A few days ago I received an e-mail from Canon CPS Germany, that they are changing their membership qualification system to a system of points.
I suppose this is regarding to CPS Europe, too.

Until now you needed at least two semi/professional bodies and at least three L lenses to sign up.
Right now they have changed this to a system of points where even consumer bodies, EF-S lenses and speedlites get points.
For example: a 5D3 is worth 235 points and a EF 40 STM 15 points.

Depending on your overall number of points you can achieve different levels of membership with different advantages.
Here are some of these advantages in Germany (other countries might have a different system)

• red (starting from 0 points)
  • priority support helpdesk (only)
• silver (500 points)
  • priority support helpdesk
  • 5 days repair
  • discount on maintenance services
• gold (1000 points)
  • priority support helpdesk
  • 3 days repair
  • free loan unit if repair takes longer
  • 1 free sensor cleaning per year and body
  • discount on maintenance services
• platin (1600 points)
  • priority support helpdesk
  • 2 days repair
  • free loan unit if repair takes longer
  • 1 free sensor cleaning per year and body
  • discount on maintenance services

And the best of it: this service stays free of charge.

For further details please refer to your local CPS homepage.
For Germany this is http://www.canon.de/canon_cps/

Correction: The new link is https://www.canon.de/pro/canon-professional-services/

We have seen a lot of DSLRs being used for video production. But how would you rate Canon Powershot cameras for video production. They have the capability so was wondering if anyone has used them for professional video product. If possible please add some of the samples of your work that you may have done using Canon Powershot.

Hi.
I'm thinking of getting one of these for this lens to protect against bumps. Opinions of anyone who has experience with this combo will be appreciated. One question: Does it allow the hood to be retracted?
Jay in Toronto

Does anyone know if a lens profile exists for this lens on adobe? Or elsewhere?

My reason for asking is that I was hoping to do some panos and wanted to apply distortion correction before attempting to merge photos.

If there is an adobe profile some help where to find it and how to install it would be nice. Adobe does report one for Sony and this lens.

Canon has applied for a patent for EVF optics that will provide a longer eye  relief.  This of course is necessary for anyone that wears glasses as a short eye relief can cause vignetting and problems in seeing the entire EVF field of view. To be honest, I find the current M5 EVF’s eye relief to be a bit too short for my liking, and most EVFs I find are like this, at least for me.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ocular optical system having long eye relief, wide viewing angle, and high optical performance. A first lens having a positive refractive power, a second lens having a negative refractive power, a third lens having a positive refractive power, a third lens having a positive refractive power, and a third lens having a positive refractive power, which are disposed in this order from the object side to the observation side. And the fourth lens L 4, the focal length and shape of each lens are appropriately set.
Canon Patent Application 2018-124349

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It looks like we’re finally going to see the highly anticipated DJI Mavic 2 Pro and DJI Mavic 2 Zoom announced in New York City on August 23, 2018 at 10AM EST.
Both of these drones were scheduled to be announced on July 18, 2018, but were delayed.
Key Specifications:

1″ CMOS Image Sensor
Hasselblad branded camera
1080p video transmission
8km (4.9 miles) transmission range
Max speed 20 m/s (44 mph)
31 minute battery life
APAS
ActiveTrack 2.0
Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance.
24-48mm 2x Zoom (Mavic 2 Zoom only)
Dolly Zoom (Mavic 2 Zoom only)

We’ve been waiting a long time for the Mavic 2 Pro, and we think it’ll be worth the wait.

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Let's see if this thing is worth it.

My oh my have our digital tools changed in the past 15 years or so.

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Eight years ago my wife and I visited our oldest daughter while she studied abroad, and for that trip my new Canon S95 served us very, very well. I committed to using it, and it alone, and the images the S95 produced still hold up--I did not for a minute regret leaving the 40D and a couple of lenses at home (USA).

For years, the S95 was also my stealthy concert camera--with good seats (or standing/general admission near the stage), here again images acquired via the S95 (with all of its limitations) are amazing in their quality.

Within the past month or so, I tried using my iPhone 6s in place of the S95 for near-the-stage concert pictures--and the obtained images are, again, remarkable (significantly, the iPhone 5c's camera, years prior, had failed at the same task). In certain ways, using the 6s is a superior experience (compared to the S95, which still works well).

I forget exactly when it was that I bought into the M system.

But I quickly realized that the M/22mm f2 combination was, in a way, a non-zoomable supercharged S95. Even with the slow-focusing 'qualities' of the original M, the images that the M/22 produces are sublime--one is reminded of the (slightly modified) Clint Eastwood line: "A man's got to know the limitations, of his camera."

I didn't (and still don't) use the M 18-55 zoom much at all (the 22/f2 generally worked well in its place)...but when I was able to buy (from Canada, no less) the 11-22 M mount lens (with image stabilization!), the M family really began to shine...and the wide-angle 11mm (crop sensor) images really really work for family and family vacation pix.

As I've noted several times on this forum, the 11-22 native M lens is the killer app for the Canon's M system...enabling the acquisition of quality wide-angle images from a very small package.

So, from Japan, I purchased an M2...and for a couple of years the 11-22 lens never left my M2 (which is a bit smaller than the M, and feels much snappier as well).

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On two different occasions, I've come close to picking up a Canon EF 11-24 lens...but have resisted, in part due to mount-related questions surrounding Canon's soon-to-be-released large-sensor mirrorless camera.

I'm sure I'll eventually buy the 11-24...but in the process of making the decision...I wondered:

Would Canon ever manufacture the EF-M equivalent of the full-frame 11-24...something like an EF-M 7-15?

And for this lens (an EF-M 7-15), how much would it weigh? How long would it be? And what would it cost?

I think I would buy a Canon EF-M 7-15 if it worked as well as the EF-M 11-22, and I suspect it would work well with my newest M, the M6.

There are some conflicting reports out there about Canon’s announcement plans ahead of Photokina. We were told back in July that we’d be seeing some announcements the first week of September, and there have also been reports of announcements the second week of the month as well. It’s possible two rounds of announcements are coming.
We’ve been told by a few people around the globe that Canon subsidiaries have training planned for select employees before Photokina. The trade show begins September 26, 2018. Training sessions are usually held for new cameras and not lenses.

Two of the sources seem to be assuming that a new Canon mirrorless is going to be announced ahead of the trade show.
We still don’t have much confidence that this will be the case.
We have confirmed the following announcements ahead of Photokina, and we’re waiting to hear if anything else is planned.

Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4...

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Well, we all are more or less driven by GAS: should I have the latest camera or lens? But sometimes I hesitate and reconsider my addiction for the latest stuff. This happens every time when I think I should upgrade my vintage, now 23 years old EF 500 mm f/4.5 L USM (built in 1995). It survived sand storms, fell from a tripod on a rock etc., it looks battered, but it still works 100 % reliably. It has no IS (in fact, it has a built-in passive mass inertia IS ), its first generation USM drive is a bit slow, wide open the image edges get a little bit soft (but f = 5 is fine) and with a 2x TC my cameras switch off their phase AF... But every time I have it in my hands, I still love it, and I know exactly what this lens can achieve and where its limits are - after many years its like an extension of my body. I shoot it more the 80 % free hand, because then I am best in catching birds in flight. For this technique this lens is not too heavy with 3 kg (my old back is still fine) and its more slender form factor compared with a modern EF 500 mm f/4 is just perfect for my hand.

For this Atlantic puffin I used it in combo with a 7D2. I think it is more important that you really know your gear than having always the latest stuff.

The latest latest:

https://nikonrumors.com/2018/08/08/...-a-mockup-or-a-real-picture.aspx/#more-124443

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This is a question that is asked constantly on forums around the web, what gear do I bring with me on an African safari?
I’m heading back to Kenya tomorrow for the great migration across the Masai Mara, which is the type of safari most people seem to do their first time to Africa. Shooting conditions are very similar between Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana.
If you’re going to Rwanda or Uganda for gorillas and chimpanzees, you’ll definitely be taking different gear than you would be on the Serengeti.
So what gear do I bring?
I’m finding that I’m taking less and less gear with me each time I return to Africa. Part of this is likely due to the fact that I’m now going for specific images and I’m not trying to capture everything.
A good thing that has come out of multiple safaris, is I’ve used pretty much every big white lens from Canon and I know the strengths, weaknesses, and trade-offs for each.

Gear I’m bringing to Kenya this time and why:...

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Reliable Sigma rumors have always been hard to come by over the years, but we’re starting to  hear more and more from people about Sigma’s future plans, and this week we were given some insight into their Photokina plans.
For the moment, we’re told that Sigma will announce at least two lenses that will come in EF mount ahead of Photokina next month.
While the source that told us this didn’t know what the lenses would be, we have heard about coming Sigma lenses in the past.

The obvious and likely most sought after lens from Sigma, would be a new 70-200mm f/2.8 OS Sport, this lens has been long rumored and we’ve seen patents for the optical formula over the last year or so. I imagine the engineering required to  make sure it has reliable autofocus could be the biggest challenge for Sigma engineers.
We’ve also heard that a new 70-200mm f/4 OS from Sigma was also in the cards and could possibly be announced at the same time as an f/2.8 verison, just as Canon recently did.
We’ve also...

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Nikon numbers here:
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=27344

"While the DSLR market shrinks significantly due to expansion of ML cameras, the D850 is still highly evaluated even after a year from its launch: exceeding the sales forecast in all regions and the product mix has been improved."

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I was looking at which lenses would fit the Canon FD to EOS converter (the 1.26x version) and noticed that it would fit the "FD 200mm f/2.8RF". Anyone know what that lens is? See attached compatibility table.

this hot summer we get lots of F35 flying in Ft worth..... for obvious reason! its built here ....

Here are some of the detail highlights and pic
F35 in TEXAS!

DaveC
www.airwingspotter.com

A tool to inspire. A tool to be bold. A tool to build memories.
Portland, OR (August 7th) – Lensbaby—makers of award-winning creative effects lenses, optics and accessories—announces the launch of their most playful and accessible lens yet, the Sol 45.
Preorder the Lensbaby Sol Lenses at Adorama
“Sol 45 opens up a new creative experience for those who want to dip their toes in the Lensbaby pool,” said Craig Strong Lensbaby Co-Founder and CCO. “Sol inspires visual artists to find new and fun ways to see their world by creating unique images in camera – no filters needed.”

The Sol 45 responds to those curious and insightful individuals who desire intention, imagination, and passion within each experience they live. This fixed aperture lens features an ease-of-use that injects the classic Lensbaby energy into images while creating a fun photography...

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Everyone says 4K "not important." TV only 1080p. No need for 4K. Too much data. Too hard to process. And nobody makes video, everyone just make photos.

For every birthday party for my children, I video the whole "happy birthday" song and cake thing. I do it with my phone and my phone does 4K. You can say that the most important videos I make are all done in 4K and using a camera - not expensive Canon equipment (good argument why have it if it is never used for important things!) If Canon make DSLR do 4K and have good IS lens, then I do 4K video of birthday with Canon camera. But not now. สมัครufabet

In 15-20 years time, as my kids get older and we have parties where "remember when", I'll have videos to share of those moments. "Oh but my photos are 1893MP!" The difference between photos and videos of parties is "Oh, that's a nice photo" and "listen to them laughing!" / "look at what they're doing!". Back to those future parties. At that point in time, TVs are either going to be 4K "standard" ("Gee dad, why didn't you have good video back then?") or maybe even 6K/8K ("Wow, dad, when I was a baby that was the best video available?!") 1080p might be "ok" now but it will age and it will not age well. Just look at the recent promo's for the upcoming re-release of Terminator 2. Cinemas will be 3D but a 4K UHD edition is being done and it looks sweeet.

Nobody buys a 24MP camera so that they can keep 2MP images (ok, maybe 4MP if you've got a UHD screen), everyone buys 24MP cameras to keep 24MP pictures. Even if they only ever get downres'd for monitors, by keeping the original raw/jpeg, you can re-render it for bigger screens in the future. Same with video.

I'd love to see the 70-300 4-5.6L get a facelift. Even an incremental one like the 70-200 f/4L IS got. What are the odds?

We get to photograph these beautiful Aggressors from VMFT-401 Snipers here this year! Glad to have seen them ..... wish we get to see them more! they were in Ft worth Alliance airport!

Here are the detail reports for the 2 days!
“Snipers” in KAFW,TX – Airwingspotter.com

and here is the other day!

VMFT-401 Snipers in KAFW ( 2-4-201 – Airwingspotter.com

some of the teaser pictures!

Dave Chng

Birds have become so scarce this time of year and the heat keeps them hidden in the thick foliage, so what does a bird photographer do? Well, I have suddenly become hooked on dragonflies and damselflies. Portraits can be fun and you can sneak up on them easily. And it's perfect for the opportunistic photographer with lightweight gear, and you don't need very long telephotos. Dragonflies in flight are something different - they can be really difficult to track and focus on. I thought I could never capture them but the 100-400mm II on a 5DIV or 5DSR has proven to be brilliant. So, I am starting a new thread just devoted to dragonflies and damselflies. I'll start with a couple of Banded Demoiselles in flight. They are tiny and fly very erratically. I must admit I didn't even know their name or that they even existed a week ago. But, I am now addicted.

Canon M50's eyeAF is pretty intriguing to me. It's one of many reason why I'm excited for a Canon FF mirrorless.

Can anyone give some insight on what we can expect in FF mirrorless?

I find the AF on this lens quite good.

A sophisticated balance of outstanding optics and matchless mobility
August 6, 2018, Commack, New York— Tamron announces the launch of a new ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, the 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di OSD (Model A037), for 35mm full-frame DSLR cameras. The vision behind the Model A037 is that of an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that has a separate concept from SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A012), with superb image quality and easy portability. At just 3.5 in in length and 16.2 oz. in weight, it is the smallest and lightest in its class. The focal length ranges from an ultra-wide 17mm that is suitable for professional landscape photography to a standard 35mm perfect for snapshot photography. As for F-stops, the wide-angle end is a large aperture F/2.8, and at the telephoto end is a fast F/4. The Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating help to enhance the user’s photographic experience. For those looking to try out an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for the first time, as well as...

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