Here Is How Canon’s Defocus Smoothing Technology Works (featured on new RF 85mm f/1.2L)

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L DS Defocus Smoothing

Today Canon announced the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS and Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L DS lenses for the EOS R system.

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L DS features Defocus Smoothing technology (the “DS” in the moniker). What Defocus Smoothing is about and how it works is explained in the videos below.

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS and RF 85mm f/1.2L DS Officially Announced

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

Known to come since long, here is the official announcement of the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS and RF 85mm f/1.2L DS lenses for the Canon EOS R system.

The RF 85mm f/1.2L DS features a new optical technology named Defocus Smoothing, see here how it works.

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS and RF 85mm f/1.2L DS lenses are scheduled to be available late November 2019 and December 2019, respectively for an estimated retail price of $2,699 and $2,999 respectively. Preorders are open:

Canon press release:

The RF Family Grows By Two: Canon RF 70-200MM F2.8L IS USM Lens Is The World’s Shortest And Lightest Lens In Its Class And RF 85MM F1.2L USM DS Is The First Lens To Feature Defocus Smoothing

New RF L-Series Lenses Aim to Provide Impeccable Performance, Handling and Unique Features to Photographers Shooting with EOS R and EOS RP Cameras

MELVILLE, NY, October 24, 2019 – Completing the “trinity” of RF lenses for the EOS R Full-Frame mirrorless camera system, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM telephoto lens. Additionally, the company also announced its first lens to feature Defocus Smoothing lens coating, the Canon RF 85 F1.2L DS. The ninth and tenth lenses in the RF family are both powerful tools for photographers using the EOS R or EOS RP cameras, in particular, those shooting sports or wildlife photography with the RF 70-200mm F2.8L or portrait photography with the RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS. 

Short and Light With All The Might: Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM

The new lens features a large and bright f/2.8 aperture, which, along with the 70-200mm focal zoom ranges, presents an ideal workhorse lens for professional and amateur photographers shooting sports, wildlife, wedding and event action. The new RF lens is 27 percent shorter and 28 percent lighter than its EF counterparti with a large portion of the lens element arrangement closer to the camera body. This arrangement is designed to provide photographers with a more balanced feel and experience even at telephoto end of the zoom range. Additionally, the shorter and lighter design allows the lens to be more easily stowed away in a camera bag when not in-use.

A first for Canon lenses, the new RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM features two Nano USM motors providing an even greater level of high-speed autofocus for still image shooting and quiet and smooth autofocus for video shooting. The lens also incorporates a floating focus control, another Canon first, that drives the two lens groups individually while using the two aforementioned Nano USM motors. The floating focus lens element shortens focusing distance and help reduce breathing, providing users with fast, consistent and reliable performance. 

Additional Features of The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Include: 

  • Customizable control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
  • 17 lens elements in 13 groups including two aspherical lenses, one super UD lens and four UD lenses, that help to reduce chromatic aberration
  • CIPA standard five stops of image stabilization (IS) including three IS modes with dual-sensing and combination IS
  • 12-pin communication system
  • L-Series dust and weather resistant build with fluorine coating
  • Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) helps minimize lens flare and ghosting

Teaching an Old Dog a New Trick: Canon 85mm F1.2L USM DS

Canon has a rich history spanning over 40 years of producing 85mm lenses with f/1.2 apertures, and the new Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS is no different, or is it? The lens ushers in a new lens coating from Canon, Defocus Smoothingii, designed to enhance the appearance of bokeh in the images captured with the lens. DS coating is a vapor-deposited coating technology that is applied to the front and rear surfaces of a specific lens element inside the lens. The coating allows off-axis flux to pass through the periphery of the lens that gradually decreases the transmittance of light, which results in images with beautifully blurred backgrounds. 

In addition, the new lens features a bright f/1.2 aperture which, along with the 85mm focal length, encompasses an ideal lens for portrait photographers. 85mm is often the preferred focal length selected by photographers when shooting portraits because it provides an appropriate depth and perspective of the subject relative to the background, helping to capture high-quality imagery with beautiful and desirable bokeh. The focal length also allows for the photographer and subject to maintain optimum distance apart to support strong communication, while not being too close.

Additional Features of The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS Include:

  • Minimum focusing distance of 2.79 feet/0.85 meters
  • Customizable control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
  • One Aspheric lens and one UD Lens, along with BR optics that help to reduce chromatic aberration
  • 12-pin communication system
  • L-Series dust and weather resistant build with fluorine coating
  • Air Sphere Coating (ASC) that helps minimize lens flare and ghosting
Click here to open the rest of the article

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Development Announced (no IBIS nor 6k video)

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III rumor

As expected, Canon announced the development of the Canon EOS-1DX Mark III. So far no mention of IBIS or 6k video.

Canon press release:

Powerful, Faster And Rugged: Canon Announces The Development Of The EOS-1D X Mark III Camera

MELVILLE, NY, October 24, 2019 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc. is developing the highly anticipated Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Camera – the successor to the world-renowned and award-winning EOS-1D X Mark II. Ideal for sports and wildlife, the flagship DSLR is being engineered and designed using feedback from the worldwide community of EOS-1D X and EOS-1D X Mark II photographers. Continuing Canon’s rich heritage of creating first-rate optical products, the EOS-1D X Mark III offers an enhanced autofocus system, with dramatically improved still and video image quality and communication. When using this camera, professionals will have the confidence they will get ‘the shot’ and can deliver it at a competitive speed – faster than ever before – ideal for the increasingly fast-paced industry.

“The innovations put forth by the new EOS-1D X Mark III will set the new standard for professional DSLR cameras and further cement Canon’s commitment to its professional photographers,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “In developing the new camera, Canon listened to extensive user-feedback from professionals out in the field. The result is a camera that has evolved from its predecessor and maintained the overall quality that professional photographers have come to expect from the Canon EOS-1D series.”

Need for Speed

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III will be blisteringly fast – offering exceptional precision, reliability, high-performance autofocus and subject tracking – providing photographers with a tool that will help to capture the shot they are chasing. The camera’s new autofocus algorithm will improve stability and tracking when using both the Optical Viewfinder and in Live View shooting mode, using Deep Learning Technology and adapting to help facilitate accurate focus tracking for every shot. When using the optical viewfinder the camera will use a new autofocus sensor, with approximately 28 times the resolution in the center of the EOS-1D X Mark II. Offering the ability to autofocus in even brighter and darker situations than before and with greater precision, the camera will have a range of autofocus capabilities, which will enable the photographer to get their shot. In Live View mode, users will be able to make use of 525 AF areas using the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system will cover approximately 90×100 percent of the image sensor. The camera will support significantly faster frame rates with full AF and AE, using either the optical viewfinder (up to approximately 16fps mechanical shutter) or Live View (up to approximately 20fps mechanical or electronic shutter). Additionally, the camera’s dual CFexpress card slots will enable more than five times the RAW burst depth of its predecessor. 

Powered to Dominate

The development of EOS-1D X Mark III is a clear example of Canon’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovative imaging products featuring optically excellent technology. The camera will support an all new, Canon-developed, CMOS sensor and DIGIC processor, that will deliver greater image quality, at even higher ISOs, with the ability to capture stills in 10-bit using the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) file format. HEIF produces wider dynamic range and greater color representation compared to JPEG. The power of 4K resolution brings stories to life – shoot 4K videos including 4K60p with 10-bit 4:2:2 Canon Log internal recording.

Conveniently Connected

For professionals, content delivery is just as important as image capture – the EOS-1D X Mark III will make it easy, featuring built-in Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® low-energy connectivity in addition to GPS technology. To keep pace with ever-shortening deadlines, the camera will transfer data at more than twicei the speed of the EOS-1D X Mark II when using the built-in Ethernet connection, or the new optional wireless file transmitter – the WFT-E9, which is also compatible with Canon’s recently launched Cinema EOS C500 Mark II camera. Coupled with simpler network set-up the camera will greatly enhance the professional workflow.

A Familiar Feel with Improved Attributes

Existing EOS-1D series users will be familiar and comfortable handling the EOS-1D X Mark III allowing seamless navigation with trusted ergonomics – whilst the magnesium alloy body will offer the durability expected from Canon’s EOS-1D cameras. Professional photographers can trust the same impressive build-quality as the EOS-1D X Mark II – with phenomenal weather-sealing, standing up to harsh conditions, including wind, rain and humidity. With incredible low-light shooting capabilities, the camera will now feature select illuminated buttons that allow for precision operation in challenging, dark and dimly lit conditions. The camera will also offer a new additional control for selecting AF points, built into the AF-ON button, allowing photographers to change AF points on-the-fly for the best composition – further helping to simplify their work. In addition, dramatically improved battery life – with the same LP-E19 – will allow professionals to shoot for longer periods of time, without having to change batteries, helping reduce the chance of missing a shot.

Camera News: Fujifilm X-Pro3 With Titanium Body And -6ev Autofocus Announced

Fujifilm x-pro3

Fujifilm announced the Fujifilm X-Pro3, the company’s latest mirrorless flagship in the X series.

Preorder at B&H Photo and Adorama.

Fujifilm press release:

Fujifilm introduces the mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-Pro3”

  • Constructed with strong yet lightweight titanium to provide portability and durability with premium quality
  • Further evolving the world’s only viewfinder that can be switched between the optical and electronic systems
  • Pursuing “PURE PHOTOGRAPHY”, fulfilling the true purpose of photography of freezing a moment in time, by encountering a subject and shooting a high-quality photo through the viewfinder.

Tokyo, October 23, 2019 — FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) is pleased to announce the launch of the FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (X-Pro3) in late November 2019, as the latest flagship model for the X Series lineup of compact and lightweight mirrorless digital cameras that deliver outstanding image quality with Fujifilm’s proprietary color reproduction technology. The X-Pro3 is the first Fujifilm digital camera to use strong yet lightweight titanium to achieve advanced portability and durability, making it easier than ever to enjoy photography with premium image quality.

The X-Pro3 comes in “Black”, which features premium-quality coating for dignified appearance, as well as “DR Black” and “DR Silver,” which have the Duratect™* coating applied to deliver strong resistance against scratches while achieving highly refined exterior appearance, thereby expanding the appeal of the X-Pro3.

Fujifilm has evolved its “X-Pro Series” by launching the Series with the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 in 2012 and introducing the FUJIFILM X-Pro2 in 2016. Defining the purpose of photography as freezing a moment in time, “PURE PHOTOGRAPHY”, with its hybrid viewfinder, the X-Pro3 enables photographers to encounter subjects at various places, to help document the world we live in today. The company has developed the X-Pro3 with commitment to (1) producing a compact, lightweight and highly-durable camera body in elegant yet understated design to allow users to carry the camera easily, (2) providing an excellent viewfinder that captures a photo subject accurately and facilitates perfect framing, and (3) offering color reproducibility that creates images exactly as intended by users.

The new X-Pro3 is an exceptionally portable and durable mirrorless digital camera that has a magnesium-alloy interior, which is covered with lightweight, robust and corrosion-resistant titanium on the exterior to achieve premium quality design, bringing out the beautiful tone and texture of titanium to the maximum.

The X-Pro3 has the “Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder”, the world’s only viewfinder that can be switched between optical viewfinder (OVF) and electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF uses a bright and high-resolution 3.69-million-dot organic EL panel for enhanced visibility. The camera also features the back-illuminated 26.1MP “X-Trans™ CMOS 4”** sensor and the “X-Processor 4” high-speed image processing engine, which have both won strong reputation following their use in the FUJIFILM X-T3 and FUJIFILM X-T30. Also, evolved algorithm enables the camera to realize fast and accurate phase-detection AF at the minimum luminance of -6EV, which is close to pitch darkness. Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulation function has been added with the new “CLASSIC Neg” mode, simulating color negative film traditionally chosen for snapshots of day-to-day scenes, so that users can enjoy high-quality photo with versatile tonal variations.

Fujifilm x-pro3
Click here to open the rest of the article

Canon EOS 90D Ikelite Underwater Housing Announced

ikelite underwater housing

Ikelite underwater housing for Canon EOS 90D at a glance:

  • 200′ (60m) depth rating
  • Compatible with DL system lens ports
  • Controls are provided for all camera functions except: Diopter adjustment, Control wheel lock, LCD illuminating button, Flash button, Joystick up/down/left/right (Joystick can be depressed)
  • 1/4-20 thread base mounts with 3.5″ spacing
  • Slightly positive buoyancy in fresh water
  • Actual buoyancy varies depending on choice of lens and port
  • Housing 4.67 lb (2121 g)
  • Tray with left handle 11 oz (312 g)
  • 9 x 7 x 6.5″ (229 x 178 x 165 mm) Not including 
  • Vacuum valve included (pump sold separately)
  • Included Ikelite ICS-5 bulkhead connector with manual hotshoe for reliable electrical triggering of underwater strobes; Optional TTL accessories provides automatic exposure with compatible Ikelite DS strobes
  • ABS-PC construction is fundamentally corrosion-resistant
  • Made in the USA; Individually inspected for fit and water pressure tested to depth
  • 2 year limited warranty

Ikelite announced the Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing for the Canon EOS 90D. Price is $1695.

Press release:

A full featured and durable waterproof housing for Canon EOS 90D DSLR cameras. Suitable for scuba, snorkel, surf, pool, and any application in or around the water. 

Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera

The Canon EOS 90D replaces the EOS 80D at the top of Canon’s APS-C DSLR camera line. Released in late 2019, it features an all-new 32.5 megapixel sensor, an updated metering system, and quick Dual Pixel AF.

The EOS 90D is capable of capturing 4K video using either the full width of its sensor, or a cropped portion for greater detail. A CIPA battery life rating of 1300 shots per charge is impressive for a camera of this size.

Movement of camera controls and lens placement prevent this model from operating in housings built for prior generation Canon cameras.

Lens Ports

This Ikelite underwater housing features our robust Dry Lock (DL) port system. “Dry Lock” refers to the placement of the o-ring on the outside of the port mount. This improves visibility and reduces the chances of water dropping onto your precious camera sensor. DL ports are the lightest on the market, yet robust and capable of standing up to rough surf. Attachment is quick and secure. A system of extensions can accommodate a huge variety of lenses with ease.

Most popular zoom lenses and select lens focus rings can be engaged using simple gearing that puts adjustment right at your fingertips. A large, soft-touch knob on the side of the housing makes fine tuned adjustments a breeze. Zoom and focus gears differ depending on which lens you are using. Zoom gears sold separately.

Canon EOS 90D: [shoplist 58163]

Click here to open the rest of the article

Camera News: Sigma fp Announced, World’s Smallest Full Frame Mirrorless Camera

sigma fp

Last week Sigma announced the Sigma fp, world’s smallest full frame mirrorless camera. A first impression review and sample footage are available at Cinema5D. Looks like a pretty cool piece of gear.

You can preorder the Sigma fp at Adorama and B&H Photo.

Sigma’s press release:

SIGMA announces the “SIGMA fp”, the world’s smallest and lightest mirrorless digital camera with a full-frame image sensor

SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of “SIGMA fp,” the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless digital camera*. The SIGMA fp incorporates a 35mm full-frame Bayer sensor with 24.6 effective megapixels in a compact body, and boasts great versatility and scalability that allows mixing-and-matching of a variety of interchangeable lenses and accessories. It is a camera that is casual enough to take anywhere, anytime, and high-spec enough for serious still and cine shooting in the highest image quality, all in a robust and classy body.

Regardless of the differences in shooting scenes and styles or genre boundaries between stills and videos, this new camera is set to expand the freedom and possibilities in image shooting and art creation further than ever before. A “pocketable full-frame” camera: SIGMA fp, is now available.

Preorder the Sigma fp at Adorama and B&H Photo

Click here to open the rest of the article