Canon EOS C100 Firmware Update and Dual Pixel AF Update

Dual Pixel Auto-Focus

Canon EOS C100: Adorama | B&H

It is now possible to update the Canon EOS C100 with the innovative Dual Pixel Auto-Focus, the AF technology Canon first featured on the Canon EOS 70D. In addition, the Canon EOS C100 gets a firmware update for the following issue:

A Continuous Recording function has been added allowing for nonstop recording. At the same time the camera creates IN and OUT points in the footage every time the START/STOP button is pressed.

Click here to get more information about the firmware update and here to download it.

The biggest news is that Canon is now ready to update the EOS C100 with their new Dual Pixel CMOS Auto-Focus. Canon will perform this feature upgrade at a cost of $500, and requires that EOS C100 cameras be sent to an accredited Canon service center.

Canon press release:

Thank you for using Canon products.

EOS C100 Feature Upgrade offering enhanced autofocusing capability is now available.

Details
Now available from Canon is a feature upgrade for the EOS C100 Digital Video Camera that will offer an autofocus mode to help ensure sharp focus and smooth focus transitions. The upgrade provides a new Continuous AF (Autofocus) Function for all Canon EF autofocus Lenses, using Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. A new AF Lock setting also lets you change the image framing while holding the desired focus. These critical focusing capabilities are designed to help reduce out of focus video while providing for smooth focus transitions and assist users when operating with small crews.
Learn more about the EOS C100 Feature Upgrade by visiting the dedicated webpage on the Canon USA website.

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Nikon Released The D4S, What Is Canon Doing?

As anticipated, Nikon today released their new flagship, the Nikon D4S.  The D4S has a new sensor (16.2MP), a new CPU (EXPEED), and can be pushed up to a mind-boggling ISO 409,600.

And Canon? Rumor has it that Canon may announce a new DSLR in March 2014, but it could either be the EOS 7D replacement, or something bigger. I was told that Canon will announce a new high-end DSLR in 2014, and that this camera will not replace the EOS-1D X [shoplink 4119](price & specs)[/shoplink] or the EOS-1D C (B&H | Adorama) but rather be a new DSLR in the line-up.

Stay tuned.

 

Why Do DSLRs Still Sell Better Than Mirrorless Systems?

Amateur Photographer investigated the reasons why DSLRs are still more popular than mirrorless cameras. They found the following reasons:

  • Smaller cameras are fiddly to use compared to DSLR
  • Confusing category names
  • Consumer are still hanging on to the glory days of Canon and Nikon (in the USA and also in Europe)
  • DSLR has wider range of accessories.
  • Low bugdget DSLR compete against system cameras
[found at mirrorlessrumors]

Canon Announces New Firmware for Cinema Cameras and Camcorders (and C300 gets Dual Pixel AF)

Firmware for Cinema Cameras
Canon EOS C300

Canon press release:

Canon Announces New Firmware Updates for Cinema Cameras and Camcorders Along with Optional Cinema EOS C300 Camera Dual Pixel AF Upgrade

Announcements Include a New Canon RC-V100 Remote Control and Firmware Updates for Peripheral Illumination Correction Support and Continuous Recording for EOS C100 Video Camera

MELVILLE, N.Y., February 24, 2014 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced a variety of performance updates for cameras in its Cinema EOS and XF professional camcorder line. Announced today is a new optional feature upgrade for the EOS C300 Cinema camera which will support Canon’s innovative Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus (AF) technology and enable continuous autofocusing with the entire line of Canon EF lenses and optimized for Canon’s stepping motor (STM) line of lenses when used with the EOS C300 camera. This optional feature upgrade is expected to be available in May 2014 for a cost of $500.00 and will require the EOS C300 camera body to be shipped to an authorized Canon service center for installation.

In addition to the optional feature upgrade for the EOS C300 camera, Canon has also announced the new RC-V100 remote control for Cinema EOS cameras and the XF Series professional HD camcorders; a firmware update that allows for Peripheral Illumination Correction when using the Canon CN-E35mm T1.5 L F Cinema prime lens or the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens with the EOS C500, EOS C300, or EOS C100 cameras and a Continuous Recording function for the EOS C100 Digital Video Camera to help ensure capture of crucial shots in unpredictable situations, such as wedding/event videography, documentary, news, or wildlife production.

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Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART Lens Hands-On At CP+ (and some new tidbits)

The video by YouTube user PhotoNewsReviews shows a brief hands-on with the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens at CP+.

You probably know that Sigma aims at the Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 with the with the 50mm f/1.4 Art lens, no less. Certainly a bold claim, but given Sigma’s recently released, awesome lenses, this is a claim we should take seriously. The Sigma 18-35m f/1.8 Art (see coverage here) and the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM (see coverage here) are good examples of recent, excellent lenses made by Sigma.

The new tidbit we have is the weight of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4: 815 g/28.7 oz. That’s a bit less than the Zeiss 55mm (Canon mount: 1,030 g/36.3 oz) and way heavier than other 50mm f/1.4 lenses. Not a light-weighted lens, but also a sophisticated lens form an optical point of view.

A few weeks ago there was a leak on an Australian retailer, showing the (suggested) price for the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art lens: AU$ 1,499, about US$ 1,345.

[via Sigma Rumors]

Sigma 50mm f/1.4