Canon, Nikon, and Sony News for Jul 2020

As with the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens, several of you have been asking for a glimpse of the image quality that the new Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens is capable of. I spent half of yesterday chasing birds with these two lenses. The 600mm spent its time on the Canon EOS R6, so this image was captured with the higher-resolution Canon EOS R5 upon return from the trip.
 
This coneflower image is a 100% crop from near the center of the frame. This tripod-captured image's settings were 1/100 sec., ISO 100, and you know the aperture. The RAW image was processed with sharpness set to "2" (0-10 scale).
 
As with the 800mm crop just shared, this result exceeds my expectation. Add slightly more sharpening (try it yourself — copy and paste this image into your image processing software) and the result is especially sharp.
 
The Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H and Amazon USA.

Several of you have been asking for a glimpse of the image quality that the new Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens is capable of. While my final evaluation is not finished, I have been reviewing a lot of outdoor-captured images and think the one shared here is indicative to what this lens can produce.
 
This frog image is a 100% crop (the eye is from about 1/3 into the image circle's radius) captured handheld with the Canon EOS R5 at 1/200 sec., ISO 1000, and ... I'll let you guess the aperture. The RAW image was processed with sharpness set to "2" (0-10 scale) and very light noise reduction.
 
This result exceeds my expectation. Add slightly more sharpening (try it yourself — copy and paste this image into your image processing software) and the result is especially sharp.
 
The Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H and Amazon USA.

Canon USA Store has the Canon Battery Pack LP-E6NH Battery in stock.

Check out Adorama's Deals of the Day for big savings:
 
Lexar Pro 1667x 128GB SDXC UHS-II/U3/V60 Memory Card 2 Pack (only $59.95, save $24.05 or 29%)
 
Tokina 14-20mm f/2.0 AT-X Pro DX Lens (correct: f/2) (Canon and Nikon mounts, only $359.00, save $140.00 or 28%)

They survived the prorder queue:
 
• Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens
 
B&H | Amazon USA
 
 
• Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens
 
B&H | Amazon USA
 
 
• Canon RF 1.4x Extender
 
B&H | Amazon USA
 
 
• Canon RF 2x Extender
 
B&H | Amazon USA
 
 
• Canon BG-R10 Battery Grip for R5 and R6
 
Amazon USA
 
 
• Canon WFT-R10 Wireless File Transmitter for R5
 
B&H
 
 
The Canon EOS R6 owner's manual is available for download here. The RF lens owner's manuals are linked to from their pages (use links shared above).

Act fast as these are OOS everywhere!
 
The Canon USA Store has the refurbished (like new, as-new warranty) Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R in stock for only $127.99! Compare at $199.00 new (if you can find it).
 
Check out the other Canon USA Store refurbished cameras, lenses, and flashes.

Just letting you know that the new Canon gear, including the Canon EOS R5 has started shipping from B&H and Adorama.
 
Relevant information: 43 Steps to the Ultimate Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 Setup

Canon Europe has the Canon EOS R5 owner's manual available to download.

Can Canon RF Extenders be used on the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens, even at 200mm?
 
Sorry folks, that answer is "No."
 
With some of Canon's EF lenses specified as not EF extender compatible, such as the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L, the rear element moved far enough forward to provide clearance for the extender to fit, and these combinations worked fine (as long as the impact was avoided). The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens came with the minimum RF extender compatible focal length specified (300mm), showing Canon now taking advantage of the partial range of rear element clearance.
 
All of Canon's EF 70-200mm lenses are compatible with EF extenders, but the RF 70-200 was not on the RF extender compatibility list. The question on many of our minds was if the RF 70-200mm lens would indeed be compatible, at least at the long end, despite being omitted from the list.
 
I've tried twice (just to be absolutely sure) to mount an RF extender to the RF 70-200 at 200mm, the focal length with the most rear element clearance. The RF extender does not fit into the back of this lens.
 
Another great idea was to mount an RF extender to the back of a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. The idea is that all EF lenses suddenly become extender compatible. Sorry, but this answer is also "No." The RF extender does not fit into the mount adapter.
 
That said, the baffle physically preventing this installation appears to be plastic, and plastic is easily modifiable. I can't spare an adapter for this mod right now, but if you have a donor adapter you want me to try modifying, let me know.

B&H is accepting preorders for Really Right Stuff Canon EOS R5 and R6 Base and L-Plates.
 
I ordered a pair of the Ultralight L-Plates.

From Sony:
 
Highly Anticipated Sony Alpha 7S III Combines Supreme Imaging Performance with Classic “S” Series Sensitivity
 
New Alpha 7S III Empowers Creators with 4K 120Pⁱ Video, 10-bit 4:2:2 Recording, 15+ Stop Dynamic Rangeⁱⁱ, Improved AF Performance and More
 
Alpha 7S III Overview

• Newly developed BIONZ XR™ image processing engine with eight times more processing powerⁱⁱⁱ and a brand new 12.1-megapixel (approx., effective) back-illuminated full-frame Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor, significantly reduced rolling shutter effect^iv
• Ultra-high sensitivity with ISO range expandable from 40 – 409,600^v, and improved image quality by approximately 1 stop noise reduction^iv in the middle and high sensitivity ranges
• Video recording capabilities include 4K 120pi, 10 bit 4:2:2 color depth, All-Intra recording, XAVC HS format with H.265 codec and more
• 15+ stop dynamic range for moviesⁱⁱ
• 4K 60p 16-bit RAW video HDMI output for the first time in the Alpha™ series
• Fast Hybrid AF system with 759 point phase-detection^Vi AF sensors covering 92% of image sensor
• Enhanced Real-time Eye AF for movie recording^Vii and still image recording
• New heat dissipating mechanism and dual slot relay recording enables over one-hour long 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 movie shooting^Viii
• 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization supports handheld movie shooting, with added Active Mode ^ix to support especially difficult handheld movie shooting
• World’s brightest[x] and largest^v new 0.64-type 9.44 million-dot (approx.) OLED electronic viewfinder
• Side Opening variable angle LCD screen enhances shooting flexibility
• Completely redesigned menu system with touch screen interface and touch operation
• High-speed continuous still image shooting at up to 10fps^xi for more than 1,000 consecutive uncompressed RAW images^xii with full AF / AE tracking
• Dual CFexpress Type A card slots that enable high speed data processing while keeping the compact

Alpha 7S III
 
SAN DIEGO – July 28, 2020 –Today, Sony Electronics Inc. announced the long-awaited addition to its acclaimed Alpha 7S full-frame mirrorless camera series? — the Alpha 7S III (model ILCE-7SM3).
 
Featuring a brand new 12.1MP (approx., effective) back-illuminated full-frame image sensor with ultra-high sensitivity and 15+ stop wide dynamic rangeⁱⁱ, a host of impressive video recording capabilities including 4K 120pⁱ and 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth, a new heat dissipating mechanism, dual slot relay recording enabling over one-hour of 4K 60p movie shooting^viii, a new autofocus system, and touch screen interface and side flip LCD screen, the new Alpha 7S III will become the ultimate creative tool for video professionals and all types of hybrid still/video shooters.
 
“The Alpha 7S III is the ultimate representation of Sony’s passion to solve our customers’ pain points,”, said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging Products and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “We are always listening to our customers’ feedback, pushing hard to deliver innovation that goes far beyond their expectations. There is no better example than this new camera. Combining classic S series sensitivity with a feature set, performance level and user experience that is simply unmatched in the market today — at any price level — the Alpha 7S III opens up a new world of possibilities for today’s creators.”
 
The system architecture for the new Alpha 7S III has been completely redesigned to deliver exceptional video and still shooting performance. The new 35mm full-frame 12.1MP (approx., effective) back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor reduces rolling shutter by up to three times^iv and utilizes a variety of advanced light-gathering techniques to ensure high-sensitivity with low noise, allowing users to shoot in low-light situations without needing large-scale lighting setups. In addition to improved image quality, this new image sensor includes a focal plane phase-detection AF system for the first time in an S-series camera. To compliment the new sensor, the Alpha 7S III also includes a new BIONZ XR™ image processing engine that provides up to eight times more processing power^iii, minimizes processing latency, and enables many of the hallmark still and imaging features of the camera. The new system also includes the world’s brightest^x and largest^x 9.44 million-dot (approx.) OLED electronic eye-level viewfinder and is the world’s first camera^x with dual CFexpress Type A card slots, enabling high-speed data transfer in a compact size.
 
Professional Video Workflow Solutions
 
The Alpha 7S III offers in-camera 4K recording up to 120 frames per secondⁱ, 10-bit depth and 4:2:2 color sampling, producing stunning video recording. The new camera offers a more flexible and efficient post-production workflow with a variety of advanced movie recording modes such as All-Intra^xiii and MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 coding (XAVC HS™)^xiv. The Alpha 7S III makes it easy to integrate video recordings with other professional camcorders by providing three color gamut settings S-Gamut, S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3.Cine, allowing users to easily match footage shot on the Alpha 7S III with footage shot on the professional camcorders simplifying multi-camera post-production workflow. In addition to S-Log3 gamma curves, the Alpha 7S III supports an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile with minimum post-production. The Alpha 7S III also allows up to 4K 60p 16-bit RAW output^xv to an external recorder via HDMI Type-A^xvi connector, offering additional post-production flexibility.
 
Improved Image Quality
 
The new CMOS image sensor and BIONZ XR™ image processing engine in the Alpha 7S III delivers legendary S-series sensitivity with significantly enhanced color reproduction and texture renderings for improved overall image quality. The base ISO has been lowered to 80, resulting in a normal range of 80-102,400 (expandable to 80-409,600 for video and 40-409,600 for stills) to provide more flexible ISO plus wide dynamic range with low noise at all settings. It offers improved image quality by approximately 1 stop of noise reduction^iv in the middle and high sensitivity ranges.
 
The colors and textures of foliage, human skin, and more are ideally and consistently reproduced without dependence on light sources. Gradation rendering has also been refined for better looking skin tones and highlight roll-off in portraits. It also improves AWB (Auto White Balance) performance with a new “Visible light + IR Sensor” that helps to achieve more precise white balance under artificial lighting, including fluorescent and LED lights.
 
Versatile Operability
 
Advanced Autofocus Performance for Hybrid use
 
For the first time in an Alpha 7S series camera, the Alpha 7S III offers Fast Hybrid AF by combining phase-detection and contrast-detection AF, giving it the ability to track subjects over a wide area with outstanding speed, precision and smoothness, even when using a narrow depth of field. Fine focus expression is possible with Sony’s E-mount lenses.
 
For environments with a lot of movement, Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF are available to maintain constant focus on the intended subject. Sony’s advanced Real-time Eye AF improves detection performance by 30% over the previous systemⁱⁱⁱ, thanks to the new image processing engine. It ensures accurate, reliable detection, even when the subject’s face looks away. Real-time Tracking is initiated simply by touching the subject on the screen. Real-time Eye AF is automatically initiated when an eye is detected.
 
Flexible Autofocus Settings for Movie Shooting
 
Based on customer feedback, the camera includes several AF features for professional users including AF Transition Speed in seven settings, to easily create rack-focus transitions, and five AF Subject Shift Sensitivity settings, which allows the user to customize how easily AF will switch or stay with the locked-on subject. Touch Tracking allows user to not only initiate Real-time Tracking, but also compose and shoot while using a gimbal or while shooting solo. It’s now possible to Touch Focus during manual focus mode on the LCD screen or remotely from the Imaging Edge Mobile application^xvii.
 
New Heat-dissipating Structure
 
The Alpha 7S III’s design has been updated to ensure effective heat dissipation and minimizes overheating — even during extended continuous recording sessions at 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 video lasting an hour or more^viii. A newly developed unique heat dissipating structure keeps the image sensor and image processing engine temperatures within their normal operating ranges, preventing overheating while maintaining compact body dimensions. The new heat-dissipating structure requires no fan or cabinet vents allowing Alpha 7S III to maintain dust and moisture resistance^xviii.
 
Movie Assist Functions
 
For video on-the-go, the Alpha 7S III is the first Alpha series camera to include Active Modeix with 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization to support especially difficult handheld movie shooting. It is also the first Alpha series E-mount body to feature a side-opening vari-angle rear screen, perfect for gimbal-mounted shots, complicated angles, handheld operation and more. The screen rotates sideways, up and down, and features a 3.0 type 1.44 million-dot (approx.) touch panel LCD monitor, for optimal visibility even in bright outdoor environments.
 
In addition, the Alpha 7S III provides a selection of new Creative Look with 10 presets that can be used for both photo and video shoots, making it easy to create interesting moods right in the camera to be used as is or customized by the user.
 
A digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface (MI) Shoe for clearer audio recordings from a compatible Sony external microphone. Used with Sony’s XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit, the Alpha 7S III provides 4-channel 24-bit digital audio recording capability in an Alpha series camera for the first time. Like other MI shoe accessories, no cables or batteries are required, providing unrestrained freedom for Alpha system moviemaking.
 
Additional movie assist functions include a redesigned monitor display with a bold, clearly visible red frame that makes it clear when recording is in progress even when mounted on a rig or gimbal, custom zoom settings, adjustable white balance while recording, display rotation, interval recording, still extraction from movies and more.
 
Outstanding Still Image Photography
 
The Alpha 7S III includes a fast Hybrid AF system with 759 phase-detection AF points covering 92% of the image sensor. The camera can also achieve high AF precision to accurately and reliably focus in light down to EV-6^xix,where subjects are difficult to see clearly even with the naked eye. Users can continuously shoot more than 1,000 uncompressed RAW^xii images at up to 10fps, or up to 8fps in live view mode, with either the mechanical or electronic shutter.
 
The Alpha 7S III also includes the world’s firstx 9.44 million-dot (approx.), 0.64 type Quad-XGA electronic viewfinder with a high-definition OLED display and refined. The Alpha 7S III viewfinder offers a 0.90x viewfinder magnification^xx, 41° diagonal field of view, 25mm high eyepoint for clear, low-distortion corner to corner viewing. It is also dust, fog and moisture resistant^xviii, extremely responsive, and has switchable modes for different subject types. Every aspect of the Alpha 7S III viewfinder has been designed and refined for a professional workflow.
 
For the first time in one of Sony’s digital cameras, the Alpha 7S III includes HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) allowing for smooth 10-bit gradations and advanced compression technology to maintain image quality while significantly reducing file size and saving storage space. HEIF stills shot in this mode can be played back on a compatible Sony HDR (HLG) TV via a direct HDMI Type-A connection from the Alpha 7S III, delivering true-to-life dynamic range^xxi.
 
Versatile Design Made for the Pros
 
CFexpress Type A for High-speed Data Transfer
 
In another world’s firstx, the Alpha 7S III features two CFexpress Type A compatible media slots which also support UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC cards, enabling high write-and-read speeds while keeping the camera body compact in size. CFexpress Type A cards are ideally suited to high-speed continuous RAW still image shooting as well as 4K 120pⁱ movie recording at high bit rates^xxii, providing next-generation write speeds that can quickly clear the buffers of cameras that generate high volumes of still image and movie data. High-speed data transfer to a PC is possible at about 1.7 times faster^xxiii than that of SD card. The dual slots can be set to relay mode for extended continuous recording of even the highest bit rate data as well as simultaneous recording and sort by format type recording.
 
Revised Menu System with Enhanced Touch Screen
 
The Alpha 7S III also features a revised menu structure for easier navigation and touch-responsive menu operation for faster, more intuitive control. For creators who shoot both stills and movies, separate settings can now be stored for stills and movie shooting for quick transition between the two.
 
High Reliability Gives Creators New Freedom
 
Professional users need more than just refined features and performance. They also need the reliability and durability demanded of any professional tool. The Alpha 7S III features a redesigned grip for greater comfort and a secure hold, an improved dust removal feature, plus dust and moisture resistance ^xviii that maximizes reliability in challenging environments. It includes a durable, reliable HDMI Type-A connector, and is the first Alpha series camera to support USB PD (Power Delivery), allowing higher power to be supplied from an external source so that users can continue to record for extended periods with minimal internal battery usage.
 
Advanced Connectivity for Professional Working Environments
 
The Alpha 7S III has been designed and configured to support photo and video journalists and sports shooters who need to deliver stills or movies as quickly as possible with several advanced connectivity options. The camera supports 5GHz^xxiv/2.4GHz wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11ac) and offers MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) to improve communication quality by using multiple antennas, doubling in speed when compared to the Alpha7R IV. It also carries new USB tethering support^xxv. When connected to a 5G (5th generation technology standard for cellular networks) compatible device via USB cable, it is possible to use 5G network for fast and stable FTP file transfer^xxvi. USB to high-speed wired LAN connectivity^xxvii also offers stable and fast FTP transfer for both movies and stills. A USB Type-C™ connector that supports fast SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps (USB 3.2) data transfer is provided, enabling high-speed PC Remote (tethered) data transfer available for smooth handling of large image files.
 
Pricing and Availability
 
The new Alpha 7S III Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Camera will be available in September 2020 for approximately $3,499.99 USD and $4,799.99 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers throughout North America.
 
Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new camera and Sony's other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony a - Alpha.
 
 
Sony Announces World’s First CFexpress Type A Memory Card with High-speed Performance and Tough Durability
 
Up to 700MB/s[i] write speed and 800MB/si read speed
 
Compact design and advanced functionality
 
Effective heat dissipation design
 
TOUGH specification construction ensures high durability and dust/water resistance
 
Supported by File Scan Utility memory diagnostic software and Memory Card File Rescue data recovery software
 
SAN DIEGO – July 28, 2020 – Today, Sony Electronics Inc. announced a new generation of media — the world’s first[ii] CFexpress Type A memory cards, in both 80GB and 160GB, (CEA-G80T and CEA-G160T) as the most recent addition to Sony’s TOUGH specification cards. Delivering high transfer speed, durability and reliability, Sony’s new CFexpress Type A cards offer professional and stress-free performance for photographers and content creators
 
High-speed Performance
 
Both the CEA-G80T (80GB) and CEA-G160T (160GB) use the latest flash memory control technology to achieve write speeds as high as 700MB/sⁱ and read speeds as high as 800MB/sⁱ, greatly reducing buffer clearing times for efficient, stress-free shooting. The CFexpress Type A cards are ideally suited for high-speed continuous shooting of more than 1,000 uncompressed RAW still images, as well as 4K 120p movie recording at high bit rates with the Slow & Quick Motion functionⁱⁱⁱ when paired with new Alpha 7S III, which features two CFexpress Type A compatible media slots, that also support UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC cards, for simultaneous media capture or extended continuous recording of even the highest bit rate data. Compliance with the VPG400 video performance guarantee profile specification ensures stable video recording at 400 MB/s—creating a smooth workflow for professional creators.
 
Effective Heat Dissipation DesignThe new CFexpress Type A memory cards are equipped with a heat sink to transfer heat generated by the card to the exterior when transmitting large amounts of data at high speed, using Sony's original alloy with excellent thermal conductivity. This enables users to record for long periods of time[iv] even when recording 4K 120p video internally.
 
Tough Durability
 
Keeping up with Sony’s TOUGH specifications, the new CFexpress Type A memory cards feature bending and impact resistance to protect precious data, even when frequently changing cards in the harshest environments. They are up to five times more resistant to drop impact and up to ten times more resistant to bending, compared to CFexpress Type A requirement standards, for outstanding durability. In addition, thanks to a specialized internal structure, they achieve an IPX7 water ingress protection rating and an IP5X dust ingress protection rating (IP57) for enhanced durability.
 
Reliability
 
Accidents happen. Sony’s Memory Card File Rescue[v] data recovery software allows users to recover accidently deleted RAW images and 4K video from memory cards. In addition, Sony’s Media Scan Utility[vi] media diagnostic software will be updated to support CFexpress Type A cards allowing users to diagnose and receive a warning before the number of read/write cycles approaches the card’s limit.
 
CFexpress Type A/SD Card Reader
 
Optimized for the new CFexpress Type A memory cards, the CFexpress Type A/SD card reader (MRW-G2) provides SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2) transfer speed, via its USB Type-C® connector, allowing creators to establish an efficient workflow when dealing with high-resolution images files, 4K video and other types of high-volume data. When combined with a CFexpress Type A card, it allows users to transfer data approximately 2.8 times faster than with conventional media^vii. The MRW-G2 card reader can be used with CFexpress Type A and SDXC/SDHC (UHS-I and UHS-II) memory cards.
 
Pricing and Availability
 
CFexpress Type A memory cards and card reader will be available in September 2020. See below for suggested retail pricing:
 
(US) – CEA-G80T/CEA-G160T: $199.99 USD / $399.99 USD (CA) – CEA-G80T/CEA-G160T: $259.99 CAD / $519.99 CAD (US) – MRW-G2: $119.99 USD (CA) – MRW-G2: $159.99 CAD
 
Notes Alpha 7S III
 
[i] 10% of view cropped [ii] S-Log3 movies, Sony internal tests [iii] When compared to the BIONZ X™ image processor [iv] When compared to Alpha7S II [v] 40 to 409,600 for stills and 80 to 409,600 for movies. Sony test conditions [vi] When shooting full-frame still images. The number of AF points used depends on the shooting mode. [vii] This function does not track animal eyes [viii] Sony test conditions. XAVC S-I 10-bit 4:2:2, 25 deg C (ambient, camera when recording started), Auto Power Off Temperature: High. The value will vary depending on the shooting conditions. Movie shooting past an hour will continue until battery ends. [ix] In active mode, the shooting angle of view is slightly narrowed. If the focal length is 200 mm or more, it is recommended to set to standard [x] As of July 2020, Sony survey. Among full-frame mirrorless cameras [xi] Up to 10fps in continuous “Hi+” mode, and up to 8fps in continuous “Hi” mode Maximum fps will depend on camera settings [xii] Requires CFexpress Type A memory card [xiii] When XAVC S-I 4K or HD is selected via the file format menu [xiv] Requires compatible memory card [xv] Atomos Ninja V HDR monitor-recorder support planned. As of July 2020 [xvi] Sony’s Premium High Speed HDMI Cable DLC-HX10 recommended [xvii] Imaging Edge Mobile Ver. 7.4 or later required [xviii] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof [xix] ISO 100 equivalent, F2.0 lens, AF-S mode [xx] 50mm lens, infinity, -1m-1 diopter [xxi] Desktop application “HEIF Converter” for displaying and editing HEIF format is planned to launch in September 2020 [xxii] 4:2:2 10-bit All-I, when recording slow motion [xxiii] Sony test conditions. [xxiv] 5 GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions [xxv] Power Delivery supported smartphone is required [xxvi] Does not guarantee connection with all smartphone. FTP file transfer by USB tethering that utilizes 4G network is also possible [xxvii] A compatible USB-Ethernet adapter is required
 
Notes CFexpress Type A Memory Card:
 
[i] Actual performance may vary and is dependent on environment and usage. [ii] As of July 2020, Sony Survey [iii] 10-bit depth and 4:2:2 color sampling, All Intra recording, when shooting in slow motion. [iv] Depends on camera performance [v] Does not support data recovery for Content Protected and Game Data files. Not all data may be recoverable. [vi] MRW-G2 CFexpress Type A/SD card reader is required for CFexpress Type A card diagnosis. Diagnosis is not possible with readers from other manufacturers or a direct camera connection. [vii] Sony test conditions. Compared to Sony’s SDXC UHS-II memory card.
 
 
Orders
 
B&H and Adorama are taking Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera orders.
 
 
Learn more about the Sony a7s III at B&H Explora.
 
Learn more about the Sony a7s III at Adorama.
 

 

Canon has releases 2nd quarter financial results that can be downloaded from their Investor Relations page.
 
Presentation Material
Results
Supplementary Data

Sony has updated their current camera and lens promotion to include additional models:

Model	Rebate Amount
Sony a7R IV	$300.00 - $500.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Sony a7R III	$300.00 - $500.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Sony a7R II	$400.00 - $500.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Sony a7 III	$200.00 - $400.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens	$100.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens	$100.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens	$200.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens	$200.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens	$100.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon
Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens	$100.00	B&H | Adorama | Amazon

Use coupon code AUG15 (one use per customer) at Lensrentals to save 15% on orders arriving by 8.7.
 
Renting is a great option for trying new gear or for getting otherwise unaffordable gear to use for short periods of time.
 
Get in line early, and you might be able to test drive the new Canon EOS R5 or R6.

Thanks to Canon USA, the rest of the end-of-July-arriving new gear is in-house, including:
 
Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens
Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens
Canon RF 1.4x Extender
Canon RF 2x Extender
Battery Grip BG-R10
 
My first impression is that these super-telephoto lenses are amazingly compact and light.
 
Again, please feel free to ask questions — I can't promise to get to every one, but will attempt to answer many.
 
Also again, this photo was created using the Canon EOS R and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens combination.

As you've likely read, I've been using the Canon EOS 5Ds R as my primary camera since it first became available. While I still love the image quality this camera produces, the 5Ds R is beginning to feel aged. In particular, I wanted to know how the dynamic range of the new Canon EOS R5 compared to that of the 5Ds R. Some additional testing, over and under-exposure captures from the 5Ds R, makes that comparison now available in the site's camera noise comparison tool:
 
Canon EOS R5 Dynamic Range Comparison with 5Ds R
 
In that 2-stop-overexposed comparison, the R5's dynamic range is clearly superior (keep in mind that the brightest color value is below RGB 255,255,255 in the base exposure).
 
As expected, the +3 EV comparison more clearly shows the R5's improved performance.
 
Learn more about the Canon EOS R5.

Tune in tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 10:00 AM EDT for the Sony Alpha a7S III announcement.
 
B&H and Adorama will be taking Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera orders.

Check out today's B&H Deal Zone Deals for significant savings on the Apple 13.3" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Mid 2019, Space Gray), Ruggard Electronic Dry Cabinets, & more!

Great tripod and a healthy savings: B&H has a 9-rated used Really Right Stuff TVC-24L Series 2 Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod (Long) in stock for only $802.95 – $1,030.00 new.

When photographing fast action while counting on the camera's frame rate to capture the perfect point in time, the buffer depth must be adequate to cover the period during which the potential best image could happen. Therefore, buffer capacity matters.
 
To obtain the best-available buffer capabilities, the EOS R5 and R6 were configured to manual mode (no AE time lag) using ISO 100, a 1/8000 shutter speed (no waiting for the shutter operation), a wide open aperture (no time lost due to aperture blades closing), and manual focus (no focus lock delay). The lens cap remained on (insuring a black image with the smallest file size), the battery was near full charge, and freshly-formatted fast memory cards were used.
 
The ProGrade Digital 325GB CFexpress 2.0 Cobalt Memory Card and a ProGrade Digital 64GB 200 MB/s UHS-II V60 Memory Cards were used for this testing.
 
Here are the results for the R5:

Test	Image Count	Seconds
12 fps RAW > CFexpress	405	33.8
12 fps RAW > SD	182	15.0
12 fps RAW + RAW	175	14.6
20 fps RAW > CFexpress	146	7.3
20 fps RAW > SD	110	5.5
20 fps RAW + RAW	104	5.2

Even at 20 fps, the R5 can capture an impressive over 7 seconds of action when using the CFexpress card, and the 5.5 seconds of 20 fps capture with an SD card is still very good. The penalty for recording to two cards simultaneously is minor at 20 fps, but more significant when capturing at 12 fps. That said, the need to record at 12 fps for longer than the 9 seconds provided by the SD card is reaching a niche level.
 
Here are the results for the R6:

Test	Image Count	Seconds
12 fps RAW + RAW	>1,900	>158
20 fps RAW	180	9.0
20 fps RAW + RAW	165	8.3

Yes, ADHD kicked in after capturing a crazy-high 1,900 images in the 12 fps R6 test. The camera would likely continue at that frame rate until the cards were filled, achieving a number of images adequate for everyone. Even at 20 fps, the R6 can capture 9 seconds of action when using this SD card. The penalty for recording to two cards simultaneously at 20 fps is minor.
 
The numbers in the table above are excellent, adequate for most professional purposes. Switch to CRAW, JPG, or HEIF image formats, and the numbers go far higher (if possible).
 
Speed matters when selecting a memory card, and a memory card upgrade can be a low cost method of improving camera performance. These buffer capacities should be considered best-possible for the referenced cards, and your in-the-field results will likely vary.
 
The R5 and R6 clear the buffer quickly, and memory cards format almost instantly, both important aspects for camera selection.

Topaz Labs has released Sharpen AI version 2.1 and gave it a sale price of only $59.99 (reg. $79.99) through Friday, August 7.
 
The Topaz Labs bundle sales offer huge savings ($195.00 vs. $359.96 and $149.99 vs. $279.97).

Manfrotto has announced a pair of new gimbals and a boom using their new Fast technology.
 
Check these out at B&H:
 
Manfrotto Gimbal 220 Kit
 
Manfrotto GimBoom
 
Manfrotto GIMBAL 460 PRO Kit
 
Also check out the new Manfrotto Fast Tripods.

We recently shared that R-series cameras and RF lenses were worth fewer points than DSLR and EF lens counterparts at CPS USA. It didn't take long for corrective changes to be implemented.
 
Canon Professional Services USA has increased the point values for the Canon EOS R5 and some RF lenses. The new values reflect CPS showing a stronger commitment to the mirroless lineup, and should instill photographer confidence in the R and RF lines.

Camera	Points
EOS R5	7
EOS R6	5
RF 100-500 F/4.5-7.1 IS USM	12
RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM	12
RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM	12
RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM	4
RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM	8
RF 28-70mm F2 L USM	12
RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM	12
RF 50mm F1.2 L USM	8
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM	8
RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS	8
RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM	8
RF 85mm F1.2 L USM	8
RF 600mm F/11 IS STM	8
RF 800mm F/11 IS STM	8
RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM	6

(thanks Gary)

From Sony:
 
AP to Equip all Visual Journalists Globally with Sony Imaging Products
 
Sony Electronics to become AP’s exclusive global imaging provider for photo and video journalism
 
July 23, 2020 - Sony Electronics Inc. a global leader in imaging, and The Associated Press, the trusted global news organization, announced today a new collaboration that will make Sony the exclusive imaging products and support provider for AP news photographers and video journalists around the world.
 
With journalists in nearly 250 locations in 100 countries, AP provides factual, compelling journalism in all formats, including 3,000 photos and 200 videos each day. The news agency has a distinguished history of powerful visual journalism, winning the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography -- AP’s 54th Pulitzer and 32nd for photography -- and garnering recognition from the Royal Television Society for excellence in video.
 
A wide variety of Sony’s imaging solutions products will begin delivery immediately, including the full-frame mirrorless Alpha™ cameras, 4K XDCAM video cameras and an assortment of Sony’s 57 E-mount lenses including G Master™ models.
 
“We are extremely honored to announce this collaboration with The Associated Press, an organization with an incredible history in journalism that continues to raise the bar for global news reporting and delivery,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging Products and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “The Associated Press is a universally trusted brand for news information in the world. We are honored to equip AP’s journalists with our technology and support, giving them the opportunity to capture, transmit and deliver imagery in ways they never could before.”
 
“Sony’s history of innovation aligns well with AP’s, and with our vision for the future of visual journalism,” said Derl McCrudden, AP deputy managing editor for visual and digital journalism. “AP is committed to providing the best imagery to our member news organizations and customers across the globe. Adopting Sony’s cutting-edge equipment and technology allows us to do that, by enabling our photographers and video journalists to be faster and more flexible, ultimately creating better visual journalism.”
 
When the transition to Sony is complete, AP’s video journalists and photographers will for the first time be equipped with the same brand of cameras, allowing for seamless collaboration among the news agency’s journalists as they tell the world’s stories in whatever medium is right for the moment.
 
AP visual journalists will be able to share Sony’s cameras and lenses, as well as the images they capture, to produce a news report unhindered by technical limitations.
 
"The new mirrorless technology in Sony’s cameras allows for a completely silent operation, meaning our photojournalists can work in environments without interrupting the scene around them,” said AP Director of Photography J. David Ake. “This is a huge leap forward in photojournalism."
 
In addition to delivery of product, AP and Sony will work together to improve workflow and efficiency of field operations, including testing of 5G capabilities.
 
Sony offers 5G through its Xperia™ product line, which uses technology from its cameras, professional monitors and audio devices.

This sale is almost over and has been a huge hit. Inventory has been depleted significantly, but there are still some great options in the 17 cameras and 38 lenses, flashes, and binoculars in stock.
 
These are crazy low prices: Use coupon code BRN8B7D to save an additional 10% on top of a 10% off sale on refurbished cameras, lenses, and flashes at the Canon USA Store. Note that checking out after adding each item to the cart may be required for full use of the coupon code.
 
Remember, the prices shown on the site are before the additional 10% discount.
 
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is only $1,821.69.
 
The Canon EOS R is only $1,311.39.
 
The Canon EOS R with RF 24-105mm F4 L IS Lens is only $1,967.49.
 
The Canon EOS RP is only $728.99.
 
Expect Canon USA refurbished gear to be like new with an as-new warranty and a great price.