Metabones Announces New EF Mount Adapter For Sony NEX Cameras

Metabones announced that their EF to NEX Smart Adapter II (here on eBay) will have autofocus support. Metabones press release:

Vancouver, Canada, November 7, 2012 – Metabones adds autofocus support for select Canon lenses to its Smart Adapter II (for mounting EF and EF-S mount lenses on Sony NEX cameras).

To ensure the best possible accuracy, autofocus is enabled only for late-model Canon-brand lenses (introduced circa 2006 or later).

Significant effort has been put into focus accuracy research and we conclude that only lenses capable of the most precise control in their autofocus mechanisms could reliably deliver pixel-accurate results when adapted to Sony NEX cameras. Autofocus is disabled for most older Canon lenses and most third-party lenses, but aperture control, image stabilization (if applicable), EXIF and other features will continue to work just like before.

Autofocus speed is significantly slower than on a DSLR camera. Phase detection feature of NEX-5R/6 is not used at this time. As a result, autofocus speed of a Canon EF/EF-S lens on Sony NEX is usually slower than on the new Canon EOS M. Compared with Sony’s own A-mount lens adapters, Metabones Smart Adapter II is faster than LA-EA1 but slower than the translucent-mirror-equipped LA-EA2.

Smart Adapter II with autofocus support is available right now at the same price (US$399+applicable tax/duty) from Metabones’ distributors in many countries all over the world and the Metabones online shop. Existing Smart Adapter II customers may send their units back for an upgrade for a nominal shipping/handling charge of $50.

[via Sonyalpharumors]

 

Remains of the Day

 

Canon EOS M Hacked – Magic Lantern On The Way

They did it again, the skilled hackers of the Magic Lantern team were able to dump a first version of their firmware extension on the [shoplink 6091]Canon EOS M[/shoplink]. They write:

With a little guesswork, we were lucky to notice that on the inside, the little EOS-M is very similar to the 5D Mark III. So, with a few tricks we were able to dump the firmware and print the familiar “Hello World” message – the proof that Magic Lantern will work on the EOS-M.

In his review, Roger Cicala said the EOS-M is “a firmware update and a price drop away from being a great camera”. We, the developers of ML, will try to address the first issue.

Great news! Can't wait to get the Magic Lantern for my EOS M.

[via CR]

 

Remains of the Day

Here It Is: Canon EOS 6D On Sale At DigitalRev ($2460/€2300)!!

They are fast, they are the first, they are cool: DigitalRev has the Canon EOS 6D on sale for $2460/€2300 (click here). Price may vary depending by your checkout location. See here why DigitalRev may be your best bet to buy gear, especcially if you are located in Europe.

Specs:

  • 20.2 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor
  • 3.0 inch (1040k) Clear View LCD screen
  • Tough, lightweight construction
  • Max ISO 25,600 (expandable to ISO 102,400)
  • 11-point AF sensitive down to -3EV
  • Up to 4.5fps High-Speed continuous shooting
  • 14 bit DIGIC 5+ Image processor
  • GPS records your location
  • Wi-Fi file transfer and remote control
  • Full HD video with manual control
  • Canon EOS Remote iOS / Android App

Product description:

The Canon EOS 6D DSLR camera is the ideal tool for unlocking your creative vision. It features a 20.2 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS sensor, a wide ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to L: 50, H1: 51200, and H2: 102400, for incredible image quality even in low light, and a DIGIC 5+ Image Processor delivers enhanced noise reduction and exceptional processing speed. A new 11-point AF including a high-precision center cross-type AF point with EV -3 sensitivity allows focusing in extreme low-light conditions, and with continuous shooting up to 4.5 fps, you are ready to capture fast action. Full HD video with manual exposure control, multiple frame rates, and the benefits of a Full-Frame sensor provides stunning performance and creative flexibility. The built-in Wi-Fi® transmitter allows you to wirelessly transfer your images to social networking sites through CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, or upload virtually anywhere from your iOS or Android smartphone with the free download of the EOS Remote app. You can use your smartphone for remote camera control and operation (with the EOS Remote app), or even print your images on a Wi-Fi® compatible printer. Perfect for travel and nature photography, the built-in GPS allows location data to be recorded while shooting. Compact, lightweight, brilliant low-light performance, and loaded with easy to use features, the EOS 6D is truly the Full-Frame DSLR camera for everyone.

Canon Powershot G15 Among DPreview’s Recommended Top 5 Compact Cameras

The [shoplink 7076]Canon PowerShot G15[/shoplink] is among DPreview’s top 5 recommended compact cameras. Among other things they say that:

In our testing, we found that the G15’s long but impressively bright lens is a real selling point compared to both its predecessor, and indeed most of its competitors. Having a maximum aperture of F1.8-2.8 combined with a useful 28-140mm (equivalent) zoom means that you’ve got a lot more flexibility in poor light, allowing you to set either a lower ISO sensitivity for cleaner images, or a faster shutter speed to avoid camera-shake or blurring due to subject movement.

They particularly liked:

Excellent ‘hands-on’ ergonomics in a small, relatively portable body, optical viewfinder can be handy on occasion, very nice image quality, good, responsive operation.

Btw, the G15 predecessor, the Powershot G12 is a B&H Black Friday deal, sold for just $299 (click here).

Canon Powershot G15 price check: [shopcountry 7076]