Canon EOS-70D Camera - $815 Refurbished

The Canon EOS-70D is a fine camera and now the Canon Refurbished Store and a big New York online camera merchant are selling the refurbished model for $815 and $880 respectively. You will not find a link to these sites on my blog because I do not accept any advertising or commissioned link. All my recommendations are unbiased.

For those thinking of choosing between the EOS-70D versus the recently announced EOS-7D Mk II camera, take a look at my comparison post between the two. For those who are hesitant in buying Canon refurbished camera equipment, take a look at this post.

Canon EOS-7D Mk II vs EOS-70D Comparison

The Canon EOS-7D Mk II and EOS-70D cameras were announced in September (2014) and August (2013) respectively. I have picked the EOS-7D as the best APS-C camera four years in a row and I eagerly waited for the 7D Mk II's arrival. I took the new camera to the sub Arctic for some vigorous field testing last month and wrote an extensive review on it.

While I was on location, I came across some photo enthusiasts who asked me whether they should purchase the Canon EOS-7D Mk II or the EOS-70D. The 70D is a very capable camera with a sensor practically identical to the 7D II. The native ISO range (100-12800 vs 100-16000) and burst rate (7 fps vs 10 fps) are slightly less than the 7D II. Both cameras are equipped with Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology and can take excellent videos, especially when paired with the STM lenses.

The big difference is the EOS-7D II has a much bigger buffer (31 vs 16 RAW) and better AF system (65 vs 19 AF cross-type points). This will be crucial when one is primarily interested in sports and wildlife action photography. Beyond that, the EOS-70D is an excellent choice and a great value (about half the price) for the average photographer who has outgrown the point-n-shoot cameras and wants to own a DSLR body. You can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com  

Canon EOS-70D With EF 18-135mm - $1,099

Canon EOS-70D with EF 18-135mm lens

There is a top-rated merchant on eBay selling the Canon EOS-70D camera with the EF 18-135mm IS STM lens for $1,099 including shipping. Hurry, it won't last. This is an excellent deal with Canon's latest Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology and STM lens capability for enhanced videos.

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

Canon EOS-7D Mk II and Dual Pixel CMOS AF

* * *  EOS-7D Mk II camera announced  * * *

Last year, Canon announced the EOS-70D camera with the ground-breaking Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology to rave reviews. A few months later, I reported Canon is ready to take this new revolutionary system to the next level and introduce it to other cameras in their lineup.

With the imminent release of the Canon EOS-7D Mk II on September 5, my sources informed me the new camera will come with a brand new sensor to bring the Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology to new heights. In the last year, Canon has been filing patents similar to Foveon sensors, with one patent showing up to 5 layers, 3 layers for RGB, 1 for IR and 1 for UV.

The current EOS-7D camera has dual DIGIC 4 processors but Canon may even skip the DIGIC 5+ processors in favor of the DIGIC 6 to power the EOS-7D Mk II, in order to maximize the potential of this new sensor. You can see my works with the present camera from worldwide photo shoots on MichaelDanielHo.com. Keep checking back for the latest info and development as I get more 'leaks' from my sources.


Possible specifications of the EOS-7D Mk II camera :

• 20+ MP APS-C Sensor ( With new, breakthrough technology. Stay tuned )
• Advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology
• Dual DIGIC 5+ or DIGIC 6 processors ( Excellent for speed processing )
• 8 - 10 fps ( Most welcomed by me ) 
• Dual Memory Card Slots ( One CF and one SD. I prefer 2 CF slots )
• 45 -61 AF Points ( Perhaps similar to EOS-1D Mk IV and X )
• 3.2″ LCD monitor ( Excellent for reviewing images )
• 100% coverage viewfinder. Magnification 1.15
• Similar build quality as the EOS-5D Mk III with improved weather proofing
• Comes with GPS and WiFi ( Not necessary, in my opinion ) 
• ISO Performance may equal EOS-5D Mk III ( Most welcomed by me )
• Latest video features similar but more advanced than EOS-70D 
• Selling price between $2,000 to $2,199. Not finalized yet
• May be announced with EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens

Canon EOS-60D Camera For $600

Canon EOS-60D with 18-135mm IS STM lens

There is a top-rated merchant on eBay selling the Canon EOS-60D camera for $600. This is an excellent deal and a good choice for those who have outgrown the Rebel series and want a slightly more serious DSLR body.

I am not affiliated with any camera stores or online web companies and do not make any commission or accept ads from anyone. All my recommendations are independent and unbiased. You can see my work on worldwide photo shoots on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon EOS-7D Reaching End Of Model Life

Canon EOS-7D Mk II camera launching in August - September, 2014 

* * *  Read the latest post on the EOS-7D Mk II  * * *

The Canon EOS-7D Mk II is one of the most anticipated cameras this year (including yours truly). It was spotted during the 2014 Winter Olympic Games and now it will be tested again during the FIFA World's Cup in Brazil next month. Canon will deploy many of their latest gear there and the testers will be covered by Non Disclosure Agreements (NDA) so I expect few leaks on the camera. Canon may not even call its replacement - EOS-7D Mk II, but they will have enough models out there to help them gain all the insights from field testing.

The EOS-1D Mk IV camera, with its excellent APS-H 1.3x sensor was discontinued a while back, leaving a void in the cropped frame, professional camera space. I am looking for a semi-pro body with the extra reach since I am not a big fan of extenders. The current EOS-7D is an excellent piece of equipment and my pick, four years in a row as the best value in APS-C camera.

With the successful launch of the EOS-70D, Canon is planning to use a more advanced Dual Pixel version of the 70D sensor in the new camera but was encountering some yield performance issues in the production process. Canon engineers will overcome the problems and the expected release date of the camera will be around the big Photokina Show in Cologne, Germany on September 16, with delivery commencing last quarter of 2014. The current EOS-7D has the most advanced AF system of all the Canon APS-C bodies. The Achilles heel of the camera is its mediocre high ISO performance and the camera is showing its age. It will be almost 5 years old when the Mk II is finally announced this Autumn.

Possible specifications of the EOS-7D Mk II camera :

• 20 MP APS-C Sensor ( more advanced than the EOS-70D )
• Advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology
• Dual DIGIC 5+ processors ( Excellent for speed processing )
• 10 fps ( Most welcomed by me ) 
• Dual Memory Card Slots ( One CF and one SD. I prefer 2 CF slots )
• 61 AF Points ( Perhaps the same as the EOS-1D X )
• 3.2″ LCD monitor ( Excellent for reviewing images )
• Similar build quality as the EOS-5D Mk III with improved weather proofing
• May include GPS and WiFi ( Not necessary, in my opinion ) 
• ISO Performance may equal EOS-5D Mk III ( Most welcomed by me )
• Latest video features similar but more advanced than EOS-70D 
• Selling price between $2,000 to $2,199. Not finalized yet

My contacts informed me the features of the new camera are firmed up by now and the feedback from the Olympics and the upcoming World's Cup will be crucial in determining the final tweaks, mostly likely refinement in the software before entering production.

I am very fond of my EOS-7D but the camera is entering its twilight years. Distributors around the world are entering this model into their inventory systems as 'end of model life.' You probably have noticed some very good deals on the EOS-7D and lens kits. Dealers are clearing out remaining inventories and getting ready for the new model. They are also receiving invitations to attend launch events in August, just before the big Photokina Show in Cologne, Germany in September.

You can see my works with the camera from worldwide photo shoots on MichaelDanielHo.com. I am very keen on getting the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens as well. Keep checking back for the latest info and development.

Canon EF 101 Video : Lens Accessories

Canon USA has posted a last video of their ongoing series, EF Lenses 101. This time the topic is lens accessories. Matt Kloskowski is the presenter and he gives some tips on choosing lens accessories and common sense lens care. Other videos on Fisheye, Tilt-shift, Telephoto, Wide angle and STM lenses are here. You can read my FAQ on Canon lens recommendation and see my work on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS In Stock Now

Canon announced two wide angle lenses last month and their list prices are surprisingly 'cheaper' than I had expected. The EF 16-35mm f/4L IS is what I am interested in and with a 4 stop IS system, it will find a place in my equipment bag.

You can see images taken with the EF 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS lens and the EF 16-35mm f/4L IS lens on Canon's China website. I am not enamored of the EF 10-18mm len's speed and will not be interested in this glass but it is available in camera stores now.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Latest Canon Cinema Technology at 2014 Cine Gear Expo

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 29, 2014 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will showcase its full line of professional motion picture equipment at the 2014 Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles, CA from June 6-7, 2014. At Booth 12, Canon will offer visitors the opportunity to demo Canon Cinema EOS and DSLR cameras, Canon HD Video Camcorders, and Canon optics, including the new CINE-SERVO 17-120mm T2.95 zoom lens. Canon will also exhibit cinema workflow solutions including the EOS C300 and EOS C100 Digital Cinema Cameras featuring the Dual Pixel CMOS AF Feature Upgrade, new XF205 and XF200 Professional Camcorders, and the DP-V3010 4K Reference Display, now available for purchase.

Highlights Include Demonstrations of the New CINE-SERVO Zoom Lens and DP-V3010 4K Reference Display, and In-Depth Seminars and Workshops

Industry Seminars

Canon will host three informative seminars featuring renowned cinematographers and industry leaders, who will showcase their work created using Canon equipment, while sharing their best practices and real-world insights into the art and craft of cinematography.

The seminar schedule is as follows :

Friday, June 6th 

5:30pm – 6:30pm | Paramount Theatre (5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038)
4K, 2K, or HD: Leading Cinematographers Try to Resolve the Resolution Debate
Dallas Sterling (Higher Power)
Shane Hurlbut, ASC (Need for Speed)
Steven Poster, ASC (Amityville: The Lost Tapes)
Sam Nicholson, ASC (Various VFX work)

Saturday, June 7th

12:45pm – 1:45pm | Paramount Theatre (5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038)
Let’s Talk Docs: Non-fiction Cinematographers Share Stories from the Frontline
Rick Rowley (Years of Living Dangerously)
Nick Higgins (The Crash Reel)
Jerry Ricciotti (VICE)
Nicola Marsh (20 Feet from Stardom)

4:30pm – 5:30pm | Paramount Theatre (5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038)
Building Your Camera Kit: Experts Break Down Their Must-Have Tools
Zoran Veselic (Human Voice)
Alan Newcomb (Tusk)
Rachel Morrison (Gap commercials)
Suny Behar (HBO camera test)

Canon Live Learning Workshops

Canon Live Learning (CLL) will be hosting two workshops at the Canon Hollywood Professional Technology and Support Center for those who would like to learn more about the Cinema EOS Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus feature upgrade and high ISO shooting.

Canon Technical Advisor Brent Ramsey and Cinema EOS Pro Market Representatives will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate the Dual Pixel CMOS AF upgrade and showcase the capabilities of high ISO shooting when capturing images in near dark situations. Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology was originally introduced in the EOS 70D DSLR, and now, Cinema EOS users will have the opportunity to take advantage of this new technology in both the EOS C100 and EOS C300 Cinema Cameras, which significantly improves focus acquisition performance. Developed with the single-operator in mind, Dual Pixel CMOS AF delivers a smooth, continuous autofocus without excessive searching or blurring, greatly enhancing the quality of “live” focus transitions.

The workshop schedule is as follows :

Friday, June 6th

12:00pm – 2:00pm | Canon Hollywood Technology and Support Center (6060 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028)
A limited number of Canon U.S.A. Factory Service Clean and Check coupons will be given out on a first come, first served basis.

Saturday, June 7th

8:30am – 10:00am | Canon Hollywood Technology and Support Center (6060 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028)
A limited number of Canon U.S.A. Factory Service Clean and Check coupons will be given out on a first come, first served basis.

Camera Giveaway

During Cine Gear Expo, visitors to the Canon booth can enter for a chance to win one of two prizes: a Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera (retail price: $3,399.00) or a VIXIA mini X camcorder (retail price: $399.99). Two winners will be selected and notified of their prize after the show.

The 2014 Cine Gear Expo Los Angeles is held from Thursday, June 5th through Sunday, June 8th at The Studios at Paramount. Registration is free online until May 31, 2014 at 12am PST. To register, visit http://www.cinegearexpo.com/category/register/

Canon Europe Announces EOS C300 Dual Pixel AF Upgrade

The EOS-70D camera was announced by Canon in August, 2013 with great fanfare and to rave reviews. One of the most exciting new technology is the Dual Pixel CMOS AF. You can see an exciting short film taken with the new DSLR body on Canon's website. You will see more camera models coming this year and next featuring this ground breaking technology.

Now Canon Europe has announced that a major feature upgrade – the addition of Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus – is now available for its EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera. For the U.S. announcement, please read this post.

The EOS C300 is a large sensor video camera that has already proved hugely popular with a wide spectrum of demanding professional filmmakers, from journalists to movie Directors of Photography. It already offers sophisticated features such as extraordinarily high sensitivity (up to ISO 80,000), a broadcast-standard codec, built-in Canon Log Gamma, and cinematic 24.00p mode as standard.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF upgrade for the EOS C300 will expand shooting possibilities even further by providing smooth, accurate autofocus with a huge range of Canon EF lenses. For cameramen requiring more precise control the responsiveness of the One-Shot AF function has also been greatly enhanced, with increased focus speed.

The upgrade utilizes the existing Super 35mm sensor in the EOS C300 and is available as an extra-cost option after purchasing your camera. The upgrade can be performed at a Canon Regional Competence Center and is available from 27 May 2014 in most European countries, and from 2 June* in other territories. Please see page 2 of this article for more details of how to book your camera in for the upgrade. *Dates are estimates. Please confirm local availability when booking.

HOW DOES DUAL PIXEL CMOS AF WORK?

Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a sensor-based, phase-detection autofocus (AF) technology that’s designed to provide smooth, high-performance continuous focus in movies. It is a unique, Canon-developed technology, ideal for fast and accurate autofocus, helping filmmakers to create stunning footage which maximises the creative options offered by fast lenses and shallow depth-of-field.

Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology sees twice the amount of photodiodes on the sensor, allowing phase-detection AF on the imaging sensor’s surface for the first time.

The EOS C300 camera with Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology features a CMOS sensor that consists of an array of pixels that each feature two separate photodiodes. By continuously comparing their outputs during AF Mode, phase-difference autofocus helps to ensure non-blurred images and smooth focus transitions even when the subjects and/or camera are moving. The new feature places a high priority on maintaining sharp focus while, providing a natural, smooth autofocus movement with selected Canon EF lenses that offer even smoother and quieter operation.

After this modification, the EOS C300 camera's Continuous AF function active area represents 20% of the image vertically and 25% horizontally, yielding a very large, centrally located autofocus zone. The AF Lock mode allows you to set focus and hold it, allowing you to change framing while maintaining the original point of focus.

DUAL PIXEL CMOS AF COMPATIBILITY WITH EF LENSES

Dual Pixel CMOS AF provides continuous autofocus with the majority of EF lenses1, spanning EF and EF-S, fixed focal length, wide-angle and telephoto lenses. One-Shot AF operation is supported by selected EF lenses. The system marks a significant advance with greatly improved AF speeds.

FAST, SMOOTH AF DURING VIDEO CAPTURE

A modified EOS C300 camera’s set-up menu offers two options for ‘AF Mode’ – One-Shot AF and Continuous Autofocus. The AF Lock function can optionally be set to one of the camera’s assignable buttons. During shooting you press this button to lock the focus, preventing the camera from re-focusing, and then press it again to re-enable Continuous AF.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology helps to provide smooth and consistent autofocus, so that focus transitions are natural looking and that subjects can remain focused even as they move. The compatibility of Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Canon EF autofocus lenses combines outstanding optical tools with a wide range of creative options.

By using the Contrast AF system to supplement the EOS C300’s new Dual Pixel CMOS AF the camera can determine which direction to initially drive the lens, thus helping to reduce focus hunting.

FASTER ONE-SHOT AF MODE

The combination of Contrast AF and Dual Pixel CMOS AF helps to ensure that the EOS C300’s AF system initially drives the lens in the correct direction, resulting in faster focus acquisition. The upgraded EOS C300 camera will focus significantly faster than an unmodified camera with a more natural look and no focus over-shooting. Because the current One-Shot AF mode uses only Contrast AF, movements can sometimes be jerky with over-shoot errors.

DUAL PIXEL CMOS AF IN THE C300 : KEY FEATURES

• Continuous AF with the majority of EF and EF-S lenses1
• Improved One-Shot AF performance
• AF Lock function allows user to change the framing
• Stable AF movement
• Reduced focus ‘hunting’

HOW TO BOOK IN YOUR EOS C300 UPGRADE

As stated earlier in this article the five Canon Europe Regional Competence Centres (RCCs) will soon offer EOS C300 Dual Pixel CMOS AF as a feature upgrade for existing EOS C300 owners. To book in a camera for the upgrade customers must contact the RCCs by e-mail. Details of the correct RCC to contact, depending on where you are located, are outlined below.

The Canon RCC in France will undertake the upgrade for customers in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. Please click here to book in your upgrade.

The Canon RCC in Germany will undertake the upgrade for customers based in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain and Switzerland. Please click here to book in your upgrade.

The Canon RCC in Italy will undertake the upgrade for customers based in Italy, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Romania and Slovenia. Please click here to book in your upgrade.

The Canon RCC in Sweden will undertake the upgrade for customers based in Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway. Please click here to book in your upgrade.

The Canon RCC in the UK will undertake the upgrade for customers based in the UK and Ireland. Please click here to book in your upgrade.

This upgrade will be available at a fixed price, which is currently set at :

From the Canon RCCs in France, Germany and Italy: €400.00
From the Canon RCC in the UK: £340.00
From the Canon RCC in Sweden: SEK 3600.00

Cine Gear Expo Show - Los Angeles 2014

The Cine Gear Expo Show, now in its 18th year, starts from June 4 - 7, 2014 at The Studios at Paramount. This is the premier Film, Video, and Digital Media Expo Show for the entertainment industry, created by the professionals for the professionals.

This show focuses on the needs of the community and attracts the most dedicated specialists from every major department of the entertainment, production and post production world. Visit the Cine Gear Expo Website for further information and times.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon EOS C100 Tutorial - External Recording

Canon Digital Learning Center shows you how to use the EOS C100 cinema camera, how to set up and record an uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 signal via HDMI to the AJA Ki Pro Mini and Atomos Ninja 2 external recorders — including the lockable HDMI feature, setting up timecode form the camera, and basic recorder settings. For more information, visit the Canon Tutorial site

Canon Video Contest - Win the EF 16-35mm f/4L IS

From Canon USA :

Create a short video of 100 seconds or less using a Canon camera and lens, telling us how Canon Lenses have made an impact on your life professionally or personally.

Submit your video for a chance to win the new EF 16-35mm f/4 L IS USM lens

MichaelDanielHo.com

Useful Tips On Buying Used Canon Equipment

My readers must have noticed there are many photography websites promoting 'good deals' from specific camera retailers. One look around these sites reveal they are also taking commissions and paid advertisement from the same merchants. I am not affiliated with any equipment manufacturer or camera stores and receive no compensation or commission from any company. Fortunately, with comparison shopping and open auction sites all over the internet, one can determine good deals without much difficulties.

Hard to believe but the world of consumer DSLR cameras is only about 14 years old. I still have my treasured Canon EOS-1 V film camera. Once in a while, I will take it out on a nice day and bring a few rolls of slide film to do some photography the old fashion way.  The photography industry is so technology driven now one can mistake it for the Computer or Smart Phone market these days. It seems every few months there is something 'faster and better' coming out to tempt consumers to trade up.

In general, Canon prices have kept up with inflation but their high end cameras and lenses retain their value quite well so there is a robust market for used equipment. For those who want to trade up but not spend too much to chase the latest technology, there is always the used equipment market. The danger here is buying from someone you don't know is a big risk on something that may not have an obvious flaw until you take the equipment out for a photo session.

Is the seller providing a warranty? The original Canon EF lens warranty indicates that it is non-transferable. However, Canon's practice has been to honor an EF lens warranty if they are provided with a valid receipt from a Canon authorized dealer. So, you just may get warranty coverage on a Canon EF lens you purchase used if you have a valid receipt. Some commercial retailers provide their own used equipment warranty. Is there a return policy if you are not satisfied with your purchase? Most commercial retailers do not allow returns on used Canon lenses if you changed your mind, but transactions with an individual depends on whatever is negotiated.

Over the years, I have purchased lightly used equipment from individuals and found the experience spotty. Camera stores rarely have the used equipment I was looking for at a good price but surprisingly I found the answer right under my nose.  As it turns out, Canon USA runs a thriving Refurbished Equipment Store. These are cameras and lenses that retailers return to them with minor 'problems' or open box items.  They are generally indistinguishable from new equipment, carries a one year warranty from Canon and ships in factory packaging to the consumers.

The only drawback is their refurbished inventory is mostly consumer items. Once in a while, they do have professional equipment for sale but they get snapped up quickly. I have bought a few pieces of equipment from them over the years, including an EOS-1 camera that I used as backup equipment. They look just like new gear and performed flawlessly for me.  If there is any problem, Canon USA stands behind it with either an exchange or repair, whichever the customer prefers.

There are stores that sell refurbished Canon equipment as well but their prices are generally higher and they do not carry the factory warranty. I am not recommending Canon USA or any other company, just sharing my experience with buying refurbished Canon equipment and saving some money while doing it. I have been a wildlife photographer for 25 years using Canon gear. You can see my equipment bag and read my FAQs on camera gear and see my Travel and Wildlife photos taken around the world, some with the refurbished equipment I bought on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon UK Offers £400 Trade In With EOS-1D X

Make your next purchase go further with a £400 trade in on selected DSLR models when you buy the Canon EOS-1D X camera.

The EOS-1D X is Canon’s most technically advanced DSLR, combining full frame image quality with super high speed shooting of up to 14 fps and with an expanded ISO of up to 204,800. It has been my pick as the best DSLR camera on the market two years in a row, especially with the release of Firmware 2.0.3 earlier this year. You can see my work with the EOS-1D X on worldwide photo shoots on MichaelDanielHo.com

The following Canon and Nikon cameras are included in the offer :

EOS 1D, 1Ds, 1D Mk II, 1Ds MK II, 1D Mk II N, 1D Mk III, 1D Mk IV, EOS 5D, 5D Mk II,
5D Mk III, 6D, 70D, 60D, 50D                  

Nikon D4, D3s, D3X, D3, D2HS, D2X, D2H, D1H, D700, D600, D300s, D300

Photos Of Canon EF-S 10-18mm IS and EF 16-35mm f/4L IS

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS Lens

* * * Canon officially announced the two new lenses * * * 

A few days ago, I reported Canon will be launching 2 new wide angle lenses very soon. They are the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM and EF 16-35mm f/4L IS. They will be officially announced by Canon on May 13. Check back tomorrow.

I expect the prices of the EF-S and EF lens to be about $900 and $1900 respectively. The current EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L are very good lenses. I always bring the latter with me on photo shoots for landscape and travel photography. You can see photos taken with both lenses on my website MichaelDanielHo.com

Photography Roundup - Tips, Tricks and Hacks

Digital Camera World came out with a list of tips and tricks for Canon DSLR camera users. Not an eye-opening revelation but worth a look for those who are looking to improve their skill in photography. I have been a wildlife photographer for 25 years using Canon gear. You can read my FAQs on equipment recommendation and see my work on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon Explains Custom Functions On Their Camera Lineup

Canon Custom Functions explained

Most EOS digital cameras offer Custom Functions. These allow you to alter the way the camera operates to suit your own personal needs. Exposure, focusing and flash are just some of the areas covered by the functions. Each function has a factory-defined default setting, plus one or more alternative settings.

Custom Functions are set through the camera menu system. Find and select ‘Custom Functions’ and you will bring up a screen with each Custom Function number displayed. Select the appropriate number and you will be taken to a screen where you can select from the various options for that custom function.

The display will usually indicate which functions are no longer at their default setting. You can either go to each function to change the setting, or go to the ‘Clear Setting: menu option’ to reset all the custom functions to the default settings.

On some models, it is possible to register up to three groups of Custom Function settings. This means you can change a number of different Custom Functions and save all these change under one group registration. This saves you the time and trouble of going through and changing each custom setting individually the next time you want to use the same set. You could, for example, have one group of settings for landscape photography, and another for sports shooting.

For previous generation cameras, a specific Custom Function is usually written as C.Fn.-XX-Y, where the first number (XX) is the Custom Function reference, and the second number (Y) is the selected option within that function. The default setting for each Custom Function is usually ‘0’. So custom function 12 (mirror lockup) is written as either C.Fn.-12-0 (lockup disabled) or C.Fn.-12-1 (lockup enabled). On the EOS-1D/Ds Mark III models as well as the latest generation of consumer level cameras like the EOS 40D, EOS 50D, EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 7D and EOS-1D Mark IV, Custom Functions have been separated into four groups: Group I for Exposure, Group II for Image/Flash exp/Display, Group III for Auto focus/Drive and Group IV for Operation/Others.

These new settings are written as C.Fn XX-Y-Z where XX is the group, Y is the Custom Function and Z is the setting, for example C.Fn IV-3-1.

The first table below shows how many Custom Functions some of the most recent EOS cameras have and how they are grouped. The number of Custom Functions varies from camera to camera as does the reference number for a particular function. Since Custom Functions are a personal choice, there are no settings you have to make. However, it is wise to spend time acquainting yourself with the various Custom Functions on your particular EOS camera to then decide if they are useful for your photography and which functions you prefer to use. The second table below shows the Custom Functions on the EOS-1D X and EOS 5D Mark III DSLRs.

Check out the entire article on Canon's website.

Canon Digital Learning Center Quick Tip Videos

Canon Digital Learning Center has put out a series of short videos for their DSLR and Cinema cameras. Each video features a Canon Technical Advisor offering a helpful imaging tip, sharing a unique product insight, or explaining a key technology. New videos will be added regularly, so check on this Blog to keep expanding your Canon knowledge base.  MichaelDanielHo.com

Click on the link to see each Quick Tips Videos :

• Wireless File Transmitter
• RAW Image Fundamentals
• High Speed Sync
• Projector Alignment
• Quick Control Menu
• Wider DR Gamma
• Picture Style explained
• Waveform Monitor
• Radio-Based Wireless Flash
• Radio Wireless Group Mode
• Double Slot and Relay Recording
• Custom Pictures
• Evaluative Metering
• Assignable Buttons
• Black Balance
• Peaking
• GPS with EOS Cameras
• Properly Holding a Digital SLR Camera
• Exposure Modes and Flash

Canon Wins Four TIPA Awards For 2014

The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) member magazines recently convened for their General Assembly to vote for the best photo and imaging products launched by the industry in the last 12 months. The voting took place on the 5th during the General Assembly that was held from the 3rd to the 5th April 2014 in Vancouver, Canada.

TIPA membership comprises 28 leading photo and imaging magazines from 15 countries on five continents, and also has a cooperative partnership with the CJPC (Camera Journal Press Club), representing 11 top photography magazines in Japan.

The TIPA Awards are renowned as the most influential photo and imaging product awards in markets around the world. All products and their advertising media bearing the TIPA Awards logo indicate that these have passed evaluations by TIPA’s technical committee and magazine editors. A TIPA Awards endorsement is the highest accolade for any photo and imaging product.

Canon imaging products have been awarded four major honors by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) in its 2014 awards. The judging panel awarded prestigious accolades to the following Canon products and innovations :

• Best Professional Lens : Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x
• Best DSLR Advanced : Canon EOS 70D
• Best Expert Compact Camera : Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II
• Best Imaging Innovation : Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF

Steven Marshall, Marketing Director, Consumer Imaging, Canon Europe, commented: “We’re incredibly honoured to receive this recognition from TIPA once again; it clearly reflects Canon’s commitment to outstanding quality and innovation across all product ranges. We’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in imaging and constantly challenge ourselves to offer our photographic community – from everyday snappers to pros – the best products for their needs. The awards granted by the TIPA panel demonstrate the success of this aim.”

The TIPA judging panel gave the following citations to the four award-winning Canon products and innovations :

Best Professional DSLR Lens : Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x

Aimed squarely at professional sports and wildlife photographers, the Canon EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x lens is a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens with an optically matched, built-in 1.4x extender. The benefit is in applications where it is not possible to change lenses quickly, while also protecting delicate equipment such as a digital SLR camera's image sensor in environments with dust and high humidity. The lens incorporates one fluorite and four UD lens elements and a 9-blade circular aperture. A Power Focus mode makes focus shifts quiet and smooth, invaluable for film-making. The lens is also highly resistant to dust and water.

Best DSLR Advanced : Canon EOS 70D

The Canon EOS 70D features a 20.2 CMOS APS-C sensor and DIGIC 5+ processor that can deliver up to 7 fps and an extended ISO range of 100-12,800, with an extended range to 25,600 ISO. AF is enhanced with a 19-point all cross-type AF system. The breakthrough in the EOS 70D is the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that allows for capture of video in Live View with precise AF, as well as very fast AF operation for stills. The Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View II LCD monitor sports 1.04 million dots. Built-in wireless allows for sharing or easy upload to smartphones via the Canon EOS remote app.

Best Expert Compact Camera : Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II

Canon PowerShot G-series cameras are always highly regarded. The latest, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II, offers 13.1 MP with a multi-aspect 1.5-type sensor, an f/2-3.9 5x zoom (24-120mm equivalent), and numerous custom functions and handling features. Capture options include 14-bit RAW plus JPEG images, with fast and accurate AF via 31 AF points. Composition options are enhanced with the 3-inch tilt-type touch panel LCD, with 1.04 million sRGB dots and 100% coverage, while exposure and camera control is expanded and enhanced via the new Dual Control Rings on the lens barrel. Full HD is available, as is Wi-Fi with NFC capability. Focusing range begins at 2 inches, full-time manual focus with focus peaking is also available.

Best Imaging Innovation : Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF

Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a phase-detection AF technology conducted directly on the image sensor plane. The benefit is achievement of dramatically improved AF performance over prior EOS cameras during Live View and video shooting. Because Live View shooting can be used in a manner similar to using the camera's viewfinder, fast and smooth AF performance is greatly enhanced. Dual Pixel CMOS AF is currently available in the EOS 70D and as an option in the C100 and C300 Cinema EOS cameras, which are in turn compatible with 103 Canon EF lenses, and we look for this advancement to allow for future development of even more responsive image capture and processing capabilities.

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