Here they are: Canon announces five new Powershot Cameras to enhance the joy of shooting

Powershot SX540 HS
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Canon press release (German text here):

Canon U.S.A. Announces Five New PowerShot Digital Cameras Designed To Enhance The Joy Of Shooting

New Additions Include Super-Zoom Models Ideal for Avid Travelers as well as Stylish and Compact Go Anywhere, Any Time Cameras

MELVILLE, N.Y. — Built to deliver high-quality images and HD video and featuring built-in Wi-Fi® and NFCTM connectivity for easy sharing, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the addition of two new cameras to its super-zoom PowerShot SX lineup – the PowerShot SX540 HS and PowerShot SX420 IS digital cameras. Also announced are three new stylish and compact additions to the Company’s PowerShot ELPH series, the PowerShot ELPH 360 HS, PowerShot ELPH 190 IS digital cameras as well as PowerShot ELPH 180, all housed within slim bodies that can easily fit in a pocket or purse.

Experiencing the power of a printed image is also easy when users connect and print to a Canon wirelessiiprinter, like the Canon PIXMA MG7720. And for even more convenience, the cameras are compatible with the new Canon Connect Station CS100 – a dedicated device for easy image and video viewing, sharing and storage.

PowerShot SX540 HS Camera 
The PowerShot SX540 HS digital camera builds on the features included in the PowerShot SX530 HS digital camera. The PowerShot SX540 HS has a powerful 50x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 24-1200mm) with Optical Image Stabilizer for outstanding optical performance. It features a new 20.3-Megapixeliii High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor with DIGIC 6 Image Processor that helps deliver high resolution combined with stunning low-light performance. A dedicated Wi-Fi button allows for easy sharing and transferring of images over Wi-Fi® and NFCTM technology. The new camera features a dedicated movie button so users can easily record 1080p Full HD video at an improved rate of up to 60 frames-per-second in MP4 format with stereo sound. The PowerShot SX540 HS digital camera has an improved advanced Zoom Framing Assist feature that intelligently controls the lens, making it easy to identify the main subject of the shot, even when the subject is moving. It also features a lock button option for quick and accurate subject tracking. Additionally, its new Story Highlights feature automatically selects and compiles images into an exciting highlight reel within the camera without the use of extra software.

The PowerShot SX540 HS digital camera’s large 3.0-inch LCD screen (approx. 461,000 dots) allows easy viewing even from a wide angle. Its Hybrid Auto mode records quick video clips before each still and compiles them together to make a short highlight reel. The PowerShot SX540 HS digital camera is scheduled to be available in March 2016 for an estimated retail price of $399.99iv.

PowerShot SX420 IS 
Based on the successful PowerShot SX410 IS model, the PowerShot SX420 IS digital camera features an improved powerful 42x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 24-1008mm) and Optical Image Stabilizer for outstanding optical performance. A dedicated Wi-Fi button allows for easy sharing and transferring of images over Wi-Fi® and NFCTM technology. The 20.0- Megapixeliii sensor with DIGIC 4+ Image Processor helps deliver stunning image quality. Smart Auto intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on predefined shooting situations, and 720p HD video capture in MP4 format.

The PowerShot SX420 IS digital camera also features Scene modes such as Fisheye effect, Toy Camera effect and Monochrome, which provide creative freedom to capture your photos. While taking these creative photos, Eco mode helps reduce power consumption for longer battery life.

The camera’s large 3.0-inch LCD screen (approx. 230,000 dots) allows for easy operation and sharing. The PowerShot SX420 IS digital camera is scheduled to be available in February 2016 for an estimated retail price of $299.99iv.

PowerShot ELPH 360HS
The PowerShot ELPH 360HS is slim and stylish, boasting a 12x optical zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer that helps capture images with flexibility and ease. A dedicated Wi-Fi button allows for easy sharing and transferring of images over Wi-Fi® and NFCTM . The 20.2-Megapixelii CMOS sensor combines with the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor to help deliver stunning image quality even in low light. The PowerShot ELPH 360HS digital camera also captures spectacular 1080p Full HD video.

The camera’s large 3.0-inch LCD screen allows for easy viewing and the Hybrid Auto feature records quick video clips before each still and compiles them together to make a short highlight reel. Story Highlights mode automatically selects and compiles images into an exciting highlight reel within the camera without the use of extra software.

The PowerShot ELPH 360HS digital camera is scheduled to be available in February for an estimated retail price of $209.99 iv and will be available in silver and purple.

PowerShot ELPH 190 IS 
The PowerShot ELPH 190 IS digital camera delivers high-quality imaging capabilities with a 10x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilizer and 20-Megapixeliii CCD sensor. A dedicated Wi-Fi button allows for easy sharing and transferring of images over Wi-Fi® and NFCTM technology. The PowerShot ELPH 190 IS digital camera features smooth 720p HD video capabilities with Smart Auto mode, Scene modes and Eco mode to preserve battery life.

The PowerShot ELPH 190 IS digital camera is scheduled to be available in February 2016 for an estimated retail price of $159.99iv and will be available in black, red and blue.

PowerShot ELPH 180 
The PowerShot ELPH 180 digital camera delivers high-quality imaging capabilities with an 8x optical zoom lens and 20-Megapixeliii CCD sensor. The PowerShot ELPH 180 digital camera features smooth 720p HD video capabilities with Smart Auto mode, Scene modes and Eco mode to preserve battery life. It also includes the Auto Zoom feature that automatically zooms in to frame subjects and keep them in focus.

The PowerShot ELPH 180 digital camera is scheduled to be available in February 2016 for an estimated retail price of $119.99iv and will be available in silver and red.

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Consumers Are Inspired At The 2016 CES Show With Canon See Impossible

canon rumors

Will we really see the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II at CES 2016? I am very sceptical, though others insist we will. Canon press release:

Consumers Are Inspired At The 2016 CES Show With Canon See Impossible

Interactive Booth at CES 2016 Features Canon’s 8K Era and Three Unique Environments Demonstrating Real World Solutions for Canon Imaging Products

MELVILLE, N.Y. — At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV January 6-9, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will challenge attendees to see the impossible at booth #13106 in the Central Hall. Canon’s booth will feature a Canon 8K Ride Experience where attendees can see the future of visual imaging and experience, firsthand, the physical and emotional reactions that take place when an 8K video projected on a large screen simulates a physical journey. There will also be an 8K Photo Gallery that displays precise moments from an 8K video. The Canon booth itself will be composed of three environments simulating a home, an office, and a professional studio. Within each zone Canon will offer hands-on demonstrations of current real-world imaging solutions for attendees to experience themselves.

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Tokina unveils AT-X 14-20 F2 PRO DX lens for APS-C DSLRs

AT-X 14-20 F2 PRO DX
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Tokina announced the Tokina AT-X 14-20 F2 PRO DX lens. For an overview (machine translated) I suggest you head over to DicaHub. Canon mount version will be available in February 2016, price in US and EU not yet disclosed, likely below $900

Tokina AT-X 14-20 F2 PRO DX

AT-X 14-20 F2 PRO DX

More information:

Band Pro Unveils New Line of IB/E Macro Lenses

IB/E Macro

Band Pro announced three new IB/E macro lenses. The lenses cover a full-frame sensor and come with three focal lengths: 100mm, 150mm, and 180mm.

As my friends at DicaHub (translated) points out, the lenses support PL mount, but have “adjustable flange focal distance”, which appears to mean that they will have interchangeable lens mounts. Canon EF and other mount types should hence be supported.

Press release:

Band Pro Unveils New Line of IB/E Macro Lenses

IB/E President, Klaus Eckerl and Band Pro President & CEO, Amnon Band unveiled a new line of professional APO Macro FF lenses at Band Pro’s One World Open House event on December 10th, 2015.

The new macro lenses were designed to address the industry-wide movement toward larger format sensors (including RED Weapon 6K and 8K, Sony A7, and ARRI ALEXA 65 cameras).  These larger sensors deliver a convincing film-look and interesting bokeh due to their very shallow depth of field, and require lenses that can cover their larger camera sensor sizes.

The new APO Macro FF lens family consists of 3 focal lengths: 100mm, 150mm, and 180mm.  The lenses feature full frame (24mm x 36mm) coverage, 1:1 magnification, consistent T-stop T2.9, as well as robust and durable cine mechanics.  Based in Germany, IB/E is a globally respected optics manufacturer known for cutting edge expanders, adapters, and lenses, including the new Arri 65 lenses.

APO Macro FF lenses will be available Summer 2016.

IB/E Macro

Amnon noted at the event: “Today’s announcement is a continuation of what Band Pro has always done.  From the early days of Zeiss DigiPrimes, to our involvement with the Leica Summilux-C project, to the new IB/E Macro FF lenses, Band Pro has always lead the way for embracing new technologies.”

To preorder the new APO Macro FF lens set, or for more information, please contact Band Pro at 1-888-BAND-PRO or by emailing [email protected] .

[via Band Pro via DicaHub]

Interview with Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki

mobile01 posted a video (in English) with an interesting interview with Kazuto Yamaki, CEO of Sigma. Our friends at Mirrorless Rumors not only spotted the interview but they did also a great work to sum it up for us.

1) Company philosphy:
“We’re still a private company, not a listed company. Epically we are still family owned. So we don’t need to maximized turnover, sells and profits. Public company have to do that to keep their stock price high. But in our case, our goal is just to continue the business and protect the employees. And that is very important. So we gave up to grow rapidly. We decided to stay in Japan, and to explore what can be done here. And that’s one reason why we change our main business form volume zone to mid-high end product.”

2) The best selling lenses (in volume) are:
1. 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS
2. 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
3. 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG MACRO

3) The lenses creating more “value” (I guess he means earnings) are:
1. Contemporary/Sports 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM
2.  35mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART
3.  50mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART

4) DP camera sales:
“dp0 sells more than our expectation. So I’m happy! dp2 is the highest by far. Over 50% than other three models. ”

5) In a recent Mobile01 poll the users biggest wish was for Sigma to make FE lenses:
He recognizes that he gets the same request from other countries (Editor’s note: Mobile01 is located in Taiwan). And he adds later that “Everything is possible” (when asked if he would make Sony FE lenses)

6) About Sony and Foveon:
“To us, it is very clear that Sony will be the major player in the photo industry. Because they have sensor technology. In order to differentiate the products. the sensor and lens are the most important. Other things can be shared by other companies. I think in the photo industry who has a good technology of making good sensor and lens could survive. That is why we acquired the Foveon company and try to retain the technology to us. ”

7) About Taiwan market:
“Taiwan’s market respond to new products very quickly. Way faster than USA, China, even Japan. Taiwan is one have quickest response country in the world. Once we release a new product, Taiwanese will jump into new product or technology. And also they care about the quality very much, even more than price. I think it’s a very sophisticated market. ”

8) Why not make a medium format Foveon camera?
“One of my dream is to make our camera to produce such high quality image. Medium format is my personal interest. But so far we have not work on it. First of all, In order to make a medium format camera, we need to re-develop a whole series from the beginning. We have to develop the sensor, camera body, lens…etc. It’s a very long procedure. And unfortunately, the market size of the medium format look quite small, even for Sigma. So that’s why we did not enter the market.“

[via mobile01 via Mirrorless Rumors]

Canon Closes Out 2015 With Industry Awards And Recognition Celebrating Continued Product Innovation

canon rumors

Canon press release:

Canon U.S.A. Closes Out 2015 With Industry Awards And Recognition Celebrating Continued Product Innovation

MELVILLE, N.Y. — Reflecting on a year of continued product innovation, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, recognizes the many awards from prominent industry organizations and publications it received throughout 2015 – a hallmark year as the company hosted its once-every-five-year Canon EXPO, which can still be explored online until December 31.

In addition to its well-known camera, printer and business solutions, Canon Inc. was ranked three in the U.S. in patents received, with 4,055 patents granted in 2014 and 40 out of 100 on Interbrand’s “Best Global Brands” in 2015, demonstrating the Company’s sustained strong global brand performance. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Canon with a SmartWay® Excellence Award for the brand’s service as an industry leader in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency.

“We are proud of the innovative products we continued to deliver to our loyal customers,” said Kotaro Fukushima, senior director and general manager, Corporate Communications Division, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “We are honored that the industry and media recognized our hard work and dedication to producing quality, best-in-class products and look forward to continuing the momentum in 2016.”

Consumer Recognitions
Canon earned several distinguished awards for its consumer products in 2015, such as the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 receiving “Printer of the Year” from ImagingResource.com, the MAXIFY iB4020 and MAXIFY MB5320 were named “Editor’s Choice” from ComputerShopper.com and DigitalTrends.com, respectively.

Products from the camera and lens portfolio that received two or more industry awards include:

  • Canon C300 Mark II: “Best New Camera NAB 2015” – NewsShooter.com; “Award of Excellence” & “Best in Show NAB 2015” – ProductionHUB.com
  • Canon EOS 5DS R: “Honoree, Digital Imaging” – CES Innovation Awards; “Editors’ Choice” – DigitalTrends.com; “Hot One Award – Best Full Frame” – Professional Photographer Magazine; “Best Pro Camera”− Resource Magazine; “Cameras of the Year- Best Professional Cameras” – Imaging Resource
  • Canon EOS 5D S: “Pop Award 2015” ─ Popular Photography; “Best Pro Camera” and “Editors’ Choice” ─ Reviewed.com; “Cameras of the Year- Best Professional Cameras” – Imaging Resource
  • Canon EOS Rebel T6s: “Editors’ Choice” – DigitalTrends.com; “Silver Award” – DPReview.com; “Camera of Distinction, Intermediate DSLR” and “Dave’s Pick” – ImagingResource.com; “Editors’ Choice” – PC Magazine
  • Canon XC10: “Post Pick Award – Coolest New Product NAB 2015” – Post Magazine; “Best in Show NAB 2015” – TVTechnology.com; “Honoree – Digital Imaging” – CES Innovation Awards; “Editors Pick” ─ Resource Magazine.
  • Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM: “Editors’ Choice” – PC Magazine; “Hot One Award – “Hot One Award-Best Telephoto Zoom Lens” – Professional Photographer Magazine
  • Canon EF 11-24mm f4L USM: “Hot One Award-Best Wide-Angle Lens” – Professional Photographer Magazine; “Best Lens – Full-Frame” – DPReview.com; “Pop Award 2015” – Popular Photography; “Lenses of the Year, Best Zoom Lens” – Imaging Resource
  • Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM: “Editors’ Choice” – PC Magazine; “Hot One Award-Best Portrait Lens” – Professional Photographer Magazine 
  • Canon PowerShot G3 X: “Editors’ Choice” – DigitalTrends.com; “Editors’ Choice” – Reviewed.com
  • Canon EOS 7D Mark II: “Hot one Award- Best APS-C” from Professional Photographer Magazine, “Lucie Technical Award for Best Crop Sensor Camera” The Lucie Awards.

Also included in this year’s award line-up was recognition for other products from Canon’s camera and lens portfolio, including: the Canon EF400mm f/4 DO IS II USM received the “Hot One Award – Best Action Lens” from Professional Photographer Magazine; the Canon EOS Rebel T6i received “Dave’s Pick” from ImagingResource.com; the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS received the “Editors’ Choice” from PC Magazineand the Canon Speedlite 430 EX II received a “Pop Award 2015” from Popular Photography.

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