We’re told that Canon is working on a new flash system based around a new metering technology, which could possibly be E-TTL III.</p>
<p>The source said Canon is well aware they lag behind Nikon in flash metering technology and are “actively working on improving their own system, rather than making new E-TTL II flashes”.</p>
<p>This new technology could appear in 2016 in a new flagship Speedlite.</p>
<p>More to come…</p>

<p>When Zeiss announced the new Batis lenses recently, they posted an image on their flickr page that had an original resolution of 8910*6300. The speculation began almost immediately that the image was taken with the upcoming Sony A7R II.</p>
<p>From SLR Lounge</p>
<blockquote><p>The A7R II is expected to be announced within the next 2-3 weeks, so we should know soon enough if this is correct. The interesting scenario here, in my opinion, is if the picture WAS NOT shot with the A7R II. Because if the new Sony A7R II wasn’t used, then what was? The long rumored A9?</p></blockquote>
<p>Source: [<a href="http://www.slrlounge.com/zeiss-leak-first-images-sonys-rumored-a7r-ii/" target="_blank">SLR Lounge</a>]</p>

<p>Imaging Resource has done some tests to measure the image quality that comes from “sensor fleck” affected Canon EOS Rebel T6s & Rebel T6i cameras that was first reported by LensRentals.com. A brief follow-up from LensRentals.com states that Canon is taking the issue very seriously and we should hear some kind of an official statement from Canon soon.</p>
<p>As far as image quality issues with affected units, Imaging Resource had this to say:</p>
<blockquote><p>The good news is that (a) the actual impact on photos is pretty small, and even then is limited to shots captured with very small apertures; and (b) it’s quite easy to tell whether any given camera has flecks or not. I’d personally be comfortable buying either of these models myself, and either exchanging it with the retailer if it proved to have flecks, or waiting for what I expect will be an eventual repair program from Canon to deal with the issue. (Note that we have absolutely no direct information from Canon on this; this is just personal opinion at this point.)</p></blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2015/05/01/canon-t6-sensor-flecks-how-big-an-issue-an-in-depth-look" target="_blank">Read the full analysis at Imaging Resource</a></p>

<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/czmPpvANYtM" width="100%" height="390" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>B&H Photo recently came into possession of the Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM, this is the third time the used department at B&H has had this lens for sale. It’s rumored that less than 20 of these lenses were ever built, although Canon won’t confirm the production number.</p>
<p>If you’re in New York City, be sure to head to B&H Photo and check it out.</p>
<p>The lens is still available with free shipping in the CUSA! If you buy it today, <a href="http://www.lenscoat.com/lenscoatsuptmsup-canon-1200mm-p-914.html" target="_blank">I’ll buy you the LensCoat for it</a>.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801201815-USE/canon_2527a001_super_telephoto_1200mm_f_5_6l.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6L $180,000 at B&H Photo</a></strong></p>
<p>Source: [<a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=15012" target="_blank">The-Digital-Picture</a>]</p>

<p>Beyond the increased ISO capabilities of the EOS-1D X Mark II, we’re told that dynamic range is going to see a massive improvement, and possibly have the most stops of any DSLR currently on the market. It’s always possible that Sony will do something in the meantime with their new sensors to increase their lead in stops of DR.</p>
<p>It’s also sounding like a new DIGIC 7 processor will make its way into the EOS-1D X Mark II, instead of going with the DIGIC 6 processor that was introduced in 2013. The current EOS-1D X uses dual DIGIC 5+ processors.</p>
<p>More to come…</p>

<p><em>Fresh Features Focus on Unsurpassed Imaging Performance, Rich Details, Peak Low-Light Capabilities, HD Video Capability and Live View Options</em></p>
<p><strong>April 30, 2015 –</strong> Leica Camera introduces the new Leica M Monochrom (Type 246) today, the next step in its hugely successful digital black-and-white photography concept for the Leica M rangefinder camera system. The new Leica M Monochrom, the first and only digital camera to enable a real black and white image – still or moving – without image processing or filtering, will be available May 2015.</p>
<p>“With never-before-seen imaging performance, outstanding low-light capabilities, and richness of detail, the new Leica M Monochrom surpasses the high standards set by its predecessor,” said Roland Wolff, VP of Marketing and Corporate Retail for Leica. “At the same time, it keeps its primary aim sharply in focus: black-and-white images with top quality across the board.”</p>
<p><strong>Preorder the Leica M Type 246: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1144610-REG/leica_10930_m_monochrom_typ_246.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a> | <a href="http://www.adorama.com/LCM246.html?KBID=64393" target="_blank">Adorama</a></strong></p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p>Thanks to its high-capacity 2GB-buffer memory and Leica Maestro processor, the new Leica M Monochrom captures sequences three times faster than its predecessor. The new processor also enables extremely fast display of the captured images in review mode, making the new Monochrom even more versatile.</p>
<p>The Leica M Monochrom follows the successful route taken by the Leica M and captures decisive moments with 24-megapixel resolution. The monochrome CMOS sensor produces exceptionally sharp pictures at all sensitivity settings up to ISO 25000. As the M Monochrom has no  color filter array over the sensor, it requires no interpolation for the calculation of luminance values. The result is 100% sharper images with brilliance and detail contrast that far exceeds what color photography can do.</p>
<p>The new Leica M Monochrom can also capture high-quality full-HD video in black and white. The optional Leica microphone adapter set, comprising an adapter and a stereo microphone, ensures perfect sound. The high-resolution 3″ monitor with 921,600 pixels ensures that photographers have complete control of composition, exposure, focusing and depth of field.</p>
<p>Moreover, the camera now offers full visual control with its Live View function, which provides two focusing methods: the up to 10x magnification of Live View Zoom mode, enabling full control of the sharpness of details in the image on the monitor or the closest focusing distance; and Live View Focus Peaking mode, where sharply focused edges in the image are highlighted by colored lines.</p>
<p>Another advantage of the new CMOS sensor is that, in addition to the M-Lens portfolio, almost all lenses of the Leica R series can now be used with an optional adapter on the Leica M Monochrom to expand the creative capabilities of the Leica rangefinder system, as is also the case with the Leica M. Additionally, all equipment and accessories from the Leica M series are compatible with the new Leica M Monochrom.</p>
<p><strong>Other new features include:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Nearly unbreakable sapphire crystal cover glass for the LCD monitor, treated with an anti-reflection protective coating to ensure precise assessment of images in any lighting situation.</li>
<li>A body manufactured from high-strength magnesium alloy, with a top- and baseplate made from solid brass blanks and finished in black chrome.</li>
<li>New yellow, orange and green filters, available in July.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Preorder the Leica M Type 246: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1144610-REG/leica_10930_m_monochrom_typ_246.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a> | <a href="http://www.adorama.com/LCM246.html?KBID=64393" target="_blank">Adorama</a></strong></p>

The big reviews for the Canon EOS M3 have started to arrive.</p>
<p>First up from Gordon at CameraLabs</p>
<blockquote><p>If you do have an existing EF lens catalogue and fancy a smaller body to try them with, then the EOS M3 is a good choice, and I commend Canon for making so many improvements over the original body. The EOS M3 is a confident step-forward, and with a greater selection of EF-M lenses (or even a promising roadmap) it could certainly become a contender as a standalone camera. But if you’re looking to build a new system that gives you all the benefits of mirrorless, then you should invest in Olympus, Panasonic, Fujifilm or Sony, all of whom have dumped their legacy DSLR baggage and are concentrating on delivering a more compelling native experience.</p></blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_M3/" target="_blank">Read the full review at CameraLabs</a></p>
<p>Paul from WhatDigitalCamera</p>
<blockquote><p>There are areas in which the new camera is still lacking, however. Notably, the relatively slow burst mode and small buffer make the M3 feel a bit dated, while the kit lens also feels in need of an update already.</p>
<p>So, although the M3 is a huge improvement on its predecessor it’s up against some serious competition and it’s difficult to claim that it outperforms its closest challengers.</p></blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/reviews/compact-system-cameras/canon-eos-m3-review#amy7YYw0xZp81PHf.99" target="_blank">Read the full review at WhatDigitalCamera</a></p>
<p>Both reviews, and the others I have seen think the EOS M3 is a step in the right direction, but hasn’t done anything to even suggest Canon wants to be a market leader in this segment.</p>
<p>As you know, the EOS M3 isn’t available in North America, but you shouldn’t have a problem getting your hands on one via ebay or other global retailers such as DigitalRev.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/3958327/type/dlg/http://www.digitalrev.com/product/canon-eos-m3-with-ef/MTEwNDA2MA_A_A" target="_blank">Canon EOS M3 w/18-55 IS STM $699 at DigitalRev</a></p>

We’ve been told that Canon’s next L lens would be a prime. Most of the people I’ve talked to think that the EF 35mm f/1.4L will be the lens getting the update. There have been a lot of patents in the past for the optical formula, and recently a new one has appeared.</p>
<p>Patent Publication No. 2015-72370 (Google Translated)</p>
<ul>
<li>Published 2015.4.16</li>
<li>Filing date 2013.10.3</li>
</ul>
<p>Example 1</p>
<ul>
<li>Focal length f = 35.47mm</li>
<li>Fno. 1.45</li>
<li>Half angle of view ω = 31.38 °</li>
<li>Image height Y = 21.64mm</li>
<li>Lens length 141.37mm</li>
<li>BF 39.37mm</li>
<li>Positive, positive ShiboTadashi</li>
</ul>
<p>We expect to see a new L lens some time in late summer or early fall and all the signs continue to point to a new 35L.</p>
<p>Source: [<a href="http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2015-05-01" target="_blank">Egami</a>]</p>

<p>LensRentals.com has discovered issues with the sensors on the brand new Canon EOS Rebel T6s & EOS Rebel T6i. Out of 20 cameras they received the exhibited the following issue.</p>
<blockquote><p>Every once in a while we notice something, because of the large quantities of cameras and lenses we buy, that we think people should be aware of. This particular issue won’t affect our renters; we’ve sent the affected cameras back. It may not affect very many people at all, since this is from a relatively small sample size. But I still think it worth mentioning.</p>
<p>The bottom line is that 4 of the <a href="http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon/cameras/canon-eos-t6s">Canon T6s</a> and 2 of the <a href="http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon/cameras/canon-eos-t6i">T6i</a> cameras we received had to be sent back because of a defect in the sensor stack (the layers of filter glass over the sensor). This is out about 10 copies of each; the others were absolutely perfect.</p></blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/04/canon-t6-sensor-issue" target="_blank">Read the full article at LensRentals.com</a></p>