Sigma patent for 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art lens

sigma patent

I usually do not feature patents by other companies but this time I think it is worth to make an exception. A patent filed by Sigma (No. 2016-38502) was spotted and it points to a lens a lot of photographers are hoping Sigma will bring to market soon, it’s a 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art lens.

Such a lens, given it comes with Canon mount (which is very likely) would compete with Canon’s EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM. If it comes with the outstanding quality and performance we have seen on other recent Sigma lenses, and if it has a competitive price, then it may well cause some distress at Canon.

[via Egami]

Canon EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 IS “not L” lens coming in Summer 2016? [CW2]

Tamron SP 150-600mm

A rumor about a possible Canon EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 IS lens appeared on the web. The lens is said to be not an “L” lens, and to have an indicative price of $1,700. A “budget lens”, so to say.

The EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 IS would compete with Sigma’s and Tamron’s super-zoom offerings. Moreover, an external dedicated teleconverter may also be announced. A patent for an optical formula referring to a 200-600mm lens was spotted last year.

Take it with a grain of salt.

[via Canon Rumors]

Immerse yourself in the world of Disney’s Alice Through The Looking Glass with Canon’s PIXMA Print Studio

Alice Through The Looking Glass

For more information visit www.canon.co.uk/Alice. Canon press release:

Immerse yourself in the world of Disney’s Alice Through The Looking Glass with Canon’s PIXMA Print Studio

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 23rd March 2016 – Alice in Wonderland has inspired kids for generations. Now Canon is inviting parents and children to immerse themselves in the world once more this school holidays with special PIXMA Print Studio content inspired by the new Disney film Alice Through The Looking Glass.

Children can get creative with a whole host of downloadable content that will keep them entertained during the school break. From fun colouring sheets and mini posters of the characters, to Alice Through The Looking Glass-themed party invitations, the PIXMA Print Studio will get them excited as Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter in the latest film released in May.

What’s more, Canon is helping bring the experience to life by giving away an Alice Through the Looking Glass inspired mini-break plus cinema tickets on purchases of selected PIXMA models.

Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass opens in cinemas on 27 May and is the sequel to the 2010 film Alice in Wonderland. Produced by Tim Burton, the film stars Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter, Anne Hathaway, Sacha Baron Cohen and Rhys Ifans.

For more information visit www.canon.co.uk/Alice.

Canon Further Expands Line Of Network Cameras With Five New High-Performance Models Delivering Clear And Color-Accurate Video

Canon

Canon U.S.A. Further Expands Line Of Network Cameras With Five New High-Performance Models Delivering Clear And Color-Accurate Video

New Models Include Speed Domes with 30x Optical Zoom, a Vandal-Resistant Indoor Fixed Dome with Canon’s Unique Remote PTRZ Adjustment, and a Vandal- and Weather-Resistant Outdoor Fixed Dome with Built-In IR Illuminators

MELVILLE, N.Y., March 30, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today unveiled five new network cameras with advanced capabilities designed to effectively meet the needs of indoor and outdoor applications in a wide range of markets. All five cameras share several core technologies and features including a Genuine Canon Lens for capturing high-clarity, virtually distortion-free video, a 2.1 Megapixel (1920 x 1080) resolution high sensitivity CMOS sensor, and Canon’s powerful DIGIC DV III Image Processor which helps to provide images with remarkable color accuracy even in low-light environments.

“The importance of security and surveillance continues to increase for all types of markets and sectors,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “With the announcement of these new high-performance indoor and outdoor models, Canon is once again demonstrating its strong commitment to developing network cameras that meet the ever-changing needs of these varied industries.”

Outdoor/Indoor Speed Dome Network Cameras

Canon’s new Speed Dome Network Cameras, the VB-R12VE (outdoor) and VB-R13 (indoor), both offer seamless PTZ control provided by 360 degrees endless panning capability. In addition to 30x optical zoom for crisp images even from long distances, these cameras also share an Enhanced Digital Zoom function that can offer up to an equivalent 120x optical zoom when streaming at lower resolutions. Adding to their user-friendliness and ease of PTZ control is the ability to create up to 256 preset positions and up to five tour routes. Canon optical encoders, micro-stepping motors, and a timing belt enable these models to provide fast (up to 450 degrees per second), precise panning and tilting.

With a robust weather- and vandal-resistant housing and built-in heater, the VB-R12VE camera is outdoor ready and able to withstand a variety of challenging environments. This model is also available with audio and external I/O support as the VB-R13VE.

VB-H651V Vandal Resistant Indoor Fixed Dome Network Camera

The VB-H651V is Canon’s newest Indoor Fixed Dome Network Camera to feature the company’s unique Remote PTRZ Adjustment function for easy post-installation changes to the camera’s pan, tilt, zoom and rotation positions. A vandal-resistant enclosure helps facilitate this camera’s safety from impact and tampering. The VB-H651V camera’s ability to deliver high-quality video is supported by an Auto Focus function for clear focusing on subjects both near and far away. This camera comes with a mounting plate to enable fast and simple installation, and it has multiple power options for installation flexibility, including 24 V AC, 12 V DC and PoE.

VB-H652LVE Infrared Vandal Resistant Outdoor Fixed Dome Network Camera

Canon also introduced the VB-H652LVE, its new infrared outdoor-ready Fixed Dome Network Camera which has a vandal-resistant, water-tight housing and optional heater unit making it suitable for installation in many climates. It is equipped with four built-in IR illuminators that enable video to be captured in little to no visible light, and an Auto Focus function for clear focusing on subjects both near and far away. It offers analog video output and installation controls for simple camera positioning during installation, and multiple power options including 24 V AC, 12 V DC, PoE and PoE+ provide further installation flexibility.

Convenience and Versatility

For added versatility, all of these new Canon network cameras have the ability to stream in both 16:9 and 4:3 resolutions, and also offer Custom Video Settings for optimal image exposure according to time of day and conditions (includes shutter speed, iris, gain, white balance, and noise reduction). Two available features, Motion Adaptive Noise Reduction and Area-Specific Data Size Reduction (ADSR), are both designed to help reduce data size while also helping to improve the image quality of areas of interest. These cameras are suitable for installation in areas with frequent vibrations – such as on top of a pole or near heavy machinery – as an Image Stabilization feature enables them to deliver clear video with minimal motion blurring.

The simple setup and use offered by these new Network Cameras is furthered by a Camera Viewer and a Mobile Viewer that provide easy access to the camera’s features and functionality from a variety of different compatible devices including PCs, mobile phones and tablets. All of these cameras are ONVIF Profile S and Profile G Conformant to help facilitate maximum interoperability with third-party recorders, and all also include a Canon Camera Management Tool (CCMT) that allows for centralized management of all current Canon Network Cameras (camera discovery, configuration, back-ups and restores, firmware upgrades, etc.).

Pricing, Availability and Warranty

The suggested list prices and currently scheduled ship dates for the five new Canon Network Cameras are as follows:

Network Camera Suggested List Price1 Ship Date
VB-R12VE Vandal Resistant Outdoor Speed Dome $4,829 June 2016
VB-R13VE Vandal Resistant Outdoor Speed Dome (w/ Audio, external I/O) $5,106 June 2016
VB-R13 Indoor Speed Dome $4,024 June 2016
VB-H651V Vandal Resistant Indoor Fixed Dome $1,449 April 2016
VB-H652LVE Infrared Vandal Resistant Outdoor Fixed Dome $2,231 July 2016

Canon’s Network Cameras are backed by the Canon Visual Communication Product Limited Warranty, and Canon’s award-winning Professional Service & Support, which includes both an Advanced Warranty Service Exchange Program and a Service Loaner Program. For more information about these new high-performance models, or any of Canon’s Network Cameras, please visit: networkcameras.usa.canon.com.

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