Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II can be pre-ordered now

Powershot G7x II
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Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II at a glance:

  • 1.0-inch, 20.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor with Canon’s new DIGIC 7 Image Processor helps deliver exceptional image quality even in low light
  • Features a bright f/1.8 (W) – f/2.8 (T), 4.2x (24-100mm), 9-blade iris diaphragm and IS-equipped lens.
  • Capture impressively high resolution images with high-speed continuous shooting up to 8 fps in both RAW mode / JPEG mode.
  • Multi-angle capacitive 3.0″ touch panel LCD with a screen resolution of 1.04 million dots and tilt option of 180 degree up and 45 degree down.
  • Capture stunning 1080p Full HD video in MP4 format with stereo sound.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allows for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos.
  • Picture Style function allows superior command of in-camera color, contrast and sharpness.
  • In-camera RAW conversion makes it possible to preview modified conditions of images on the camera, without the use of a computer.
  • Control ring features a convenient selection lever enabling you to quickly switch between step ring and continuous ring movement.
  • Time-Lapse Movie helps capture images at set intervals and combines them to create a short movie clip of the footage.
  • Panning allows the camera to lock onto the main subject using IS and automatically adjust the shutter speed for beautiful background blur.

Canon’s new Powershot G7 X Mark II can now be pre-ordered in the US: Adorama | Amazon | B&H Photo

powershot g7 x mark ii

World-wide Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II links:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Here is why the pros ditch (or avoid) Sony gear

In the 16 minutes video above, photographer Matt Granger explains why he decided to ditch Sony and to switch back to Nikon. It’s not about the quality of the gear, it is about the lack of quality when it comes to service and assistance – two factors that are critical to pros. And at least Sony’s service in Australia isn’t what a pro might expect.

It all comes down to SERVICE. For many types of my work the gear itself is suitable for me – The sensors are quality. The images and video are outstanding. For other work I have never used them (rough conditions, tricky focus). But with service like this – I just can’t use them at all.

As I said, this is my personal experience in Australia and is based on MY needs. The details of all the ‘pro support’ programs shown are the Australian offerings.

Stick with Canon if you want to avoid nasty experiences ;-) Canon’s CPS (Canon Professional Services) will not let you in the rain. See also my article about the Sony a7RII.

[via PetaPixel]

New firmware for Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM makes Auto-Focus up to 50% faster

Canon 200-600mm
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Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM (B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA) at a glance:

  • Canon EF Lens/Full Frame
  • Aperture Range: f/5-6.3 to 22
  • Two FLD and Three SLD Elements
  • Hyper Sonic Motor AF System
  • Optical Stabilizer with Accelerometer
  • Zoom Lock & Manual Override Switches
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 102.4″
  • Splash and Dust Proof Mount
  • Lens Hood & Rotatable Tripod Collar
  • Compatible with Sigma USB Dock

Sigma released a new firmware for their Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens (both Sports and Contemporary versions). Sigma claims the new firmware makes AF on the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM up to 50% faster. The firmware can be downloaded here.

Sigma press release (via DPReview):

SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports / Contemporary
Firmware update for Canon and Nikon mount

We would like to announce the availability of a new firmware update for the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports in Canon and Nikon mount, and the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary in Canon and Nikon mount. This firmware update can be installed using SIGMA Optimization Pro, the dedicated software for the SIGMA USB DOCK.

Benefit of this firmware update
The latest firmware update improves the AF algorithm of 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM lenses and further enhances AF speed by optimizing HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) drive control. Depending on shooting conditions, it is expected to increase autofocus speed by approximately 20%, to a maximum of 50%, during normal shooting as well as when using “Speed Priority” set through SIGMA Optimization Pro.

For customers who own the SIGMA USB DOCK and applicable products listed below, please update the firmware using SIGMA Optimization Pro. Please ensure SIGMA Optimization Pro is updated to Version 1.2 before updating the lens firmware.

For customers who do not own a SIGMA USB DOCK, please contact Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd for details about updating the firmware free of charge.

SIGMA Optimization Pro Download page
http://www.sigma-global.com/download/en

We appreciate your continued support for our company and products.

Exclusive deal for Canon Watch readers: BLACK & WHITE projects 4 at $35 (instead of $99)

BLACK & WHITE Projects 4
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I am very happy to offer you another great deal on professional post-processing software. This time we are offering you to purchase the BLACK & WHITE projects 4 software at just $35 instead of $99. We also have another promotion going on for DENOISE projects professional software. Both promotions end March, 31st.

BLACK & WHITE projects 4 at a glance:

BLACK & WHITE projects 4 is the perfect tool to enable all photographers with a special affinity for black & white photos to make their creative mark. The brand new spectral sensitivity engine allows you to grasp the grey value for every converted colour and customise it to any tone value. The 115 handcrafted presets offer you a plethora of options from your images’ hidden information. Give your picture a 100% analogue finish with high-res film emulations adapted from classics like Ilford, Kodak, Rollei and Fuji.

  • New: Sensitive selective photo editing with intelligent outline recognition

  • New: New algorithms for perfect colour filter emulations

  • BLACK & WHITE development studio for professional monochrome with 115 presets

  • For Mac and Windows

  • Can be used in various ways: Black & White projects  4 works as a plug-in to Adobe® Photoshop® and Lightroom®, and as a standalone application.

More information at BLACK & WHITE projects 4 landing page. Orders to purchase the BLACK & WHITE projects 4 at the special price for Canon Watch readers can be placed here.

Have a look at the tutorial video below to learn more.