Canon patent to improve raw file burst rate through lossy compression

canon patentCanon patent application US20170359471 describes an algorithm to improve raw file writing performance during burst shoots. This is an example of patent that likely will be found on a future Canon DSLR.

The patent abstract:

An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes: an imaging unit configured to generate RAW image data by imaging; a generation unit configured to generate record RAW image data from the RAW image data; and a recording unit configured to record in a storage unit the record RAW image data, wherein the generation unit generates the record RAW image data by performing Lossy compression on the RAW image data in a case where consecutive shooting is performed, and generates the record RAW image data by performing Lossless compression on the RAW image data in a case where single shooting or bracket photographing is performed.

The interesting aspect is: raw files are compressed and saved lossy only when burst shooting, during normal operation raw files will be saved lossless. The patent literature states the algorithm:

  • record RAW image data is generated by performing lossy compression on the RAW image data in a case where consecutive shooting is performed, and
  • record RAW image data is generated by performing lossless compression on the RAW image data in a case where single shooting or bracket photographing is performed.

I am not sure if I want lossy compressed raw files on my camera. What about you?

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III review (impressively well-built and compact camera, DPReview)

canon powershot g1 x mark iii dual pixel af
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PowerShot G1 X Mark III at a glance:

  • 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 7 Image Processor
  • 3x Zoom Lens, 24-72mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • Built-In Electronic Viewfinder
  • 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
  • Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Image Stabilizer
  • ISO 25600, 9 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC, Bluetooth
  • Dust- and Water-Resistant Construction

DPReview posted their full review of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III (price & specs), the company’s first PowerShot camera with an APS-C sensor and Dual Pixel AF.

From their conclusion:

[…] Canon has really gone all-in on the G1 X III. The result is an impressively well-built and compact camera with a lot going for it. The controls are well thought-out, it’s capable of fantastic image quality and the autofocus and overall performance are excellent.

[…] The G1 X III is capable of outstanding image quality. Its latest-generation Canon APS-C 24MP sensor combines with Dual Pixel autofocus to produce detailed, accurately focused images with signature Canon color and great noise performance. Even better, default sharpening and noise reduction have been improved relative to previous Canon models with this sensor and processor, and so the G1 X III produces more impressive images right out of the box than some of its interchangeable lens cousins. Read the review…

DPReview’s PowerShot G1 X Mark III sample gallery.

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III:

[shoplist 47842]

Canon release firmware update for EOS C100, EOS C300 & C300 Mark II, ME200S-SH

Canon cinema EOS C300 Mark III
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Canon released firmware update for three of their Cinema cameras, and for the multi-purpose camera ME200S-SH.

Canon Cinema EOS C100 firmware version 2.0.9.1.00 incorporates the following correction.

1. When CN-E70-200mm T4.4 L IS KAS S is attached the following features are enabled:
– Autofocus using the Dual Pixel CMOS AF function
– The joystick on the camera’s grip unit can be set to operate the zoom.
– Manual control of the iris with Camera’s Control dial.
– Control of focus, zoom and iris using the separately-sold Remote Controller RC-V100.
– Automatic aperture and push auto iris functions.
– Start/stop recording on the separately-sold lens grip ZSG-C10.
– Retrieval of Lens metadata, such as the model name and the focal distance will display on the camera.
2. When the camera is turned off the IS mechanical lock will be active regardless of the position of the switch.
3. Adds peripheral illumination correction for the following lenses:
COMPACT-SERVO Lens
– CN-E70-200mm T4.4 L IS KAS S
EF Lens
– EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
– EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
– EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
– EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
– EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

Download firmware 2.0.9.1.00 for the Canon EOS C100 here.

 

Canon Cinema EOS C300 firmware version 2.1.9.1.00 incorporates the following enhancements:

1. When CN-E70-200mm T4.4 L IS KAS S is attached the following features are enabled:
– Autofocus using the Dual Pixel CMOS AF function
– The joystick on the camera’s grip unit can be set to operate the zoom.
– Manual control of the iris with Camera’s Control dial.
– Control of focus, zoom and iris using the separately-sold Remote Controller RC-V100.
– Automatic aperture and push auto iris functions.
– Start/stop recording on the separately-sold lens grip ZSG-C10.
– Retrieval of Lens metadata, such as the model name and the focal distance will display on the camera.
2. When the camera is turned off the IS mechanical lock will be active regardless of the position of the switch.
3. Adds peripheral illumination correction for the following lenses:
COMPACT-SERVO Lens
– CN-E70-200mm T4.4 L IS KAS S
EF Lens
– EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
– EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
– EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
– EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
– EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

Download firmware 2.1.9.1.00 for the Canon EOS C300 here.

 

Canon Cinema EOS C300 Mark II firmware version 1.1.0.1.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Support for LCD monitor LM-V1*1,2 (separately sold) has been added.
2. Peripheral illumination/chromatic aberration correction has been added for the following lenses:
-　EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
-　EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
-　EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

Download firmware 1.1.0.1.00 for the Canon EOS C300 Mark II here.

 

Canon ME200S-SH firmware version 1.0.2.1.00 incorporates the following enhancements.

1. The following features are enabled for the CN-E70-200mm T4.4 L IS KAS S:
– Autofocus using the Dual Pixel CMOS AF function.
– Displaying the model name of the lens when attached.
– Support for Peripheral illumination correction.
– Manual control of the iris with camera’s joystick.
– Control of focus, zoom and iris using the separately-sold Remote Controller RC-V100.
– Automatic aperture and push auto iris functions.
– Start/stop recording on the separately-sold lens grip ZSG-C10.
2. Adds Peripheral Illumination Correction for the following lenses:
– EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
– EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
– EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
– EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
3. Adds [NU protocol] to the other functions setting:
– [Other Functions] > [REMOTE B Term.] > [NU Protocol] 4. When the camera is turned off the IS mechanical lock will be active regardless of the position of the switch.

Download firmware 1.0.2.1.00 for the Canon ME200S-SH here.

Adobe Lightroom 6.14 is the last standalone version of LR, so download asap

lightroom

Adobe released Lightroom 6.14, the last standalone version of the popular software. Discontinuing the standalone version of LR is a decision a lot of people, me included, does not appreciate.

A feature summary of Lightroom 6.14 is here. You can download Lightroom 6.14 from this page, We recommend you download this version and keep it safe somewhere. It’s likely that Adobe will block downloads of LR after a while. If you want to stay stick with LR, then better have a copy ready.

If you like me do not want to go into the cloud with LR, and are looking for alternatives, Macphun Luminar is such an alternative.

Canon EOS 7D Mark III announcement before Summer 2018, shipment from July/August [CW4]

eos 7d mark iii
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Eventually, a rumor from a source we know and trust.

The Canon EOS 7D Mark III will most likely be announced before Summer 2018. Shipment should be ready for July or August 2018 at most. An announcement before Summer 2018 makes sense: in April 2018 there is NAB, which would be a pretty good stage for Canon to display their new APS-C flagship. I rate the suggested announcement date CW4.

We still know very little about the Canon EOS 7D Mark III. While some specs flocked in here at Canon Watch, it’s still too early to consider them reliable.

Specification-wise we have this list, based on what we have been told so far, with some new bits (please note: I rate the specifications CW2)

  • New sensor technology and resolution around 28MP (we reported first)
  • 4K video (though no details, we reported first)
  • C-Log
  • More dynamic range than 7D2
  • Better ISO performance than 7D2
  • Tilt-able display with touch interface
  • New generation of Dual Pixel AF
  • More video oriented than 7D2
  • Higher feature set compared to 7D2
  • Same introductory price as 7D2

Some considerations: we can expect some of the specs above simply because we are talking about a new Canon camera. I mean, “more dynamic range”, “better ISO performance”, “tilt-able display” etc are just what to expect from the EOS 7D Mark III. Also “new sensor technology” isn’t really something that gets us exited: we heard this almost for every new Canon DSLR. That said, it must also be said that if there is one Canon DSLR for which it could be true that Canon is introducing a new sensor tech, it’s the company’s flagship, the upcoming EOS 7D Mark III. The EOS 7D Mark II played an important role in Canon’s marketing and product strategy. So will do the EOS 7D Mark III.

However, take all this with a grain of salt. While I am pretty confident about the announcement date, I consider the specifications to be not very reliable at this point. It’s too early for reliable specifications but some of the feature listed above are at least plausible. As usual, feel free to sound off in the comment section.

All Canon EOS 7D Mark III rumors. Stay tuned!

Great bundle deal: Canon EOS 80D with 3 lenses, bag, memory card – $1199 (reg. $2399, refurbished)

eos 80d

Great deal at the Canon Store, but it’s for today only!

Refurbished Canon EOS 80D kits with three lenses:

  • Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
  • Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
  • Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II
  • Canon camera bag
  • Sandisk 32GB memory card

The bundle is on sale at $1,199. Use code HOLIDAY17 at checkout. The deal is for today only. Refurbished gear from the Canon Store comes with regular 1 year Canon USA warranty.

The listings of refurbishes gear at the Canon Store is the place where the best deals hide. At the time of writing stocks look good.

Our select deals are listed here. Please note that as good as all deals have an expiration. We try to always date them precisely also in the text but we may miss some hits.

Today’s Gold Box and one day only deals at Amazon US, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, B&H Photo, eBay, Adorama, and refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (check the refurbished listings at Canon Store whenever you have time for it, the best deals hide there).

Amazon US Holiday Season Deals    –    B&H Photo Holiday Season deals    –    Adorama Holiday SeasonDeals    –    Canon Store Holiday Deals

Amazon EU and Amazon US holiday deals pages are up and running: Amazon US, Amazon CA, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon ES and Amazon IT.

All B&H Photo’s Canon deals for the holidays are listed here   –   All Adorama Canon deals for for the holidays are listed here.