Is Sigma looking to get into cinema lenses? A <a href="http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2016-01-20" target="_blank">patent showing an optical formula for a 30-300mm f/2.8-3.5</a> has appeared. The lens is for Super 35 sized sensors, the kind that are found in Canon Cinema EOS cameras. NAB is coming up in April and that would likely be the show that Sigma would announce such a lens for.</p>
<p>Patent Publication No. 2016-9122 (Google Translated)</p>
<ul>
<li>Published 2016.1.18</li>
<li>Filing date 2014.6.25</li>
<li>Zoom ratio 10.00</li>
<li>Wide-angle intermediate telephoto</li>
<li>Focal length 30.00 90.13 300.13</li>
<li>F-number 2.83 2.83 3.53</li>
<li>Total angle of view 2ω 56.98 18.72 5.71</li>
<li>The image height Y 15.55</li>
<li>Overall length of the lens 409.00</li>
</ul>
<p>Sigma has been aggressive to get into the prosumer space over the last few years, and adding cinema lenses to their portfolio is probably the next logical step.</p>
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<strong>Wetzlar, 20 January 2016.</strong> Leica Camera AG expands its range of cameras with the first ruggedised model conceived especially for outdoor use – the Leica X-U. With a fast Leica Summilux 23 mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens (equivalent to 35 millimetres in 35-mm format) with an underwater protection filter and large APS-C format CMOS sensor, the latest, fully-waterproofed member of the Leica X family guarantees pictures with exceptional brightness and clarity under even the harshest conditions. It even enables breathtaking underwater moments to be captured in perfect detail at depths of up to 15 metres. Extreme ruggedness and easy handling make the shock-resistant, winterised, dust-sealed, and shatter proof Leica X-U the ideal companion for every outdoor tour or expedition – for action and underwater adventures, for travel, architecture and landscape photography or videos in full HD quality.</p>

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<p>Optimum picture quality with the Leica X-U is guaranteed by the familiar, cutting-edge technology of the cameras of the Leica X family. In combination with the professional APS-C format CMOS sensor with over 16.5 megapixels (effective 16.2 MP), its Leica Summilux 23 mm f/1.7 ASPH. premium lens ensures natural colour reproduction and maximum detail resolution, even at its closest focusing distance of 20 centimetres. Its fast maximum aperture of f/1.7 also offers the freedom to explore the particularly fascinating creative possibilities of selective focusing. Thanks to its reliable resistance to stray light and flare, the Leica X-U is also the first choice for all indoor and outdoor lighting conditions – at any time of day or night and in any situation.</p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p>The stylish and minimized design of the Leica X-U – made in Germany – is the work of Audi Design. The camera is not only an absolute eye-catcher, it also ensures concentration only on things that really count: easy and intuitive handling and ultimate precision. With a top plate made from premium aluminium and high-grip TPE armouring, the body guarantees not only an exceptional haptic experience and impressive durability, but also water resistance to a depth of up to 15 metres. With control dials in anodised aluminium and an integrated flash above the lens, the Leica X-U is a perfect example of exceptional quality and attention to details. Its non-slip body, an especially hardened protective cover for the monitor screen, and a failsafe double locking system for the battery compartment and memory card slot ensure that photographers can concentrate fully on their subject with no worries at all.</p>
<p>The minimized and intuitive handling concept of the Leica X-U provides the most important tools for the essence of creative freedom – intensely focused and without superfluous extras. Thanks to its easy-to-use, Leica-typical dial controls, aperture and shutter speed can be set individually in seconds for every picture. The practical underwater snapshot button makes it ready for capturing the wonders of the underwater world at the press of a button – without having to search through a menu. Thanks to a wide range of practical automatic functions and a high-resolution, 3-inch monitor screen, it takes only seconds to find precisely the settings needed to avoid missing the decisive moment.</p>
<p>As a single photo is sometimes not enough to capture the dynamic character of a scene in the most moving moments of life, the full HD video function of the Leica X-U makes it easy to capture moving pictures in cinema quality and preserve the moving moments of journeys and adventures for eternity. The camera records video in a choice of 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 pixel resolution at 30 full frames per second in MP4 video format. No matter whether recordings are intended for professional movie productions or as home movies to share with friends, the Leica X-U always delivers high-quality results that perfectly capture the mood.</p>
<p><strong>The Leica X-U (Typ 113) is on sale now: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1219331-REG/leica_18435_x_u_typ_113_digital.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a> | <a href="http://www.adorama.com/ILCXU.html?KBID=64393" target="_blank">Adorama</a></strong></p>
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<em>Company Reaches New Annual Record With More Than 4,100 Patents Granted</em></p>
<p><b>MELVILLE, N.Y.</b> — Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that its parent company, Canon Inc., has yet again, ranked third for U.S. patent holders in 2015. According to patent results issued by <a href="http://www.ificlaims.com/index.php?page=misc_top_50_2014" target="_blank">IFI CLAIMS Patent Services</a>, Canon was granted a total of 4,134 patents in 2015, a new record annual high for the Company. This is the 30<sup>th</sup> consecutive year that Canon Inc., has been ranked among the top five U.S. patent holders and for the 11<sup>th</sup> consecutive year, ranked first among Japanese companies for the number of U.S. patents granted.</p>
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<p>“Research and development play a vital role to the innovation and growth of our company. As a top leader in patents year after year, we continue to provide advanced technologies and solutions to our customers and are able to strengthen our position in new markets,” said Seymour Liebman, executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel, Canon U.S.A., Inc.</p>
<p>Canon puts great emphasis on providing technology that is ever-changing. Through close cooperation between Canon’s technology and intellectual property divisions, the Company aims to improve its technological capabilities while further enhancing its intellectual property rights.</p>
<p>For more information on Canon and its products, please visit <a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/" target="_self"><strong>www.usa.canon.com</strong></a>.</p>
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<p>Below is what we think are some of the confirmed specifications for the upcoming Canon EOS-1D X Mark II.</p>
<p>Specifications:</p>
<ul>
<li><em>Resolution:</em> 22mp (we think something was lost in translation, we reported 22mp, effective is 20.2mp)</li>
<li><em>Media:</em> 1 CFast / 1 CompactFlash</li>
<li><em>LCD:</em> Some touchscreen functionality</li>
<li><em>Video:</em> 4K at 60fps (other video specifications unknown)</li>
<li><em>Feature:</em> GPS</li>
<li><em>Price:</em> $5999 USD (could fluctuate slightly)</li>
<li><em>Announcement:</em> First week of February 2016</li>
<li><em>Shipping:</em> April 2016</li>
</ul>
<p>Unconfirmed Specifications:</p>
<ul>
<li><em>Feature:</em> 4K RAW video mode for frame capture for stills.</li>
</ul>
<p>We have no solid confirmation of stills frame rate, processor type, battery type or LCD screen size. We do know that the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II will not feature built-in wifi.</p>
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<p>We’ve been told by various people around the planet, that they’ve been invited to a Canon event the first week of February. Everyone is reporting the invite is vague in nature, but the only time Canon does these kind of invites is when they’re about to make a major announcement.</p>
<p>We can’t publish the exact dates or locations of the events, but they all fall in the first week of February.</p>
<p><em>More to come…</em></p>
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In an interview with the <a href="http://www.bjp-online.com/2016/01/fuji-x-pro2-interview-takashi-ueno/" target="_blank">British Journal of Photography</a>, Fujifilm product manager Takashi Ueno admits the company is researching the viability of entering the medium format market.</p>
<blockquote><p>At the moment Fuji is not planning to launch a medium format camera, but we are conducting research and testing sensors in this area. We have a good history in the medium format market, and I think we would be successful again. We have the technology to make a very modern and high quality camera, but right now we are only investigating.</p></blockquote>
<p>The “affordable” medium format space is currently only represented by Pentax, but there has been rumors over the years that both Sony and Fujifilm could become players in the market. Sony already is by providing image sensors to the likes of Pentax.</p>
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<em>16% Annual Revenue Growth to $1.6 Billion for 2015</em></p>
<p><strong>SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 13, 2016</strong> /PRNewswire/ — GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO) today reported certain preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015.</p>
<p>GoPro expects revenue to be approximately $435 million for the fourth quarter of 2015 and $1.6 billion for the calendar year. Fourth quarter revenue reflects lower than anticipated sales of its capture devices due to slower than expected sell through at retailers, particularly in the first half of the quarter. Fourth quarter revenue includes a $21 million reduction for price protection related charges resulting from the HERO4 Session repricing in December. Non-GAAP gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2015, excluding the impact of price protection and a charge of between $30 million and $35 million to cost of revenue for excess purchase order commitments, excess inventory, and obsolete tooling is anticipated to be between 44.5% and 45.5%. Non-GAAP gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2015 is anticipated to be between 34.5% and 35.5%. Non-GAAP operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2015 are estimated to be between $150.0 million and $152.5 million.  Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at December 31, 2015 totaled approximately $475 million.</p>
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<p>These preliminary, unaudited results are based on management’s initial review of operations for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2015 and remain subject to the completion of the Company’s customary annual closing and review procedures. Final adjustments and other material developments may arise between the date of this press release and the dates GoPro announces fourth quarter 2015 results and the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC.</p>
<p><strong>Zander Lurie Appointed to GoPro Board</strong>

Zander has resigned from his role as Senior Vice President of GoPro Entertainment and has been appointed to serve on GoPro’s board of directors. Mr. Lurie has deep experience working with Internet-based business models across digital and traditional media. At GoPro Entertainment, he built a team dedicated to pursuing new formats and revenue streams from user-generated content and the Company’s large cache of digital entertainment. Prior to GoPro, he served as an executive at CBS Corp. which he joined with the acquisition of CNET Networks where he served as CFO and head of Corporate Development. Mr. Lurie began his career in the technology investment banking group at J. P. Morgan where he led equity transactions and mergers and acquisitions in the Internet sector.</p>
<p><strong>Reallocation of Resources</strong>

Over the past two years, GoPro’s headcount has grown by more than 50% annually, to more than 1,500 employees at the end of 2015. To better align resources to key growth initiatives, GoPro has implemented a reduction in its workforce of approximately 7 percent. The Company estimates it will incur approximately $5 million to $10 million of restructuring expenses in the first quarter of 2016, substantially all of which will be severance costs.</p>
<p><strong>Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Earnings Conference Call</strong>

GoPro will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2015 after the market closes on February 3, 2016.</p>
<p>GoPro management will host a conference call and live webcast for analysts and investors on February 3, 2016 at 2 p.m. Pacific Time (5 p.m. Eastern Time) to discuss the Company’s financial results.</p>
<p>To listen to the live conference call, please dial toll free (888) 806-6221 or (913) 981-5588, access code 4243159, approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live webcast of the conference call will be accessible on the “Events & Presentations” section of the Company’s website at http://investor.gopro.com. To access the live webcast, please log in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to download and install any necessary audio software. The webcast will be recorded and the recording will be available on GoPro’s website, <a href="http://investor.gopro.com/">http://investor.gopro.com</a>, approximately two hours after the call and for six months thereafter.</p>
<p>GoPro reports gross margin and operating expenses, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and on a non-GAAP basis. Non-GAAP gross margin and non-GAAP operating expenses exclude, where applicable, the effects of stock-based compensation and acquisition-related costs. A reconciliation to the comparable GAAP guidance has not been provided because certain factors that are materially significant to the Company’s ability to estimate the excluded items are not accessible or practically estimable at this time.</p>
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