<a href="http://nikonrumors.com/2015/12/27/still-no-reliable-inforumors-on-a-new-nikon-dx-flagship-dslr-camera-d400d500.aspx/#more-100602" target="_blank">Nikon Rumors</a> via <a href="http://www.naturalart.ca/voice/blog.html" target="_blank">Brad Hill</a> has posted that there are whispers that Nikon is finally readying a flagship DX camera in the form of a D400 (or D500). Nikon Rumors had heard in the past that there could be a “double launch” alongside the Nikon D5, which has <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/more-nikon-d5-specifications/" target="_blank">recently leaked</a> and is expected to be announced in mid January.</p>
<p>From Brad Hill:</p>
<blockquote><p>Anyway…in the last 10 days I’ve received 3 separate and independent communications (via email) telling me that a semi-pro (or even higher) quality DX body from Nikon is going to be announced in January. Two of these three sources have been spot-on in the past.</p>
<p>The interesting thing is that I’m getting scant specs, but those I am getting are consistent from all 3 sources – DX format, 10 fps, a “very good” buffer and selling for around $2300 USD. This consistency could say something about rumour credibility (or it could mean all 3 of my sources got THEIR information from the same source). Note that at least one of the sources derives their income from Nikon.</p></blockquote>
<p>Nikon Rumors themselves have yet to receive anything reliable on the subject, but that could change shortly.</p>
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A patent has been filed for a new cinema lens, a CN-E 70-200mm t/2.8. Any announcement for new Cinema EOS products will likely come in March ahead of the NAB show in Las Vegas in April. We expect Canon to be showing their new 8K replacement for the Cinema EOS C500 along with a few lenses at the show.</p>
<p>Patent Publication No. 2015-230449 (Google Translated)</p>
<ul>
<li>Published 2015.12.21</li>
<li>Filing date 2014.6.6</li>
<li>Zoom ratio 2.86</li>
<li>Focal length 70.00 118.30 200.00</li>
<li>F-number 2.80 2.80 2.80</li>
<li>Half angle (in degrees) 12.52 7.49 4.45</li>
<li>Image height 15.55 15.55 15.55</li>
<li>Overall length of the lens 277.01 277.01 277.01</li>
<li>BF 44.72 44.72 44.72</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.pentax.com/en/pentaxff/" target="_blank">Pentax</a> has updated their teaser campaign for their upcoming foray into the full frame DSLR world.</p>
<p>In the new teaser, Pentax lets us know about its crop mode feature:</p>
<p><strong>Crop mode with a choice of three settings

</strong>The new PENTAX 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera features a Crop mode, which allows you to select the image size to be recorded, with a choice of three settings: AUTO, FF and APS-C. The AUTO setting automatically selects the appropriate image size for the lens mounted on the camera. It selects either a 35mm full-frame image size for D FA- and FA-series lenses, or an APS-C image size for DA- and DA L-series lenses. The FF setting captures all images in a 35mm full-frame image size, regardless of the lens mounted on the camera.* The APS-C setting captures all images in an APS-C image size, regardless of the lens**, while displaying a cropping frame in the camera’s viewfinder.</p>
<p><em>* In the FF setting, an image outside the APS-C-format picture frame may not be reproduced in sufficient quality with certain lenses and/or in certain situations.</em>

<em>** When an image is cropped to an APS-C image size, the number of recorded pixels is lower, as the pixels in the cropped areas are eliminated.</em></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/">Northlight Images</a> has spotted a couple of interesting image sensor patents from Canon, along with the USPTO patents for various Canon lenses.</p>
<p><strong>Image Sensor Patents</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>On chip A/D conversion [<a href="http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?Docid=09219872&homeurl=http%3A%2F%2Fpatft.uspto.gov%2Fnetacgi%2Fnph-Parser%3FSect1%3DPTO2%2526Sect2%3DHITOFF%2526p%3D1%2526u%3D%25252Fnetahtml%25252FPTO%25252Fsearch-bool.html%2526r%3D4%2526f%3DG%2526l%3D50%2526co1%3DAND%2526d%3DPTXT%2526s1%3Dcanon.AANM.%2526OS%3DAANM%2Fcanon%2526RS%3DAANM%2Fcanon&PageNum=&Rtype=&SectionNum=&idkey=NONE&Input=View+first+page" target="_blank">USPTO</a>]</li>
<li>Improving pixel based AF in bright light [<a href="http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?docid=09219853&PageNum=1&IDKey=812E78443812&HomeUrl=http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2%2526Sect2=HITOFF%2526p=1%2526u=%25252Fnetahtml%25252FPTO%25252Fsearch-bool.html%2526r=8%2526f=G%2526l=50%2526co1=AND%2526d=PTXT%2526s1=canon.AANM.%2526OS=AANM/canon%2526RS=AANM/canon" target="_blank">USPTO</a>]</li>
</ul>
<p>As we’ve said a lot over the last while, we do expect some big jumps in Canon sensor technology.</p>
<p><strong>Canon Lens Patents</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III [<a href="http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?docid=09217851&SectionNum=1&IDKey=014B9F8A0796&HomeUrl=http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2%2526Sect2=HITOFF%2526p=1%2526u=%25252Fnetahtml%25252FPTO%25252Fsearch-bool.html%2526r=39%2526f=G%2526l=50%2526co1=AND%2526d=PTXT%2526s1=canon.AANM.%2526OS=AANM/canon%2526RS=AANM/canon" target="_blank">USPTO</a>]</li>
<li>Canon EF-S 15-105 f/2.8-5.6 [<a href="http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?docid=09217849&SectionNum=1&IDKey=80815EB856F5&HomeUrl=http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2%2526Sect2=HITOFF%2526p=1%2526u=%25252Fnetahtml%25252FPTO%25252Fsearch-bool.html%2526r=40%2526f=G%2526l=50%2526co1=AND%2526d=PTXT%2526s1=canon.AANM.%2526OS=AANM/canon%2526RS=AANM/canon" target="_blank">USPTO</a>]</li>
</ul>
<p>The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III continues to make an appearance and we were recently told that the new lens is <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/canon-ef-16-35mm-f2-8l-ii-replacement-in-the-wild-cr2/">in the hands of select photographers</a>.</p>
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<p>I think we’re all waiting eagerly for 2016, as we expect a lot of new consumer, prosumer and professional products from Canon.</p>
<p>Below is what we expect to see from Canon with some predicted specifications.</p>
<p><strong>Canon EOS-1D X Mark II</strong>

This is a no-brainer and we expect this to be the first big product announcement from Canon in 2016.</p>
<p><strong>Predicted specifications:</strong> 20-24mp, ISO 409,000, 15fps, 4K Video, DIGIC 7, More than 61AF Points, Dual CFast, GPS</p>
<p><strong>Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

</strong>We expect to see a brand new version of Canon’s most popular full frame camera soon after the EOS-1D X Mark II, most likely in early Q2 of 2016. The big question with this camera, will it shoot 4K?</p>
<p><strong>Predicted Specifications: </strong>28-32mp, ISO 409,000, 8fps, DIGIC 7, More than 61 AF Points, CF & SD, GPS, Wifi, NFC</p>
<p><strong>Canon EOS 6D Mark II

</strong>Canon’s entry level full frame DSLR is likely to get an update, but we don’t think it’ll come until the end of 2016, perhaps even after Photokina in September. It should be an incremental update to help keep the price down.</p>
<p><strong>Predicted Specifications:</strong> 25mp, 6fps, DIGIC 7, 19 AF Points, SD Card, Wifi, GPS, NFC, Swivel LCD</p>
<p><strong>Canon EOS 80D

</strong>Canon will be updating the EOS 70D some time in the first half of 2016 we think and it should be a decent upgrade for the popular APS-C camera. We don’t expect anything revolutionary, as the EOS 7D Mark II isn’t due for an update anytime soon.</p>
<p><strong>Predicted Specifications: </strong>24mp, 6fps, DIGIC 7, 19 AF Points, SD, Wifi, GPS, NFC, Swivel LCD</p>
<p><strong>Canon EOS M4

</strong>We honestly have no idea what Canon may have up their sleeves for the EOS M4. We do expect a departure from the EOS M3 and someone of a “relaunch” of the system in the first half of 2016. We’re not sure if we’re going to see a full frame mirrorless camera any time during the year.</p>
<p><strong>Predicted Specifications:</strong> 24mp, 10fps, DIGIC 7, A Bazillion AF Points, SD, Wifi, GPS, NFC, Swivel LCD</p>
<p><strong>EF & EF-M Lenses

</strong>We expect to see a lot more new lenses added to the Canon lineup, as 2015 was a pretty good year. Below are the lenses we expect to see in order of most likely to least likely. Again, these are just predictions for the moment.</p>
<ul>
<li>Canon EF 16-35 f/2.8L III</li>
<li>Canon EF 200-600 f/4.5-5.6L IS</li>
<li>An ultrawide Non-L EF zoom</li>
<li>Canon EF 50 f/1.4 USM</li>
<li>Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO IS</li>
<li>Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L III</li>
<li>Canon EF 200 f/2L IS II</li>
<li>Canon EF 800 f/5.6L IS II</li>
</ul>
<p>We also expect to see new EF-M and non L zooms during the year. As always, lenses are the hardest part of the Canon lineup to predict and get information on.</p>
<p>Sound off on the forum.</p>
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<p>Tokina is set to announce a 14-20mm f/2 PRO lens for APS-C cameras.</p>
<p><strong>Lens Specifications:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Lens design: 13 elements in 11 groups</li>
<li>High-precision, low-dispersion aspherical element</li>
<li>One-touch focus clutch</li>
<li>Filter diameter: 82mm</li>
<li>A minimum focusing distance: 0.28m</li>
<li>Maximum magnification: 1:8.36</li>
<li>Inner focus</li>
<li>Nine aperture blades</li>
<li>Total length: 106.0mm</li>
<li>Maximum diameter: 89mm</li>
<li>Weight: 735 g</li>
<li>Release date for the Nikon version: March 2016</li>
<li>Suggested retail price in Japan: ¥129,600 including tax ($1000USD, but we expect it to be lower)</li>
</ul>
<p>Technical specification after the break.</p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p>Technical specifications:</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Focal length</th>
<td>14-20mm</td>
<th>Brightness</th>
<td>F2.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>format</th>
<td>APS-C</td>
<th>Minimum aperture</th>
<td>F22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Lens constitution</th>
<td>11 group 13 sheets</td>
<th>coating</th>
<td>Multilayer coating</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Angle of view</th>
<td>91.68 ° ~ 71.78 °</td>
<th>Filter Size</th>
<td>82mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Minimum focusing distance</th>
<td>0.28m</td>
<th>Macro maximum magnification</th>
<td>1: 8.36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Focus method</th>
<td>Internal focus</td>
<th>Aperture number of blades</th>
<td>Nine</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Greatest dimension</th>
<td>89.0mm</td>
<th>full length</th>
<td>106.0mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>weight</th>
<td>735g</td>
<th>Hood (included)</th>
<td>BH-823</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<p>We’re told that a new 50mm lens will appear in 2016, but we were not told whether it was the EF 50mm f/1.4 or EF 50mm f/1.2L that would be getting the replacement. 2015 saw the release of the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (<a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/best-worst-releases-from-canon-in-2015/" target="_blank">our favourite Canon product release of the year</a>! Which was a good laugh for some), though most of us were expecting the EF 50mm f/1.4 to get replaced first.</p>
<p>We’re told that an image stabilized 50mm lens is in testing, though no mention of aperture. We’d have a hard time believing Canon would release a stabilized lens faster than f/1.8 for the EF mount, even if it would be unique a product, and probably welcomed by many people. With IS comes added size and added cost, would you be ok with that?</p>
<p>We’d guess the mentioned IS version of a 50mm lens would be for the EF-M mount.</p>
<p>We’d like to see both the f/1.4 and f/1.2L 50mm lenses get a replacement sooner than later. Modern AF and build and perhaps a floating element in the L.</p>
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<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_5vUXrWFzCM" width="728" height="409" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>A great interview with Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki was been posted by Mobile 01. The interview is in english. I’ve heard he’s a unique person in the world of photography when compared to his peers, and has lofty goals for Sigma and for the industry.</p>

<p>A <a href="http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2015-12-23" target="_blank">patent for a 16-40mm f/4</a> has appeared. This could be a sign that the EF 17-40mm f/4L may be on its way out. We have been told that there was a possibility that the EF 16-35 f/2.8L II replacement could be wider, maybe the information was the EF 17-40 f/4L replacement instead.</p>
<p>Patent Publication No. 2015-206976 (Google Translated)</p>
<ul>
<li>Published 2015.11.19</li>
<li>Filing date 2014.4.23</li>
<li>Zoom ratio 2.36</li>
<li>Focal length 16.48 24.40 38.90</li>
<li>F-number 4.12 4.12 4.12</li>
<li>Half angle (in degrees) 52.70 41.56 29.08</li>
<li>Image height 21.64</li>
<li>Overall length of the lens 177.74 162.40 159.73</li>
<li>BF 38.00 45.51 63.40</li>
</ul>
<p>One thing that stick out to us about this patent is the size of the lens and the fact that it’s not an internal zoom design like the current EF 17-40mm f/4L, the ‘new’ lens is also looks to be larger. Canon has increased the size of a lens recently with the EF 35mm f/1.4L II. The original was 3.4″ inches long and the new one comes in at just over 4.1″ (Canon spec), though it <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-35mm-f-1.4-L-II-USM-Lens.aspx" target="_blank">measures at 4.43″ according to TDP</a>.</p>
<p>There has been a flurry of patent activity on optical formulas lately. We could be in for another good year of new lenses releases.</p>
<p><em>Note: We removed the “L” from our original post, we put it there out of habit. The patent makes no mention of a red ring.</em></p>
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<b>MELVILLE, N.Y.</b> — Reflecting on a year of continued product innovation, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, recognizes the many awards from prominent industry organizations and publications it received throughout 2015 – a hallmark year as the company hosted its once-every-five-year Canon EXPO, which can still be <a href="https://expo.usa.canon.com/?page_id=373" target="_blank">explored online until December 31.</a></p>
<p>In addition to its well-known camera, printer and business solutions, Canon Inc. was ranked three in the U.S. in patents received, with 4,055 patents granted in 2014 and 40 out of 100 on Interbrand’s “Best Global Brands” in 2015, demonstrating the Company’s sustained strong global brand performance. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Canon with a SmartWay® Excellence Award for the brand’s service as an industry leader in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency.</p>
<p>“We are proud of the innovative products we continued to deliver to our loyal customers,” said Kotaro Fukushima, senior director and general manager, Corporate Communications Division, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “We are honored that the industry and media recognized our hard work and dedication to producing quality, best-in-class products and look forward to continuing the momentum in 2016.”</p>
<p><strong>Consumer Recognitions</strong>

Canon earned several distinguished awards for its consumer products in 2015, such as the <strong>Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 </strong>receiving “Printer of the Year” from <em>ImagingResource.com</em>, the <strong>MAXIFY iB4020</strong> and <strong>MAXIFY MB5320</strong>were named “Editor’s Choice” from <em>ComputerShopper.com</em> and <em>DigitalTrends.com</em>, respectively.</p>
<p>Products from the camera and lens portfolio that received two or more industry awards include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Canon C300 Mark II:</strong> “Best New Camera NAB 2015” – NewsShooter.com; “Award of Excellence” & “Best in Show NAB 2015” – ProductionHUB.com</li>
<li><strong>Canon EOS 5DS R:</strong> “Honoree, Digital Imaging” – CES Innovation Awards; “Editors’ Choice” – DigitalTrends.com; “Hot One Award – Best Full Frame” – <em>Professional Photographer Magazine</em>; “Best Pro Camera”− Resource Magazine; “Cameras of the Year- Best Professional Cameras” – <em>Imaging Resource</em></li>
<li><strong>Canon EOS 5D S:</strong> “Pop Award 2015” ─ Popular Photography; “Best Pro Camera” and “Editors’ Choice” ─ Reviewed.com; “Cameras of the Year- Best Professional Cameras” – <em>Imaging Resource</em></li>
<li><strong>Canon EOS Rebel T6s:</strong> “Editors’ Choice” – <em>DigitalTrends.com</em>; “Silver Award” – DPReview.com; “Camera of Distinction, Intermediate DSLR” and “Dave’s Pick” – <em>ImagingResource.com</em>; “Editors’ Choice” – <em>PC Magazine</em></li>
<li><strong>Canon XC10:</strong> “Post Pick Award – Coolest New Product NAB 2015” – <em>Post Magazine</em>; “Best in Show NAB 2015” – TVTechnology.com; “Honoree – Digital Imaging” – CES Innovation Awards; “Editors Pick” ─ <em>Resource Magazine.</em></li>
<li><strong>Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM:</strong> “Editors’ Choice” – <em>PC Magazine</em>; “Hot One Award – “Hot One Award-Best Telephoto Zoom Lens” – <em>Professional Photographer Magazine</em></li>
<li><strong>Canon EF 11-24mm f4L USM:</strong> “Hot One Award-Best Wide-Angle Lens” – <em>Professional Photographer Magazine</em>; “Best Lens – Full-Frame” – <em>DPReview.com</em>; “Pop Award 2015” – Popular Photography; “Lenses of the Year, Best Zoom Lens” – <em>Imaging Resource</em></li>
<li><strong>Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM:</strong> “Editors’ Choice” – <em>PC Magazine</em>; “Hot One Award-Best Portrait Lens” –<em>Professional Photographer Magazine</em></li>
<li><strong>Canon PowerShot G3 X:</strong> “Editors’ Choice” – <em>DigitalTrends.com</em>; “Editors’ Choice” – Reviewed.com</li>
<li><strong>Canon EOS 7D Mark II: “</strong>Hot one Award- Best APS-C” from <em>Professional Photographer Magazine</em>, “Lucie Technical Award for Best Crop Sensor Camera” <em>The Lucie Awards</em>.</li>
</ul>
<p>Also included in this year’s award line-up was recognition for other products from Canon’s camera and lens portfolio, including: the <strong>Canon EF400mm f/4 DO IS II USM</strong> received the “Hot One Award – Best Action Lens” from <em>Professional Photographer Magazine</em>; the <strong>Canon EOS Rebel T6i </strong>received “Dave’s Pick” from <em>ImagingResource.com</em>; the <strong>Canon PowerShot SX60 HS</strong> received the “Editors’ Choice” from <em>PC Magazine</em> and the<strong> Canon Speedlite 430 EX II</strong> received a “Pop Award 2015” from <em>Popular Photography.</em></p>

On the heals of the <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/teardown-canon-ef-35mm-f1-4l-ii-by-lensrentals-com/">Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II teardown</a> by LensRentals.com, they now bring us a teardown of its main competitor, the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art.</p>
<p>While the Sigma isn’t as well built as the EF 35mm f/1.4L II, it also costs half as much and by the looks of things, should hold up rather well.</p>
<blockquote><p>Many people are going to compare this lens to the Canon 35mm f/1.4 teardown we did and say that’s why they chose the Canon. That’s legitimate reasoning. The Canon is weather resistant, twice the price, and twice the weight, roughly. If I was going to subject my lens to harsh conditions and use, the Canon looks like the way to go if you can afford it. But if I want to carry several primes in a convenient size and at a convenient expense, the Sigma is a superb choice and I expect it will hold up very well. As always, horses for courses. <a href="http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/12/sigma-35mm-f1-4-dg-hsm-art-lens-teardown" target="_blank">Read the full article…</a></p></blockquote>
<p>One noticeable issue with the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art is there is nowhere to optically adjust the lens, so that may be a reason there can be such a copy performance variation. The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II has 2 spots, and copy variation is the best of the 35mm options for your DSLR.</p>