Canon, Nikon, and Sony News for Jul 2018

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

Summertime is a great season to create beautiful outdoor portraits. With warm weather and abundant sunshine, summer can be one of the best times of year to photograph portraits on-location. These tips will help you capture a season of stunning portrait images.

Read the entire article on the Canon Digital Learning Center.

From Nikon:
 
Changes from Firmware Version 1.2 to 1.3
 

• Fixed the following issues:
• Interval timer photography would end after 1800 shots.
• The camera would sometimes stop responding to controls other than the power switch when movies were filmed in Moon mode.

Download: Nikon COOLPIX P610 Firmware v.1.3

From Canon:
 
Latest Addition to PowerShot Family Provides a Multitude of Features for Entry-Level Photographers
 
MELVILLE, N.Y., July 31, 2018 – Whether your family is always on the go, you are an up-and-coming vlogger or you enjoy posting photos to social media, a compact digital camera capable of producing high quality images is a necessity. Today, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, introduced the new PowerShot SX740 HS digital camera boasting a 40x Optical Zoom Lens (equivalent to 24-960mm), a 20.3 Megapixel* CMOS imaging sensor and 4K video capabilities, which is a first in the PowerShot series.
 
“We remain committed to incorporating the latest technologies and innovations into Canon products that help meet the needs of our customers,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “As we continue to grow the popular PowerShot SX-series, we are excited to offer more imaging solutions that encourage visual storytelling.”
 
Featuring a DIGIC 8 Image Processor, dual-sensing image stabilization, automatic image transfer, feature assistant and a 3.0-inch LCD screen that rotates 180 degrees, the PowerShot SX740 HS helps make transitioning away from smartphone photography fun and easy. With high-speed continuous shooting up to 7.4fps, an ergonomic design and built-in Wi-Fi** and Bluetooth*** technology, you can easily capture life’s greatest moments with the PowerShot SX740 HS.
 
Availability and Pricing
 
The PowerShot SX740 HS will be available for purchase in late August for $399.99.
 
B&H has the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS available for preorder.

by Sean Setters
 
Pictured above is my wife, Alexis, and as you can probably tell – in mid-September, assuming no unforeseen calamity arises – our life is going to change in a very dramatic way. We're expecting a girl.
 
Our preparations for the new arrival have been going on for months. A crib has replaced the bed in the second bedroom, new curtains adorn the windows and a matching rug ties it all together. And all those things would all look great if it weren't for the tons of boxes filling the room containing car seats, tiny clothes, baby wipes, diapers, a diaper bag and all the other things seemingly necessary for a child to survive infancy. Of course, we're very fortunate to be experiencing a clutter problem. Those boxes will help us through the challenging months ahead.
 
Even before my wife and I were actually expecting a child, we had started preparing in our own ways. For Alexis, that meant hand knitting baby accessories that would someday keep miniature hands and feet warm. Those handmade accessories came in handy for notifying close friends and family of the expected arrival.
 

As for me, I started preparing by purchasing used baby photography props from local photographers and stacking them in a pile in the corner of my studio. But that pile of baskets, ribbons, fuzzy blankets and knitted hats got me thinking – the images that I will look back on most fondly, the images that will be most dear to me, I haven't even taken yet. Bryan's been hammering this point home in many of his portrait lens reviews and in the captions of many of the pictures that he posts to the site; the most important pictures you will ever take will be of the ones you love. Birthday parties, sporting events, vacations, family get-togethers, graduations, and many more events are all great reasons to have a camera and an appropriate lens readily available. Increasing height, missing teeth and hairdos that will be well out of style in the next decade should all be documented formally on a monthly basis.
 
It's at this point in my life that I'm most happy to have a pretty well fleshed-out photography kit. I know that it's going to be well used over the next few years, and I look forward to looking back at the images created and wondering, "Where did the time go?"

 
From the Aputure YouTube channel:
 
In today's episode of Ask Aputure, production sound mixer Andrew Jones walks us through four tips for getting better audio in your interviews. Use these sound hacks in your next documentary, corporate interview, or PSA to make your audio sound clearer and more crisp. These sound mixing techniques will help you take your filmmaking to the next level!

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

by Laura Tillinghast
 
Photography is all about light, but understanding how to approach lighting for portraits can be intimidating. While there is a lot to learn, these lighting concepts are very easy to grasp once you start putting them into practice. The aim of this article is help you choose where you want to get started with natural light portraits.

Read the entire article on the Canon Digital Learning Center.

Image quality test results have been added to the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens Review.
 
The wide open results from this lens are remarkable, especially for the low price.
 
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Art vs. Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Lens
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Art vs. Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro OSS Lens
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Art vs. Tamron 90mm f/2.8 VC Macro Lens
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Art vs. Zeiss Milvus 100mm f/2M Lens
 
Visualize the camera resolution difference in the following comparisons:
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Art vs. Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro Macro Lens
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Art vs. Sigma 105mm f/2.8 OS Macro Lens
 
The Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
 
Rent the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens from Lensrentals.

 
From the Adorama YouTube channel:
 
How to be a wedding photographer is one thing, but how to attract high end, luxury weddings is another. There’s a reason top brides and grooms choose certain wedding vendors and it’s really no secret! Watch this video to find out how to get high end wedding clients in your door and especially how to keep them happy (and sending all of their friends too)!

 
From the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom YouTube Channel:
 
Lightroom tips and tricks in 60 seconds or less from Lightroom team members Michelle Wei & Josh Haftel.
 
B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

Just posted: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens Review.
 
Need a high quality, relatively light weight telephoto zoom for your Sony kit? This lens is a great choice.
 
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
 
Rent the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

 
This image of Alfred Hitchcock taken in 1973 was a turning point in his Albert Watson’s career. In fact, Albert believes “It is the most important shot I ever did because it was a confidence builder.” Read the story here.
 
Profoto Equipment Retailers: B&H | Adorama | Wex Photo Video

 
From the Adorama YouTube Channel:
 
In Ep125, David Bergman shows you why sometimes it's better to turn off the motor drive and shoot single frames to capture peak sports action.

Canon has released its financial results for 2Q 2018. You can download the results, presentation material and speech summary here. Also available for download is a Notice Regarding Retained Earnings Dividend.
 
From the looks of it, camera sales have slipped considerably compared to this quarter last year leading to a lower operating profit (displayed below), but Canon projects only a 4.4% decrease in sales growth over the entire year.
 

Related Article
 

• Canon cuts full-year outlook on slower demand for OLED panel equipment

From NIkon:
 
MELVILLE, NY – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the development of a next-generation full-frame (Nikon FX-format) mirrorless camera and NIKKOR lenses featuring a new mount.
 
The new mirrorless camera and NIKKOR lenses that are in development will enable a new dimension in optical performance with the adoption of a new mount. The system is the result of Nikon’s unsurpassed optical and manufacturing capabilities gained through more than a century of imaging expertise. Proven reliability and trusted performance are core traits of Nikon Digital-SLRs, and decades of feedback from professional creators around the world has further contributed to the development of this system.
 
Through the development of this new mirrorless camera, Nikon reaffirms our commitment to providing photographers with the ability to capture images that are richer and more vivid than ever before.
 
Additionally, an F-Mount adapter is being developed that will enable the use of a wide variety of F-Mount NIKKOR lenses with the new camera.
 
Nikon will continue to lead imaging innovation with the launch of the new mirrorless camera and the continued development of Nikon Digital-SLR cameras as well as the impressive NIKKOR lens lineup. Soon, Nikon users will have two industry-leading camera systems to choose from, giving consumers the choice to enjoy the unique values that each system offers.
 
Content relating to this product is available for viewing at the following URL: http://www.nikonusa.com/mirrorlessiscoming. Please stay tuned for more information.
 
Details, including the release date and suggested retail prices, will be shared at a later date.

From Manfrotto:
 
Manfrotto unveils the new Noreg Bags Collection, a totally brand new stylish and functional carrying solution, designed for traveling photographers who use premium mirrorless cameras and enjoy drone photography.
 

• Noreg Camera Backpack-30
• Noreg Camera Messenger-30

In addition, Manfrotto releases two new models of its Manhattan Bags Collection, designed for today’s busy city dwellers and commuters with a passion for street photography, for completing its compelling offer of lifestyle photographic bags.
 
Calling all travelers! The Noreg Collection is designed for people who combine a special passion for photography with the love for travel. Cool colors and design, combined with minimalist shapes and premium textures around a core feature that references the essence of Scandinavian design: modularity.
 

• 3-in-1 modular bags with two detachable components that can be used separately: a shoulder bag and a laptop sleeve.
• Designed for passionate travel photographers who want to escape the ordinary.
• Highly distinguished new personal style through the camouflage texture and the cross-positioned straps.

Manfrotto Manhattan carrying solutions are versatile city bags designed to be highly functional. Manfrotto Manhattan bags transform from photography to media carrier, comfortably holding all the equipment you need around the city.
 
New models include:
 

• Manhattan Camera Backpack Mover-30
• Manhattan Camera Messenger Speedy-30

B&H carries the Manfrotto Noreg Bags and the Manfrotto Manhattan Bags.

 
The Profoto YouTube channel has added several A1-themed tips videos lately. See below for a list of newly added videos.
 
Profoto A1 Tips Video Series
 

• How to create natural soft light portraits
• How to create warm beauty portraits
• How to create powerful portraits using Profoto B1X with Profoto A1 (embedded)
• How to create dramatic one-light portraits
• How to create dramatic two-light portraits
• How and when to use manual or TTL mode – Part 1
• How and when to use manual or TTL mode – Part 2

You can purchase the Profoto A1 flash at the following retailers: B&H | Adorama | Amazon

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

Watching a lunar eclipse is an incredible experience and photographing it is even more exciting. Capturing the moon as it transitions into a beautiful and colorful moon is thrilling. When I was photographing a lunar eclipse, I watched the full moon as it slowly darkened, turning a stunning deep orange color. The eerie experience moved me as I observed it transition from a bright full moon into a full lunar eclipse. I will share with you information on lunar eclipses and what I learned while photographing them.

Read the entire article on the Canon Digital Learning Center.

Just posted: Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens Review.
 
Great little lens.
 
The Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
 
Rent the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Lens from Lensrentals.

 
Want to see a silhouette of what's to come for Nikon? Look no further than the video above, posted by Nikon Europe yesterday. While the video is quite short (only 1:28 min long), you can skip to the 1:05 mark to see the really intriguing part of the video.
 
A full-frame mirrorless camera? A medium format mirrorless camera? What do you think?

 
Yesterday, Adobe released 7 new videos where photographer Pei Ketron outlines how she uses specific features of Lightroom Classic CC, Lightroom CC and Photoshop CC to enhance her travel photos.
 
The videos are very short (most are less than 90 seconds), but you get to see the entire editing process of one of Ketron's travel images.
 
Travel Photography Tips by Pei Ketron
 

• Make Basic Fixes to Travel Shots in Lightroom CC
• Enhance Color and Light in Lightroom CC
• Edit and Share From Your Phone in Lightroom CC
• Make Selective Edits in Lightroom Classic CC
• Retouch Travel Portraits in Lightroom Classic CC
• Control Exposure and Light in Lightroom Classic CC (embedded above)
• Remove Distractions with Photoshop CC

 
From the Adroama YouTube Channel:
 
Sometimes you get lucky with the light on a location portrait shoot and it's perfect for the look you're after. But as photographer Gavin Hoey sees it, if you're adding light to your scene you need make sure what you add looks better then what was already there.
 
In this video Gavin goes on location to shoot a vintage portrait in a field of long grass. After assessing the quality of the ambient light he uses off camera flash to make the recorded light a lot more dramatic.
 
Adorama carries the Flashpoint XPLOR AD600.

Image quality test results have been added to the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens page.
 
This is a fun lens. Very unique. What should it be compared to? I'll start you with this one:
 
Sigma 105mm vs. 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens comparison
 
The Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens is in short supply. Order quickly to find one in stock (or preorder) at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX. Note that the Sony mount version is due later this year.
 
Rent the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens from Lensrentals.

 
From the CanonUSA YouTube Channel:
 
Go behind the scenes with Canon Explorer of Light Tyler Stableford as he photographs a fine-art project with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet dance company. As a lifelong adventure photographer and filmmaker, Tyler had almost never set foot in a photo studio. But then, inspiration came in an unlikely way...
 
See a collection of the final images here.
 
Relevant Reviews
 

• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
• Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM