New lens manufacturer Irix teases “Swiss precision and Korean innovation”

Irix lens
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I got a mail from a lens manufacturer I didn’t here about before, Irix Lens. No hints were given, just the teaser image you can see above. Since they wrote to Canon Watch’s email address, I guess there will be a lens with Canon mount. They also have a Facebook page, but there isn’t much to find.

The teaser suggests an interesting aspect: Swiss precision and Korean innovation. What does it mean? Sounds like an engineering idea born in Korea and realised in Switzerland. Irix will announce and showcase their product(s) at The Photography Show in Birmingham, UK, on March 19. Any ideas?

Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II can be pre-ordered now

powershot g7x II
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Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II at a glance:

  • 1.0-inch, 20.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor with Canon’s new DIGIC 7 Image Processor helps deliver exceptional image quality even in low light
  • Features a bright f/1.8 (W) – f/2.8 (T), 4.2x (24-100mm), 9-blade iris diaphragm and IS-equipped lens.
  • Capture impressively high resolution images with high-speed continuous shooting up to 8 fps in both RAW mode / JPEG mode.
  • Multi-angle capacitive 3.0″ touch panel LCD with a screen resolution of 1.04 million dots and tilt option of 180 degree up and 45 degree down.
  • Capture stunning 1080p Full HD video in MP4 format with stereo sound.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allows for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos.
  • Picture Style function allows superior command of in-camera color, contrast and sharpness.
  • In-camera RAW conversion makes it possible to preview modified conditions of images on the camera, without the use of a computer.
  • Control ring features a convenient selection lever enabling you to quickly switch between step ring and continuous ring movement.
  • Time-Lapse Movie helps capture images at set intervals and combines them to create a short movie clip of the footage.
  • Panning allows the camera to lock onto the main subject using IS and automatically adjust the shutter speed for beautiful background blur.

Canon’s new Powershot G7 X Mark II can now be pre-ordered in the US: Adorama | Amazon | B&H Photo

powershot g7 x mark ii

World-wide Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II links:

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Here is why the pros ditch (or avoid) Sony gear

In the 16 minutes video above, photographer Matt Granger explains why he decided to ditch Sony and to switch back to Nikon. It’s not about the quality of the gear, it is about the lack of quality when it comes to service and assistance – two factors that are critical to pros. And at least Sony’s service in Australia isn’t what a pro might expect.

It all comes down to SERVICE. For many types of my work the gear itself is suitable for me – The sensors are quality. The images and video are outstanding. For other work I have never used them (rough conditions, tricky focus). But with service like this – I just can’t use them at all.

As I said, this is my personal experience in Australia and is based on MY needs. The details of all the ‘pro support’ programs shown are the Australian offerings.

Stick with Canon if you want to avoid nasty experiences ;-) Canon’s CPS (Canon Professional Services) will not let you in the rain. See also my article about the Sony a7RII.

[via PetaPixel]

Canon EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS “Actuator Nano USM” technology explained (video)

EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM
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Canon’s new [shoplink 37473]EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM[/shoplink] lens features a new AF motor technology, named Actuator Nano USM. The neat video below by Canon Imaging Plaza gives a 1 minute overview on this new tech. The previous version of this lens, the [shoplink 6295]EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM[/shoplink], featured Canon’s STM technology.

The EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM is also made to work with Canon’s Power Zoom adapter (shown below).

powerzoom
Canon EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM with Power Zoom adapter

Canon EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM: [shopcountry 37473]

The video below shows how the EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM works together with the Power Adater.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM overview after the break.

Click here to open the rest of the article

Canon’s Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics technology explained (video)

Interesting short clip by Canon Imaging Plaza on YouTube about how Canon’s new Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics (BR) technology works. Pretty interesting.

The Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics (BR) lens is a compound lens that uses Blue Spectrum Refractive (BR) optics. BR optics are made from an organic optical material developed by Canon, and have anomalous dispersion properties equal to or greater than fluorite. When combined with concave and convex lenses, they can correct chromatic aberration to a degree greater than previously achievable.

BR technology is featured on Canon’s new, and highly regarded, [shoplink 34159]EF 35mm f/1.4L II[/shoplink] lens. More insights and information about Canon Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics at Canon Asia.

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EF 35mm f/1.4L II

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