Speaking of Innovation - Olympus OM-D E-M5
Yesterday Olympus announced the OM-D E-M5 MkII - a 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds camera. I am not going into all the specs and details about this upgrade to the current E-M5 with one exception. I am referring to “Innovation” - the E-M5 is capable of creating a 40MP image by using a sensor shift technology. Sensor shifting is achieved using the same electronics and electromechanical functions of the 5-axis image stabilizer. The technology shifts the sensor in 8 steps in a pattern where the first four frames move the sensor in such a way so as to capture all colors at each pixel position. The sensor then shifts 1/2 a pixel width up and to the left, capturing full color information in the onset position. The entire process takes about 1 second. As a result it is not feasible to capture these high resolution images of subjects that may move. I guess they will perfect this technology over time but as it is it is impressive.It is worth reading an article on the Imaging Resource web site where they have compared images from the OMD E-M5 Mk II to the Nikon D810 (a 36MP camera) and some animated examples on the DP Review web site.On a side note - Canon today announced the M3 the third generation of its mirrorless camera - for the Asian and European market. I guess it is hard to compete against the strong foothold Panasonic, Olympus, Sony and Fuji have in North America.
Canon EOS 5D Mk III Firmware Update
Canon has released the EOS 5D Mark III firmware update. This update adds two highly useful features: a clean HDMI output option and cross-type AF at f/8.Click here for the download.
Canon 7D evolves - New Firmware 2.0.X
A new significant firmware update to the Canon 7D is eminent. The new firmware will bring significant enhancements to this already great camera.Speed, the 7D will now shoot 130 Large/Fine JPEGs or 25 RAW. This compared to 126 and 15. The big jump is for RAW files. The shooting rate remains at 8 fps.The 7D will now be compatible with the Canon GPS Receiver GP-E2 using the 7D’s USB connector. GEO Tagging is not possible with Video.For Video buffs the camera will provid custom audio recording. The firmware will enable manual control of sound recording levels in 64 steps. Visual indicators will warn you of custom recording.Something that Nikon has had now will be available in the 7D. Customization for Auto ISO in M, P, TV, AV and B modes. You will be able to set upper limits up to ISO 6400. The 7D will always auto adjust ISO for best exposure.The firmware will now allow in camera processing to modify White Balance, Picture Style, Auto Lighting Optimizer, High ISO Noise Reduction, JPEG Quality, Color Space, Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction, Distortion Correction and Lens Aberration Correction to RAW images capture.JPEG images can be resized in camera from “L” to “M “ and from “M” to “S” JPEG.An in camera rating system will be available. A five step star rating will be available during image playback/review.Using the “Q” or quick control button you will now be able to apply protection to images, rotate and resize then, see the highlight alerts and AF point displays.A real neat feature with this upgrade is custom file naming. You will be able to set the first four characters of the file name, no more _IMG. Image quality can be applied to the file name too.How about this: “time zone settings”, you can not only define time zones, but also daylight savings time.Significant improvements in the speed of scrolling images that have been magnified for review.Unfortunately the release date is still up in the air but August looks like the month.See more on the Canon site
Canon's new P&S G1 X with a sensor nearly as large as the 60D
Finally a Canon P&S with a large sensor that is nearly as big as the sensor on the 60D. It is 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14mm) and is 14.3-megapixels. Now one can get shallow DOF from a P&S. It also boast ISO up to 12800 and a new lens with an aperture of 2.8, 4X Optical Zoom with a zoom range 15.1 (W) - 60.4mm (T) (35mm film equivalent: 28 (W) - 112mm (T)Additionally the G1 X has a 14-bit, RAW+JPEG shooting and is compatibility hot shoe Speedlites and the Macro Twin Lite or the Macro Ring Light flashes. HDR shooting capability is inbuilt and of course it will do full HD 1080p video. The camera is scheduled for availability in February.More on the this at CanonHunts Photo & Video is taking pre-orders for this camera. If you pre-order, shipping will be free. Call or email Gary Farber at digitalguygary@wbhunt.com or call me at 781-462-2332.
NIK Silver Efex Pro 2 - Demo - December 16th
On December 16, 2011 I will be demonstrating NIK Silver Efex Pro 2 at Hunt's in Hanover during their CANON DAY. Silver Efex Pro 2 will be available for purchase at an unbelievable price of $119.99 for the full version and as a free upgrade if you already own version 1 – this is a $100 discount. You must come to the store to avail of these prices.
Hunt’s will be featuring the new PRO-1 CANON INKJET PRINTER. There will be 2 Canon representatives on hand to answer questions you might have about any inkjet printers from Canon.If you have an interest in black and white prints, the Canon PRO-1 will give you tremendous results. Bring in a couple of files, preferably "black and white", to print out on the new PRO-1 or bring in a RAW file that you would like worked on and I will show you how to make a great monochromatic image suitable for printing.If you do not have a good B&W conversion software application go to www.niksoftware.com and download the trial version of SILVER EFEX PRO. Use this to prep your images that you bring to be printed.Hunts is located at 1207 Washington St, Hanover, MA 02339
Phone: 781-312-1169