Meet The New SD Express Memory Cards With Mind Boggling Speed and Storage

Canon, Nikon and Sony 400mm f/2.8 Lens Comparison

My readers know me as The Wildlife Ho-tographer, utilizing Canon equipment for almost three decades and traversing the globe on wildlife photography shoots. Recently, I came back from a trip to the Okavango Delta and Chobe River. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Sony recently announced their new 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens. They are trying to beef up their lens lineup with the aim of challenging the Canon EF and Nikon Nikkor lenses.

At the moment, Sony has a lead in the mirrorless camera offering but Canon and Nikon are expected to announced their full frame, mirrorless camera in about one year or less.

I do not own a mirrorless camera but as I listen to some who are Sony supporters, they invariably talk about the 'superior' IQ quality of the A7 or A9 sensors and the '20 frames a second' burst rate.

Reminds me of the old days when so-called hi-fidelity aficionados religiously quote how low a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) their receivers put out compared to other models - .000001 vs .00001%
The implication is the former is superior to the latter. Never mind the fact it is only on paper and indistinguishable by the human ear.

The fact is one can always find some aspect of a certain camera or lens that is 'superior' to another manufacturer's comparable model but when a professional and/or serious photographer invests in a certain Camera and Lens system, one is really buying into a company's overall technology (present and future), service and support system worldwide.

To that end, I find Canon fits my needs quite well and I am ready to purchase their professional mirrorless camera once they are available if it fits my needs.

Canon's New HDAlbum EZ V2.0 Makes Quality Photo Books

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 25, 2018 – The average smart phone user has 630 photos stored in their phones – that’s a lot of memories captured with no place to go. Creating photo books to showcase all those memories is a great idea and thoughtful gift but the process can often feel daunting and time-consuming without the right application. Today, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce the launch of the new hdAlbum EZ v2.0 app, using our proprietary EAGiAL-M2 technology to automatically arrange images directly from your compatible mobile device3 to make the photo book creation process a fun hobby and creative outlet.

The imaging experts at Canon have completely redesigned the hdAlbum EZ app with the v2.0 update for a virtually seamless customer experience, allowing users to navigate the mobile interface with ease and convenience. The redesigned software creates attractive layouts for the user, creating beautiful photo books using 20 to 50 of their favorite images. It can also be linked to Facebook, Instagram and Verizon Cloud accounts.

“Canon is committed to offering time-saving solutions and creating intuitive platforms for imaging creation,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The newly redesigned hdAlbum EZ v2.0 software provides a streamlined user experience for consumers to capture and share their memories with friends and families while leveraging the high-quality printing capabilities Canon is known for delivering.”

Starting at $14.99, Canon photo books take less than a week (approx. 3-5 business days) for production. Canon hdAlbums are ideal gifts or keepsakes for life’s biggest moments such as graduations, family vacations, newborns, engagements, weddings and more – you can learn more about the photo books and the redesigned app by visiting the dedicated website.

New Canon Camera Bodies Showed Up For Certification

Canon is expected to announce a high end, full frame mirrorless camera, the EOS-90D and EOS-7D Mark III in the next 6 to 12 months.

A few Canon camera bodies have shown up as the company filed registration papers with certification authorities in various countries.

Canon DS126721 is registered with overseas certification bodies. This is most probably a new Rebel camera with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth.

Two DSLR test cameras are code named K436 (EOS-80D Mark II or EOS-90D?) and K437 (EOS-7D Mark III?). Additional mirrorless cameras are code named K424, K433 and EC 811. All the new cameras come with the DIGIC 8 processors.

K424 will be a 30MP full frame mirrorless camera and announcement is expected in late 2018 or early 2019. K333 will also be a full frame mirrorless camera but with less features and a lower price.
EC 811 may be the EOS-M5 Mark II APS-C mirrorless camera.

Sadly, I am not convinced the upcoming high end, Canon full frame mirrorless camera will fit my needs unless it comes with the EF mount. These are early days and there is little point in further speculation. Keep checking back for the latest information and development.

Canon EOS-90D Camera Will Be A Big Leap Forward

My readers know me as The Wildlife Ho-tographer, utilizing Canon equipment for almost three decades and traversing the globe on wildlife photography shoots. Recently, I came back from a trip to the Okavango Delta and Chobe River. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

As I travel to remote places, I am usually out of WiFi range and lack contact with the photography world and news but gain valuable field experiences in testing many Canon gear and equipment.

The bread-n-butter model of Canon's DSLR lineup is the EOS-80D. It has been over 2 years since this camera was announced. My sources informed me the replacement model, EOS-90D will be 'a big leap forward'.

This may mean a lot of things to many photographers but one thing is certain. Canon has been aware the video performance of their latest cameras may not be perceived as competitive as some Sony models, for instance. This does not bother me because my philosophy is as a still photographer, my equipment should be the best in class in one thing, and not try to be best in multiple classes. For those who prefer the best in videography, they should go for the EOS Cinema series of cameras. 

Nevertheless, perception is everything these days and Canon is known for a slow, methodical approach to introducing new products and features. Recently, Canon's CEO has expressed his desire to speed up the company's response to new innovations and developments.

My best guess is the EOS-90D may be announced some time in early 2019, perhaps around the CES or CP+ Show. Find out what to expect from Canon in terms of product announcement in the next 12 to 18 months. Keep checking back for the latest development and information.

What To Expect From Canon In 2018 and Beyond

I am back from my wildlife photography shoot in Botswana. It was quite an exciting tour and the water level in the Chobe River and Okavango Delta are high but not at their maximum height. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Now that Canon has announced two new bread-and-butter lenses, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III and EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II, what can we expect from Canon in the next year or so in terms of new cameras and lenses?

New Camera Bodies :

Hopefully the long awaited professional full frame mirrorless camera and the EOS-7D Mark III cameras will be announced some time in 2019. A prosumer mirrorless camera and one DSLR body may be announced ahead of Photokina in September 2018 in Germany. A few PowerShot models will also be announced before year end.

EC801 – Canon Powershot SX740

• 40x Zoom travel compact
• 1/2.3 Sensor
• Touchscreen
• GPS

EC804 – Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

• 4.2x Zoom
• 1″ sensor
• DPAF
• 4K Video
• GPS
• Comes with a new Canon 1inch sensor

EC811 Canon EOS M5 Mark II

• 28.3MP APS-C mirorless camera
• 4K video @30fps video and DPAF.
• Comes with a new Canon APS-C sensor

New Lenses :

• Two 'professional' lenses may be announced ahead of Photokina 2018
• EF-M 32mm f/1.4 lens may be announced ahead of Photokina 2018
• New 'kit' lens may be announced ahead of Photokina 2018

New EOS Cinema Bodies :

• Perhaps a replacement to the very popular EOS C300 Mark II with the Mark III model.
• New style of cinema camera body
• Canon management is determined to embark on an accelerated product development cycle over the next 18-24 months to coincide with the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Summer Olympics, both major world events will take place in Japan.

Canon Announces EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III and EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II Lens

I am on an African wildlife photography shoot. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 7, 2018 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced two new telephoto zoom lenses, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM. The new lenses serve advanced amateur and professional photographers in a variety of applications and solutions including wildlife, landscapes, portrait and sports photography. Canon EF 70-200mm focal-length lenses are a popular option for photographers in need of a long zoom range that maintains a relatively compact design. In addition, these updated lenses inherit the same overall build-quality and ruggedness photographers have come to expect from the Canon EF L-series line of lenses.

“At the core of image capturing, Canon believes the lens is just as important as the camera. A seamless relationship between the two allows photographers to produce emotion-evoking and timeless images,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon is excited to offer photographers two distinct options in the 70-200mm focal-length, continuing to further expand our optics heritage.”

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

The new Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM features numerous updates over its predecessor, making it an ideal lens for advanced amateur photographers using Canon DSLR cameras such as the EOS 6D Mark II or EOS 80D. Most notably, Optical Image Stabilization is upgraded from three stops to five shutter speed stops of correction over the original f/4 lens. The improved IS allows photographers to more easily capture crisp, in-focus images without the use of a tripod. The new lens also features three IS modes, each uniquely designed and suitable for a variety of shooting situations, such as the capture of still subjects, panning or fast moving objects2. Furthermore, the IS operational noise has been reduced, which proves ideal for photographers shooting in a concert hall or on-stage shooting at the theatre.

Additional noteworthy features of the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM include :

• One fluorite lens and two UD lenses helps to provide high-image quality
• Minimum focusing distance shortened from 1.2m to 1m (3.9ft to 3.3ft)
• Super Spectra Coating technology and optimized lens element placement helps minimize ghosting and flaring
• Circular nine blade aperture producing a beautiful bokeh quality, ideal for portrait shooting
• Lens features 20 lens elements in 15 groups
• Fluorine coating on front and rear elements helps to reduce smears and fingerprints
• Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

The new Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is an ideal lens for professional photographers who shoot with the Canon 1D and 5D series of DSLR cameras. The inclusion of Air Sphere Coating (ASC) technology helps to reduce flaring and ghosting, and suppresses the reflection of light.

Additional noteworthy features of the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM include :

• Optical Image Stabilizer up to 3.5 shutter speed stops of correction
• Fluorine coating on front and rear elements helps to reduce smears and fingerprints
• Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor
• One fluorite lens and five UD lenses helps to provide high-image quality
• Minimum focusing distance of 1.2m (3.9ft)
• Lens features 23 elements in 19 groups
• Circular eight blade aperture

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II is scheduled to begin shipping in late June 2018 with an estimated retail price of $1,299.00. The Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III is scheduled to begin shipping in August 2018 for an estimated retail price of $2,099.00.

Canon hands-on demonstrations and host panel discussions at Cine Gear Expo 2018

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 31, 2018 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will showcase its newest digital cinema products in Booth #12 at Cine Gear Expo 2018 in Los Angeles.

Visitors to the Canon booth will have the opportunity to experience the full range of Canon Cinema cameras and lenses, 4K reference displays, and DSLR cameras and lenses, including the recently announced EOS C700 FF Cinema Camera. Available in EF or PL mount, the EOS C700 FF features a 5.9K full-frame sensor with built-in anamorphic de-squeeze capabilities and RAW capture. The camera will be on display paired with the CN-E20mm T1.5 LF F lens, the latest addition to Canon’s line of CN-E prime lenses. Canon’s newest 4K HDR reference display, the 24-inch DP-V2421, will also be available for hands-on demonstrations, showcasing on-set HDR functionality.

Cine Gear attendees will be able to learn more about Canon’s CarePAK PRO Extended Service Plan, which recently expanded to include professional video and cinema products. Canon CarePAK PRO offers coverage from accidental damage such as drops, spills and power surges, protecting customer investments from unforeseen repair costs and excessive downtime. Conditions and restrictions apply*.

In addition to showcasing products and professional service and support offerings, Canon will host a series of panel discussions and educational seminars. On Saturday, attendees** will have the opportunity to see the new EOS C700 FF in action with a screening of Dishful of Dollars, a short film directed by Nigel Dick and shot by Nancy Schreiber, ASC. The full panel schedule is as follows:

Friday, June 1

2:30-3:15 pm

Screening Room 5

Choosing Between Full Frame And Super 35mm: A Hands-On Image Characteristics Comparison for Cinematographers
Instructor: Loren Simons, Sr. Engineer, Field Applications, Canon U.S.A.

Friday, June 1

5:30-6:30 pm

Paramount Theater

Options in Optics

Moderator : Tim Smith, Sr. Film and Television Advisor, Canon U.S.A.

Panelists :

Daniel Levin (Inside the FBI)
Claudia Raschke (RBG, The Price of Everything)
Steven Poster (The Boor, Amityville: The Awakening)
Saturday, June 2

4:30-5:30 pm

Paramount Theater

Dishful of Dollars – In-depth with the EOS C700 Full Frame

Moderator: Tim Smith, Sr. Film and Television Advisor, Canon U.S.A.

Panelists :

• Nancy Schreiber, ASC (Director of Photography)
• Nigel Dick (Director)
• Gunnar Mortensen (1st AC)
• Loren Simons (Sr. Engineer, Field Applications, Canon U.S.A.)

Follow Canon’s Cine Gear activities on Twitter at @CanonUSApro or on Instagram at @CanonUSAprovideo.