Canon, Nikon and Sony News for Jan 2019 Report News & Deals  ►

The Canon USA Store has several of its refurbished interchangeable lens cameras on sale. An especially good deal is the Refurbished Canon EOS M5 for $448.99 (compare at $579.00 new after $400.00 instant savings, MSRP: $979.00).
 
The M5 deal was too good for Bryan to pass up (he bought one this morning). With a Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM Lens headed our way for evaluation, the M5 should prove very useful indeed.
 
Refurbished Camera Deals: Canon USA
 

Refurb. Item	Orig. Price	Savings	Sale Price	Discount
Canon EOS 5Ds	$2,959.20	$60.00	$2,899.20	2%
Canon EOS 6D	$1,359.20	$460.00	$899.20	34%
Canon EOS 7D Mark II	$1,439.20	$240.00	$1,199.20	17%
Canon EOS 80D	$959.20	$160.00	$799.20	17%
Canon EOS 80D + EF-S 18-55 IS STM	$1,079.20	$230.00	$849.20	21%
Canon EOS 80D + EF-S 18-135 IS USM	$1,439.20	$340.00	$1,099.20	24%
Canon EOS 77D + EF-S 18-55 IS STM	$839.20	$90.00	$749.20	11%
Canon EOS 77D + EF-S 18-135 IS USM	$1,199.20	$250.00	$949.20	21%
Canon EOS Rebel T7i + EF-S 18-135 IS STM	$1,039.20	$190.00	$849.20	18%
Canon EOS Rebel T7i + EF-S 18-55 IS STM	$719.99	$70.00	$649.99	10%
Canon EOS Rebel T6i	$599.99	$50.00	$549.99	8%
Canon EOS Rebel T6i + EF-S 18-55 IS STM	$719.99	$170.00	$549.99	24%
Canon EOS Rebel T6i + EF-S 18-135 IS STM	$879.20	$230.00	$649.20	26%
Canon EOS Rebel T6i + EF-S 18-55 IS STM & 55-250 IS STM	$959.98	$329.99	$629.99	34%
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 + EF-S 18-55 IS STM	$559.99	$110.00	$449.99	20%
Canon EOS Rebel T6 + EF-S 18-55 IS II	$439.99	$90.00	$349.99	20%
Canon EOS Rebel T6 + 18-55 IS II & 75-300 III	$599.98	$209.99	$389.99	35%
Canon EOS M5	$783.99	$335.00	$448.99	43%
Canon EOS M5 + EF-M 15-45mm IS STM	$879.20	$309.21	$569.99	35%
Canon EOS M5 + 18-150mm IS STM	$1,183.20	$483.21	$699.99	41%
Canon EOS M6	$623.99	$175.00	$448.99	28%
Canon EOS M6 + EF-M 15-45mm IS STM (Black)	$719.99	$150.00	$569.99	21%
Canon EOS M6 + EF-M 15-45mm IS STM (Silver)	$719.99	$150.00	$569.99	21%
Canon EOS M6 + EF-M 18-150 IS STM	$1,023.20	$323.21	$699.99	32%
Canon EOS M6 + EF-M 15-45mm IS STM, 55-200mm IS STM (Black)	$999.99	$270.00	$729.99	27%

by Sean Setters
 
Several years ago I started snapping pictures of various objects with unique, interesting looking textures and patterns which I would place in an appropriately named "Textures" folder on my hard drive. The purpose of this folder was to have a personal collection of images I could pull from whenever I wanted to create an image with an overlay. And while I don't utilize the images in my textures collection very often, I'm really glad that I have texture/overlay options available whenever an image looks like it would benefit from an additional layer of interest.
 
Below are just some of the images in my Textures folder. Looking at the file names, they were all likely captured on the same outing with the camera.
 

There are lots of everyday items that can provide an interesting texture for an image overlay. As evidenced by the screenshot above, wood, tree bark, gravel, tiles, fences, concrete/pebbled sidewalks, brick walls and mud/dirt are just a few of the options that are likely only a short walk away from your front door. If it's a rainy day, you might consider photographing all the interesting textures and patterns that are right inside your home. Old/crinkled paper, patterned fabrics and wallpaper are just a few of the indoor options I can think of.
 
So which awesome image did I use to create the texture in the image above? That would be this one.
 

From a photographic point of view, the image above is as lackluster as a photo can be. It's a snapshot, and the subject (old pavement) is quite boring on its own. But when you adjust its levels/contrast in Photoshop, the difference between the light and dark areas is accentuated and the pattern becomes much more interesting.
 
Processing the Image
 
To get the image above, I added the texture layer to the top of my already-edited portrait photo in Photoshop CC and proceeded through the following steps:
 

• Changed texture layer blend mode from "Normal" to "Linear Burn."
• Added a Curves adjustment layer to the texture layer (using ALT+dragging the adjustment layer over portrait layer to create a clipping mask so that the adjustment layer only affects the texture layer).
• Adjusted the texture layer's blending properties (by double clicking on layer) so that it would not appear in the darkest areas of the underlying portrait layer. By ALT+left clicking the "Blend If - Underlying Layer" slider adjustment, I feathered the blend.
• Added a mask to the texture layer and lessened its visibility over parts of the face using a black brush at various opacities.

To see a larger resolution sample of the image, click on the picture atop this post.
 
Do you already have a textures collection? If so, what items have you saved in it that I didn't mention above?

 
In one of the best marketing videos I've seen from the company, DJI urges its viewers to "step outside" to embrace the adventures that await us all outside the walls of our familiar dwellings. This film is beautifully shot and the voice over dialogue is excellent.
 
B&H carries DJI products.

Canon's current camera and lens rebates are set to expire this weekend, February 2, 2019. Canon may decide to extend some (or all) of its rebates, but of course, that may not be the case. And even if they do extend rebates, there's no guarantee that the new rebates will remain as high as the ones listed below.
 
If an item you've had your eye on is eligible for a sizable rebate, it's a good idea to acquire that itemwhile that rebate is definitely still in place. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and EOS 6D Mark II still qualify for a very nice $500.00 instant rebate, but that may not be the case (at least, a rebate of that magnitude) once Feb. 3 rolls around.
 
Canon Instant Rebates
 

Model	Rebate Amount	Authorized Retailers
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II	$500.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS 5Ds	$200.00 - $250.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS 5Ds R	$200.00 - $250.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV	$500.00 - $700.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS 6D Mark II	$500.00 - $700.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS 6D	$700.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS 7D Mark II	$250.00 - $450.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS 80D	$200.00 - $700.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS 77D	$200.00 - $550.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS Rebel T7i / 800D	$50.00 - $400.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS Rebel T6i / 750D	$200.00 - $350.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS Rebel T6 / 1300D	$150.00 - $300.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 / 200D	$50.00 - $250.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS M5	$400.00 - $580.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS M6	$300.00 - $480.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EOS M100	$150.00 - $270.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens	$20.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens	$50.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens	$300.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens	$200.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens	$300.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens	$100.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens	$50.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens	$50.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens	$300.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens	$200.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens	$300.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Lens	$50.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens	$100.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens	$130.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens	$100.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens	$150.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens	$50.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens	$20.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens	$50.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens	$100.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens	$50.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM Lens	$50.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens	$20.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens	$100.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens	$50.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens	$120.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens	$100.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens	$120.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens	$200.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens	$50.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens	$50.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Lens	$20.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM Lens	$50.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT Flash	$100.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash	$50.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI Flash	$100.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon

Amazon is featuring Logitech Keyboards, Mice and Headsets as a Gold Box Deal of the Day.
 
Also discounted – Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System and the Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam.

Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the Autocue/QTV 12" Ultra Lite Teleprompter Kit available for $599.00 with free shipping. Regularly $949.00.
 
Product Highlights
 

• 12" LCD Monitor
• 70/30 Beam Splitter
• Adjustable Camera Riser
• Fixed Plate with Fore/Aft Adjustment
• Supports Small Camcorders and DSLRs
• Integrated Collapsing Hood
• QStart Software Included
• Windows and Mac Compatible

See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals for excellent savings opportunities.

 
From the Phlearn YouTube Channel:
 
Today Aaron shows you some basic tools that will help skin look its very best. Learn to remove fine lines and hairs with the Spot Healing Brush Tool, recover skin texture with the Clone Stamp Tool, and get smooth, natural skin tones with Curves.
 
B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

MELVILLE, NY – Nikon Inc. has announced that applications are now open for the second “Nikon Storytellers Scholarship.” The program, launched in December 2017, is designed to celebrate the power of visual storytelling by supporting the education of aspiring content creators. Beginning today, eligible students in the United States and Canada can apply for the chance to be selected as one of ten winners to receive a $10,000 USD academic scholarship to further their development as visual storytellers and help them in their passionate pursuit of compelling stories. “We are so excited to be able to continue to offer scholarship support to talented students across the US and Canada who are exploring their creative passions,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “In launching this program for a second year, Nikon is reaffirming its dedication to supporting and encouraging the next generation of creators in their pursuits to become the confident, fearless voices of tomorrow.”
 
The Nikon Storytellers Scholarship, which received over 1,000 submissions in its first year, is once again open to undergraduate and graduate students in the United States and Canada who are pursuing degrees in visual arts, fine arts, journalism, film, photography and multimedia/content creation, and have completed their freshman year of college or the academic equivalent.
 
The scholarship includes two stages of submissions. The first round consists of academic and professional references. If selected, students will advance to a semi-finalist round in which they submit an original piece of creative work to be evaluated by a committee of industry professionals. This year, building on its legacy of developing innovative optical technologies that help creators bring their creative vision to life in new and compelling ways, Nikon is challenging students to showcase what "Capture Tomorrow" means to them and how they are pushing the creative boundaries of their craft.
 
The ten emerging visual creators will be awarded an academic scholarship for use in the 2019-2020 school year. Qualified students are invited to visit www.NikonStorytellersScholarship.com for more information about submitting an entry, including eligibility details.
 
The Nikon Storytellers Scholarship Key Dates (2019-2020)
 

• Application Open: January 29, 2019
  
• Application Deadline: March 1, 2019
  
• Recommendation Deadline: March 1, 2019
  
• Semi-finalist Open: March 18, 2019
  
• Semi-finalist Deadline: April 15, 2019
  
• Notification of Selection Results: June 2019
  
• Funds Disbursed: August 2019

For those interested in learning more about the Nikon Storytellers Scholarship, please visit www.NikonStorytellersScholarship.com.

 

• Decline in camera and vacuum deposition equipment sales due to change in market conditions
• Improved gross profit ratio through product mix and cost reduction
• Strived to improve expense efficiency through concerted group-wide efforts
• Compared to last year: Achieved growth in both operating profit and net income
• Compared to previous projection: Exceeded planned profit level through comprehensive expense management and despite lower than expected sales

Canon is forecasting a 5.0% decrease in Net Income for 2019 (across all businesses) due to the impact of exchange rates. Canon's goals for the imaging system (Cameras) segment for 2019 are:

Strengthen presence in mirrorless camera market
 

• Expand lineup of products with the EOS R system at its core
• Accelerate development of new products

Improve Profitability
 

• Raise proportion of full-frame models
• Expand sales of lenses that have high profitability
• Expand scope of production automation

Canon FY 2018 Financial Documentation
 

• Results (PDF, 0.64MB)
• Presentation Material (PDF, 1.26MB)
• Speech Summary (PDF, 0.28MB)
• Supplementary Data (PDF, 0.50MB)

Related Article
 

• Canon expects first drop in operating profit since 2016 on slower China

Upon loading the product images for the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens, the first side-by-side comparison I wanted to see was of the three 400mm f/2.8 IS versions. I figured you might also want to see them.
 
At first glance, it appears that little has changed between the II (center) and III (left), but upon closer inspection, it seems that nearly everything has been changed. Hit the last link above to see larger versions of these images, but especially note that the tripod collar and foot have been moved significantly rearward, reflecting the much-improved weight distribution of this much lighter lens.

Sony has released a firmware updated for its FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM that resolves an issue when the lens is used with the Sony a7 III and a7R III mirrorless cameras. (thanks Niklas)
 
From Sony:
 
Benefits and Improvements
 

• Resolves an issue where, in rare cases, a SEL1635GM lens is not properly initialized when used with an ILCE-7M3 (a7 III) or ILCE-7RM3 (a7R III) camera.

Download: Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Firmware v.03

Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the Dracast LED500 Pro Bi-Color LED Light with V-Mount Battery Plate available for $199.00 with free shipping. Regularly $699.00
 
B&H customers have given these LED lights very positive reviews. At the time of this deal, 93 out of 97 reviewers rated these lights 4 or 5 stars (out of 5).
 
Product Highlights
 

• 3,200-5,600K Variable Color Temperature
• Works with V-Mount Batteries
• 12 x 6 x 2" Panel, Weighs 4 lb
• 45-Degree Beam Angle
• AC or DC Operation
• 100-0% Dimming
• CRI: 95
• 100-240 VAC Power Adapter Included
• Carry Case

See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals for excellent savings opportunities.

From Tamron:
 
Product
 

• 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD A036 for Sony

Firmware v.3 Changes
 

• This update improves the stability of control signal communication in continuous shooting for a long time.

Download: Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD Firmware v.3
 
B&H carries the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD.

B&H has the Godox Round Head Magnetic Modifier Adapter in available for preorder with free standard shipping on orders over $49.00.
 
The Godox Round Head Magnetic Modifier Adapter allows you to attach various modifiers to your shoe-mount flash quickly and easily.

 
In the video above, photographer David Bergman announces that he is ending his long-running Adorama YouTube series "Two Minute Tips" to work on a new series, "Ask David Bergman," on Adorama's Instagram TV channel. If you'd like for David to answer a photography question on an upcoming episode of the new show, you can submit your question here.