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Canon C300 Sensor Explained

By On January 2, 2025 In 35mm, C300, Canon, Equipment, PROCESSING, Sensor With 1 Comment Permalink

Canon has released two white papers further explaining in depth the new C300′s sensor, and the digital signal processing.

1 - SENSOR

Summary: ‘A novel new CMOS large-format single-sensor imager has been developed. It is intended to originate very high quality HD video, and it embodies a number of important technologies that collectively should support the goal to allow image capture that comes closer to the superlative imaging qualities of 35mm motion picture film.’

2 - PROCESSING

Summary: ‘An important new 35mm single image sensor has been developed. It offers video imaging attributes reflective of the most contemporary in CMOS imager technology, and has elevated HD digital motion imaging to a plane that offers a viable creative alternative to 35mm motion picture film.’

Nikon D4 Specs

By On December 12, 2024 In D4, DSLR, Equipment, Nikon With No Comments Permalink

As I do often, here’s another forward through Canon Rumors (which is through Nikon Rumors…). It appears Nikon has a good answer for Canon’s 1D X , in the Nikon D4.

  • 16.2 MP
  • 11 fps
  • 100-102,400 native ISO range, expandable to 50 and 204,800
  • CF + XQD memory card slots! That’s right, the Nikon D4 will have the new Compact Flash XQD memory card slot.
  • Compatible with the new Nikon WT-5 wireless transmitter
  • Integrated Ethernet in the camera
  • Face detection/recognition function that will be working in the viewfinder (maybe some type of a hybrid viewfinder? Nikon had several related patents)
  • Improved video, I have no other details on that but my guess is 1080p/30/25/24 and 720p/60/30/25/24 similar to the Nikon D800
  • Uncompressed video out through the HDMI port
  • Ability to assign the two buttons on the front of the camera to smooth aperture control during video recording
  • Improved 51 AF points
  • AF detection range will go down to EV-2.0 (the D3s went to EV -1)
  • Autofocus system: 9 cross-type sensors that are operational up to f/8

New lenses on the way…

By On December 11, 2024 In 24-70mm f/2.8 II, Canon, Canon 70-200mm 2.8 USM II, DSLR, Equipment, Lenses With No Comments Permalink

I’m quite excited about the upcoming announcement for the new 24-70mm f/2.8 USM II, a lens I’d definitely line up for. Often I’m caught between using a prime lens (for sharper optics, shallower DOF) and a zoom lens (much wider variety of shots). It used to be an easy choice, zoom if your lazy, or prime if your agile and creative! Don’t be bluffed by this bullshit… I shot countless projects on both and quite frankly hold my ‘zoom’ projects higher than my ‘primes’! Especially in a run-n-gun situation where you don’t decide when the action stars/stops, and time changing lenses can often result in a critical missed shot opportunity. If you’re creative, you’ll be creative with a zoom lens. If you’re afraid the ability to get in tighter without moving your feet will cause your little hooves to seize up, than you’re brainwashed, or just lazy looking for an excuse to stand around.

After my first run with the 70-200mm 2.8 II in Shanghai, I’ve begun to question the advantages in prime optical quality. How apparent in the final publishings of your work are the gains from a prime, especially when contrasting with the ease-of-use a zoom lens brings? The 24-70mm was breathtaking, still is. The II is going to be marvellous, like it’s close friend the 70-200mm II. Combine those two with a 1D Mark X, what more do you really need?? 2.8, IMO, provides a nice shallow DOF, and it’s all throughout the entire focal range. We’re untold on the inclusion of IS for the new 24-70, but it’s not all that tight enough to really need it. We’ll see….

Don’t read from this that I’m against primes, cause I love me some primes. When you have flexibility with time, often they are my preference. FYI - new 35mm 1.4 is on the way too!

B.

TimeScapes 4K by Tom Lowe

By On December 6, 2024 In Canon, DSLR, EPIC, Equipment, Film, Random, RED, Scarlet With No Comments Permalink

I’ve been watching Tom’s incredible photography for quite a while now, and he simply is in a league of his own when it comes to landscapes, and galactic star beam timelapses. His shots are so beautifully set-up and executed with such a flawless perfection for the craft. The latest TimeScapes trailer, shot all in 4K using a RED Epic, is another great portrayal of what a dedicated man can artistically create when utilizing patience, passion and vision.

“This is production footage from my forthcoming debut film, “TimeScapes,” a portrait of the American Southwest. This video was filmed and edited at 4K (4069×2304) resolution, four times greater than regular 1080p HD. A 4K DCP file is available upon request. Shot on Red Epic and Canon RAW still cameras.

You can pre-order the movie “TimeScapes” here: timescapes.org/pre_order.asp

Follow the film here: 1) twitter.com/timescapes 2) facebook.com/TimeScapes 3) gplus.to/tomlowe“


My Favorite Lens, on a Major Sale!

By On December 3, 2024 In B&H, Canon, Canon 70-200mm 2.8 USM II, DSLR, Equipment, Film, Lenses With No Comments Permalink

The Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 II USM is likely the world’s BEST lens in it’s class/price range… It’s not cheap, but for a limited time it’s a little more affordable. I first bought this lens in Shanghai while working on a project for Dunn Global. Immediately I was blown away by two things, the sharpness and the image stabilizer. I would argue that it’s as sharp or SHARPER than many of the L-series primes! And the stabilizer is almost weird it’s so good…. you can be three sheets to the wind and still come out with a steady, sharp shot. Check out the SALE at B&H!

Here are a couple projects I worked on, while in Shanghai, which include many shots with the 70-200mm…


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