A patent for a Canon DSLR body cap that lubricates and protects the lens mount has appeared. I’ve never personally experienced a dried out or wind burned camera body lens mount, but maybe you have?</p>
<p>As pointed out in the forum though, this sort of concept could be to help protect the rubber seals on lenses. They can crack over time and need replacement. Or perhaps it’s to keep the contacts on the camera body and lens clean, maybe both.</p>
<p>Patent Publication No. 2015-121747 (Google Translated)</p>
<ul>
<li>Published 2015.7.2</li>
<li>Filing date 2013.12.25</li>
</ul>
<p>Canon patents</p>
<ul>
<li>Mount Cap</li>
<li>The mount and abutting surface, and oil-impregnated possible member, such as a porous plastic</li>
</ul>

<em>Redefining Neutral Density filters.</em></p>
<p><strong>PARIS—July 9, 2015</strong>—Cokin. is very excited to introduce NUANCES, a new range of mineral glass ND filters. NUANCES filters redefine what neutrality means when talking about Neutral Density (ND) filters.</p>
<p>Cokin has developed a new coating process to ensure an uniform coloration. A nano metallic alloy is applied on both side of a highly resistant tempered Schott Glass B270, renown for its high transmittance and low reflection. The result is a stunning neutrality, completely free of infrared pollution. Multiple NUANCES filters can be stacked without color cast.</p>
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<p>NUANCES filters are dedicated to long exposure outdoor photography or depth of field reduction, especially in filmmaking. The strongest density ND1024 filter allows a 10 f-stops reduction. It literally catches the light to create surreal images without color cast. NUANCES filters are available in six different densities : ND2, ND4, ND8, ND32, ND 256 and ND1024.</p>
<p>NUANCES filters have been designed to fit Cokin’s range of CREATIVE filter-holders, from M to XL sizes. The L size is compatible with standard matte boxes using 4”x4” (100x100mm) filters. NUANCES filters can be combined with other filters from the CREATIVE Filter System range for unlimited creativity.</p>
<p>ND32 or above filters in L and XL sizes come with a foam mask to be inserted between the filter and the filter-holder hence preventing light leaks.</p>
<p>Named after its founder Jean Coquin, a famous french photographer of the 70’s, Cokin is the inventor of the innovative Creative Filters System (adaptor ring + filter-holder + filters), the most popular filter system in the world.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cokin-filters.com/nuances/" target="_blank">More information</a></p>

SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK), a global leader in flash storage solutions, today expanded its mobile storage portfolio with a new wireless mobile flash drive, the SanDisk Connect™ Wireless Stick. This new drive enables easy sharing, transferring and accessing of photos and videos between mobile devices and computers. Building on its award-winning SanDisk Connect Wireless family, the SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick features a higher capacity, up to 128GB*, a new app and cool, compact design – all at a great price.</p>
<p>The SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick now gives consumers even more freedom to save and access photos, videos and other files from their favorite Wi-Fi-enabled devices1. As consumers continue to embrace premium mobile features such as high-quality photo capture and Full HD video, SanDisk’s new wireless storage device is designed to meet their quickly growing storage needs, at an affordable price. The availability of up to 128GB of capacity allows users to effectively double their mobile storage for greater flexibility on the go.</p>
<p>“We live in an era where we are truly living a mobile lifestyle. We use our devices to capture life’s moments, and work in a way that was never before possible – all of which has created the need for a new generation of mobile storage,” said Dinesh Bahal, vice president, product marketing, SanDisk. “The SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick is designed to give people a simple, intuitive way to save and access all of the great content they create and consume across multiple devices, without breaking the bank.”</p>
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<p><strong>Share Wirelessly With Multiple Devices

</strong>The SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick works with smartphones, tablets and computers1. Whether in a briefcase or in a pocket, the new drive allows users to wirelessly access media or transfer large files; save and share photos and videos; or stream HD videos and music2 to and from mobile devices – up to three at a time. The SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick is capable of supporting a single stream for up to 4.5 hours on a single charge3. With its USB connector, users can also connect directly to a computer to save and transfer files instantly. The SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick delivers access that empowers users to take control of their content anytime, anywhere.</p>
<p><strong>Seamless App Experience

</strong>The SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick features an intuitive app, the SanDisk Connect app, which enables nearly effortless management of content between people’s favorite devices4 including, iOS and Android™ devices; Fire tablets; and Macs and PCs – all via password-protected Wi-Fi connectivity. Available for download through the App Store, Google Play™ Store and Amazon Appstore for Android, the new app also enables other cool features like auto-back up of photos and videos from the camera roll to the drive.</p>
<p><strong>Pricing and Availability

</strong>The SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick features a one year warranty is now available at Amazon, BestBuy.com and SanDisk.com in capacities of 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB at U.S. MSRPs ranging from $29.99-$99.99.</p>

LensRentals.com has posted their first impressions of Canon’s polarizing fixed lens XC10 camcorder. They’ve also posted some test video they shot during the July 4 long weekend.</p>
<p>From LensRentals.com:</p>
<blockquote><p>One last note regarding the focus abilities.  I don’t feel like the focusing speed matches the shooting style that this camera would work best for.  With its small form factor, fixed lens, decent dynamic range, and ISO performance, it would work really well as a “run ’n gun” style camera.    Some people need to travel light, get in, get the shot, and get out.  Everything about the focusing system in the XC10 seemed slow. Not inaccurate, just slow. <a href="http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/07/first-impressions-of-the-canon-xc10" target="_blank">Read the full review…</a></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Canon XC10 Camcorder $2499: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1134581-REG/canon_0565c013_xc10.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x622194" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a> | <a href="http://www.adorama.com/caxc10.html?kbid=64393" target="_blank">Adorama</a></strong></p>

SLRGear has completed their review of the recently announced Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art series lens, the first f/2 zoom for full frame DSLRs. As we’ve seen from previous ART lens reviews, the optical performance appears to be terrific.</p>
<p>From SLRGear:</p>
<blockquote><p>We think Sigma has done it again! Sigma once again dares to be different and builds a unique lens not offered by the major manufacturers. In what is essentially a range of fast prime lenses built into a single zoom lens, the new Sigma 24-35mm is stunning with super-sharp images, even when shot wide open. <a href="http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=1804" target="_blank">Read the full review</a></p></blockquote>
<p>This lens is not yet available for preorder from the major retailers.</p>

It appears camera gear continues to be a target for thieves. The Pan Am games opened this past weekend in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and there have already been 4 reports of stolen gear.</p>
<p>If you’re out shooting any of the events around Ontario, take extra care with your gear.</p>
<p>From CP24:</p>
<blockquote><p>Police services from across the GTA are investigating a spate of thefts of expensive camera equipment from professional photographers here to document the 2015 Pan Am Games.</p>
<p>Since the Games began on July 10, photographers have had cameras or lenses go missing in four separate instances, according to a memo sent out to media outlets on Monday.</p>
<p>Towards the end of the Games’ opening ceremony on Friday, photographer Gary Hershorn was sitting in an aisle seat in section 117 of the Rogers Centre, a designated photo position, packing up his things.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cp24.com/news/thieves-targeting-camera-gear-at-pan-am-games-venues-1.2467332" target="_blank">Read the complete story</a></p></blockquote>
<p>image credit // <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/54588707" target="_blank">DPReview</a> / <a class="profileLink" href="http://www.dpreview.com/members/8209386103">Joe Ogiba</a></p>

Bryan at The-Digital-Picture has completed his review of the inexpensive and overachieving EF 50mm f/1.8 STM.</p>
<p>From The-Digital-Picture:</p>
<blockquote><p>It is easy to love a lens with perfect optical quality, best-available AF and first-class build quality. Start dropping any of those attributes and size, weight and price concessions are expected with the amount of the price concession being the all-important factor for many. In this case, the price concession is very substantial, easily making the 50 STM Canon’s lowest priced lens. This ultra-low price, combined with an extremely light weight (only Canon’s pancake lenses and the 50mm f/1.8 II are lighter), very small size (only Canon’s pancake lenses are shorter) and impressive stopped down image sharpness, immediately (and unsurprisingly) launched the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens to the pinnacle of Canon’s best seller list. <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-50mm-f-1.8-STM-Lens.aspx" target="_blank">Read the full review</a></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM $125: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1143786-REG/canon_0570c002_ef_50mm_f_1_8_stm.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/kwid/dustin" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a> | <a href="http://www.adorama.com/CA5018STM.html?kbid=64393" target="_blank">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://amzn.to/1G4pXQv" target="_blank">Amazon</a></strong></p>

A patent showing advancements in CMOS based autofocus from Canon has appeared. This patent seems to address an advanced pixel based contrast and phase AF, and even using the two together for focus adjustment. This could also be an advancement to Dual Pixel AF that Canon currently uses in various cameras across their lineup.</p>
<p>Patent Publication No. 2015-121778 (Google Translated)</p>
<ul>
<li>Published 2015.7.2</li>
<li>Filing date 2013.11.21</li>
</ul>
<p>Canon patents</p>
<ul>
<li>Image plane phase difference AF using 16 sub-pixels</li>
<li>Light field contrast AF that uses a</li>
<li>It does focus adjustment (Microadjustment) from the difference between the image plane phase difference AF and contrast AF</li>
</ul>

<strong>LONDON, 13 July 2015</strong> – Canon Europe will be demonstrating its end-to-end professional 4K workflow at IBC2015, the leading global tradeshow for media and broadcast professionals in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Canon, having exhibited at IBC for more than three decades, will showcase its first-class 4K range in its entirety for the first time in Europe – with 4K lenses, sensors and reference displays, all on show to demonstrate the company’s advanced glass-to-glass 4K workflow.</p>
<p>The Canon stand will include dedicated areas for live capture, providing visitors with the opportunity to get hands on with Canon’s 4K and Full HD product range through a series of shooting scenarios, review and editing processes. A variety of live demonstrations including cinema shooting and documentary shooting will also be available to visitors,</p>
<p>Canon’s Cinema EOS range has transformed the professional video industry since its introduction in 2011, with leading sensor technology, lens heritage and innovative product updates. In April 2015, the range expanded with the introduction of the next generation of 4K imaging devices, including the EOS C300 Mark II, a 4K video camera, and the DP-V2410, a lightweight and robust 24” 4K reference display. Both will be on display in Europe for the first time at IBC.</p>
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<p>“As the industry realises the benefits of 4K within a professional workflow, Canon has been developing our product range to meet the needs of our professional imaging customers,” said Kieran Magee, Marketing Director, Canon Europe. “Canon recognises that demand for higher quality production is going to grow. This year at IBC Canon will be displaying the full set of tools needed for this next step forward in versatile 4K content production.”</p>
<p>At the show, broadcast and cinematography professionals will be able to get hands-on with Canon’s full range of 4K and Full HD products including the recently launched XC10 and the EOS C300 Mark II cameras, as well as having the opportunity to experience the full power of its optics portfolio. Industry professionals will also be able to experience the full power of the company’s optics portfolio with the opportunity to touch and try Canon’s extensive range of lenses, from broadcast to cinema and EF lenses.</p>
<p>Canon’s IBC stand can be found at Hall 11, stand E50.</p>
<p>For more information regarding Canon’s professional products and services please visit, <a href="http://cpn.canon-europe.com" target="_blank">http://cpn.canon-europe.com</a></p>

A report over at Northlight mentions testing of the EOS 5D Mark IV.</p>
<blockquote><p>There is still a mix between 18 and 24MP. 24MP is the likely final outcome, with the lower MP sensor testing AF speed and buffer management issues (less than 8FPS is the likely shooting speed).</p></blockquote>
<p>We’ve heard recently that the camera is coming in 2016, with shipping of the C300 Mark II and EOS-1D X Mark II to happen before the EOS 5D Mark IV. There’s a lot of R&D dollars going into the 5D4 project, with the hopes of launching a product that is perceived to be a big jump in features and performance over the more-than-capable EOS 5D Mark III.</p>

There hasn’t been a lot of chatter about the EOS-1D X Mark II, which tells us the camera probably isn’t what’s coming on the <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2015/07/canon-announcements-coming-august-14-2015/">rumored DSLR announcement on August 14, 2015</a>. If it is, I definitely expect to see some teasers from Canon in the coming week or so. For now, we’re betting on some kind of an SL1 replacement if the announcement date rumor is true.</p>
<p>We’re told that the all new autofocus system in the EOS-1D X Mark II will have considerably more AF points than the 61 in the current camera. Most of the points will be crosstype, though the exact AF point number wasn’t known. The viewfinder will also feature some new technology to “handle all the additional points”. It’s also likely we’ll see the return of the solid red AF point when in AI Servo mode.</p>
<p>We’re also told that there are test cameras with OLED displays, but whether or not that makes it to a production camera is unknown. We also don’t know if the OLED test screens are for the top display, or main LCD, or both.</p>
<p>Ergonomics aren’t going to change all that much, but there will be “further button customization options”.</p>