Canon and Sony News for May 2023

 Wednesday, May 31, 2023

From Atomos:

Atomos Supports ProRes RAW Plug-ins

Taking ProRes RAW to the next level

Melbourne, Australia – 23rd May 2023 – Atomos announces immediate support for Apple ProRes RAW plug-ins, an innovation that lets camera manufacturers provide their own ProRes RAW processing pipeline to take advantage of the unique properties of their cameras, sensors, lenses, and more.

ProRes RAW is widely regarded as the universal RAW video format. With the introduction of plug-ins, now every camera maker can provide their own unique processing, in a completely confidential way, by writing a single ProRes RAW plug-in that brings out the best quality and unique looks created by their own cameras. ProRes RAW becomes, in effect, the conduit for their custom processing, carrying the unique characteristics of any camera, sensor, processing, and lens combination into post-production. ProRes RAW plug-ins will be supported in Final Cut Pro as well as many third-party applications that have licensed the ProRes RAW SDK, such as nonlinear editors (NLEs) and color correction applications.

The process is very straightforward: simply install the camera vendor’s ProRes RAW plug-in and Final Cut Pro will automatically show all the new enhanced features of the supported camera. Using a ProRes RAW plug-in enables camera-specific adjustments such as custom white balancing, noise reduction, demosaicing, lens distortion correction, and more. Canon is the first camera maker to deliver a ProRes RAW Plug-in, with the EOS R5, R5 C and R6 Mark II cameras outputting RAW to an Atomos monitor-recorder. Atomos has already enabled full ProRes RAW plug-in support for these cameras in the current release firmware for Ninja V, Ninja V+, and Shogun Connect. Atomos supports over 50 camera models recording ProRes RAW from the camera’s RAW output over SDI or HDMI, so is uniquely placed to record this new enhanced metadata standard.

“This new feature for the ProRes RAW ecosystem is absolutely going to change the way people think about recording ProRes RAW,” said Trevor Elbourne, Atomos CEO. “For the first time the filmmaker literally gets the best of all worlds: shoot in ProRes RAW with the option to immediately apply camera-specific processing, use standard processing, or customise individual parameters to their own taste. You have to ask yourself: why wouldn’t you shoot in ProRes RAW?”.

“We are very proud to be working alongside Apple and Canon to bring this ProRes RAW innovation to market,” Elbourne added. “We were first to market with an 8K ProRes RAW compatible mirrorless camera - the Canon EOS R5 - and now we are making another huge advancement with the ProRes RAW format.” The ProRes RAW plug-in model has been designed to work not only with macOS but also with Windows and Linux.

Get your Atomos gear at B&H.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Atomos News
Post Date: 5/31/2023 12:24:17 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Significant information is now available on the Canon EOS R100 page.

This is a remarkably inexpensive camera.

Please share!

Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R100 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 5/30/2023 9:15:57 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Thursday, May 25, 2023

From Sigma:

Firmware update for SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports

Thank you for purchasing and using our products. We would like to announce that a firmware update for the 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports is now available.

[Applicable product]

SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports for L-Mount

[Benefit of the update]

Ver.1.1

The newly developed “OS2” image stabilization algorithm has been updated to improve the image stabilization effect from approximately 4 stops to approximately 6.5 stops at the wide end and 5.5 stops at the telephoto end.

Supports Leica Extender L 1.4x by Leica Camera AG

[How to update]

For those who update the firmware in-camera

Refer to the following page for firmware updates.

https://www.sigma-global.com/en/support/purpose/firmware/?mode=search&product_category=lens

For those who own the SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11

Connect the lens to a computer via the SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately), then open SIGMA Optimization Pro. If the lens firmware isn’t the latest version, the following message will appear: ‘The latest lens firmware is available’. Click ‘Yes’ to update.

Note:

Before updating lens firmware using the SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11, please ensure you update SIGMA Optimization Pro to the latest version.

Do not remove the lens or press the detachment button while updating firmware.

[SIGMA Optimization Pro download page]

https://www.sigma-global.com/en/software/sigma-optimization-pro/

[Applicable product]

·SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports for Sony E-mount

[Benefit of the update]

Ver.03

The newly developed “OS2” image stabilization algorithm has been updated to improve the image stabilization effect from approximately 4 stops to approximately 6.5 stops at the wide end and 5.5 stops at the telephoto end.

Improved tracking performance when the camera’s focus mode is set to AF-C.

[How to update]

Please select the applicable product from the following page, go to the download page, click “Sony E-mount(applicable Serial No.)” 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.

For further information, please contact your nearest authorized SIGMA subsidiary / distributor.

https://www.sigma-global.com/en/world-network/

We appreciate your continued support for our company and products.

Learn more: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens Review

Get the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens at B&H.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Sony News   Category: Sigma Firmware Updates
Post Date: 5/25/2023 9:07:08 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Wednesday, May 24, 2023

With a lack of fanfare, the Canon OC-E4A Off-Camera Multi-Function Shoe Cord was introduced today. The OC-E4A provides functionality simlar to the Canon Off-Camera Shoe Cord OC-E3 to cameras featuring Canon's Multi-Function Hotshoe.

The OC-E4A facilitates easy repositioning a flash or other Multi-Function Shoe accessory, such as the Canon DM-E1D Stereo Microphone, to within the 2.6' (.8m) cord length, without wireless communications required. Mounting a flash on a bracket is a common use for this accessory.

Get the Canon OC-E4A at B&H.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Announcements
Post Date: 5/24/2023 3:33:59 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

The products Canon announced today take the highly desirable compact, lightweight, and affordable concepts to the extreme. This site's product pages include images, specifications, an MTF chart for the lens (it looks good), and other information:

Canon EOS R100
Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM Lens

From Canon USA:

Canon Introduces its Most Affordable, Compact, and Lightweight EOS R Camera Ever: The EOS R100

The Company Also Announced the Wide-Angle “Pancake” Style RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 24, 2023 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce the launch of the EOS R100 camera and RF28mm F2.8 STM lens, two new affordable, compact, and lightweight tools for entry-level and emerging content creators to elevate their skills.

The Canon EOS R100 camera was designed for new, first-time mirrorless camera or existing interchangeable camera users who previously enjoyed EOS Rebel or EOS M cameras. The camera touts key features such as a 24.2 megapixel APS-C size sensor, the DIGIC 8 image processor, 4K (Cropped) and Full HD (Full-Width) video at up to 24 and 60 frames-per-second respectively, Autofocus with eye and face detection, and Bluetooth™ and Wi-Fi® connectivity capabilities. For users who are making the EOS R100 their first interchangeable lens (ILC) camera, a significant advantage over using a smartphone camera will be lens selection. The EOS R100 is compatible with the complete lineup of RF and RF-S lenses, and EF and EF-S lenses can be utilized when using one of three available Canon EF-EOS R mount adapters (each sold separately). This selection of lenses includes the Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM lens, which was also announced today.

Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM Lens

The Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM is a “pancake” style, value lens that targets a wide variety of users, from amateur to enthusiast Full-Frame and APS-C camera users. Key features of the new lens include:

  • Minimum focusing distance of 9.1 inches (0.23m) and a maximum magnification of 0.17x
  • Retracting feature that helps to shorten the overall length of the lens
  • Circumferential manual focus mode/control ring selector
  • Gear-type STM motor providing smooth autofocusing while capturing video
  • Built-in Control Ring provides quick access to multiple camera controls
  • 7-blade circular aperture helps to provide beautifully blurred background and bokeh

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS R100 camera is scheduled to be available in July 2023 for an estimated retail price of $479.99 for body only, $599.99 with the RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, and $829.99 with the RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM and RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lenses*.

The RF28mm F2.8 STM lens is scheduled to be available in July 2023 for an estimated retail price of $299.99*.

Orders

Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R100 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Order the Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Canon Introduction Video

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Announcements
Post Date: 5/24/2023 12:00:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Tuesday, May 23, 2023

From Canon USA:

Service Notice: EOS Webcam Utility Pro App: Version 2.0.30 Features

The new version of the EOS Webcam Utility Pro for Win/Mac app incorporates the following enhancements and fix:

New Features:

  1. Adds the ability to select higher preview framerate in the video setting.
  2. Adds compatibility to use UVC supported EOS cameras.
  3. Adds popup notification when a new software version is available.

UI Improvements:

  1. Improves performance when adding video source and deleting scenes.
  2. Improves screen capture resolution.
  3. Improves other UI operability.
  4. Improves UI stability.

Fixes:

  1. Fixes an issue in which users may be unable to activate the paid feature even after logging out and logging in after “Activation Service Access Failure” message is displayed.
  2. Fixes an issue with re-login.
  3. Fixes an issue where Billing Address is not updated after being changed in MyCanon account.
  4. Fixes an issue with Hot Key usage.
  5. Fixes installer issues.
  6. Fixes camera settings issues.
  7. Fixes an issue with camera recognition.
  8. Fixes an issue with wireless camera connection.
  9. Fixed an issue with camera registration.
  10. Fixes various settings issues.
  11. Fixes an issue during streaming.
  12. Fixes issue with Watermark setting.
  13. Fixes other minor issues.

EOS Webcam Utility app Version 2.0.30 is available for the following EOS models:

1D X Mark III, Rebel SL1, 1D X Mark II, Rebel T7, 5DS R, Rebel T6, 5DS, Rebel T5, 5D Mark IV, Rebel T100, 5D Mark III, R3, 6D Mark II, R5, 6D, R6, 7D Mark II, R7, 90D, R10, 80D, Ra, 77D, R, 70D, RP, Rebel T8i, M6 Mark II, Rebel T7i, M50 Mark II, Rebel T6s, M50, Rebel T6i, M200, Rebel T5i, PowerShot G5 X Mark II, Rebel SL3, PowerShot G7 X Mark III, Rebel SL2, Powershot SX70 HS

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Service Notices
Post Date: 5/23/2023 6:21:03 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

From Canon USA:

Service Notice: Kokomo by Canon Early Access App for Meta Quest 2: Version 0.0.102 Features

The updated version of the Kokomo by Canon Early Access app for Meta Quest 2 incorporates the following enhancements and fixes:

Enhancements

  1. Introduces new alignment phase guidance that instructs users to stand still during alignment, resulting in improved alignment accuracy.
  2. Enables the use of thumb and index fingers to scroll through default environment tiles, enhancing the user experience.
  3. Improves instability of bi-directional audio.
  4. Improves continual adjustment of the user image size and placement, which previously occurred even when the user was in full frame and standing still.

Fixes:

  1. Fixes the Welcome video playback functionality in this app to ensure it plays consistently for first-time users.
  2. Fixes contact availability where a user in the contact list appeared online in this app when they are not.
  3. Fixes an echo sound that may occur when turning on/off mirror mode.
  4. Minor bug fix.

Kokomo by Canon Early Access app Version 0.0.102 is available on the Meta AppLab.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Service Notices
Post Date: 5/23/2023 6:20:16 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

From Sony Electronics:

Sony Electronics Announces Newest Ultra Wide-Angle Zoom Vlogging Camera, the ZV-1 II

The Integrated Lens and Compact Camera in the Vlog Camera ZV-Series Opens the Door for a Wider Audience of Content Creators

SAN DIEGO, May 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Electronics launches the all-new second generation camera to the ZV-1 in the vlog camera ZV series, the ZV-1 II, which includes highly requested and popular market-leading features. With a wider-angle lens than ZV-1, the ZV-1 II helps vloggers make more engaging storytelling with attractive photogenic image quality.

With the 1.0-type Exmor RS™ image sensor (approximately 20.1 effective megapixels), BIONZ X™ image processing engine, and newly developed ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 18-50 mm F1.8-4i lens, the ZV-1 II allows for creators of many skill levels to enjoy sophisticated capabilities. From the 18-50mmii wide angle lens which can frame everything from group selfies to narrow interiors or dynamic recordings of everyday scenes to the Multiple Face Recognitioniii, which recognizes multiple faces and automatically adjusts to keeps all faces sharp and clear when taking selfie shots that include two or three people, the ZV-1 II is the advanced vlogging camera packed into a travel-size.

"The ZV-1 II is an exciting chapter for content creators and will be the go-to camera for many, including vloggers, social media influencers and short form video creators. With the newest vlog camera in the ZV series, we have taken requests from various users and included features that matter most to vloggers," says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. "We are striving to take feedback from our community to continue to expand and elevate our ZV series and the ZV-1 II does just that."

Comprehensive Features for Vloggers & Video Content Creators

The ZV-1 II has a number of new and popular features that will empower creators to capture better content.

  • Ultra-wide angle and Zoom - 18mmii wide angle of view makes it easy to capture attractive photogenic image with the entire scene – especially when shooting selfies at arm's length. The 18-50mm optical zoom and the Clear Image Zoom smoothly enlarges images while minimizing loss of image quality to create variety in videos by changing the angle of view.
  • 1.0 type sensor with Bokeh Switch which gives beautiful bokeh by defocusing the background with a single touch.
  • Intelligent 3-capsule microphone - In Auto mode, the camera recognizes human faces or objects and automaticallyiv switches the direction of the built-in microphone ([Front] or [All Directions]). In Manual mode, you can select [Front] for selfies, [Rear] when shooting with narration or [All Directions]. The supplied windscreen ensures a clear recording of the speaker when outdoors. Easy to use cableless attachment to Multi Interface Shoev and a 3.5 mm microphone jack makes it easy to connect external microphones.
  • Cinematic Vlog Setting function responds to the demands to easily capture videos with a filmic look. It enables impressive imagery at a touch. Simply tap the on-screen function icon and the camera will automatically set a CinemaScope size (2.35:1) vi and a frame rate of 24 fpsvii --the same as for a cinema movie. Then finish off the work with the on-screen buttons to select from five LOOKs and four MOODs
  • Creative Look which supports 10 preset looksviii to suit your creative preferences and pro-level imaging features.
  • Face Priority AE and Soft Skin Effect automatically and immediately detects faces and adjusts the exposure to optimize facial brightness, no matter the lighting. Soft skin effect smooths skin and facial features when filming.
  • Fast Hybrid AF System - Even in high-definition 4K where precise focusing is required, the camera will keep the images sharp with the same Fast Hybrid AF system seen in a series cameras. The camera is equipped with AF Transition Speed to select the focusing speed during video recording, and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity to control whether the camera shifts focus from one subject to another. In addition, the Real-time Eye AF can accurately keep focus on human or animals for both stills and movies.
  • Product Showcase Setting - which delivers convenient shooting of product review videos with smooth focus transitions from your face to the item you are highlighting.
  • S&Q shoot modevix which allows a selection up to 5x slow or up to 60x quick motion to add impact to everyday scenes. The combination of shooting and recording frame rates can now be set on a single screen.
  • ISO sensitivity spanning from 125 to 12800 - allows the camera to record sharp images with less noise, even in low lighting.
  • Active Mode electronic image stabilization - content can be captured while walking or in motion and is especially useful for handheld shootingx. Useful for handheld Movie and Slow & Quick motion shooting.
  • Built-in ND filter – to reduce exposure by three stops and allow for beautiful background bokeh even in the brightest situation.

Compact and Lightweight for Easy Portability, Operability, Connectivity

The ZV-1 II is perfect for on-the-go; its compact and lightweight design can be easily carried in a pocket or small bag, even with its optical wide zoom lens. The ZV-1 II supports different filming styles with the vari-angle screen suitable for selfies, easy to hold body grip (or with an optional GP-VPT2BT grip), user-friendly key and control layoutxi and the recording indicator on the front face of the body. The monitor display has been redesigned with a bold, clearly visible red frame that makes it obvious when recording is in progress. Power charge easily via a USB Type-C® connector.

Creators can connect and share content easily with Sony's Creators' Cloud platform and easy smartphone connection. The Creators' App can be used to control the ZV-1 II from a smartphone, monitor camera battery and media status, edit date and camera names, and easily transfer stills and videos shot, even in the background. The Creators' Appxii also provides a convenient way to update camera software.

For easy high-quality live streaming, simply connect the ZV-1 II to a PC or smartphone xiii with a commercially available USB cable (not included) to use it as a webcam. Make your video more attractive in online meetings and live streaming by using Creative Look to improve the skin's appearance and adjust the hue. Faces will appear clearer and brighter (Face Priority AE) and the eyes will be kept in focus (Real-time Eye AF).

Sustainable and Accessible Design

In addition to Sony's commitment to a sustainable future with global initiatives like Road to Zero and the 2030 renewable energy goal, the ZV-1 II has been specifically developed with sustainability in mind. Recycled materials, including SORPLAS™xiv, are used for the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. Sony's unique recycled paper "Original Blended Material", which does not use plastic and is easy to recycle, is used for individual packaging. Using materials such as bamboo, sugar cane fiber, and recycled paper collected from the market, it is both environmentally friendly and high quality.

The ZV-1 II includes accessibility features that facilitate operation in several ways, including screen reader functionality for people with low vision or with visual impairments. Accessibility features allow anyone to enjoy shooting and playback. When the screen reader functionxv is activated, text on the menu screens is read aloud. The screen reader function can be activated by turning the [Screen Reader] function in the [Setup] tab ON. Screen reader volume can be adjusted via the [Sound Options] settings. In addition to the above, the ZV-1 II includes several functions that assist in achieving pinpoint focus on a variety of subjects. Additionally, the Real-time Eye AF can automatically recognize and focus on [Human] or [Animal], or the Real-time Tracking function. Focus Magnification, and Peaking functions make it easier to focus manually, and features like Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, and Touch Shutter let the user focus, track, and shoot simply by touching the subject on the monitor screen. ZV-1 II accessibility features (items listed in the specifications): Screen Reader, Touch AE, Focus Magnifier, Peaking Display, Real-time Eye AF, Real-time Tracking, Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, Touch Shutter, Vari-angle LCD screen and Custom function.

Pricing and Availability

The new ZV-1 II will be available in June 2023 at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers, for an estimated retail price of $900 USD and $1,200 CAN.

Orders

Order the Sony ZV-1 II Vlogging Camera at B&H or Adorama.

Notes:

i 35mm format equivalent. 9 elements in 9 groups, including 5 aspherical and 1 AA (because the advance aspherical element is one of the 5 aspherical lenses) lens elements. 7-bladede circular aperture. T* Coating to suppress ghost and flaring.
ii 35mm format equivalent.
iii Compatible with video modes/S&Q mode only. Wide side. iAUTO mode selected. Does not work when the Bokeh switch is ON or when subject recognition is OFF.
iv Direction may be fixed depending on the shooting settings.
v Not compatible with digital audio interface.
vi The black bands at the image top and bottom are recorded as part of the image. The image (excluding the bars) is in CinemaScope aspect ratio, but the recorded image is 16:9.
vii Recording frame rates are indicated as the closest integer values. The actual corresponding frame rates are as follows: 24p: 23.98 fps, 30p: 29.97 fps, 60p: 59.94 fps, and 120p: 119.88 fps.
viii Creative Look presets: ST, PT, NT, VV, VV2, FL, IN, SH, BW, SE and Advanced settings (Saturation cannot be adjusted when BW or SE is selected): Contrast, highlights, shadows, fade, saturation, sharpness and clarity.
vix S&Q mode records in XAVC S HD format. Audio cannot be recorded. A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required. Recording at 100 Mbps requires a UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC memory card.
x The angle of view is slightly narrower in Active Mode. Active Mode is set to be off when the recording frame rate is 120 p or when the "Slow & Quick Motion Frame Rate" is 120 fps.
xi Keys and controls on the ZV-1 II are optimally arranged for greater usability, including REC button and Still/Movie/S&Q button.
xii Check regional availability of services and applications via the URL below: Creators' App: https://www.sony.net/cca , Creators' Cloud: https://www.sony.net/cc/ Download app at Google Play and the App Store. Network services, content, and operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration and credit card information.
xiii Streaming via USB gives 1280×720 resolution and 30 fps frame rate. To use this function, the PC's or smartphone's OS must support UVC/UAC. Be sure to use the OS's latest version. When connecting to a mobile device equipped with a USB Type-C® port, use a commercially available USB cable or terminal conversion adapter.
xiv SORPLAS™ may not be used for the parts used depending on the production period.
xv Availability varies depending on region and language.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Sony Announcements
Post Date: 5/23/2023 10:57:31 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Monday, May 22, 2023

King of Wings is a crazy hoodoo rock formation west of Nageezi, New Mexico, near the Bisti Badlands, De-Na-Zin Wilderness, Valley of Dreams, and Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness areas. Photographing this unique feature rose to the top of the to-do list, and the planning started.

The first King of Wings photography challenge occurs during online research. "King of Wings" search results are primarily related to a chicken part covered in BBQ sauce. Adding location-related keywords easily resolved that problem, and considerably more challenging obstacles remained. Getting there was one of them.

The King of Wings trailhead (a generous term) is another long-drive-from-everywhere New Mexico location. The last roads (about 17 miles of them) are rutted, and the final drive is a rough two-track. This long slab of rock hanging about 10' (3m) beyond the pillar holding it is another GPS-guided two-mile hike across a non-descript trailless desert.

For energy conservation reasons, I opted to take one camera and one lens. My choice? The Canon EOS R5 and the RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens.

Based on scouting, this lens's focal length range had the optimal angles of view. This lens delivers superb optical quality, and the R5 is my go-to camera for nearly everything.

King of Wings is unique enough to be photogenic at any time of the day, but the timing goal for this shoot was such that the setting sun would cast a warm light tone practically upward as it set.

With only a few minutes of the ideal light color, it was imperative that clouds not be present. However, clouds in the background would be welcomed. The weather forecast indicating a clearing sky at sunset seemed optimal, and it was go time.

The long hike back to the SUV in the dark and subsequent drive to the airport were better with the knowledge that another goal shot was on the memory card.


A larger version of this image is available here.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 5/22/2023 11:10:16 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Friday, May 19, 2023

Canon just released eleven camera firmware updates.

These firmware updates incorporate the following fixes and enhancements:

  1. Adds enhanced security for transferring captured images to image.canon. After July 2023, please update to this firmware version so that you will be able to send images to image.canon. If you do not update to this version, an error message will appear when sending images and the image will not be sent.

The following camera firmware is now available:

Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Firmware Updates
Post Date: 5/19/2023 8:24:14 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Thursday, May 18, 2023
Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 5/18/2023 10:39:26 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

From Canon Japan (translated):

Apology and information regarding product supply status

Updated: May 18, 2023

Thank you for your continued patronage of Canon products.

Currently, we have received more orders than expected for each of the following products, and due to the impact of global supply of parts, delivery delays are occurring. Expected that the new product RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM will take a lot of time. We apologize again for making our customers wait so long. We will continue to take measures for stable product supply so that we can deliver products as soon as possible. Thank you kindly look forward for your understanding.

Product Name – About Supply

RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM

We are planning to ship sequentially, but it is expected that it will take a considerable amount of time to deliver. Even if you have already placed an order, it may be difficult to deliver it within 2023.

RF400mm F2.8L IS USM
RF800mm F5.6L IS USM

We are planning to ship in order, but it may take longer than usual to deliver.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Announcements
Post Date: 5/18/2023 10:10:43 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Check out the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens page for information about and expectations for this outstanding new lens option.

The MTF chart comparison is especially interesting.

Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 5/17/2023 7:30:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R7 are now available in the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Lens Review.

Still impressive.

Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Please share!

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 5/16/2023 11:00:21 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Photographing Alien Throne in the Valley of Dreams, near Bisti Badlands, De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area and Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Area was on my to-do list, and obviously, I made that trip happen.

You've heard it said that a photo should tell a story. I agree that telling a story is a good aspect of a photo, but storytelling is not always important, and oftentimes, the capture of an image creates a story. This image falls into that latter category.

Some images are complicated to capture, some images are complicated to edit, and some images are both. Again, this one landed solidly in the latter category.

Even beyond any travel required to get to New Mexico, getting to Valley of Dreams requires a long drive (for everyone) that ends on high-clearance two-track "roads" (and a popular mapping app does not currently provide the correct directions). Once driving capabilities are exhausted, the hike to Alien Throne is nearly two miles with, at least for the newcomers, GPS guidance over the trailless desert.

The Valley of Dreams is a dark sky location, optimal for photographing the Milky Way. Add darkness to the hike, and even most Valley of Dreams-experienced hikers need constant GPS navigation assistance as your vehicle becomes a needle in a haystack on the return hike.

Choosing to photograph the Milky Way in April means a middle-of-the-night shooting time (with, likely, no other photographers competing for your location). After photographing a sunrise, napping, scouting, and photographing sunset at Alien Throne, and resting back in the SUV for a couple of hours, we started the second hike to Alien Throne in the darkness at 1:00 AM.

Once in position, establishing the composition was the first goal, and darkness greatly increases this challenge. I brought low-level lighting for this scene, but we opted to go with natural lighting due to the myriad of hard shadows present here.

With the composition established, the Milky Way became the focus. The lens was manually focused on the stars, and the mental note for a quick return to optimal infinity focus was that this setting was immediately after the camera's distance meter changed from a number to the ∞ symbol.

I was uncertain where the Milky Way would be compositionally ideal as it rotated through the image, and there were clouds that could shut down visibility later. Thus, images were continuously captured until the Milky Way was clearly rotated beyond the optimal position.

Next, without moving the camera, the foreground was focused on. The 24mm focal length at f/1.4 does not provide adequate depth of field for this entire scene, making focus bracketing important for that goal.

The ground subjects would not be obscured by clouds, and they were not moving in relation to the camera. Thus, they could be photographed at leisure, and longer exposures created a brighter image without concern for star trails. For this image's foreground, three 30-second images were captured at three focus distances, with the duplicate images enabling some of the noise to be averaged out.

After the blending, the three foreground images were focus-stacked into a single image. Focus stacking is easy in Photoshop (& Lightroom). Open as layers in Photoshop, select all layers, select Edit > Auto-Align Layers [select Auto], choose Edit > Auto-Blend Layers [select Stack Images]. Then, the Milky Way sky image was focus-stacked into the final image.

Further processing primarily consisted of adding contrast, cooling the color tone, and darkening the foreground significantly.

It was after 4:00 AM when we packed up to start the GPS-guided route back to the car, and the sun was up by the time we arrived at the hotel. Hotel breakfast was the end of the story behind this image.

Was the reward worth the effort? Definitely. With photography, it usually is.


A larger version of this image is available here.

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 5/16/2023 7:30:00 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
<< Next Month        1 | 2    Next >    Prev Month >>
Archives
2024   Jan   Feb   Mar
2023   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2022   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2021   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2020   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2019   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2018   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2017   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2016   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2015   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2014   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2013   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2012   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2011   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2010   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2009   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2008   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2007   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2006   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
2005   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec
Terms of Use, Privacy  |  © 2024 Rectangular Media, LLC  |  Bryan CarnathanPowered by Christ!