A Bit of Everything (Canon News and other stuff)

Above: ‘The Shot’ by Canon Master Krystle Wright

An average image doesn’t cut it for Adventure Photographer Krystle Wright. In ‘The Shot’ she pushes herself and her gear to absolute extremes to capture something exceptional.

Today’s Gold Box deals at Amazon US, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, B&H Photo, eBay and Adorama

Master your Canon: Photographing a wedding with your Canon DSLR – Amateur Photographer

77 photography techniques, tips and tricks for taking pictures of anything – TechRadar

Photographing People & Pets for the Advanced Amateur or Aspiring Pet Photographer – Canon Digital Learning Center

Canon XC10 Firmware Update – Improved AF Test – NewsShooter

The Canon 1DX mkII 4K video DSLR reviewed by Jon Roemer – NewsShooter

Field Test: Bird Photography with the Canon 7D II and 300mm f/2.8 II – PetaPixel

Meyer-Optik Will Make Rare, Special Edition Gold-Plated Trioplan 100mm – PetaPixel

7 Reasons Why I’m Still a Nikon DSLR User, by Thom Hogan (editors note: the article discusses the benefits of DSLR over mirrorless cameras. What is said perfectly applies also to Canon gear) – PetaPixel

Canon EOS 80D Review – Fenchel & Janisch

Below: How to use manual selection of Auto-Focus points part 1 & part 2

Below: Canon Explorers of Light – Sam Abell

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II firmware 1.0.2 released (Sandisk CFast memory cards issue)

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Canon released a firmware update for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II to address the issues with Sandisk CFast cards. Download the update here.

Changes:

Firmware Version 1.0.2 incorporates the following functional improvements and fixes.

1. Incorporates countermeasures for a phenomenon in which the bottom part of still images recorded to SanDisk CFast cards become corrupted.

2. Enhances communication reliability between the camera and CFast cards.

If you are using the affected CFast cards, after having updated the camera firmware to Firmware Version 1.0.2, please make sure to use the camera to format the CFast card.

The Version 1.0.2 firmware being released at this time is for cameras with Firmware Version 1.0.0. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.0.2, it is not necessary to update the firmware. When updating the firmware of your camera, please first go over the instructions thoroughly before you download the firmware. The firmware update takes approximately six minutes.

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Canon EOS-1D X Mark II DxOMarked, best sensor in Canon’s range

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Canon EOS-1D X Mark II: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II at a glance:

  • 20.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • Dual DIGIC 6+ Image Processors
  • 3.2″ 1.62m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
  • DCI 4K Video at 60 fps, 8.8MP Still Grab
  • 61-Point High Density Reticular AF II
  • Native ISO 51200, Expanded to ISO 409600
  • 14 fps Shooting, 16 fps in Live View
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF

DxOMark put the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II on their benchmark. This new full-frame sensor developed by Canon got an overall DxOMark score of 88 points, making it the best-performing sensor in Canon’s offering.

DxOMark writes:

This is a well-deserved result for Canon, and this versatile sensor should prove attractive to a wide range of photographers, including those that work in multiple disciplines. The wide dynamic range at low ISOs should appeal to all photographers, but especially those using it for landscapes, and the low noise at high ISOs will also appeal to action and sports photographers. Although the new model is aimed primarily at that market, the increase in pixel count over its predecessor now matches that of the earlier EOS-1Ds Mk III, a model that’s still highly regarded for editorial and commercial work. It is not too much of a stretch to view the new EOS-1D X Mk II as the natural successor to that camera, and its wide range of capabilities, including DCI 4K video, make it look highly tempting. Sure, it would have been great to see a higher pixel count, but overall, the sensor performance offers photographers the versatility to tackle a wide range of assignments with just one camera.

The Canon EOS 80D, Canon’s best performing APS-C sensor (according to DxOMark), achieves a score of 79.

All our EOS-1D X Mark II coverage.

[via DxOMark]

Canon Advisory: EOS-1D X Mark II image corruption with some SanDisk CFast cards, firmware update may come in July

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Canon released a product advisory concerning image corruption occurring when using certain SanDisk CFast with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. Canon states that it “has been confirmed that this phenomenon is caused by SanDisk CFast cards“. Never the less, Canon “is considering releasing camera firmware on the Web for a download service in early July“.

Service Notice: EOS-1D X Mark II: image corruption with some SanDisk CFast cards

Thank you for using Canon products.
It has been confirmed that when shooting still images with the EOS-1D X Mark II digital SLR camera launched in April 2016 with SanDisk CFast cards, the following phenomenon will occur.

We would like to offer our sincere apologies to users who have been inconvenienced by this issue.

Phenomenon
If a SanDisk CFast card is inserted into the camera or a card reader, the bottom part of still images recorded may be corrupted.
This phenomenon is confirmed in images recorded in both the RAW and JPEG formats.
In the RAW file, the image corruption may appear in the bottom right corner of the image.
In the JPEG file, the image corruption may appear in the lower third area of the image.

Please Note:
Movie recording is not affected by this phenomenon.
Still images or movies recorded to CF cards are not affected by this phenomenon.

Cause

This phenomenon is caused by SanDisk CFast cards. The camera does not cause this phenomenon.

Affected Products

SanDisk CFast cards.

Image corruption may be experienced with the cards listed below:
The “xxx” at the end of the product number varies depending on the sales region.
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast2.0 64GB (SDCFSP-064G-xxx)
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast2.0 128GB (SDCFSP-128G-xxx)
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast2.0 64GB (SDCFSP-064G-xxxA)
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast2.0 128GB (SDCFSP-128G-xxxA)
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast2.0 64GB (SDCFSP-064G-xxxB)
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast2.0 128GB (SDCFSP-128G-xxxB)

Market Support

Although it has been confirmed that this phenomenon is caused by SanDisk CFast cards, to prevent the occurrence of this phenomenon, Canon is considering releasing camera firmware on the Web for a download service in early July.
We would like to apologize for the inconvenience, but we would like to ask our customers to refrain from using SanDisk CFast cards when shooting still images until the new camera firmware becomes available.

Workaround

It is our understanding that image files of 16MB or larger recorded immediately before the camera’s power is turned off may become corrupted. Below are  the methods available to help avoid image corruption when powering off the camera:

The Camera can be powered off in four ways:

  1. When the power switch is set to OFF
  2. When the card slot cover is opened
  3. When the power is turned off due to the Auto Power Off setting
  4. When the battery is removed

 The phenomenon can be prevented by performing the procedure below:

Before powering the camera off, please take extra shots*1 because the extra shots taken immediately before the camera is powered off may experience the corruption and not the images taken before the extra shots were taken.

*1 The table below shows the most popular file types used and how many extra shots are recommended.

File Size (Approx.) How many extra shots do I need to take

in order to meet the 16MB or larger requirement?
＜RAW＞　23.2MB 1
＜JPEG＞　L：6.2MB 3
＜JPEG＞　M1：4.3MB 4
＜JPEG＞　M2：3.4MB 5
＜JPEG＞　S：2.2MB 8

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON
1-800-652-2666
TDD: 1-866-251-3752
Email: [email protected] 
For additional support options:  www.usa.canon.com/support

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II real world (video-) review

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Canon EOS-1D X Mark II: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

EOS-1D X Mark II at a glance:

  • Fastest shooting EOS-1D, capable of up to 14 fps full-resolution RAW or JPEG, and up to 16 fps in Live View mode with new Dual DIGIC 6+ Image Processors.
  • Achieves a maximum burst rate of up to 170 RAWs in continuous shooting at up to 16 fps, and 4K movies using CFast cards in the new CFast 2.0 slot.
  • Experience less noise in higher ISO images via a new 20.2 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, with an ISO range of 100 51200; expansion to ISO 409600.
  • Improved AF performance through 61-point, wide area AF system with 41 cross-type points, improved center point focusing sensitivity to -3 EV and compatibility down to f/8
  • Accurate subject tracking for stills and video with new EOS Intelligent Tracking and Recognition AF with 360,000-pixel metering sensor.
  • 4K video (4096 x 2160) up to 60 fps (59.94), with an 8.8-Megapixel still frame grab in camera. Full 1080p HD capture up to 120 fps for slow motion.
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF & Movie Servo AF for high speed, high frame rate and continuous autofocus during video shooting.
  • View and control high quality stills and videos via the 3.2-inch touch panel LCD with 1.62 million dots.
  • Increased resolution and fine detail, with lens aberration correction and diffraction correction via new in-camera Digital Lens Optimizer technology.
  • Built-in GPS provides geotag information including auto time syncing with Universal Time Code via satellites.
  • The new optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E8A is compatible with IEEE 802.11ac/n/a/g/b, supporting both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
  • Durable and rugged magnesium alloy body with dust- and-weather resistance for demanding shooting situations.

Jared Polin, aka FroKnowsPhoto, posted a 35 minutes real world video-review of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. He also made all sample files available for download (raw format).

[via FroKnowsPhoto]

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II overview and tutorial video

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Canon EOS-1D X Mark II: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

EOS-1D X Mark II at a glance:

  • Fastest shooting EOS-1D, capable of up to 14 fps full-resolution RAW or JPEG, and up to 16 fps in Live View mode with new Dual DIGIC 6+ Image Processors.
  • Achieves a maximum burst rate of up to 170 RAWs in continuous shooting at up to 16 fps, and 4K movies using CFast cards in the new CFast 2.0 slot.
  • Experience less noise in higher ISO images via a new 20.2 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, with an ISO range of 100 51200; expansion to ISO 409600.
  • Improved AF performance through 61-point, wide area AF system with 41 cross-type points, improved center point focusing sensitivity to -3 EV and compatibility down to f/8
  • Accurate subject tracking for stills and video with new EOS Intelligent Tracking and Recognition AF with 360,000-pixel metering sensor.
  • 4K video (4096 x 2160) up to 60 fps (59.94), with an 8.8-Megapixel still frame grab in camera. Full 1080p HD capture up to 120 fps for slow motion.
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF & Movie Servo AF for high speed, high frame rate and continuous autofocus during video shooting.
  • View and control high quality stills and videos via the 3.2-inch touch panel LCD with 1.62 million dots.
  • Increased resolution and fine detail, with lens aberration correction and diffraction correction via new in-camera Digital Lens Optimizer technology.
  • Built-in GPS provides geotag information including auto time syncing with Universal Time Code via satellites.
  • The new optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E8A is compatible with IEEE 802.11ac/n/a/g/b, supporting both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
  • Durable and rugged magnesium alloy body with dust- and-weather resistance for demanding shooting situations.

Guess if you have something left you want to know about the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, then this 1 hour video by Tony & Chelsea Northrup will provide all the answers you were looking for.