Lucas Liau Photography

The official iSense Studio Blog & Faceebook Page !

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Thu, 4 Apr 2013 00:16:00 -0700

Hello everyone!

We will be updating photography in this blog here
http://www.isensestudio.com

All future blog posts and updates will be made there, so please save the new URL, subscribe to the RSS feed at the new blogsite and we hope to see you there frequently!

So please bookmark that too, and do visit it regularly as we are in the process of adding new photos every few days to the official iSense Studio website! :)

So in summary....
NEW BLOG: http://www.isensestudio.com
NEW Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/isensestudio

See you there!! :D

128GB 4th gen iPad now available for order from RM2,399

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Wed, 6 Feb 2013 17:21:00 -0800

The recently announced 4th generation iPad with Retina Display in 128GB capacity is now available in Malaysia through the online Apple Store.

In terms of pricing, the 128GB WiFi only version is going at RM2,399 while the WiFi + Cellular version with micro-SIM slot is priced at RM2,799. Pricing for other models remain unchanged with the entry level 16GB WiFi priced at RM1,499 while the WiFi + Cellular version at RM1,899. Admittedly, this isn’t a model for everyone as the pricing is rather close to a full fledged notebook. However going by cost per GB, the 128GB WiFi gives about RM18.72/GB as compared to the 16GB WiFi that costs an average of RM93.68/GB. If storage on a tablet is crucial, then the 128GB might be something worth considering especially when there’s no expandable storage.

According to the online Apple Store, both models start shipping in 1-3 business days which means you probably get it after the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays. For more information or to place your order, head over to the Apple Store Malaysia iPad page.

Apple Rumored to Debut 4.8-Inch 'iPhone Math' in June

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:01:00 -0800

According to new information from the China Times translated by BrightWire, Apple is planning to release the iPhone 5S alongside a larger phone, deemed the "iPhone Math" by the report.

Because the iPhone Math name is highly unusual and does not fit in with Apple's traditional naming scheme, it is not clear if it is a code name or a potential mistranslation, although the actual "iPhone Math" terms appears in English in the China Times report.

China Times says that the larger phone will come equipped with a 4.8-inch screen and an 8-megapixel camera. It is said that it will launch in June alongside an updated iPhone 5, which will also feature an 8-megapixel camera. An additional iPhone update is said to be coming during the holiday season, with a 12-megapixel camera.

Though the report contains detailed information on suppliers, manufacturers, and production times, it is difficult to believe that Apple will produce a bigger iPhone and that the company will release two iPhones in a six month time frame.

The shipments for components, including touchscreens and cameras, will start rising significantly in March, and iPhone manufacturers will begin production in late April. Hence, Apple's suppliers will see major growth in 2Q 2013.

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd. will undertake 90% of the manufacturing orders, and Largan has received orders for 8 million camera lenses. Fujikura, Flexium and Zhen Ding will share production orders for printed circuit boards.

Foxconn Technology and Coxon will provide molding parts for Apple's new models; Foxlink will continue to offer connectors; Hon Hai Precision's Microelectronics Technology will start designing 4G network solutions for Apple.

This is not the first rumor that has featured a larger iPhone. Jeffries analyst Peter Misekfirst reported in December that Apple was working on an iPhone with a 4.8-inch display, but just last week noted that he has seen no further signs of the device. Digitimes also reported in early January that Apple was working on a bigger, more affordable iPhone that was targeted towards emerging markets, and analyst Brian White suggested that Apple might be considering launching its next iPhone in multiple sizes.

While rumors from the The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg support the introduction of an additional iPhone at a lower cost, the device is said to be smaller, not larger.

As we noted the first time the 4.8-inch iPhone rumors emerged, Apple has just increased the size of the iPhone with the iPhone 5, and may be reluctant to face the same resolution and pixel density obstacles attempting to create an even larger iPhone.

Canon EOS 6D Official Specs

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 22:03:00 -0700

Body type
Body type	Mid-size SLR
Sensor
Image ratio w:h	3:2
Effective pixels	20.2 megapixels
Sensor size	Full frame (36 x 24 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	Digic 5+
Image
ISO	Auto, 100 – 25600 in 1/3 stops, plus 50, 51200, 102400 as option
White balance presets	6
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, Normal
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi-area Selective single-point Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Manual focus	Yes
Number of focus points	11
Lens mount	Canon EF mount
Focal length multiplier	1×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3.2″
Screen dots	102,400
Touch screen	Yes
Screen type	Clear View II TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage	97 %
Viewfinder magnification	0.71×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/8000 sec
Aperture priority	Yes
Shutter priority	Yes
Manual exposure mode	Yes
Subject / scene modes	Yes
Built-in flash	No
External flash	Yes (Hot shoe)
Continuous drive	Yes (4.5 fps)
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot Partial
Exposure compensation	±5 EV (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes (3 frames in either blue/amber or magenta/green axis)
Videography features
Format	H.264
Microphone	Mono
Speaker	Mono
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps fps), 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (25, 30 fps)
Videography notes	1080 and 720 intra or inter frame, 480 inter frame
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (HDMI Mini)
Wireless	BuiltIn
Remote control	Yes (Remote control with N3 type contact, Wireless Controller LC-5, Remote Controller RC-6)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes (Splash and dust resistant)
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-Ion LP-E6 rechargeable battery & charger
Weight (inc. batteries)	770 g (1.70 lb / 27.16 oz)
Dimensions	145 x 111 x 71 mm (5.71 x 4.37 x 2.8″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes (by cable and PC)
GPS	BuiltIn
GPS notes	Image tagging and tracking modes

Nikon D600 vs. D800E high ISO samples

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 22:01:00 -0700

I had the chance to play with the Nikon D600 for few hours. Here are some high ISO comparisons between the D600 and the D800E:

Nikon D600 at ISO 25,600

Nikon D800E at ISO 25,600

Obviously at 916px wide, there is no visible difference between the D800E and D600 samples taken at ISO 25,600. Even at 100% crops it is still hard to see any differences:

Nikon D600 at ISO 25,600 100% crop:

Nikon D800E at ISO 25,600 downsampled to 24MP 100% crop:

Nikon D800E at ISO 25,600 original 100% crop:

Few more full size high ISO Nikon D600 vs. D800 comparisons are available on flickr (at ISO 6400, 12800, 25600):

Canon 40mm Pancake – How Did They Do That??

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:34:00 -0700

We got our first batch of the Canon 40mm f/2.8 pancake lenses in today and, as with all new lenses, I had to run them through Imatest to establish our acceptable standards for the lens. Let me start by saying I had low expectations. I don’t particularly like pancake lenses except on tiny cameras. They’re usually compromises between size and image quality and I’m an image quality guy, mostly. And, come on, it’s a $200 lens. But duty calls, so test them I must.
My first impression was the build quality was better than I expected. It has a metal mount, not plastic. The aperture blades appear more curved than most of the Canon 7 blade aperture rings, making a more circular opening. The little STM motor is not silent, but it’s pretty quiet. It’s also not lightning fast (as expected) but autofocus is certainly quicker than a Canon 85mm f/1.2 lens. And it’s amazingly tiny — the rear lens cap is about half as big as the lens. So far, so good, if the image quality doesn’t suck too bad.

Imatest Results

As always, these are Imatest MTF 50 results, so they reflect the performance at about 12 feet distance in our lab. Infinity and close-up results could be different to some degree. But the little 40mm has amazingly good numbers. To give some perspective, I’ve put it in a table with results for some other f/2.8 lenses. The higher number is MTF 50 at the center point, the lower number is average across the entire lens front measured at 20 points.

Lens	Center	20 pt
Canon 40mm f/2.8	870	775
Canon 24-70	740	610
Canon 16-35	770	635
Canon 45 TS-E	785	660

You can see the average number is really excellent, which is especially surprising since pancakes often have poor corners. This is sooo not the case here that I’ll show you a graphed printout of a typical copy. Notice it retains excellent sharpness right out to the absolute corners on a 5D II.

One thing I have to note: the results were VERY consistent. We only had a dozen copies to test but there was little lens-to-lens variation. As a rule pancake lenses don’t have lots of optical calibration adjustments inside, so they may depend on the manufacturing tolerances of the housing more than most lenses. Take this with a bit of a grain of salt, though, all the copies we tested were close in serial number, so there could be more variation when we get another dozen copies.
The 40mm f/2.8 lens is near peak sharpness wide open. The graph below shows 8 copies I tested at both f/2.8 and f/5.6. There’s only a slight increase in sharpness (I’m not certain that difference would be visible in a photograph, it’s within 5 SQF points.) That’s wonderful, but I want to point out that a lot of lenses that do improve stopped down (like the 3 in the table above) would ending up being sharper than the 40mm at f/4 or f/5.6.

The only other comment I have about the little lens is that manually focusing, while possible, is rather difficult: the focusing ring is really thin and I found a fingernail moves it better than my whole fingertip. Mostly, though, it has a small range so a tiny movement can move the focus a lot. But then, one of the main purposes of this lens was to provide smooth video autofocusing.

Overall, though, I’m extremely impressed. I’d be impressed if a lens this size and price was just decent, but this one is excellent. I might as well go ahead and get in trouble with the business manager: if you think you want this lens, just go ahead and buy it. At this price, unless some of the more thorough reviewers find something I missed on this quick overview, you can’t go wrong.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Firmware 1.1.3

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 01:05:00 -0700

New Firmware
Canon is issuing new firmware for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III on June 19, 2012. No new features have been added to the camera. I’m told that is is coming at a later date.
Firmware Version 1.1.3 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

Supports the single focal length EF40mm f/2.8 STM lens that is to be released at the end of June, 2012.
Fixes a phenomenon in which an image may become underexposed when using the Auto Lighting Optimizer for continuous Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) shooting.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the backlight of the LCD monitor may not turn off depending on the camera settings and timing.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera’s power may not turn on when a super-telephoto lens*1) is mounted to the camera with an extender*2).
- EF 300mm F2.8L IS II USM / EF 400mm F2.8L IS II USM
- Extender EF 1.4X III / Extender EF 2X III
Corrects mistakes in the Dutch, Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, and Swedish menu screens

Download Firmware 1.1.3 for the 5D Mark III at Canon USA

Canon updates EOS 60D and EOS 60Da firmware to v1.1.1

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 01:03:00 -0700

Canon has issues a firmware update for the EOS 60D mid-level DSLR and 60Da astrophotography camera. On the 60D, firmware v1.1.1 corrects a bug that placed the wrong serial number in image EXIF. On both cameras it also fixes language errors in some menus. The company will announce updated versions of its software at a later date to correct existing images with the incorrect serial number. The firmware is available for download from your local Canon support site now.

Click here to visit the Canon USA support site for the EOS 60D

Technical details:

Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following fixes:

Fixes a phenomenon where the camera's serial number that is displayed in the shooting information of the image does not display the correct serial number.*1
Corrects errors in the Greek, Italian, and Portuguese menu screens.

*1) If the camera's serial number is 2147483648 or higher and the camera firmware is Version 1.1.0 or earlier, the images captured with the camera will be affected by the phenomenon listed in 1. above. This phenomenon only affects the EOS 60D, and does not affect the EOS 60Da. Both of these cameras are equipped with the same firmware. To obtain the serial number correctly in the shooting information of images that are already captured using the old firmware, we are preparing updates for Digital Photo Professional and ZoomBrowser EX / ImageBrowser applications. Once the software updates are ready, we will make an announcement on our Web site. Firmware Version 1.1.1 is for cameras with Firmware Version 1.1.0. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.1.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D Full Specifications

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 20:12:00 -0700

The Key Quick Specs (thanks neuro)

18 MP APS-C
DIGIC 5+
SDHC slot, USH-1 complaint
Current xxD’s AF system (9 cross-type points, found in 40D, 50D, 60D)
T3i metering system (63 zones like 7D and 5DIII)
5 fps
Pentamirror Viewfinder
ISO 100-12,800 expandable to 25,600
Articulated touchscreen LCD
Hybrid AF during video shooting

Canon Rebel T4i Front

Canon Rebel T4i Back

Canon Rebel T4i Top

Canon Rebel T4i Side

Canon Rebel T4i Bottom

To read the full spec list, click below.

Canon EOS Rebel T4i Specs

The form of digital single-lens reflex, AF / AE camera (flash included)
Recording media SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC memory card
* UHS-I compliant
Image sensor size 22.3 x 14.9 mm approx.
Canon EF lenses, the lens (EF-S Lens)

(35mm equivalent focal length marked on the lens focal length of approximately 1.6-fold).

Lens Mount Canon EF mount
Image Sensor
Type CMOS sensors
Approximately 18 million pixels Effective Pixels
Aspect Ratio 3:02
Dust features: automatic, manual, dust delete data attached

Recording System

Recording Format Design rule for Camera File system (DCF) 2.0
Image format JPEG, RAW (14bit Canon proprietary method)
Can simultaneously record RAW + JPEG Large
Number of recorded pixels L (Large): Approximately 17.90 megapixels (5184 x 3456)
M (Medium): approx. 8.00-megapixel (3456 x 2304)
S1 (Small 1): Approx 4.50 megapixels (2592 x 1728)
S2 (Small 2): Approx 2.50 megapixels (1920 x 1280)
S3 (Small 3): Approximately 350,000 pixels (720 x 480)
RAW: Approximately 17.90 megapixels (5184 x 3456)

Shooting image processing

Picture Style Auto, Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Def. 1-3
Select expression functions: shooting environment by choosing, depending on lighting and shooting scene
White Balance Auto, Preset (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, White fluorescent light, Flash), Custom
White balance correction and white balance bracketing features
* Flash color temperature information for communication
Prolonged exposure and ISO noise reduction can be applied to shooting with high sensitivity
Auto Lighting Optimizer automatically calibrate the brightness of the image
Highlight tone Priority
Ambient light correction lens aberration correction, chromatic aberration correction

Viewfinder

Type Eye-level pentaprism
Coverage Vertical / Horizontal approx 95% (approximately eyepoint 19mm)
Magnification approximately 0.85x (with 50mm lens at infinity -1 m-1)
Eyepoint approximately 19 mm (-1 m-1 from eyepiece lens center at)
Built-in diopter adjustment of about -3.0 – +1.0 m-1 (dpt)
Focusing Screen Fixed, Precision Matte
Mirror Quick-return type
Provide depth of field preview

Autofocus

Type of image-registration, phase detection TTL 2
Nine cross-type AF points AF points (f/2.8 at the center AF point detects cross-type AF)
Focusing brightness range EV-0.5-18 (23 ° C in, ISO 100)
AF operates One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF
Continuous built-in flash AF assist lamp flashes by

Exposure Control

Metering modes 63-zone TTL full aperture metering
Evaluative metering (linkable to any AF point)
Partial metering (approx. 9% of viewfinder at center)
Spot metering (approximately 4% of viewfinder at center)
Center-weighted average metering
Metering range EV 1 – 20 (23 ℃, ISO 100)
Exposure Control Program AE (Auto Intelligent Scene, Flash Off, Creative Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait,
Night shooting without a tripod, HDR backlight compensation, Program), shutter-priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual Exposure
ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index) Basic Zone modes: ISO 100 – 3200 range is assigned automatically by
* Portrait: ISO 100, shooting without a tripod at night: ISO 100 – 12800 automatically sets the
Creative Zone modes: ISO 100 – 12800 in the range specified in the manual (1 stop increments), ISO 100 – 6400 range, automatically assigned,
ISO sensitivity up to ISO can be set automatically or ‘H’ (ISO 25600 equivalent) to the ISO extension
Manual Exposure Compensation 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments ± 5 stops
AEB: 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments ± 2 stops (in conjunction with manual exposure compensation possible)
AE Lock Automatic: When focus is achieved with evaluative metering applies in One-Shot AF mode
Manual: AE lock button and use the

Shutter

Format electronically controlled focal-plane shutter
Shutter Speed 1/4000 seconds to 1/60 sec (Scene Intelligent Auto mode), 1/200 sec X – Sync.
* If you use wide-angle lens, a shutter speed of 1/60 sec or less can be. 1/4000 to 30 seconds, bulb
(Total shutter speed range. Shutter speed range varies by shooting mode.)

Flash

Built-in Flash Auto pop-up flash
Guide No.: About 13/43 (ISO 100, m / ft)
Flash Range: 17mm lens angle of about
Charging time about 3 seconds.
Provides wireless master unit
EX-series Speedlite external flash (the camera flash functions can be set in).
Flash metering E-TTL II auto flash
Flash Exposure 1.3 or 1.2 stop increments ± 2 stops in
FE lock available
No PC terminal

Drive System

Drive mode, every shot, continuous shooting, 10 seconds or 2-second delay self-timer, continuous shooting 10-second delay
Continuous shooting speed up to about 5 frames / sec.
Continuous shooting JPEG Large / Fine: Approx 22 (30) each
RAW: approximately six (6) every
RAW + JPEG Large / Fine: Approx 3 (3) every
* Figures with 8GB card Canon testing standards (ISO 100, ‘Standard’ Picture Style) is based.
* The figures in parentheses UHS-I compatible with the 8GB card is based on Canon testing standards.

LCD Monitor

Type TFT color LCD monitor
Monitor size and dots wide, 7.7cm (3.0 inch) (3:02), approximately 1.04 million dots
Angle can be adjusted
Adjust the brightness manually (step 7)
25 language interface languages
Capacitive sensing touch screen technology
Feature can be displayed

Playback

Image Display Format Single, Single image + information (basic information, the shooting information, histogram), four each index, every index of 9, the image can be rotated
Approximately zoom 1.5x – 10x

Live View shooting

Set Aspect Ratio 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 1:1
Hybrid CMOS AF focusing system * (+ tracking, FlexiZone-Multi, FlexiZone-Single), phase difference detection method (quick mode)
Manual focus (approximately 5x / 10x magnification possible)
* Focusing brightness range: EV 1-18 (23 ℃ in, ISO 100)
Continuous AF can
Can touch the shutter
Real-time image sensor Metering mode Metering
Evaluative metering (315 segments), partial metering (approximately 8.8% of the Live View screen), spot metering (approximately 2.8% of the Live View screen), Center-weighted average
Metering range EV 0 – 20 (23 ℃, ISO 100)
Display two kinds of lattice

Video recording

MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video compression
Variable (average) bitrate
Linear PCM audio recording format
MOV video recording format
Record the size and
Frame Rate 1920×1080 (Full HD): 30p/25p/24p
1280×720 (HD): 60p/50p
640×480 (SD): 30p/25p
* 30p: 29.97 fps, 25p: 25.00 fps, 24p: 23.976 fps, 60p: 59.94 fps, 50p: 50.00 fps
File size 1920×1080 (30p/25p/24p): approximately 330 MB / minute
1280×720 (60p/50p): approximately 330 MB / minute
640×480 (30p/25p): Approximately 82.5 MB / minute
Hybrid CMOS AF focusing system * (+ tracking, FlexiZone-Multi, FlexiZone-Single)
Manual focus (approximately 5x / 10x magnification possible)
* Focusing brightness range: EV 1-18 (23 ℃ in, ISO 100)
Evaluative metering with image sensor Metering mode and center-weighted pyeonggyuncheukgwang
* Set the focusing mode automatically, depending on
Is Servo AF
Metering range EV 0 – 20 (23 ℃, ISO 100)
Exposure Control Program AE and Manual Exposure for Video
Exposure Compensation 1.3 stop increments ± 3 stops (stop pictures: ± 5 stops).
ISO sensitivity
(Recommended Exposure Index) Auto exposure shot: ISO 100 – 6400 within the scope of the automatic setting manual exposure, ISO 100 – 6400 within the auto / manual settings,
H (ISO 12800 equivalent), expandable to
Video Snapshot 2 seconds / 4 seconds / 8 seconds can be set
Built-in Stereo Microphone Recording
Provides an external stereo microphone jack
Adjustable recording level, wind filter, providing
Attenuator provides
Display two kinds of lattice
Flashing warning highlights overexposed highlight areas
How a single image, image display, image 100 sheets of 10 hawk jump, jump a CAT scan, folder, jump, jump video, still images, jump, jump grade
Images can be rotated
Provided ratings
Videos can be played (LCD monitors, video / audio output, HDMI OUT)
Built-in Speaker
Images can be protected
All images slide show, date, folder-, video, still images or five kinds of transitions can be selected rating
Background music for slideshows and video playback can be selected
Image processing
Coarse filter effects, monochrome, soft focus, fisheye lens effect, painting effects, color effects, and toy camera effects and miniature effects
Can be resized

Direct Printing

Compatible with PictBridge-compatible printer, the printer
Printable images JPEG and RAW images
Compatible with DPOF version 1.1 of the print command

User Settings

8 kinds of user-defined functions
My menu can be registered
Copyright information can be entered and stored

Interface

Audio / Video output /
Digital terminal analog video (NTSC / PAL selectable) / stereo audio output
PC communication and direct printing (Hi-Speed USB), GPS Receiver GP-E2 connection
HDMI mini OUT terminal C-type (resolution, auto-switching), CEC-compatible
The external microphone input terminal
3.5mm diameter stereo mini-jack
Remote Switch RS-60E3 Remote Control for Terminals
Remote Controller RC-6 Wireless Remote Control compatible
Eye-Fi card can be used

Power

Battery Battery Pack LP-E8 (1 reviews)
* AC power via AC Adapter Kit ACK-E8 can be used.
* With Battery Grip BG-E8 AA-size when attaching / LR6 batteries can be used.

Battery Life

(CIPA test standards basis)
Viewfinder when shooting: 23 ℃ approximately 440 sheets, 0 ℃ approximately 400 sheets
Live View shooting: 23 ℃ approximately 180 shots, 0 ℃ approximately 150 sheets
Video recording time approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes at 23 ℃
About 1 hour and 20 minutes at 0 ℃
(Fully charged Battery Pack LP-E8 is used)

Size and Weight

Dimensions (W x H x D) 133.1 x 99.8 x 78.8 mm approx.
Weighs about 575 g (CIPA guidelines), approximately 520 g (body only)
Operating Environment
Operating temperature range 0 ℃ ~ 40 ℃
Operating Humidity 85% or less
Battery Pack LP-E8
Type of rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Rated voltage 7.2 V DC
1120 mAh battery capacity
Operating temperature range when charging: 6 ℃ ~ 40 ℃
Shooting: 0 ℃ ~ 40 ℃
Operating Humidity 85% or less
Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx 37.1 x 15.4 x 55.2mm
Weight about 52g
Battery Charger LC-E8
Compatible Battery Battery Pack LP-E8
Charging time Approximately 2 hours (23 ° C in a)
Rated input / output rated input: 100 – 240 V AC (50/60 Hz)
Rated output: 8.4 V DC / 720mA
Operating temperature range 6 ° C ~ 40 ° C
Operating Humidity 85% or less
Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx 69 x 28 x 87.5mm

Weight about 82
Battery Charger LC-E8E
Compatible Battery Battery Pack LP-E8
Charging time Approximately 2 hours (23 ℃ in a)
Rated input / output rated input: 100 – 240 V AC (50/60 Hz)
Rated output: 8.4 V DC / 720mA
Operating Temperature Range 6 ℃ – 40 ℃
Operating Humidity 85% or less
Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx 69 x 28 x 87.5mm
Weight about 82g

* All data above Canon’s testing standards and CIPA (Camera Imaging Products Association) testing standards and guidelines is based on.

* Size listed above, the maximum diameter, length and weight guidelines is based on the CIPA (Camera Body Weight excluded).

* Product specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

* From the lens of the camera attached to a third party if a problem occurs, please contact the appropriate lens manufacturer.

Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D Specs [CR2.5]

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:48:00 -0700

The Next RebelI received a good bit of info about the next Rebel. I put it at CR2.5 just until I receive a bit more confirmation.

An announcement is slated for June.

Canon EOS Rebel 650D/T4i

18mp (no word on whether or not its a new or modified 18mp sensor)
9 AF Points, all cross-type
Touchscreen LCD
Continuous AF in LiveView & Video Recording
June Announcement

thanks

Nikon working on a new Coolpix camera with a large(-r) sensor

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:47:00 -0700

Nikon is currently working on a new camera with a large(-r) sensor to compete with the Canon PowerShot G1X ($799). It's not clear if Nikon will just use the 1" sensor from their mirrorless line or they will go with a new 1.5" sensor similar to the G1X. The current Coolpix P7100 camera has 1/1.7" CCD sensor. For better illustration, here is a diagram for the different sensor sizes from Wikipedia:

I am also not sure if the new camera will be a replacement for the Coolpix P7100 or it will be a completely new product line.

Nikon D800 Digital-SLR Camera Wins the Camera GP2012 Camera of the Year and Readers Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:48:00 -0700

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that its D800 digital-SLR camera is the recipient of the Camera GP2012 Camera of the Year and Readers Awards.

The Camera GP2012 Camera of the Year award is presented to the best still camera released on the Japanese market between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012.
This is the seventh time a Nikon camera has received a Camera Grand Prix "Camera of the Year award", the last being the Nikon D3, which won the award in 2008.
The recipient of this year's Readers Awards was selected through online voting by general users between March 20 and April 10, 2012. With the selection of the Nikon D800 this year, Nikon digital cameras have received the Readers Awards four times in the past five years, proving just how highly regarded the cameras are by a large number of users.

Since its release in March of this year, the D800 has been extremely well received. It was also the recipient of the TIPA Awards 2012 Best D-SLR Expert Award.

Primary reasons for Nikon D800 selection

Remarks from the Camera Grand Prix 2012 Executive Committee regarding Camera of the Year selection

"The Nikon D800 was selected as the Camera GP2012 Camera of the Year based on comprehensive evaluation of the camera as a whole. Equipped with a 36.3-million pixel image sensor, the Nikon D800 is capable of capturing images with superior resolution. The number and variety of its advanced functions enable recording of both photos and movies with better image quality than ever before. The D800 offers performance and functions equal to those of Nikon's flagship model at an affordable price. The extremely durable body also supports use under even the most severe photographic and environmental conditions."

A sample of comments from general users regarding Camera GP2012 Readers Awards selection

The D800 offers incredible resolution. It is an amazing camera that will stand out in camera history, just as the Nikon D3 did. A camera that offers image quality equal to that of medium-format digital cameras, yet can be taken out into the field is a dream come true! This is the first time in a long time that I can't wait to try a new camera.
The D800 is a sensational camera that completely does away with previous ideas of what constitutes superior image quality. It seems to offer performance that exceeds that of the most advanced professional cameras in a body commonly seen with consumer-class models for advanced amateur photographers.
Nikon's release of a model equipped with a full-size, 36-megapixel CMOS sensor at a price that advanced amateur photographers can afford seems to me to be a very significant event. Supporting the same interfaces used by the latest computers, including UHS-I compliant memory cards and SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0), the D800 sets the standard for the future of digital-SLR cameras.

D800 primary features

Equipped with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor that boasts the world's highest^* effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels
- *Among interchangeable lens digital SLR cameras equipped with image sensors conforming to the 35-mm film size as of February 7, 2012
Support for a broad range of sensitivities from ISO 100–6400. ISO sensitivity can be expanded down to the equivalent of ISO 50 (Lo 1) and up to the equivalent of ISO 25600 (Hi 2).
Equipped with the high-speed, multi-functional, high-performance EXPEED 3 image-processing engine
The Advanced Scene Recognition System utilizing the 91K-pixel RGB sensor enables face recognition with framing using the optical viewfinder
Multi-area mode Full-HD D-Movie allows users to choose the one of two frame formats, Nikon FX- and DX-based movie formats, best suited to their intent regarding final expression with movie recording
A dust- and water-resistant body made of a lightweight yet durable magnesium alloy and a high-precision shutter unit that has passed durability tests for approximately 200,000 cycles

New firmware update v1.03 for Nikon D700?

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:47:00 -0700

Image credit: Tschaensky

A member of the German forum dslr-forum.de received his new Nikon D700 camera and noticed that the installed firmware version A was 1.03. The latest officially announced firmware update for the D700 was A/B 1.02. Maybe Nikon is about to release the new 1.03 version?

DxOMark verdict: Nikon D800 – 95, Canon 5D Mark III – 81

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:15:00 -0700

DxOMark just published their Canon EOS 5D Mark III test results and the Nikon D800 scored better in every category, including low light ISO capabilities. The D800 got the highest score ever given by DxOMark by even topping medium format cameras costing 10 times more.

With a DxOMark Score of 81 points, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III edges out the Canon 1Ds Mark III (80 points) by one point and gains two points on its predecessor, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II (79 points), putting it in 10th place overall (for all cameras) in the DxOMark rankings.
“Canon achieves its best Score with its new 22-megapixel sensor, although the difference is very slight with respect to the former number one sensor, the Canon 1Ds Mark III,” observed Frédéric Guichard, DxO Labs’ Scientific Director. “Even though Canon achieves the same performance as Nikon in terms of sensitivity, Canon is still behind its competitor in terms of dynamic range, Nikon apparently having taken advantage of the latest sensor enhancements that improve the handling of dark noise.”

Here are some more detailed comparisons between the D800 and the 5D MarkIII:

BTW, with the 5D Mark II Canon got thei highest DxOMark score ever:

Canon 5D Mark III Firmware 1.1.2 Released

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:55:00 -0700

Canon has released a firmware update for the EOS-5D Mark III.

Affected ProductEOS 5D Mark III

Firmware
Firmware Version 1.1.2 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

1. Supports a new accessory, GPS receiver GP-E2.
2. Fixes a phenomenon where a pink cast may develop over the image when the shutter is completely pressed with the camera’s power turned off (by the auto power off setting).
3. Fixes a phenomenon where the camera operation stops after one shot when shooting in High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode.
4. Fixes a phenomenon where the Shooting Date/Time in the EXIF data of the image shows a later time than the actual shooting time.
5. Fixes the time zone for the Samoa Islands.
6. Corrects errors in the Finnish menu screen.

Firmware Version 1.1.2 is for cameras with firmware up to version 1.0.7. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.1.2, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
The new Firmware Version 1.1.2 can be downloaded by clicking here.

NOTE: Once on the “Drivers & Software” tab please choose operating system and version. Then expand the Firmware section and click on the firmware file name to access the details page. Choose “I Agree – Begin Download” button to start the download.

Nikon D3200, WU-1a, Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G officially announced

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:33:00 -0700

Nikon just announced the D3200 DSLR camera, WU-1a wireless mobile adapter and Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G full frame lens.

Canon Announces EOS 60Da for Astrophotography

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Tue, 3 Apr 2012 17:59:00 -0700

NEW CANON EOS 60Da DSLR CAMERA FOR ASTRONOMY ENTHUSIASTS CAPTURES THE TRUE COLORS OF THE COSMOSLAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 3, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced the EOS 60Da Digital SLR Camera, a long-awaited successor to the EOS 20Da that is optimized for astrophotography. This DSLR caters to astronomers and hobbyists who enjoy capturing the beauty of the night sky by offering a modified infrared filter and a low-noise sensor with heightened hydrogen-alpha sensitivity. These modifications allow the camera to capture magnificent photographs of “red hydrogen emission” nebulae and other cosmic phenomena.

“The EOS 60Da is a testament to the constant desire to meet the needs of every customer, including those in specialized fields,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A., “This new camera enables an accurate depiction of a part of our solar system which is hard to achieve with conventional cameras but should be enjoyed and celebrated.”

The Canon EOS 60Da camera packs a powerful 18-megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C) that produces sharp and high-contrast images of astronomical objects, a major enhancement over the EOS 20Da model’s 8.2-megapixel sensor. The improved infrared-blocking filter is a modification suited specifically toward astronomy enthusiasts to achieve a hydrogen-alpha light sensitivity that is approximately three times higher than that of a normal Canon DSLR camera. This produces a 20-percent higher transmittance of Hydrogen Alpha line, or Hα wavelength, allowing astronomers to capture crisp, clear images of reddish, diffuse nebulae.

Enhanced FeaturesCrisp images of the stars and planets can be viewed on the EOS 60Da’s improved 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots for detailed focusing. The flip-out Vari-angle screen allows photographers to adjust the screen for easy viewing without straining even while the camera is mounted to a telescope via a third-party T-ring adapter. Optimized for stargazing with friends or in an educational setting, astronomy enthusiasts can connect the camera to a TV with the provided AVC-DC400ST Stereo AV Video Cable and display the night sky on a TV monitor using the camera’s Live View mode. Moreover, the EOS 60Da’s Live View mode is equipped with a Silent Shooting feature that eliminates shutter-induced vibration for maximum camera stability when the camera is mounted to a telescope or super-telephoto EF lens.

Enhanced noise reduction on the EOS 60Da sensor offers photographers the ability to experiment with the wide array of ISO settings and increased ISO speeds up to 6400 expandable to 12800. Other features include an intelligent nine-point autofocus system, full manual controls, and RAW, JPEG, and RAW+JPEG image recording capabilities.

AccessoriesThe EOS 60Da helps capture the wonders of the night sky with its use of Canon’s award-winning EF and EF-S lenses along with other EOS accessories. Additionally, the EOS 60Da is packaged with Canon’s RA-E3 Remote Controller Adapter, providing the ability to connect a Canon Timer Remote Control such as the TC-80N3 (optional accessory). The TC-80N3 is ideal for controlling time exposures longer than 30 seconds as well as capturing a series of consecutive time exposures that can be composited during post-processing for improved image quality. This is especially useful when the camera body is connected to a telescope[i] or an EF super telephoto lens.

Canon has also included an AC adapter kit with the EOS 60Da, allowing the camera to be powered through an AC wall outlet or a battery-powered inverter, ideal for long exposure image or video capture at home or in the field.

Availability
As a specialized product, the EOS 60Da is only available to order from select authorized dealers. The estimated retail price is $1,499.00 and it is expected to be available this month.

Adobe Photoshop CS6 Public Beta

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:23:00 -0700

Press Release
SAN JOSE, Calif., Mar 22, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Adobe Systems Incorporated today announced Adobe® Photoshop® CS6 beta, a preview of what’s to come in the next release of the industry standard in digital imaging, is available as a free download from Adobe Labs. Customers can download the beta, try out the experience and provide feedback to the product team. Packed with groundbreaking new innovations, features and incredible performance enhancements, Photoshop CS6 beta is available for the Mac OS and Microsoft® Windows® platforms. T1he final release is expected in the first half of 2012.

Read the entire press release | Download Photoshop CS6 Public Beta

Unofficial Canon Mirrorless Concept

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:22:00 -0700

A Canon mirrorless concept
We know a mirrorless camera from Canon is likely to appear in 2012. What form it takes is anyones guess. I am from the camp that Canon should do a higher end large sensor mirrorless along with a lower cost APS-C style camera.

David Riesenberg has done what I think is a fantastic concept design of a Canon mirrorless camera. Anyone at Canon listening?

The camera is based around the following ideas (Direct Quote)

Full Frame – Might as well be the pinnacle of 35mm. Especially if a new lens mount is required. Future proof.
18.1MP sensor from the 1DX – This camera will not rob sales from the 1DX on form factor alone so it makes sense to use an existing sensor instead of a new one. Plus, it will make an excellent pair to someone with an 1DX.
CM-D Lens mount – That was the source of most headaches for me. Naturally, I wanted to design it around the EF mount for reasons that I don’t need to state but it proved to be very problematic. Both the flange depth and actual mount diameter meant that the camera needed to be much thicker and possibly taller to accommodate EF lenses. So this “CM-D” lens mount is roughly FD sized which keeps the dimensions close to the original and enables lenses that are not too huge.
50mm f/1.0L “Kit Lens” – Fast primes. What can I say? I love them and they probably the best match to a system as I outlined above. So their existence is no less realistic that all the other items here. While I am far from being an optics expert, I designed this 50mm lens based on a combination of schematics of the Canon 50mm f/1L. FD f/1.2L and Leica f/0.95 so it should be a realistic representation of the dimensions of such a lens. It also features an aperture ring for direct control as well as an Auto mode for shutter priority or auto mode.
Viewfinder – Design wise, I knew from the start that I wanted to incorporate the prism hump of the AE cameras. It is a prominent feature that without it, the context of the design gets somewhat lost. At the same time, it is obviously not a technical requirement in mirrorless cameras so making it detachable while housing the EVF felt like the optimal combination of form and function. After all, if this is a camera for photographers, a viewfinder, even if electronic, is a must.
Flash + Flash + Flash – I regard flashes as an integral, must have feature of any system and I didn’t want to handicap its use in any form. Not when taking snapshots with the built-in one and not when the viewfinder is either attached or not.

Read more and view tons of images of the concept

**NOTE This is an unofficial concept design. It is NOT a Canon Inc. concept

Rebel T4i/650D Information

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:56:00 -0700

The next RebelInformation regarding the next Rebel is quite scattered. Though we have confirmed a new 18-135 lens with a silent autofocus motor as the new feature of the lens.

Since talking about that lens, there’s been a lot of speculation as to whether or not the Rebel would receive a new autofocus feature for video recording. I cannot confirm or deny that, but for a camera that is more consumer aimed, it would be a welcomed feature to those wanting to shoot video.

There has also been a few suggestions the next Rebel will have a touchscreen and built in WiFi. Niether feature can be confirmed at this time either.

Other unconfirmed specs show the camera to be 18.1mp and running DIGIC 5, which should improve noise performance and overall image quality. I’m told we won’t see a new APS-C sensor until the 60D and 7D replacements are addressed.

I think we’re going to see T4i/650D info and an announcement after the 5D Mark III begins shipping across the globe this week (Asia and Europe have seen some shipments arrive). It’s possible a new Rebel could arrive before NAB next month in Las Vegas.

EOS 650D book appears on Amazon?

Zeiss 70-200 f/2.8 Coming to Canon for NAB 2012?

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:55:00 -0700

Zeiss 70-200 f/2.8 ZE MountZeiss is rumored to be announcing a 70-200 f/2.8 at NAB in Las Vegas next month. This would be the first zoom lens Zeiss has produced for the ZE and ZF mounts.

Expect Zeiss to also announce new Cine CP.2 lenses at NAB.

Zeiss Distagon 15 f/2.8 ZE Official

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:53:00 -0700

Infinitely Wide – The new Distagon T* 2,8/15 super wide angle lens

After plenty of guessing by Carl Zeiss fans, it’s now official: the new super wide angle Distagon T* 2,8/15 lens has arrived. With an extra-large angle of view of 110 degrees in combination with a fast f/2.8 aperture, the lens enables the features for dramatic perspectives and performance demanded by the most ambitious landscape and architectural photographers. With a unique ability to capture events in a natural and extraordinary manner, it is also an ideal companion for advertising, journalism and commercial photography. It will be available with an EF (ZE) or F bayonet (ZF.2).

Read about it on the Zeiss blog

The lens will start shipping in May 2012 for a cool $2948 USD. It’ll be interesting to see how it stacks up against the Canon EF 14 f/2.8L II.

Nikon D800 vs. Canon EOS 5D Mark III specs comparison

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Sat, 3 Mar 2012 11:13:00 -0800

Here is a quick specs comparison between the Nikon D800 and the new Canon EOS 5D Mark III:

Model	Nikon D800	Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Effective Pixels	36.3 million	22.3 megapixels
Sensor Size	35.9mm x 24mm	36 mm x 24mm
File Format Still Images	JPEG: JPEG-Baseline Compliant with fine (approx 1:4), Normal (approx 1:8) or Basic (approx 1:16) Compression NEF (RAW): lossless compressed 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed or uncompressed TIFF (RGB) JPEG: JPEG-Baseline-Compliant; can be selected from Size Priority and Optimal Quality	JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon Original) M-RAW S-RAW RAW+JPEG M-RAW+JPEG S-RAW+JPEG
Picture Control	Landscape Monochrome Neutral Portrait Standard User-customizable Settings Vivid	Auto Standard Portrait Landscape Neutral Faithful Monochrome User Defined 1-3
Storage Media	CompactFlash© (CF) (Type I, compliant with UDMA) SD SDHC SDXC	CF Cards (Type I) Compatible with UDMA CF cards SD, SDHC, and SDXC Memory Cards
Card Slot	1 CompactFlash (CF) card and 1 Secure Digital (SD) card	1 CompactFlash (CF) card and 1 Secure Digital (SD) card
Viewfinder Frame Coverage	FX (36x24): 100% Horizontal and 100% Vertical Approx. 1.2x (30x20): 97% Horizontal and 97% Vertical Approx. DX (24x16): 97% Horizontal and 97% Vertical Approx. 5:4 (30x24): 97% Horizontal and 97% Vertical Approx.	Approx. 100% vertically and horizontally (At approx. 21mm eyepoint)
Viewfinder Magnification	0.70x Approx.	0.71x Approx.
Lens Compatibility at a Glance***	AF-S or AF lenses fully compatible Metering with AI lenses	Canon EF Lenses (excluding EF-S Lenses)
Fastest Shutter Speed	1/8000 sec.	1/8000 sec.
Slowest Shutter Speed	30 sec.	30 sec.
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution	4 frames per second	High-speed: Maximum approx. 6 shots/sec. Low-speed: Maximum approx. 3 shots/sec. Silent continuous shooting: Maximum approx. 3 shots/sec.
Exposure Compensation	±5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV	Up to ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments
ISO Sensitivity	ISO 100 - 6400 Lo-1 (ISO 50) Hi-1 (ISO 12,800) Hi-2 (ISO 25,600)	SO 100-25600 (in 1/3-stop or whole-stop increments) ISO speed expansion possible to ISO 50, 51200, and 102400
Dynamic AF Mode	Number of AF points: 9, 21, 51 and 51 (3D-tracking)	61-point (up to 41 cross-type points) One to five cross-type AF points at f/2.810 to 20 cross-type AF points at f/4 and 15 to 21 cross-type AF points at f/5.6
Focus Modes	Auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A) Continuous-servo (AF-C) Face-Priority AF available in Live View only and D-Movie only Full-time Servo (AF-A) available in Live View only Manual (M) with electronic rangefinder Normal area Single-servo AF (AF-S) Wide area	One-Shot AF Predictive AI Servo AF AI Focus AF Manual focus
Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points	51	61
Built-in Flash	Yes	No
Flash Compensation	-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV	±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
White Balance	Auto (2 types) Choose color temperature (2500K–10000K) Cloudy Direct Sunlight Flash Fluorescent (7 types) Incandescent Preset manual (up to 4 values can be stored) Shade	Auto (AWB) Daylight Shade Cloudy Tungsten light White fluorescent light Flash Custom (Custom WB) Color temperature
Live View Shooting	Photography Live View Mode Movie Live View Mode	Photography Live View Mode Movie Live View Mode
Movie	HD 1,920x1,080 / 30 fps HD 1,920x1,080 / 24 fps HD 1,280x720 / 30 fps HD 1,280x720 / 24 fps HD 1,280x720 / 60 fps	1920x1080: 30/25/24fps 1280x720: 60/50fps 640x480: 30/25fps
Monitor Size	3.2 in. diagonal	3.2 in. diagonal
Monitor Resolution	921,000 Dots	Approx. 1.04 million dots
Monitor Type	TFT	TFT
Playback Functions	Auto Image Rotation Full-Frame and Thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images or calendar) Histogram Display Image Comment Movie Playback Movie Slideshow Playback with Zoom Slideshow Highlights	Single image, Single image + Image-recording quality/shooting information histogram, 4- or 9-image index magnified view (approx. 1.5x-10x) rotated image (auto/manual) image jump (by 10/100 images, index screen by shooting date, by folder) two-image comparative display slide show star rating
Battery Life (shots per charge)	900 Battery Life (shots per charge) (CIPA)	Approx. 950 (Viewfinder Shooting, At 73°F/ 23°C) Approx. 850 (Viewfinder Shooting, At 32°F/ 0°C)
Approx. Dimensions	5.7 x 4.8 x 3.2 in. (144.78mm x 121.92mm x 81.28mm)	6.0 x 4.6 x 3.0 in. (152.0 x 116.4 x 76.4 mm)
Approx. Weight	31.7 oz. (900g) body only	30.3 oz. (860g) body only
Price	$2,999.95	$3,499.00

Canon announces EOS 5D Mark III 22MP full-frame DSLR

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 23:18:00 -0800

Canon has announced a new incarnation of its enthusiast full-frame 5D series - the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. The camera has been improved over its predecessor in most areas and comes with a 22MP full-frame sensor, 6 frames per second continuous shooting and 1080p video at 24, 25 or 30 fps, offering the high quality intraframe (All-I) compression method and greater audio control. A 61-point AF system and 63-zone metering provide focusing speed and metering accuracy. It will be available from the end of March with an MSRP of $3499 / €3299 / £2999.99.

Click here to read our hand-on preview of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Jump to:

Press Release:

Creativity, redefined – Canon unleashes the EOS 5D Mark III

London, UK, 2nd March 2012 – Canon today announces the latest addition to its worldfamous EOS range with the launch of the new EOS 5D Mark III. The EOS 5D Mark IIIbuilds on the performance of the legendary EOS 5D Mark II, offering improved speed,greater resolution, enhanced processing power and extended creative options for bothstills and Full HD movies – providing unparalleled artistic freedom for the most demanding photographers.

Incorporating feedback from photographers worldwide, the EOS 5D Mark III offers improved performance in virtually every area. A new 22.3 Megapixel (MP) full-frame sensor offers the ideal balance of resolution for stills and HD movies and up to 6 frames per second (fps) shooting, whilst a 61-point AF system and 63-zone metering provide greater speed, flexibility and accuracy. Powered by the latest DIGIC 5+ processing technology, the EOS 5D Mark III also features enhanced video functions, offeringimproved image quality alongside greater audio control – redefining creative possibilities for photographers and amateur videographers alike.

"The EOS 5D Mark III represents a big step forward for the EOS 5D series" said Kieran Magee, Marketing Director, Professional Imaging, Canon Europe. "The EOS 5D Mark II is an exceptional camera and we've listened carefully to feedback from its passionate community of users to improve performance in every area. This camera has been designed to meet virtually any creative challenge – it's faster, more responsive and features the tools to adapt to everything from studio photography to creative videography, while producing results of the highest quality."

Enhanced performance

With its comprehensively upgraded specification, the EOS 5D Mark III is the ideal toolfor the growing number of photographers shooting both stills and movies. It incorporates a number of the features launched with Canon's revolutionary EOS-1D X,providing vastly improved performance, flexibility, handling and durability.

The camera's newly-developed 22.3MP full-frame sensor provides increased resolution and finer detail, enabling the capture of a wide range of scenes, from sweeping landscapes to beautiful portraits. Higher speed continuous shooting also offers expanded creative possibilities. With an increased 8-channel read out, the camera comfortably handles a maximum full resolution speed of up to 6fps in bursts of 18 RAW images or over 16,000 JPEGs1, without the need for additional accessories. Additionally, the sensor's advanced architecture offers a huge native ISO range of 100-25,600, expandable to 102,400, making it possible to capture clean, high quality pictures, even in extreme low-light conditions.

The EOS 5D Mark III utilises the same 61-point wide-area AF system as the flagship EOS-1D X, providing exceptional sensitivity, precision and speed. One of the most advanced AF systems currently available, it features an impressive 41 cross-type points and five dual cross-type points, providing unsurpassed accuracy across the frame. The customisable AF pre-sets introduced in the EOS-1D X are also available, helping the capture of traditionally challenging subjects, and providing additional reliability in ituations where subject movement can be unpredictable.

Highly accurate exposures are provided by Canon's acclaimed iFCL metering system, which incorporates a 63-zone Dual-Layer sensor linked to each point of the AF system. Focus information gathered from the AF system is analysed alongside colour and luminance signals measured by the metering sensor itself, enabling the EOS 5D Mark III to deliver consistently accurate skin tones and excellent results in a wide range of shooting situations.

Creative performance without compromise

The EOS 5D Mark III features Canon's latest DIGIC 5+ image processor, which powers a range of new functions without affecting the camera's performance. 14-bit A/D conversion provides smoother tonal gradation and transitions between colours, while in-camera HDR shooting combines three different exposures and allows one of five preset tone maps to be applied, enabling photographers to capture all the detail in high contrast scenes. With in-camera RAW processing and editing capability, photographers also have the option to immediately begin post-processing their images while still on a shoot.

The increased power of DIGIC 5+ also enables a range of tools which contribute to higher image quality. Lens peripheral illumination correction, Lens chromatic aberration correction (lateral and axial) and high ISO noise reduction are all performed in-camera without affecting performance, allowing photographers to continue shooting without any camera lag. Additionally, in-camera image rating via a dedicated button makes it easy for photographers to organise images ahead of post-production.

The EOS 5D Mark III features a new Creative Photo button, which enables users to quickly select Picture Styles and capture multiple exposures, as well as offering direct access to the HDR shooting mode. In playback, pressing the Creative Photo button displays a new comparative playback function, displaying two images side-by-side to allow photographers to view, magnify and compare the quality of different exposures mid-shoot.

For situations where photographers want to avoid being noticed, such as weddings, the EOS 5D Mark III also features a new silent shooting mode that dramatically reduces the sound of the shutter and mirror, ensuring they can work quietly in the background. A continuous silent mode is also available, enabling photographers to capture fastermoving subjects without attracting attention.

Next generation EOS Movies

The EOS 5D Mark III builds on the reputation of the EOS 5D Mark II, with a range of new features introduced following feedback received from photographers to provide even better Full HD video performance. As well as offering the depth-of-field control loved by video professionals, the new full-frame sensor combines with the vast processing power of DIGIC 5+ to improve image quality by virtually eradicating the presence of moiré, false colour and other artefacts. The addition of a movie mode switch and a recording button also offers greater usability, enabling videographers to begin shooting immediately when movie mode is engaged.

Additional movie functions include manual exposure control and an enhanced range of high bit-rate video compression options, with intraframe (ALL-I) and interframe (IPB) methods both supported. Variable frame rates range from 24fps to 60fps, and the addition of SMPTE timecode support provides greater editing flexibility and easier integration into multi-camera shoots. Users can also check and adjust audio during recording via the camera's Quick Control screen and a headphone socket enables sound level monitoring both during and after shooting. Enhanced processing power provided by DIGIC 5+ also makes it possible to conveniently trim the length of recorded movies in-camera.

Professional build, easy operation

The EOS 5D Mark III has been built to offer photographers easy-handling and robust build quality. Its lightweight, high-grade magnesium body offers advanced weather proofing for protection against the elements, while the construction of the shutter has also been reinforced, with 150,000-cycle durability making it ideal for repeated, everyday use. An enhanced version of the Intelligent Viewfinder featured in the EOS 7D offers approximately 100% coverage, as well as an on-demand grid display via the builtin transparent LCD.

The same reinforced 8.11cm (3.2") Clear View II LCD screen as used by the EOS-1D X provides high quality framing and playback in all conditions. 1,040k-pixels provide the resolution to accurately check image sharpness and focus, while the gapless structure design introduced with the EOS-1D Mark IV prevents reflections and protects against dust or scratches. A headphone socket and locking mode dial have been included, while the inclusion of a UDMA 7-compatible CF card slot plus an SD card2 slot enables shooting to both cards simultaneously, auto switching when the one in use becomes full and the option to copy images from one card to the other in-camera.

Digital Lens Optimizer – new in Digital Photo Professional v3.11

The EOS 5D Mark III comes complete with the most advanced version of Digital Photo Professional (DPP) yet – Canon's free, in-box software enabling high-speed, high quality processing of RAW images. New in DPP v3.11 is Digital Lens Optimizer – a revolutionary new tool designed to drastically improve image resolution.

Digital Lens Optimizer (DLO) precisely imitates lens performance, with a series of complex mathematical functions replicating each stage of the journey of light through the optical path. Using this information DLO can correct a range of typical optical aberrations and loss of resolution caused by a camera's low pass filter, by applying an inverse function to each shot to take the image nearer to how the scene appears to the naked eye. This creates exceptionally detailed, high-quality images with highly manageable file sizes, providing photographers with maximum image quality and greater flexibility.

EOS System compatibility

As part of the EOS System, the EOS 5D Mark III is immediately compatible with over 60 EF Lenses, including the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM – the new, essential wide-angle zoom lens from Canon's famous L-series. The camera is also compatible with a newlyannounced range of accessories designed to offer extended creativity, including the Speedlite 600EX-RT – a high performance TTL flash with wireless radio connectivity. Additionally, the new Battery Grip BG-E11 offers greater handling flexibility alongside the ability to double the camera's battery life.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III – Key features:

22.3 Megapixel full-frame sensor
61-point autofocus
Up to 6fps continuous shooting
Native ISO 100-25,600 sensitivity
Full HD video with manual control
14-bit DIGIC 5+ processor
Enhanced Weather sealing
8.11cm (3.2-inch) 1,040,000-dot screen
HDR mode with presets

Canon EOS 5D Mark III specifications

Price
MSRP	Body only: $3499, €3299, £2999 with 24-105mm: $4299
Body type
Body type	Mid-size SLR
Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution	5760 x 3840
Other resolutions	3840 x 2560, 2880 x 1920, 1920 x 1280, 720 x 480
Image ratio w:h	3:2
Effective pixels	22.3 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	23.4 megapixels
Sensor size	Full frame (36 x 24 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	Digic 5+
Color space	sRGB,Adobe RGB
Color filter array	RGB Color Filter Array
Image
ISO	Auto, 100 - 25600 in 1/3 stops, plus 50, 51200, 102400 as option
White balance presets	6
Custom white balance	Yes (1)
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, Normal
File format	JPEG (Exif 2.3 [Exif Print] compliant) Design rule for Camera File system (2.0) RAW: RAW, sRAW1, sRAW2 (14bit, Canon original RAW 2nd edition) Digital Print Order Format [DPOF] Version 1.1 compliant
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi-area Selective single-point Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	by optional dedicated Speedlite
Digital zoom	No
Manual focus	Yes
Number of focus points	61
Lens mount	Canon EF mount
Focal length multiplier	1×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3.2"
Screen dots	1,040,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	Clear View II TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage	100 %
Viewfinder magnification	0.71×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/8000 sec
Exposure modes	Auto+ Program AE Shutter priority AE Aperture priority AE Manual (Stills and Movie) Custom (x3)
Built-in flash	No
External flash	Yes (Hot-shoe, Wireless plus Sync connector)
Continuous drive	Yes (6 fps)
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot Partial
Exposure compensation	±5 EV (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±3 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes (3 frames in either blue/amber or magenta/green axis)
Videography features
Format	H.264
Microphone	Mono
Speaker	Mono
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps fps), 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (25, 30 fps)
Videography notes	1080 and 720 intra or inter frame, 480 inter frame
Storage
Storage types	Compact Flash Type I (UDMA compatible), SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage included	None
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (HDMI mini)
Wireless	Optional
Remote control	Yes (Remote control with N3 type contact, Wireless Controller LC-5, Remote Controller RC-6)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-Ion LP-E6 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	950
Weight (inc. batteries)	950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)
Dimensions	152 x 116 x 76 mm (5.98 x 4.57 x 2.99")
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes (by cable and PC)
GPS	Optional
GPS notes	With optional GP-E2 unit

Additional images

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Hands-on Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Lucas Liau) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 23:17:00 -0800

Preview based on a pre-production Canon EOS 5D Mark III

On March 2nd 1987, Canon unveiled to the world the EOS 620, its first ever 35mm autofocus SLR and the start of a brand new camera system. With its fully-electronic lens mount, in-lens aperture and focus motors, and reliance on electronic button and dial operation, the EOS system established a blueprint that all successive camera systems have followed. Now, 25 years later to the day, the company has launched the latest model in the line: the EOS 5D Mark III.

Up until now, the 5D series has been a dynasty of slightly unlikely revolutionaries. The original EOS 5D of 2005 was the first 'affordable' full frame SLR, and the camera that cemented the 24x36mm sensor as the format of choice for many professional applications at a time when many were questioning its continued relevance. The 5D Mark II was the first SLR capable of recording full HD video, a feature that revolutionized the market in a fashion that no one could possibly have envisaged at the time - least of all Canon. On the face of it, though, the 5D Mark III offers little that looks likely to make the same impact.

As the inevitable internet leaks have suggested, the 5D Mark III has a 22MP full frame sensor in a body based on the EOS 7D design, and with a 61-point AF system borrowed from the flagship EOS-1D X. From the glass-half-empty point of view, this could be seen as an unambitious update that trails disappointingly behind Nikon's 36MP D800 before either camera has even hit the shops. But for those whose glasses tend more towards the half-full, it might turn out to be the camera that 5D Mark II owners always really wanted.

Indeed the 5D name itself is almost misleading - compared to its predecessor the Mark III is essentially a completely new model, with every major system upgraded and updated. In a way it's better seen as a full-frame 7D, with that camera's control layout, extensive customizability and 63-zone metering sensor. But it also gains a raft of additional tweaks and improvements in response to customer feedback; these range from dual slots for CF and SD cards, though a locking exposure mode dial, to a large depth of field preview button that's repositioned for right-handed operation, and can be reprogrammed to access a number of other functions.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III key specifications

22MP full frame CMOS sensor
ISO 100-25600 standard, 50-102,800 expanded
6 fps continuous shooting
Shutter rated to 150,000 frames
1080p30 video recording, stereo sound via external mic
61 point AF system
63 zone iFCL metering system
100% viewfinder coverage
1040k dot 3:2 LCD
Dual card slots for CF and SD

Most of the key specs are substantially upgraded compared to the 5D Mark II. The new sensor, coupled with Canon's latest DIGIC 5+ processor, offers a standard ISO range of 100 - 25,600 that's expandable to 50 - 102,800. An 8-channel sensor readout enables continuous shooting at 6 fps. The shutter is rated to 150,000 cycles and has been refined for quieter operation; the Mark III also inherits the 'silent' shutter mode previously seen on the 1D-series (which delays mirror return for more discreet operation). Viewfinder coverage is a full 100%, and the 1040k dot, 3:2 aspect ratio 3.2" LCD screen has improved anti-reflection properties and a hardened glass cover to protect against scratching. And let's not forget that 61-point focus system from the 1DX - the first time Canon has put its top-spec AF sensor into a non-1-series camera since the film-era EOS 3.

Movie mode turned out to be the 5D Mark II's trump card over its rivals, and its successor naturally offers improved capability in this regard. In terms of ergonomics, the camera gains the 7D's rear movie mode/live view switch, so you no longer have to compromise your stills Live View settings when setting up for video recording. There's a built-in headphone socket for audio monitoring, and the ability to adjust the recording volume by pressing the left or right side of the rear control dial. The video output specifications are essentially unchanged in terms of resolution and framerate (1080p30 maximum), but Canon says the processing is improved to minimise moiré and other artefacts, and has included the higher quality All-I and IPB interframe compression options introduced with the EOS-1D X. What you don't get though, is the uncompressed output over HDMI seen in the latest Nikon models.

There's a couple of entirely new features too; the 5D Mark III becomes Canon's first SLR capable of in-camera High Dynamic Range shooting, in an unusually well-implemented and flexible fashion, and gets expanded autobracketing options too. It can also record multiple exposures, if you so desire. The introduction of DIGIC 5+ means that JPEG processing (finally) includes chromatic aberration correction, based on lens profiles which are stored in-camera (and therefore limited to Canon's own lenses). In a leaf taken from Nikon's book, you can now also define a specific minimum shutter speed when using Auto ISO. Last but not least, playback mode adds a number of different views to compare images directly side-by-side.

The 5D Mark III also gains a refreshed menu system, essentially based on that of the EOS-1D X. It's not entirely dissimilar to the 5D Mark II's (so existing users will still feel at home), but it gains a completely new tab for managing its complex AF system, based on a range of usage-scenario presets. The ordering of options has been rationalized, and a number of functions that were previously hidden deep within the custom functions have bubbled-up closer to the surface as top-level menu items, perhaps most notably mirror lockup and Highlight Tone Priority.

Additional accessories - including Radio-Controlled Wireless flash

Alongside the 5D Mark III Canon has also introduced a range of accessories, most notably a new wireless flash system that's based on radio, as opposed to infrared communication. Spearheaded by the weathersealed Speedlite 600EX-RT and the WT-E3-RT wireless transmitter, the switch to radio control greatly increases the system's operational range to 30m, removes the requirement for unobstructed line-of-sight communication between Speedlites and the controller, and increases the number of units that can be used to 15 flashes in 5 groups. There's also a hot-shoe-mountable GPS unit, the GP-E2, and a WFT-E7 Wi-Fi transmitter.

Rounding off the story is a new vertical grip for the 5D Mark III, which has an almost-complete set of replicate controls for portrait-format shooting, including the all-important joystick for AF point selection (only a DOF preview button is missing). It can hold a pair of LP-E6 batteries for double the battery life, or run off a cassette full of AAs.