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Canon announce XC15 4K UHD Video Camcorder

September 1, 2016
Canon News
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Canon announced the Canon XC15 4K run-and-gun camcorder. B&H Explora has an introduction to the XC15 and Adorama Learning Center has also an introduction to the XC15. The XC15 will sell at $2,399, pre-order: Adorama | B&H Photo

Canon’s New Lightweight, Compact XC15 4K UHD Video Camcorder Ideal for News and Video Production

XLR Microphone Input Provides Audio Support in Addition to High-Quality 4K UHD Video Capture

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 1, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the XC15 4K Video Camcorder, a 4K UHD digital video camcorder for professional use that achieves high-image quality with a lightweight, compact body.

The new Canon XC15, which builds on the XC10 4K UHD digital video camcorder announced in April 2015, enables shooting with an external microphone through an XLR input and features the selection of visual-expression “Look” modes, including modes that allow it to match the look of other Canon professional cameras, making it ideal for use as a “B”-camera as well as for media and video-content productions.

The Canon XC15 ships with the MA-400 microphone adapter that, when attached, enables shooting with XLR-input microphones used in a wide range of media and content-creation applications. As a result, the camcorder supports the production of content that combines both high-image quality and high-sound quality with reduced noise. The MA-400 is also compatible with the EOS C300 Mark II camera.

Thanks to its high-sensitivity one-inch CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV 5 image processing platform with high calculation-processing power, the new XC15 is capable of capturing high-image quality and low-noise 4K UHD video. Additionally, the camcorder features a compact, lightweight body design, measuring approximately 5.0 x 4.1 x 4.8 inches (WxHxD) and weighs approximately 2.1 pounds while also sporting a 10x optical zoom lens¹, which facilitates shooting in confined spaces and environments that demand mobility.

The Canon XC15 4K UHD professional video camcorder is scheduled to be available in September 2016 for a list price of $3,000.00.* For more information, please visit usa.canon.com

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Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 officially announced

September 1, 2016
Canon News
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The Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 has been officially announced. The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens can be pre-ordered at $1,399: Adorama | B&H Photo.

September 1, 2016, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Model A022). This second generation “G2” lens builds upon the success of the SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011), which launched in December 2013 and continues to successfully meet photographers’ needs in the ultra-telephotography category. The new G2 version was developed to provide superior optical performance with today’s high resolution DSLRs and to add improvements to several features including speed and accuracy of AF and VC (Vibration Compensation). Also, several new features have been added: FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism, Fluorine Coating and optional tele converters. The new lens delivers outstanding performance and a luxurious, upscale appearance, including a metal lens barrel.

Optical design refreshed to achieve even higher performance

Three LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements completely eliminate axial and transverse chromatic aberrations. The design also features upgraded optical construction (21 elements in 13 groups) and leverages improvements in manufacturing technology. As a result, the lens delivers high resolution, improved sharpness and overall better performance.

Tamron’s sophisticated eBAND Coating for eliminating ghosting and flare

eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating is a nano-structured layer deployed on the lens element surface. In addition to regular anti-reflection coatings, eBAND Coating offers higher light transmission and significant improvement in anti-reflection characteristics, especially against angulated incident rays. Combined with of BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coatings, flare and ghosting are reduced to imperceptible levels.

MOD reduced to provide optimum tele-macro photography

Tamron’s advanced manufacturing technology has made it possible to reduce the MOD (Minimum Object Distance) to 2.2m (86.6 in), compared to 2.7m for Model A011, and has allowed for the wonders of tele-macro photography.

AF speed is faster and much more responsive with moving subjects

The Model A022 is equipped with a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ring-type motor that delivers excellent responsiveness and control. AF speed is significantly improved from current model, and it enables accurate high-speed focus even when capturing moving subjects.

When shooting with AF, the Full-time Manual Focus override allows you to instantly make fine focusing adjustments manually, without having to switch between modes.

VC performance is now 4.5 stops and offers three modes optimized for different situations

The VC (Vibration Compensation) effectiveness is equivalent to 4.5 stops, based on image stabilization performance levels established by CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) when using in VC MODE 3. Model A022 now has three types of VC modes, and it is possible to choose the optimum VC mode according to the situation for taking a photograph, such as when wishing to pan the camera.
VC MODE 1 is the standard mode that strikes a great balance between the stability of the viewfinder image and the stabilization effects.

VC MODE 2 is exclusively used for panning.

VC MODE 3 prioritizes the stabilization of the captured images and forgoes the stabilization of the viewfinder image.
With the optional accessory TAMRON TAP-in Console™, you can custom the configuration of VC MODE 1. Choose the viewfinder view of either standard or viewfinder image priority.

New FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism enables the locking of the zoom ring at any position

FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism quickly locks or unlocks the zoom at any position simply by sliding the zoom ring. Photographers can shoot from any angle without the zoom extending unintentionally. Additionally, the conventional Zoom Lock switch prevents unwanted barrel extension during transportation.

Fluorine Coating and the Moisture-Resistant Construction for a more user-friendly lens

The front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that is water- and oil-repellant. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, dust, moisture and fingerprints. For greater protection when shooting outdoors, leak-proof seals throughout the lens barrel help protect your equipment.

Electromagnetic diaphragm system now used also for Nikon-mount lenses

An electromagnetic diaphragm system, which has been a standard feature for Canon-mount lenses, is now employed in Nikon-mount lenses*3. More precise diaphragm and aperture control is possible because the diaphragm blades are driven and controlled by a motor through electronic pulse signals.
*3 Available only with cameras compatible with the electromagnetic diaphragm (D3100, D3200, D3300, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D7000, D7100, D7200, D300, D300s, D600, D610, D700, D750, D800, D800E, D810, D810A, D3x, D3s, D4, D4s, Df, D500, D5). (As of September 1; Tamron)

The lightweight and easy-to-hold tripod mount that is compatible with an Arca-Swiss style quick release plate

A new textured grip and Arca-Swiss style tripod interface enhances both speed and utility. And because the tripod mount is made of lightweight magnesium, it is much easier to carry.

Compatible with TAMRON TAP-in ConsoleTM, an optional accessory product

The optional TAP-in Console provides a USB connection to your personal computer, enabling you to easily update your lens’s firmware as well as customize features including fine adjustments to the AF and VC.

The tele converters exclusively for the Tamron lens now developed

Two exclusive tele converters*4, which perfectly match the optics of the new SP 150-600mm G2 (Model A022), offer 1.4x and 2.0x magnification, and provide a maximum zoom range up to 1200mm. These new tele converters extend focal length of the master lens, making it possible to take pictures in farther ultra-telephoto ranges.

Canon will start selling imaging sensors to others for the first time, business report suggests

August 31, 2016
Canon News, Tech
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Canon's newly developed sensor — Canon’s newly developed sensor

Canon is going to sell image sensors to third parties for the first time ever. Canon’s sensor technology will be featured in self-driving cars, robots and other smart machines.

That’s what business portal Nikkei reports today.

The Japanese maker of digital cameras and office equipment plans to begin selling its CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) sensors within two years and has already assembled a team to launch the business.

The competition that Canon brings to the market could help raise the level of a technology whose use has expanded from taking photos to enabling machines to see the world around them.

And what is it for?

For starters, Canon has developed a new sensor able to capture fast-moving objects with little image distortion. With an increased memory for brightness, the new sensor outperforms rival devices in terms of capturing contrast, according to the company.

Canon says it could help autonomous cars see the road and identify pedestrians during high-speed night driving. In factory robots, it could improve the mechanical workers’ ability to perform quality checks or position parts. Other image sensor manufacturers are also pursuing automotive and industrial applications.

I am pretty sure the new sensor mentioned above is the global shutter sensor Canon announced today.

Canon develops global shutter-equipped sensor that achieves expanded dynamic range through new drive method

Read the story at Nikkei…

[via Image Sensors World]

Tamron set to announce SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens in the next days, images leaked

August 31, 2016
News, Rumors, Tamron Rumors
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Tamron

Tamron will announce the replacement for the SP 150-600mm F / 5-6.3 Di VC USD lens in the next days. The replacement will be the SP 150-600mm F / 5-6.3 Di VC USD G2.

Model A022
For Canon, Nikon, Sony
No VC for Sony mount

No specifications nor price hints for the time being. But we have images.

id1536373664_Bildschirmfoto-2016-08-31-um-16.22.39 [Images via Sony Alpha Rumors | rumor via Nokishita Cameras]

Canon develops global shutter-equipped sensor that achieves expanded dynamic range through new drive method

August 31, 2016
Canon News
5 Comments

Canon press release:

Canon develops global shutter-equipped CMOS sensor that achieves expanded dynamic range through new drive method

TOKYO, August 31, 2016—Canon Inc. today announced that it has developed a new CMOS sensor equipped with a global shutter function that, because it exposes all of the sensor’s pixels at the same time, enables the capture of distortion-free images even when shooting fast-moving objects. Employing a new signal-readout drive system and new pixel structure that significantly expands the full well capacity and reduces noise, the sensor contributes to high-image-quality video capture by making possible the realization of a wide dynamic range.

Distortion-free image capture when shooting fast-moving objects

Standard CMOS sensors make use of the rolling shutter method, which sequentially exposes the pixels one row at a time. Because rolling shutters can create slight discrepancies in signal-readout timing depending on the location of the pixel, images of fast-moving objects may appear distorted and flash photography may result in the occurrence of the flash band phenomenon, in which the upper and lower portions of images display different levels of brightness. Because Canon’s newly developed CMOS sensor employs a global shutter, when shooting such fast-moving objects as a rotating propeller or a speeding train, subjects are able to retain their proper form to create distortion-free images. Enabling the confirmation of object shapes with a high degree of accuracy, the sensor offers potential benefits in industrial applications, including as a sensor for use in inspection cameras.

Wide dynamic range realized through new proprietary drive method and pixel structure

When the newly developed CMOS sensor converts light into electrical signals and stores the signal charge in memory, the new drive system achieves a significant expansion in full well capacity. Also, because it employs a structure that efficiently captures light and each pixel incorporates an optimized internal configuration, the sensor makes possible increased sensitivity with reduced noise. The expanded full well capacity, realized through the sensor’s new drive system, and substantial reduction in noise, enabled by the new pixel structure, combine to deliver a wide dynamic range, facilitating the capture of high-image-quality, high-definition footage even when shooting scenes containing large variances in brightness.

Canon will explore various industrial and measurement applications for the newly developed CMOS sensor and consider deploying it in the field of video production for cinema production applications, TV dramas, commercials and more.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV high ISO performance better than Nikon D810 and Sony a7R II

August 31, 2016
Canon News
12 Comments

EOS 5d Mark iv

Yesterday DPReview added the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV to their Studio Scene Comparison Tool.

The folks over at Digicame-Info made a high ISO performance comparison between the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, the Nikon D810 and the Sony Alpha a7RII. Well, the EOS 5D Mark IV is clearly ahead the competition. See the picture above or try it out by yourself. You can see the ISO performance at ISO 25600 of the EOS 5D Mark IV is clearly better than the Nikon D810 and also has an edge over the Sony a7R II.

Canon’s new sensor design (with ADC on chip) is showing its advantages. Kudos Canon!