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Saturday, October 29, 2016

Leonardo DiCaprio Used Canon C300 Mark II Camera For 'Before The Flood' Documentary



Canon Cinema EOS C300 Mark II camera

MELVILLE, N.Y., October 28, 2016 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that Academy Award winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Fisher Stevens chose Canon EOS Digital Cinema cameras and lenses, including the Cinema EOS C300 Mark II camera, for their new documentary Before the Flood. Directed by Stevens and produced by DiCaprio, the film presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change, as well as the actions individuals and society can take to help prevent catastrophic disruption on our planet. Before the Flood premieres on National Geographic Channel this Sunday, October 30th at 9 pm ET/8 pm CT in 171 countries and 45 languages. Coinciding with the television premiere, Before the Flood will also be released commercial free on a number of digital and streaming platforms around the world, including NatGeoTV.com and Nat Geo TV Apps.

The two filmmakers, known for their environmentally themed documentaries, joined forces for Before the Flood’s two-year production, which follows U.N. Messenger of Peace DiCaprio as he travels to five continents and the Arctic speaking to scientists, world leaders, activists and local residents to gain a deeper understanding of the complex issue of climate change and investigates concrete solutions to the most pressing environmental challenge of our time.

“Canon is honored to have been selected as the camera and lenses of choice in the creation of this documentary,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Viewers will see on Sunday, with the clarity of the imagery produced with Cinema EOS products, a compelling picture of the current environmental conditions around the world.” To capture the stunning visuals of the documentary, cinematographer Antonio Rossi relied on a mix of Canon EOS Digital Cinema cameras. He began production with the EOS C500 and EOS-1D C Digital Cinema Cameras, the latter often rigged to a handheld camera stabilizer. They shot portions of the documentary in RAW 4K using the EOS C500 camera in conjunction with an external recorder.

When the EOS C300 Mark II camera was introduced, the production adopted it as their new “A” camera. “The switch to the C300 Mark II camera was seamless and easy, and we were happy to have on-board 4K recording as well as extended color gamut options,” Rossi said. “Overall, we found that Canon Cinema EOS cameras were the perfect tools for this project, as they enabled us to shoot in a variety of configurations while maintaining a consistently beautiful look and image quality.” Before the Flood mixes interviews with some of the most influential world leaders, with chilling but beautiful footage from locations impacted by our changing global climate. Rossi and his team traveled north of the Arctic Circle to Greenland and to Canada’s Baffin Island to show the rapid ice melts, as well as to Sumatra to capture some palm oil farmers burning rain forest habitat, among other shooting locations.

Rossi primarily outfitted his cameras with the Canon CN-E 30-105mm T2.8 compact zoom lens and the CN-E 17-120mm T2.95-3.9 CINE-SERVO lens.

“Before the Flood is vital viewing for anyone who has any doubts about humanity’s role in global climate change,” Rossi said. “Working with Fisher Stevens and Leonardo DiCaprio on the film was a magical and elucidating journey.” 

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II Lens Shipment Delayed


Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L I S II USM lens


The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS is my favorite walk about, all round lens. It is reasonably fast and offers me the best range of wide to short focal length. When the Series II lens was announced, I ordered it immediately and the delivery was supposed to start on October 31.




Apparently it has been delayed due to heavy demand. The lens also comes as a kit with the EOS-5D Mark IV camera. That is apparently where the initial production quantity will go first to fill the orders. I bring this lens on all my travel and wildlife photography shoots. Heading out on a Polar bear tour soon. Will update my blog with some photos if I have time. You can follow my travels on Facebook, Twitter and see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com     

Canon DPP, EOS Utility Updates Support EOS-M5 and New Lenses




New updates from Canon on DPP, EOS Utility and Picture Style Editor. Download your copy and stay current.

Digital Photo Professional 4.5.10 for Windows 
  • Supports EOS M5.
  • Supports EF-M18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM, EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM.
  • Improves accuracy of the lens data of Digital Lens Optimizer for EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM.

EOS Utility 3.5.10 for Windows 

  • Supports EOS M5.
  • Supports EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM, EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM.

Picture Style Editor 1.17.10 for Windows  
  • Supports EOS M5.


Thursday, October 27, 2016

World Press Photo and Canon Make Change To Foundation




The following is from Canon Professional Network


World Press Photo Foundation revealed this week the launch of exciting new activities, including a new contest, a year-long talent scouting program and a new platform for debating industry issues. CPN Web Editor Deniz Dirim reports...

In the past year, the World Press Photo Foundation has revealed a host of transformations such as the introduction of a new code of ethics, satellite masterclasses and a brand new ‘Immersive Storytelling’ category. In a press conference held in Amsterdam on 26th October, World Press Photo Managing Director Lars Boering presented even bigger plans for the foundation in 2017 and 2018.

Presenting the press conference Boering emphasised: “It used to be one peak. The whole organisation was resting on one big pillar which was the announcement of the year. This year we measured the impact of the Photo of the Year and it had one billion potential views worldwide. But now, mapping things out throughout the year, making sure you are seen and active throughout the year becomes very important.”

For starters, World Press Photo’s Photo Contest and Digital Storytelling Contest (formerly known as the Multimedia Contest) are both opening for entries on December 1st 2016. The winners of both contests will be announced on February 13th. With the aim to be more accessible, World Press Photo will for the first time host a 2017 World Press Photo Festival of Visual Journalism in Amsterdam, the Netherlands in the two days leading up to the Awards Ceremony on April 22nd. While Boering reassured that the Photo Contest will still hold “the biggest place”, the press conference’s audience was curious to hear more about the foundation’s new contest for creative documentary photography.

A BRAND NEW CONTEST FOR 2017

In October 2017 the foundation will launch a new contest, which will embrace the role of manipulation in imagery presenting real people and events. World Press Photo Communications Manager David Campbell confirmed that the contest will recognise photography that is “literally constructed”. While the name and specifications of the new contest are yet to be determined it will exist in stark contrast to the prestigious Photo Contest. When asked what type of photography would qualify in the new contest, Boering cited Canon Master Nick Nichols’ beautiful image of a 1,500-year-old redwood tree – which is a composite of 84 frames – as an example. “That kind of work, it’s a single but it’s also part of a bigger story,” explained Boering.
During the World Press Photo Awards Days 2016, World Press Photo introduced the Witness brand with an effective campaign. Moving forward, World Press Photo will launch Witness as an online publication on the platform Medium starting November 1st. Witness’ five sections – business, issues, talent, skills and stories – will offer a dedicated online space to view World Press Photo’s latest activities and discuss the industry’s hottest topics. While World Press Photo will reserve editorial control of content on Witness, the foundation is looking forward to inviting external writers to contribute to the dialogue. Speaking about Witness, Boering shared: “It is a place where we can be criticised. You don’t have to be afraid for that. It’s where the debate takes place.”

Finally, the foundation is starting a new project ‘6x6 Global Talent Program’ which, by form of nominations, will pick six new talents from each of the world’s six continents each year.

Since his appointment to Director in January 2015, Boering has travelled around the world to consult with influential players in the photographic industry. He concludes: “This has been a result of working very hard for a couple of months. And it’s also showing that we have great ambition. We are definitely on the move and it’s going to take a lot of hard work to make sure that we fulfil our promises. But I do think that it’s doable and I also think that all we do there is so much connected to the basic principles that World Press Photo always has stood for; why it was started in ’55 and why we are still, in 2016 and beyond, very important.”

Founded in 1955, the World Press Photo Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The foundation receives support from the Dutch Postcode Lottery and is sponsored worldwide by Canon.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Canon Inc. Q3 Operating Profits Nearly Halved On Yen's Strength




Reuters reported Canon Inc.'s third quarter operating profits almost halved, mostly due to reduction in camera equipment sales and the strength of the Yen. However, Canon is not slowing down in its planned product introduction. The Canon EOS-6D Mark II, EOS-5Ds Mark II and a high end, full frame mirrorless camera are expected to come in the next year or so.


"Oct 26 Japan's Canon Inc said on Tuesday its third quarter operating profit fell 48 percent, hurt by a strengthened yen following Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

Operating profit for the three months ended Sept. 30 declined to 40 billion yen ($383.62 million) from 77.3 billion yen a year earlier. Five analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters estimated an average third quarter operating profit of 58.3 billion yen.

The world's biggest maker of cameras and printers also lowered its operating profit forecast for the year through December to 235 billion yen from a 265 billion yen estimate in July. ($1 = 104.2700 yen) (Reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)"


We can expect a host of lower priced DSLR and point-n-shoot cameras to come in the next few months. Expect a Rebel T7i and a few PowerShot models to be announced soon. Nokishita has uncovered a bunch of Canon equipment registration with Taiwan authorities for upcoming product release, most probably for CES 2017 from January 5 - 8, 2017 in Las Vegas.


DSLR Camera Bodies
  • DS126651 (Previously seen)
  • Taiwan NCC (PDF document)
  • Wi-Fi · Bluetooth equipped
  • DS126661 (First time)
  • Taiwan NCC (PDF document)
  • Wi-Fi · Bluetooth equipped
  • Unpublished SKU (unknown if it were a single-lens reflex): 1791C002AA, 1792C002AA

Mirror-less camera
  • PC2279 (Previously seen)
  • SKU : 1724C002AA, 1724C012AA, 1724C022AA, 1725C002AA, 1725C012AA, 1725C022AA
  • Color : 2 colors

PowerShot Cameras
  • PC2323
  • SKU : 1717C002AA, 1718C002AA
  • Color : Two
  • PC2334 / PC2335
  • SKU : 1790C002AA, 1879C001AA
  • Color: 2 colors
  • PC2329 / PC2332
  • SKU : 1794C001AA, 1797C001AA, 1800C001AA
  • Color : Three
  • PC2333
  • SKU : 1803C001AA, 1806C001AA, 1809C001AA
  • Color : Three
  • PC2325

Accessories
  • EVF-DC2
  • An electronic view finder
  • SKU : 1727C001AA, 1882C001AA
  • DS586111
  • Wireless Remote Controller

Monday, October 24, 2016

Canon Full Frame Mirrorless Camera On Its Way




I have reported in past months Canon is getting serious about their mirrorless camera line and is working on a full frame mirrorless camera. In addition, Canon's engineers are also working on a full frame, compact mirrorless body as well. There are a few prototypes floating around in their Research and Development labs.

The good news is a high end, full frame mirrorless camera is definitely coming from Canon. The bad news is there will be a longish wait, perhaps late 2017 or early 2018.

The challenge is Canon has to perfect the integration of the full frame sensor to their EF line of lenses, without using an adapter. They already have two other lens format, EF-S and EF-M, and neither one is as successful as the EF mount.

Currently, I am not a fan of mirrorless cameras. However, I can be persuaded to buy one if it meets my requirements. My only 'complaint' about the current Canon bodies that I use for my work, the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-5Ds, is, they can feel a bit heavy after using it for hours during a wildlife photo shoot. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com and follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter

Sunday, October 23, 2016

How Much Does Apple iPhone 7 Camera Module Cost?




Apple has dominated the smartphone universe for many years. Recently, with the introduction of their new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, many people will be surprised to know the total components inside the iPhone 7 are estimated to cost about $220 to $275.

In particular, the camera module inside the iPhone 7 costs about $26. The sensors on the front and rear cameras are sourced from Sony. These numbers are estimates provided by IHS Markit and Chipworks. Surveys have indicated the two most used features of a smartphone are photography and texting. The performance and functionality of the camera rank very high in the minds of every smartphone user when they consider the purchase.




It is probably the worst kept secret to anyone following the photographic industry but camera manufacturers have been experiencing declining sales for the last few years. The main reason is due to changing customer preference and the advancement in many smartphone cameras.

Canon, the largest photographic equipment manufacturer in the world has experience drops in profits in the last few quarters. They are hardly alone and based on the most recent data published by CIPA, the Japan-based Camera & Imaging Products Association, sales have not improved much so far this year.

It seems mirrorless cameras offered the industry a bright spot for about two years but now sales are leveling off and the increase in sales may have been at the expense of the traditional DSLR market.
There is no question smartphones have taken away some sales from the low end point-and-shoot and DSLR camera segment, but the best way to keep a photographic company relevant is to come out with the state of the art product to convince serious photographers why it is still the traditional DSLR camera that takes the best photos. What is more important than the number of DSLR sold is the mix of the sales, since low end cameras like the Canon Rebel and SL series bring considerably less profit than the higher end models like the EOS-5 and EOS-1 bodies.

My readers know, I am the Wildlife Ho-tographer, not a videographer but there are times I like to take a quick video and photos of my encounters. This is when my state-of-the-art smartphone kicks in because it is faster and more convenient to use than my DSLRs. My Canon EOS-1D X Mk II and EOS-5Ds cameras are the main bodies for my work. You can see my equipment bag and more of my photos on MichaelDanielHo.com.




I am not an Apple smartphone owner but have used them. Their closed system does not appeal to me. Instead I use Samsung smartphones, like the Note 7. On my recently concluded Southern Africa Wildlife Photo Tour, I have used both my smartphone and DSLR cameras to take photos and find the two types of photography perfectly compatible with each other.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Canon USA Opens New Service Center in New Jersey




I am fortunate to live close to one of these state-of-the-art facilities. They are aesthetically beautiful to be in and the services provided are first class. The display of Canon cameras, lenses and other equipment inside are simply mouth-wateringly tempting to many photographers. 


MELVILLE, N.Y., October 18, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that their service operation in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey has relocated to 125 Chubb Ave., Suite 100N, Lyndhurst, New Jersey. The new Professional Service & Support Center is geared toward industry professionals and photo enthusiasts and is designed to support the imaging community in the New York metropolitan area. This facility will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM on a walk-in basis with no appointments needed.

At this new location, Canon will showcase many of its latest imaging products in the professional products showroom with a Canon technical expert on-site to demonstrate product features and answer questions. The state-of-the-art facility also offers repair and maintenance operations for Canon’s extensive lineup of professional Cinema and Broadcast lenses, EF series photography lenses, Cinema EOS and EOS Digital SLR cameras, and high-definition camcorders. Repair operations at the facility include six state-of-the-art lens and camera adjustment rooms, Canon’s most advanced adjustment and calibration equipment, spare parts inventory, and experienced repair staff.

“The new facility in Lyndhurst will provide an inviting location for Canon’s existing customers as well as new customers looking to learn more about our products,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “This move also continues the expansion and improvements of our 100 percent U.S.-based service and support network.”

The Lyndhurst facility is one of three service facilities that Canon has made available to professional clients, joining the Canon Hollywood Professional Technology & Support Center, located in Hollywood, California, and the Chicago Professional Service & Support Center, located in Itasca, Illinois. These facilities provide local support to key markets and deliver an average repair process time of less than two days for CPS customers.

Additional camera and lens service facilities for both professional and consumer clients are located in Jamesburg, NJ, Costa Mesa, CA and Newport News, VA.

For an exciting video tour highlighting the features of the new facility, please visit : www.pro.usa.canon.com/lyndhurst

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Sigma Announces CINE High Speed Zoom Lens




New York, NY – October 20, 2016 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading DSLR lens, camera, flash and accessory manufacturer, announced today that the Cine High Speed Zoom 18-35mm T2 and 50-100mm T2 lenses will begin shipping on December 9, 2016 for a retail price of $3999.00 USD. Born from the new Sigma Cine family of products, the High Speed Zoom lenses leverage the outstanding optical design of the company’s world-renowned Global Vision still photography lenses. Combined with the 100% new mechanical lens body design, the Cine lenses meet needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production with the core optical quality DNA that has defined the Sigma benchmark of imaging excellence.

See the Sigma Cine Family of Products at PDN/PPE 2016 Expo

Demonstrated for the first time to the public in the United States, attendees to the 2016 PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo (PPE), held at the Javits Convention Center in New York City from October 20-22, 2016, can see first-hand the new Sigma Cine family of lenses:

Cine High Speed Zoom Line – 18-35mm T2 and 50-100mm T2

The high speed zoom line, which is compatible with the Super35 image size standard, offers the constant aperture of T2 throughout the zoom range with superior optical performance that is capable of high-resolution 6K-8K shooting. Delivering the highest image quality in its class, the High Speed Zoom is ergonomically compact and designed for E, EF and PL camera system mounts.

Cine FF Zoom Line – 24-35mm T2.2 FF

Compatible with a full-frame image sensor, the FF Zoom’s outstanding optical performance also supports 6K-8K shooting. Because so few lenses cater to the requirements of the latest digital cinema cameras’ image sensors, this line provides a rare option for cinematographers. The FF Zoom is designed for E and EF camera system mounts.

Cine FF High Speed Prime Line – 20mm T1.5 FF, 24mm T1.5 FF, 35mm T1.5 FF, 50mm T1.5 FF and 85mm T1.5 FF

The Cine High Speed Prime lineup features lenses ranging from 20mm to 85mm, with all five touting an aperture of T1.5. Highly compact and compatible with full-frame sensors, these lenses offer superior resolution. They bring a consistent level of light to the production, offering greater consistency to any film’s color, contrast and overall look before it enters post-production. The FF High Speed Prime line is designed for E, EF and PL camera system mounts.

For more information on the Sigma Cine Lenses, please visit https://www.sigmaphoto.com/cinema-lenses/?link=Sept-M-cine.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

New Canon Patent Discovered For a Curved Sensor




Egami, the Japanese photography blog has uncovered a new Canon patent for a curved image sensor. According to translated patent literature :

"an optical system which makes an object image image on an imaging surface of the image sensor. A driving means which incurvates an imaging surface of the aforementioned image sensor, a control means which controls the aforementioned driving means and incurvates the aforementioned image sensor so that it may become the curvature according to curvature-of-field aberration and a photographing condition of the aforementioned optical system."

Patent Publication No. 2016-173496

  • Published 2016.9.29
  • Filing date 2015.3.17
  • However, generally a dark current is generated by the image sensor, especially since the time of or during long exposure sensitivity is sometimes noise due to dark current are noticeable, various noise reduction process is performed. On the other hand, the imaging surface imaging element is curved in the imaging element curved dark current generated by the imaging device is known to be reduced by the tensile stress.

Canon patent

  • Curving the imaging surface drive means
  • Driving means magnetic force

Curvature

  • Curvature of dark current noise is reduced
  • Curvature priority to the correction of the curvature of field aberration

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Canon Announces Three Premium Fine Art Papers for Professional Photographers




MELVILLE, N.Y., October 18, 2016 – Photographers have a wide range of paper options when printing their work and choosing the right paper to match the work is key to professional and amateur photographers alike. Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, continues to show their commitment to the professional printing market by announcing today three new Premium Fine Art papers — Premium Fine Art Smooth, Premium Fine Art Bright White and Premium Polished Rag. Designed to produce, rich-color reproduction, and detailed expression of gradation, these new papers will help photographers take their images to the next level and create works of art.

“Canon continues to be committed to our professional printing audience and these new papers are a great example of providing the tools needed to create great artwork,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Having a wide range of versatile media support for our printers allows users to choose the best paper to create their masterpiece.”

Premium Fine Art Smooth paper is designed to produce a deep, rich black by allowing the pigment to reside close to the surface of the paper. This line of paper separates the ink-receiving layers into a color-reproduction layer and an absorbing layer allowing more pigment to remain on the surface of the paper for a dramatically improved color reproduction. Premium Fine Art Smooth uses 100% cotton for the base and it does not contain lignin, a causative substance that can result in yellow discoloration. This is an acid-free paper suitable for archival prints and image longevity. Additionally, when using the newly optimized LUCIA PRO ink, users will realize deeper black density, detail gradation of shadow and increased image longevity. The new Premium Fine Art Smooth adopts “natural” for tone of color, and “smooth” for texture of paper surface. The combination of the thickness of the paper and the soft, tender texture of cotton achieves a luxurious feeling final product. This 310 gsm paper is available in cut sheet sizes as well as 17, 24, 36 and 44-inch roll sizes.

Premium Fine Art Bright White is a high-quality, 100% cotton, acid-free inkjet paper with a bright white tone that provides more visual contrast. The very smooth and silky surface lends itself to high-color consistency and gamut making it ideal for profound photographic prints and fine art reproductions. This 305 gsm media is available in 24, 36, 44 and 60-inch roll sizes.

Premium Polished Rag is a semi-glossy, acid-free, bright white, 100% cotton-based paper designed to meet the needs of photographers or artists using digital photographic output and computer-generated artwork. These museum-quality papers provide excellent image sharpness and superb color gradation. They provide high-color consistency and gamut while being free of optical brighteners. This 305 gsm media paper is available in 24, 36 and 44 and 60-inch roll sizes.

These Canon Premium Fine Art papers are now available to order. For more information : http://www.usa.canon.com

Monday, October 17, 2016

Are Smartphones Threatening The Survival of DSLR Cameras?




It is probably the worst kept secret to anyone following the photographic industry but camera manufacturers have been experiencing declining sales for the last few years. The main reason is due to changing customer preference and the advancement in many smartphone cameras.

Canon, the largest photographic equipment manufacturer in the world has experienced drops in profits in the last few quarters. They are hardly alone and based on the most recent data published by CIPA, the Japan-based Camera & Imaging Products Association, sales have not improved much so far this year.

It seems mirrorless cameras offered the industry a bright spot for about two years but now sales are leveling off and the increase in sales may have been at the expense of the traditional DSLR market.
There is no question smartphones have taken away some sales from the low end point-and-shoot and DSLR camera segment, but the best way to keep a photographic company relevant is to come out with the state of the art product to convince serious photographers why it is still the traditional DSLR camera that takes the best photos. What is more important than the number of DSLR sold is the mix of the sales, since low end cameras like the Rebel and SL series bring considerably less profit than the higher end models like the EOS-5 and EOS-1 bodies.

My readers know, I am the Wildlife Ho-tographer using Canon equipment for over 25 years. Through the decades, I have used almost all of Canon's cropped and full frame, film and digital cameras and lenses. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com. On my recently concluded Polar bear photo shoot in the Canadian sub Arctic, I have used both my smartphone and DSLR cameras to take photos and find the two types of photography perfectly compatible with each other.  I use the EOS-1D X Mk II and EOS-5Ds cameras as main bodies for my work.

Wildlife Photography and BBC Planet Earth 2 Series


Bengal tiger 'fishing' in Ramganga River, Corbett National Park, India


My readers know I am the Wildlife Ho-tographer traveling the globe on wildlife photography shoots for over a quarter of a century. On my most recent tours, I have been testing the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera. You can see my equipment bag plus works on MichaelDanielHo.com and follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter.

Below is a trailer from the upcoming BBC wildlife series, Planet Earth 2. Like many of you, I am anxiously waiting for the new episodes to air.


Canon Miniature Satellite Will Use EOS-5D as Main Camera


Canon EOS-5D Mark IV full frame camera


Canon announced the EOS-5D Mark IV camera in August, 2016. It is planning to announce the EOS-5Ds Mark II some time next year. The EOS-5D camera line is on its 11th year and going strong. I bought the first EOS-5D when it was launched in 2005 and use the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-5Ds as my main cameras on wildlife photography shoots. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

The Nikkei Asian Review reports Canon is planning to get into the Space Satellite Imaging business. Below is an excerpt from their article.


TOKYO -- Canon will put a miniature satellite under development in orbit in March on a trial mission, as the Japanese company seeks liftoff for a business that could generate tens of billions of yen annually.

Satellites are employed in fields such as communications, broadcasting and weather. But smaller versions are being developed for expanded commercial applications. Images produced from those miniature satellites can be used for agriculture, disaster prevention and container tracking at ports. Such images also can help determine the best places to build parking lots, among other market research uses.

U.S.-based SpaceWorks Enterprises estimates that up to 3,000 satellites weighing 50kg or less will be launched within a seven-year span beginning in 2016.

Canon Electronics, a subsidiary that makes precision components for cameras and printers, will handle the project. The unit developed the first demonstration prototype, which will be sent into orbit by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, a rocket supplied by the Indian Space Research Organization. The two sides inked a deal after agreeing to the orbital path, the time frame and other conditions for the launch. The satellite will take off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in southeast India.

Canon will operate the satellite for two years, validating the photographic precision and making calibrations as needed. The company will hunt for orders during that time. Canon looks to sell and operate the satellites in package deals, as well as provide images for clients that request it. The company aims to reap sales of about 50 billion yen ($482 million) by around 2020, and 100 billion yen in 2030.

The miniature satellite will come equipped with Canon's optical and precision technology burnished through the digital camera business. Production costs will fall under 1 billion yen -- a fraction of what is typically required for larger satellites. Canon's satellite weighs 65kg and measures 85cm by 50cm by 50cm. A telescope affixed to an imaging device based on Canon's EOS 5D camera will be installed.

The satellite will orbit at an altitude of roughly 500km, circling the Earth about 15 times daily. Images can achieve roughly 1 meter resolution, highly detailed for a miniature satellite. The satellite is to be capable of determining the sizes and numbers of objects such as vehicles, buildings and farms. It also could be used to collect data on landslides, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Canon also intends to launch a business in producing precision instruments for use in space. Some of the corresponding equipment in the first miniature satellite prototype was procured from other places. But the company plans to fabricate all the precision instruments for the second prototype, due to launch in three years.  

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Canon EOS-5Ds Mark II Camera Coming in 2017?



Canon announced its long awaited EOS-5D Mark IV camera in August. The EOS-5Ds and EOS-5Ds R were announced back in February, 2015. Frankly, I find it unnecessary to have two different models of this camera. Originally, I was not going to buy this body because I shoot primarily wildlife photography and the slow burst rate (5 fps) deterred me. 

My main body is the EOS-1D X Mark II but finally, I relented and bought the EOS-5Ds to replace my EOS-1Ds Mark III and have been quite happy since. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Word is the EOS-5Ds Mark II may arrive some time late 2017 or early 2018. It will probably just come in one model, with a new sensor and practically identical ergonomics with the present models but with a slight weight reduction. This will represent a shorter replacement cycle for Canon but the competition for high end, full frame camera is heating up, especially coming from Sony and Canon has to respond. Keep checking back for more information and latest development. 

Monday, October 10, 2016

Canon's Invitation to Photographers to Showcase Australia




From Canon Australia :

Australia is as diverse a country as it is vast. Across its breadth, we enjoy a huge variety of landscapes, city scapes and architecture, cultures and communities, sports and passions that make where we live special.

In the spirit of No One Sees It Like You, Canon wants to help all Australian’s capture and share their local community as they see it – that’s the real Australia.

Launching on 10 October 2016, Snap Australia is a four week program through the network of 108 individual News Community Media and their associated websites and social media channels. Each week, you will have the opportunity to shoot practice briefs in the lead up to the big day on 16 November.

Helping you take photos that show Australia in its best light, the Canon Collective Ambassadors in each state will give you simple tips and inspiration through editorials in your local newspaper and online in short videos.

“Snap Australia is a great opportunity to grab your camera and show your community in its best light to the rest of Australia and the world,” says Steve Loughran, General Manager of the Canon Collective. “We’re looking forward to helping people with simple pointers to take shots that bring out the stories, characters, beauty and passions that make up a community. And because everyone sees things differently, we’ll see loads of unique perspectives come through which is really exciting.” Keep an eye out for us in your News Community Media newspaper – online or in print – and to get involved just visit snapaustralia.com.au.

Where is Snap Australia taking place?

The Snap Australia program is a News Community Media program comprising the five community publishing divisions in Sydney/Central Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

How do I get involved?

Keep an eye out for the weekly brief in your News Community Media newspaper or visit snapaustralia.com.au

Who are the Canon Collective?

The Canon Collective provide people with a range of unique experiences to learn and practice photographic skills together, regardless of age or skill. Why not come and join us?

  • Enjoy unique photography experiences
  • Meet passionate people
  • Try the latest Canon gear

Take a look at the Canon Collective site and select your location for photography events near you.

Friday, October 7, 2016

New Canon Patent - EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Lens


Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II lens


A new patent for the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS lens has been uncovered. This may be the beginning of the Series III version of this venerable lens.

I reported recently Canon is reworking the entire line of their Super Telephoto lens with the approaching 2020 Summer Olympics Games in Tokyo in mind. The current EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II is one of the sharpest lens around and a favorite of mine for wildlife photography. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com


Patent Publication No. 2016-173439 (Translated)

  • Published 2016.9.29
  • Filing date 2015.3.17
  • Focal length 292.46
  • F-number 2.91
  • Angle of view 4.23
  • Image height 21.64
  • Overall length of the lens 273.95
  • BF 60.81

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Canon EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 IS Super Zoom Lens Coming




Late in 2015, I reported Canon has filed a patent for a Super Zoom EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 IS lens and is scheduled to release the lens some time in 2017. The EOS-6D Mark II full frame camera is expected to be announced some time in Q1, perhaps before the CP+ Show in Yokohama, Japan.

There is a chance the EF 200-600mm lens may accompany the EOS-6D Mark II during the announcement. My readers know I am not impressed by the Super Zoom models from Sigma and Tamron in the form of a 150-600mm lens. The new Canon lens will not be a 'L' model. That means it will be priced slightly higher than the third parties lens and most probably not weather and dust sealed.

I may be interested in this new lens depending on the built quality but the one Super Telephoto lens I am most interested in is the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR, expected to debut some time next year as well. Keep checking back for the latest info as I receive them.

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO BR Lens Coming in 2018?


Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens


Canon is working on improving their Super Telephoto lens line with the aim of increasing image quality, focal length and decreasing weight. Their EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II is a fine example of this. I purchased the Series I model over 10 years ago but the Series II is a dramatic improvement and I expect more Diffractive Optics models will be announce in the years ahead.

The EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens made an appearance in last year's Canon EXPO in New York City. This lens will be announced some time next year, in time for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. I am anxious to buy this lens. Canon has big plans for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. They will pull out all the stops and announce many exciting high and medium end cameras and lenses prior to that great occasion. Keep checking back for the latest information and development. You can see my Canon lens recommendation, equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com  

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Canon Patent - 60-800mm f/4-5.6 Cinema Lens



Canon filed a new patent for a Cinema lens with the effective focal length of 60-800mm f/4-5.6. The Super Zoom lens may be released in time for the 2020 Summer Olympics Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Patent Publication No. 2016-173529

  • Published 2016.9.29
  • Filing date 2015.3.18
  • Example
  • Zoom ratio 13.33
  • Focal length 60.00 300.00 800.00
  • F-number 4.00 4.00 5.60
  • Half angle of view (degrees) 14.53 2.97 1.11
  • The total lens length 465.36 465.36 465.36
  • BF 55.10 55.10 55.10