Category Archives: news

The wait is over: Canon has officially announced the long-awaited EOS 5D Mark IV

The wait is finally over, as Canon today announced the highly-anticipated EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera, the next generation of the popular 5D series of Canon professional DSLR cameras. Building on its celebrated legacy, the EOS 5D Mark IV is set to propel the series forward with features and enhancements targeted to please even the most discerning creative eyes.  The new power-packed camera features a 30.4 megapixel Dual Pixel Canon CMOS sensor, with the DIGIC 6+ Image Processor, delivering 4K 30P video and up to seven frames per second (fps) continuous shooting. 



Earlier this month, we had a chance to meet the Canon team to get an exclusive hands-on with a prototype of the new camera. The Canon team informed us that the new 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor in the camera allows for versatile shooting in nearly any light, with ISO range 100–32,000; expandable up to 50–102,400. The camera features 4K Motion JPEG video (DCI cinema-type 4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p; in-camera still frame grab of 4K 8.8-Megapixel images; the multiple video options include Full HD up to 60p, and HD up to 120p.



They informed that the Dual Pixel CMOS AF facilitates for responsive and smooth AF during video or Live View shooting; LCD monitor has full touch-screen interface, including selection of AF area. The AF area has 61 AF points, and 41 cross-points. The AF area has also been extended, with Block at center Approx. 8.6％ vertically extended, and 24% vertically on side blocks. The camera also features the new Dual Pixel RAW format (a special version of RAW image data that contains Dual Pixel information sent from picture elements (pixels). If the image-recording quality mode is set to DPRAW, this new data format supports development of the photo through the Digital Photo Professional application), in-camera Digital Lens Optimizer during JPEG shooting and Diffraction Correction technologies. There is also inbuilt WiFi and NFC for sharing of images to compatible devices or social media sites.



“Canon’s EOS 5D series of DSLR cameras has a history of being at the forefront of still and video innovation. And today, we add to this family of cameras the EOS 5D Mark IV– the first in our 5D series to offer 4K video and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A.. “In developing this new DSLR camera, we listened to the requests of current EOS users to create for them a modern, versatile camera designed to help them create and share beautiful still and video imagery.”

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR is currently scheduled to be available in early September 2016 for an estimated retail price of $3,499.00 for the body only. It will also be sold as part of body-and-lens kits with the EF24-70mm f/4L lens ($4,399.00, scheduled to be available early September)  and the EF24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens ($4,599.00, scheduled to be available late October) .

In addition, Canon is also introducing two new L-series EF lenses – the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Ultra-Wide Zoom Lens and EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Standard Zoom Lens, with the former scheduled to be available late in October for an estimated retail price of $2,199.00, and the later scheduled to be available in late October for an estimated retail price of $1,099.00.

Canon aims to boost women employee numbers from a present 12% to 20% by 2018

Canon takes forward their legacy of commitment to the country with dedicated efforts to boost women employee, nurture them and help them grow within the system and the company reports state that they aim to boost women employee numbers from a present 12% to 20% by 2018. With strong professional and social ethos, Canon proactively indulges in policies and activities that ensure a safe, secure and inspirational workspace for women.
 
According to Canon, with dedicated efforts to support performance management, employee-management relations and resource planning, Canon HR policies offer an array of solutions. One such unique initiative, ‘Ladies Power Lunch with CEO’ is a platform where women employees are provided an opportunity to interact with the CEO of the company. Under its HR practice, women employees of Canon are motivated to engage and evolve through various company activities. One such campaign is ‘Women Empowerment’ where women from various Canon offices go to the adopted villages under their flagship initiative ‘Adopt a Village’ to interact with women and girls of the villages. Canon employees educate the village females about topics like personal hygiene, significance of sanitation, ways to judge people and situations and most importantly self-defence and safety.
 
The company also reported that to celebrate the spirit of womanhood, Canon India has planned an array of activities to acknowledge and respect the efforts of its women employees. March 8, 2016, International Woman’s Day will welcome women colleagues in the company with a motivational program in which a special session only for women employees will be conducted by a motivational speaker and a Life Coach. During the course of this program, Canon’s women employees will be encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards life. In this two hour long session, they will get the opportunity to interact with the speaker to understand and explore the methods to strike a work-life balance.
 
The company also stated in their reports that on March 13th, photography workshops will be organised across the country. The first leg will witness workshops at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, The Chancery Pavilion in Bangalore, Holiday Inn in Mumbai and The Park in Kolkata. Highlighting Canon’s commitment towards making technology accessible, particularly to women. 
 
According to Canon, comfort, security, equality, work life balance and evolvement are key aspects of Canon’s HR policies for women. Comfortable work hours, flexible timings for new mothers, transport facility for all employees, relaxed leave policies and much more stand testimony to Canon India’s efforts to promote a culture of growth and gender equality. Reportedly Canon also organizes special workshops like wellness workshop and self –defence training for is female employees on regular basis which helps them to optimize personal well-being to learn effective techniques to counter any form of abuse.The women at Canon are considered pillars of power, who enable the brand to achieve its market position. With the vision to offer the most gratifying yet productive and dynamic environment, Canon continues to support the emergence and success of women power. 
 

Hasselblad announces X1D – The world’s first compact mirrorless digital medium format camera

Hasselblad introduces the groundbreaking X1D compact mirrorless medium format camera – weighing less than half that of a conventional digital medium format camera, the mirrorless 50MP camera is a game changer in the world of photography.
Inspired by the brand’s iconic design heritage, the camera is said to be ergonomic and compact, offering a handling experience unlike any other, the X1D combines Scandinavian sensibility with beautiful performance.
Like the iconic V System, the X1D combines portability with optical quality for which the brand is renowned. Hasselblad has introduced mirrorless technology to digital medium format for the first time ever, creating a camera that can sit in the palm of your hand. The 50MP CMOS sensor primises to captures the finest details with true natural colors.
Perry Oosting, Hasselblad CEO noted, “The X1D marks a pivotal point in Hasselblad’s rich 75-year history. This camera makes medium format photography available to a new generation of Hasselblad users, while pushing the existing limits of photography to new heights.”
A completely new family of dedicated autofocus lenses has been developed to support optical quality and portability, offering a wide range of shutter speeds and full flash synchronisation up to 1/2000th second.
Weighing 725g and including HD video, Wi-Fi and built-in GPS, the X1D is aimed to be an ideal travel companion. The exterior is dust and weather proof, providing durability to take with you wherever you go.
The company informed that the X1D has been created with passionate photographers in mind, opening up Hasselblad to a new generation of creatives. Ideal for those who want to create the highest quality medium format images with a straightforward and easy to use camera that can fit in the palm of your hand.
The Hasselblad X1D is priced at 7,900 EUR / 8,995 USD / 5,990 GBP 
Prices stated are exclusive of VAT.


Is this the darkest hour for Steve McCurry?

Last month, one of the biggest photography scandals broke, and it involved none other than the legendary photographer Steve McCurry. Online portal PetaPixel broke the story, after they published an online article about it in May. The photography icon came under question, after photographer Paolo Viglione saw a botched print at a show in Italy. The photographer wrote a blog post about this, which was soon taken down, but it triggered off a hunt among people who went scavenging to see what other such images they could find.

Soon a number of images and articles started surfacing over the internet that claimed that McCurry had used Photoshop and altered his images. People started foraging through Steve’s work across his career, and a number of images surfaced at different times of his career which were allegedly altered. While some images were found to be edited in terms of colour and saturation, others depict cloning and adding and removal of elements.

Here are some of the examples of images that are doing the rounds on websites, social media and blogs:

The above images have allegedly both been taken from McCurry’s website, and a player is missing in one of them.

Another image, with two versions, founded on Italian photgrapher and founder of Echo Photojournalism, Gianmarco Maraviglia’s Facebook page, shows carts, figures and other elements missing.

An image shot in Tokyo, of which two versions were found allegedly on McCurry’s own blog, which has now been deleted in its entirety. Notice elements like signboards and buildings altered or cloned.

Also found on McCurry’s blog, this image shot in Honduras has two versions, with visible elements on the right of the image and the floor missing.

Shot in India, this image has two versions online, with a figure in the background missing in one of them.

In an interview with TIME, McCurry admitted to use of the editing tool Photoshop, but said that he now considers himself as a ‘visual storyteller’ and not a photojournalist. McCurry said to TIME, “I’ve always let my pictures do the talking, but now I understand that people want me to describe the category into which I would put myself, and so I would say that today I am a visual storyteller.” He stated in the interview that, “Reflecting on the situation… even though I felt that I could do what I wanted to my own pictures in an aesthetic and compositional sense, I now understand how confusing it must be for people who think I’m still a photojournalist”, and added, “going forward, I am committed to only using the program in a minimal way, even for my own work taken on personal trips”.

However, McCurry’s practice has been criticised by industry peers, including ethics committee chairman of the National Press Photographer’s Association (NPPA), Sean D. Elliot, who said in a statement that it is an ethical lapse, “(McCurry) bears the responsibility to uphold the ethical standards of his peers and the public, who see him as a photojournalist” adding, “Any alteration of the journalistic truth of his images, any manipulation of the facts, regardless of how relevant he or others might feel they are to the deeper ‘truth,’ constitutes an ethical lapse”.

Whatever the controversy or scandal, McCury finds himself in quiet the soup with more and more his work being ridiculed with memes being shared on social media platforms. Whether you consider this to be ethical is something that we would leave for you to decide, but undoubtedly this in McCurry’s career is one of his darkest hours.  

Steve McCurry portrait image – Source: uk.phaidon.com

Tamron announces the launch of the SP 35mm and SP 45mm for Sony mount

Tamron has announced the release of SP 35mm F/1.8 Di USD (Model F012) and SP 45mm F/1.8 Di USD (Model F013) for Sony mount. The first two lenses in the series are compatible with full-frame DSLR cameras and offer fast apertures and versatile, fixed focal lengths. These lenses have been quite a success for Tamron and now the lenses are available in Sony mount also. 

The Sony mount version was announced on 12th May and is being launched first in the Japanese market, with overseas launch to follow at a later date. The lenses are already available for Canon and Nikon cameras.  

The Sony mount version does not include VC, since Sony digital SLR bodies incorporate built-in image stabilization functionality. The name of the Sony mount model is “SP 35mm F/1.8 Di USD” and “SP 45mm F/1.8 Di USD” without VC designation.

Samyang announces 14mm F2.8 and 50mm F1.4 autofocus FE lenses for Sony’s E-Mount cameras

The global optics brand, Samyang Optics announced the long-awaited launch of two autofocus lenses: 14mm F2.8 and 50mm F1.4 lenses for Sony E mount Mirrorless cameras with full frame sensor size. This launching expands the boundaries of Samyang Optics photo lens line-up from manual focus only, to now include autofocus lenses.

According to the press release both 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC and 50mm F1.4 AS IF UMC are specifically designed to work in harmony with full frame mirrorless cameras in Sony E mount. The flow of light is devised based on the uniqueness of the distance from glass to sensor in mirrorless cameras to create optimal performance. The 14mm F2.8 and 50mm F1.4 are compatible with full frame sensors to deliver the wideness and sharpness of image to photographers.

The 67mm filter diameter brings the maximum amount of light into the lens to create the best work of light in photography. The 14mm F2.8 is the widest angle available in the market and the F1.4 of 50mm and F2.8 of 14mm apertures are by far the brightest of full frame mirrorless lenses. According to the press release Samyang Optics’ exceptional optical technology, aspherical lenses have been included in both lenses to minimise aberration and unnecessary light dispersion, delivering high resolution from the centre to the corners of the image.

These new products will be the first autofocus lenses in over 40 years of Samyang’s class-leading core optics technologies. These new 14mm F2.8 and 50mm F1.4 are compatible with both phase detect and contrast detect sensors to operate fast and accurate focus detection.

These two new autofocus lenses from Samyang Optics will be exhibited at the Photo & Imaging 2016 Show in Seoul, South Korea. The lenses will be globally available from July 2016.

Fujifilm brings a water resistant 2X teleconverter for the X-Series

Fujifilm X-Series users will soon be able to purchase a 2x teleconverter compatible with two of the company’s telephoto zoom lenses, delivering a maximum equivalent focal length of 1219mm for its interchangeable lens compact system. The XF2X TC WR teleconverter will be weather and dust-resistant when used with the X-T1 and X-Pro2 camera bodies combined with the XF50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR and XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6R LM OIS WR lenses.

The converter consists of nine elements in five groups and adds 30.2mm to the physical length of the camera/lens set-up. With the 2-stop light loss, the AF system of the X-cameras will revert to contrast detection with the 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 lens, but phase detection will still work with the 50-140mm F2.8. Both lenses will need a firmware update in order to operate with the new teleconverter so that adjusted aperture and focal length values can be recorded in the EXIF data and displayed on-screen.

Fuji suggests that the converter will be compatible with other lenses in the X-Series range, and has set up a website on which it promises to post information about future lens compatibility.

The Fujifilm XF2X TC WR teleconverter will be available in June priced $449

Olympus joins the action camera race with its Stylus TG-Tracker

Olympus expands the outdoor video experience with the latest member of the Tough product family, the new Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker. According to the press release the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is the first rugged experiential camera that combines Olympus’s Tough rugged capabilities with an advanced Field Sensor System, a 204° ultra-wide-angle F2.0 high-speed lens and Ultra HD 4K 30p video capture to record action video with corresponding activity data. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker’s built-in Field Sensors include GPS, a barometric-pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an e.Compass and an accelerometer. Data logs can be displayed simultaneously with recorded images using the Olympus Image Track app.

According to the press release the Olympus Tough series, the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is optimized for the most extreme shooting environments, with five rugged capabilities: waterproof to depths of 100 feet,dustproof, shockproof from 7 feet, freeze proof to 14°F, and crushproof up to 220 pounds of force,— no protective case required. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker represents a new category of rugged cameras with its Field Sensor System that’s capable of capturing location, altitude and depth, g-force and air and water temperature while users record videos and still images of their outdoor adventures.

A high-intensity LED headlight is integrated into the camera body for shooting support in low-light conditions. The bundled SG-T01 Steady Grip helps with stable framing during hand-held shooting. The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker’s compact body and tilt-out LCD monitor provide for quick and easy video capture, including low- and high-angle shooting.
The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker will be available in green and black beginning in June 2016 with an estimated street price of $349.99 (U.S.) and $479.99 (Canada).

Main Features
•Field Sensor System for capturing all the action of outdoor adventures
•GPS 
•Barometric-pressure sensor 
•Temperature sensor 
•e.Compass 
•Accelerometer 
•Rugged capabilities: waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freeze proof and crushproof.
•High-quality images captured with an ultra-wide-angle lens
•TruePicTM VII for 4K Image Processor and backlit CMOS sensor
•Versatile shooting style and superb controls
•Compatibility with the Olympus Image Track smart-device app.

Canon India appoints C Sukumaran as the Assistant Director of Consumer Systems Products Division

Canon India announced the appointment of C Sukumaran to the designation of Assistant Director of Consumer Systems Products (CSP) division at Canon India.
 
According to the company the CSP division offers printers for consumers as well as enterprise across different verticals. Canon has a vast range of all-purpose printers, both inkjet and laser, catering to the printing requirements of home segment, students, SOHOs, SMEs as well as dedicated offices.
 
Canon India reported that in his new role as the Assistant Director, C Sukumaran will be leading CSP division’s Laser and Inkjet printer business in India and will be accountable to take the marketing and sales of the products to the next level. He will be reporting to Mr. Andrew Koh, Vice President, CII Group, Canon India. With a special focus on driving growth, market share and profitability for inkjet and laser printing products, he is looking forward to working closely with the partners to create the required reach. 
 
Sukumaran has been associated with Canon for over 15 years. Prior to joining the CSP division, he was working as the Assistant Director of the Business Imaging Solutions (BIS) division. His key responsibilities included driving the sales for BIS division’s multifunctional devices and solutions. He was actively involved in managing all channels-direct, distribution, government and handling global accounts for copiers, DR Scanners and the software solutions along with supporting sales of projectors and NVS products. 
 
The company also stated that with his two decades of experience in B2B space, he will bring with him a deep insight of Enterprise sales, channel set-up and operations, sales planning and execution. He is a strong believer in utilizing technology to create efficiency and capability across the teams. His key organizational strengths, according to Canon, include sales, enterprise knowledge, people leadership, business leadership, general management, new market entry and penetration, and strategy and execution.
 
C Sukumaran is a graduate in Science from University of Bangalore. He has a keen interest in following news and research in business, economic and political arena. Reportedly, being a sports enthusiast, he also loves to play cricket, table tennis and volleyball. Besides that, he is reportedly also deeply interested in developing leaders and driving change in a seamless manner and hence, he actively pursues coaching and mentoring as a practice. According to the company reports, his predecessor, Gautam Paul will be looking after the projection, surveillance cameras and CBS business in Canon India.

RICOH Announced the 2nd RICOH THETA Developers Contest

RICOH Imaging Europe S.A.S recently announced their second annual developers contest. The competition, reportedly looks out for new applications and gadgets that utilize the RICOH THETA camera which takes 360-degree, fully spherical images or videos in one capture. Once registered, applicants will have time till 31st August 2016 to submit their final version of their app and gadget designs. 


As a part of RICOH’s 80th anniversary celebrations this year, the contest challenges developers to create innovative apps and gadgets that work in synchronization with the RICOH THETA. According to the company, the winners of the contest will receive a trip to Tokyo, Japan, for the awards ceremony and the first prize winner will be awarded a cash prize of one million Yen.


Applicants will also gain early access to an exciting new platform which has been optimized for cloud-based applications leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT). The new IoT platform makes it possible for developers to efficiently and cost-effectively build cloud-based applications, which typically require significant expertise in cloud services and servers and a longer development time. It will be interesting to see what the company comes up with since 360 degree videos and photos seem to be the future of the industry.