Canon and Sony News for Apr 2018 (Page 5)
Time and time again, we've stressed the importance of having a structured, reliable method for backing up your images and keeping them safe. In its latest blog post, LensRentals enumerates how videographers can protect themselves from data loss through reliable data transfer and backup techniques.
From the LensRentals Blog:
By Ryan HillSee the entire article on the LensRentals Blog.Two or three times a week here at Lensrentals.com, we get one of two common support calls. Scenario number one is that someone thought they transferred all of their footage over, but later found that they missed a couple of clips and need us to send them their rental cards back. If we haven’t inspected those cards yet, we’re happy to do that, but if our techs have already inspected them, that’s a problem we can’t solve. We perform a full and secure format at inspection to make sure previous customers’ footage isn’t recoverable on subsequent rentals. Once the footage is gone, the footage is really and truly gone. No amount of file recovery software can bring it back. That’s never a fun phone to call to have.
The second scenario is that someone did manage to transfer over all of their footage, but one of the clips was corrupted in the transfer. Typically this realization comes during the edit, after we’ve already formatted the original media. That’s an equally tough phone call. True, sometimes file corruption happens in-camera, but nine times out of ten, the file was corrupted during the transfer from the card to the computer or hard drive. These kinds of problems aren’t something you can avoid entirely. There are inherent risks in working with digital media just like there are inherent risks in working with tape or film. However, there are steps you can take to mitigate that risk and to ensure that, if a problem arises, you’re prepared to work around it.
Photo Backup Information
What I hoped to share with you today was an accurate representation of the image quality delivered by the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art Lens. While we do have the test results for this lens loaded on the site and will again in the future, the results from this specific lens are only temporarily available. Why only temporarily available? I want to use them for an illustration.
We have apparently received a lens with an improperly-aligned element or group of elements (this is a retail-acquired lens). The image included with this post shows all for corners of a 14mm f/2.8 image. Lenses are round and symmetrical and a properly constructed lens will render all four corners identically. Obviously, this one does not. The top right, the corner that shows in the site's image quality tool, is unfortunately the worst. The corner results are less significantly different at the longer focal lengths, but 14mm is going to be this lens' most important focal length for many.
When unequal corner performance happens, we test another copy of the lens. So, in this case, first looks at the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art Lens image quality mean second looks are needed. Stay tuned for that. If the right side looks as good as the left ... we should be very pleased.
While we are looking at this comparison image, I'll make another point and that is in regards to the linear distortion profile of this lens. At close focusing distances, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 Art Lens has very significant barrel distortion at 14mm. Fortunately, this distortion is greatly reduced at longer focus distances. I'll illustrate that in the review.
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
Canon has released firmware updates for several of its video cameras.
Canon EOS C300 Mark II / C300 Mark II PL Firmware v.1.1.1.1.00
Firmware Version 1.1.1.1.00 incorporates the following enhancements:
- Retrieval of lens metadata, such as focal length, is now supported during XF-AVC recording.
- Sensitivity adjustment has been added for the LM-V1 LCD Monitor.
- Auto IRIS support has been added for the following lenses:
- EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
- EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
- Fixed a phenomenon in which the CFast card recording and/or REC OUT terminal output footage may be momentarily distorted when the shooting frame rate is set to 120fps in the [Slow & Fast Motion (crop)] recording mode on cameras running Firmware Version 1.0.8.1.00 or later.
Caution:
- You cannot perform the firmware update using CFast 2.0 cards. Please use a commercially available SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card that is 64MB or more for the firmware update.
- Firmware version 1.1.1.1.00 is for updating Cinema EOS C300 Mark II cameras running firmware version 1.0.0.1.00 - 1.1.0.1.00. If your camera's firmware is already version 1.1.1.1.00, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Once the camera is updated to the latest version, it cannot be restored to a previous version.
- For further information, please refer to the latest version of the camera’s Instruction Manual that is released with the firmware update.
Download: Canon EOS C300 Mark II / C300 Mark II PL Firmware v.1.1.1.1.00
Canon EOS C200 / EOS C200B Firmware v.1.0.3.1.00
Firmware Version 1.0.3.1.00 incorporates the following enhancements:
- XF-AVC format recording has been added*1*2*3*4.
- Retrieval of lens metadata, such as focal length, is now supported during XF-AVC recording.
- Hybrid Log Gamma HDR ITU-R BT.2100 output has been added.
- Sensitivity adjustment has been added for the LM-V1 LCD Monitor.
- LPCM 24-bit audio recording has been added when recording in the Cinema RAW Light format*5.
- 4X magnification has been added.
- A PsF output function from SDI and HDMI has been added during progressive internal recording.
- A digital tele-converter function has been added (1.5x, 3.0x, and 6.0x).
- Auto IRIS support has been added for the following lenses
- EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
- EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
- Peripheral illumination/chromatic aberration correction has been added for the following lenses
- EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
- EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
- EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
- EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
- EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
- The reproducibility of bright areas has been enhanced when the gamma setting is from Normal 1 to 4.
- Browser remote setting options are retained after switching off the camera.
*1 Please use the following software applications:
- Canon XF Utility 3.3 for Windows/macOS
- Canon XF Plugin 3.3 for Avid Media Access (Windows/macOS)
*2 You will need to format the SD cards completely with the camera before recording.
*3 For detailed information about SD cards that have been verified to work with this camera, please visit Canon's Web site.
*4 Canon has verified that clips shot with this firmware version can be imported directly intoApple’s Final Cut Pro X version 10.4.1.
*5 Please use the following software applications:
- Cinema RAW Development 2.2 for Windows/macOS
- Canon RAW Plugin 2.1 for Avid Media Access (Windows/macOS)
- Canon RAW Plugin 1.1 for Final Cut Pro X
Caution
- You cannot perform the firmware update using CFast 2.0 cards. Please use a commercially available SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card that is 64MB or more for the firmware update.
- Firmware version 1.0.3.1.00 is for updating Cinema EOS C200 cameras running firmware version 1.0.0.1.00-1.0.2.1.00. If your camera's firmware is already version 1.0.3.1.00, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Once the camera is updated to the latest version, it cannot be restored to a previous version.
Download: Canon EOS C200 / EOS C200B Firmware v.1.0.3.1.00
Canon XF405 / XF400 Firmware v.1.0.1.0
Firmware Version 1.0.1.0 incorporates the following enhancements:
- XF-AVC format recording has been added *1* 2* 3* 4.
- The flicker reduction function has been added
- Enhances menu operations so that the Browser Remote setting options are retained after switching off the camera.
*1 Please use the following software applications:
- Canon XF Utility 3.3 for Windows/macOS
- Canon XF Plugin 3.3 for Avid Media Access (Windows/macOS)
*2 You will need to format the SD cards completely with the camera before recording.
*3 For detailed information about SD cards that have been verified to work with this camera, please visit Canon's Web site.
*4 Canon has verified that clips shot with this firmware version can be imported directly intoApple’s Final Cut Pro X version 10.4.1.
Caution:
- Please use a commercially available SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card that is 64MB or more for the firmware update.
- Firmware Version 1.0.1.0 is for XF405/XF400 camcorders with Firmware Version 1.0.0.x. If your camcorder's firmware is already Version 1.0.1.x, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Once the camcorder is updated to the latest version, it cannot be restored to a previous version.
- In the detail, Please refer to the latest user's manual that we will release at the same time of firmware release.
Download: Canon XF405 / XF400 Firmware v.1.0.1.0
Canon VIXIA GX10 Firmware v.1.0.1.0
Firmware Version 1.0.1.0 incorporates the following enhancements:
- The flicker reduction function has been added.
- Enhances menu operations so that the Browser Remote setting options are retained after switching off the camera.
Caution
- Please use a commercially available SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card that is 64MB or more for the firmware update.
- Firmware Version 1.0.1.0 is for VIXIA/LEGRIA GX10 camcorders with Firmware Version 1.0.0.0. If your camcorder's firmware is already Version 1.0.1.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Once the camcorder is updated to the latest version, it cannot be restored to a previous version.
- In the detail, Please refer to the latest user's manual that we will release at the same time of firmware release.
Download: Canon VIXIA GX10 Firmware v.1.0.1.0
B&H carries the following products:
The home for motion picture professionals looking for education, training, testing and networking with industry colleagues. From lens to camera through post workflow to display, our state of the art facility features a complete edit suite, 4K color finishing suite, twin camera prep and test bay and a lit shooting space. Canon Burbank also serves as a hub for expedited repairs performed by on-site certified Canon technicians.
Melville, NY—To promote awareness regarding the safety risks of using counterfeit accessories, such as batteries, chargers and external flashes, as well as how to avoid counterfeit products, Canon and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) announced a call for submissions for the Stop Fakes video contest.
Entrants are asked to create an original video demonstrating their creative interpretation of one or more of Canon’s top 10 anti-counterfeit tips. A full list of tips can be found here: https://stopfakescontest.ncpc.org/contest-details. Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, effectiveness and clarity of the Stop Fakes theme based on at least one of the top 10 tips to avoid counterfeits.
Moreover, the video submissions must be 27 seconds long, contain all original content and be less than 50MB. In addition, they must be in one of these file formats: MPG, MPEG, MPEG-2, MP4, WebM, MOV, FLV. Entrants can submit one new original video per day. However, all videos must be uploaded by 12:00 p.m. ET on April 23, 2018 for a chance to win.
Stop Fakes Contest Prizes
Furthermore, entrants will have the chance to win one of three Canon prizes, including:
- Grand Prize: EOS 5D Mark IV EF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM Kit
- First Runner-Up: EOS M50 Video Creator Kit
- Second Runner-Up: PowerShot G7X Mark II Video Creator Kit
In addition, the grand prize winner could have their video featured as part of the nationwide anti-counterfeit consumer awareness campaign. For official rules and to enter the contest, visit https://stopfakescontest.ncpc.org/rules.
From SIGMA:
Ronkonkoma, NY – April 5, 2018 – The Sigma Corporation today announced the newest accessory for its Cine High Speed 14mm T2 FF Prime Lens – the Clamp-On Ring 162mm COR-11, which extends the front diameter of the lens to 162mm. When attached to a wide-angle matte box compatible with 6.6" x 6.6" square type filters such as the ARRI LMB-6 (2-stage), the setup allows cinematographers to film on full-frame cameras without undesired vignetting. The Sigma COR-11 is also compatible with SF Ex-tender SF-E1 (optional) and other third-party accessories. Sigma continues to expand its Cine offering by providing solutions to the increasing demand for cine lenses compatible with digital cinema cameras with large format sensors.
The Clamp-On Ring 162mm COR-11, along with Sigma Cine lens lines – High Speed S35 Zoom, FF Zoom and FF High Speed Prime, will be on display at the 2018 NAB Show in Las Vegas from April 9th through April 12th in booth C10308.
Pricing and availability of Sigma COR-11 will be announced at a later date.
B&H carries the Sigma Cine 14mm T2 FF Lens.
From the Canon USA YouTube Channel:
Cinematographer/filmmaker Ivo Norenberg approached Canon in 2010 with a request for an extreme lens. Ivo challenged Canon to produce a long zoom 4K Super 35mm lens tailored to the diverse needs of wildlife video production.
B&H carries the Canon CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 Lens.
By Sean Setters
While on vacation in Pigeon Forge, TN, my wife and I decided to tackle some easy-to-moderate trail hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Being spring break for many primary school students, the park was more crowded than usual. With that in mind, we decided to avoid all the paved trails which are typically popular for family hikes. While we had a few trails in mind, a stop at the Sugarlands Visotors' Center and a talk with one of the rangers proved vital to determining which trails we would ultimately traverse as the ranger provided previously unknown information like temporary road temporary road closures, likely crowd sizes and the types of things we might see on each trail. In the end, we settled on the Porters Creek Trail / Fern Branch Falls at Greenbrier and Cucumber Gap Loop at Elkmont.
Photography was not a primary goal for these hikes; spending quality time with my wife who thoroughly enjoys hiking was. However, going on the hikes without a camera seemed unimaginable to me, so I decided to pack a small kit with the intent of pausing our hike periodically so that she could meditate to the tranquil sounds of the wind in the forest and the gently flowing creek. At least, that's how I sold the idea to her as she watched me pack my small camera backpack.
I knew that our hikes would follow a couple of creeks and their smaller tributaries. I wanted to use long exposures to capture silky movement in the water, which meant that an ND filter was necessary. I decided to bring my Singh-Ray Vari-N-Duo filter because its variable neutral density filter and circular polarizer combination seemed well suited for photographing flowing water. Note that I didn't say "perfectly suited" as I own the standard version of the filter which is very thick (it extends .69" / 17.54mm from the end of the lens) and causes significant mechanical vignetting at focal lengths wider than roughly 50mm on the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM (mounted on a full frame EOS 5D Mark III) that I took with me. In short, the tradeoff for getting an ND + polarizing effect was the loss wide angles of view.
Using exposures long enough to capture ample motion blur in the water necessitated a stabilized camera, and that meant I needed to bring a tripod or alternate method of stabilization. My primary tripod and head weigh in at nearly 6.5 lb (2.9 kg) and when compacted, are still 27.75" (70.49 cm) long. The size and weight of the tripod made it an inconvenient and cumbersome choice for the hikes, especially considering the small camera backpack I planned to take on the trips.
In place of the primary tripod I opted to take my Feisol TT-15 Carbon Fiber Tabletop Tripod. Even with a small travel-style ball head attached, the tripod and head weigh less than 1 lb (0.45 kg) and are only 8.38" (21.29 cm) long when folded down. The combo's small size and minimal weight made carrying the tripod a breeze yet it allowed me to capture the long exposures I was hoping to get. That said, there was one significant drawback to the diminutive tripod, which is that the framing and composition options available at any given time depended on the surfaces (and especially the height of those surfaces) available at any specific location. There were several locations that I thought looked interesting but couldn't find a suitable platform high enough to get the composition I wanted. But in most cases along the Smoky Mountain Trails we traversed, a large rock bordering (or in) the water or a fallen tree trunk provided a sufficiently high enough platform for pleasing compositions.
In the end, I was extremely happy I had the Feisol TT-15 Tabletop Tripod in my kit. Consider picking one up if you plan on hiking moderate-to-long distances and want to reduce the weight you bear with every step.
Johnnie Behiri of cinema5D was given exclusive access to SIGMA's Aizu cinema zoom and Art-series lens manufacturing facility in Bandai, Fukushima, Japan. During his visit, he got to sit down with Kazuto Yamaki-san, SIGMA's CEO, to discuss the company's manufacturing processes and the legacy of Yamaki-san's father, Michihiro Yamaki, the founder of SIGMA.
B&H carries SIGMA lenses. Be sure to check out our SIGMA Lens Reviews for more details on the various Art, Sport and Contemporary-series lenses.
From Canon USA:
Firmware Version 1.1.2 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:
- Support has been added for chromatic aberration correction, peripheral illumination correction, distortion correction, and Digital Lens Optimizer when using Digital Photo Professional to process RAW images captured with the following TS-E lenses: TS-E 17mm f/4L, TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II, TS-E 50mm f/2.8L MACRO, TS-E 90mm f/2.8L MACRO, or TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO.
- Fixes a phenomenon in which standard exposure may not be obtained, or an irregular exposure may result, when Silent LV (Live View) shooting with the following TS-E lenses: TS-E 50mm f/2.8L MACRO, TS-E 90mm f/2.8L MACRO, or TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO.
- Support for Exif 2.31 has been added.
- Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera may not function normally when using the Camera Connect application to shoot a high frame rate movie.
- Fixes a phenomenon in which error 80 may occur when HDR movies are shot using the Remote Live View Shooting function. (Applies only to Canon Log-supported cameras.)
Note:
- Once the EOS 5D Mark IV is updated to Version 1.1.0 (or later), it cannot be restored to a previous firmware version (Version 1.0.1 to 1.0.4).
- Cameras running Firmware Version 1.1.0 are cameras that have received the charged upgrade service to support Canon log at a Canon service center. Canon Log support will not be affected on cameras running Firmware Version 1.1.0 that are updated to Firmware Version 1.1.2 being released this time. For cameras running Firmware Version 1.0.4 or earlier, even if the firmware is updated to Version 1.1.2, Canon Log will not be supported. Users who wish to have their camera support Canon Log are asked to make a request for the charged upgrade service at a Canon service center.
- When using Version 4.7.10 (or earlier) of Digital Photo Professional to edit JPEG/RAW images captured with a camera updated to Firmware Version 1.1.2 (or later), some of the Exif data may be deleted. In addition, chromatic aberration correction, peripheral illumination correction, distortion correction, and Digital Lens Optimizer cannot be used when processing RAW images captured using a TS-E lens (TS-E17mm f/4L, TS-E24mm f/3.5L II, TS-E50mm f/2.8L Macro, TS-E90mm f/2.8L Macro, or TS-E135mm f/4L Macro). Please be sure to update Digital Photo Professional to Version 4.7.20 (or later) before performing image processing.
Adobe has updated Camera RAW by incorporating the Camera Profiles (now simply called "Profiles") section (previously found on the Calibration tab) with the basic tab where Exposure, Contrast, Highlights & Shadows adjustments are made.
Surprising is that Adobe has changed the default profile for RAW files to something new – Adobe Color – which features warmer reds, yellows and oranges and increased contrast compared to the previous default, Adobe Standard.
Note: If you have created custom camera profiles with an X-Rite Color Checker Passport, you can find them under the "Profiles" section after clicking "Browse Profiles." However,if you choose the "Legacy" section, you'll see previews of Black & White versions of your custom profiles (for some reason). [Sean]
B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.
From Canon USA:
MELVILLE, N.Y., April 3, 2018 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced that Mr. Yuichi Ishizuka, the company’s president and chief operating officer, has taken a new assignment as president and chief executive officer of Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) as of April 1, 2018. This announcement marks the culmination of a thirty-three year tenure with Canon Americas for Mr. Ishizuka, who also holds the position of managing executive officer for Canon Inc. in Japan.
Canon U.S.A. has announced that Mr. Kazuto Ogawa will succeed Mr. Ishizuka in the role of president and chief operating officer. Mr. Ogawa comes to Canon U.S.A. from Canon China, where he served as executive vice president. Mr. Ogawa brings with him over three decades of experience with Canon, including positions across the globe.
“I’d like to thank Mr. Yuichi Ishizuka for his strong leadership, visionary spirit and tireless dedication to Canon U.S.A., where he provided the same innovative direction that he will bring to his new role overseeing Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa,” said Joe Adachi, chairman and chief executive officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “It is with great honor that I announce the appointment of Mr. Kazuto Ogawa to the position of president and chief operating officer of Canon U.S.A. On behalf of the company, I welcome Mr. Ogawa to our team and look forward to working alongside him as we continue to cement our status as an imaging leader.”
A graduate of Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan, Mr. Ogawa began his career with Canon Inc. in 1981. Between the years of 1995 and 2005, Mr. Ogawa held positions with Canon Singapore, Canon Hong Kong and Canon China before returning to Canon Singapore to serve in the role of president and chief executive officer. In 2008, Mr. Ogawa was named president and CEO of Canon Canada. Following that, he was named as an executive officer of Canon Inc. in 2011. He was later appointed executive vice president of Canon China in February 2014, and became a managing executive officer of Canon Inc. in April 2016.
Canon has released a firmware update for the EOS-1D X Mark II. [thanks Scott]
From Canon USA:
Firmware Version 1.1.6 incorporate the following fix:
- Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera may not function normally when images are simultaneously displayed on the camera’s LCD monitor and an external monitor (via HDMI output).
Download: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Firmware v.1.1.6
From the Adroama YouTube Channel:
David Bergman shows you how to make perfect copies of flat artwork.
Note: Want more tips on photographing artwork? Check out our article, "Photographing Flat Art."
Noise test results (110 test images) have been added to the Canon EOS M50 page.
So far, I really like this little camera.
The Canon EOS M50 is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama.
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