Press release:

DxO Optics Pro v8.3.2 supports the Canon EOS 70D and the Sony DSC-RX1R

October 2, 2013 – DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v8.3.2 for Mac and Windows, the new version of its award-winning image-processing software of reference for all demanding photographers. This upgrade allows DxO Optics Pro 8 to provide support for the latest expert consumer DSLR, the 20.2-million pixel EOS 70D, as well as for Sony’s full-format compact, the DSC-RX1R.

Based on an exclusive process of prior laboratory calibration, DxO Optics Pro 8 includes many powerful and automatic tools for processing RAW and JPEG images. The software provides the most advanced lens corrections on the market, the best tool for adjusting light and contrast, and precise and accurate color management.

DxO Optics Pro 8 was awarded the 2013 TIPA prize for Best Photo Software, the 2013-2014 EISA prize for Photo Software, and the 2013 Hot One prize for Capture/Processing from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

More after the break.

Yongnuo announced the first ever third party trigger and SpeedLite that are fully compatible with Canon’s 2.4ghz TTL radio triggering “RT” technology. The trigger is the YN-E3-RT, the flash (which will be released in the near future) is the YN600EX-RT. These are great news for all those who do not want to pay or can not afford the high price tag that Canon’s technology comes with.

The YN-E3-RT trigger attaches via the flash hotshoe, it allows photogs to control and set all compatible devices (for the time being the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT and the upcoming Yongnuo YN600EX-RT). A nice feature of the YN-E3-RT: it has an USB port so you can upload new firmware (that will possibly enable new features); in other words: instead of having to buy a new trigger because of a new feature you could get the feature via firmware update (hopefully).

National Geographic Channel and Canon launched the Explore To Inspire Photo Contest on 1st October 2013. Asia’s best photographers are called. The essential:

Held in celebration of National Geographic’s 125^th anniversary, the two-month-long contest is open to all aspiring young photographers, aged 18 and above, residing in Singapore, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand or Vietnam. To enter the competition, participants are required to submit an original photograph(s) that must showcase what inspires the participants to explore. Each entry must also be accompanied by a description or an explanation (not exceeding 300 characters) of why the image inspires the participant to explore. All entries are to be submitted via the website www.exploretoinspire.com.

The first three prizes:

1. • Canon EOS 5D Mark III (Body)
   • Trip to National Geographic Weekend Photography Workshop in San Francisco, US
   • Winning photo published in National Geographic magazine
2. • Canon EOS 6D (Body)
   • Winning photo published in National Geographic magazine
3. • Canon EOS 70D (Body)
   • Winning photo published in National Geographic

Every year Interbrand ranks what they think are the 100 most important global brands. Well, Canon ranks 35th (last year: 30th), Nikon doesn’t even show up. Canon’s brand value is estimated in 10,989 million dollars. Although there are other brands in the list that are involved in the photographic business, Canon is the only major photo-gear manufacturer in the list. Others brands in some way involved in the photo business are: Samsung (rank 8), Sony (rank 46), Panasonic (rank 68), Adobe (rank 79). And the leader of the list? Well, it’s a manufacturer that builds one of the most popular cameras out there: Apple.

Interbrand also ranked the best “green brands”. Canon ranks on position 30. If you want to learn about their methodology click here.

About Canon they write:

Despite the yen’s volatility, the leadership of returning President Fujio Mitarai helped keep Canon steady through challenging times. This past year has seen a heady schedule of product launches, entry into new markets, and expansion of sales and manufacturing bases outside Japan. Since launching an entry-level digital SLR in 2003, Canon has become synonymous with the camera category. The high-end market continues growing, but the global market for compact digital cameras has collapsed as smartphones have become commonplace. Canon continues to innovate with products like the EOS M, employing a non-reflex operating system, as well as new additions to the PowerShot lineup and high-end, high-definition video cameras. The brand is also advancing into online photo management with Project 1709, a cloud-based service that promises deep social and product integration. To expand the imaging systems business domain, Canon also recently entered the growing retail photo printing business with DreamLabo 5000. In its core office business, Canon sees significant potential from the integration of Océ, made a wholly owned subsidiary this year, helping it become a leader in the printing industry. High-profile marketing campaigns and sports sponsorships, such as becoming the official partner of the IAAF World Athletics Series, help keep the brand top of mind with consumers. Still, with its core markets changing fast as technology advances and consumer behaviors evolve, Canon will need to increase its pace of innovation even more.