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.
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).
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.
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:
Download: Canon EOS C700 Firmware v.1.0.1.1.00
Firmware Version 1.0.4.1.00 incorporates the following enhancements:
Firmware Version 1.0.8.1.00 incorporates the following correction.
Download: Canon EOS C100 Firmware v.1.0.8.1.00 & EOS C100 w/DPAF Upgrade Firmware v.2.0.8.1.00
Firmware Version 1.0.3.0 incorporates the following enhancement.
Download: Canon XC10 Firmware v.1.0.3.0
Firmware Version 1.0.1.0 incorporates the following enhancement.
Download: Canon XC15 Firmware v.1.0.1.0
Firmwares incorporate the following enhancements.
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:
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:
*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:
Firmware Update Procedure
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.
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:
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
Benefits of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV over the EOS 6D
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.
Preorders for the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens are now live.
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/
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).
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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