Press release:

DxO PhotoLab 9 introduces a new era of editing, adding. exceptional AI Masks, high-precision local adjustments for DeepPRIME denoising and sharpening, and more.

DxO Labs released a new version of their premium photo editing software, Photolab 9. DxO PhotoLab 9 is available today from the DxO website, for macOS and Windows machines: New license 239,99 $ – 239,99 € – 219;99 £, Upgrade from DxO PhotoLab 7 or 8 119,99 $ – 119,99 € – 109,99 £. A 30-day trial is available.

Press release:

New features also include powerful batch renaming, a host of improvements for a smoother workflow, and support for Apple HEIC/HEIF and ProRAW files.

Paris, France: DxO, a pioneering force in photo editing software for more than two decades, today announces the launch of DxO PhotoLab 9, the world’s most advanced end-to-end RAW photo editing software. Version 9 introduces masking powered by AI that guarantees supremely accurate selections, allowing photographers to create local adjustments with more precision than ever. In addition, new features include: local adjustments for denoising, demosaicing, and Lens Sharpness Optimization; a range of workflow upgrades for a smoother editing experience; powerful batch renaming options that use metadata; and support for Apple HEIC/HEIF and ProRAW images.

“Version 9 is a major step forward in RAW photo editing,” explains Jean-Marc Alexia, VP of Product Strategy. “The AI-powered asking offers unmatched accuracy, and when you combine this with all of the other features in PhotoLab 9, it’s probably our biggest upgrade to our flagship editing software of the last twenty years.” Introducing DxO AI Masks, the new standard for automatic object selection.

The new AI Masks harness the power of artificial intelligence to create smart, pixel-precise selections in an instant. Users can quickly create masks through three different methods: hovering and clicking on different parts of the photo; drawing a box around the area of an image that contains the object to be selected; or choosing from various Subject Types, a list of predefined objects, including sky, people, faces, and hair. The list of predefined objects offers more than just quick selection. For example, if a photographer selects “Hair” and makes some adjustments, these changes can be intelligently copied and pasted between images, or saved as a preset that is contextually aware of the selection. Complex retouching becomes faster, smarter, and effortlessly consistent. Combining DxO AI Masks and U Point Technology™ to achieve unmatched precision

By integrating effortlessly with other Local Adjustments tools, AI Masks deliver an unparalleled level of flexibility and control. Selections can be refined using DxO’s renowned U Point™ technology: using a combination of AI Masks, Control Points,
Control Lines, Graduated Filters, and the Brush tool, photographers can create highly complex masks that would otherwise be too sophisticated for even the most advanced AI. This offers a significant advantage over competing tools, where refining
complex selections can be laborious. Exceptional control with local adjustments for targeted noise reduction and Lens Sharpness Optimization.

For photographers who demand the most precise control, DeepPRIME noise reduction technologies and DxO’s exclusive Lens Sharpening Optimization can now be targeted using local adjustments. While PhotoLab’s automated processing already delivers outstanding results, this gives users the ability to fine-tune their image with a supreme level of detail, especially given that the new AI Masks — combined with existing local adjustment tools — offer incredible precision.

A smarter, faster workflow

DxO PhotoLab 9 brings a host of workflow improvements designed to make photo organization faster and more intuitive. New features include image stacking, a Favorites system for folders and projects, and direct access to the Project palette from Customize mode. And as part of a cleaner, more versatile editing experience, you can also easily relocate folders that have been moved.

Powerful batch renaming

DxO PhotoLab 9 introduces a powerful new batch renaming tool, giving users full control over how original and processed files are named. Filenames can be automatically generated using image metadata, EXIF information, or custom text, streamlining organization and post-processing. Users can also create and save their own presets, making it easy to apply consistent naming conventions across entire projects or workflows.

Support for iPhone images

Version 9 introduces support for Apple’s iPhone image formats — HEIC/HEIF and ProRAW — making it easier than ever to edit photos taken using iOS devices. This expanded compatibility ensures a seamless workflow for photographers who want to
harness the power of DxO’s renowned image processing tools with photos captured on their iPhone.

Unrivaled noise reduction and detail extraction for X-Trans sensors: Introducing DeepPRIME XD3 X-Trans

Two years ago, DxO introduced DeepPRIME XD, the ‘eXtra Detail’ engine designed to use more intense processing for taking on the most demanding files. The technology continues to evolve, ensuring unprecedented results for images captured at extreme
ISO levels. Today, DxO is proud to announce that, following the technology preview released as part of DxO PureRAW 5, DeepPRIME XD3 has emerged from beta and now processes RAW files from all X-Trans cameras. The image quality is unprecedented, able to recover noise and retrieve details from images captured in very low light like never before.

B&H Photo has some concrete deals on the Canon EOS R3 and Canon EOS RP.

• Canon EOS R3 with with Essentials+ Kit – on sale at $4,867.73 (reg. $6,937.73)
• Canon EOS RP – on sale at $799 (reg. $1,099)

More discounted Canon gear listed at B&H Photo – there is plenty of.

More selected deals:

• Get Excire Foto (AI powered photo managment) with 15% discount by using code “canonwatch” at checkout
• USA: Canon USA | B&H Photo | Amazon US
• Germany: Amazon Germany
• Refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (best deals might be found here)

It only took them, what, a decade? But it looks like Canon is finally tiptoeing into Sony’s sandbox with a Cinema EOS series designed to square off against the almighty FX line. Because obviously the world was crying out for yet another compact cinema camera.

Sony, of course, has been sitting smugly on the throne since 2021, when they dropped the FX3—aka the A7S III in cosplay. Then came the APS-C FX30 in 2022, followed by… crickets, until this year, when they got around to tossing out the FX2 and FX3A (the “A” apparently standing for “Almost the Same Camera”). Oh, and the FX6 still exists, but that’s for people who like their cameras shaped like cinderblocks.

Meanwhile, Canon was busy pretending their hybrids could do it all. Cute, but even they know it’s time to play in Sony’s backyard.

Canon’s FX30 Killer? Or Just a Very Strongly Worded Note?

Rumor has it Canon’s first move will be an APS-C Cinema EOS. Translation: they’re going straight for Sony’s FX30. The whispers claim Canon will of course make something better, because when you show up three years late to the party, you at least bring nicer wine.

Also: the mythical “Canon Cripple Hammer”? Dead. Retired. Hung on the wall next to Canon’s EF mount. This is Cinema EOS, baby – we expect no artificial limits. Unless they get nostalgic, then all bets are off.

Specs (Well, the Vague Kind)

Here’s what’s floating in the rumor stew:

• A totally “all-new” APS-C sensor, with readout speeds similar to the R1. Because if Canon can do it in full-frame, obviously scaling it down is just a weekend project.
• No, don’t hold your breath for global shutter. Canon hasn’t dared touch that since the C700 GS. But hey, hope is free.
• Maybe a tiltable EVF? Sony did it with the FX2 and half the internet screamed in joy while the other half screamed in rage. Pick your camp.
• Batteries that don’t faint mid-shoot would also be nice. Canon’s hybrids sip juice like hummingbirds on espresso, so here’s hoping.
• Dual SD card slots, because apparently mismatched slots (hello, R5 Mark II) cause photographers actual emotional trauma.

But Wait, What About Full Frame?

If Canon does APS-C, of course they’ll cook up a full-frame rival to the FX2/FX3A. The R5 C is still out there limping along—half cinema, half hybrid, all compromise. It’s begging for a glow-up.

For stills shooters who dabble in video, Canon already has more hybrids than anyone asked for. This new Cinema EOS line is supposed to be for the serious video crowd—the ones who use words like “rolling shutter” at dinner parties.

Conclusion: September, Maybe

Yes, Canon did technically launch the R50 V this year, which was basically an R50 that put on a YouTuber hoodie. It was cheap, cheerful, and… fine. But if they can stretch that logic to a $2,500 cinema-focused body, then maybe, just maybe, we’ll finally have something interesting.

Canon is expected to announce this Cinema EOS mystery box in early September, conveniently timed to show off at IBC 2025 in Amsterdam. Because nothing says “we’re serious about cinema” like unveiling a new APS-C camera next to booths selling LED walls and free tote bags.

Stay tuned. Or don’t. Sony’s probably got an FX4 cooking just to spite them anyway.

[via CR]

Canon released a firmware update (download) for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, version 1.1.0.

This is what is new:

• The security function has been improved.
  A password can now be requested when the power is turned on.
  • You will need to set a password the first time.
  • You can change the settings so that the password request screen does not appear.
  • You can check the history of password changes, network information changes, etc.
  • *Please refer to the detailed guide “Setting a Password” on cam.start.canon.
• You can now update the firmware on the camera alone by downloading it from the Internet.
• 100/120Hz flicker can now be automatically detected during live view.
• It is now possible to register the focus position in the preset function of the Camera Remote Application CR-A100. When used with the Robotic Camera System CR-S700R, this makes it easier for the photographer to focus on the intended subject distance and take pictures.
• The servo AF characteristics have been expanded to include [Case Special], which is suitable for shooting subjects through a net, such as badminton and volleyball.
• Added support for the digital camera software development support kit (EDSDK/CCAPI).
• A function has been added that allows you to protect an image at the same time as rating it.
• Improved image stabilization control for lenses that support peripheral coordinated control.
• Supports CFexpress cards up to 8TB.
  • Cards over 8TB require a low level format in the camera.
  • Any card over 8TB will be treated as an 8TB card.
  • Cards larger than 2TB cannot be used for firmware updates
• A setting has been added to lower the image capture frame rate to prevent heat generation when connecting the CR-A100 and taking remote shots over long periods of time.
• When transferring images with voice memos via FTP, the order of transfer has been changed to voice memo, then image. Also, if a voice memo is added to an image waiting to be transferred, the image and voice memo will be transferred last.
• The number of shots recorded during pre-continuous shooting can now be set in single increments.
• [Airplane Mode] has been added to the shooting button customization.
• It is now possible to simulate exposure when using a strobe.
• AF tracking performance has been improved for subjects that are difficult to focus on when shooting video.
• Fixed an issue that could cause Err70 to occur when enlarging the display after shooting with [Blackout Free Display] set to “On” and [Servo AF 1st Frame Release/One-Shot AF Release] set to “Release Priority.”
• Fixed an issue where Err70 could occur during Bluetooth communication due to interference from other Bluetooth devices.
• Fixed the phenomenon that Err70 would very rarely occur when repeatedly shooting in “High-speed continuous shooting +”.
• Fixed the phenomenon that Err70 would very rarely occur when shooting with the electronic shutter immediately after starting up the camera.
• Fixed the phenomenon that Err70 occurs very rarely when recording video with the “FHD239.8P/200.0P” setting.
• Fixed an issue that occasionally caused Err70 to occur when using the camera in movie mode with the frame rate set to “50.00P” and [Movie Digital IS] set to “On” or “Strong.”
• Fixed an issue that could cause Err70 to occur while waiting to shoot when [Pre-recording] was set to “On” and [Auto Transfer] to image.canon was set to “Yes”.
• Fixed an issue that could cause the camera to stop working properly if [Review] was set to “Off” and the monitor displayed a low brightness image after taking pre-continuous shots.
• Fixed an issue that could cause video recording to be impossible when using remote live view shooting in EOS Utility with HDMI output.
• Fixed an issue where large RAW images could not be transferred via Camera Connect.
• Fixed an issue where horizontal lines would momentarily appear in the viewfinder.
• Fixed the issue of being unable to connect to a Wi-Fi 7 compatible router.

If your camera’s firmware is version 1.0.1, please perform the firmware update with only one memory card inserted in the camera.

If your camera’s firmware is already version 1.1.0, there is no need to change the firmware. If you wish to change the firmware, please read this page carefully to the end before using the download service.

Note: The instruction manual has been revised to reflect this improvement. Please download it together with the new firmware before use. The latest instruction manual can be downloaded from our website.

Sigma announced the successor of their highly popular and regarded 18-35mm f/1.8 ART lens, the Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art. I own the Sigma 18-35mm and can confirm it is an outstanding lens.

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art lens will be available in mid-July at authorized Sigma dealers for Sony E-mount, L-Mount, Fujifilm X Mount, and Canon RF Mount for a retail price of $919.

Press release:

Sigma Corporation Announces the Versatile, Professional-Grade 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art Lens, Pushing the Boundaries for Both Photography and Video

Ronkonkoma, NY, June 17, 2025 – Sigma Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of Sigma Corporation, is pleased to introduce the 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art, the first Art lens for APS-C format since 2016, and the very first made exclusively for crop sensor mirrorless cameras.

At a glance:

• APS-C | f/1.8 to f/16
• 25.5 to 60mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
• Superfast Wide-to-Normal Zoom
• HLA Autofocus
• 11″ Minimum Focus Distance
• Control Ring
• SLD and Aspherical Elements
• Water- and Oil-Repellent Coating
• Dust & Splash Resistant Construction

This remarkable new lens is the direct successor to the groundbreaking 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art for DSLR cameras, offering the user a wider angle of view as well as more versatility at the telephoto end. With an updated optical design, it delivers the image quality and brightness of a prime lens, along with the versatility of a zoom. This fast, flexible lens is also designed with video shooting in mind, featuring an inner zoom, high-speed and silent linear autofocus, and minimal focus breathing, as well as a dust and splash-resistant structure for use in virtually any environment.

Significantly lighter than its predecessor, the 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art lens weighs only 535g (18.9 oz.) and is stacked with features that will appeal to photographers, filmmakers and content creators alike, no matter what camera system it is paired with.

With an F1.8 large aperture and exceptional image quality comparable to a prime lens across the entire zoom range

This zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras pushes the boundaries of still and video expression

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art builds upon the groundbreaking innovations of the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art, which earned high acclaim as the world’s first F1.8 zoom lens in the photography and video industry. Thirteen years after its debut, this next-generation lens achieves not only superior optical performance but also a wider focal length of 17-40mm while reducing its weight by over 30%. This dramatically enhances the versatility of a large aperture standard zoom lens.
In addition to the fast and quiet autofocus driven by the HLA (High-response Linear Actuator), the lens incorporates an inner zoom mechanism and minimal focus breathing, ensuring outstanding performance for both still photography and video production. Sigma, the pioneer that stunned the world with the first-ever F1.8 zoom lens, has once again revolutionized the history of large aperture zoom lenses with groundbreaking advancements.

Specifications:

• Lens construction: 17 elements in 11 groups (4 SLD, 4 aspherical elements)
• Angle of View: 79.7-39.1°
• Number of Diaphragm Blades: 11 (Rounded Diaphragm)
• Minimum Aperture: F16
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 28cm / 11.1in.
• Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:4.8 at f=40mm
• Filter Size: φ67mm
• Maximum Diameter x Length: φ72.9mm x 115.9mm / φ2.9in. x 4.6in.
• Weight: 535g / 18.9oz.