be reduced to approximately half of the Capture Drive's nominal capacity to ensure a highly reliable format thanks to the use of multi-stream processing.
*3 For the latest Firmware Version please check Codex Digital's website.

Download: Canon EOS C700 Firmware v.1.0.1.1.00



Canon EOS C100 Mark II Firmware v.1.0.4.1.00

Firmware Version 1.0.4.1.00 incorporates the following enhancements:

  1. Shutter Angle Priority has been added. A constant shutter angle can now be maintained, regardless of any other camera settings being changed.
  2. Support for peripheral illumination correction when the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens is attached, has been added.
Download: Canon EOS C100 Mark II Firmware v.1.0.4.1.00



Canon EOS C100 Firmware v.1.0.8.1.00 & EOS C100 w/DPAF Upgrade Firmware v.2.0.8.1.00

Firmware Version 1.0.8.1.00 incorporates the following correction.

  1. The following features are enabled when these lenses are attached: CN7x17 KAS S/E1*, CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S or CN20x50 IAS H/E1*3.
    • Saving and displaying metadata, such as the model name and the focal distance of the lens attached.
    • Support for peripheral illumination Correction.
    • Manual Iris control via the camera's control dial on the grip.
    • Zoom operation via the joystick on the camera's.
    • Control of focus, zoom and iris using the separately-sold Remote Controller RC-V100.
    • Automatic aperture and push auto iris functions.
    • Operation of REC start/stop via the lens's grip unit.

  2. Adds Peripheral Illumination Correction for the following lenses:
    • EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM
    • EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
    • EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
    • EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM

*The lens firmware also needs to be updated. If you have CN7x17 KAS S/E1 or CN20x50 IAS H/E1, please contact to Canon Support Center.

Download: Canon EOS C100 Firmware v.1.0.8.1.00 & EOS C100 w/DPAF Upgrade Firmware v.2.0.8.1.00



Canon XC10 Firmware v.1.0.3.0

Firmware Version 1.0.3.0 incorporates the following enhancement.

  1. Support for CFast cards (VPG130) has been added.*
*For detailed information about CFast cards that have been verified to work with this camera, please visit Canon's Web site

Download: Canon XC10 Firmware v.1.0.3.0



Canon XC15 Firmware v.1.0.1.0

Firmware Version 1.0.1.0 incorporates the following enhancement.

  1. Support for CFast cards (VPG130) has been added.*
*For detailed information about CFast cards that have been verified to work with this camera, please visit Canon's Web site

Download: Canon XC15 Firmware v.1.0.1.0



Canon ME20F-SH Firmware v.1.0.3.1.00 & Canon ME200S-SH Firmware v.1.0.1.1.00

Firmwares incorporate the following enhancements.

  1. Three camera modes have been added:
    • Tv: Shutter speed is selectable. Iris, Gain and ND Filter* are set automatically.
    • Av: Iris is selectable. Shutter speed, Gain and ND Filter* are set automatically.
    • AGC: Shutter speed and Iris are selectable. Gain and ND Filter* are set automatically.

  2. The following features are enabled for the CN-E18-80mm and T4.4 L IS KAS S:
    • Saving and displaying metadata, such as the model name and the focal distance of the lens when attached.
    • Support for Peripheral Illumination Correction.
    • Manual Iris control via the camera's joystick.
    • Control of focus, zoom and iris using the separately-sold Remote Controller RC-V100.
    • One shot autofocus.
    • Automatic aperture and push auto iris functions.
    • Operation of REC start/stop by the separately-sold ZSG-C10.

  3. Adds Peripheral Illumination Correction for the following lenses:
    • EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
    • EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM
    • EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM

  4. Adds chroma-key correction function.
  5. Adds three white balance modes when the camera is set to Auto: custom White Balance Set, Preset and Color temperature.
  6. Adds 25PsF on output format.
  7. Adds [59.94P(i)]* and [50.00P(i)]** output setting for Monitor terminal.
    • When the frame rate is set to 59.94P (NTSC) or 50.00P (PAL), the 3G/HD-SDI 1 / MONITOR terminal can be set to output interlaced signal.

* ND Filter can alsobe set manually.
** When using this setting 3G/HD-SDI 2 will output progressive signal.

Download: Canon ME20F-SH Firmware v.1.0.3.1.00
Download: Canon ME200S-SH Firmware v.1.0.1.1.00

B&H carries the following:

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Firmware Updates
Post Date: 3/31/2017 6:51:44 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Thursday, March 30, 2017

From Canon USA:

Thank you for using Canon products.

The latest firmware for the Connect Station CS100 is now available. In order to update the firmware, the CS100 device must be connected to the Internet. Please see detailed instructions below.

Details

Firmware Version 2.5.1 incorporates the following enhancements:

  • Movie upload functionality with the Connect Station App has been added. *1,*2,*3,*4
  • Ability to [Send/receive images] between a mobile device and the Connect Station CS100 outside of a home network has been enabled. (Internet connection required) *1
  • Support for more image sources and file types has been added. See instruction manual for Connect Station CS100 for more details. *1
  • Decreased the time necessary to [Copy multiple images].
  • [Loop playback] functionality has been added.
  • A [Disable] option to the [Auto standby] setting in the [Preferences] menu has been added. *5

*1 Requires the latest version of the Connect Station App to be installed on the mobile device.
*2 Proper playback is not guaranteed with movies captured with a mobile device.
*3 The orientation of the Movies captured with a mobile device can be converted for playback when imported to the Connect Station CS100.
*4 If the movie being imported has UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) date information, then that date information is saved after the movie is imported to the Connect Station CS100. If the footage does not have UTC date information, then the imported date will be the date information for the move file.
*5 When [Auto standby] is set to [Disable], and the monitor is displayed for a prolonged period of time, screen burn-in may occur.

For detailed information about the functions of the Connect Station CS100, please refer to the latest instruction manual which can be found on the Canon Website.

Affected Product

This firmware update is for Connect Station CS100 with Firmware up to Version 2.0.4.

Cautions Regarding Use of the CS100

Movies larger than 4GB captured with the EOS-1D X Mark II cannot be imported to the CS100 using a wired connection. Please use a memory card to transfer such movies.

Cautions while performing the firmware update:

  • Before the firmware update, please remove the CF card, SD card, and USB cable.
  • Do not turn off the power of the CS100.
  • Do not lift up or move the CS100.
  • Do not operate the Remote Control CS-RC1.

Firmware Update Procedure

  1. Turn on the power of the CS100, and connect the device to the Internet. *For details on how to connect the CS100 to the Internet, please see the user’s manual.
  2. Press the [Home] button on the remote control, and check whether [ ! ] appears over the “Preferences” item, and if so, select the “Preferences” item, and then press .
  3. Press the [Right] button of Cross keys on the remote control, select the tab in the image below, and after checking that [ ! ] appears next to [Update Firmware], select [Update Firmware], and then press .
  4. Press [MENU] on the remote control to start downloading and updating the firmware.
Firmware version confirmation method

  1. Press the [Right] button of Cross keys on the remote control, select the tab in the image below, and check whether the information on the [Update Firmware] screen indicates the latest firmware version.
Support

If you have not already done so, please register your Connect Station CS100. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email about future announcements.

This information is for residents of the United States and its five territories only. If you do not reside in the USA or its five territories, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc

B&H carries the Canon Connect Station CS100.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Firmware Updates
Post Date: 3/30/2017 12:02:12 PM ET   Posted By: Sean

If stepping up from a crop sensor camera like the EOS 80D or a Rebel-series camera, there are two full frame Canon DSLRs outside of the 1-series that one might consider – the EOS 5D Mark IV and EOS 6D. Both offer a step up in high ISO image quality afforded by a larger full frame sensor, but feature gap between them is as significant as the price gap. Let's dig a little deeper to see which body might be the better option for your needs and budget.

Before we analyze the differences between the two bodies, let's first take a look at the features they have in common:

  • Full frame 1.0x 35mm field of view with EF lenses
  • Excellent high-ISO image quality
  • AF working range: EV -3 - 18
  • Autofocus Microadjustment
  • AEB: 2, 3, 5 or 7 Shots +/-3 EV 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments
  • Viewfinder: Pentaprism, approx. 0.71x magnification
  • Exposure compensation: +/- 3EV in 1/2 or 1/3 increments
  • Top LCD Panel: Yes
  • Wi-Fi and GPS: Built-in

From an image quality perspective (assuming a properly in-focus subject), the two bodies perform very similarly (disregarding differences in resolution). And from that standpoint, either body can serve as a very compelling upgrade for those stepping up from a 1.6x crop sensor camera like the **D or Rebel/***D/****D series. With that in mind, let's take a look at the specific benefits of each DSLR.

Benefits of the Canon EOS 6D over the 5D Mark IV

  • Smaller size/lower weight: 5.7 x 4.4 x 2.8" (144.5 x 110.5 x 71.2mm), 26.6 oz (755g) vs. 5.9 x 4.6 x 3.0" (150.7 x 116.4 x 75.9mm), 31.4 oz (890g)
  • Better battery life: Approx 1090 shots vs. 900 (at 23°C/73°F, AE 50%, FE 50%)
  • Significantly lower price

Benefits of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV over the EOS 6D

  • More resolution: 30.4 MP vs. 20.2
  • Newer image processor: DIGIC 6+ vs. DIGIC 5+
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF: Yes vs. No
  • Better AF system: 61 Point / max of 41 cross-type AF points inc. 5 dual cross type at f/2.8 and 61 points / 21 cross-type AF points at f/8 vs. 11 points inc. f/5.6 cross type at center, extra sensitivity at f/2.8
  • Better metering system: Approx. 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor, 252-zone metering vs. TTL full aperture metering with 63 zone Dual Layer SPC
  • Higher Metering Range: EV 0 – 20 vs. EV 1 – 20
  • Higher max. shutter speed: 1/8000 sec vs. 1/4000
  • Faster continuous shooting/higher buffer: Max. approx. 7fps. with full AF / AE tracking, speed maintained for up to unlimited number of JPEGs or 21 RAW images vs. max. approx. 4.5fps. with full AF / AE tracking, speed maintained for up to 1250 JPEGs or 17 RAW images
  • More memory card slots: 2 (CompactFlash, SD/SDHC/SDXC) vs. 1 (SD/SDHC/SDXC)
  • Selectable auto white balance setting: AWB (ambience priority, white priority) vs. AWB (ambience priority)
  • Larger viewfinder coverage: Approx. 100% vs. 97%
  • Better mirror assembly: Motor driven quick-return half mirror vs. quick-return half mirror
  • Higher shutter durability rating: 150,000 shots vs. 100,000
  • Light flicker detection and shutter timing: Yes vs. No
  • Better LCD: Touch screen 3.2" (8.10cm) Clear View LCD II, approx. 1620K dots vs. 3.0" (7.7cm) Clear View TFT, approx. 1040K dots
  • Slightly faster flash sync speed: 1/200 sec. vs. 1/180 sec.
  • Higher max. movie resolution and frame rates: 4K (17:9) 4096 x 2160 (29.97, 25, 24, 23.98 fps) Motion JPEG, FHD (16:9) 1920 x 1080 (59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, 23.98 fps) intra or inter frame vs. FHD (16:9) 1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps) intra or inter frame
  • NFC: Yes vs. No
  • Faster interface: SuperSpeed USB 3.0 vs. Hi-Speed USB 2.0
  • Headphone socket: Yes vs. No

While it's obvious from above that the EOS 5D Mark IV is a full featured, advanced DSLR with numerous benefits over the 6D, the 5D IV's superior feature set results in a significant price differential in respect to Canon's entry-level full frame DSLR. How significant? Considering current manufacturer suggested retail pricing (without rebates), you could purchase two Canon EOS 6D DSLRs in place of a single 5D Mark IV (and still have a little money left over).

It's difficult to deny that the 5D IV is a general purpose powerhouse, with the ability to cover a wide range of situations including sports (thanks to its faster frame rate & flicker avoidance), wildlife (due to the advanced AF system and cropping ability afforded by its higher resolution), architecture, portraiture, event photography and... well, just about everything else. But if you're upgrading to a full frame camera for the first time, or otherwise are looking to add a backup camera to your full frame capable kit, then the EOS 6D represents an excellent value for the feature set it does have and the image quality it is capable of.

Of course, the 5D IV would be an easy recommendation for many enthusiast/advanced/pro photographers. However, one's budget and primary photographic disciplines must be considered. For instance, if you're a wedding photographer, you could easily make the case for investing in two EOS 6D bodies rather than purchasing on a single EOS 5D Mark IV (we recommend always having a backup body for wedding/event photography purposes). Or, if you're a hobbyist who is uninterested in DSLR video recording and does not intend on needing/wanting the majority of the 5D IV's benefits, then the EOS 6D will ultimately be the better choice.

For everyone else, there's the 5D Mark IV.

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Post Date: 3/30/2017 8:07:50 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Preorders for the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens are now live.

Preorders: B&H | Adorama

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Preorders
Post Date: 3/30/2017 12:00:00 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Wednesday, March 29, 2017

From the B&H YouTube Channel:

B&H is proud to present its Women of Influence series. Kirsten Johnson is a documentary filmmaker and cinematographer. After years in the the industry, she made her directorial debut with 2016's Cameraperson.

Kirsten Johnson Links:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0990310/
http://www.camerapersonfilm.com/

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Post Date: 3/29/2017 9:50:22 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Image quality results have been added to the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Review.

I think that you are going to like what you see here. Check out the Tamron G2 vs. Canon IS II comparison.

B&H has the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens in stock (Nikon mount coming very soon).

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 3/29/2017 9:28:07 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

MELVILLE, N.Y., March 29, 2017 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today that its parent company, Canon Inc., announced that the Company’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras have maintained the No. 1 share of the global market for 14 consecutive years from 2003 to 2016*.

Canon Inc., which develops the key components featured in its interchangeable-lens cameras—CMOS image sensors, image processors and interchangeable lenses — employs these cutting-edge technologies across its entire product lineup, from entry-level models that achieve high-image quality with easy operation to professional-use flagship cameras, effectively responding to the needs of a wide range of users.

In 2003, the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Digital Rebel. This groundbreaking camera, which was competitively priced and featured a compact, lightweight design, captured the top share of the global market and set the stage for growth in the digital SLR market. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of epoch-making products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series which paved the way for digital SLR video recording.

During 2016, Canon introduced an impressive lineup of interchangeable-lens camera products that supported the Company’s achievement of a 14th consecutive year at the top of the global market. In March, the Company released the EOS 80D for advanced-amateur users, which features excellent still image quality and superb operability when shooting video. Then in April, the Company released its flagship model, the EOS-1D X Mark II, ideal for sport photography thanks to its 14 frame-per-second continuous shooting capability. The EOS 5D Mark IV, capable of 4K video, was then released in September. Additionally, the Company’s interchangeable-lens camera lineup expanded with the introduction of the high-end EOS M5 compact-system camera in November.

Canon will continue to respond to the needs of its wide range of customers by further bolstering its lineup in 2017. Already this year, the Company launched three new interchangeable-lens cameras equipped with the highly accurate autofocus technology, Dual Pixel CMOS AF – the EOS M6 compact-system camera, the EOS 77D and EOS Rebel T7i.

* Based on a Canon survey

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon USA News
Post Date: 3/29/2017 8:34:10 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

According to B&H, the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens will be available for preorder at midnight tonight. Pricing has yet to be published.

To support this site, please check back with us at midnight to use our links for your preorder.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Preorders
Post Date: 3/29/2017 7:40:07 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Tuesday, March 28, 2017

New JumpDrive USB Flash Drive Combines a Rugged Yet Stylish Look with Secure, High-Speed Performance

MILPITAS, Calif., March 22, 2017 — Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced the Lexar JumpDrive Tough, a high-performance JumpDrive USB flash drive created to withstand life’s challenges, all while protecting the contents of your drive through an advanced security software.

A fast and secure offering in the JumpDrive USB flash drive performance lineup, the JumpDrive Tough combines a rugged yet stylish look with secure, high-speed performance. This stylish, lightweight drive is impact/pressure (up to 750 PSI), weather (-13°F to 300°F), and water (up to 98 feet) resistant. The drive comes equipped with EncryptStick Lite software, an advanced security solution with 256-bit AES encryption that helps to securely protect files against corruption, loss and deletion. This tough USB 3.1 flash drive allows users to securely transfer photos, videos, and files with speeds up to 150MB/s read and 60MB/s write.* Users can quickly transfer a 3GB HD video clip in less than 1 minute, compared to the 4 minutes it takes using a standard USB 2.0 drive.** For added versatility, the drive is also backwards compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0 devices.

“Tough conditions have met their match with the Lexar JumpDrive Tough,” said Yeon Kim, product marketing manager, Lexar. “From accident-prone kids to adventure enthusiasts, users can rest assured that their content stays safe and protected even in the most intense conditions. So whether you work or play in harsh conditions, push your devices to the limit, or just want to protect against the bumps and bruises of everyday life, it’s got you covered.”

The Lexar JumpDrive Tough USB 3.1 flash drive is compatible with PC and Mac systems, backwards compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0 devices and comes with a three-year limited warranty. Furthermore, all Lexar product designs undergo extensive testing in the Lexar Quality Labs to ensure performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability with more than 1,200 digital devices. The new Lexar JumpDrive Tough is available now at MSRPs of $19.99 (32GB), $34.99 (64GB), and $59.99 (128GB).

B&H carries the Lexar JumpDrive Tough USB Flash Drives.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Lexar News
Post Date: 3/28/2017 9:50:44 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

It is early spring and, at least here in the mid-Atlantic and farther north latitudes, the outdoor landscape is looking rather bleak right now. The snow is gone and the green has not yet come. That makes this is a great time of the year to focus on indoor photography and interior architecture is one great option. And when photographing interior architecture, an ultra-wide angle lens becomes especially useful.
 
Most of us photographers love curves and the Italian architecture in the Pennsylvania House Chamber is filled with them. While cameras are not permitted in this space when the house is in session, selecting a non-session day cleared that roadblock. Moving to one side of the balcony gave me an angled view across the room that sent ceiling lines arching into the frame.
 
Got 12mm in your kit? That is the full frame focal length you will need to capture this image and many others like it. The Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art Lens on a full frame body executes this image (and those similar to it) extremely well. Even though the aperture used was not extremely narrow (f/8), the entire image is within the 12mm depth of field and the Canon EOS 5Ds R's extreme resolution was fully utilized with essentially no visible impact caused by diffraction. This image is tack sharp from corner to corner.
 
Notice that the columns on the sides of the image are vertically straight (or very close to being so)? While it is easy to have these lines angling inward or outward when using a focal length this wide (and that is sometimes a desired effect), a vertically level camera will render vertical lines parallel to each other and these lines can be parallel to the frame borders as long as the camera is horizontally leveled.
 
Spend your money on gear, not admission fees. One of the great things about the PA state capitol building is that admission is free. While you may not live close to this specific capitol building and will not likely find it alone to be worth a plane ticket or all-day drive to get there, your own state capitol building may offer the same deal. I didn't check all 50 USA state capitol buildings (or any outside of the USA), but many others also have free admission.
 
Get your ultra-wide angle lens and go photograph some interior architecture!


A larger version of this image is available on BryanCarnathan.com, Flickr, Google+, Facebook and 500px. If reading from a news feed reader, click through to see the framed image.

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Post Date: 3/28/2017 9:10:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

by Sean Setters

It's no secret that Bryan and I use Canon DSLRs and Canon-compatible lenses in our daily lives. Bryan has much more experience with non-Canon camera systems than I do (though I have some), but neither of us has any experience with Leica cameras and lenses.

Regardless, we enjoy reading about all types of camera gear when they are introduced. Keeping abreast of the camera industry as a whole allows us to better understand Canon's (and Nikon's / Sony's) position in the marketplace. As such, I recently read an article about Leica's newest M-mount prime lens, the Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6.

And that got me thinking, "Why in the world would anyone buy this?"

Let me break it down for you. The Leica Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6 is a remake of a screw-mount lens that was manufactured in 1955. The optics have not been updated. In fact, the following is stated in the product description at B&H (bold and italics added for emphasis):

Classic symmetrical optical design uses six elements in four groups to achieve a distinctly analog appearance with natural contrast, fine rendition of details and sharpness, and noticeable vignetting for an aesthetic, unique image quality.
So it features an optical design from the 1950s and the vignetting is so bad that Leica is advertising it as an "aesthetic, unique image quality" feature. Nice marketing. They were probably wise to skip over the part about the lens having an agonizingly narrow aperture for a prime. But negatives aside, I do understand the benefits of having a pancake-style lens that's very easy to carry. There's definitely some value in that particular aspect of the lens. But how much is that value worth to someone who owns, let's say, a Leica M Digital Rangefinder?

How about $2,495.00?

This is the part where my jaw drops and my head starts hurting.

Even I get nostalgic at times, and I can see why someone would enjoy using Leica cameras (even film cameras) for that reason. But for the life of me, I can't figure out why anyone would spend $2,500.00 for a moderately wide angle f/5.6 prime lens with an optical design straight out of 1955.

I'm baffled.

What do you think of the Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6? Let us know in the comments.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   
Post Date: 3/28/2017 7:00:34 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Monday, March 27, 2017

One of my jobs is to ensure adequate funding to keep things going here and that is the topic I need to bring to your attention at this time. In order for us to continue to serve you, we need your help. Asking for support is not something I like to do – I much prefer that that adequate support just comes in naturally, but ... we do need your help (don't assume someone else will provide it) and I need to make you aware of that. Hopefully you find the site of value and are interested supporting us!

Here are the ways you can help:

1. Use the Links on the Site for Your Shopping

This is our primary support mechanism and it is my favorite way to receive support as it costs you nothing extra and you are buying what you want/need. With each purchase made after clicking on one of the links on the site, we receive a small commission (or what equates to such) from the retailer. While buying camera gear may seem obvious, the purchase of anything else used around the home, office, shop, studio, farm, etc. also works. Especially Amazon and eBay carry far more than photo products, including tires, clothing, diapers, breakfast cereal, pet food, many other supplies that you buy regularly – even cars. Just remember to click on the links here before shopping for the win-win scenario.

Below are some of the site's most popular retailers and we list many more here, including many international retailers.

Using this link to make your B&H purchase supports this site and my family   Using this link to place your Amazon.com order supports this site.   Using this link to place your Adorama order supports this site.   Using this link to place your eBay order supports this site.   Using this link to place your Wex Photographic order supports this site and my family   Using this link to place your Amazon.co.uk order supports this site and my family   Using this link to place your DigitalRev order supports this site and my family

 
2. Direct Support

Prefer to shop elsewhere or off-line? Or, not shopping right now? You can still support the site through direct donations. The best time is right now before you forget. The process is very fast and easy.

Note that, if viewing from a feed reader or via social, these support forms may not work correctly. Simply visit the support page for a working form.


Consider a recurring monthly donation as a subscription to the site.
Recurring Donation

3. Tell Others

A no-cost way to support the site is to simply tell others about it. If you have a website, perhaps add a link to TDP from a relevant page on the site.

Are you using social networking sites such as Facebook, Google+ and Twitter? "Follow", "Share", "Like", "+1", "Tweet", etc. The-Digital-Picture.com and the various pages on the site to share with the world. You will find buttons throughout the site to make this process easy. Similar to the adding links to the site, using word of mouth, newsletters and other methods to tell others about the site increases the number of site visitors which is very helpful. And, hopefully they will find the information here to be useful and view your sharing in a very positive light for another win-win situation.

 
We are very appreciative of the opportunity to serve you and look forward to doing so long into the future! Thanks for your support!

Bryan Carnathan
Bryan Carnathan

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   
Post Date: 3/27/2017 9:05:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
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