DXO Plans To Release New NIK Software Collection In 2018

DXO purchased the Nik Collection from Google a few months ago and is planning to re-release the software collection in 2018.

Dear Nik Collection users,

We at DxO are very pleased to welcome the Nik community! We wish you a very happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year: may you be inspired to take spectacular photos in 2018!

Like you, we are passionate about photography and image quality. That’s why we view this opportunity with Nik as a commitment to ensure that you — that all of us who enjoy taking photos — are guaranteed to have the very best solutions at our disposal.

You’ll be happy to know that our developers are enthusiastically working on a new version of the Nik Collection to be released in 2018!

DigitalRev Reviews Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II Lens

* * *  See what the EF 35mm f/1.4L II lens looks like after a teardown inspection  * * *

DigitalRev and DxOMark have reviewed the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II lens equipped with the Blue Spectrum Refractive Optical technology. DigitalRev likes the lens more than DxOMark. The latter seem to think the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens scores better than the Canon in sharpness but in other categories, the Canon performs quite well against both the Sigma and Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon.

"With the introduction of high-resolution bodies such as the Canon EOS 5Ds and 5DsR, with their ability to highlight lens flaws, it comes as little surprise to see Canon roll out new versions of some of the older models in their line-up. The original 35mm f/1.4 wasn’t a bad performer, but it was beginning to show its age. The new model greatly surpasses the original in several key areas. It is generally sharper, but it’s the improvement in geometry and uniformity that really impresses. Not only does it have low field curvature and astigmatism, but Canon has also dramatically lowered lateral chromatic aberration, with the overall effect of greatly improving imaging performance in the outer field (where the older model was weak)."

My readers know I pay little attention to laboratory analysis and tests. I judge a piece of equipment by how well it performs out in the field repeatedly. Still on my Polar Bear Photo Tour. Click here to see Polar bear photos from my previous trips. You can follow my travels on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram and see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com. I will be providing updates on the tour as time and condition permit. WiFi signals are weak and sporadic.

Canon PowerShot G7 X vs. Sony RX100 Mk III

Canon PowerShot G7 X and Sony RX100 Mk III cameras

Canon announced the PowerShot G7 X last month. This is currently Canon's top of the line PowerShot model. It may be using the same sensor as the Sony camera since Canon admitted the sensor was not made in house and they will use the 'best' sensor available.

You can read a review and see sample images here. DxOMark has reviewed both cameras and gave the edge to the Canon G7 X. The following video compares the PowerShot G7 X to the Sony RX100 Mk III. It is rather long but may be worthwhile for some to get two men's opinion on two cameras.

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

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

The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is an excellent, wide angle lens for APS-C cameras. While it is not as well built as the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens, its modest price makes this glass a great value. Recently, DXOMark reviewed the Canon EF-S 10-18mm lens. Below is an excerpt from their result :

"This lens isn’t a replacement for the existing, near pro-level EF-S 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 USM; it doesn’t match the range, speed (or build-quality) but with a similar optical performance, lower price and quiet STM AF motor this lens certainly has its place in Canon’s line-up. Knowing it will appeal to both stills and budding moviemakers it’s likely to be a popular addition, but it doesn’t really plug any holes in the maker’s range."