Canon and Sony News for Nov 2022
From Rode:
The VideoMicro II is a professional-quality microphone that will instantly elevate the audio of your camera or smartphone. Ultra-compact, lightweight and easy-to-use, it is perfect for run-and-gun filmmaking, content creation, or if you simply want to record better audio for your videos.
Key Features:
- Professional-quality on-camera shotgun microphone
- Ultra-compact and lightweight – just 39g
- Annular line tube technology for natural, full-bodied audio
- Supercardioid polar pattern for highly directional, focused sound
- No battery required and no complicated switching – incredibly easy to use
- HELIX™ isolation mount system for superior protection from knocks, bumps and handling noise
- Deluxe foam and furry windshields and cables for connecting to cameras and smartphones included
- Rugged all-metal construction
- Designed and made in RØDE’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia
Get the full details on the just-announced, affordable Rode VideoMicro II Mic, and preorder it at B&H.
I've probably purchased a Canon 24-105 F4 L IS Lens a dozen times. This series of lenses, including the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens, Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens, and Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens, are professional-grade, high-performing, relatively compact and lightweight, and affordable. That combination, along with the versatile 24-105mm focal length range, make these lenses ideal for many uses, including family, travel, and hiking.
So, why do I keep rebuying them, aside from the new models becoming available? Well, I try to keep the kit trimmed to the gear that is most important to me. I sometimes shoot moving subjects in low light, such as at indoor events, and in these scenarios, an aperture wider than f/4 is desired. Thus, there is always a 24-70mm F2.8 L lens in the kit.
With a significant general-purpose focal length range covered, it seems that 24-70mm lens should be adequate for all needs. When there is some time space since the last 24-105 F4 need, the 24-105 gets sold to finance seemingly more important needs.
Then, a need arises that reminds me that I really do need that lens, usually for its size, weight, and focal length range, and I re-buy it. And, the story repeats – more often than it should.
The second Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens arrived in my kit earlier this year. With some long hikes on the schedule, the need for this lens again became apparent. I bought it to keep this time (unless I forget the reasons again), and it performed impressively.
One location that the RF 24-105 was perfect for was Badlands National Park.
Few elements make a prairie more photogenic than a good storm with a rainbow, and the first thing I grab when a rainbow shows up is a Breakthrough Photography circular polarizer filter.
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From Reikan Technology Ltd:
FoCal Mobile provides a user-friendly auto focus check and calibration tool, taking the most useful parts of FoCal Pro and making them available for use on iPhone, iPad and Android devices.
Focus calibration and AF system check work with all cameras supported by Reikan FoCal Pro. Over 60 different Canon and Nikon digital SLR cameras are supported including Nikon Z series mirrorless up to the Nikon Z9.
Connecting up cameras is made simple, a USB to lightning connector may be required for some iPhones but otherwise a simple USB connection to the camera is all that's required. Completely wireless connectivity is also possible using the Reikan Wireless Camera module (available separately).
The FoCal Mobile App is now publically available on Apple App Store as well as the Google Play Store, the unpaid download provides Verify Setup, Sync Camera Time and AF System Check to really find out how well the connected camera is focusing.
With in-app purchase Full AF System Calibration allows users to calibrate camera auto focus and compare their personal calibration result with other FoCal users by using the FoCal comparison database.
More details on the Reikan FoCal blog https://blog.reikanfocal.com/2022/11/reikan-focal-mobile-1-0-released/.
Firmware update version 2 for the following lenses is now available for download and installation via Tamron Lens Utility.
Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens
Firmware Version 2 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- Added support for TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile.
- Supports the camera's "Movie AF Assist" function. [20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD Lens only]
Get your Tamron lens at B&H.
From Tamron USA:
TAMRON Announces the Launch of TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile™ for Android™ OS
Users can now tune lens features in the field via a smartphone.
November 28, 2022, Commack, NY - Tamron announces the launch of TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile™, a dedicated application for smartphones and tablets running with Android™1 OS that provides convenient use in the field and expands the possibilities of video and still photography. The application is the mobile version of the TAMRON Lens UtilityTM dedicated Windows and Mac PC software that has earned praise from many TAMRON lens users since its release in October 2021 and was developed in-house by TAMRON. The application will be available on Google Play™ on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.
The TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile is compatible with Androids running with OS 6-122 and the following TAMRON lens models: 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063), 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058), and 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A062).3 4
Summary of TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile
October 2021 marked the release of TAMRON Lens Utility, a dedicated PC software that enables the customization of various functions of select TAMRON lenses to match the video and still photography style of the lens user. Since then, we have received feedback regarding improved convenience from customers wishing to make lens function customizations when shooting in the field. As a result, we have developed TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile for Android OS. Using the TAMRON Connection Cable5, an Android smart device can be connected to a lens to easily configure lens customizations without requiring a computer.
A new function that enables lens operations to be controlled from a smartphone has also been added. For example, the A-B Focus function that smoothly shifts the focus from one preselected subject to another can be setup without touching the lens.
Expansion of functions in the future is possible to make users even more comfortable to try out video production.
Functions of TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile
1. Tethered remote control
- Dedicated features developed for the smartphone can be configured to perform tethered control.(Features that can be configured with the Remote Set Button in the application)
- A-B Focus: Set 2 focus positions (A and B) and make the focus shift between A and B6
- Focus Preset: Set your desired focus position and move the focus to the recorded point by a single tap of the Remote Set Button6
2. Customizing the Custom Switch or Focus Set Button (Normal functions available with the PC version)
- A-B Focus: Set 2 focus positions (A and B) and make the focus shift between A and B6
- Focus Preset: Set your desired focus position and move the focus to the recorded point by a single press of the Focus Set Button6
- Focus Limiter: Select the autofocus search range between Full and Limit
- Select AF/MF: Select AF and MF function using the Focus Set Button
- Switch Focus Ring Function (Focus/Aperture): Switch Focus Ring Function from focus adjustment to aperture adjustment
- Assign function from the camera: Assign custom functions from the camera body to the Focus Set Button
*The function of the Focus Set Button can be cleared.
3. Customizing the Focus Ring
- MF Ring Rotation: Change the rotation direction of the focus ring
- MF Method: Choose the method of focus operation when using the focus ring
For more details, please visit TAMRON Lens Utility product page: https://www.tamron.jp/en/product/software/lensutility.html
* Lens firmware updates are not supported with the Mobile version. Performing firmware updates requires the TAMRON Lens Utility for PC and a computer.
* This application is designed for Android OS. Please note that iOS is not supported at this time.
[1] Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
[2] Compatible with Android devices fitted with USB Type-C ports only.
[3] Please update your lens to the latest firmware before using TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile. For the firmware update, please use TAMRON Lens Utility PC version.
[4] TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile will be supported on the 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067) at a later date. When the new firmware is released, it will be announced on the “Support” page (https://www.tamron.jp/en/support/). In addition, the “Compatible Lens List (https://www.tamron.jp/en/support/lensutility/help/compatible_lenses/)” under the “TAMRON Lens Utility Online Help” shall be updated as well.
[5] TAMRON Connection Cable (USB Type C to Type C) (Model CC-350) is sold separately.
[6] With the Mobile version, the focus travel time can be specified in 0.1-second increments. With the PC version, there are eight possible speed levels.
Support this site by getting your Tamron lens at B&H.
I added a new turkey image to the collection this year. While exploring Badlands National Park with a workshop group, we found a Merriam's gobbler strutting in a tree.
The unusual behaving turkey cooperated long enough for everyone to shoot him.
For that small thing, I give thanks, and today is the day that those of us residing in the USA are celebrating our "Thanksgiving" holiday. As you probably guessed from the name, we set aside this day to give thanks for our abundant blessings (and eat lots of food, often including turkey). While thankfulness should be a perpetual state of mind, this day can give that spirit a significant boost.
Always near the top of my thankful list is you. The support you have provided over the years has made developing this site possible and for that, I'm very grateful.
My family and I wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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"Capture One 23 (16.0.1) is a service release containing new camera support and several bug fixes."
Get the full details of this update in the release notes.
Hot Deal — Half Price!
Capture One 23 is on sale for half price at B&H and Adorama.
%2c+Featuring+Bug+Fixes+and+Support+for+the+Canon+EOS+R6+Mark+II+and+Sony+Alpha+a7r+V "Share on Pinterest!"){kind=small}
Canon EOS R3 firmware update version 1.3.0 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.3.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- The [User Def.] on [Picture Style] can now be selected in the Cloud Raw image processing settings.
- Fixes minor issues.
Get the Canon EOS R3 at B&H.
Canon EOS R7 firmware update version 1.2.0 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.2.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- The [User Def.] on [Picture Style] can now be selected in the Cloud Raw image processing settings.
- Fixes an issue that, in rare instances, displays an Error Code 70 when the camera is capturing small subjects.
- Fixes minor issues.
Get the Canon EOS R7 at B&H.
Canon EOS R10 firmware update version 1.2.0 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.2.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- The [User Def.] on [Picture Style] can now be selected in the Cloud Raw image processing settings.
- Fixes an issue that, in rare instances, displays an Error Code 70 when the camera is capturing small subjects.
- Fixes minor issues.
Get the Canon EOS R10 at B&H.
Canon has released a new version of Digital Photo Professional and version 1.0.0 of Neural Network Image Processing Tool.
Changes for Digital Photo Professional 4.17.1:
- Supports Neural network Image Processing Tool 1.0.0.
Download: DPP 4.17.1 and Neural network Image Processing Tool (thanks, Scott!)
What is Neural Network Image Processing Tool?
"Neural Network Image Processing Tool is a high quality processing tool for Digital Photo Professional. It can be used by subscribing to a paid plan. Using image processing algorithms based on deep learning technology, it can apply newly developed Digital Lens Optimizer, noise reduction, and demosaic processing." [Canon]
Supported cameras include: EOS R3, R5, R5 C, R6, R6 Mark II, R7, R10, EOS-1D X Mark III
Just posted: Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens Review.
This is an interesting lens — compact, lightweight, affordable, and a good performer. Sometimes, the 20-40mm focal length range is ideal, avoiding frequent lens changes.
Support this site by ordering the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
The big super-telephoto lenses deliver the ultimate wildlife image quality. The Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens and Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS Lens are my favorite wildlife lenses, and they are my easy first choices for photographing elk.
However, there are times when wider would be helpful — a wider focal length and a wider aperture. In those cases, the Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens and Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens become my first choices. Unfortunately, flying with and managing two big lenses in the field is challenging.
This year, I opted to take on that challenge, taking a lens from each class to Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Pelican 1615 Air Wheeled Hard Case was the primary solution to the mentioned challenge. When flying, the camera bodies were unmounted, the big lens hoods were reversed, pads were added, and additional lenses were included in the case — up to the airline-checked bag weight limit. The case was locked and checked.
In the field, the configuration shown below worked great. With the Robus monopods removed, the Pelican case closed, enabling easy and safe transport to and from my room.
As pictured, both lenses in their LensCoat covers were immediately available for roadside opportunities or for the long stalk.
This bull elk, fresh out of the wallow, was proud of his muddy (and smelly) coat and looking for cows. When photographing wildlife, predicting behavior correctly delivers the ultimate shots, and I guessed this one right.
Seeing the relatively short working distance available for the potential water crossing, the Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens got the call. This lens's angle of view was just wide enough to fit the elk in the frame, and the f/2.8 aperture strongly blurred the background, which is not easy to do while fitting a large elk in the frame.
A larger version of this image is available here.
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From Canon USA:
Canon Introduces Multi-Feature Firmware Update for EOS C70 4K Digital Cinema Camera
MELVILLE, NY, November 16, 2022 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today a multi-feature firmware update for the EOS C70 4K Digital Cinema Camera. The batch of feature upgrades coming via a firmware update will help to improve workflow and functionality for the content creation, live production and documentarian markets. The firmware update will be available as a free download on December 8th, 2022*. Top upgrades include:
- Eye Detection Auto Focus (AF), Face Detection AF, and Subject Tracking AF During Slow and Fast Recording (24-120p)
Canon’s Eye AF, Face Detection AF, and Subject Tracking AF allows for more accurate auto focus performance at accelerated frame rates, helping to ensure you don’t miss that crucial shot. - XF-AVC 4K Intra-frame 60p
Newly added XF-AVC Intra-Frame 60p records at a bit rate of 600Mbps and offers users a lightweight, high-quality codec that helps to minimize storage costs and speed up file transfers. This new file format allows for easier handling of files and the capability to record to an SD card. - Canon’s IP-based XC Protocol
XC Protocol enables multi-camera remote control of camera settings via the Canon RC-IP100 remote controller or other third-party XC Protocol-enabled remote control panels. - Canon 709 Custom Picture Profile
The Canon 709 Profile has the same dynamic range as the current Wide DR profile setting with great contrast. This provides a rich, cinematic look to your footage right out of the box, without the time-consuming need for color grading. - CMT 709 “Viewing Assistance”
Allows the video output of the camera to be viewed on a REC.709-compliant monitor when recording in Canon Log 2 or Canon Log 3. CMT 709 is a great starting point for any color grading and assists in making adjustments while shooting, reducing the time needed to edit the file in post-production. - Full Communication with EF-Mount Flex-Zoom 45-135mm and CINE-SERVO 15-120mm Lenses
Communication features include T-stop display, chromatic aberration correction, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and Dual Pixel Focus Guide.
Additional upgrades of the firmware update include:
- Maintaining camera settings when switching between normal and slow & fast recording modes.
- Audio 4 channel display now viewable in the level meter display on the camera’s LCD display.
Watch for this firmware update to become available at Canon USA's EOS C70 support page around December 8th.
From Sigma Global:
Firmware update for SIGMA Global Vision lenses in Sony E-mount
Thank you for purchasing and using our products.
We would like to announce that a new firmware update is now available for SIGMA Global Vision lenses in Sony E-mount listed below.
[Applicable products]
·SIGMA 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary in Sony E-mount
·SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary in Sony E-mount
[Benefit of the update]
·AF assist function during video recording is now supported.
*Only Sony camera models with AF assist function are supported.
[Applicable product]
·SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports in Sony E-mount
[Benefits of the update]
·AF assist function during video recording is now supported.
*Only Sony camera models with AF assist function are supported.
·The phenomenon whereby in rare cases the focus moves after being set during single AF when it is used on the Sony a7 IV has been corrected.
[How to update]
Please select the applicable product from the following page, go to the download page, click “Sony E-mount” and follow the update procedure. https://www.sigma-global.com/en/support/purpose/firmware/?mode=search&product_category=lens
*After the update is complete, be sure to remove the battery pack from the camera and reinsert it.
Learn more:
Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens Review
Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens Review
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens Review
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