Skylum Luminar AI Update Released, Performance Improved

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Skylum Luminar AI is a photo editing software I like a lot. The reason is simple: I am lazy, and not a great photographer. Luminar AI helps out with clever artificial intelligence algorithms and smart gimmicks.

At a glance:

  • Photo Editing and Raw Image Processing
  • Non-Destructive Workflow
  • AI Sky Replacement, Structure, Enhance
  • AI Skin & Portrait Enhancer
  • Smart Contrast, Sunrays, Looks Gallery
  • Library Panel for Image Management
  • Adjustment Syncing and Batch Processing
  • Smart Shortcuts and Luminar Trash
  • Can Be Used Standalone or as Plug-In
  • Enjoy realistic water reflections when replacing skies
  • Finely control the placement of your new Sky and its reflection
  • Add ripples on the water for a subtle blur effect
  • Have fun placing Sky Objects that you can see and easily select in the dropdown menu
  • For macOS 10.13.6 and Later / Windows 10

You can download a demo version of Luminar AI, or buy it with a $10 discount by using our code “WATCH” at checkout. Luminar AI update 1.3.0 is explained in the video below by Jim Nix. If you never heard about Luminar AI give it a try. It’s rather impressing.

More about Skylum Luminar AI and its features after the break.

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Canon EOS-1D X Mark II & EOS 5D Mark IV Firmware Updates Released (USB 3 compatibility)

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Canon released a small firmware update for the Canon EOS -1D X Mark II and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

Firmware Version 1.1.8 (EOS-1D X Mark II and firmware version 1.3.2 (EOS 5D Mark IV) incorporate the following fix:

  • Improves the camera’s connection compatibility to a PC while using a USB 3.0 or higher compatible cable.
    • Firmware Version 1.1.8 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.1.7. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.1.8, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Download the latest Canon EOS-1D X Mark II firmware here.

Download the latest Canon EOS 5D Mark IV firmware here.

Canon Patent: 83mm f/1.4 For The Canon RF Mount

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And here is another Canon patent for an RF mount lens.

Spotted by Hi Lows Note, Canon patent application 2021-81531A (Japan) discusses optical formulas for a 83mm f/1.4 lens for full frame mirrorless cameras, i.e. for the EOS R camera system.

Embodiment 1

  • Focal length (mm): 82.87
  • F number: 1.45
  • Half angle of view (degree): 14.63
  • Image height (mm): 21.64
  • Lens length (mm): 126.50
  • Back focus (mm): 13.00

Embodiment 2

  • Focal length (mm): 82.86
  • F number: 1.45
  • Half angle of view (degree): 14.63
  • Image height (mm): 21.64
  • Lens length (mm): 128.50
  • Back focus (mm): 17.13

Embodiment 3

  • Focal length (mm): 82.64
  • F number: 1.45
  • Half angle of view (degree): 14.67
  • Image height (mm): 21.64
  • Lens length (mm): 113.70
  • Back focus (mm): 18.16

More Canon patents are listed here. Some particularly interesting patent applications we think might get into production are these:

Here Are Two More Leaked Canon EOS R3 Images

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New Canon EOS R3 images leaked over the web. Here they are.

The Canon EOS R3 has been announced, bit it was a development announcement. We know a few things about the EOS R3 and it’s all listed here.

  • Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Sensor
  • Eye Control AF, Dual Pixel CMOS AF
  • Subject Tracking with Deep Learning
  • Continuous Shooting Up to 30 fps
  • Integrated Vertical Grip
  • Weather-Sealed Construction

There are also some rumored specifications:

  • 45MP image sensor with pixel-shift
  • Quad-Pixel Autofocus
  • 60 fps with full Quad-Pixel Auto-focus
  • 20 fps mechanical shutter
  • 30 fps electronic shutter
  • New white balance system
  • 8K / 30p RAW shooting

There has been some discussion about who makes the imaging sensor of the EOS R3. You can get notified when the Canon EOS R3 will be available for preorder. Images came via Nokishita.

Canon EOS R3

More about the EOS R3 after the break.

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Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS Review – How Does It Hold Up?

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A review of the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS lens. The Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS was announced one month ago. It’s scheduled to ship in July 2021.

At a glance:

  • RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • 1.4x Magnification with Autofocus
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/32
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 10.2″
  • Super Spectra Coating
  • Smooth and Quiet Auto Focus
  • Optical Image Stabilization; Hybrid IS
  • Control Ring for Direct Setting Changes
  • 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Weather-Sealed Construction

TheCameraStoreTV posted their hands-on review of a pre-production version of the RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro.

Hands-on preview of a pre-production Canon RF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM. This lens is designed for close-up photography providing 1.4x magnification with autofocus. Watch to find out how this lens stacks up on Canon EOS Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras.

Preorders in USA are open at $1,399: B&H Photo | Adorama. If you are based in UK we recommend Park Cameras. More worldwide preorders: [shoplist 65917]

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Deal: Datacolor SpyderX Pro Colorimeter – $99.99 (reg. $169.99, and in case you need a Mac mini…)

Datacolor SpyderX Pro Deal
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Some great deals at B&H Photo today (5/26/21). And useful deals too: the SpyderX display calibration tool is something every photographer needs.

Datacolor SpyderX Pro at a glance:

  • Precise Screen Color and White Balance
  • Lens-Based Color Engine Technology
  • Single-Click Wizard Calibration
  • Display Mapping and Analysis Tools
  • 12 Predefined Calibration Targets
  • Color Profile and Settings Switching
  • Ambient Light Monitoring
  • Multiple Monitor Support
  • Before-and-After Evaluation
  • For Mac and Windows Operating Systems

Get the Datacolor SpyderX Pro Colorimeter on sale at $99.99. Compare at $169.99. That’s a 41% discount. Want it bigger, better, faster? Get the Datacolor SpyderX Elite Colorimeter at $169.99 (reg. $269.99). And in case you need an Apple Mac Mini, they have it at $599 instead of $799.

Hand-picked deals are listed here.

Deal pages:

Refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (best deals might be found here)

Save $10 on Luminar 4 and/or Aurora HDR 2019 using our code “WATCH” at checkout.

More about the Datacolor SpyderX Pro Colorimeter after he break.

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