Canon, Nikon and Sony News for Nov 2018 Report News & Deals  ►

On the evening of January 20, North/South America, Greenland and Iceland will be treated to a total lunar eclipse – or blood moon – with the full moon at perigee (supermoon).
 
At this point, the full moon will appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest distance from earth (full moon at apogee, a.k.a. micromoon). Between now and January, be on the lookout for good vantage points to capture the big event. Want more information and tips for photographing a lunar eclipse? B&H has you covered.
 
Here are the details for a couple of cities on the east coast and west coast (from timeanddate.com):
 

New York City, New York, USA
Duration:	5 hours, 11 minutes, 33 seconds
Duration of totality:	1 hour, 1 minute, 58 seconds
Penumbral begins:	Jan 20, 2019 at 9:36:29 pm
Partial begins:	Jan 20, 2019 at 10:33:54 pm
Full begins:	Jan 20, 2019 at 11:41:17 pm
Maximum:	Jan 21, 2019 at 12:12:14 am
Full ends:	Jan 21, 2019 at 12:43:15 am
Partial ends:	Jan 21, 2019 at 1:50:39 am
Penumbral ends:	Jan 21, 2019 at 2:48:02 am

San Francisco, California, USA
Duration:	5 hours, 11 minutes, 33 seconds
Duration of totality:	1 hour, 1 minute, 58 seconds
Penumbral begins:	Jan 20, 2019 at 6:36:29 pm
Partial begins:	Jan 20, 2019 at 7:33:54 pm
Full begins:	Jan 20, 2019 at 8:41:17 pm
Maximum:	Jan 20, 2019 at 9:12:14 pm
Full ends:	Jan 20, 2019 at 9:43:15 pm
Partial ends:	Jan 20, 2019 at 10:50:39 pm
Penumbral ends:	Jan 20, 2019 at 11:48:02 pm

 
From the PiXimperfect YouTube Channel:
 
Use The Power of 3D to Apply Amazing Contrast, Depth, and Dimension to Your Portraits in Photoshop! Learn how to make the images pop by generating three-dimensional bump maps.
 
In this tutorial, we have two examples to illustrate how to automatically add the highlights and shadows to just the right places very easily, and create intricate details to make the image come to life.
 
B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

The Nikon Z 6 with Z 24-70mm f/4 S Lens is in stock at B&H and Adorama with free expedited shipping.
 
Product Highlights
 

• 24.5MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 6 Image Processing Engine
• UHD 4K30 Video; N-Log & 10-Bit HDMI Out
• 273-Point Phase-Detect AF System
• Built-In 5-Axis Vibration Reduction
• 0.80x 3.6m-Dot EVF with NIKKOR Optics
• 3.2" 2.1m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• 12 fps Shooting; ISO 100-51200
• NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Lens
• FTZ Mount Adapter

 
From the Adorama YouTube Channel:
 
In this episode you will learn about producing your own sound effects which is also known as creating a Foley.

Image quality (noise) test results have been added to the Nikon D850 page.
 
Here are some comparisons to get you started:
 
Nikon D850 compared to Nikon Z 7
Nikon D850 compared to Canon EOS 5Ds R
Nikon D850 compared to Sony a7R III
 
Note that these images were processed in their respective brand's RAW converter (Sony-blessed Capture One Express for Sony was used for the a7R III results). With a sharpness setting of one (our current Nikon and Canon standard), the Canon appears undersharpened.
 
Also note that I updated this tool to permit additional scenarios, including not-full-stop ISO settings for some cameras. The D850 (and Z 7) results have ISO 32 (extended) and ISO 64 included and (I'm sure you have been anxiously awaiting this) ISO 40000 results for the EOS R are now included. Please report any problems found.
 
Please share these results with your friends with Nikon-based kits!
 
The Nikon D850 is (finally) in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX (preorders).
 
Great deal: Save nearly $330 on the D850 in 10-condition at B&H used.
 
Rent the Nikon D850 from Lensrentals.

Canon has released firmware updates for their ME20F-SH and ME200S-SH multi-purpose cameras. See below for details.
 
Canon ME20F-SH v.1.0.5.1.00 and ME200S-SH v.1.0.3.1.00
 
Firmware incorporates the following enhancements:
 

• Support for the color matrix function has been added.
• Support for the color correction function has been added.
• The following features are enabled for the CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S or CN-E70-200mm T4.4 L IS KAS S when “NU Protocol” is selected:
• Focus position control
• Zoom position control

*In some cases, the firmware of these lenses needs to be updated in order to enable these enhancements. Contact your Canon dealer for details.
 
For further information, please refer to the latest version of the unit’s Instruction Manual that is released with the firmware update.
 
B&H carries the Canon ME20F-SH and ME200S-SH multi-purpose cameras.

Sigma has released firmware update for its Mount Converter MC-11 EF-E and MC-11 SA-E that provides compatibility with the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports Lens.
 
From Sigma:
 
Mount Converter MC-11 Firmware v.1.20 (EF-E) & 1.14 (SA-E)*
 

• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports.

* Before updating the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 firmware, please ensure SIGMA Optimization Pro has been updated to ver. 1.4.1 or later for Windows, and ver. 1.4.0 or later for Macintosh.
 
B&H carries the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports Lens.

(New York, New York) November 28, 2018 - ROKINON has introduced its new Special Performance (SP) 35mm f/1.2 Full Frame Lens for Canon EF mount. Designed for professional and advanced amateur Canon users, it joins the ROKINON SP 14mm f/2.4, SP 50mm f/1.2 and SP 85mm f/1.2 lenses.
 
This premium quality prime lens yields extraordinary image quality for 50 megapixel photos and 8K (8192 x 4320) video productions. It features a moderate wide angle of view with Full Frame Canon DSLRs and works as a “normal” lens with APS-C sensor models. Delivering superb optical performance even wide open, the impressively bright f/1.2 aperture and nine blade diaphragm provide selective focus control, beautiful bokeh, and starburst effects. It is a perfect lens choice for capturing a broad range of subjects in vivid colors and exceptional high resolution images such as nightscapes, portraits, architecture and anything in difficult lighting conditions.
 
The optical design of the ROKINON SP 35mm F1.2 boasts 12 elements in 10 groups and incorporates Extra-Low Dispersion, Aspherical and High Refractive lens components to ensure impressive image quality. Constructed of high quality aluminum alloy with an ergonomically designed shape and focusing control/grip, it delivers a luxurious look, excellent durability and comfortable use Additional features include an intuitive, damped and precise manual focus control, Canon’s exposure control modes are enabled, EXIF info is registered, and a non-rotating filter mount.
 
The new ROKINON SP 35mm F1.2 Full Frame High Speed for Canon EF mount will be available from authorized ROKINON dealers in January 2019 with a MSRP of $999.00.
 
B&H carries Rokinon lenses.

From CyberLink:
 
Subscribers can access the latest features and unlimited premium add-ons with valuable yet affordable subscription plans
 
Taipei, Taiwan—November, 28th 2018 — CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), the world’s leading consumer multimedia software company, today released PhotoDirector 365, the subscription version of CyberLink’s award-winning photo editing software, PhotoDirector. PhotoDirector 365 ensures subscribers always get the latest product and feature updates, as well as unlimited access to an ever-growing collection of premium add-ons, templates & unique AI Style Packs, offering the best photo editing and creation package available.
 
PhotoDirector 365 provides a comprehensive and robust photo editing solution with easy-to-use tools, streamlined workflow, and point-of-use tutorials. It incorporates a variety of PhotoDirector’s powerful editing tools like Layer Packs, HDR, Black & White and Split Tone Presets, Motion Still, Keystone Correction, and 360° photo editing. It comes with the latest advanced features in the recently released PhotoDirector 10 Ultra, including the support of AI Style Effects, Tethered Shooting and Soft Proofing. Subscribers will be able to turn their photos into works of art, and enhance their photography editing workflow.
 
PhotoDirector 365’s subscribers have unlimited access to a wide and growing collection of CyberLink’s premium add-ons. They include AI Style Effects for Oil Paintings, Mosaic Art, Pencil Sketches and Watercolors, Express Layer Template Packs for multi-layer projects, and background music to create slideshow videos. A number of new style packs are released every quarter, providing PhotoDirector 365 subscribers with hundreds of dollars’ worth of unique tools throughout the life of their subscription.
 
"Software subscription plans consistently offer users new unique tools to ensure they stay ahead of the creative curve. People are striving to discover new features and techniques that will push boundaries and stimulate their inspiration, and our subscription service does just that," said Dr. Jau Huang, CEO of CyberLink. “PhotoDirector 365 provides value, flexibility and all the tools, effects and plug-ins content creators need to bring their artistic visions to life.”
 
365 Subscription Benefits
 

• Unlimited access to CyberLink professional effects, templates and style packs for photo editing
• Unlimited access to CyberLink AI Style Packs for PhotoDirector
• Exclusive sound effect and background music packs every month
• Always up-to-date with the very latest version of PhotoDirector, features and supported formats

Versions & Pricing
 

• PhotoDirector 10 Ultra: US$99.99
• PhotoDirector 365 (Monthly Plan – 1 month): US$14.99
• PhotoDirector 365 (Quarterly Plan – 3 months): US$29.99 (US$9.99/month)
• PhotoDirector 365 (Annual Plan – 12 months): US$54.99 (US$4.58/month)

Product Availability
 
The above products are available in select retail outlets worldwide in the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese and Korean.
 
B&H carries CyberLink PhotoDirector 10.

Image quality (noise) test results have been added to the Nikon Z 6 page.
 
Here are some comparisons to get you started:
 
Nikon Z 6 compared to Nikon Z 7
Nikon Z 6 compared to Nikon Z 7 (both overexposed 2 stops)
Nikon Z 6 compared to Nikon Z 7 (both underexposed 3 stops)
Nikon Z 6 compared to Canon EOS R
Nikon Z 6 compared to Sony a7 III
 
Note that these images were processed in their respective brand's RAW converter (Sony-blessed Capture One Express for Sony was used for the a7 III results). With a sharpness setting of 1 (our current Nikon and Canon standard), the Canon appears under-sharpened. Note that I'm sharing ISO 50 results for this camera.
 
The Nikon Z 6 is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX (preorders).
 
Rent the Nikon Z 6 from Lensrentals.

B&H has what looks to be a new, exclusive, high-end brand of carbon fiber tripods available – Robus.
 
It will be interesting to see how the Robus Vantage tripods stack up against the established brands in this segment, including Gitzo and Really Right Stuff.
 
Robus Vantage Tripod Highlights
 

• 10x Carbon Fiber Legs
• CNC-Machined Aluminum Spider
• Interchangeable Top Plates
• All Surface Capable
• Variable Leg Angles with Twist Leg Locks
• Tactile and Comfortable Rubber Leg Grips

Image quality (noise) test results have been added to the Nikon Z 7 page.
 
Here are a couple of comparisons to get you started:
 
Nikon Z 7 compared to Canon EOS R
Nikon Z 7 compared to Sony a7R III
 
Note that these images were processed in their respective brand's RAW converter (Sony-blessed Capture One Express for Sony was used for the a7R III results). With a sharpness setting of one (our current Nikon and Canon standard), the Canon appears undersharpened.
 
The Nikon Z 7 is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX (preorders).
 
Great deal: Save up to nearly $700 on the Z 7 at B&H used, including an "Open Box with full manufacturer warranty" option with $400 savings (I took this option to get the test camera).
 
Rent the Nikon Z 7 from Lensrentals.

 
From the Adorama YouTube Channel:
 
In Ep143 of Two Minute Tips, David Bergman shows you how to get reflections under your subject using clear sheets of acrylic.
 
Amazon carries clear plexiglass.

Just posted: ProMediaGear TR344/TR344L Pro-Stix Carbon Fiber Tripod Review.
 
If you appreciate high-precision USA CNC-machined photography accessories have not heard of ProMediaGear, add this name to your brand name short list. And with a 10% off Cyber Monday discount at B&H and Adorama, there's never been a better time to get a ProMediaGear tripod (sale ends tomorrow at midnight).
 
The ProMediaGear TR344/TR344L Pro-Stix Carbon Fiber Tripod is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama.

To Our Loyal Visitors,
 
Earlier this month – November 6, to be exact – we quietly celebrated the site's 15th birthday. Bryan sent me an email to let me know about the momentous occasion, but neither of us had the time to create a post to announce that the site can now get a learner's driving permit in 23 states.
 
Of course, being busy is a good thing.
 
With that in mind, as we prepare to enjoy Thanksgiving with our own families, we wanted to take this moment to convey our thankfulness for you and the friendship that so many of you have offered. We so much appreciate you stopping by the site all these years and for your support. We're extremely fortunate to be able to share our love of photography and photography gear with you and we hope to be here for you for many years to come.
 
Sincerely,
Sean