Canon’s medical business sets sails, report suggests

canon rumors

Some of you will probably remember that Canon bought Toshiba’s medical division. According to Nikkei Asian Review, Canon is set to be part of the global players in this domain.

TOKYO — Having emerged as a savior for buying Toshiba’s medical systems operations for a hefty sum, Canon has now embarked on a fresh journey as a major player chasing global leaders in health care equipment featuring the latest information technology.

Toshiba Medical Systems, which became a Canon subsidiary at the end of 2016, showcased several new products at a medical imaging trade fair that opened Friday in Yokohama. New offerings such as CT and MRI scanners accentuated the unit’s fresh start.

Canon is still king but Sony now is 2nd seller of full-frame DSLR in USA, overtook Nikon

sony

Sony’s conquer of the photographic industry made another step forward. Sony is now second ranked in USA when it comes to full-frame DSLRs, they surpassed Nikon. Canon is stil the first manufacturer for full-frame DSLRs in the USA.
Sony press text:

SAN DIEGO, April 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Electronics – a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has announced today that their continued growth has vaulted them into the #2 overall position in the U.S. full-frame interchangeable lens camera market. 1

Sony’s interchangeable lens cameras and lenses have seen record sales in 2017, in particular within the U.S. full-frame camera market, where they have experienced double-digit growth (+23%) 2 compared to the same period last year. The popularity of key models including α7RII and α7SII has been paramount to this success.
Additionally, Sony’s rapid growth has helped to drive growth of the overall full-frame interchangeable lens camera market compared to the same period last year. Without Sony’s contributions, the full-frame market would be facing a slight decline. 3
“Our commitment to the industry is stronger than ever,” said Neal Manowitz, VP of Digital Imaging at Sony North America. “We are always listening to our customers, combining their feedback with our intense passion for innovation to deliver products, services and support like no other.”
A variety of exclusive stories and exciting content shot Sony α products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com , Sony’s community site built to educate, inspire and showcase all fans and customers of the Sony α brand.
Notes to Editors
1The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service, U.S., Detachable Lens Camera, Full Frame, Based on Dollars, Jan- Feb 2017
2The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service, U.S., Detachable Lens Camera, Full Frame, Based on Dollars, Jan/Feb 2016- Jan/Feb 2017

3The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service, U.S., Detachable Lens Camera, Full Frame, Based on Dollars, Jan/Feb 2016- Jan/Feb 2017

[via Sony Alpha Rumors]

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV firmware update 1.0.4 released today, but it’s not what we were waiting for

eos 5d mark v
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Canon released firmware 1.0.4 for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. It’s not the rumored update with the new 4K mode. This is a minor update with fixes. Download Canon EOS 5D Mark IV firmware 1.0.4 here.

Changes in the Firmware. Firmware Version 1.0.4 incorporates the following fixes and improvements:

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which a red-colored area may appear at the bottom-center of a captured image when shooting in bulb mode or during a long exposure.

2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the autofocus may not respond when the autofocus is initiated via pressing the shutter button, the AF-ON button or the AE lock button when configured in the custom control menu.

3. Enhances the reliability of communications between the camera and SD card.

4. Fixes incorrect wording on the Finnish language menu screen.

Firmware Version 1.0.4 is for cameras with firmware Version 1.0.3 or earlier. If your camera’s firmware is already Version 1.0.4, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

When updating the firmware of your camera, please review the instructions thoroughly before you update the firmware.

The firmware update takes approximately 4 minutes.

Canon Dual Pixel Auto-Focus Technology explained


The Canon Digital Learning Center posted a new article about the company’s proprietary Dual Pixel Auto-Focus (DPAF) technology.

Dual Pixel AF was first introduced with the Canon EOS 70D, and has since then found its way to high end Canon Cine products and pro and semi-pro DSLRs, as well as into a mirrorless camera (well, eventually). Dual Pixel AF is a game changer and an industry’s exclusive you get only with Canon cameras.

Put simply, Dual Pixel AF takes autofocus to the next level. It provides both smooth and consistent focus for a wide range of photo and video applications. Each pixel on the CMOS imaging sensor has two separate, light-sensitive photodiodes, which convert light into an electronic signal. Independently, each half of a pixel detects light through separate micro lenses, atop each pixel. During AF detection, the two halves of each pixel — the two photodiodes — send separate signals, which are analyzed for focus information. Then, an instant later when an actual image or video frame is recorded, the two separate signals from each pixel are combined into one single one, for image capturing purposes. This greatly improves AF speed over the majority of the area on which you’re focusing. The result is phase-detection autofocus, which surveys the scene and recognizes not only whether a subject is in focus or not, but in which direction (near or far), and by how much.

If you want to learn more about Dual Pixel AF, head over to the Canon Digital Learning Center. Some educational videos about Dual Pixel AF can be found here.

A bit of everything

 

Sequences shot with a Canon EOS 6D used to render FX scenes in Hollywood movie “Ghost in a shell” – Digital Arts Online

Sequences from Alex Soloviev’S Endless Gravity have been used (video on top).

MTF Lens Tests of the New Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 SP Di VC USD G2 – Lens Rentals

Choosing a Camera for Eclipse Photography – Canon Digital Learning Center

Guide to Cleaning Your Camera Sensor – Lens Rentals

Sigma 135mm F1.8 Art Sample Gallery – DPReview

The amusing story of how an off-the-cuff compromise made 24fps the standard “film rate” – DIY Photography

An underwater mission: chasing sea life with the EOS-1D X Mark II – Canon Professional Network

26 Lessons Frank Lloyd Wright Has Taught Me About Art – Eric Kim

Free Firmware for Select Canon Video and Cinema Cameras – Canon Digital Learning Center

Review of the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens – Digital Photography School

Below: My TOP 5 TRAVEL TIPS for shooting on the road – Peter McKinnon

Below: Canon 5D Mark IV or Panasonic GH5 – which to buy

ENERGY STAR® Recognizes Canon U.S.A.’s Dedication to Promoting Energy Efficiency

canon

“Environmental consciousness is ingrained in our company culture and this honor is the perfect reflection of that,” said Seymour Liebman, executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel, Canon U.S.A.

Canon press release:

ENERGY STAR® Recognizes Canon U.S.A.’s Dedication to Promoting Energy Efficiency; Honors Company as “Partner of the Year” for Second Consecutive Year

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 6, 2017 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that it has received the 2017 ENERGY STAR “Partner of the Year – Product Brand Owner Award” from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by manufacturing energy-efficient products.

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