Go beyond your gear acquisition syndrome
If you follow my blog you probably know that I am travelling for a couple of months. This time I left my DSLR and lenses at home and just took the EOS M3 with 3 lenses. I have to admit that at first I was a bit sceptical. Can you shoot what you want to shoot and the way you want to do it? Yes, you can.
You do not need a $6000 Leica camera, nor do you have to carry around a heavy full-frame DSRL with all the (also heavy) lenses that go on it. There are better options. I am not saying the EOS M3 is the best option or the only option. I am saying that the photos you’ll make depend by your skills, by your mood, and by other factors. Most of these factors have to do with you as a photographer, others have to do with the right light and setting, and it doesn’t account that much if you are a pro or just an enthusiast, or even a beginner. It doesn’t matter if you are using a Canon EOS-1D X, or a Rebel T6i. At the end of the day it’s a picture you want to show to your friends and family, not the big camera around your neck.
In the last months, while travelling South-East Asia, I saw a lot of people with big cameras and big lenses. It’s hot here, you have to carry all these stuff, and you have to take care of it. Many of these people was using their heavy and expensive cameras in the so-called “dummy mode”, i.e. in full automatic mode. It was funny to see flashes fire in daylight.
All this if obviously different if you are earning a living with photography. But if you are not, I suggest you should consider taking a small mirrorless camera with you when on travel. You will not regret it. Not having to carry around a bag with a DSLR and the usual 2-3 lenses made a difference for me. There are excellent choices out there. Fuji makes some fantastic mirrorless cameras, featuring sensors with a color rendition that’s amazing. The Fuji X-T10 and Fuji-X-T1 are likely the best mirrorless cameras out there, with an outstanding offer on lenses. And both are lightweight, easy to handle, have plenty of functions, and deliver amazing results. I think that most mirrorless cameras with an APS-C or 4/3 sensor are so good that 98% of us just doesn’t need more when on travel. The same is true for the EOS M3 (at least to me, my review). Other good option come from Olympus, Panasonic, Sony. If you want to go even lighter, Canon just announced five new Powershot cameras.
Isn’t it better to take a camera on travel that is less expensive, weights less, and still delivers excellent photos? Are you the kind of photographer who likes lugging around big and expensive gear while on travel? Share your opinion in the comment section.
Canon’s new Powershot cameras, camcorders and printers are ready for pre-order
All the new Canon Powershot cameras announced today are available for pre-order.
- Canon Powershot SX420 IS for $299.99 Adorama | B&H Photo
- Canon SX540 HS for $399.99 – Adorama | B&H Photo
- Canon Powershot ELPH 360 HS for $209.99 – Adorama | B&H Photo
- Canon Powershot ELPH 190 HS for $159.99 – Adorama | B&H Photo
- Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 for $119.99 – Adorama | B&H Photo
- Canon Selphy CP1200 for $109.99 – Adorama | B&H Photo
- Battery Bundle for the Selphy $159.99 – Adorama | B&H Photo
- Canon VIXIA HF R700 Full HD Camcorder $299 – Adorama | B&H Photo
- Canon VIXIA HF G40 Full HD Camcorder $1,299 – Adorama | B&H Photo
- Canon 16GB VIXIA HF R70 Full HD Camcorder $399 – Adorama | B&H Photo
All new Canon products are also listed at the Canon Direct Store.
Canon Unveils New UBUPrints Service To Transcend Social Photography
Canon press release:
Canon Unveils New UBUPrints Service To Transcend Social Photography
Unique Service Offers High Quality, Affordable 13”x19” Prints from Leading Social Media Photographers Sold Exclusively Through the Canon Online Store
MELVILLE, N.Y. — Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced Canon UBUPrints – a new service that provides influential social media photographers with the ability to take their Instagram photography to a new level of sharing by offering exclusive 13”x19” prints that are meant to not only reinforce a connection with their followers but to also channel the power of the printed image.
This first-of-its-kind unique service, with prints exclusively available for purchase through the Canon Online Store, utilizes the precision and high-quality output capabilities of the Canon PIXMA PRO Printer lineup to turn popular images posted on Instagram into dynamic wall décor. Beginning today, photos are available for purchase from social influencers Tyson Wheatley (@twheat) and Natalie Amrossi (@misshattan), allowing their devoted followers, and consumers in general, an opportunity to own and display professionally-printed photography that speaks to their character and defines their personality.
“Social media makes it easy to share images quickly around the world, but it does not connect people to images in the way that a tangible print can,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “UBUPrints’ mission is to revitalize photography enthusiasts’ intrinsic love and appreciation for beautiful imagery through trusted influencers’ conveyance of the power of the print.”
The UBUPrints service currently offers 13”x19” prints from each influencer on either Matte or Photo Glossy paper. A single standard print is available for $99.99.
To order one of Tyson or Natalie’s prints, visit: shop.usa.canon.com/UBUPrints
Canon unveils SELPHY CP1200 Wireless Compact Photo Printer
Canon press release:
Print More Memories Portably With The New SELPHY CP1200 Wireless Compact Photo Printer From Canon U.S.A.
New Optional Direct-Attachable Battery with Increased Capacity and New Layout Options Further Enable Creative Photo Printing On-the-Go
MELVILLE, N.Y. — Evolving the expedient and versatile print experience made possible by Canon SELPHY printers, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the SELPHY CP1200 Wireless1 Compact Photo Printer. This freshly redesigned, on-the-go printer features an optional direct-attachable battery, Wi-Fi® button, and the ability to print more memories than ever before.
Ideal for those who live a mobile lifestyle and love to capture memories in real time, the convenient and easy-to-use SELPHY CP1200 printer offers increased portability with its optional direct-attachable battery, which is sold separately and has the capacity to print 54 photos per charge, increased from 36 images in previous models. Additionally, the printer’s Wi-Fi® button simplifies the overall printing process with more intuitive operation.
The printer is packed with crafty features that aid in creating and gifting keepsakes, mementos and souvenirs. With card-size printing options, users can create pass cases, messages, decorated albums, and more with the option of adding white or black borders to the layout. Users also have the ability to print postage stamp size sheets, featuring eight thumbnails or a combination of images. Other popular functionality, such as borderless printing and image optimization, can be used through adjustment on the printer itself or via a compatible mobile or tablet device2, 4 for ease of use. Furthermore, the printer is designed to provide accurate color reproduction, thanks to the use of dye sublimation technology, and also provides a water-resistant coating that will help photos last up to 100 years3.
“The updated wireless and inventive feature sets enhance the flexibility and portability that SELPHY printer users love,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon believes that ease of use and creative availability should go hand-in-hand with high-quality photo printing, so we are excited to offer a greater level of editing functionality and print options.”
Additionally, the SELPHY CP1200 printer utilizes a variety of connection preferences, including SD card, Wi-Fi®, USB memory and USB cords to work in almost any environment. Like its predecessor, it delivers easy-to-use connectivity providing users the ability to directly connect to a Wi-Fi network without the use of drivers to speedily print their favorite images from their camera roll straight through the Canon PRINT App4.
The estimated selling price of the SELPHY CP1200 Wireless Compact Photo Printer is $105.99 (MSRP)5, and it is available in black and white.
For more information and the full list of product specifications, visit: http://www.usa.canon.com
Canon unveils new VIXIA HF G40 and three new VIXIA HF R-Series camcorders
Canon press release:
Canon U.S.A. Introduces New VIXIA HF G40 And Three New VIXIA HF R-Series Camcorders
Advanced Sensor Performance of the New VIXIA G40 Camcorder Provides New Creative Possibilities for Advanced Amateur Videographers; Improved Operability of New VIXIA R-Series Camcorders Makes Recording Special Family Moments Easier Than Ever
Featuring more evolved professional-level features than its predecessor, the new VIXIA HF G40 records 1080/60p Full HD in MP4 and AVCHD and features a Canon Full HD System including a genuine Canon 20x High Definition Optical Zoom Lens to cover a broad range of shooting opportunities, a new advanced HD CMOS PRO Image Sensor for improved low-light performance, and DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor for superb imaging performance. The new VIXIA HF R-Series camcorders feature a 57x Advanced Zoom Lens and SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer, 3.28 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, and record 1080/60p Full HD video in MP4 (35 Mbps) and AVCHD Progressive (28 Mbps). In addition, the VIXIA HF R72 and R70 camcorders feature Near Field Communication (NFC™) connectivity allowing users to easily share beautiful images online with family and friends by connecting easily to a compatible smartphone, tablet1 or NFC enabled computer.
Canon VIXIA HF G40 Camcorder
The new VIXIA HF G40 camcorder is the ideal tool for advanced amateur filmmakers, wedding videographers and student reporters. Featuring a genuine wide-angle Canon 20x High Definition Optical Zoom Lens and advanced HD CMOS PRO Image Sensor, identical to the one found in Canon’s XA35 and XA30 professional camcorders, this new camcorder provides excellent image quality especially in low-light situations.
The VIXIA G40 camcorder’s Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization five-axis system provides users with powerful image stabilization via a Dynamic mode to help reduce image distortion even when shooting while walking, as well as a convenient auto on/off feature. The ergonomically designed and highly portable VIXIA HF G40 features a 3.5–inch OLED touch panel screen with 10,000:1 contrast ratio and tilting, user-friendly, high resolution color Electronic View Finder (EVF). Advanced display features include Zebra, Color Bars and Test Tone. The VIXIA HF G40 camcorder records 1080/60p Full HD video in MP4 to dual card SD card slots with dual and relay recording and can record in slow and fast motion interval from 2x to 1200x. The VIXIA HF G40 is also equipped with Linear PCM audio recording2 and Audio Scene Select.
A new “Looks” setting has been added for easy access to creative imaging effects such as Highlight Priority Gamma and Wide Dynamic Range Gamma. Highlight Priority video-recording mode helps users achieve the same effects as HDR making it possible to capture visual characteristics that might otherwise be lost due to video compression. This allows for the creation of video that can realistically convey the three-dimensional feel of blue skies and clouds, the translucence of water and the luster of metals. Drawing from technologies employed in Canon’s Cinema EOS System of professional digital cinematography products, the camcorder’s new Wide DR Gamma mode achieves a dynamic range that has been expanded to 600 percent compared to the 300 percent on the predecessor Canon VIXIA HF G30 model. This mode helps minimize the occurrence of under- and over-exposed areas to help create smooth color gradations, even when shooting in environments that tend to produce under- and over-exposed regions, such as those with drastic differences in lighting conditions. To help facilitate better focus ability and clearer, more pristine images, the camcorder features High Definition Peaking for Focus Assist.
The VIXIA HF G40 camcorder features full manual control and provides shooters with the ability to assign buttons on the camcorder for a custom shooting experience. The camcorder also includes a high-capacity battery, connectivity to various inputs and outputs and a mini advanced accessory shoe allowing users to easily attach accessories. In addition, the camcorder is compatible with the optional WM-V1 wireless microphone.
Canon VIXIA HF R-Series Camcorders—feature improved battery life.
Updated for 2016, the new line of VIXIA HF R-Series camcorders is ideal for families who want to capture life’s precious moments. Each model is equipped with a 57x Advanced Zoom, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer, a 3.28 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Canon Image Sensor, DIGIC DV4 Image Processor, and a 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD with increased brightness and new user interface for easy menu navigation and simple viewing of videos. The VIXIA HF R-Series line of camcorders is the ideal mix of high image quality, value and convenience.
The VIXIA HF R-Series camcorders feature an improved Zoom Framing Assist setting that is available in both auto and manual mode, making it easier to accurately track and capture subjects, even while they are moving. Shooters can record 1080/60p FULL HD video to both MP4 (35 Mbps) and AVCHD Progressive (28Mbps) and dual recording allows for saving to both formats simultaneously. Slow and Fast motion recording is available allowing shooters to record fast motion at up to 1200x and slow motion at 0.5x.
The VIXIA HF R-series camcorders provide users with a variety of internal memory options. The VIXIA R72 allows users to record up to 12 hours of video to a 32GB internal flash drive, while the VIXIA R70 allows users to record up to six hours of video to a 16BG internal flash drive, increased from three hours and 8GB of internal memory of its predecessor. All of the VIXIA HF R-Series camcorders allow for recording to a removable SD card and feature dual card slots for relay recording.
Featuring built-in Wi-Fi® and NFC™ capabilities, the VIXIA HF R72 and VIXIA HF R70 camcorders expand shooting options for filming important moments while simultaneously providing remote monitoring capabilities. Utilizing Wi-Fi and the free Canon CameraAccess Plus App1, users can easily share recorded video or live stream remotely from a compatible Android or iOS device that allows the user to control certain camera functions like record and zooming. The optional Camera Pan Table CT-V1 base accessory can be attached to the bottom of both the VIXIA HF R-Series camcorders, which enables users to remotely pan the camcorder up to 200 degrees to the left or right, allowing them to act as baby monitors or security cameras. With the free Canon Movie Uploader App2 sharing videos with family and friends is easy. Available on the iOS platform, this app allows users to send video directly to a compatible smartphone or tablet for online sharing. For Android devices, the free Remote Browse App allows users to preview or download files to a compatible smartphone, tablet, or PC when using a web browser. Once both devices are wirelessly connected, users can download or instantly playback their videos without the need for an application or other software. In addition, built-in down conversion creates MP4 files for even easier sharing on the web. The new Canon VIXIA HF R72 and R70 camcorders are compatible with the Canon Connect Station CS100 device which provides users with the ability to wirelessly transfer videos for storage via Wi-Fi® or NFC™.
For more creative videos, these camcorders allow users to customize a video by selecting from five Cinema Look filter effects which can be applied during or after filming. While in Audio Scene Select mode, users can select from eight predetermined audio modes that adjust and optimize audio settings based on the shooting conditions. Additionally, Intelligent Image Stabilization (IS) allows shooters to choose from four different modes to help optimize IS for that particular shooting condition. The built-in microphone/headphone terminal provides users with the flexibility to record using an auxiliary microphone or listen to what they’re recording with headphones. All of the new Canon VIXIA HF R-Series camcorders feature the new high-capacity BP-727 battery for up to 180 minutes of recording time on a single charge and a file lock function that helps to safeguard against mistakenly deleting files from the camcorder.
The Canon VIXIA HF G40 camcorder is scheduled to be available February 2016 for an estimated retail price of $1,299.993. The VIXIA HF R72, VIXIA HF R70, and VIXIA HF R700 camcorders will be available in February 2016 for estimated retail prices of $449.99, $399.99, and $299.99, respectively3. For more information please visit: https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/list/camcorders/consumer/vixia.