Canon and Sony News for Nov 2014

Ok, so maybe calling this a "photography deal" would be stretching things a bit, but I couldn't help posting it.

Google Chromecast is an awesome little device that allows you watch YouTube videos, Netflix and Hulu on your living room TV. You can also use it to stream Pandora or Google Music to your entertainment system. It's a great deal at its normal price tag of $35.00 . At $24.99 (B&H), it's one of the best deals in entertainment.

Hot Deal: eBay (via BigValueInc) has the Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR Camera available for $2,399.99 with free shipping. Compare at $3,099.00 after $300.00 mail-in rebate.

Note: This is likely a grey market item and not technically eligible for a Canon USA warranty.

Update: eBay seller AllNewShop has a similar auction.

I know that you are about to be (or already have been) inundated with an overwhelming number of advertisements for the Black Friday start of the Christmas shopping season. There is a reason that the day is called "Black" and retailers significantly rely on the strong surge in sales that occur at this time of the year.

We here at The-Digital-Picture.com also rely on the Christmas shopping season to fund our work of serving you and you using the links on the site prior to making your purchase (of anything) is (primarily) how that support happens. For example, click on any of the site's B&H links and buy a camera, lens, TV ... or anything. Or, click on an Amazon link and buy a case of diapers. Using the links costs you nothing extra, but provides the valuable support necessary to keep us working for you. We are very grateful for that support and count it a privilege to work for you!

That said, here is some advice I want to share: I caution you to that fact that many of products shown in the sales flyers you will receive or have already received are not going to be great deals. Just because a picture of an item along with a price is included in a sales flyer does not mean that the item is a great deal.

Before jumping on these "deals", first check the price at B&H, Adorama, Amazon or any of the other retailers included on the Support the Site page. You might be pleasantly surprised to see the price you find. These sites have started their Black Friday deals early and already have many very good deals available (find the links to these deals on the retailer's home pages).

Another piece of advice I have to share with our USA-based friends: prepare now to carve out time to spend with family and friends on the Thanksgiving holiday. And definitely have the camera ready to capture the memories of that celebrating!

Exciting monthly challenges push boundaries of imagination, craft and skill.

From Canon Australia:

Sydney, Australia, 26 November 2014 – Canon Australia has announced an all-new creative challenge exclusive for Canon camera users in Australia – the Canon Light Awards.

Created by photographers for photographers, the Canon Light Awards will encourage creative shooters to push the boundaries of their imagination, craft and skill. In return, Canon has prepared a program to help them achieve their photography aspirations, including personalised feedback for winners from Canon Master Photographers, and one of Australia’s biggest photo competition prize pools.

“Photographers told us they wanted to become better storytellers and achieve their creative potential, so we developed the Light Awards as the ultimate program for inspiration, experimentation and growth,” says Jason McLean, Director – Consumer Imaging, Canon Australia. “This is a one-of-a-kind competition in Australia, with a total prize pool worth over $150,000, which includes prizes for monthly winners and the grand prize of a luxury photo safari for two in Africa for each category winner.”

Each month, a Canon Master will set a challenge around creating powerful images that tell a story. Entries will be judged by photographers with the three best entries in each category receiving feedback and advice from the Canon Masters, as well as Canon prizes.

In 2016, each of the monthly first place winners will be invited to a cocktail event where the grand prize will be awarded to the overall Student and Open category winners.

The Light Awards will officially launch on the 1 January 2015 with two entry categories: Student (aged between 13 and 25, enrolled in fulltime study) and Open.

To pre-register and receive the first brief on 22 December, visit Canon Light Awards: www.canon.com.au/lightawards

From the Canon Professional Network:

"In the final part of this series Richard Curtis focuses on Lightroom mobile and, in a special video tutorial, he explains how the Lightroom mobile app works for organising, editing and sharing images within the Lightroom workflow. Please click on the play button in the window above to watch the video..."

Full Lightroom & Photoshop CC Workflow Series

• (Pt. 1): Smart Objects
• (Pt. 2): Composite images
• (Pt. 3): Camera RAW Filter
• (Pt. 4) Lightroom Mobile

Adobe's Photoshop Photography Program is only $9.99 per month (Photoshop CC + Lightroom).

Here at The-Digital-Picture.com, we enjoy the holidays almost as much as we enjoy photography and camera gear (ok, maybe more). As such, we've compiled a list of gift ideas for the special photographer in your life.

Gifts Under $75.00

Gaffer's Tape - I've used this stuff in at least 100 different ways. It sticks well and stays put for a good period of time, but it's also easy to pull off when needed (and does not leave behind a residue). No photographer should be without a roll (or two). (Price varies)

BlackRapid LensBling - These custom rear lens caps allow a photographer to quickly and easily identify his/her lenses upon opening the camera bag. Plus they just look cool! ($8.50)

Giottos Rocket Blaster Dust-Removal Tool - This handy little device can help a photographer keep his sensor clean. ($8.85 - $9.95)

Lens Coffee Thermo Cup - For the photographers who love coffee (isn't that all of us?!), there's a coffee delivery device just for them. ($19.95 - $29.95)

Westcott Umbrella - Collapsible, Optical White Satin - 43" - One of the most basic and inexpensive lighting modifiers out there, this umbrella is very compact when closed making it a must-have travel companion. ($20.50)

Canon Center-Pinch Lens Caps - We're extremely happy with Canon's decision to redesign their lens caps. The new center-pinch style is extremely easy to put on and remove even with a lens hood in place. If your friend or loved one has the older style lens caps, you may want to grab a couple for stocking stuffers. Check the Lens Specifications Tool to ensure you get the right size. ($7.00 - $14.95)

ExpoImaging Rogue FlashBender (Large) - I purchased one of these about a year ago and it's seen a lot of use since then. It's great for improving the look of on-camera flash and especially useful for events with relatively low ceilings. ($39.95)

Vello Shutterboss Version II - This is very similar to Canon's TC-80N3 Timer Remote Control but significantly less expensive. This is a great tool for capturing time lapses and long exposures. ($49.95)

Canon Speedlite 90EX Flash (White Box) - This little gem is a really inexpensive way to add master flash capability to a full-frame camera. It's small, lightweight and light on your wallet. ($59.49)

BlackRapid RS-Sport Extreme - This is by far my (Sean's) favorite and most-used camera strap. The strap shoulder pad is a little thinner yet more comfortable on the RS-Sport compared to the traditional RS-4, and the included underarm brad keeps the shoulder strap in place. This is a great gift for those who carry their camera for hours at a time. ($73.95)

Camera Batteries - There's nothing more frustrating than missing photographic opportunities because of running out of battery power. Camera batteries run out even more quickly in cold weather, so an extra battery or two might be just what your special photographer needs while shooting this winter. (Price varies)

CompactFlash and SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards - Along the same lines as battery power, memory is another thing you never want to run out of when a camera is in-hand. While you could spend up to $899.00 for a single memory card, more reasonable options below the $75.00 threshold are plentiful. (Price varies)

Gifts $75.00 - $150.00

Manual Radio Triggers - I'm grouping all of these together because they all fall in near this price point (although some are below). These are great for triggering your flash off-camera or for triggering your camera from insane distances away. Granted, you'll need more than one of these units in order to do anything with them - but an extra one of these can be very handy if your photographer in your life is already invested in one of these systems.

Manual Radio Trigger Recommendations

• PocketWizard Plus III Transceiver ($149.00)
• PocketWizard PlusX Transceiver ($99.00)
• RadioPopper Jr2 Transmitter ($129.95)
• RadioPopper Jr2 Receiver ($129.95)
• Cactus Wireless Flash Transceiver V6 ($69.95)
• RadioPopper Nano Transmitter ($49.50 after $20.45 instant savings)
• RadioPopper Nano Receiver ($49.50 after $20.45 instant savings)

Kenko Extension Tube Set (review) - These nifty little extension tubes are a great introduction to macro photography without having to buy a dedicated macro lens. ($139.00 for Canon set)

UV, Circular Polarizing or Neutral Density Filter - A good set of filters is something no photographer should be without. And while you can spend less (or much more), this price range is a good starting point for high quality filters. (Price varies)

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens- Canon's first pancake, this full-frame compatible lens impressed us with its image quality and diminutive size. It's excellent as a backup lens or as an inexpensive introduction to prime lenses for beginners. ($149.00 after $50.0 mail-in rebate)

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens - The EF 40mm f/2.8 STM's crop-sensor little brother is compact, easy to pack, inexpensive, and an especially good choice for anyone who owns a camera with a Dual Pixel sensor (EOS 70D, 7D Mark II).

Gifts $150.00 - $500.00

PocketWizard / MiniTT1 - The FlexTT5 is PocketWizards best, most full-featured radio transceiver. It features ETTL-control, high speed and HyperSync technology, and can even trigger your camera when needed. The MiniTT1 is a companion to the FlexTT5, but is meant to be used on-camera as a triggering device (not a transceiver). (FlexTT5 - $229.00, MiniTT1 - $174.00)

Canon Speedlite 430EX II (review) - The 430EX II is the 600EX-RT's little brother. It lacks radio triggering technology and costs significantly less than its big brother, making Canon's mid-range flash an excellent value. ($249.00 after $50.00 instant savings)

Canon Speedlite 600 EX-RT (review) - The 600EX-RT is Canon's most powerful, full-featured flash with radio triggering technology built-in. A flash is an essential tool to have in the gear bag; even if your photographer already has one, having two or three flashes allows for endless creative possibilities. ($499.00 after $50.00 instant savings)

Oben BC-139 Ball Head (review) - The Oben BC-139 is an excellent value when it comes to camera supports. Featuring an industry standard Arca-Swiss quick-release clamp, a buttery smooth panning rotation, and a 39.6 lb load rating, the Oben would be an excellent, budget-friendly gift which just about any photographer could appreciate. ($164.95)

Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 (review) - Both Bryan's and my favorite ball head, the Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 has a max load rating of 130 lbs and is built for professional use (and abuse). ($387.00)

Ewa-Marine U-B Underwater Housing (review) - Allowing for underwater use, the Ewa-Marine U-B Underwater Housing can protect a DSLR to a depth of 60'. This is a great gift for the photographer who loves the ocean and/or sea life. (Price varies)

Battery Grip - Want to give the photographer in your life hours of shooting without having to change batteries? A battery grip is the answer. A battery grip doubles the amount of battery power at your disposal and also allows for much more comfortable vertically-oriented shooting with duplicate controls. (price varies; 60D and Rebel grips are less than $150.00)

Canon Battery Grips

• Canon BG-E11 (for 5D Mark III)
• Canon BG-E13 (for 6D)
• Canon BG-E16 (for 7D II)
• Canon BG-E14 (for 70D)
• Canon BG-E9 (for 60D)
• Canon BG-E8 (for Rebel T2i, T3i, T4i, & T5i)

Camera Bag - If the photographer in your life's gear bag is bursting at the seams, a new gear bag may be the answer! (price varies)

Recommended Camera Bags

• MindShift Gear Rotation 180 Professional
• Think Tank Photo StreetWalker / Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Pro
• Think Tank Photo Airport Security V 2.0
• Gura Gear Bataflae 32L

Gifts Over $500.00

DSLR Camera - It all starts here. Which camera body is right for the special photographer in your life?

• Canon EOS Rebel SL1 (review) - Canon's smallest and lightest DSLR would be a great gift for anyone who feels burdened by standard-sized DSLRs but doesn't want to compromise on high image quality. This is a great starter DSLR for anyone wanting to step up from a point-and-shoot camera. ($549.00 with kit lens after instant rebate)
• Canon EOS Rebel T5i (review) - Canon's top-of-the-line Rebel is easy to use, full featured and very affordable. This camera is great for anyone stepping up from a point-and-shoot camera who doesn't mind the bulk of a traditionally sized DSLR. ($649.00 with kit lens after $200.00 instant rebate)
• Canon EOS 7D Mark II (review) - Canon's newest and best APS-C sensor camera would be an excellent addition to just about any sports photogopher's kit (assuming they don't already have a 1D X). This would be an excellent primary camera for anyone stepping up from a Rebel or xxD series camera, and it would be a great second camera for anyone currently using a 5D Mark III. ($1,799.00)
• Canon EOS 6D (review) - If a photographer is wanting to upgrade from a crop-sensor camera, the full-frame EOS 6D is Canon's budget-friendly introduction to full-frame photography. ($1,599.00 after $300.00 mail-in rebate)
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III (review) - Sporting Canon's largest full-frame sensor and an AF system almost identical to the 1D X, the 5D Mark III has become the defacto standard in full-frame cameras. With excellent image quality, great high ISO performance, and a solid build quality, this is an excellent and versatile workhorse camera that anyone would love to find gift wrapped. ($3,099.00 after $300.00 mail-in rebate)

Lenses - Photographers love looking at the world through different lenses. Each lens offers something unique in its feature set that inspires creativity or enables the photographer to capture his or her specific vision.

Lens Recommendations

• General Purpose
• Telephoto Zoom Lens
• Wide Angle Lens
• Portrait Lens
• Wedding Lens
• Indoor Sports Lens
• Macro Lens
• Wildlife Lens
• Landscape Lens
• Bargain Lens

And if you can't figure out the perfect gift, have no fear – a B&H Gift Card may be the perfect gift for anyone!

The full Canon EOS 7D Mark II Review is now available.

This is an awesome camera – especially for the price. I decided to add a 7D II to my kit (replacing a 70D), so I expect to be adding more details to the review as time goes on, including more AI Servo AF experiences.

B&H has the Canon EOS 7D Mark II in stock.

From Eyefi:

Eyefi mobile apps and cloud service gives photographers freedom to use multiple cameras and enjoy one unified, organized photo library available anytime, anywhere.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., November 20, 2014 — Eyefi (www.eyefi.com), the global leader in connecting digital cameras across devices and to the Internet, today announced it would make Eyefi Cloud available without the need for Eyefi Mobi WiFi SD card enabling photographers to use their smartphone or WiFi enabled camera to experience the benefits of a unified, organized library anytime, anywhere.

With Eyefi apps and cloud service, photographers will enjoy the benefits of instant organization, editing and sharing as soon as they take a photo and know that all their photos, regardless of which camera they used to take them, will be organized in a unified library available anytime, anywhere. Eyefi Cloud syncs the entire photo library to all devices so photographers can enjoy a simple, elegant and visually engaging photo library — always organized, always up-to-date on any device.

"Our research shows that photographers use multiple cameras and devices to take photos and that well over 200 billion photos will be taken next year," said Alan Bullock of InfoTrends. "Photographers and consumers alike are turning to apps and services that organize their burgeoning photo collections and make them accessible on the devices they use daily."

"Photographers want to focus on their craft rather than be mired in the details of photo management," said Matt DiMaria, CEO of Eyefi. "By making Eyefi Cloud available to anyone, photographers have the freedom to select the camera that's right for the moment and still enjoy a unified library in sync on all their favorite devices — all by simply clicking the shutter."

Eyefi provides a companion to photographers who use multiple devices and cameras including smartphones and WiFi cameras. Eyefi gives photographers the flexibility to choose the right camera to capture the perfect shot while at the same time eliminating the hassles of manual merging, e-mailing and endless searching. Photographers can pick up a smartphone to snap a photo of dinner with friends and it's automatically organized and synced through Eyefi Cloud. Additionally, photographers have the flexibility to add an Eyefi Mobi WiFi SD card to their digital camera to take fast action, low light shots and view those photos right along side the ones taken with the smartphone. As soon as the photo is taken, Eyefi Cloud syncs the entire photo library to your smartphone, tablet, desktop or laptop and makes original resolution photos safe and secure.

Other features include:

• Enhance and organize on the spot: Preview all your photos, make adjustments — crop, rotate, or organize them with tags or create albums using your phone, computer or tablet.
• Learn and improve: See what camera settings (EXIF visualization) were used so you're able to recreate the perfect picture or make adjustments.
• Enjoy every shot, everywhere: Photos sync to other devices automatically for instant access whenever and wherever you are, even offline.

Photographers can download the Eyefi Mobi app available for iOS, Android and Kindle devices to organize, edit and share the photos on their mobile device. Users can sign up for Eyefi Cloud within the Eyefi Mobi app to sync those photos to their favorite devices. Eyefi Cloud includes a free 30 day membership. Annual memberships are available for $49.99/year and include support for unlimited photo syncing and storage.

For pricing and additional information on Eyefi products visit www.eyefi.com/go/cloud.

B&H carries Eyefi Wireless Memory Cards.

Canon just sent us a gift guide for the upcoming holiday season. We're working on our own list, so be sure to check back later to see what our recommendations include.

Note: B&H prices may be lower than those listed here (some items are currently eligible for rebates).

Gift Ideas from Canon

EOS Rebel T5i: The perfect gift for someone looking to step-up their photography skills, the EOS Rebel T5i Digital SLR camera offers great features that make taking high-quality, creative images a snap. Plus, with built-in HD video functionality, you can create amazing Full HD movies when working in concert with Canon STM lenses for smooth and quiet continuous autofocusing. This camera is a perfectly well-rounded device for capturing any moving or still moment (black, $849.99 with lens kit).

PIXMA iP8720: If there’s an avid DIY-er on your holiday list, the PIXMA iP8720 Crafting printer will become their most beloved crafting tool. Send images or crafting templates directly to the printer from a mobile device via Canon’s PIXMA Printing Solutions (PPS) app. Print stunning photos or documents up to 13-by-19-inches with a 6-color ink system that features a unique gray ink for stunning black-and-white prints (black, $299.99).

PowerShot G7 X : This super sleek and stylish camera is the ultimate accessory with its incredible imaging capabilities – that nearly rival a DSLR – and built-in connectivity features like Wi-Fi and NFC. The sleek, compact body also sports a unique tilt-type touch panel LCD for capturing amazingly creative shots (black, $799.99).

PowerShot SX700 HS: For someone who loves to travel near or far, pick-up this pocket-sized super-zoom camera. Snap and share close-ups from any distance with a high-quality 30x Optical Zoom lens and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC that make posting high-res images online a breeze (black or red, $349.99).

PowerShot ELPH 340 HS: Don't let this compact powerhouse’s slim profile fool you. This fashionable camera won’t only make you stand out from the crowd, but it’ll deliver brilliant still images and stunning 1080p HD videos (purple, black or silver for $199.99).

PIXMA MG7520: This all-in-one wireless photo printer is a perfect pick for photography enthusiasts who are looking to combine their desire to print high quality pictures with their need for a tried-and-true home office solution. With built-in PPS cloud technology that lets anyone in the house easily print documents, stunning images and more right from their tablet or smartphone, this printer will make handling homework, projects and all other print jobs a breeze (black or white, $199.99).

PowerShot N100: This light and uniquely-designed camera is perfect for the social media-savvy guy or gal on your holiday list. The PowerShot N100 is equipped with Wi-Fi and a Dual Capture camera that takes a photo of you while you snap a shot – so you can always be part of the moment (black or white, for $349.99).

PowerShot D30: Rugged and sporty, the PowerShot D30 is the world’s deepest waterproof camera, ideal for those who love adventure. The camera is equipped with a GPS tracker that records where and when pictures were snapped – so every action-packed memory can be captured and documented instantly (bright blue, $329.99).

EOS Rebel SL1: As the world's smallest and lightest digital SLR camera, the new EOS Rebel SL1 is small in size but enormous in performance. Featuring a Canon 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and speedy Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor, it delivers images of extraordinary quality - ideal for those stepping up from a smartphone or compact camera. The EOS Rebel SL1 also makes amazing Full HD movies working in concert with Canon STM lenses for smooth and quiet continuous autofocusing. (black or white, $749.99 with lens kit).

VIXIA mini X: Capture memories and record your own adventures with this tiny personal camcorder that boasts high-quality audio capabilities, built-in Wi-Fi and a unique, flat design for easy handling. At only 8.5 ounces, you can shoot beautiful, high-quality video and stills wherever you go (black, $399.99)

SELPHY CP910: This adorable, budget-friendly printer will create instant prints from your smartphone, tablet or camera – wirelessly! Now, photos can easily live outside of your mobile device on a fridge, in a frame or incorporated into a creative DIY project (white or black, $99.99).

Upon reading the modifications listed in the COOLPIX S6900 Firmware v1.1 release, I actually laughed heartily for several seconds (laughing harder with every modificaiton I read). This is definitely the strangest set of bugs I have ever seen in a camera. [Sean]

From Nikon:This service provides software for upgrading COOLPIX S6900 firmware to 1.1

• This software is provided to those who agree to the terms of the software license at the bottom of this page. When the user selects the I agree - Begin download option outside of the frame, agreement to the terms of the software license is inferred and the user is bound by the terms of the Nikon Corporation (hereafter “Nikon”) License Agreement.
• Be sure that you have read and understand the terms of the license agreement before initiating download of this software.

Modifications enabled with this firmware upgrade

The following issues with display languages selected for Language in the setup menu have been resolved.

• The German language could not be selected if Date and time under Setup Menu>Time zone and date had not been set.
• The Hungarian language could not be selected when a locked SD memory card was inserted in the camera.
• The Portuguese (PT) language could not be selected while the battery was charging while inserted in the camera, or with an active Wi-Fi connection.
• The Russian, Hungarian, and Romanian languages could not be selected with an active Wi-Fi connection.
• Depending upon the display position on the Language settings screen, the Persian language sometimes could not be selected.

Download the COOLPIX S6900 Firmware v1.1 Update.

JuicedLink debuted a product at NAB (March) that I was very interested in, the Little DARling (Distributed Audio Recording). The concept was simple – instead of using wireless mics to transmit their audio to a single recording source, each mic would be individually recorded at the point of capture to a small wearable device. While I was sure that distributed audio recording could introduce some issues that I'd need to consider, I thought it was a solution that I could use for several of my video productions (assuming it was cost-effective).

The Little DARling was initially scheduled for release in late summer 2014. As that time came and went, I sent an email to Robert at juicedLink on Wednesday to inquire about the delayed release. He was tight-lipped about the details regarding the delay, but nudged me to subscribe to the blog for updates (the blog hadn't actually been updated since March). Two days later, an updated appeared...

Little DARling Update: Wireless Control

So, everybody wants to know what happened to the Little DARling Distributed Audio Recorder that I showed at NAB this year. Well, I got more ideas of things I wanted to add to it. Specifically, wireless control. It was clear after many conversations at NAB, that the market adoption of the Little DARling would be limited until a couple of problems were first solved:

• How to sync the audio from the Little DARling with the video, when the Little DARling audio could potentially be very different from the camera audio.
• How to navigate within potentially very long DARling recordings.

My plan became to introduce both versions of the Little DARling at the same time, so they could share the same printed circuit board. So, this meant pushing out the original DARling, to work on the wireless stuff. I also did not want to go public with this plan until I was far enough along with the design, where I knew I could fit the wireless receiver on the board. Check out this brief introduction v-log:

We'll keep you updated as more details – like availability and price – roll in. [Sean]

The Canon Professional Network: Tips and Tricks has been around for quite some time. It's updated quite regularly with new tidbits of information. Lately, they've been adding items relating to the EOS 7D Mark II and the Speedlite 600EX-RT.

From the Canon Professional Network: Tips and Tricks:

Speedlite 600EX-RT: auto assist beam firing

Within the camera menus of several EOS models, there is an option to enable or disable the AF assist beam when shooting in low light. If you enable the function on the camera menu, but the AF assist beam on your external Speedlite does not fire, check the Speedlite’s custom function settings. If the custom functions in the Speedlite are set to not fire the AF assist beam, this will over-ride any setting made in the camera menu. To re-enable the AF assist beam, simply switch the Speedlite custom function to allow the beam to fire.

EOS 7D Mark II: EOS iTR AF

Like the flagship EOS-1D X, the EOS 7D Mark II features EOS iTR AF, which improves autofocus tracking by recognising faces and subject colours in addition to looking for subject contrast. When shooting with the EOS iTR AF function enabled, you may find the AF is actually slightly slower and the maximum shooting speed in continuous high speed AF is slower than expected. This is especially likely in low-light shooting and is due to the extra data being processed from the metering system before a subject can be tracked. If you need the fastest AF possible and want to achieve the maximum frame rate and do not need to make use of the colour and face tracking, switch the EOS iTR AF setting to ‘disable’.

Recent Tips and Tricks

• EOS 7D Mark II: EOS iTR AF
• EOS 7D Mark II: AF point orientation
• EOS 7D Mark II: AF point selection settings
• EOS 7D Mark II: AF Tracking sensitivity
• EOS 7D Mark II: viewfinder information
• EOS 7D Mark II: anti-flicker shooting
• Speedlite 600EX-RT: auto assist beam firing
• Speedlite 600EX-RT: memory function
• Speedlite 600EX-RT: temperature warning
• Speedlite 600EX-RT: using modelling flash
• Flash technique: freezing subjects with flash
• Flash technique: Speedlite 600EX multi-flash
• EOS 70D: shutter speed display
• EOS 70D: AF assist beam
• EOS 70D: AI Focus and Servo function

Want a thorough explanation of the differences between the 7D Mark II, 5D Mark III and 1D X's AF systems? Check out this helpful information that Chuck Westfall gave us.

B&H carries the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the Speedlite 600EX-RT flash.

eBay (via GetItDigital) has the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens (review) available for $637.99 with free shipping. Compare at $1,149.00.

Image quality results have been added to the Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Review page.

If you are like me, the 24-105mm STM vs. L lens comparison is the one you are most interested in. I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

B&H has the Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens in stock.