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 ([shopcountry 25432]) 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 [shoplink 25432]Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM[/shoplink] 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.

Canon Watch deal: get 72% off DENOISE projects professional software ($35 instead of $129)

denoise projects professional

I am very happy to offer this deal to all Canon Watch readers. We offer a huge rebate on the pretty amazing and truly powerful DENOISE projects professional software. Until March 31 you save 72% on the retail price, paying just $35 instead of $129! Not bad, eh?

This software is 100% developed in Germany, and removes all forms of image noise: luminance noise, colour noise, banding, hot pixels and more. It can be used as a stand-alone program or as a plug-in (on both, Windows or Mac).

You can buy the discounted DENOISE projects professional software here, and learn more about the software here.

deno72

Canon mirrorless camera coming with 4K? [CW3]

full frame mirrorless
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After having ridiculed each and any rumor we posted about Canon’s plans with 4K technology, some of the rumor sites now started to post one Canon 4K rumor after the other. Funny.

The latest bits suggest Canon will release a prosumer mirrorless camera with 4K on board. The rumor is a bit confusing since it refers to three different models, at least one featuring 4K. Canon might announce two mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor (already rumoured), and one with a full-frame sensor (leaked first here one CW; see here too). A Canon mirrorless camera with fixed lens is also rumoured (something like the Leica Q and Sony RX1 R).

Canon Watch’s take: with Canon already investing in 8K technology, and given the ubiquity of 4K from smartphones to cameras, it is a safe bet to assume that a Canon full-frame mirrorless camera to be announced in 2016 will indeed have 4K on board. Canon itself talked about their mirrorless plans in a recent interview, and then in another interview.

EOS M3
Canon EOS M3 – will we see more Canon mirrorless cameras in 2016?
[via Canon Rumors]