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Sunday, November 30, 2014

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II - $1900 Shipped


Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens

There is a top-rated merchant on eBay selling the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens for $1,900 including free shipping. Hurry, it won't last because this is an excellent deal. Read my Canon lens recommendation for wildlife and travel photography.

You will not find a link to this eBay item because I do not accept any ad or commissioned link on my Blog or website. I am completely unbiased in my recommendation and have no conflict of interest. You can see travel and wildlife photos taken with this lens on my worldwide photo shoots on MichaelDanielHo.com

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Canon EOS-6D Camera - $1300 Shipped


Canon EOS-6D full frame DSLR camera

There is a top-rated merchants on eBay selling the Canon EOS-6D camera for $1,300 including free shipping. Hurry, it won't last. This is an excellent deal even though I am not a fan of this body but for those who want to get into full frame digital photography, this is probably one of the best value around. For my money, I will get a Canon refurbished EOS-5D Mk III first before considering this model. You can see my post on the EOS-5D vs. EOS-6D comparison.

You will not find a link to this eBay item because I do not accept any ad or commissioned link on my Blog or website. I am completely unbiased in my recommendation and have no conflict of interest. You can see travel and wildlife photos taken with this camera on my worldwide photo shoots on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon Patent - New Sensor Technology



From a translated article, Egami, the Japanese photography website reported Canon has patented a process to expand the dynamic range of the pixels in a new kind of sensor by providing the high and low pixel transmittance. Other sensor manufacturers are using ND filters to increase the sensitivity of the sensor but Canon's new patent adds an attenuation film of polysilicon between the filter and the photodiode.

There is little doubt Canon is working hard on a new kind of sensor, perhaps to go with their planned introduction of the MegaPixel camera next year.

Patent Publication No. 2014-175553

  • Published 2014.9.22
  • Filing date 2013.3.11 

Canon patent

  • Optical attenuation film is arranged by polysilicon over the photoelectric conversion portion
  • Transmittance of light depends on the optical attenuation film is its thickness, thickness varies depending on the pixel
  • Small pixel transmittance is, the opening area is small
  • RGB any of the color filter
  • Transmittance R

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Canon Australia Announces Light Awards Program




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

Terms and Conditions apply. Full details will be available on the Canon Australia website from the 1 January 2015.

Canon EOS-5D Mk III DSLR Camera - $2400 Shipped


Canon EOS-5D Mk III DSLR camera


There are two top-rated merchants on eBay selling the Canon EOS-5D Mk III camera for $2,400 including free shipping. Hurry, it won't last. This is an excellent deal and my pick as the best value in full frame DSLR camera two years in a row. This camera is on its way to have a 3 year replacement cycle in the second half of 2015. You can read the latest post here.

You will not find a link to this eBay item because I do not accept any ad or commissioned link on my Blog or website. I am completely unbiased in my recommendation and have no conflict of interest. You can see travel and wildlife photos taken with this camera on my worldwide photo shoots on MichaelDanielHo.com

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Canon EOS-1D X DSLR Camera - $4700 Shipped


Canon EOS-1D X camera

There is a top-rated merchant on eBay selling the Canon EOS-1D X camera for $4,700 including free shipping. Hurry, it won't last. This is an excellent deal and my pick as the best full frame DSLR camera two years in a row. This camera is on its way to have a 3 year replacement cycle in the second half of 2015. You can read the latest post here.

You will not find a link to this eBay item because I do not accept any ad or commissioned link on my Blog or website. I am completely unbiased in my recommendation and have no conflict of interest. You can see travel and wildlife photos taken with this camera on my worldwide photo shoots on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon Patents Self Cleaning Lens Cap




Egami, the Japanese photography website reported Canon has patented a rear and front lens cap that clean the electrical contacts every time you put them on. Canon is a huge company and files thousands of patents every year in the United States and worldwide. Few of them actually make it to the market as a product.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Canon Professional Network Guide To Adobe Lightroom 5




With Adobe’s Photoshop Lightroom 5 photo editing software now bundled, via a DVD in the box, with some of Canon’s cameras - the EOS 6D, EOS 5D Mk III, G1 X II and G7 X - Canon Professional Network, Europe is taking a closer look at the capabilities of this software. Throughout the series of articles and video tutorials, Richard Curtis (a Principal Solutions Consultant in Digital Imaging for Adobe UK) will examine the key features of Lightroom 5 to give you a solid grounding and a good understanding of how to get the most out of working with the software.

In Part 3 and Part 4 of this series, Richard Curtis explains the ranking and selecting of images in Lightroom and, in a special video, he reveals how to select and rank your pictures for editing later on. Click on the links above to see the videos to get some tips and tricks on the latest Lightroom 5.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Lens Stabilization vs. Sensor Stabilization




Sony announced their a7II camera a few days ago, boasting to be the first full frame digital camera with 5 axis image stabilization built into the sensor. The debate between image stabilization built into the lens versus the sensor is complex but can be summarized into the following :

Lens Stabilization Advantage - More effective in low light and lens with long focal lengths.
Lens Stabilization Disadvantage - Higher cost and lack of wide spread availability.

Sensor Stabilization Advantage - Lower cost. Cheaper to upgrade. Lighter lenses.
Sensor Stabilization Disadvantage - Just the opposite of Lens Stabilization's advantage.       

There is no right or wrong way to obtain Image Stabilization. Since I am a wildlife photographer and use lenses that are longer, especially the Super Telephoto prime and zoom, my preference and choice is with IS built into the lens. You can read my Canon lens recommendation and see my work on MichaelDanielHo.com.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Canon EOS-5D Mk IV, EOS-1D X Mk II In First Half Of 2015






The EOS-7D Mk II was announced on September 15 and replaced one of Canon's most successful cameras, the EOS-7D. You can read my review of the camera here.

The Canon EOS-1D X has been available for about two years now. I have picked this camera as the best DSLR body on the market two years in a row. Since its announcement, there has been many improvements in the world of high tech camera equipment - the DIGIC 6 processor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF system and newer sensor technology, just to name a few.

Canon has placed major emphasis on its Cinema EOS camera line. There were 'secret tests' a few months ago in a New York City film studio. The camera in question was a prototype Canon EOS-1D X Mk II, with a new type of sensor, creating files that are larger than the present EOS-1D X and similar in size to the EOS-5D Mk III but with superior colors and details.

The EOS-1D X is a favorite body for sports and wildlife photographers. I believe Canon wants to maintain the burst rate of the Mk II to at least equal the current EOS-1D X's 12 to 14 fps. If they can increase the size of the output file without having to increase the mega pixel of the sensor too much, this would be ideal for them.

If everything goes well, the EOS-1D X Mk II model may have a product development announcement some time in early 2015, with an official launch date in Q2. That would put the EOS-1D X's replacement cycle about three years after its first introduction. The EOS-5D Mk IV may be announced before or after the EOS-1D X Mk II. Right now the timetable is very fluid for both cameras. Do not forget there is also the MegaPixel Camera project on Canon's plate. There may be finally some movement in that direction in 2015. Keep checking back for the latest information and development.

Preliminary EOS-5D Mk IV camera specs :

  • 30+MP full frame CMOS Sensor 
  • Advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology
  • One DIGIC 6+ processors
  • Burst rate 6 fps 
  • Dual Memory Card Slots ( CF )
  • 65 AF points, all cross type
  • EOS iTR Autofocus
  • AF down to f/8 with center point
  • 3.2″ LCD monitor with no touch screen capability
  • 98-100% coverage viewfinder
  • Magnesium alloy body with dust and weather resistance
  • Shutter rated for 200,000 cycles
  • Mic and headphone connectors
  • ISO 50 - 51200, (204,800 in H2) 
  • 1080p / 720p at 60 fps
  • Built-in USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • New, more powerful battery and grip

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II Lens Shipping Late December?


Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II Super Telephoto lens




The EF 400mm f/4 DO IS should start shipping in late December of this year. Those who have pre-ordered this lens immediately after the announcement may get it before the new year, hopefully. This is my favorite Canon Super Telephoto lens when I want to travel light and handhold my shots. I own the Series I lens and have taken it on many worldwide trips. I will be taking this lens on many of my upcoming wildlife photo shoots. You can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com and read the latest development in Canon's Diffractive Optics line of lenses.

The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens delivers brilliant high-speed performance for professionals with minimal glare and superb image quality. Taking advantage of the best in lens technology, it features gapless dual-layer diffractive optical elements for improved diffraction efficiency with reduced flare. These elements are arranged with a large-diameter ground aspheric lens and a UD lens for a new level of sharpness and clarity. New coatings help to reduce ghosting, ensure excellent color balance and reduce fingerprints on the front and rear of the lens.

Professional L-series dust- and water-resistant construction is complemented by impressive performance: a 3 mode Image Stabilization system offers up to four stops of compensation and can even prevent operational errors when the camera is mounted on a tripod. AF stop buttons placed on the front of the lens can automatically stop focusing at any time; full time manual focus ensures complete control no matter the AF mode, and a Power Focus (PF) mode makes for smooth focus transitions when shooting movies. The EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM focuses down to 10.8 ft. (3.3 meters), has a 9-blade aperture for pleasing, soft, out-of-focus areas, and is constructed with environmentally friendly lead-free glass.


Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II Specifications

List price - $6,899

Compact, lightweight super telephoto lens that is ideal for sports and wildlife photography.

Newly-developed gapless dual-layer diffractive optical elements deliver improved image quality with reduced flare.

Large diameter ground aspherical lens and UD lens for even greater optical performance.

Optical Image Stabilizer provides up to four shutter speed stops of correction*.

Three image stabilization modes (standard, panning, and during exposure only) provide exceptional results for a wide range of shooting situations.

For greater convenience, Image Stabilizer does not have to be disabled when shooting with a tripod.

AF stop buttons on the front of the lens allow you to stop autofocusing at any point.

Optimized lens placement and coatings deliver exceptional color balance, while minimizing ghosting and flare.

Highly resistant to dust and water, enabling shooting even in harsh conditions.

Circular aperture (9 blades) delivers beautiful, soft backgrounds.

Full-time manual focus allows manual focus adjustment while in AF Mode.

Power Focus mode enables smooth focus shifts essential for filmmaking.

Fluorine coating on front and rear lens surfaces reduces smears and fingerprints.

Minimum focusing distance of 10.8 ft./3.3 m.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Adobe Lightroom 5.7 and Camera RAW 8.7 Downloads




Adobe released the final version of Lightroom 5.7  Additional features are provided for camera raw support, lens profile support and correction to bugs from older releases of Lightroom.

Updates to Synced Collections :

  • Synced collections now show a more prominent share button at the top of the Toolbar.  This allows you to quickly share your synced collection with friends, family, and clients using Lightroom web (http://lightroom.adobe.com).
  • Comments and likes left on Lightroom web now sync to the Lightroom desktop catalog.  Comments and Likes will be shown in the “Comment” panel for synced collections.
  • Images with comments and likes will display a badge indicating that there are comments and a colored badge to indicate that there are unread comments.

Integrated a utility to import images from Apple Aperture and Apple iPhoto libraries into Lightroom :

  • Previously available as a separate and downloadable plug-in, this utility has now been integrated into Lightroom 5.7

New Camera Support in Lightroom 5.7

  • Canon EOS 7D Mk II
  • Canon PowerShot G7 X
  • Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

New Lens Profile Support in Lightroom 5.7

  • Canon EF Zeiss Otus 1.4/85 ZE
  • Canon EF SIGMA 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM C014
  • Canon EF SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S014
  • Canon EF Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX-II 11-16mm f/2.8

Errors Corrected in Lightroom 5.7

  • The crop overlay displayed an intermediate step when progressing through images in the filmstrip with overlay displayed.
  • The lens profile for the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4 would not auto-select when using Lens Profile Corrections.
  • ICC profiles resulted in incorrectly clipped shadows and blacks in Lightroom.  Note that this is related to the issue identified here and only occurs on Mac OSX 10.9 and later
  • Fixed crash when rapidly adding corrections with the Spot Removal tool.
  • Fixed bug that prevented the Filter Brush cursor from displaying while changing brush size when the Graduated and Radial Filter overlay is turned off.
  • Improved quality of Camera Matching color profiles for the Nikon D810. Fixes visible banding issues with the Camera Standard, Camera Vivid, Camera Landscape, and Camera Monochrome profiles.   (http://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family/topics/lightroom_5_icc_profiles_clipped_shadows_under_osx)
  • Context menu (right click on PC or control+click on Mac) was disabled for images contained in Lightroom mobile collections.
  • Fixed issue that prevented Lightroom 5 from reading Photoshop Elements 13 libraries.
  • Cover images set by Lightroom mobile were sometimes incorrectly reset by Lightroom desktop.
  • Sync with Lightroom mobile sometimes stalled when asset is added to same album on both LrM and LrD and later deleted
  • Resolved issue that caused Lightroom to crash when creating a Print and saving it to a mounted DVD directly inside Lightroom.
  • Publishing images to Behance using the Behance Publish Service has been restored.

Download Lightroom 5.7 software by clicking on the links below :

Mac – http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=5852

Win – http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=5853

CDLC On EOS-7D Mk II Camera Video Features




I have recently returned from a wildlife photo shoot in the sub Arctic with the EOS-7D Mk II camera. You can read my review here. Brent Ramsey has spent over thirty years in the cinematography field where he has worked on television programs, films and commercials. He is currently a Canon Technical Advisor for motion picture equipment. He has written the article below on the video features of the EOS-7D Mk II camera :

Flagship APS-C DSLR

It wasn’t that long ago that almost every one of us it seemed myself included) was shooting video with the EOS 7D. We were all drawn to its great film-like image quality, compact body, Super 35mm-sized APS-C sensor, HDMI monitoring options, and slow motion frame rates -- not to mention you got a great still shooting camera at no extra cost. Now, five years later comes the EOS 7D Mark II. It’s hard to imagine it not becoming the Canon camera body of choice for still photography with features and custom functions that challenge the EOS-1D X, but what shouldn’t go unnoticed is that this new camera includes HD video recording options rivaled only by the Canon EOS-1D C. With upgrades like Dual DIGIC 6 processors, improved Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus capabilities, a built-in Intervalometer, built-in GPS, ISO 16,000 within normal ISO range, Distortion Correction, clean HDMI output, MP4 and MOV recording modes, and up to 60fps in Full HD -- it certainly makes a case that this is the new Canon flagship DSLR for video shooting, as well.

By now you’ve probably already heard or read the feature highlights this camera offers professional photographers like the 20.2 megapixel APS-C sensor with ISO 16,000 standard sensitivity, 10fps continuous shooting speed, a 65 point Cross-Type AF system that features advanced face and color detection, and EOS iTR, or Intelligent Tracking and Recognition, which was previously available only in the EOS-1D X.

The list of still shooting capabilities and improvements goes on and on, but today, any new DSLR needs not only to offer great still image capture, but also excellent video recording capabilities in order to take a place in a professional’s photographers camera bag. No one, it seems these days, is exempt from being asked to provide HD video while on a still shooting assignment. It helps to have a still camera that shoots video which is not only easy to use, but provides lots of cutting edge features and format recording options, but ultimately, captures reliably beautiful images, as well.

While there is little doubt that the EOS 7D Mark II will prove its still image superiority to the original EOS 7D with improved image quality and advanced capture features like faster shooting rates and the 65 point Cross-Type AF system, it’s video upgrades may be even more noticeable to everyone that relied on the original for their everyday HD workload. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the video feature upgrades in the EOS 7D Mark II.

NEW : Dual Digic 6 Processors

At the heart of the EOS 7D Mark II are the new Dual DIGIC 6 processors, which not only power MOV and MP4 full HD (1920x1080) recording options -- with shooting rates up to 60fps, but also make for superb high ISO performance to ISO 16,000 (expandable to ISO 25, 600) in normal range, allowing videographers to capture images in the lowest of light situations. These new, advanced processors are what provide new internal noise reduction processing capabilities, distortion correction, and improved autofocus capabilities, improved iTR AF face detection, among other new and more powerful creative functions.

NEW : Built-in Time Lapse Capabilities

One of the most common and popular uses of any DSLR is to produce motion image sequences – time lapse. For the first time ever, an Interval Timer mode is built into an EOS Digital SLR body. This eliminates the need for external accessories, like the TC-80N3, when shooting time lapse.

The Interval timer is super quick and easy to set up and accessible as a simple Menu item. It allows for shooting intervals ranging from 1 second to 99 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds. The default setting for the interval timer menu is set to shoot an “Unlimited” number of frames, but if you only need a set amount, it allows you to choose “No. of shots” ranging between 1 to 99 shots. Additionally, if you want time lapse with a finished high dynamic range look, HDR mode can be included while shooting time lapse sequences. HDR mode offers 4 levels of exposure compensation (including auto) and 5 levels of image enhancements. You can set the internal recording options so that only the combined HDR images are processed, making for a quicker image sequence build in post.

Advanced Movie Shooting Modes :

For the first time in an EOS camera Canon includes both the MOV and MP4 file format to the recording options. While MOV has long been the native recording format for most Canon DSLRs, MP4, which is widely considered a more compatible format for file sharing and playback on devices such as smart phones and tablets, offers a convenient alternative when creating material intended for interactive multimedia formats. You’ll find the EOS 7D Mark II offers a wide variety of frame rates and compression schemes, but thanks to the added power of the dual DIGIC 6 processors, the EOS 7D Mark II is now able to record in both MOV and MP4 formats in Full HD (1920 x 1080) up to 59.94p. The only other EOS camera with Full HD 60fps recording capabilities is the EOS-1D C.

The EOS 7D Mark II includes three levels of compression; ALL-I intraframe compression for higher quality video and frame accurate editing, IPB interframe compression for reduced file sizes, and a newer, heavier compression method called IPB (Light), which is an even more compressed MP4 format. IPB Light has been made available for times when the most important element of the shoot is simply the length of recording time or memory card capacity. When it is used, it’s possible to record over 8 hours of video in 1280x720 resolution to a 16GB card -- although it’s important to note that when the recording time reaches 29 min. and 59 seconds, the movie recording stops automatically, necessitating a manual restart.

Another first for an EOS DSLR is the ability to record in true 24.00fps has been included in the EOS 7D Mark II. This is the same frame rate as cinema film cameras and enables you to shoot side by side with a film camera set to 24.00fps, shoot in front of a film projected background, or to otherwise integrate conventional film footage into your editing workflow.

Here’s the complete list of the EOS 7D Mark II’s movie recording options:

MOV format :

    1920x1080 59.94 fps IPB (NTSC)
    1920x1080 50.00 fps IPB (PAL)
    1920x1080 29.97 fps ALL-I, IPB (NTSC)
    1920x1080 25.00 fps ALL-I, IPB (PAL)
    1920x1080 24.00 fps ALL-I, IPB (NTSC, PAL)
    1920x1080 23.98 fps ALL-I, IPB (NTSC)
    1280x720 59.94 fps ALL-I, IPB (NTSC)
    1280x720 50.00 fps ALL-I, IPB (PAL)
    640x480 29.97 fps IPB (NTSC)
    640x480 25.00 fps IPB (PAL)

MP4 Format

    1920x1080 59.94 fps IPB (NTSC)
    1920x1080 50.00 fps IPB (PAL)
    1920x1080 29.97 fps ALL-I, IPB (NTSC)
    1920x1080 25.00 fps ALL-I, IPB (PAL)
    1920x1080 24.00 fps ALL-I, IPB (NTSC, PAL)
    1920x1080 23.98 fps ALL-I (NTSC)
    1280x720 59.94 fps ALL-I, IPB (NTSC)
    1280x720 50.00 fps ALL-I, IPB (PAL)
    640x480 29.97 fps IPB, IPB Light (NTSC)

NEW : Clean HDMI Output with Embedded Time Code and Audio

While internal recording uses either H.264 or MP4 formats, the EOS 7D Mark II can also output clean, uncompressed, digital video data (YCbCr 4:2:2 8 bit) with encoded time code, and for the first time in an EOS camera, the HDMI output is streamed with audio. While the HDMI output is being recorded to an external recorder, you can simultaneously be monitoring the video feed on the camera’s rear LCD and/or recording internally to the CF or SD card. Capturing images through the HDMI with an external recorder allows for the recording of a video signal devoid of compression artifacts to large media storage drives.

It may improve the post-production workflow with enhanced editing options, such as recording to a preferred edit ready codec on an external recorder. This adds an enormous amount of flexibility as it offers greater efficiency to video editing, a larger color space for improved color grading options, and enhanced on- set monitoring. One of the big improvements to this process with the EOS 7D Mark II has been the addition of new HDMI frame rate output choices. Now, you can select progressive outputs of 59.94p, and for the first time in an EOS DSLR, 23.98P, in addition to Auto and 59.94i.

In the same manner as the EOS 5D Mark III and the EOS 1D C, the EOS 7D Mark II offers a Mirroring/No Mirroring menu option that allows you to choose how you want camera information displayed while recording. You can choose to have the clean HDMI signal output to the external monitor/recorder while camera info is displayed on the camera’s LCD panel simultaneously, or to simply output the camera displays and information to appear on external monitor only, if desired.

The EOS 7D Mark II also comes with a cable protector and cable locking attachment to help ensure a solid connection for peace of mind when using an HDMI cable connected to an external monitor or recorder.

NEW :Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Movie Servo AF Speed and Tracking Sensitivity

A Dual Pixel CMOS sensor, which originally debuted in the Canon EOS 70D, has been improved and is incorporated in the EOS 7D Mark II for smooth, accurate focus tracking while shooting. Dual Pixel CMOS AF now includes customizable AF speed and response settings, and a new AF Area Select Lever that is easily controllable, and allows for rapid change of AF Area Selection modes.

Thanks to the new dual DIGIC 6 image processors in the EOS 7D Mark II, there is improved Face + Tracking autofocus features, and now you can change the Movie Servo AF speed.

When the EOS 7D Mark II is equipped with a compatible EF lens 1, it allows the operator to choose from five customizable speeds of Movie Servo AF tracking sensitivity for fine tuning of focus fade-in and fade-out times, as well as whether you want the focus speed adjustments active all the time or only when rolling.

For example, you can set the camera to acquire quick focus marks during setup and rehearsal, and then set it to use a slower transition speed for when you start shooting. Then once rolling, the focus transition speed will shift between subjects with the customized speed you selected for that scene.

Another improvement to Dual Pixel CMOS AF is the addition of Movie Servo AF Tracking Sensitivity. With this setting, you can set the camera give preference to your pre-set focus mark, or instruct it to adjust focus quickly to a new subject that moves into frame. You can select one of five levels of adjustment between “Locked on” and “Responsive” to select just how sensitive the Movie Servo AF will be if the AF points lose track of the subject during Movie Servo AF.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF employs a combination of phase difference detection with contrast AF to drive an autofocus capable lens in the correct direction without searching. The active area covers approximately 80% of the width and height of the Live View image and is usable in all modes and with all frame rates except 59.94 and 50.00 fps. When shooting in 50.00fps or 59.94fps, autofocus switches to Contrast AF, which still allows for quick and reliable focus checks (by depressing the shutter button halfway) while setting up or shooting slow motion sequences.

Dual Card Slots

The EOS 7D Mark II offers optional CF and SD recording. While most of the advanced functions of dual memory card slots are reserved for still shooting, it still offers advantages to the video side in a number of ways like categorizing time-lapse file types, not to mention providing the option of using less expensive SD cards and overall extended recording times provided by two cards. The EOS 7D Mark II is compatible with UDMA Mode 7 CF cards and UHS-I SD cards.
NEW: GPS with Built in Digital Compass

Having GPS as a built-in feature is something that’s sure to benefit both still shooters and videographers alike. This should be really useful for multi-camera/multi-unit shoots – like reality television with several crews in different locations -- to help during editing to identify which camera unit captured a particular shot and where it was captured. Besides using the United States GPS satellites, the GPS module itself has been upgraded to add support for the Russian GLONASS system and Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite “MICHIBIKI,” which greatly improves positioning accuracy.

The EOS 7D Mark II is the first Canon EOS camera with a digital compass built in. The compass will be extremely helpful when planning shoots, preparing for sunrise and sunset photos, or setting up for a time-lapse sequence. Additionally, GPS log data can be saved to a memory card slot separately from the image files, making file and log management easy.
Durability: Strength, Dust and Water Resistance

The body of the EOS 7D Mark II is built of tough magnesium alloy, improving the build-quality compared to the EOS 7D and EOS 5D Mark III, and approaching the EOS-1D X and EOS-1D C. Improved dust and water resistance, which is roughly four times better than the EOS 7D, will ensure that the shoot goes on -- even in inclement weather.

Connectivity and Live View Shooting Improvements

Squarely aimed as a professional video tool, the EOS 7D Mark II includes an internal microphone, both a 3.5mm microphone jack and a headphone jack for monitoring audio. Headphone volume, attenuator activation indication, and a digital compass are now displayed while shooting video. A selection for headphone volume has also been added to the Silent Control.
Improved and More Sensitive Silent Control Adjustment

Silent Control gives shooters the ability to adjust critical settings on the fly. The EOS 7D Mark II has been internally revamped to offer an even more sensitive Silent Control dial than previously found on any Canon DSLR and it offers an expanded list of control options, as well. Now, when the camera is rolling, you can silently select and adjust Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO, Exposure Compensation, Sound Recording Level, and Headphone Volume by gently touching the control dial on the back of the body.

NEW : SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Digital terminal

The SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Digital terminal enables high-speed transfers to a computer. A dedicated interface cable and cable protector are provided with the camera. This allows for rapid image transfers without the need of an external card reader.

Lens Optical Corrections

Besides lens Peripheral Illumination correction that compensates for fall off at the corners of the frame in EOS cameras, thanks again to the DIGIC 6 processors, the EOS 7D Mark II now provides Distortion Correction, Lens Aberration Correction and Chromatic Aberration Correction.
Auto White Balance/Auto ISO/Auto Exposure

People sometimes ask why they should ever want to use Auto White Balance, Auto Exposure or Auto ISO when shooting video. I can offer a perfect example. Once, I had to follow a football coach from the locker room, through the tunnels beneath the stadium and out into football stadium that was bathed in bright daylight. These may seem like inconsequential items at first, but having these functions available can be a true shot saver, besides simply saving a lot of time in quick run-and-gun video situations.

NEW: Shutter Button Customization

The EOS 7D Mark II shutter button can now be customized four different ways to shoot still photos or video. This allows you to take advantage of the way the shutter button performs during still shooting, for capturing movies. For the first time in an EOS camera, you can set the shutter button so that when it is depressed halfway, you can get Metering and AF or only Metering, if desired. Depressing it all the way down will Start/Stop movie recording. This opens up some really nice features. First, still shooters will be really comfortable metering, getting focus, and shooting video in the exact same manner they shoot photos. Second, when shooting slow motion and Dual Pixel CMOS AF is no longer available, it allows you to get a quick autofocus mark before recording. Perhaps, most importantly, it allows you to use the Remote Switch RS-80N3 or Timer Remote TC-80N3 shutter release button to start/stop movie recording without having to physically touch the camera. This should really come in handy when the camera is mounted out of reach.

NEW : Advanced Image Playback Features

Image playback on the EOS 7D Mark II has been greatly enhanced. When playing back a clip on the EOS 7D Mark II, scrollable display windows can be accessed, offering easy access to an enormous amount of information about the camera’s capture settings used on the clip being reviewed. It’s now quite easy to verify the basic camera setup parameters like shutter speed, exposure, ISO, clip length, file size, and image capture mode, for instance.

Now, by simply jogging up or down the joystick on the back of the camera body, you can scroll through to lens information with an RGB histogram display. Another screen shows specific White Balance settings, color temperature, and WB correction. You can check the Picture Style parameter settings for Sharpness, Contrast, Saturation, and Color tone on the clip. Color space settings and High ISO speed noise reduction can be displayed. Information such as Lens Correction data availability that includes Peripheral Illumination Correction and Chromatic Aberration Correction settings can be displayed. Another window offers GPS information such as latitude and longitude, elevation, UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), and the direction that the camera was facing while shooting. You can even adjust the font size to make the windows easier to read. And if all that is not enough, the EOS 7D Mark II offers an editing mode that allows for trimming the heads and tails of clips to cut back on unnecessary transfer time.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

More Sigma DG Art Lenses Coming In 2015


Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 APO EX DG lens

Recently, I have reported Sigma is planning to launch a new line of Cinema lenses. Their 24-105mm f/1.4 Art lens has received very good reviews and now Sigma is ready to go on a row in 2015.

Rumor has it they are planning to offer a host of new DG Art lenses - 14-24mm f/4 ; 16-20mm f/2 ; 24mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4  This is an aggressive agenda and Sigma is bent on giving companies like Canon, Nikon and Zeiss a run for their money. Photographers can only benefit from a healthy competition.

Canon Patent - EF-S 11-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Lens


Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 Lens

Egami, the Japanese photography blog has uncovered a new Canon patent for the EF-S 11-24mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. This may be a replacement to the venerable EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 model. The new lens will be of higher build quality and comes with STM, in line with most of the recent EF-S models but at a higher price, of course.

Example 3 (Google Translated)

  •     Zoom ratio 2.07
  •     Focal length 11.61-15.50-24.07mm
  •     Fno. 3.63-3.96-4.69
  •     Half angle ? = 49.64-41.38-29.58 °
  •     Image height Y = 13.66mm
  •     Overall length of the lens 133.0-129.1-133.3mm
  •     BF 3.26mm
  •     Negative positive and negative positive 4-group zoom
  •     Inner focus (Lf part of the first group)

Monday, November 17, 2014

New Canon EOS-M Camera Coming In 2015?


Canon EOS-M2 line of cameras




Remember the Canon EOS-M camera? Although this is not one of Canon's better selling camera line outside of Asia, rumor suggests they are not ready to give up on their ambition to expand the EOS-M appeal beyond Asia. There are high level meetings and discussions at Canon's divisions in Europe and the Americas, perhaps in preparation for a new replacement to the existing EOS-M2 model. In the past, there are talks that Canon may introduced a pair of new EOS-M cameras - one consumer and one prosumer version.

Although, in the past Canon has mentioned more lenses will be available for the EOS-M camera system. Personally, I think the demise of Canon's mirrorless camera system outside of Asia is premature. The EOS-M3 may come to North America and Europe eventually. However, I think that is the extent of their ambition when it comes to the mirrorless line. To introduce a prosumer version of the EOS-M will further blur the difference between the lower end models and make it harder for customers to decide on which camera to buy.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Canon EOS-5D Mk III Camera - $2500 Shipped


Canon EOS-5D Mk III camera

There is a top-rated merchant on eBay selling the Canon EOS-5D Mk III camera for $2,500 including shipping. Hurry, it won't last. This is an excellent choice and my pick as the best value in full frame DSLR camera three years in a row.

You will not find a link to this eBay item because I do not accept any ad or commissioned link on my Blog. I am completely unbiased in my recommendation and have no conflict of interest. You can see travel and wildlife photos taken with this camera on my worldwide photo shoots on MichaelDanielHo.com

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Canon EOS C300 Camera Firmware 2.1.3.1.00 Upgrade


Canon EOS Cinema C300 camera

There is a new Firmware upgrade to the Canon Cinema C300 camea. Firmware Version 2.1.3.1.00 incorporates the following improvements and fixes :

  • Supports exFAT file system of CF cards over 128 GB, which decreases the waiting time required for accessing the card before being able to record footage.
  • Simplifies the process when fine-tuning the preset White Balance values.

Firmware Version 2.1.3.1.00 is only for EOS C300 cameras with the Dual Pixel CMOS AF Feature Upgrade applied. You can download the new Firmware here. If the EOS C300 camera does not have Dual Pixel CMOS AF Feature Upgrade applied, please download Firmware Version 1.1.3.1.00.

Canon Cinema EOS Gear Used For 'The Last Patrol' Documentary






MELVILLE, N.Y., November 14, 2014 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that Academy Award®-Nominated director Sebastian Junger (Restrepo, Korengal) and cinematographer Rudy Valdez chose Canon EOS Digital Cinema cameras and lenses for their new documentary The Last Patrol, the third installment of Junger’s trilogy of war documentaries. The pair of filmmakers relied on the Canon EOS C300 Digital Cinema camera to capture The Last Patrol, which premiered on HBO on November 10, 2014 and is currently airing on HBO.

The Last Patrol follows Junger, photojournalist Guillermo Cervera, and combat veterans Brendan O’Byrne and Dave Roels as they hike the 300-mile stretch of railroad lines from Washington, D.C. to New York City – a trek Junger originally planned with his close friend and acclaimed war photographer Tim Hetherington before Hetherington was killed in 2011 while covering the Libyan civil war. The goal of the journey was to get to know America again after a decade of war and discuss why combat is so incredibly hard to give up. Because hiking along the tracks is illegal, they moved with a purposeful invisibility designed to echo the isolation felt by many who return from war.
” ‘The Last Patrol’ is a compelling example of the kind of storytelling that the Cinema EOS system was designed to support,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, President and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “We are honored that the filmmakers selected Canon professional cameras and lenses for their epic project.”

The men lived outdoors and carried all of their own supplies, which presented an unusual challenge for the filmmakers.

“What I needed was, basically, the ultimate camera,” said Junger. “Not too heavy, easy to use with numb fingers, good in low light, rugged if you throw yourself in a ditch, and something that delivers absolutely gorgeous cinematography.”

After searching for a camera that would produce a consistent, top-of-the-line image under rough conditions, Junger and Valdez determined the Cinema EOS C300 digital cinema camera was the best camera for the job.

“The EOS C300 camera seemed like it was designed specifically for this project,” said Valdez. “It’s a lightweight camera with a large sensor that works really well in low light. With the added bonus of being able to shoot in Canon Log, it ended up being a pretty easy decision.”

Carrying the EOS C300 digital cinema camera on his back during the entire trek, Valdez shot using only natural light while the former soldiers and combat journalists dodged rail security and hiked terrain as varied as dense wilderness and urban streets.

The images Valdez captured exceeded Junger’s expectations: “When we watched the material, I was absolutely speechless. It all absolutely glowed with a kind of meaning. That glow came from the machine we were shooting on.”

Valdez rounded out his kit with a set of Canon Cinema prime lenses, including the CN-E24mm T1.5 L F, CN-E50mm T1.3 L F and CN-E85mm T1.3 L F.

“After some days on the trek, I started looking at the camera with a kind of reverence,” said Junger. “It was incredible. I can’t imagine making this film with any camera that lacked the power and capability of the EOS C300 camera.”

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Canon Announces EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II Lens



Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens




This is my favorite non Super telephoto zoom lens in Canon's lineup. I have waited over a decade for the Series II to arrive. Placed my pre-order immediately. Here are some sample photos from Canon and an article from Canon Professional Network plus a technical discussion of the new lens.

I am still on a Polar bear photo shoot with the Canon EOS-7D Mk II camera, giving it a good workout in an extremely cold and hostile environment. You can follow my shoot on Facebook.


MELVILLE, N.Y., November 10, 2014 - Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the highly anticipated  Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II USM lens, a second generation compact super-telephoto zoom lens featuring significant advancements in optical quality, image stabilization performance up-to-four steps, and rotating-zoom-ring design. This new L-series super- telephoto zoom lens features Canon L-series weather resistance and rugged magnesium housing to meet the needs of wildlife and sports photographers or photojournalists working out in the elements. Fully compatible with all EOS cameras, the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II USM features a completely redesigned optical formula containing one Fluorite and one Super UD lens element ? a combination unique to lenses in this focal range ? to help deliver sharp images with high resolution and contrast. This combination of elements helps thoroughly suppress chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range.

“The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II USM is the logical evolution of the very popular EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM introduced 16 years ago,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, President and COO of Canon U.S.A., Inc., “This long awaited, next generation lens was developed to be a highly portable and adaptable telephoto zoom lens for today’s modern professional and advanced amateur photographers.”

For photographers who want to work as closely as possible to their subjects, the minimum focusing distance of the lens has been reduced to just 3.2 ft. (0.98m), resulting in maximum magnification of 0.31x.  The original EF  100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM was well known for its push-pull zoom adjustment, but the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II USM uses a rotation-type zoom ring similar to the one found on the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens that allows for more precise adjustments, easier handling, and consistently excellent weight balance during handheld photography.

In addition, the lens features an improved zoom torque adjustment ring that allows for the easy setting of zoom tension based on personal shooting preferences. The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II USM also features an inner focusing system, a powerful yet quiet Ring USM, a high-speed CPU and optimized auto focus (AF) algorithms for fast and accurate autofocusing in various shooting situations.

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II USM features three Image Stabilization (IS) modes ? standard, panning, and during exposure only.  Each IS mode is individually engineered to help provide outstanding results in a wide variety of shooting situations, and all serve to satisfy the personal preferences of photographers based on the type of IS they desire. The optical IS provides up to four shutter speed steps of correction, increased from 1.5 steps in the previous model*. In addition, the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II USM features Canon’s newly developed Air Sphere Coating (ASC) which helps to reduce backlit flaring and ghosting significantly, as well as a 9-bladed circular aperture Electro-Magnetic Diaphragm that helps to enhance beautiful, softly blurred backgrounds.

As with all L-series lenses, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II USM is highly resistant to dust and water, with excellent durability in even harsh conditions, ideal for wildlife photographers even in rainforest environments, or sports photographers on the sideline grabbing action shots of the big game. Fluorine coating on the front and rear surfaces of the lens can repel dust particles and water droplets. It also makes smears and fingerprints easy to remove without the use of lens cleaning fluid. Included with the lens is the new ET-83D lens hood, that features a cleverly placed and convenient side window allowing the user to easily adjust specialty filters while the lens hood remains in place. In addition, the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II USM is equipped with a newly designed detachable tripod mount which can be removed to reduce weight during handheld operation.

Pricing and Availability 

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II USM Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens is scheduled to be available in December 2014 for an estimated retail price of $2,199.00

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II Lens Coming November 11


Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens




Canon announced the Canon EOS-7D Mk II camera and EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens on September 15 but chose not to announce the EF 100-400mm II lens at that time. The Series II lens will be released on November 11, with delivery starting maybe early December. Keep checking back for the latest information. I am on a Polar bear photo shoot right now with the EOS-7D Mk II camera. Giving it a good workout. Visit my Facebook page to see the photos and see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Specs for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens :

  • Rotating zoom ring, like the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II
  • Telescopic in design, like the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS
  • 4 stop Image Stabilization
  • Detachable tripod collar 
  • Minimum focusing distance 0.98m
  • 9 aperture blades
  • Dust and weather sealed 
  • Latest generation optics and coatings
  • Latest generation 4 stop Image Stabilization system
  • Comes with 3 IS modes, like the Super Telephoto Series II lens
  • Latest material, offering a slight weight and size reduction to current model
  • 77mm filter thread
  • List price under $2,199

Overview

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM telephoto lens delivers a superb combination of cutting-edge performance, compact construction and brilliant resolving power that’s great for sports and wildlife photography.

The telephoto lens features one fluorite and one super UD element to help provide impressive contrast and resolution with reduced chromatic aberration across the entire zoom range. Canon’s new Air Sphere Coating (ASC) helps significantly reduce backlit flaring and ghosting, while fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens surfaces help lessen smears and fingerprints.A 9-blade circular aperture renders beautiful, soft backgrounds, and a 3 mode (standard, panning and exposure only) Optical Image Stabilizer provides up to 4 steps* of image correction.

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM telephoto lens is equipped with a new inner focusing AF system to help ensure fast and accurate focus down to 3.2 ft. with a .31x maximum magnification. Usability enhancements include a rotation-type zoom ring with adjustable zoom torque for more precise, customizable zoom performance, a redesigned tripod mount that can be attached and detached without removing the lens from the EOS camera, and an all-new lens hood with a side window that makes it simple to adjust specialty filters-like polarizers-without the need to remove the hood.

Ruggedly constructed with advanced dust and water sealing for durability in a range of environments, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM telephoto lens is a stellar performer with refined controls for a wide variety of situations.