Update – More About The Metabones Speed Booster (Guess Which Is The FF Cam!)

Update: According to Japanese site dc.watch.impress the Metabones Speed Boost adapter will be on sale in Japan at the end of January 2013.

Update2: click here to read Metabones' white paper about the Speed Booster adapter. 30 pages of tech talk.

More About The Metabones Speed Booster. EOSHD did some simple but effective tests with Metabones' amazing Speed Booster adapter (we reported here). In short: the Metabones Speed Booster makes a lens wider and faster. Sounds like voodoo? It isn't, just clever engineering. To give a visual aid to what the adapater promises to deliver, have a look at the following two images. Only one was shot using a full-frame DSLR.

More About The Metabones Speed Booster
Image courtesy: EOSHD

Did you guess which pic was shot with the full-frame camera? Both pics were shot using a Sigma 24mm F1.8 (price & specs). The top one using a Sony NEX-7 (price & specs), the bottom pic using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III (price & specs)

As you can see the field of view is as good as identical. Quoting EOSHD: “The Speed Boost effect on aperture is highly evident too. On the NEX 7 the camera reports the maximum aperture as F1.3 and it is certainly brighter. […the] “depth of field is as shallow on the NEX 7 as the 5D Mark III despite the difference in sensor size.“

I agree with the following statement: “This is a groundbreaking product for photographers and cinematographers alike.” The EOSHD post has more samples to check and an exhaustive description on how this wonder thing works.

A synthetic description how the adapter works: “If your sensor is smaller than full frame, shrink the image that the lens throws to fit over it. That is the principal behind the Metabones Speed Booster which essentially gives you the full frame look and a brighter image all at once…“

With this adapter:

  • A 24mm wide angle like the Canon 24mm F1.4L becomes a 24mm wide angle on the Sony FS100 (price & specs), with the same shallow DOF and field of view as on the 5D Mark III

  • A F1.2 aperture on a Canon lens becomes F0.90, a significant 1 stop brighter image in low light

  • Depth of field becomes shallower – the same as it would be on full frame

[EOSHD via Fujirumors]

 

Canon (Canada) Opens First Experience Store

It has been anticipated, now it is official. Canon started their first experience store in Calgary, Canada. It is called “Image Square”:

Visit us at Image Square: The Canon Experience Centre. At Canon Image Square, you can explore and interact with Canon’s line of consumer and office equipment. Experience our PowerShot digital cameras; the EOS lineup of digital SLR cameras; a wide selection of lenses & accessories; VIXIA HD camcorders; PIXMA inkjet printers; imageRUNNER ADVANCE lineup of office equipment; imagePRESS solutions for production printing and our software applications in an innovative and dynamic environment unlike anywhere else.

The press release:

Canon Canada Opens ‘Image Square,’ the Canon Experience Centre in Calgary, Alberta

First centre of its kind showcases the best of Canon photography and print imaging technology in a hands-on, experiential environment

CALGARY, Alberta, January 15, 2013 – Canon Canada Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions celebrating its 40th Anniversary, today announced the opening of Image Square, the Canon Experience Centre – a unique destination where visitors can interact with the latest Canon technology and benefit from the expertise of photography and business consultants.

Located at Eighth Avenue Place in downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canon Image Square is a ground-breaking, innovative and technologically-advanced space specifically designed to encourage exploration and discovery. Visitors will learn how Canon products and solutions can help them capture their experiences, enhance their memories, and increase their productivity, at home, at work, and at play.

Canon Image Square is open to the public beginning today at 12:00pm.

“Canon Image Square represents a true first for Canada, and it sets the standard for how our industry interacts with customers by offering an opportunity to experience first-hand our state-of-the-art products and technology,” said Kevin Ogawa, President and CEO of Canon Canada. “We are committed to providing our customers and prospective customers with the best experience with our products, and that includes allowing them to touch and try our products before they purchase.”

As part of the Canon Image Square vision, expert staff will direct visitors to purchase through authorized local dealers or direct from Canon.

Canon Image Square features dynamic displays and demonstrations that give visitors a true look at how Canon products work. This innovative approach to the consumer experience includes:

• Expert staff dedicated to answering questions, sharing tips, and finding information for visitors.

• Full-motion thematic settings and sculptural exhibits where visitors can test point-and-shoot and digital SLR cameras, a range of lenses and accessories, and a selection of printers.

• A touch screen media wall where visitors can post and interact with their own images.

• Interactive discovery tables where visitors can select an image, learn about its features, and find directions to the related product station.

• A fully-operational showroom exhibiting a range of Canon print production devices and solutions for business needs.

• A photo studio outfitted with professional Canon digital SLR cameras, Speedlight flashes, and photo production software.

• A classroom-style learning space where expert staff will conduct seminars, projector demos, presentations, and Canon College photography classes.

• Photo gallery curated by 500px, featuring the works of Alberta-based photographers who use Canon equipment to bring remarkable images to life.

Canon Image Square occupies approximately 6,600 square feet on the ground floor of Eighth Avenue Place, a pre-certified LEED Platinum building. Canon Image Square is accessible off 8th Avenue as well as through the building’s main concourse.

For more information, visit www.canon.ca/imagesquare

[via CR]

 

Canon EOS-1D X Review (ephotozine)

New Canon EOS-1D X Firmware Released

ephotozine reviewed Canon’s professional flagship, the Canon EOS-1D X (price & specs). Highly weather-sealed body, an advanced AF system, plenty of controls, outstanding low light performance. This toy has everything a professional photographer may wish. In the verdict they write:

If you’re looking for the ultimate in speed, image quality, and performance, as well as exceptional low light performance then the Canon EOS 1D X certainly delivers in abundance. With extremely high ISO settings available it’s possible to shoot in low light situations hand-held where you would normally have to setup a tripod and timer, as long as you don’t mind using these higher ISO settings.

[…]

The Canon EOS 1D X gives the best low light high ISO performance of any full frame Digital SLR yet! One of the biggest negatives about this camera is the price, with the Canon EOS 1D X being one of the most expensive full frame Digital SLRs available, however, for those seeking the ultimate in speed, and low light performance, the price will be justified, assuming you have the budget for it.

They list the following pros:

  • Exceptional high ISO performance
  • Excellent image quality
  • 2 year warranty offered on Canon Pro bodies
  • Extremely solid build quality
  • Large, bright optical viewfinder
  • Fastest shooting full frame DSLR available
  • Large bright optical viewfinder
  • Great 3.2inch screen
  • High speed focus

and cons:

  • Size, Weight
  • Expense (Nikon D4 cheaper)
  • Lacks in camera HDR of following models

The EOS-1D X got a “highly recommended” rating. Canon EOS-1D X price check: [shopcountry 4119] [via ephotozine]

A Little Bit Of Everything

First Canon EOS-1D C Unboxing Video

I you like unboxing videos, and if you’re dreaming about the EOS-1D C, then this is for your viewing pleasure. Planet5D has the first unboxing video for the EOS-1D C.

The EOS-1D C could be a strong innovator, or even a game changer in photography. Being able to shot 4k footage, it allows photogs to get high quality stills from motion. A hot issue we covered in the past.

The Canon EOS-1D C is in stock at B&H (click here) and Adorama (click here). Price is a whooping $11.999.

Canon EOS-1D C price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

[via planet5d]

 

Rumor: Metabones Working On A Speed Booster For Canon FD Mount Lenses

Immediately after I reported about Metabones' amazing “Speed Booster” adapter for EF lenses, a trusted source contacted me and told me that Metabones is working on a Speed Booster adapter for Canon FD lenses as well. This adapter should have a lower price tag, since it is missing the electronic part.

Unfortunately there was no exact information about the road map, i.e. when the adapter will be announced, just that it shouldn't take much time.

Cool news! Being able to use good old Canon FD lenses is of great interest for a lot of mirrorless camera users (Sony NEX' for first, but don't forget the rest of the MFT crowd).