Canon EOS C300 Mark II meets EBU HD and UHD classification

EOS C300 Mark II
EOS C300 Mark II

Canon press release:

Canon EOS C300 Mark II meets EBU HD and UHD classification

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 18th February 2016 – Canon today announces that the EOS C300 Mark II digital cinema camera has been independently tested in accordance with European Broadcast Union (EBU) recommendations for both HD and UHD content acquisition¹. The report recognises image capture of up to 15 stops of dynamic range using Canon Log2 and qualifies the EOS C300 Mark II for R.118 Tier 1 in HD and Tier 2 in UHD².

The new gamma Canon Log2 has been designed specifically for the C300 MKII’s new 8.85MP Super 35mm CMOS sensor. Having access to this high dynamic range gives users the creative freedom to produce more compelling visuals. Combined with the EOS C300 Mark II’s built-in noise reduction functionality, filmmakers have the ability to shoot almost anywhere, capturing low-noise footage in many challenging shooting scenarios.

The EBU exists to serve 73 broadcasters across 56 countries in understanding which technology is best suited to certain tasks. The UK’s Digital Production Partnership (DPP) broadcasters use these recommendations to ensure their content meets a minimum threshold. This is especially important when a compressed image needs to survive editing, grading, encoding and transmission before it reaches audiences in its final pictures.

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Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM deal – $549 (reg. $999)

ef 24-105mm F4L IS
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Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM at a glance:

  • Filter Size 77mm
  • f/Stop Range 4-22
  • Minimum Focus Distance 1.48′ (0.45 m)
  • Magnification 1:4.3
  • Angle of View 84 – 23?° (with full-frame cameras)
  • Groups/Elements 13/18
  • Length 4.2″ (107mm)
  • Maximum Diameter 3.3″ (83.5mm)
  • Weight 1.5 lb (670 g)

Seller AllNewShop on eBay (99.4% positive ratings) has the workhorse Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens on sale at $549. Compare at $999. Free shipping. Please note: this may be a grey import item. Product description after the break.

More Canon deals on eBay.

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Tamron announces DIY firmware updates through TAP-in Console

TAP-in Console

After the Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 MACRO and SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD lenses, Tamron also announced the TAP-in Console for firmware updates. Tamron press release:

TAMRON ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF ACCESSORY THAT ENABLES FIRMWARE UPDATES AND CUSTOMIZED SETUPS FOR SELECTED LENSES

Tamron TAP-in Console™TM (Model TAP-01)

February 22, 2016, Commack, New York – announces the launch of the Tamron TAP-in Console™ (Model TAP-01), a new lens accessory that enables firmware updating and customized setups for selected Tamron lenses. The TAP-in Console™ is expected to be available in March. The price will be announced shortly.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

For the first time, customers can update firmware in selected Tamron lenses and customize various lens functions to meet their needs simply by attaching a Tamron TAP-in Console™ and running the Tamron TAP-in Utility software on their PC or Mac. Previously, firmware updates could be performed only at a Tamron Customer Service Center. Using the new accessory and an internet connection, customers can access a dedicated website and update firmware themselves anytime, anywhere. In addition, selected lenses can be customized by changing various settings (described below) to match the customer’s preferences based on how they like to use the lens, making it even more versatile and user-friendly.

1. Custom Options

With a Tamron TAP-in Console™, customers can do the following things.

  • Update firmware
  • Update the firmware of compatible lenses
  • Update the firmware of the TAP-in Console™ itself
  • Customize functions of selected lenses
  • Focus adjustment
  • Focus distance limiter customization (only for lenses that have the Focus Limiter feature)
  • Full-time Manual Focus override customization (only for lenses that have the Full-time Manual Focus feature)
  • VC adjustment (only for any lenses with VC)
  • Save customized data files
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Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 MACRO officially announced

Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 MACRO
Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 MACRO

The other lens Tamron announced today is the Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 MACRO.

Tamron press release:

TAMRON 90MM MACRO LENS: REBIRTH OF A CLASSIC WITH A LEGACY OF SUPERIOR OPTICAL PERFORMANCE

Enhanced VC functionality and advanced features

February 22, 2016, Commack, New York – Tamron, a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 MACRO (Model F017). The new 90mm macro has been enhanced with advanced features and builds upon a legacy of superior optical performance. XY-Shift compensation has been newly added to reinforce VC functionality, further improving image stabilization from infinity to macro. Advancements in USD control software have also increased AF focusing speed, and optimally fine-tuned for various framing conditions. In addition, a high standard of Moisture-Proof and Dust-Resistant Construction has been added to prevent intrusion of dust or moisture, and a highly durable Fluorine Coating has been applied to the top element surface to prevent condensation and repel smudge-causing substances.  The lens will be on sale in the U.S. starting in March 2016 in Canon and Nikon mounts (the Sony mount to be launched at a later date). The on-sale date in the USA is February 25, 2016 at an approximate price of $649.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

1.  Built upon the outstanding optical performance of the legendary Tamron 90mm Macro

Inheriting the optical design of the previous 90mm Macro lens (Model F004), the new Model F017 delivers the same excellent resolving power and remarkably soft background blur effects (bokeh). The advanced construction includes one LD (Low Dispersion) specialized glass element that maximally limits the dispersion properties of light and two XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) glass elements that correct dispersion properties to an even greater extent. The special elements optimally compensate for on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations from macro shooting range to infinity. Furthermore, the design ensures the best imaging performance at any range by adopting the Floating System that shifts the location of a group of elements to the best possible position as the focusing group travels relative to shooting distances. From 1:1, life-size close-ups to the most distant horizon, this new 90mm Macro lens achieves outstanding image quality.

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Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD officially announced

SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD
SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD

Tamron made if official and announced the SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD lens.

Tamron press release:

THE WORLD’S FIRST1 85MM F/1.8 LENS WITH VC FOR FULL-FRAME DSLR CAMERAS

Ultimate correction of aberrations and excellent resolving power with balanced bokeh

February 22, 2016, Commack, New York – Tamron, a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016), the world’s first fast-aperture telephoto lens with VC (Vibration Compensation). Tamron’s acclaimed VC makes it possible to take handheld photographs in dim light or at night. The 85mm SP lens uses LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements in the optical design to minimize color fringing and to achieve sharp and clear image quality with high-fidelity color. It also achieves attractive bokeh that draws attention to the image foreground subject. In addition, Moisture-Resistant Construction has been added to prevent intrusion of moisture, and a highly durable Fluorine Coating has been applied to the top element surface to prevent condensation and repel smudge-causing substances. This new lens joins the 35mm F/1.8, 45mm F/1.8 and 90mm Macro in a lineup of SP series prime lenses that has been expanding since 2015. The lens will be on sale in the U.S. starting in April 2016 in Canon and Nikon mounts (the Sony2 mount to be launched at a later date). Pricing and delivery will be announced shortly.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

1. The world’s first 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization

Tamron’s VC image stabilization system enables handheld use in dim light without flash. Camera movement—often too minute to be perceptible to the photographer—is the leading cause of unpleasant photographs. In addition, newer DSLR cameras with higher resolution and higher pixel densities are even more susceptible to subtle camera shake. The VC System, Tamron’s time-proven Vibration Compensation, keeps the sharpness at hand, even in moody, dim light when shutter speeds tend to be longer.

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Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens specs and images leaked

50-100mm f/1.8
Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art

Sigma is going to announce another crazy and amazing lens, the Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art. The lens is for APS-C sensors, and will be announced on February 22. Another zoom lens with constant f/1.8!

Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art specs:

  • Lens construction: 15 groups, 21 sheets
  • Three FLD glass. One SLD glass. One high-refractive-index, high-dispersion glass. Three high refractive index SLD glass
  • Filter Size: 82mm
  • Minimum photographing distance: 95cm
  • Maximum magnification of 1: 6.7
  • Total length: 170.7mm
  • Maximum diameter: 93.5mm
  • Weight: 1490g
  • 9 aperture blades
  • New developed and thinned ultrasonic motor
  • Inner focus, inner zoom
  • Suggested retail price is 167,400 yen (tax included)
  • Mounts for Canon, for Nikon, for sigma
  • Release Date April 22
[via Digicame-Info]