Skylum Software will be releasing Luminar 2019 with Libraries in December of 2019, if not earlier. This update will be a big one, and to make it even bigger, Skylum is giving it away for free to current license holders.

About Luminar 2019 Libraries:

The first version of Libraries in Luminar is all about these main points: performance, comfort, and a complete user experience. This means the new version will give you speed to browse & organize images without the extra wait time. This means that you’ll enjoy your photos moments after you start the software.

A summary of what’s coming for Luminar

• The new Luminar with Libraries will come this December.
• This update is free for all Luminar 2018 users.
• There will be NO paid upgrade to Luminar 2019.
• Instead, you will get the new tools and features as free updates to your current version of Luminar.
• More AI-powered tools will come to Luminar soon.
• We will get better in keeping you updated on what’s coming.
• Some of you will have a chance to become a part of Luminar development.
• More users will get an early access to beta versions of Luminar.
• For new users, Luminar is available at a discounted price for a limited time.

New users can get the current version of Luminar 2018 for $59 (USD) (use the coupon code CANONRUMORS for further savings). You will automatically receive the new version of Luminar for free no later than December 2018.

HardwareZone had a chance to sit down with Canon executives and discuss the development of the Canon EOS R. They covered all the topics a lot of people seem to care about, like the omission of IBIS and the 1.7x crop in 4K shooting.

Why is there no in-body image stabilization (IBIS) in the EOS R?

Shoji Kaihara: We had to look at the balance of the entire camera, like the size and other aspects. Based on that, it’s not something we are able to include in the EOS R at this time. We are quite aware that there are pros and cons to that.

Why does the EOS R shoot 4k video with a 1.7x crop?

Shoji Kaihara: When developing the EOS R, we looked at all the hardware we had in the pipeline. When we look at the image processor and CMOS sensors that we have — we have restrictions, unfortunately, and that’s why we ended up with the 1.7x crop.

How long has the EOS R been in development?

Shoji Kaihara: The mirrorless discussion has been going on for quite some time inside Canon. It’s about achieving the level of mirrorless performance that Canon can be proud of.  Read the full interview

As with any product, there will always be trade-offs in development to reach certain price points and usability balance. I think we’re seeing that with the first Canon EOS R camera body. I suspect some of these perceived limitations will be addressed in future system cameras.

Preorder the Canon EOS R at our exclusive affiliate partner Adorama

We learned this past week that Sigma will be announcing five new ahead of Photokina, which begins on September 26, 2018.

Below are the specifications for the upcoming lenses.

Sigma 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM | Art

• Lens construction: 12 groups 17 elements (including 2 FLD lenses and 3 SLD lenses)
• Minimum focusing distance: 28 cm
• Maximum photographing magnification: 1: 5.4
• Filter diameter: 77mm
• Size: 82.8mm x 107.7mm
• Weight: To be determined
• Mount: Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Sony E

Read more…

We’re told that Canon will definitely release an RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS in 2019. We don’t think that is a big secret as Canon has mentioned there are a few f/2.8 zoom lenses coming next year. We also suspect a wide angle f/2.8L zoom is coming as well as an RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS.

The same source says Canon will likely release an EF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS sometime in 2019, possibly as early as May 2019.

There were no details given as to when we could expect an RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS, but suspect it’ll be in the 2nd half of next year.

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS has been officially announced by Canon USA.

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Specifications:

With its incredible 65x Optical Zoom, image stabilization of up to 5 stops and 4K video recording, the PowerShot SX70 HS camera has you covered. From fun-filled family moments to once-in-a-lifetime travels and adventures, capture everything including faraway sights, ultra-wide vistas and spectacular, frame-filling, close-up macro shots like never before with a PowerShot SX-series camera. A bright and detailed electronic viewfinder combined with intuitive controls enable you to capture incredible moments as the opportunity presents itself.

Preorder the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS $549

Read more…

The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS images and specifications have leaked ahead of the official announcement. This PowerShot has been a long time coming for fans of Canon’s superzooms such as the PowerShot SX60 HS.

Canon PowerShot SX 70 HS Specifications

• 21mp 1 / 2.3 sensor
• 65x optical zoom
• DIGIC 8
• 4K video
• Wi-Fi · Bluetooth
• Size: 127.1 × 90.9 × 116.6 mm
• Weight: 610 g