Canon and Sony News for Jan 2018 (Page 5)

From WD:

At CES 2018, Western Digital Showcases Voice-Activated Media Streaming via Smart Home Devices, the World’s Smallest 1TB USB Flash Drive and a New Series of High-Performance Portable SSDs

Las Vegas, NV - January 8, 2018 – At today’s Consumer Electronics Show 2018 (CES 2018), Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) unveiled new and breakthrough consumer solutions that address today’s personal content explosion, including voice-activated media streaming via popular Smart Home devices, the world’s smallest 1TB USB flash drive and a portfolio of ultra-mobile, high-performance, wireless and high-capacity flash storage products. Sold under the SanDisk and WD brands, these offerings ensure that personal experiences and memories can thrive for years to come.

Smartphones, drones, action cameras and virtual reality (VR) goggles are capturing and creating rich content that users want to access and share with friends and followers alike. Innovations in multi-lens cameras, 8K video, 5G wireless, VR, augmented reality (AR) and video streaming are enabling more immersive experiences. As a result, consumers are looking for easier ways to capture, preserve, access and share their personal content as it becomes richer and more robust.

“Our lives are increasingly connected to and enriched by pictures, videos, music and ideas,” said Dinesh Bahal, vice president of product management, Client Solutions, Western Digital. “From the parent filming a school recital on their smartphone to the drone enthusiast or pro photographer, our range of consumer solutions are designed to help everyone preserve, access and share their digital world.”

At CES 2018, Western Digital is showcasing its latest solutions for today’s data-driven consumers, including:

• New voice-activated media streaming features via Smart Home devices. The My CloudTM Home device empowers people to easily capture, preserve and organize all of their content in one central place. In a Smart Home environment, the My Cloud Home device now works with popular devices that support Amazon Alexa services so people can access their stored music collection via voice commands. The My Cloud Home app now also works with Google Chromecast technology to allow people to stream their home videos, TV shows and movies on the big screen using Chromecast-enabled Smart TVs.†
• Continuing its legacy of technology milestones, Western Digital offers a preview of the future of flash storage, demonstrating the world’s smallest 1TB* USB device, a powerful USB Type-C flash solution capable of preserving an enormous amount of content in one tiny form factor; and the world’s smallest 256GB USB flash drive. The new 256GB SanDisk Ultra Fit USB 3.1 Flash Drive, a low-profile USB drive for people who want to add more photos, videos, games and audio files to their notebooks, tablets, TVs, gaming consoles and car audio systems. With 256GB, people have the flexibility to keep more content at their fingertips – approximately, 14,000 photos, 10 hours of full HD video and 16,000 songs, with 64GB still available for files.
• For avid photographers and drone enthusiasts who require durable and high-performance media capture solutions, Western Digital is releasing two portable SSDs. The My Passport Wireless SSD, which features one-touch card copy to enable editing and sharing of content out in the field, as well as a new capability to directly access the device within third-party mobile creative apps, like FiLMiC Pro and LumaFusion. While the new, superfast SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is perfect for saving and editing hi-res photos and videos on-the-go.

Enabling the possibilities of data, Western Digital offers the industry’s broadest portfolio of products and solutions to help people capture, preserve, access and transform their personal content.

† Smart Home app and account registration may be required. Smart Home device compatibility may be changed, terminated or interrupted at any time and may vary by country.

B&H has the WD My Passport Wireless SSD Drives in stock and will carry the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSDs.

From Nikon USA:

January 8, 2018 – LAS VEGAS – Today at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Nikon Inc. announced the new AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR super-telephoto zoom lens, which is ideally suited for photographing sports and wildlife with astounding speed and clarity. This professional level FX-format lens is more versatile than ever, and has been updated with the newest NIKKOR lens technologies including Nikon’s first ever built-in teleconverter and an advanced optical formula to enhance performance and minimize weight.

“This lens is a great example of how Nikon continues to push the boundaries of innovation and what’s possible with pro-level optics and high-end imaging equipment,” said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc.

Popular Pro-Level Lens Gets Even More Versatile
This new NIKKOR lens is a professional super-telephoto zoom lens, which is even more versatile with an extended wide range of 180-400mm, and a constant f/4 aperture to easily isolate a subject from the sidelines, even in challenging light. This is also the first NIKKOR lens to include a built-in 1.4X teleconverter, allowing photographers to seamlessly swap to a 252-560mm1 (FX-format) focal range. The teleconverter is engaged at the flick of a switch, and is easily operated with a single finger while looking through the viewfinder. When used on the Nikon D500 and other DX-format DSLRs, the focal length is the equivalent of 270-600mm (378-840mm with teleconverter engaged).

Whether capturing fast-moving winter sports on the slopes or elusive wildlife at a distance, photographers can shoot with confidence from this high performance NIKKOR lens. The new 180-400mm f/4 is optimized for high-speed capture, and features an electromagnetic diaphragm, helping to create smooth and consistent exposures while shooting high-speed bursts of images. What’s more, the AF tracking algorithm controlling the motor drive has been enhanced to increase tracking performance of fast moving subjects. When using cameras equipped with Nikon’s advanced 153-point AF system (D5, D500, D850), the outer row of AF points are activated as cross-type sensors to significantly enhance the AF coverage throughout the frame.2

Enhanced Performance with the Addition of New Technology
The lens now uses a fluorite element, which contributes to improved balance while minimizing weight. To further enhance handling and agility, the lens has adopted a new ball-bearing tripod collar ring to create a seamless transition from shooting horizontal to vertical composition. The VR mechanism offers a normal and sports mode, with up to four stops3 of compensation to help create sharp images, even when handheld.

The lens construction includes the use of durable magnesium alloy for weight reduction, while the lens is also sealed against dust and moisture. A fluorine coating is also used to help repel water droplets and dirt.

The optical formula of the lens uses eight Extra Low Dispersion (ED) elements, doubling the amount of ED elements used by its predecessor, the NIKKOR 200-400mm. These help to provide extremely sharp and detailed images and 4K UHD / 1080p video, and is ideally mated to high resolution Nikon DSLR cameras. Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat is used to effectively suppress instances of ghosting and flare.

Price and Availability
The AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR lens will be available in March 2018 for a suggested retail price of $12,399.954.

B&H will carry the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR Lens.

B&H has the Godox AD600Pro Witstro All-In-One Outdoor Flash available for preorder with free expedited shipping. The Godox AD600Pro is expected to be available at the beginning of February.

Product Highlights

• Built-In 2.4 GHz Wireless X System
• Compatible with Most TTL Systems
• 600Ws, 1/256 to 1/1 Power Output
• Runs on Lithium Battery or AC Power
• Up to 360 Full-Power Flashes
• Flash Duration: 1/220 to 1/10,100 Sec
• 1/8000 Sec High-Speed Sync
• 0.01-0.9 Sec Recycling Time
• 38W Modeling Lamp
• Stable Color Temperature Mode

In its Q4 2017 earning report, GoPro revealed the following stategies for cutting 80 million from its operating expenses:

• GoPro is reducing its global workforce from 1,254 employees as of September 30, 2017 to fewer than 1,000 employees worldwide.
• GoPro founder and CEO Nicholas Woodman will reduce his 2018 cash compensation to $1.
• Although Karma reached the #2 market position in its price band in 2017, the product faces margin challenges in an extremely competitive aerial market. Furthermore, a hostile regulatory environment in Europe and the United States will likely reduce the total addressable market in the years ahead. These factors make the aerial market untenable and GoPro will exit the market after selling its remaining Karma inventory. GoPro will continue to provide service and support to Karma customers.

GoPro's only entry into the drone market – the Karma – had a rocky introduction (at best) back in 2016. Soon after the drones hit the shelves, they started hitting the ground [hard] because of a manufacturing defect that led to the aerial crafts losing power mid-flight. The Karma was recalled and eventually re-released, but by then, DJI's Mavic Pro was already dominating the foldable drone market.

In this video, Adobe's Julieanne Kost explains a few of the Photoshop CC custom (and undocumented) keyboard shortcuts she uses on a daily basis and provides tips on how to create your own.

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

Just posted: Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head Review.

Warning: You are going to want one of these.

The Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head is in stock at B&H.

January 8th 2018, Seoul, South Korea – Samyang Optics is pleased to announce their first autofocus lens for Canon full frame DSLR cameras: AF 14mm F2.8 EF. This lightweight wide-angle lens inherits the renowned image quality of Samyang’s wide-angle series and delivers a quiet, fast and accurate autofocus system.

World Class Wide Angle Lens, Samyang 14mm
This first EF mount autofocus lens from Samyang encapsulates the brand’s universally respected optical technology, especially in the wide-angle lens category. The optical construction features a total of 15 lenses in 10 groups that include 7 special optic lenses to maximize image quality. The 7 optic lenses consist of 2 aspherical lenses, 4 high-refractive lenses and 1 extra-low dispersion lens, which helps minimize distortion and various aberrations while producing crystal clear resolution. The even image quality from center to corner of the 116.6 degree wide angle of view appears distinctly on its MTF chart.

Ideal Autofocus Lens with High Usability
Importantly, the minimized weight and movement of the focusing lens group enables quiet autofocusing with high accuracy. This compact Samyang AF 14mm F2.8 EF weighs only 485g without lens caps and hood. The lens also features weather-sealing and a built-in AF/MF switch.

Available from February 2018
The lens will be available globally from February and a suggested retail price will be £649.00.

B&H has the Rokinon AF 14mm f/2.8 Lens for Canon available for preorder.

There are quite a few interesting tips in this video, with "Realistic lens flares" being the only real letdown (in my opinion). I thought changing the tone and contrast to match different films was a really intriguing tip. [Sean]

From the tutvid YouTube Channel:

In this Photoshop tutorial, we’ll go over these ten techniques in Photoshop:

• Boosting contrast the easy way
• Sharpening power in Photoshop
• Beautify sunrises & sunsets
• Cleaning up skin
• Change the color of anything
• Trendy faded effect
• Fast digital re-lighting a scene
• The best black and white technique
• Realistic lens flares
• Tone and contrast like the movies (v. cinematic)

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

In this video, Gavin Hoey creates a great looking wintry portrait in his studio with a couple of props (including fake snow), a gobo and three lights. Tip: During post processing, Gavin mentions that banding is occuring in his image (approx. 7:30 mark) after adding a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer. The banding could have likely been avoided by importing a 16-bit RAW file rather than an 8-bit JPEG. [Sean]

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

Adorama's Flashpoint XPLOR 600 Pro TTL has been announced and its specs put it in league with the Profoto B1X. Even at half the cost, the Flashpoint XPLOR 600 Pro has some key advantages over the B1X:

Flashpoint XPLOR 600 Pro vs. Profoto B1X

• More power: 600Ws vs. 500
• Faster recycling time: 0.9 sec vs. 1.9
• More full-power shots per charge: 370 vs. 325
• More powerful modeling lamp: 38W vs. 24
• Better color consistency: +/- 75 K over entire power range vs. +/- 150 K

From Adorama:

Flashpoint today announced the XPLOR 600 PRO TTL, a new wireless strobe system with TTL connectivity to Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic and Olympus cameras. With a guide number of 285 feet at ISO 100, the lights are designed for both studio and location use. Boasting rapid recycling times and up to 370 full power flashes per battery charge, the Flashpoint XPLOR is positioned as a powerful source for pro location lighting.

Key Features

• 600Ws TTL Wireless Flash
• GN 285ft/87m (ISO 100)
• Built-in 2.4GHz Wireless R2 Remote System
• TTL, Manual and Multi-Flash Modes
• Links to simultaneous multi-camera systems
• 262-feet remote range
• Claimed 0.01-0.9 second recycle time
• HHS up to 1/8000 sec
• Flash duration 1/22-1/10000 sec.
• 9-stop output control from full to 1/256 power in 25 steps
• Color temp 5600 degrees K
• Proportional, Variable and Synced Modeling
• Compatible with Canon E-TTL II, Nikon i-TTL, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, and Fujifilm

Performance Upgrades

The XPLOR 600 Pro TTL boasts a fast 0.01 second recycle time at lower output settings, and 0.9 second at full power, making it a good choice for event photography as well as other settings where powerful and fast multiple flash is necessary. It’s powered by a 28.8v/2600mah Lithium battery pack that can be recharged separately in approximately two hours. And onboard fan keeps the unit from overheating.

The XPLOR 600 Pro TTL also doubles as a video light; its 38-watt LED modeling light throws the equivalent of a 400-watt conventional bulb, making it a good choice for video production as well as for other applications where constant light is important. At the other end of the spectrum, the unit offers high-speed synch flash at shutter speeds up to 1/8000 second.

The light is fronted by a Bowens mount for additional light modifiers, while an integrated reflector provides good light right out of the box.

The built-in R2 radio remote lets you link to simultaneous multi-camera systems, so you could shoot with both a Canon and a Nikon using the same flash units at the same time. The XPLOR 600 Pro TTL can be linked and synched to be triggered wirelessly in TTL mode with any R2 transmitting member of the R2 family, including the Flashpoint Streaklight 360, Zoom Speedlights, R2T and R2Pro Remote transmitters. So, if you have already invested in any of these models, you can seamlessly integrate the XPLOR 600 into your system.

In addition, a separate R2 receiver can be added to any remote flash that has a sync port, so you can add other brand flashes to your wireless TTL system.

Pricing and Availability

The Flashpoint XPLOR 600Pro TTL is available for $899, including a flashtube, Lithium battery charger, reflector and cap, and compartment case. It can be ordered now, exclusively from Adorama.

With the recent release of the Sony a7R III, many may be wondering, "Should I get the a7R III or get the less expensive a7R II instead?" That's a very fair question, and that's why we're going to be looking at how these two MILCs (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Cameras) stack up against one another.

Sony a7R III and Sony a7R II Shared Primary Features

• 42.4 MP full frame sensor
• Wi-FI & NFC
• 399 phase-detection AF
• EV -3 – EV 20 metering range
• 30 - 1/8000 sec shutter speed
• 0.78x viewfinder magnification
• Up to 4K: 3840 x 2160 30p/100 Mbps video recording

Primary Advantages of the Sony a7R III over the Sony a7R II

• Faster, more accurate AF system with multi-selector joystick for much easier focus point changes
• 425 contrast AF points vs. 25
• Up to 10 fps, 28 RAW (Uncompressed) buffer vs. 5 fps, 22 RAW (Uncompressed)
• ISO 100 - 32,000 (Exp: ISO 50 – 102400) vs. ISO 100 - 25,600 (Exp: ISO 50 – 102400)
• 3.69m-Dot Quad-VGA Tru-Finder OLED EVF vs. 0.5" 2.36M-Dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF (the III has 1.5x resolution, approx. 2x luminance, 120 fps, 30% faster startup, high quality mode)
• 3.0" 1.44m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen (limited) LCD vs. 3.0" 1,228.8k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
• Approx. 650 frame battery life (stills, LCD monitor) vs. 340
• 5.5 stop IBIS vs. 4.5 stops
• Higher quality full-frame 4K high-sensitivity movies, improved movie AF, Hybrid Log-Gamma, S-Log3, Slow&Quick motion, Photo Capture, Proxy Recording
• Dual SD memory card slots vs. single SD (III supports high write speeds)
• Full HD 1080p video at 120 fps vs. 60 fps
• S-LOG 3 and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) Picture Profiles vs. N/A
• Pixel Shift Multi Shooting vs. N/A
• USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port vs. USB 2.0
• Anti-flicker shutter timing vs. N/A
• Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (w/ftp) & NFC vs. Wi-Fi & NFC only
• Customizable My Menu
• Improved peaking, Focus magnification with AF support, Rating, Display continuous shooting group

Primary Advantages of the Sony a7R II over the Sony a7R III

• Lower cost
• Slightly smaller size, lighter weight: 5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4" (126.9 × 95.7 x 60.3mm), 22.0 oz (625g) vs. 5.0 x 3.88 x 3.0" (126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7mm), 23.2 oz (657g)

Who should opt for the Sony a7R III?

Those who wish to capture high resolution sports imagery will immediately appreciate the Sony a7R III's twice-as-fast burst rate (10 fps vs. 5), image grouping display, upgraded AF system and [possibly] the new anti-flicker shutter timing (it may work better under some conditions than it worked in our tests). Those using the a7R III for professional filmmaking will likely benefit from the ability to record 1080p video at 120 fps, the upgraded AF, improved peaking and the S-LOG 3 and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) Picture Profiles.

Wedding photographers will enjoy the added security of the a7R III's dual memory card slots, and sharing images immediately on social media will be made easier with built-in Bluetooth.

Regardless of one's specialty, the upgraded IBIS system providing an extra stop of assistance to help keep images sharp will surely be appreciated by almost all photographers. The same sentiment holds true for the a7R III's increased battery life.

Who should opt for the Sony a7R II?

As is typical of successor vs. predecessor camera comparisons, the primary reason to recommend the purchase of a camera's predecessor – in this case, the Sony a7R II – is the older camera's lower cost. And in this case, the trend continues, with the a7R II weighing in with a 25% discount (with instant rebates) compared to the a7R III.

Landscape, architecture/real estate and studio photographers, in particular, who don't necessarily need a better AF system or a faster burst rate, will have fewer reasons to invest in the a7R III's upgraded features as the a7R II's sensor provides similar, high image quality. That said, the brighter viewfinder and longer battery life of the a7R III will be welcomed even by these groups.

Relevant Review

• Sony a7R III Review

B&H carries the Sony a7R III and Sony a7R II mirrorless full frame cameras.

From the tutvid YouTube Channel:

EASY & ADVANCED WAYS TO GET AMAZING COLOR IN PHOTOSHOP! | Use LAB color, Curves, targeted adjustments, and more for amazing vibrant color that will knock your socks off!

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

by Sean Setters

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I spent some time this past Christmas in New Orleans. Fortunately for me, Audubon Park was located within walking distance of where we were staying. I spent several hours throughout the week photographing birds that could nearly always be found in and around Bird Island (Ochsner Island) in the park's lagoon. Because people are constantly walking around the lagoon or playing golf at a course that borders it, the ducks and other waterfowl/wading birds that inhabit the area have become very comfortable to having people nearby, a learned behavior that benefits just about anyone with a camera in-hand.

For the shot above, I used a Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens. The shot settings used were 250mm, f/5.6, 1/500 sec, ISO 640, and the image was slightly cropped in post processing.

I often take the 7D Mark II with me when I travel because it's much easier to cover a wide range of focal lengths in a significantly smaller kit compared to covering the same focal lengths in a full-frame compatible kit. And while a 250mm won't likely be adequate for bird photography under many circumstances, it worked great for a close-up on this occasion because of my ability to get close to the bird without spooking it.

In this case, an overcast sky provided a couple of key benefits that allowed this image to work. For one, the soft light reduced contrast allowing me to capture details in both the highlight and shadow areas of the frame. And second, the glare of the overcast sky in the water behind the duck enabled great separation (producing a high key style) that made shape of the subject really stand out in the frame.

Just posted: Sony a7R III Review.

Check out Sony's latest full frame powerhouse camera!

The Sony a7R III is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX (awaiting stock).