Canon 1D X Can Be Wirelessly Tethered Using a Sub-$50 Internet Adapter

Wireless connectivity is one of the hot features in the camera world these days, and many (if not most) new cameras either have built-in wireless connectivity or an optional wireless adapter that provides the feature. Unfortunately, the wireless adapters are often quite pricey, especially for higher-end cameras.
Here’s something neat that you might be interested in knowing if you shoot with a Canon 1D X: you can connect a cheap WiFi adapter designed for homes and offices to give your camera wireless tethering!

The tip comes courtesy of photographer William Bennett, who tells us he was originally put off by the $600 price tag on Canon’s official 1D X adapter: the WFT-E6A.
As he was setting up a security camera in his house, he began wondering whether an Ethernet to WiFi adapter would work on his 1D X. The DSLR has an Ethernet port, after all.

The Ethernet port on the Canon 1D X

After doing some research, he purchased a Netgear WNCE2001 universal WiFi Internet adapter (a device that costs less than $50).

The NETGEAR WNCE2001 Universal WiFi Internet Adapter

Bennett discovered that he could make his 1D X play nicely with this adapter, which meant he succeeded in adding wireless tethering abilities (e.g. wireless file transfers, remote shooting) to his camera for just tens of dollars rather than hundreds.
Furthermore, there isn’t any hacking required — all you need to do is buy the necessary components for the system and set them up to work together properly.

The adapter is designed to connect devices to a network — devices that are Internet-ready but lack WiFi connectivity (e.g. Blu-Ray players, game consoles). The downside to using a universal WiFi adapter rather than an official solution is that you’ll need a power source for the cheapo adapter (Bennett uses a large power pack hanging from his tripod to power it).
Here’s a video in which Bennett introduces and demonstrates his poor man’s wireless tethering:
Getting this system set up for your own Canon 1D X isn’t too difficult, but you’ll need to spend some time going through a semi-long list of instructions. Bennett has published the step-by-step guide on setting it up over on his website. Head on over to get started! Cheap Wireless Tethering for your 1DX with no Hacking [I Wanna Shoot Your Face]

Simulate Lighting in a Virtual Photo Studio with set.a.light 3D STUDIO

Want to plan out and test your studio lighting setups before setting up equipment and bringing subjects into the picture? German software development company Elixxier has been developing a software program designed to help you do just that. It’s called set.a.light 3D STUDIO, and is, according to Elixxier, the world’s first software dedicated to photo studio simulation.

The program is like a fancy 3D version of the online lighting diagram and lighting simulation apps we’ve featured in the past.

It lets you move subjects and equipment around in 3D space, and can render physically correct light. The program even calculates light that reflects off of walls and objects in the scene. Elixxier says that he light you see in the program will be the same light you’ll see when you actually recreate the setup in the real world.

A simulated virtual snap (left) and the real world photo that resulted (right)

Once you’ve set up your studio the way you’d like it in the program, you can simulate the photographs that would result by triggering a virtual camera.

The virtual camera has all the settings you’d find on a real world camera. You can choose the sensor size, the aspect ratio, the exposure settings (shutter, aperture, ISO), and the lens used. Depth of field is realistically simulated based on the settings you choose.
If you’re satisfied with the result, the program makes it easy to recreate the setup by providing options for exporting the set plans. The high-resolution rendered photograph and the detailed set plans can then be provided as guidelines for other people to turn the planned photo into a reality.

In addition to cutting down on test shooting time for seasoned photographers, the program is also a nice lighting “sandbox” beginning photographers can use to learn about studio lighting without having to rent gear and/or space.
Here’s a short video demonstrating how the software works. It’s in German, but you’ll get the gist:

A copy of set.a.light 3D STUDIO will set you back €140 (~$184) through the Elixxier online store, but the company is also offering a feature-limited trial version that you can play with for 15 days. set.a.light 3D STUDIO [Elixxier]

Carl Zeiss Touit 2.8/12 for Fujifilm and Sony

First showcased at Photokina 2012, the Carl ZeissTouit 2.8/12 is an 18mm equivalent ultra-wide angle lens for Sony NEX and Fujifilm X-series compact system cameras. Offering a 99°angle of view, the Carl Zeiss Touit 2.8/12 has an optical formula comprising 11 elements in 8 groups and a filter thread with a diameter of 67mm. Capable of focusing down to 18cm, the smallest area the Carl Zeiss Touit 2.8/12 can capture is 220x144mm. The main difference between the Sony and Fuji versions is that the latter features a traditional aperture ring. Availability and pricing details have yet to be communicated.

Zeiss Press Release

Touit 2.8/12

As far as the eye can see

With an angle of view of 99 degrees, the Touit 2.8/12 wide-angle lens will soon become a firm favourite, particularly for landscapes and architectural photography. Its unique T* multicoating guarantees maximum transmission and outstanding absorption of extraneous light. The result: breathtaking image quality from edge to edge and corner to corner of the entire image field. What’s more, all moving parts of the Touit 2.8/12, conceived specifically for Sony NEX and Fujifilm X Series cameras, are engineered for extreme precision and a long working life. And finally, its strong and rigid metal bayonet mount makes it an absolutely dependable companion for many years to come.

Technical specifications:

Focal length 12 mm
Aperture range f/2.8 – f/22
Focusing range 0,18 m (0.59 ft) – ∞
Number of elements/groups 11/8
Angular field, diag./horiz./vert. 99° / 89° / 66°
Coverage at close range 220 x 144 mm (8.66 x 5.67″)
Filter thread M67 x 0,75
Dimensions (with caps) E: 81 mm (3.19″), X: 86 mm (3.39″)
Diameter of focusing ring E, X: 65 mm (2.56″)
Weight E: 260 g (0.57 lbs), X: 270 g (0.60 lbs)
Camera mounts E-Mount, X-Mount

GigaPan Goes Mobile Friendly

GigaPan's high-resolution images are now viewable on mobile devices, including iOS and Android. This includes all gigapan.com and embedded external website images, including GigaTag. “As the number of images on our website continues to grow into the hundreds of thousands, and GigaPan membership increases, it is imperative that our collection of amazing images are ubiquitous to access,” said Josh Friedman, CEO of GigaPan. “Our updated viewer presents an opportunity to provide mobile access to these unique images, increasing and enhancing image views for a larger audience.”

Gigapan Press Release

GigaPan High-Resolution Images Now Accessible on Mobile Devices

Updated Capabilities Enable Mobile Viewing for GigaPixel Images

Portland, Ore. – April 30, 2013 – GigaPan announced today that all GigaPan images are now viewable on mobile devices, including iOS and Android. This includes all gigapan.com and embedded external website images, including GigaTag. With a collection of over 100,000 high-resolution images on the GigaPan website, users will have an increased ability to view and explore gigapixel images.

A recent IDC study found that web access on mobile devices will surpass that of PCs by 2015, developing an urgent need for technologies to support users accessing the Internet on-the-go. As more visitors browse online through their smartphones or tablets, GigaPan viewers deliver interactive, high-definition images that reach a larger audience.

“As the number of images on our website continues to grow into the hundreds of thousands, and GigaPan membership increases, it is imperative that our collection of amazing images are ubiquitous to access,” said Josh Friedman, CEO of GigaPan. “Our updated viewer presents an opportunity to provide mobile access to these unique images, increasing and enhancing image views for a larger audience.”

The GigaPan viewer also allows users to enter fullscreen mode, which makes the experience of gigapixel imagery much more powerful.

About GigaPan
Founded in 2008, GigaPan offers an innovative technology system, spanning hardware, software and cloud-­based viewing, tagging and sharing solutions. The company’s solutions allow photographers, digital content designers and promoters to expand the limits of traditional photography. These interactive images and panoramas bring zoomable, multi­dimensional stories to life through a system of dynamic tools, which drive exploration and engagement for brands, events, research and education. Connect with GigaPan on Facebook and Twitter.

Sigma 60mm f/2.8 DN Gets a Price Tag

Sigma has announced availability and pricing details for its 60mm f/2.8 DN lens in the US. First revealed at the CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show in Japan earlier this year, the 60mm F2.8 is a new focal length in the Sigma lineup for both Micro Four Thirds and Sony E-Mount camera systems. It joins Sigma’s other DN lenses for MILCs: the 19mm F2.8 DN and the 30mm F2.8 DN. Featuring Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass, which helps minimise axial and transverse chromatic aberration, the Sigma 60mm f/2.8 DN offers a minimum focusing distance of 19.7 inches and a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:7.2. The new 60mm F2.8 DN Art lens will hit shelves mid-May at an estimated street price of $239.

Sigma Press Release

Sigma Corporation announces pricing and availability for new 60mm F2.8 DN

Newest lens for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras to arrive in U.S. mid-May

RONKONKOMA, N.Y., — May 2, 2013— Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced that its new 60mm F2.8 DN Art lens for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILCs) will hit shelves in the United States mid-May for the street price of $239.

First revealed at the CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show in Japan earlier this year, the 60mm F2.8 is a new focal length in the Sigma lineup for both Micro Four Thirds and Sony E-Mount camera systems. It joins Sigma’s other DN lenses for MILCs: the 19mm F2.8 DN and the 30mm F2.8 DN.

“We’re constantly working to add new focal lengths to our lineup so photographers can have as many options as possible,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “This mid-range telephoto lens and its shallow depth of field will produce some very pleasing bokeh effects.”

As part of the company’s Global Vision category restructuring, the new 60mm F2.8 DN Art category lens has an angle of view equivalent to 120mm on the Micro Four Thirds system and 90mm on the E-mount system (35mm equivalent focal length). The minimum focusing distance is 19.7 inches; the maximum magnification is 1:7.2. This lens also contains Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass, which helps minimize axial and transverse chromatic aberration.

This lens incorporates telecentric optical designs and a linear, auto focusing motor that ensures accurate and quiet focusing for video recording. Featuring a metal exterior and a simply-shaped focus ring, it has varying textures to distinguish each part of the lens. Under its new manufacturing process, Sigma’s DN users can also choose between a black or silver finish to match their favorite equipment.

Datacolor Announces Five Free Webinars

Datacolor has announced its spring 2013 line-up of free colour management webinars. Each webinar includes step-by-step demonstrations using Datacolor’s line of Spyder color calibration devices, and in-depth discussions on how to effectively use the right tools to create images. These sessions, hosted by David Tobie, global product technology manager for Datacolor, and David Saffir, Datacolor expert, noted landscape and fine art photographer, and author of “Master Digital Color,” focus on managing colour using tools in both capture and processing stages. Click through / read on for the detailed schedule.

Datacolor Press Release

Datacolor Announces Spring 2013 Line-up of Free Color Management Webinars for the Photo and Video Industry

Datacolor Webinars Offer Ideas for Managing Digital Photography and Step-by-Step Techniques to Produce High Quality Images

Lawrenceville, NJ – April 30, 2013 –– Datacolor® (http://www.datacolor.com), a global leader in color management solutions, announced today its spring 2013 line-up of free color management webinars featuring co-sponsors. The popular webinar series continues with a variety of introductory and advanced webinars that discuss new techniques and offer insights and tips for photographers to enhance their skills. Datacolor is bringing dynamic topics to photographers with the help of notable photography related companies including Triggertrap, Phlearn.com, onOne Software and Lexar.

Each webinar includes step-by-step demonstrations using Datacolor’s line of Spyder color calibration devices, and in-depth discussions on how to effectively use the right tools to create images. The bi-monthly webinars, hosted by David Tobie, global product technology manager for Datacolor, and David Saffir, Datacolor expert, noted landscape and fine art photographer, and author of “Master Digital Color,” focus on managing color using tools in both capture and processing stages. Topics range in subject matter and focus on providing photographers with new methods of producing high quality results with their images.

“Photography continues to evolve and there are always new methods to master,” said David Tobie. “Datacolor has always been committed to helping photographers achieve the highest quality photos. By adding more partners to our webinar series, we continue our goal of providing photographers at any level with the methods, techniques, and recommendations on tools to produce incredible photos.”

Upcoming topics for the Datacolor color management webinar series to include:
May 8, 2013 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT: Digital Workflow Process for the Capture Stage (Co-sponsor:  Hunt’s Photo & Video)
May 30, 2013 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT: Remote Control Photography (Co-sponsor: Triggertrap)
June 12, 2013 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT: Introduction to Color Management (Co-sponsor: Phlearn.com)
June 18, 2013 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT: Focus Control: Before, During, and After the Shot (Co-Sponsor: onOne Software)
June 27, 2013 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT: Digital Asset Management (Co-sponsor: Lexar)

Those interested in attending can register in advance for the free webinars. Attendees will be given discount codes for Spyder products and/or products from co-sponsors. They will also automatically be entered to win a Datacolor Spyder product and products from co-sponsors coinciding with the webinar topic. Guests will have the ability to interact with the speakers in a Q&A format, and get first-hand input on applying color management effectively in their workflow.

Register now at spyder.datacolor.com/freewebinars.

About Datacolor

Datacolor is a global leader in color management solutions and color communication technology. The world's leading brands, manufacturers, creative professionals and consumers have been choosing Datacolor's innovative technology and solutions to consistently achieve the right color for over 40 years.

A Swiss held company, Datacolor's global presence encompasses a sales, service and support network serving customers in more than 65 countries throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia, along with 13 worldwide operation and production facilities. Industries served include apparel and textile, paint and coatings, automotive, plastics, photography, home theatre and others. For more information about Datacolor and its products or services, visit http://www.datacolor.com

Wacom Cintiq 22HD Touch

Wacom today announced that it is bringing touch control to its Cintiq 22HD interactive pen display. Combining multi-touch with Wacom’s renowned pen technology, the new Cintiq 22HD touch offers a 21.5" Full HD display, an ergonomic rotating stand and 16 customisable ExpressKeys. Multi-touch is supported in Windows 7/8 and Mac OS as well as in touch savvy applications such as Corel’s latest Painter 12.2 update and Autodesk’s Mudbox and Sketchbook Pro. The Cintiq 22HD touch is priced at £1899.99 including VAT.

Wacom Press Release

Wacom adds a touch more control to its 22-inch interactive pen display

New Cintiq 22HD touch extends the senses to deliver a natural and seamless on-screen experience for creative professionals

30th April 2013 - Wacom, the industry leader of pen tablets for professional designers, today announces that it is bringing touch control to its Cintiq 22HD interactive pen display. Combining multi-touch with Wacom’s renowned pen technology, the new Cintiq 22HD touch offers an immersive on-screen experience and a more intuitive and natural way to work. Additional features including a 21.5² full HD display, an ergonomic rotating stand and 16 customisable ExpressKeys, make the Cintiq 22HD touch ideal for creative professionals such as graphic designers, animators and game developers.

Extended use of the senses
Giving users the power to work with digital tools but in a completely natural and intuitive way, multi-touch supports gestures for rotating canvases, zooming images in and out, and moving work around. The Cintiq 22HD touch closely replicates the experience of working with two hands when using traditional materials such as paints and markers, while giving the artist powerful capabilities that only exist in today’s creative software applications. Multi-touch is supported in both Windows 7/8 and Mac OS as well as in touch savvy applications such as Corel®’s latest Painter™ 12.2 update and Autodesk’s Mudbox and Sketchbook Pro.

Superior HD screen
The Cintiq 22HD touch offers a wide-format, full HD LCD with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. Combined with it’s life-like colour quality which displays 16.7 million colours, the Cintiq 22HD touch is ideal for professionals with workflows such as graphic designers, animators, video and film editors or game developers.

Create in comfort
The Cintiq 22HD touch provides best-in-class ergonomics that professionals working long hours will appreciate. The adjustable stand allows for real display rotation, offering both landscape and portrait viewing angles as well as the option to set an incline between 10 – 65°, helping to increase comfort and productivity. It’s multi-touch capabilities also provide users the option to quickly and easily rotate canvases on screen using gestures, perfect for illustration, sketching and painting.

Improving workflow and creative output even further, the Cintiq 22HD touch offers 16 customisable, application-specific ExpressKeys in total located on each side of the display’s bezel. User-defined Touch Strips, conveniently placed on the back of the display can also be used for such functions as zoom, scroll, brush size and canvas rotation.

Sophisticated Cintiq Pen
Delivering virtually the same feel and feedback as traditional brushes and pens, the Cintiq 22HD touch features Wacom’s professional-level pen performance (2,048 levels of pressure and tilt sensitivity) to produce dazzling artistic effects within creative software applications from Adobe®, Corel®, Autodesk® and many more. The Cintiq 22HD touch supports the optionally available Art Pen and Airbrush to deliver natural brush effects within Adobe® Photoshop® and Illustrator® (CS3 and above) as well as Corel® Painter™ (10 and above).

With the existing 13HD, 22HD, 24HD and 24HD touch, there is a Cintiq interactive pen display to suit anyone’s workflow requirements and budget.

Availability and Pricing
The Cintiq 22HD touch is priced at £1899.99 including VAT and will be available in http://uk.shop.wacom.eu/detail/index/sArticle/551
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For more details please visit the Wacom website at http://www.wacom.eu/cintiq-22hd-touch or have a look at the product video on Wacom Europe’s YouTube’s Channel at http://youtu.be/aqm7Feu5Hwg

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Inspiration from the ‘Pioneers of Now’
For further information on what can be achieved with a Wacom Cintiq, check out Wacom’s ‘Pioneers of Now’. The ‘Pioneers’ are inspiring because they have vision, talent, perseverance and stamina. But above all, they have the tools to make their new worlds a reality.

More about the Pioneers of Now: http://pioneersofnow.wacom.com/

Transcend Ultimate 1000x CF Memory Cards

Transcend has unveiled its next-generation 1000x Compact Flash cards designed specifically to meet the demands of professional photographers and video DSLR filmmakers. Transcend’s “Ultimate” series 1000x Compact Flash cards implement the CompactFlash revision 6.0 specification and operate in UDMA transfer mode 7, the fastest interface speed available for CF cards. Fully compliant with the Video Performance Guarantee (VPG-20) and boasting read/write transfer rates of up to 160MB/120MB per second, these cards are ideal for fast-action burst mode shooting. Transcend’s 1000x Compact Flash cards are now available in 16GB (US$99), 32GB (US$199), 64GB (US$379) and 128GB (US$699) capacities.

Transcend Press Release

Capture Stunning Cinematic Experiences with Transcend’s 1000x CompactFlash Card

April 30, 2013

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, is proud to showcase the extraordinary performance capabilities of its next generation 1000x CompactFlash card designed specifically to meet the rigorous demands of professional photographers and creative DSLR filmmakers. When used with today’s high-end digital SLR cameras and camcorders, including the Nikon D4, the Sony Alpha 700, the Olympus E-5, and the Canon EOS C500 and EOS-1D C Cinema EOS series DSLR cameras, Transcend's 1000x CompactFlash cards are perfect for capturing extremely high-resolution image data and recording up to 4k Ultra High Definition video content.

There is growing interest from independent filmmakers in using midrange to professional-series DSLR cameras for shooting movies due to their excellent recording capabilities, compact size, straightforward operation, and affordability. These top quality digital devices usually feature a powerful image processor, which requires a high-speed memory card to optimize shooting performance.

Transcend’s “Ultimate” series 1000x CompactFlash cards implement the CompactFlash revision 6.0 specification and operate in Ultra DMA (UDMA) transfer mode 7, the fastest interface speed available for CF cards. Fully compliant with the Video Performance Guarantee (VPG-20) and boasting blazing fast read/write transfer rates of up to 160MB/120MB per second, these cards are ideal for fast-action burst mode shooting and professional-quality video capture.

In addition to fast transfer rates, the 1000x CompactFlash cards are available up to an enormous 128GB, eliminating the need to pause and switch memory cards during extended video recording sessions. To assure robust, long-life durability and guaranteed performance, Transcend’s 1000x CF cards are manufactured using premium quality toggle mode NAND Flash memory chips. Moreover, each card contains built-in BCH ECC (Error Correction Code) technology with read-retry for detecting and correcting errors during data transfer.

For further peace of mind, all Transcend CF cards are comprehensively tested for compatibility, speed and reliability, and backed by Transcend`s Limited Lifetime Warranty. Offering excellent support for serious cinematographers equipped with the latest cutting-edge digital camera equipment, Transcend’s 1000x CompactFlash cards are the ultimate class-leading storage for ultra-high resolution Full-HD, 3D, and 4K UHDTV (2160p) video recording. Transcend’s 1000x CompactFlash cards are now available in 16GB (US$99), 32GB (US$199), 64GB (US$379) and 128GB (US$699) capacities.

PNY SSD, SDHC Card and HDMI Cable Winner

PNY Technologies is offering one lucky person the chance to win a number of prizes to inject some speed into your workflow: a XLR8 Pro 120Go SSD, Pro Elite Plus 16GB SDHC and a 3in1 HDMI Cable.

The lucky winner is Justin Roush. Congratulations!

PNY manufactures imaging solutions, and its XLR8 Pro SSD range is built especially for multimedia enthusiasts and semi-pro photographers. SSDs allow seriously quick data transfers and therefore an optimised workflow. The XLR8 Pro SSD series boasts a 2.5” SATA III, 6Gbps interface, supports 128-bit AES encryption and is powered by the SandForce 2281 controller, offering up to 550MB/s sequential read speeds, 520MB/s sequential write speeds and 85,000 random read/write IOPS.

The PNY Pro Elite Plus offers read speeds of 95 MB/s and write speeds of 90 MB/s - perfect for photographers who take full advantage of their camera’s burst mode. Certified Class 10 and UHS-1 (Ultra High Speed), the cards are also ideal for full-HD video; even in the most extreme conditions.

Terms and conditions

1. This competition closed on 8th April 2013.

2. By entering this competition you will also be opting in to Photography Blog’s monthly e-newsletter, but you have the option to unsubscribe at any time.

3. Only one entry per person only.

4. No entries accepted from employees of Photography Blog or PNY.

5. The winner will be announced on the Photography Blog website following the closing date and contacted via email only so a valid email address required.

6. The featured prize is a XLR8 Pro 120Go SSD, Pro Elite Plus 16GB SDHC and a 3in1 HDMI Cable.

Canon 5D Mark III Firmware Version 1.2.1 Now Available w/ Clean HDMI-Out

Canon has posted the big firmware update for the 5D Mark III. Firmware Version 1.2.1 adds the eagerly-awaited clean uncompressed HDMI-output to the 5D Mark III and AF functionality at f/8.
A complete list of improvements in firmware version 1.2.1 is below.

1. Uncompressed HDMI output is now enabled.
2. Enables the center AF point to autofocus when the camera is used with Canon EF lens/extender combinations whose combined maximum aperture is f/8.
3. Improves the speed of the camera’s acquisition of focus when using a Canon Speedlite’s AF-assist beam.
4. Fixes a phenomenon in which the LCD monitor may freeze and display Err 70 or Err 80 when a still photo is taken during Live View or in movie shooting mode.
5. Fixes a phenomenon that may occur when the continuous shooting priority setting is enabled for multiple exposures, such that, after the sixth image is taken, there is a slight pause before the remainder of the sequence is completed.
6. Fixes a phenomenon in which the viewfinder display shows incorrect information during AEB shooting.
7. Communication with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter has been improved.
8. When images have been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an “O” will be displayed. When images have not been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an “X” will be displayed.
9. Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera may not function properly when an Eye-Fi card is used.
10. Fixes a phenomenon in which the focal length value listed in the Exif information is not displayed correctly for images shot with the EF 24-70mm F4L IS USM lens.
11. Fixes a phenomenon in which the lens firmware cannot be updated properly.
12. Corrects errors in the Arabic language menu.
13. Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera changes the AF microadjustment value to -8.
14. Fixes a phenomenon in which the on-screen guidance cannot be fully displayed when setting the maximum limit value for the “Setting the ISO Speed Range for Auto ISO” option.

At the time of this post, the firmware is only available on Canon Australia’s site. I will post an updated link to the firmware at Canon USA when it goes live. [UPDATE: The firmware is now available here on Canon USA's site.] http://www.canon.it/Support/Consumer_Products/products/cameras/Digital_SLR/EOS_5D_Mark_III.aspx?type=download&page=1

End of the line for the Hasselblad V System

Hasselblad is to cease production of its 503CW model - the last V System camera in the company's portfolio.

 

 

The decision, which comes into immediate effect, brings to an end over a half century of evolution of the company's original camera line.

Dr. Larry Hansen, Hasselblad Chairman and CEO said: "Everything has its place in time. The veteran 503CW combined with an extensive V System range of interchangeable lenses and accessories, was for seventeen years the camera of choice for discerning professionals and aspirational amateur photographers.

But there has been a substantial decline in demand for this camera over the past five years or so and the time has now come for us to reluctantly consign the V System to history. In so doing we would like to thank all fans and customers for both their loyalty and their enthusiasm for our legacy Hasselblad V System."

He added: "Now of course the focus on medium format capture is on our H System - the world's most advanced camera system. The latest generation cameras represent medium format capture engineering at its most exemplary and are well-placed to secure and underpin the company's unrivalled reputation for providing highest image quality and craftsmanship. Additionally we are focusing on new products for advanced enthusiasts."
Hasselblad has confirmed that the last 503CW has rolled off the production line but the company will continue to provide V System accessories while stocks last. V System support will also still be available through current channels.

EF 100-400 Replacement in 2013?

Speculation has started again
We’ve received a few reports that an announcement for a replacement to the EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS is “very possible for the end of August”. A few prototypes of the lens are currently in use in Asia.
This has been a lens that has been set for replacement as far back as I can remember. I think it’s more probable for release now that Nikon has put their new 80-400 out, which was an area of weakness for them.
We’ve heard from a few people that Canon is having manufacturing issues and that there’s a backlog of new lenses slated for production.

EF 800mm f/5.6L IS II

Another mention
More mentions of a replacement to the longest lens in the Canon lineup. We’re told the new 800mm will be announced once the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x has begun shipping. There’s a possibility we’ll see at least a development announcement some time this fall. There was no mention of the EF 200 f/2L IS, a lens that was announced alongside the original 800mm only 5 short years ago. Beyond a new build type in materials, the lens will be a “nearly identical” optical formula, although improvements in vignetting and sharpness are probable.
Announcement timing could also depend on stock levels with retailers, not so much with Canon itself. I don’t imagine too many of these are made and warehoused.
I have had communication from a few other anonymous people that the next 800 would have a built-in teleconverter, which is not something I think will happen.

Seamlessly Flow from Shoulder Strap to Tripod with the Fusion Plate

About a year and a half ago, photographer David Fliger of Fusion Photo Gear found himself in a field, rushing to mount his camera onto a tripod in order to get a shot of a tractor in the fading light. There was only one problem: he already had his sling-style shoulder strap attached via the accessory loop that was sitting where his quick release plate would normally be.
It was a problem he ran into all too often (both used the 1/4″ accessory hole on the bottom of his camera) and one he made up his mind that day that he would solve. That’s when the Fusion Plate was born.

The Fusion Plate is a quick-release plate that features a built-in accessory loop for attaching things like a shoulder strap. When you’re not using the accessory loop, it quickly snaps down flat, allowing you to attach the release plate to a tripod without any messing about with screws.
Fliger created the prototypes in his father’s hobby machine shop, but now that they have something that works, they want to scale up production to a point where they can sell the Fusion Plate at a reasonable price. So, like many inventors before them, they’ve taken to Kickstarter to fund the project.
Here’s the Kickstarter campaign video for the Fusion Plate:
Each Fusion Plate is made from aircraft grade aluminum, color anodized and laser engraved. With 21 days left, the campaign has already reached and surpassed even the stretch goal of $10,000, but if you want to be one of the first to get a Fusion Plate you’ll still want to take advantage and order as soon as possible.

The black Fusion Plate will run you $65, with the Blue and Red costing $68. For now, everyone that orders one will receive it around September, and since Fliger and his father have reached their stretch goal, three lucky pledgers will also receive a free Fusion Plate in addition to the one they’ve already ordered.
Head over to the Fusion Plate Kickstarter to order and/or check out Fusion Photo Gear’s website for more info.

Hasselblad Lunar Delayed Until June

The Hasselblad Lunar was supposed to launch this month; however, Hasselblad has reportedly informed Amateur Photographer “that the Lunar is ‘scheduled’ for June availability.” No reason was provided for the delay in the launch of the exotic camera.
Thus far, I have heard of no one who is actually looking forward to this camera . . . even though it will be available with a Zebra Wood body. I have seen or heard nothing from Hasselblad’s marketing that suggests anything other than excess for the simple sake of it.
One can only hope that the delay is caused by Hasselblad’s reflex to the mockery that the Lunar has endured in recent months. And, hopefully, the Lunar will be released as something more than a Sony NEX-7 with fancier ergonomics and exterior materials. Thus far, we have seen no indications of Hasselblad anything but that.
While no official US price tag has been announced, overseas pricing points to a $5,000-ish price tag. Of course, I suspect that will vary depending on which nonsensical exterior body material is chosen.
[via Amateur Photographer]

Magic Lantern Team Discovers 2K RAW Video Capability on the 5D Mark II and III

In what may very well be the most exciting Magic Lantern development ever, the team has discovered a RAW DNG output in live view on the 5D Mark II and 5D Mark III. What this means is that, in the near future, 5D Mark II and III owners may be able to record crystal clear 2K RAW video that blows H.264 output out of the water and then some.
Apparently, both the Mark III and II are able to record a 2040 x 1428 DNG stream to the buffer in live view. The preliminary tech is still very limited, you can only record 10-14 frames per second for about 28 frames and then the camera needs to buffer, but the folks at Neumann Films got to test the functionality and the potential here is pretty mind-blowing.
Here’s that test video:
The hope is that Magic Lantern will be able to somehow push that burst to 24fps, intercept the DNG stream and write if from the buffer to the CF or SD card. That would translate into RAW DNG video that, according to Newmann Films, looks to provide 3x more resolution in addition to color depth, dynamic range and incredible post-processing flexibility that isn’t typically found outside of a Red EPIC or Black Magic Cinema Camera.
But RAW video, which will still take a little work to ramp up to a usable level, isn’t the only application here. The ability to take RAW DNG snaps without any mirror flipping or shutter actuation could potentially be huge for extending the life of your camera. Time-lapse shooters in particular could shoot a few thousand frames without wearing out any of the moving parts.

Like we said, Magic Lantern is still playing around with this capability, and it probably won’t be accessible to the public for a little while, but an update like this would be exciting to say the least. Be sure to check out the video above to see the massive quality difference between the H.264 and RAW DNG files and/or head over to Magic Lantern’s Facebook page to learn more.
(via EOSHD)

Samyang T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Pricing Announced

Intro2020 has announced availability and pricing details for the Samyang T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC tilt-shift lens in the United Kingdom. Manufactured in Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony A. fittings - with Canon M, Fujifilm X, Samsung NX, Pentax and Sony E-mount versions coming soon -, the lens has an optical formula comprising 16 lens elements in 11 groups, including two aspherical lenses and two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements. Each optical component has been covered with multi-layered, anti-reflective UMC coatings, which are claimed to provide superb light transmission, high contrast and natural colours. The tilt-shift function in the Samyang T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC allows for tilt and swing movements up to +/-8.5° and enables shift, rise and fall movements of up to +/-12 mm. The Tilt-Shift section may be rotated left by 90° (with 30° adjustment), while the lens mount may be rotated both ways by 90° (in 30° increments). The Samyang T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC tilt-shift lens will be available from mid-May, at a suggested retail price of £949.99 including VAT.

Intro2020 Press Release

Samyang Tilt-Shift 24mm to be released in mid-May

Initially announced at last year’s Photokina exhibition, the Samyang T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC lens, featuring perspective control function, will be released in the UK in mid May.

Source of inspiration
Samyang T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC is a wide-angle prime lens designed for full frame cameras. Its optics and mechanic features enable independent shift of the optical axis and lens plane tilt. This feature, combined with the Tilt-Shift section rotation function, gives unlimited range of image creation options with the use of perspective and depth of field. The lens is an ideal tool for landscape and architecture photography, but it is also a limitless source of inspiration for ambitious photographers who express their emotions in new ways, through unique perspectives, precise placed focal planes, corrected convergence of lines within the frame and high-resolution panoramas.

Broad potential
Tilt-Shift function of the lens allows for smooth adjustment of the focal plane angle (from -8.5 to +8.5 degrees) and parallel shift of the lens optical axis by ±12 millimetres. Sections responsible for tilt-shift function may be rotated to the left by 30, 60 or 90 degrees against each other and the bayonet mount may also be independently rotated to the right by ± 90 degrees, also at 30 degrees increments.

Technical precision
The wide range of functionalities of this Tilt-Shift lens required designing sophisticated optics based on the highest quality elements. The lens features sixteen elements divided into eleven groups that include two aspherical lenses (ASP), to prevent spherical aberration effect, and two lenses made of low dispersion glass to reduce chromatic aberration. Each lens is covered with multi-layer anti-reflective UMC coatings that provide perfect light transmission, high contrast and faithful colour reproduction.

The Samyang T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC will be released in Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony A. fittings. Canon M, Fujifilm X, Samsung NX, Pentax and Sony E fittings will be available at a later date.
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Suggested retail price £949.99 inc VAT.

For further details please contact Intro2020 on 01628 674411 or visit the Samyang website at: http://www.samyang.co.uk

Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG OS Lens in the Works?

Sigma is really hitting it out of the park lately. The initial line of new lenses – particularly its Art lenses – are simply stunning as both engineering feats and in terms of what we have seen and heard of their real world results.
Case in point: the 18-35mm f/1.8 APS-C zoom, the 35mm f/1.4 and the 30mm f/1.4 APS-C lenses.
That being said, new rumors point to the possibility of an upcoming 135mm f/1.8 DG OS lens being added to Sigma’s line of Art lenses later this year. If that turns out to be the case, that could turn out to be a very attractive long portrait lens for Canon and Nikon shooters looking for alternatives to pricier first-party options.

Firmware 1.2.1 for the 5D Mark III in the Wild

5D Mark III’s running the new firmware
We’ve received various reports that EOS 5D Mark III’s that have come back from Canon service in the last week are running firmware 1.2.1.
So I guess if you can’t wait until the 30th of April, you can drop your camera off to Canon!

Pentax K-5 II(s) Firmware Update 1.04

Pentax Ricoh have issued a firmware update for the Pentax K-5 II and K-5 IIs digital SLR cameras. According to the company, Version 1.04 corrects the following bug: "Switch operation may not rarely work during displaying Status screen in firmware version 1.03." You can download the firmware update from the website below.

Website: Pentax K-5 II Downloads : Firmware Update

Pentax Q Firmware Update 1.12

Pentax Ricoh have posted a firmware update for the Pentax Q compact system camera. Version 1.12 corrects a bug related to the Smart Effect, "Tone Expansion." This effect is supposed to produce a dramatic, "quasi-HDR" image but users who have updated their camera firmware to version 1.11 when that update came out have found that the effect was no longer applied. This issue is resolved in version 1.12, which you can download from the website below.

Website: Pentax Q Downloads: Firmware Update

Sigma Announces 18-35 f/1.8 DC HSM Art for APS-C

RONKONKOMA, NY, Apr. 18, 2013 — Sigma Corporation of America (www.sigmaphoto.com), a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider for some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art lens, the market’s first zoom lens to achieve a maximum aperture F1.8 throughout the entire zoom range.
This revolutionary, wide aperture, standard zoom lens is created for DSLR cameras with APS-C size sensors, which translates to a focal range of 27-52.5mm on a 35mm camera. With a minimum focusing distance of 11 inches, and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.3, the 18-35mm is ideal for landscapes, portraits, still-life, studio, close-up and casual photography.

“Exceptionally fast apertures were previously unavailable in zoom lenses, so photographers turned to several prime lenses in a session to get bright images at various focal lengths. We’re incredibly excited to be the first manufacturer to bring the F1.8 standard zoom to the market and to provide photographers with a new level of creativity and convenience, with the outstanding image quality at the core of the new Sigma Global Vision,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America.
Amir-Hamzeh added that because developing a large aperture wide angle zoom lens can prove to be technologically and optically challenging, often resulting in various distortions, aberrations and field curvature, Sigma has tapped into its long history as a lens pioneer to overcome those issues in this new generation lens.
“Our experience with the wide angle designs of our 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM and our 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM, and our research and development in our Aizu factory have prepared us for this technological advancement,” he said. “Our wide, glass-molded aspherical lens and the incorporation of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass have optimized power distribution of the optical elements and compensated for various aberrations, as well as curvature of field at the widest angle. We’re extremely proud of this achievement.”
The 18-35mm is the latest addition to the company’s company’s Art line of lenses, designed under the new Global Vision. The Global Vision lenses have a sleek new design with the manufacturing year stamped on the barrel, and are categorized by use into one of three groups: Art, Contemporary and Sports. The Art category delivers high-level artistic expression through sophisticated and abundant expressive power.
The new 18-35mm lens incorporates Sigma’s improved AF/MF switch and the use of Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) compound material, which has a high affinity to metal parts, consistently performs well at extreme temperatures, and reduces the size and weight of the lens. It is also compatible with Sigma’s new USB Dock, which will be available in coming months, enabling photographers to update lens firmware and adjust focus parameters from their computers.
Convenient handling is achieved with internal focusing and zooming, which prevents changes to the size of the lens. Additionally, the front part of the lens does not rotate, so special filters like circular polarizers can be used.
The 18-35mm lens’ Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides sharp and high contrast images, even in backlit conditions. The petal-type hood that is supplied with the lens will provide extra protection from flare and ghosting. Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures a silent, high-speed AF function and the optimized auto focus algorithm results in smooth focusing and full-time manual focusing capability. Lastly, the nine-blade, rounded diaphragm creates an attractive, round bokeh at large-aperture settings.

EOS 5D Mark III Firmware Coming April 30, 2013

From Canon USA
Canon has updated the product page for the EOS 5D Mark III and have  stated April 30, 2013 as the release date for the new firmware that will include clean HDMI out and f/8 autofocus.

*UPDATE* A Bit of EOS 70D Info [CR1-CR2]

UPDATE
Two people have written in to tell me that the April 23, 2013 date is not for the EOS 70D. With it being a week away, I tend to agree.
The next EOS
The next DSLR Canon is going to announce is the EOS 70D, we’re trying to confirm if it will come on April 23, 2013 as previously reported. Below is a spec list put together from various sources that have written in. All of it seems plausible and almost expected.
What to expect from the EOS 70D.

• 18mp Sensor (Same as SL1)
• DIGIC V (no one has said it will get DIGIC 6)
• 6.5fps
• SD Card
• Wifi
• GPS
• 3.2″ Touchscreen LCD (No mention of swivel)
• Magnesium Alloy Construction
• Weathersealed
• Slightly larger than the EOS 60D
• $1199 USD Body Only

We’re told a lens will be announced with the EOS 70D, but we haven’t heen told what it will be.

EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Availability

A light at the end of the tunnel?
I spoke to someone at NAB last week about the yet-to-be-officiall-announced EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x. I was told that the lens is now “expected to arrive in the fall of 2013. The design and functionality of the lens are set, Canon is now waiting for the manufacturing process to be finalized so production can begin”.
I got to hold and play with the 200-400 a bit last week, and I must say the weight of it shocked me. It’s going to be pretty close to the EF 600 f/4L IS II. I’m sure everything else about the lens is top notch, as we’re still being told to expect a price north of $10,000 USD.

Patent: EF 400 f/4 DO IS II

Another DO patent
We haven’t seen a new DO lens in a long time, but the patents haven’t stopped. It looks like Canon is continuing the R&D, I’d love to see it go somewhere.
Interpretation and self-description of the patent literature

• Patent Publication No. 2013-64858
• 2013.4.11 Release Date
• Filing date 2011.9.16

Example 1

• Focal length f = 392.12mm
• Fno. 4.12
• Half angle of ω = 3.16 °
• Image height Y = 21.64mm
• 262.14mm length lens
• BF 69.97mm
• Two fluorite
• Materials and anomalous partial dispersion DOE to use, reduce the chromatic aberration
• Refractive power of the diffractive surface
• Strong, but can reduce the chromatic aberration of the element itself, flare increases
• The weaker, other optical element DOE play a role
• Refractive optical unit
• DOE anomalous partial dispersion and bonding materials
• DOE aspherical surface on the opposite side of the
• Vibration control
• Inner Focus

Photography’s greats feature in the new issue of VICTOR

Hasselblad's VICTOR Magazine made a triumphant return to a print format last year, and Issue Two is now available, featuring contributions from the likes of David Hockney, Steve McCurry and Perou.

The brave decision by Hasselblad to swim against the tide last year, and to turn VICTOR Magazine from an online publication back to a printed issue, paid huge dividends as the new-look publication earned plaudits around the world for its strikingly high quality, luxury feel. Not surprisingly VICTOR - Photography Book Two has been hotly anticipated and now it's here, boasting a list of contributors that sounds like a who's who of international greats.
The new issue of VICTOR has David Hockney revealing a word-exclusive triptych, stylishly reproduced as a complex multiple gatefold, while there's also an exclusive edit from Steve McCurry of the Pirelli 2013 Calendar, which he photographed in Rio de Janeiro. Also featured in VICTOR - Photography Book Two is Alec Soth, a photographer known for his monochrome exploration of Americana; Guido Argentini, showcasing his exceptional nude studies; and London-based photographer Perou, who has photographed every celebrity in modern culture from Bill Clinton through to Justin Bieber. Exclusively for VICTOR Perou is also showcasing a collaboration with adidas Originals, an exciting project titled Concrete that features their Spring/Summer 2013 collection.
"We were delighted to bring VICTOR back as a print title last year," says Paul Waterworth, Hasselblad's Global Photographer Relations Manager. "Because we were looking to showcase some of the exceptional photographers from around the world who are using Hasselblad cameras it made sense to use their work within a format that truly did it justice. Issue Two of VICTOR will very much continue that journey, and the book format allows us to capture the full quality of images produced by one of the world's best cameras."
"Establishing VICTOR at the forefront of print publishing and photography titles has been a key aim," says the publication's Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director Stephen Toner, "and we were delighted to see this recognised by the British Journal of Photography in its 'Cool & Noteworthy 2012' review, where they named VICTOR as Best Customer Magazine 2012.
"This is an exciting time for photography, calling for innovation, dynamism and an embrace of the future. But it also requires a respect for heritage and for the expertise that comes from a long history of working at the very highest level, to the most exacting standards. Hasselblad - and all the photographers included in this issue - embody this approach perfectly and this book is a testament to their craft."
True to the spirit of Issue One, VICTOR - Photography Book Two is a large-format, hardback, cloth-bound print title defined by outstanding photography, unique typography and the highest-quality print reproductions. Although its appearance is not that of a magazine at all but of a high quality book, it continues to be priced at a magazine level - £15/€20/US$25 - making it accessible to the widest possible audience.
VICTOR is stocked by exclusive magazine shops around the world, and will be available in the UK from April 15, the EU from April 22 and the rest of the world from May 6. The magazine can also be ordered online and will be shipped to all countries.
You can also visit the VICTOR website, which has been updated with exclusive new online material, and the log-in procedure has been dropped to allow free access to all visitors.


Head for:
www.victorbyhasselblad.com
www.facebook.com/victorbyhasselblad
VICTOR channel at HTV (htv.hasselblad.com/channel/victor-magazine)
VICTOR channel at YouTube (www.youtube.com/HasselbladAS)


To order your copy of VICTOR online, visit:
www.newsstand.co.uk

Super Colour: Exploring the Play Between Color, Light, Motion and Emotion

By his own admission, photographer Andrew McGibbon doesn’t like using natural light. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with shooting natural light — he’s done it before when the situation called for it — it’s just that he prefers the wow factor that he knows he can get by experimenting with crazy lighting setups.
He wants to create “surreal” images, and so it makes sense that he would be the photog behind Super Colour, a series of psychedelic portraits taken by combing the effects of colored gels, paints, powder and sometimes water.
Here are a few of our favorites from the series:










Some of the shots that fall under the Super Colour series were taken for ads, others for fun, but all of them, as he puts it, are an exploration of the relationship between “colour (obviously), light, motion and emotion.”
Click here to head over to Behance and see more Super Colour photos, and be sure to check out McGibbon’s blog for some behind the scenes shots as well.
Super Colour!! [Behance via Orms Connect]

PBS Arts Takes a Look at How Photoshop is ‘Remixing The World’

It’s hard to fathom the effect that Photoshop and digital retouching has had on our world. Limitations placed on artists and photographers in particular have systematically been stripped away as terms like “‘shopped” made their way into our vernacular. In this short video, PBS Arts examines that effect. From the artist, to the photographer, to the everyday citizen who has something to say, nobody has been left unaltered by Photoshop. PBS Arts Takes a Look at How Photoshop is Remixing The World photoshop1 Giving the artist perspective, art director and illustrator Jeff Huang talks about the new and exciting canvas that Photoshop has given artists like him. Constantly fighting those who don’t understand the skill required on one side and those who see a piece of Photoshop art as somehow less artistic on the other, the Photoshop artist is still awaiting the recognition he’s due. On the photography end we have Laurent Le Moing of Picturehouse NYC, who briefly explains the ins and outs of retouching, and makes the distinction between good retouching — that is, retouching that preserves the human element — and bad retouching that has led to a twisted understanding of beauty and perfection. PBS Arts Takes a Look at How Photoshop is Remixing The World photoshop2 Perhaps most interesting, however, is the third section of the video on meme generation. Narrated by Don Caldwell of Know Your Meme, this section discusses how the ability to create and alter memes in Photoshop has changed the way we interact with and comment on our culture. PBS Arts Takes a Look at How Photoshop is Remixing The World photoshop3 Caldwell mentions the Thumbs & Ammo meme as a statement about gun control, and the pepper spray cop as a statement about police brutality. It seems that our ability to alter images in Photoshop, be they obviously fake or otherwise, has allowed people to communicate their political and cultural views more effectively than words ever could. Truth be told, there are probably many more examples of how Photoshop has affected us. In the past, we’ve shared the opinion that the prevalence of Photoshop has even changed our perception and understanding of reality. How else do you think Photoshop is “remixing the world?”

Topaz B&W Effects 2.1 upgrade released

2

Topaz Labs released B&W Effects 2.1. The new features include zone system, borders, tone quick tools and apply button. You can read all the details on the new version in this this blog post. Topaz B&W Effects 2.1 screenshots:

 

 

Few before and after comparisons to get an idea what you can do with Topaz B&W Effects:

Adaptive dynamic conversion

Dynamic cyanotype conversion

Warm tone with selective color