The current EOS-1D X camera has been my pick as the best full frame DSLR camera for sports and wildlife photography three years in a row. According to the latest information I have received, the long awaited EOS-1D X Mark II model will most probably be equipped with 4K video. The expected delivery date will be end of Q1, 2016. Should one wait for the new model or buy the current camera? I expect the replacement model to be priced just below $7,000.
Of course, not everyone needs and wants the latest and greatest equipment. The current EOS-1D X is an excellent camera and during Halloween, the factory refurbished camera is selling for $3,603 at the Canon Store (save 15% by using coupon code JACKOLANTERN when checking out) and comes with one year warranty from Canon.
I am off to the Canadian sub Arctic, Hudson Bay for a Polar bear photo tour. Although this region is called the sub Arctic, the temperatures are generally even colder than the high Arctic, like Svalbard. The cold winds from the North Pole can bring temperatures down to -40+ degrees Fahrenheit starting in mid Autumn and lasting through late Winter.
The Polar bear is the largest living land carnivore, with adult males growing up to over 8 feet in length and some weighing close to one ton. It is immediately recognizable from the distinctive white color of its thick fur. The only unfurred parts of the body are the foot pads and the tip of its nose, which are black, revealing the dark color of the skin underneath the pelt. The neck of the Polar bear is longer than in other species of bears, and the elongated head has small ears. Polar bears have large strong limbs and huge forepaws which are used as paddles for swimming. The toes are not webbed, but are excellent for walking on snow as they bear non-retractable claws which dig into the snow like ice-picks.
Females are about half the size of males, although a pregnant female with stored fat can exceed 1,000 pounds in weight. Polar bear cubs weigh about 2 lbs at birth. They look similar in appearance to adults, though they have much thinner fur.
There are five countries with Polar bear populations - U.S.A., Russia, Denmark (Greenland), Norway (Svalbard) and Canada. Polar bears are found throughout the circumpolar Arctic on ice-covered waters, from Canada, to Norway, parts of the US, the former USSR and Greenland. The furthest south the Polar bears occur all year round is James Bay in Canada, which is about the same latitude as London, England. During the winter, when the ice extends further south, Polar bears move as far south as Newfoundland and into the northern Bering Sea.
Although Polar bears have no natural predators, male bears sometimes kill young cubs for food or to try and mate with their mothers. Sadly, Polar bears are still being hunted on a quota system by indigenous people and sometime big game hunters. Another big threat to these endangered animals is the warming of the Arctic region and pack ice are forming later and later every year. Polar bears depend on the pack ice to hunt seals and the early ice melt is forcing them to spend more time and energy looking for food and finding fewer seals. They face an uncertain future as the sea ice melt faster and faster in the summer.
Photographing Polar bears is one of the most exciting thing a wildlife photographer can do. They have little fear of man and are highly curious. I have come face too face with them and they are large, powerful apex predators. Click here to see Polar bear photos from my previous tours. You can follow my travels on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram and see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com. I will be providing updates on the tour as time and condition permit.
Canon is expected to announce the EOS-M4 mirrorless camera and at least two EF-M prime lens in Q1 to Q2 of 2016 to beef up their mirrorless product line. This will not be enough to make them a big player in this space.
Although Canon's mirrorless cameras are selling quite well in Asia and Japan, they are mostly lower end models and bring in little profits. They need to go upmarket and take a leaf from Sony and most recently, Leica. Canon is a big conservative conglomerate and operates at a glacial speed. They rarely aim to be first to bring 'revolutionary' technology to market but try to be best in their space, albeit coming from behind.
Canon is also working on a full frame mirrorless camera. Since they are already 'behind' in this segment, their next full frame mirrorless camera needs to be bold and different. I am a wildlife photographer using Canon equipment for about 25 years and have followed the company since my first EOS-1 purchase in 1989. My advice to them is bring out a top-of-the-line, full frame mirrorless camera with the EF mount as soon as possible. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com.
The fear that a full frame mirrorless camera may 'cannabilize' on Canon's existing full frame DSLR models is overblown. For example, all major luxury car brands have both expensive gasoline and alternative fuel powered models in their lineup. Many serious and professional photographers, including myself, will buy a high end mirrorless camera in addition to their current DSLR equipment, provided it meets the requirements.
During the Canon Expo 2015 last month, the company demonstrated some cutting edge prototypes, like the 250MP and 120MP sensors, ME20F-SH camera that shoots videos @ ISO 4000000+ and the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens. These eye-popping demonstrations may pay off once they come to market but deciding when to bring them to consumers seem to take too much deliberation.
As reported yesterday, Canon's Inc. third quarter profits were less than stellar. This morning, the rumor mills are buzzing about Canon working on a full frame mirrorless camera. Hardly an earth-shattering news and this is what I have called for in the past.
There are no specific time frame on this but Canon must not wait too long and get serious about this 'new' segment of the market. The mirrorless space is growing and Canon is already behind some of their competitors. The new camera must do away with any adapter and comes with the EF mount. Bring out a prosumer and professional mirrorless camera with similar features, functions, size and shape to the current full sized DSLRs and they will leap frog their competitors like Sony and Leica.
Photographers like myself who own Canon's top-of-the-line DSLRs have resisted buying mirrorless cameras like the Sony a7RII because they simply do not feel right in the hand. The new camera is packed with 'fluffy' features that seems to appeal more to 'technology chasers' than pure photographers. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com
Canon Inc. reported lower 3rd quarter profits for 2015 but raised its full year forecast due to the 'strong' US Dollar and 'weak' Japanese Yen. Going forward, the United States is expected to increase its interest rates in 2016, thereby pushing the Yen even lower and giving Canon's 2016 profit a potential further boost.
The DSLR camera segment is a matured business even though this is where Canon and many other camera makers make most of their profits. There is little Canon can do to stem the gradual loss of market share of the low end cameras to higher end smartphones. They need to concentrate on their strength and make the DSLR camera experience as enjoyable as possible for serious and professional photographers.
To that end, Canon should seriously consider introducing a prosumer to professional mirrorless camera with the same size and shape of their higher end DSLRs. The mirrorless market is here to stay and growing. The current EOS-M line is boring, brings little profit and is highly discounted.
(Corrects dateline to Oct 27) * Q3 operating profit falls 21 pct to 71.8 bln yen * Steep fall had been flagged by Nikkei business daily * Investments in new businesses also weighed on profit * Full-year earnings forecast lifted on weaker yen By Sophie Knight TOKYO, Oct 27 (Reuters) - Japan's Canon Inc said quarterly operating profit fell by a fifth as demand for digital cameras slumped and it spent more on developing new businesses, but it nudged up its full-year earnings estimates on a sharply weaker yen. The consumer shift to smartphones for casual photo taking has pummelled demand for compact cameras, while the growing popularity of lighter mirrorless cameras has taken away market share from higher margin single-lens reflex cameras.
Operating profit for the July-September quarter came in at 71.8 billion yen ($665 million), not far off figures flagged by the Nikkei business daily earlier this month. Investments to boost businesses such as video surveillance and semiconductor steppers also helped to outweigh a 11.4 billion yen contribution from a weaker yen, a company spokesman said. Revenue fell 4.5 percent to 872.2 billion yen. The export-reliant company lifted its operating profit forecast but it acknowledged that but for the weaker yen, it would have revised down. It now expects 370 billion yen for the year to end December, up from a prior prediction of 365 billion yen and a 9.7 percent increase on the previous year. While a softer yen boosts earnings for export-oriented companies, the Japanese currency's rapid descent against the greenback - around 8 percent over the July-September period - has driven up import costs and prompted complaints from Japan Inc that yen weakness has gone far enough. "It's difficult to give an ideal level but if it stopped at its current level it wouldn't be a bad thing," said Chief Financial Officer Toshizo Tanaka. Japan's currency is trading at around 108 yen to the dollar after having weakened to as low as 110 yen at the beginning of this month. A Reuters Corporate Survey showed in September that only one quarter of Japanese firms preferred an exchange rate of 105 yen or weaker. Canon's shares closed up 0.8 percent on Monday ahead of results. (1 US dollar = 107.9600 Japanese yen) (Reporting by Sophie Knight; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
My readers know, I have been a Canon user for over 25 years. Through the decades, I have used almost all of Canon's cropped and full frame, film and digital cameras, plus the EF and EF-S lenses. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com
The recently released Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR cameras are descendants of the original EOS-5D, released in 2005. It was the first 'affordable' full frame digital camera and the official list price was roughly the same as the current list price of the EOS-5Ds. Considering inflation and the monumental advancement in technology packed into the new camera, I must say it is a very good deal, indeed.
The Sony a7R II camera was released in June 2015. The following comparison covers the two cameras' major features, and assumes the reader is already familiar with the functionality and capabilities of DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It is intended to help those trying to decide whether to upgrade or keep their present Canon or Sony bodies.
EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR DSLR cameras :
50.6 MP full frame sensor
Powered by dual DIGIC 6 processors
Optical low pass filter on EOS-5Ds. Self cancelling on EOS-5DsR
1.3x (30.5MP) plus 1.6x (19.6MP) with 1:1 ratio crop mode
3.2 inch, 1040K dot LCD screen.
Dual card slots, one CF, one SD
Burst rate 5 fps. Burst depth, up to 510 JPEG and 14 RAW files
ISO range from 100 - 6400, 50 - 12800 with expansion
61-point High Density Reticular AF, 41 cross type points, 5 double cross type
150,000 pixel RGB+IR metering sensor, 252 zone
Custom Functions - 16, USB 3.0
Number of cross-points depends on the speed of the lens used.
59 ms. shutter lag, 150,000 cycle shutter and .71x viewfinder.
DxOMark overall sensor score - 87
Low light ISO - 2381 ISO
Sony a7R II mirrorless camera :
42.2MP BSI Full-frame CMOS sensor
ISO 50-102400 expanded
5 axis built in IS
399 Phase Detection AF system
Max 5 fps shooting
3.0 inch 1229K dot LCD screen
Shoots video in 4K
Shutter rated at 500,000
Low light ISO - 3434 (no surprise here)
WiFi / NFC
2.36m dot Electronic Viewfinder
Battery life 340 shots
SD card slot and Memory Stick
Mic and Headphone sockets
The first thing that stands out is the Canon EOS-5Ds is a 'bigger and heavier' camera. That in itself means little since both cameras can produce excellent photos that can be printed in very large size. If one needs to print super large sized photos, the EOS-5Ds has a slight edge.
The Sony a7R II does have the advantage over the Canon EOS-5Ds, with an expanded ISO of 102400 vs 6400. Both cameras shoot at a maximum of 5 fps and there are of course, differences with proprietary processors, video speed, AF system, etc. but suffice to say, they are differences without much distinction. The final stand out point is the Canon EOS-5Ds has better battery management capability and claims to shoot 700 vs Sony's 340 shots on a fully charged battery.
In conclusion, both cameras are great for full frame photography, capable of producing sharp, extremely huge prints. The Canon EOS-5Ds is a full frame DSLR while the Sony a7R II has a full frame mirrorless design. The Sony a7R II is superior to the older a7R in all aspects.
More importantly, to me, the difference between a DSLR and mirrorless camera's design is the real issue. The EOS-5Ds (in particular the EOS-1D X) feels like a real camera with excellent grip and ergonomics. It is designed as a more rugged body and goes with a full complement of EF lens, from 8mm to 1200mm. The Sony is designed as a 'lighter, compact all-in-one package' stuffed with 'fluffy' technology and works with a smaller complement of lens, although one can buy an adapter and use it with some Canon's EF lens.
For the photographer who prefers to travel light and take mostly landscape/nature/portrait/wedding photos and videos, the Sony a7II R is a good choice. As a wildlife photographer, neither the Canon EOS-5Ds nor the Sony a7R II camera is a good alternative for wildlife photography, in my opinion. I am waiting for the EOS-1D X Mk II and EOS-5D Mk IV to debut later this year or early next year for my next DSLR purchase.
Whether one wants to upgrade from their present camera depends entirely on whether one needs a camera capable of producing mega prints. For Canon users thinking of upgrading from the EOS-5D Mk III to the EOS-5Ds, read my comparison here. For a comparison between the Nikon D810 and the Canon EOS-5Ds, read this post.
Canon recently announced the long awaited EF 35mm f/1.4L II lens. The lens has just started shipping and you can see sample images by clicking on the link above. But there will be more announcements to come in the new few quarters, leading all the way through 2016.
One of my favorite wide zooms is the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II and it will be in line for an upgrade in 2016. Canon is also working on the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS and we may eventually see this glass come on the market in a year or two. Other non 'L' lenses will include EF-S and EF-M as alluded by Masaya Maeda of Canon during a recent interview at the Canon EXPO 2015 in New York City.
Canon has now perfected the Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics technology. This new optical element will find its way into many of the upcoming lens and the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III will be a prime candidate. In addition, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III and EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS III lens are expected to be announced in 2016 as well, together with some specialty lenses. The one lens I am most eager to get my hands on is the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR. It will be another great wildlife photography lens in my equipment bag.
Canon will have a busy schedule in the next 6 months or so. The EOS-1D X II and EOS-5D Mk IV are expected to be announced. Keep checking back for the latest news and development.
There is a rumor floating around today that said Canon is evaluating another company's full frame sensor against their own and perhaps even consider getting out of the sensor business. My answer to the first part of the speculation is, why would that constitute photography news? Tell me something I don't know. The answer to the second part is, absolute rubbish.
Almost all big manufacturing companies, like the automotive industry for instance, evaluate their competitors' products, to see if they are ahead or behind, and perhaps seek areas of co-operation and possible joint ventures to cut down on costs.
The full frame sensor company in question here is, of course, Sony. They are the only other company with the engineering resources and manufacturing expertise to interest Canon. It will not be a earth-shattering event for Canon to use another company's sensor on their lower end cameras like the Rebel or Powershot models, like they did with the Powershot G7X. And yes, Canon will be in the sensor manufacturing business for a long time to come. Just look at what they have announced recently at the Canon Expo 2015 show, among them, a 250MP sensor. The upcoming EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-5D Mark IV cameras will have new Canon sensors on them.
Zeiss is known as the third party lens maker that charges 'an arm and a leg' for those who want to own German glass. The recent announcement of the Sigma 20mm f/1.4 Art lens and their other offerings in the line in the past couple of years have many photographers sit up and take notice of this Japanese lens manufacturer. Zeiss recently introduced a 'lower priced' Milvus line of lens to try and blunt the appeal of the Sigma Art line.
Sigma will build on their recent success and continue to introduce more Art lens in 2016. This will certainly coincide with the big German trade show Photokina next year. Among the sought after Art lens will be the 85mm f/1.4, 24-70mm f/2.8 OS and the 70-200mm f/2.8 OS Sport.
All told, Sigma may be working on about 10 new Art lens, including wide angle primes and Super Telephoto models and will announce more models in the next 12 to 18 months. There is no plan to replace the Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 lens, which is mostly a conversational piece of glass. The company that should be most worried is Zeiss.
Canon is already readying their venerable EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III model for a 2016 announcement. Their Series II Super Telephoto lens lineup is in good shape, except for the replacement of the EF 800mm f/5.6L IS, which may be announced some time next year. The recently featured prototype EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens during the Canon Expo 2015 will be the most anticipated lens for me in 2016 if they decide to release it.
The EOS M10 camera was announced on October 13, 2015. The camera is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers in November 2015, and will be offered in a kit with the EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $599.99. The camera body is available in black or white, and will also be available in gray exclusively through the Canon Online store at http://shop.usa.canon.com.
In addition, the new EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM zoom lens is scheduled to be available in November 2015 at an estimated retail price of $299.99 and a silver version of the current EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM zoom lens also is scheduled to be available in November 2015 at an estimated retail price of $349.99.
The EOS-M line of camera sells very well in Asia, primarily to women. The Canon video below plays to that theme again with the new EOS-M10.
Canon EOS M10 Digital Camera Specifications Summary :
18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, ISO 100-12800 (expandable to H:25600)
Canon DIGIC 6 Image Processor
Hybrid CMOS AF II for accurate autofocus along with maximum continuous shooting speeds up to 4.6 fps
Full HD 1920×1080 movies at 24p and 30p in MP4 format
Self Portrait mode to adjust camera effects, including skin smoothness and brightness* Compatible with all EF-M lenses as well as full line of EF and EF-S lenses*
Compact size at just 4.2 x 2.6 x 1.3 inches, and just over 10.5 ounces (including battery and memory card)
Built-in retractable flash
Built in Wi-Fi and NFC (Near Field Communication) plus Mobile Device Connect Button
Supports EF35mm f/1.4L II USM, EF50mm f/1.8 STM, EF-M15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM.
Digital Photo Professional 4.3.31
Newly supported EOS M10, PowerShot G9 X, PowerShot G5 X, EOS Kiss X6i / EOS REBEL T4i / EOS 650D, EOS Kiss X5 / EOS REBEL T3i / EOS 600D, EOS Kiss X50 / EOS REBEL T3 / EOS 1100D, and PowerShot SX60 HS.
Supports EF35mm f/1.4L II USM, EF50mm f/1.8 STM, EF-M15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
Adds a function that enables playing back movie files on EOS MOVIE Utility (Ver. 1.4 or later)
Fixes a malfunction that occurs rarely when “Distortion” is ticked off during the editing of RAW images shot with EOS 8000D / EOS REBEL T6s / EOS 760D or EOS Kiss X8i / EOS REBEL T6i / EOS 750D.
EOS MOVIE Utility 1.4
Adds a function that displays saved images on Digital Photo Professional (Ver. 4.3.20 or later)
Supports vertical image playback for vertical movies.
Leica announced the 24MP SL mirrorless camera recently at a whopping price of $7,500, body only. My readers know I am not a fan of the current mirrorless camera designs. I can find no compelling reason to own one. Among the reasons, all the mirrorless cameras do not feel right in my hands, including the recently announced, 'highly acclaimed' Sony a7R II. They are too small and the ergonomics are all wrong for me.
Now Leica has decided to do something different, by making the new SL similar in shape to a full sized DSLR, like the Canon EOS-5DsR, replete with the hand grip on the right side of the camera. In the future, if Canon decides to introduce a mirrorless camera for professional photographers and retain a similar size and shape to their present DSLR cameras, I might take a second look.
However, how many photographers will seriously forego the soon-to-be-released EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-5D Mark IV cameras in favor of the Leica SL? Did Leica not learn a lesson from Zeiss? Are Zeiss lens really worth that much more than say, Sigma Art lens? Is the recently announced, 'lower priced' Milvus line of lens going to help Zeiss beat back the challenge from Sigma and others?
Wetzlar, 20 October 2015 - The Leica SL system marks the beginning of a new era of professional photography made in Germany. The Leica SL mirrorless system camera is impressive on account of its innovations in exceptional Leica quality. Its 24 MP full-frame CMOS sensor and perfectly matched components – from superior-quality lenses to its electronic viewfinder – guarantee exceptional imaging performance.
EyeRes viewfinder and touchscreen display for total control of every picture
Developed especially for the Leica SL, this electronic viewfinder is the first of its kind to feature Leica EyeRes technology. With a latency time below the threshold of perception, an impressive resolution of 4.4 million pixels and a magnification reminiscent of a medium format camera, this electronic viewfinder offers an entirely new visual experience and numerous advantages: the final image is visible in the viewfinder before the shutter release is pressed, which enables optimum control over the final picture in any situation. The EyeRes viewfinder is activated simply by looking through it. In addition, the Leica SL also features a 2.95? back panel display with a viewing angle of up to 170° that enables reliable viewing of pictures and efficient touchscreen menu navigation.
Maestro II processor for maximum performance
The high-performance Maestro II series processor guarantees that photographers never miss even the fastest-moving subjects and that the camera responds instantaneously to all commands. Together with 2 GB of buffer memory, the processor makes it possible to capture consecutive exposures at rates of up to 11 frames per second at full 24 MP resolution and 4K video with a frame rate of 30 frames per second. Pictures can be saved simultaneously to an SD memory card as both a JPEG and DNG in line with the fast UHS II standard. Thanks to its Maestro II series processor, the Leica SL achieves the best performance currently possible in the professional camera class and underlines the innovative character of the camera.
24 MP CMOS sensor for exceptional picture quality in 35 mm full-frame format
The 24 MP CMOS full-frame sensor guarantees impressive dynamic range, excellent contrast rendition, exceptional sharpness, the highest resolution, and noise-free images in almost all lighting conditions. The shutter provides speeds from 30 minutes to 1/8000 sec. The sensor reveals its full potential in combination with Leica SL lenses, especially in available-light situations, and captivates users with atmospheric exposures in superior quality at ISO settings up to a maximum of 50,000. What’s more, it is optimised for use with Leica M-Lenses and, in addition to supporting all their functions, delivers the excellent picture quality with which Leica has been synonymous for more than 100 years.
The new movie star: professional video in cinematic resolution
The Leica SL is much more than a professional still-picture camera with video recording capability: it fulfils even the most stringent demands of moviemakers as a fully fledged video camera. Thanks to its 24 MP CMOS sensor and high-performance Maestro II series processor, the Leica SL enables the production of professional videos in 4K resolution. Videos can be recorded in UHD at 30 frames per second or even in Cine4K at 24 frames per second. In full HD, the Leica SL records video at up to 120 frames per second and makes use of the entire sensor area. Here, the logical and intuitive handling concept of the camera makes a clear distinction between still- and motion-picture recording. As soon as the camera is in video mode, the display shows only relevant information for video recording, such as safe area, aspect ratio, zebra function or the recording level of the microphone. An optional audio adapter allows you to connect an external microphone and the audio recording level can be set without accessing the menu. Videos can be output in 4:2:2 10-bit format in 4K resolution over HDMI 1.4.
Aluminium body for robust performance in everyday photography
From the beginning, resilience and robustness were at the focus of the Leica SL’s development. Body components machined from solid aluminium and precisely engineered seals around controls and in the lenses provide optimum protection against dust, moisture and splashes for the sensitive technology inside. At the same time, integrated ultrasonic sensor cleaning removes dust and dirt from the sensor. The glass covering the back panel display is extremely scratch-resistant and features an anti-reflex coating. All these properties make the camera an ideal tool for use in the rough, everyday conditions faced by professional photographers. In the interplay between its equally classic and functional design and its distinctive lines, the Leica SL is another example of Leica’s fine art of engineering.
A new generation of lenses for excellent picture quality
The combination of outstanding imaging performance and the fastest autofocus currently possible makes working with the Leica SL an entirely new experience and enables photographers to produce images in a quality never before seen in 35 mm format. True to Leica’s principles, the new lenses specific to the Leica SL are distinguished by superior optical and mechanical precision. With its wide range of focal lengths and high speed, the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH. is the ideal standard zoom lens in the Leica SL-System portfolio. The zoom range of the fast Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8–4 follows on directly from this and the current lens portfolio is rounded off by the Leica Summilux-SL 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH., the new reference lens for this focal length.
What’s more, the exceptional compatibility of the Leica SL-System grants photographers access to almost all Leica lenses ever made. For instance, all lenses for the Leica T camera can be used without an adapter. In addition, appropriate adapters allow Leica S, M, and R system lenses and lenses from other manufacturers to be mounted on the Leica SL.
Availability
The Leica SL (Type 601) body will be on sale from 16 November 2015. The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH. zoom lens will be available at the same time. Further Leica SL lenses will follow.
MELVILLE, N.Y., October 21, 2015 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will be showcasing its latest in high-quality imaging products for photographers of all skill levels in addition to hosting educational seminars and professional photographer print signings at PhotoPlus Expo 2015 in the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, October, 22 – 24, 2015, in booth #121.
On display, and announced just today, will be Canon’s new imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Professional Inkjet Printer. This new printer complements Canon’s professional line of EOS DSLR cameras and lenses for an ideal pairing that will produce high-detail, high-quality prints on a variety of media. This 17-inch, large format solution packs significant technological advancements, including a new print head, new ink and a new image processing engine. Canon will be hosting one free limited edition print signing each day of the show, where the first 100 attendees will be able to take home a beautiful signed image, printed on the imagePROGRAF PRO- 1000, from a Canon Explorer of Light (EOL). Signings will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday (Ken Sklute) and Friday (Joel Grimes), and at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday (Lindsay Adler).
On display will be Canon’s brand new digital cameras and lenses including :
EOS M10 Digital Camera : Outfitted with a new, retractable EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens, the EOS M10 is a compact and stylish digital camera that helps photographers expand their creativity. The camera is equipped with Wi-Fi® and NFC capability, making it easy to share high-quality photos and videos on- the-go via most current Android®1 and iOS®2 devices.
PowerShot G5 X and PowerShot G9 X Digital Cameras : These two new large sensor digital camera models are ideal for advanced amateur photographers looking for a highly portable, advanced point-and-shoot camera. Both models are equipped with a one-inch, 20.2 Megapixel3High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and feature Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, allowing users to easily print or share images and videos. The PowerShot G5 X camera is housed in a classic black body and is equipped with a built-in, high-resolution electronic viewfinder. The slim, lightweight PowerShot G9 X camera is easy to carry anywhere, and in addition to being available in classic black, also comes in a retro-style, silver-gray body with brown-stitched leather accents.
To showcase the vivid, realistic imagery that Canon products can create there will be a 20 billion pixel at 200 dpi panorama of Yankee Stadium taken by EOL David Bergman, created with the 50.6 megapixel EOS 5DS R camera. At over 20-feet long, the image consists of 825 separate photographs stitched together.
The World of Photographers and its levels, according to DigitalRev. I'd rather consider myself as a level-headed wildlife photographer. You can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com
New 17-inch Large Format Printer Can Produce Sharp Images and Astounding Image Clarity for Pro Photographers and Design Professionals
MELVILLE, N.Y., October 21, 2015 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Professional Inkjet Printer, a 17-inch, large format solution packed with significant technological advancements, such as a new print head, new ink set and a new image processing engine, resulting in stunning image quality designed for photographers who are “equally obsessed” with the printed image.
This is the first in a new series of imagePROGRAF printers that are marked by the distinctive Canon red line across the body of the printer, echoing the same red line on Canon’s EF L-Series lenses. This feature-rich professional printer complements Canon’s professional line of DSLR cameras and lenses for an ideal pairing that can produce high-detail, high-quality images when printed on a variety of media, creating images that look as accurate printed as when they were captured.
“We designed a printer to give our customers incredible large-format image reproduction in a size that fits almost any home, studio, design and production departments, or in a classroom of photography students,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Knowing how important fine details and precise colors are to professional users, this printer is designed so that the final output is exactly what they envisioned. The launch of the first printer in the new imagePROGRAF PRO Series of printers further illustrates the commitment Canon has to providing the imaging community with solutions that help deliver superb output true to a photographer’s obsession.”
New Print Head
Improving upon the specifications of the Canon PIXMA PRO-1 printer, the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 printer features a 50 percent larger print head, which also expands the total number of nozzles to 18,432 for each of the 12 channels. The increased size of the print head helps produce faster print speeds†† while still maintaining high-resolution prints. This new print head design utilizes a sophisticated real-time ink ejection system which helps to maintain a consistent print head temperature allowing for consistent ink droplets to help limit clogs and reduce cleaning cycles and wasted ink. The new print head helps to further reduce the amount of wasted ink through anti-clogging technologies where ink ejection conditions are precisely checked with sensors, and if a clog is detected, another nozzle automatically provides backup.
New Inks
The new LUCIA PRO 11-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system was designed specifically to meet the demands of the most critical photographer. An optimized resin-coating of each pigment allows for denser droplets to be applied to the media, resulting in an increased color gamut of up to 19 percent over the PIXMA PRO-1 printer. This dense ink-configuration also brings gloss uniformity for viewing conditions and image clarity that helps achieve anti-bronzing. The LUCIA PRO ink system also introduces an improved level of black density not only achieving deep, rich blacks but also helping to bring out incredibly fine shadow detail in the darker areas, creating works of art on fine art media. The imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 printer is designed to work seamlessly when changing media types, Photo Black and Matte Black inks have their own dedicated nozzles so no switching is necessary. Users can print on glossy media then fine art media with no worries, no changes, and no waste. The new ink system includes matte black, photo black, gray, photo gray, red, blue, magenta, photo magenta, cyan, photo cyan, yellow and Chroma Optimizer. The size of the ink tanks is 80ml per tank, allowing for less frequent refills and reduced cost per print.
New Processing Engine & Printer Architecture
Demonstrating a rich understanding of optimum balance stemming from its expertise in camera technology, Canon offers precise placement of ink droplets ideal for vivid print results. The new processing engine, L-COA PRO, controls the balance of inks and the precise placement of ink droplets, carefully calculating best results for each print mode and media using various factors including color reproduction, tonal gradations, black density, graininess, glossiness, anti-bronzing and elimination of metamerism, all of which contribute to creating an amazing printed image. L-COA PRO, combined with an internal 1GB of memory, enables high-speed processing of massive volumes of image data for demanding workflows. To bring further accuracy to ink ejection and limitation of color unevenness, the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 printer offers a two-way vacuum paper feeder, which keeps media flat and even, helping with accuracy of ink ejection. The imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 printer also has a built-in calibration function to help prevent variability of color output by aging changes or printer differences. This feature allows for a consistency in colors from PRO-1000 to PRO-1000 of under a Delta E of 2†††. Reliability and quality are further maintained by the enhanced rigidity in the printer chassis allowing for even more improved dot placement, helping to produce sharper prints, including stunning borderless images.
New Software*
Enhancing the user experience with imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 printer is the intuitive software solution of Print Studio Pro v 2.0. With a focus on quality and ease of use, Print Studio Pro is a plugin for Adobe® Photoshop®, Adobe Lightroom® and Canon Digital Photo Professional software that easily exports files directly to the printer.1 With 16-bit processing capabilities, fine details are dramatically improved, gradations are smooth and a highly accurate reproduction of the original captured image can be reproduced. Also set to be included is the Media Configuration Tool (MCT)*, enabling customization of the media in both the driver and printer. Additionally, MCT can make adjustments such as print head height and vacuum strength for each media, offering the flexibility needed in order to help achieve optimal quality across a broad range of media options. Accounting Manager* is set to be included for those looking to keep track of consumable costs such as ink and media, allowing users to manually enter in their costs in order to help determine their overall printing expenses. Whether it is an individual printing in their studio, or an administrator looking to centrally manage a number of users in a multi-unit networked environment, this tool can help you keep track of printing expenses. Device Management Console* is an administrative tool which provides users with the means to manage multiple PRO-1000 printers by helping users monitor activity such as error messages and printer information such as the execution status of calibrations.
Availability and Pricing
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is scheduled to be available end of October 2015 for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,299.99. MSRP of each color ink is $59.99 and Chroma Optimizer is $54.99.**
The current EOS-1D X camera has been my pick as the best full frame DSLR camera for sports and wildlife photography three years in a row. According to the latest information I have received, the long awaited EOS-1D X Mark II model will MOST probably be equipped with 4K video. That indicates to me Canon feels Nikon will definitely include 4K video in their soon to be announced D5 camera.
If Canon decides to include this feature, I feel it may be a mistake because it can distract from the raison d'etre of the camera, namely to be the best DSLR camera on the market for still photography. Canon should not be pressured to add this feature just because Nikon feels it must match the Sony A7R II's features.
Canon already experimented with the EOS-1D C camera, basically an EOS-1D X body, combined with enhanced video capabilities. The camera met with very limited success, especially when there are camcorders like the CinemaEOS C300 Mk II that can do a much better job at shooting videos. Canon marked down the price of the EOS-1D C and I expect them to discontinue this model some time in 2016.
You know the time for the replacement camera is near. I have seen new EOS-1D X selling for just a little over $4,000 on eBay and rumored specs are coming out of the wood works. The Autumn Silly Season has begun. Some even claim the new camera will come with WiFi and GPS, 61 AF points with all crosstype and f/8, plus even touch screen LCD.
One should pay little attention to wish lists and wild guesses. Canon is doing a great job plugging most of the leaks for this eagerly awaited camera. It will be almost 4 years since the EOS-1D X was announced. My best estimate is the EOS-1D X Mark II will come with a new sensor in the low 20MP range, powered by new Digic 6+ processors and additional processor(s) for metering and other functions. A new AF system and frame rates matching the current model but perhaps without mirror lockup and a state of the art LCD monitor. Oh yes, 'sadly and most probably', with 4K video capability.
My expectation is for Nikon to release their D5 camera first, followed by Canon. The announcement may come in Q1 2016, with delivery commencing late Q1 to Q2 of 2016. If Canon keeps to this time frame for the EOS-1D X II announcement, I would expect the EOS-5D Mk IV release to be a Q2 to Q3, 2016 event. Keep checking back for the latest news and developments.
The Obama administration said on Monday that it would require drone owners to register their unmanned aircraft as part of an effort to curtail rogue drone flights that pose a danger to commercial aircraft and crowded public venues.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced the creation of a task force of private sector and government representatives to craft recommendations for establishing the first ever federal drone registry.
The recommendations are due by Nov. 20, and administration officials hope to have the registry in place before Christmas, when they say that more than 1 million new drones could be given as gifts to new untrained operators. The registration requirements would also apply to drones already in use.
The initiative represents the administration's effort to address the rising number of unauthorized drone sightings near airports and crowded public venues. The FAA has reported more than 650 unauthorized drone sightings so far this year, as of Aug. 9, compared with 238 for all of 2014. If sightings continue at that rate, the number would near 1,100 by the year end.
"The signal we're sending today is that when you enter the national air space, it's a very serious matter," Foxx said. As part of a parallel effort, the Federal Aviation Administration is also working with other agencies to develop systems that can identify and track drones or keep them away from vulnerable sites.
Drone industry representatives welcomed the notion of having a mechanism to promote accountability, but questioned whether a new registry could be in place in such a short timeframe and said the government's authority to compel participation remained unclear.
Officials said the FAA has authority to impose registration under aviation safety laws.
"It’s going to be a very difficult task to do by Nov 20. But the best course of action is to look at this and say, let’s do the best we can," said Michael Drobac, executive director of the Small UAV Coalition, one of two drone industry group on the task force.
Other task force members represent airline pilots, airport officials, hobbyists and the consumer electronics market.
Foxx said the registration effort would not delay the FAA's goal of publishing rules for commercial drone use by next June.
Egami, the Japanese photography website has discovered a new Canon patent for an Electronic Viewfinder. While Google translated material is hardly perfect, it seems if the eyepiece is displayed on the LCD screen, it works like a normal viewfinder. When the eyepiece is off the screen, it reverts back to a full screen LCD. No mention about the resolution of the viewfinder and it may be sold as an accessory option to a lower priced camera model.
In an attempt to fend off challenge from other lens manufacturers, especially the Sigma Art series of lens, Zeiss has decided to offer a 'lower priced' line called Milvus. It is still not cheap but only time will tell whether this is a winning strategy. The current Zeiss Otus line is so over-priced and does not present a compelling reason for many photographers to own them.
The new Milvus line will be primarily fast prime lens, from 21mm to 100mm, with speeds of f/1.4 to f/2.8. Sigma has come out with a fine line of Art prime and short zoom lens in the last couple of years. Their standout 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens is especially a great value and has given the Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 some real competition for a fraction of the price.
Below is a video from DigitalRev testing the Milvus 50mm and 100mm lens. I am hoping Canon will step up to the challenge and announce replacement to the EF 50mm f/1.4, EF 50mm f/1.2L and EF 24-105mm f/4L lens soon.
At the EXPO 2015 was in New York and Paris, Canon played a video demonstration of their 250MP sensor. They described it as 'Turbulence Removal', which helps reduce environmental fluctuations that can show up in telephoto images.
The experimental 250MP is still a work-in-progress for a few years to come. The EOS-5Ds and EOS-5Ds R will be Canon's highest megapixel camera for the foreseeable future.
Canon announced the Ultra High Sensitivity Camera - ME20F-SH on July 20, 2015. It has a super-sensitive full-HD 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor inside a small form factor body. The new camera can record color images in near-complete darkness, while its cubic chassis can be placed unobtrusively on set or in the wild. While the sensor is only 2.2 megapixels (effective) in resolution, each pixel measures 19 microns, making it more than 7.5 times larger than an equivalent 18.1 megapixel 35mm full-frame sensor. This large pixel size allows the sensor to gather much more light in all situations. This helps images taken in low-light situations maintain a low noise floor for cleaner and more vivid video.
The rugged body is almost square in configuration and features multiple mounting points for discreet placement. The camera can capture images at up to ISO 4,000,000. Its low-light capability makes the camera ideal for wildlife documentaries, security and law enforcement purposes.
Using Canon’s EF mount, the camera is fully compatible with Canon’s EF line of lenses, including the CN-E lenses with electronic communication. Using the built-in crop mode, the camera is also compatible with EF-S lenses and Canon’s Cine Servo zoom lenses, which can be controlled through the camera, as well. The camera does not record video internally; rather, it sends 1080p video at up to 60 fps out from its 3G-SDI and HDMI terminals. One SDI terminal and the HDMI terminal can be programmed to include OSD (onscreen display) information for camera operation. The camera settings can be adjusted using the on-camera controls or via a remote control connected with the 2.5mm jack or the RS-422 terminal.
You can see a HD video of the camera in action from Canon Japan. This is an amazing video to watch. The camera retails for about $19,999 in the United States and some dealers are taking pre-orders now. I am very interested in this camera for my wildlife photography photo shoots but need to investigate it further once it is available.
RONKONKOMA, NY — October 16, 2015 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading DSLR lens and camera manufacturer, is setting new benchmarks for wide-angle image quality with the announcement of the newest Global Vision and market’s first full-frame 20mm F1.4 lens, the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens. The lens will be on display at PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo in New York City from October 22-24. The lens will become available late November for the street price of $899.
This revolutionary prime lens is designed to bring out the full potential of ultra-high-megapixel DSLR cameras. With a focal length of 20mm and F1.4 aperture, this lens delivers outstanding large-aperture brightness and bokeh. Through decades of experience in lens design and Sigma Global Vision lens craftsmanship, the 20mm incorporates both “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass, and five Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass in a design of 15 elements in 11 groups. The combination of advanced optics and optimized lens power distribution minimizes spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration and field curvature, producing outstanding image quality. The wide angle and outstanding image quality make this lens great for seascape, cityscape, and astrophotography, as well as for photos in low light, indoor photography, portraits, and event and wedding photography.
“While many saw the development of a 20mm lens for today’s super-resolution DSLRs as challenging, Sigma approached it head-on utilizing our advanced manufacturing technologies to create the world’s first 20mm F1.4 ultra-wide-angle lens,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “This new lens is a result of years of experience by the company’s optical engineers in developing state-of-the-art lens designs and proven production knowledge, and high-precision craftsmanship by our factory team in Aizu, Japan.”
From the start of the design process, Sigma took steps to minimize flare and ghosting, and established an optical design that is resistant to strong incidental light sources such as backlight with its Super Multi-Layer Coating. As with all Sigma Global Vision lenses, the 20mm F1.4 lens incorporates the latest Sigma technology, including an optimized autofocus (AF) algorithm for smooth, fast, and accurate focusing. In addition, Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) compound material is used, which has a high affinity to metal parts, consistently performs well at extreme temperatures, and reduces the size and weight of the lens.
This lens is compatible with Sigma’s USB Dock, (sold separately) which allows photographers to update the lens’ firmware, adjust focus points and customize full-time manual focus over-ride function settings using Sigma’s Optimization Pro software. A new metal lens cap (LC907-02) is also available as a separate accessory for $23.
The Sigma 20mm F1.4 Art lens will also feature :
A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that ensures a silent, high-speed AF function. Smoother AF is achieved when the this AF algorithm is optimized
A nine-blade, rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image
A brass bayonet mount of highly precise and durable construction to enhance mount’s strength and long-term wear resistance
Specifications :
Weight of 33.5 ounces; a diameter and length of 3.6 inches by 5.1 inches; a minimum aperture of F16; and angle of view (35mm) of 94.5°; minimum focusing distance of 10.9 inches; and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:7.1
Sigma fans can feel confident knowing that every 20mm lens that leaves Japan’s factory has been tested using Sigma’s own modulation transfer function (MTF) measuring system, “A1.” Other prime lenses in the Art line include : 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM, 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM, 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM, and 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM.
There is a top-rated merchant on eBay selling the Canon EOS-5Ds camera for $2,649 and EOS-5DsR for $3,049 including free shipping. The list price is $3,699 and $3,899 respectively. If you are interested in buying one, don't delay too much longer. Canon recently put out a list of recommended lens with this camera. Neither cameras is a good choice for wildlife photography, in my opinion. I am waiting for the EOS-1D X Mk II and EOS-5D Mk IV to debut later this year or early next year for my next DSLR purchase.
You will not find a link to these eBay items because I do not accept any advertisement or commissioned link on my Blog or website. I am completely unbiased in my recommendation and have no conflict of interest. You can find the listings on eBay easily yourself. Visit MichaelDanielHo.com to see my wildlife photography works.
Canon is addressing the issue regarding the phenomenon of Skipped Frames in footage recorded in Slow Motion on some EOS C300 Mark II Cinema Cameras. For a Canon USA White Paper on this camcorder, click here.
Thank you for using Canon products. We have become aware that there may be cases of skipped frames in footage recorded in slow motion on the EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera. Customer support for this phenomenon is described below.
We would like to offer our sincere apologies to users for the inconvenience caused by this phenomenon. Going forward, we will spare no effort in our quality management to make sure our customers can use our products with confidence.
Phenomenon
Except as provided below, footage recorded in slow motion in Slow & Fast Motion Recording Mode, in 4K and 2K/HD, and at all frame rates, may have skipped frames.
This phenomenon does not occur for slow motion recording at the following settings: 2K/HD recording at 59.94P & 50.00P frame rates.
Affected Product
EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera. Cameras with firmware version 1.0.0.1.00 are affected.
The camera’s firmware version can be checked from [System Setup] on the menu.
Press the MENU button, then select [System Setup] > [Firmware] > [Camera].
Support
We are planning to release new firmware that incorporates a fix for this phenomenon in early November.
Once the new firmware is ready, we will make an announcement on our website. If you wish to use the slow motion recording function before that time, please contact the Canon Service Center.
This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
If you have not already done so, please register your Canon C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email about future service upgrades.
