Nikon Top-of-the-Line D5 Camera Photos Leaked

* * *  Read the announcement of the Nikon D5 camera here  * * *

In my earlier post, I have written about the Nikon D5 camera perhaps being announced for the upcoming CES 2016 in Las Vegas in January.

Now leaked photos of the new camera are out. This new DSLR is being mass produced right now at Nikon's Sendai plant in Japan. That means the announcement cannot be far behind and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera will soon follow. Keep checking back. More to come . . . .

Nikon D5 20MP full frame camera

More Canon EF, EF-M and 'L' Lens Coming in 2016

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, EF 135mm f/2L IS II and we may eventually see these 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. The following EF lens are in their final development stages and we could see them announced in 2016 :

Non 'L' lens : EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS III, EF 50mm f/1.4 II

'L' lens : EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III, EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III

Two lens I am most eager to get my hands on are the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR and EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6L IS, if Canon decides to put them into production. They will be great wildlife photography lens addition to my equipment bag. You can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com

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. More to come . . . . . 

What To Expect From CES 2016 in January

The Consumer Electronic Show is only about one month away and takes places on January 6 - 9, 2016 in Las Vegas. Generally, this is a big trade show for electronic, photographic and entertainment companies featuring their 'must have' gadgets and new technologies.

Photographic companies usually showcase their consumer grade cameras and gear with one notable exception. Nikon announced their top-of-the-line DSLR camera, the D4 at the CES 2012. There is a chance they may choose to announce its replacement, the D5 camera at the show in January again. In addition, I reported yesterday Nikon may be in the process of buying Samsung's mirrorless business and they may also make an announcement at the show as well. Samsung has 'officially' denied the rumor but do you really expect them to confirm it before the deal is signed and sealed?

Canon normally announces a few low end PowerShot point-n-shoot cameras at the Show and is not expected to showcase their soon to be released, top-of-the-line EOS-1D X Mark II or the EOS-5D Mark IV until Q1 and Q2 respectively. The smallest DSLR on the market, the Rebel SL1 was announce on October, 2014. Canon may introduce its replacement, the Rebel SL2 and perhaps the EOS-80D DSLR cameras at the Show. Of course, Canon can choose to announce more products after the CES as well, perhaps at the end of the month. Keep checking back. More to come . . . . .

Latest Info on Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera?

* * *  See the EOS-1D X Mark II vs Nikon D5 comparison  * * *

* * *  Nikon has officially announced their top-of-the-line D5 camera  * * *

The current EOS-1D X camera has been my pick as the best full frame DSLR camera for sports and wildlife photography over three years in a row. According to the latest information I have received, the long awaited EOS-1D X Mark II model will be equipped with 4K video. That indicates to me Canon feels Nikon will definitely include 4K video in their soon to be announced top-of-the-line D5 camera. They also want to make sure Sony, Leica and Nikon are not the only companies with a full frame camera capable of 4K video.

In order to support 4K video and other improved features and function, Canon will probably break its usual habit and equip the new camera with their latest processor - DIGIC 7. Up to now, Canon has always introduced their newest processors on the lower end models like the Powershot cameras first. The DIGIC 6 was a case in point. On top of that, the Mark II model will probably come with dual CFast card slots to handle the added processing power and vast amount of data. This means for many owners of the new DSLR, especially those who plan to use the 4K video feature a lot, they will have to buy a whole new supply of more expensive CFast memory cards.

My readers know I am a wildlife photographer. After resisting for many months, I have finally and reluctantly replaced my faithful full frame Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III camera with the EOS-5Ds. The main reason is the super high resolution 50MP sensor and the flexibility of the EOS-5Ds to take photos in the 1.3x and 1.6x crop mode. These advantages offset the disadvantage of its slow 5 fps burst rate. My main 'complaint' of the EOS-1D X is its relative modest 18 MP sensor does not offer too many pixels for post processing cropping and I am not a big fan of extenders. Still keeping my eyes open for the upcoming EOS-5D Mark IV. Should be announced after the EOS-1D X Mark II.

A combination of the EOS-5Ds, EOS-7D Mark II and the upcoming EOS-1D X Mark II cameras will be the main bodies in my equipment bag. I have many global photo shoots coming up in 2016 and will put the EOS-5Ds and EOS-1D X Mark II through many real world testing and write a comprehensive report on these cameras in the next few months.

Below are the best information I have for the upcoming EOS-1D X Mark II camera. Keep checking back for the latest development. More to come . . . . You can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com


Possible specs for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II : 

• New 22 to 24 megapixel full frame Canon sensor 
• May utilize column parallel sensing technology similar to Sony's EXMOR sensor
• New sensor technology subdividing high and low sensitivity pixels
• New, state of the art AF system
• Dual DIGIC 7 processors
• 15 stops of dynamic range
• Maximum burst rate 15 fps (13 fps w/o mirror lockup)
• 4K video (maximum 30 fps)
• Dual CFast or CF memory card slots
• 3.3 inch Super high resolution LCD
• Unmatched weather sealing and ergonomics
• List price - below $7,000 in the U.S.A.
• Expected announcement date : Q1 of 2016

Nikon D5 Coming To CES 2016 in Las Vegas?

* * *  See how the Nikon D5 stack up against the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II  * * *

A few days ago, Nikon officially announced the development of the D5 camera. End of story. No more information was provided. Their top-of-the-line D4 camera was announced at the CES in 2012.

Perhaps Nikon is deliberately coy about the D5 announcement to generate more excitement. If history is any guide, they may just announced the D5 at the CES 2016 in January in Las Vegas. Canon is expected to announce their EOS-1D X Mark II camera after Nikon, perhaps in mid Q1, 2016.

The rumored Nikon D5 specs :

• New 20MP FX sensor
• New focusing module with larger coverage and 153 AF points
• Native high ISO of 102,400
• 15 fps
• Body design similar to the D4s
• 4K video 60/30fps
• Full HD slow motion

My readers know I have picked the EOS-1D X camera as the best full frame DSLR body three years in a row for sports and wildlife photography. Although the Mark II is scheduled to come out in a few short months, not everyone needs or wants to upgrade to the latest and greatest. There is a seller on eBay selling the 1DX for $3,899. The current model is a fine camera and at almost half the price of the new body, it is really a bargain. I expect the EOS-1D X Mark II to list for just below $7,000.

You will not find a link to this eBay item because I do not accept any ad or commissioned link on my Blog or website and do not recommend any particular company. I am completely unbiased in my reporting and have no conflict of interest. You can easily find the listing on eBay yourself. You can see my works with this camera on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon EOS-1D X Camera $3,899 Including Shipping

Canon EOS-1D X full frame DSLR camera

* * *  Read the latest post on the EOS-1D X Mark II camera  * * *

There is a top-rated merchant on eBay selling the Canon EOS-1D X camera for $3,899 including free shipping. This is an excellent deal and my readers know I have picked this camera as the best full frame DSLR body three years in a row for sports and wildlife photography. This camera is on its way to have a 4 year replacement cycle and the Mark II should be out by early 2016. You can read the latest post on the new camera here.

Although the Mark II is scheduled to come out in a few short months, not everyone needs or wants to upgrade to the latest and greatest. The current model is a fine camera and at almost half the price of the new body, it is really a bargain. I expect the EOS-1D X Mark II to list for just below $7,000.

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

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III Lens Coming

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II lens

Canon is expected to announce the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-5D Mark IV cameras some time in Q1 and first half of the 2016, respectively. My readers know 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.

In addition to the two expected cameras, Canon is also expected to announce more EF, EF-S and EF-M lens in 2016. One lens of particular interest to me is the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III. The current model is my favorite wide angle glass and accompanies me on all my wildlife photo shoots.

The Mark III model should be announced in 2016, perhaps after or in conjunction with either camera but IS will not be a feature on the new lens. It will have the latest Blue Spectrum Optics technology and retains the same filter diameter. It may be slightly heavier due to the new optics and comes with superior weather sealing. I will be most interested in upgrading to this new lens. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com.

Possible Specs For Canon EOS-5D Mark IV Camera

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV full frame camera?

Canon celebrated the 10th anniversary of the EOS-5D model line in September 2015. The latest models of 5Ds are the EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR cameras. I have posted a comparison between the EOS-5D Mk III and EOS-5Ds for those who are contemplating buying either camera or upgrading to one. The current 5D3 is an excellent camera and my pick as the best value in full frame photography.

My attention is focused on early to mid 2016 when Canon plans a second round of upgrade to their full frame camera lineup by announcing the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-5D Mark IV. Both cameras are expected to have new sensors and processors with unmatched dynamic range and high ISO performance. The EOS-1D X Mark II is expected to be announced first, perhaps in early Q1 and a late Q1 to early Q2, 2016 delivery date.

There is a rumor Canon may split the successor of the venerable EOS-5D Mark III camera into two, one model may be equipped with a lower megapixel sensor geared towards the high ISO crowd and another model with a high 20MP sensor for the rest. I find this rumor dumb and implausible. Canon already has a megapixel champ in the EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR. Very few photographers chase high ISO performance for the sake of it. The current EOS-5D Mark III already has very good ISO performance. Further splitting the popular EOS-5D line will 'confuse' buyers even more when they contemplate on upgrading from their Rebel and EOS-6D cameras.

My readers know I am a wildlife photographer. After resisting for many months, I have finally and reluctantly replaced my faithful full frame Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III camera with the EOS-5Ds. The main reason is the super high resolution 50MP sensor and the flexibility of the EOS-5Ds to take photos in the 1.3x and 1.6x crop mode. These advantages offset the disadvantage of its slow 5 fps burst rate. My main 'complaint' of the EOS-1D X is its relative modest 18 MP sensor does not offer too many pixels for post processing cropping and I am not a big fan of extenders.

The EOS-5D Mark IV may be announced Q2 of 2016, with delivery in the following quarter. Canon has invested a lot of time and money into this camera. They put on an invitation only Exposition (once every 5 years) in New York City and Paris in September, 2015 but kept the development of the camera under wrapped and did not discuss it at all during the show. The following are the best information I have right now for the upcoming EOS-5D Mark IV camera. Keep checking back for the latest development.

Possible specs for EOS-5D Mark IV :

• Expect more than incremental but not revolutionary technology
• Camera may have 4K video (more possible everyday)
• Equipped with new sensor and processor 
• May utilize column parallel sensing technology similar to Sony's EXMOR sensor
• New sensor technology subdividing high and low sensitivity pixels
• DIGIC 7 processor (likely)  DIGIC 6+ (unlikely)
• Current test cameras have mid 20 to 30 MP sensors (high 20MP most likely)
• May share the same AF system as EOS-1D X Mark II
• Improved material and ergonomics
• Burst rate of 8 to 10 fps
• May come with tilting touchscreen LCD
• Possible announcement date - Q1 - Q2, 2016.

Canon EOS-70Da and EOS-80D Cameras Coming

I have just gotten back from my Polar Bear Photo Tour in the Canadian sub Arctic. Trying to catch up on some Canon photo news when I was away. It was quite a productive trip. The weather was 'milder' than past years and I will be processing the photos when I have a chance to rest up and look at them.

Canon introduced the EOS-60Da in 2012. It is essentially an EOS-60D but geared towards the Astronomy segment of the photography market. Apparently, Canon may be ready to update this camera with the EOS-70Da. The specs will be similar to the EOS-70D but may be equipped with a slightly higher pixel sensor and larger buffer to handle the increase in data processing. The new camera may be announced in time for the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas in January 2016.

The EOS-80D can be expected to debut some time in the first half of 2016. It may come with a mid 20MP sensor, a DIGIC 6 processor, Dual Pixel CMOS technology and improved video capabilities but no 4K video. I am waiting for the EOS-1D X Mk II and EOS-5D Mk IV to debut early to mid 2016 for my next DSLR purchase. Keep checking back for the latest information and development.

Additional Info On Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera

* * *  I'm on my Polar Bear Photo Tour. Read latest post on location here  * * *

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. They also want to make sure Sony, Leica and Nikon are not the only companies with a full frame camera capable of 4K video.

In order to support 4K video and other improved features and function, Canon will probably break its usual habit and equip the new camera with their latest processor - DIGIC 7. Up to now, Canon has always introduced their newest processors on the lower end models like the Powershot cameras first. The DIGIC 6 was a case in point. On top of that, the Mark II model will probably come with dual CFast card slots to handle the added processing power and vast amount of data. This means for many owners of the new DSLR, especially those who plan to use the 4K video feature a lot, they will have to buy a whole new supply of more expensive CFast memory cards.

My best estimate is the EOS-1D X Mk II may come with a new sensor in the low 20MP range, powered by new Digic 7 processors and additional processor(s) for metering and other functions. A new AF system with many more than the current 61 points and perhaps all cross-type. Frame rates matching the current model but perhaps without mirror lockup and a state of the art LCD monitor. The list price should be just below $7,000. Announcement may come in early Q1, 2016 with delivery commencing early Q2. I am very anxious to get my hands on the new camera. After almost 4 years, the EOS-1D X is getting a bit 'long in the tooth'. Keep checking back for the latest development and information.

Still here in the Canadian sub Arctic on my Polar Bear Photo Tour. Last night, there was some decent Aurora Borealis activity. 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, condition and WiFi signal permit.

Canon Testing Third Party Full Frame Sensor

* * *  Read the latest post on Canon's full frame mirrorless camera  * * * 

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.

Canon EOS-5DsR and Leica SL Size Comparison

Canon EOS-5DsR and Leica SL size comparison

* * *  I'm off on a Polar Bear Photo Tour. Will connect if possible  * * *

* * *  Read the latest post on Canon's full frame mirrorless camera  * * *

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?

More Info On Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera

* * *  Nikon D5 camera photos leaked  * * *

* * *  Canon EOS-1D X Mark II officially announced  * * *

* * *  I'm off on a Polar Bear Photo Tour. Will connect if possible  * * *

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.  

More Canon EOS-1D X Mk II Specs Surfaced

Canon EOS-1D X Mk II camera

Last week, I returned from my South Africa Wildlife Photo Tour. It was quite a successful trip and there are many close encounters with the Big Five plus other animals and birds. I have been posting some new pics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and will add new photos to my website once I have more time. Keep checking back for the latest images and you can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com

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. The long awaited EOS-1D X Mk II model may come with 4K video. If Canon decides to include this feature, I feel it will 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 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. My best estimate is the EOS-1D X Mk 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.

My expectation is for Nikon to release their D5 camera first, followed by Canon. The announcement may come in Q4 of 2015 with delivery commencing Q1 of 2016. Keep checking back for the latest news and developments.  

Canon EOS-1D X Mk II Coming with 4K Video

Canon EOS-1D X Mk II camera

* * *  Read the latest post on the EOS-1D X Mark II camera  * * *

I have just returned from my South Africa Wildlife Photo Tour. It was quite a successful trip and there are many close encounters with the Big Five plus other animals and birds. Once I get back to my normal routine and gone through some of the images, I will post them on this blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Keep checking back for the latest photos and you can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com

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. The long awaited EOS-1D X Mk II model may come with 4K video. If Canon decides to include this feature, I feel it will 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 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. Keep checking back for the latest news and developments.  

Canon EOS-1D X Firmware 2.0.8 Released

Canon EOS-1D X camera

* * *  EOS-1D X Mk II coming with 4K video  * * *

A few weeks ago, I reported the Canon EOS-1D X, Firmware Version 2.0.8 will be coming out soon. Now the new firmware has been released. As predicted, it contains only a minor fix.

• Fixes a phenomenon which occurs when the “Shutter button half-press” menu item, configured in “C.Fn5: Operation” > “Custom Controls Menu”, is set to metering start only; depending on when the shutter button is half-pressed, it may initiate AutoFocus.

Download Firmware 2.0.8 for the Canon EOS-1D X at Canon USA website.

What really surprised me was Canon did not even drop a hint about the upcoming EOS-1D X Mk II camera at their recently concluded EXPO 2015 Show in New York City. Nikon is also expected to release their D5 camera soon but I expect Canon to announce the EOS-1D X Mk II after the Nikon debut.   

Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO BR Lens At EXPO 2015

The Canon EXPO 2015 is going on right now in New York City. This once every five year, invitation only event is Canon's way of bringing together their most powerful products, cutting-edge innovations and inspirational ideas for one incredible exhibition.

Canon invited me to their EXPO this year in New York City but I was booked on a wildlife photo shoot in South Africa at the same time, until 'disaster' struck and I was prevented from boarding my plane due to a obscure South African Immigration passport rule. So I ended up staying home.

It was too late to make any plans to attend the EXPO by that time but I am happy to inform you Canon is planning to offer more Diffractive Optics lens in the future, in particular, the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR prototype lens was on display.

Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens

My readers know I am a big fan of Canon's Diffractive Optics lens technology. I bought their first EF 400mm f/4 DO IS about 10 years ago and now own their latest EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens. This lens has accompanied me on wildlife photography shoots around the world and is my favorite Super Telephoto lens for hand-held photography.

A few days ago, Canon announced their product development plans to develop a 120MP DSLR camera. This prototype camera has made an appearance at the Expo show. The highly anticipated and upcoming EOS-5D Mk IV and EOS-1D X Mk II cameras may also be mentioned at the Expo, together with other interesting development projects. Keep checking back for more news and info and you can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com
   

Canon EOS-6D Mk II Full Frame Camera Talk

Canon EOS-6D Mk II full frame DSLR?

Canon is expected to release the EOS-6D Mk II camera some time in 2016. The EOS-5D Mk IV and EOS-1D X Mk II cameras will be announced first before the 6D replacement comes out.

My readers know I am not a fan of the current version of this camera. For those who want to get into full frame photography with a new camera and a limited budget, the EOS-6D may be a tempting option but my advice is to get a refurbished EOS-5D Mk III from the Canon store or some other reputable retailer.

The Series II camera will not come with any ground breaking technology. After all, the selling feature is its lowest price point into full frame DSLR photography. It is still early days to predict the specifications of the replacement camera but I expect it to have evolutionary improvement and perhaps a slight reduction in size and weight due to a newer design and the use of improved materials. However, like the current EOS-6D, it was the first Canon DSLR that came with WiFi. I will not be surprised the EOS-6D Mk II will similarly come with some 'fluffy' technology, like swivel touchscreen LCD, etc.

You can read my recommendation on Canon cameras and see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com


Canon EOS-6D Mk II rumored specifications :

• 24MP Full Frame CMOS
• Digic 6+ processor
• 1.5 stops better at higher ISO
• Low-light AF (center point) at -5 EV
• New AF system
• Additional AF points 
• WiFi with NFC and GPS
• Wireless battery charging with the Qi standard
• Dual-Pixel CMOS AF technology
• Touchscreen and swivel LCD

More Canon EF Lens Coming Next Few Months

Canon recently announced the long awaited EF 35mm f/1.4L II lens. The expected delivery date is October 2015 and you can see sample images by clicking on the link above. But there will be more announcement in the next few months. 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 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 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS III lens is expected to be announced in the near future as well, together with some specialty lenses.

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. Next month, the once every five years, by invitation only, Canon EXPO 2015 will take place in New York City and Paris. That is the type of venue Canon likes to showcase their upcoming new products and technology and perhaps more information will come out. Keep checking back for the latest news and development. 

Canon EOS-1D X Mk II Camera Being Finalized

Canon EOS-1D X Mk II camera?

* * *  Off to a wildlife photo shoot in South Africa with the EOS-1D X  * * *

My friends in the business have informed me Canon is almost ready to nail down the final configuration and specs of the EOS-1D X Mk II camera. They are waiting for the photographers testing the pre-production cameras to finish their assignments and gather all the necessary feedback and data.

Canon invited me to their EXPO 2015 in New York City but I will be away on a wildlife photo shoot. This once every 5 year, by invitation only, technology demonstration takes place in New York City on September 10-11, 2015, at the Javits Convention Center.

The EOS-5D Mk IV and EOS-1D X Mk II will most probably be mentioned at the show, together with some interesting development projects. Contact me on my website MichaelDanielHo.com if you want to attend in my place. Keep checking back as I get more info and leaks soon.