<p><strong>Sigma Corporation Announces Pricing and Availability of 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art Lens</strong></p>
<p><em>Market’s first F2 full-frame zoom available in late July for $999</em></p>
<p>RONKONKOMA, NY — July 16, 2015 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading DSLR lens and camera manufacturer, today announced that the new Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens will become available in late July for the street price of $999.</p>
<p>The 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens is the market’s first full-frame zoom that allows photographers to carry one fast aperture lens that can do the work of three popular fixed focal length lenses – the 24mm, 28mm and 35mm. It includes an optimized autofocus (AF) algorithm for smooth, fast, and accurate focusing, a manual focus (MF) override functionality, and is made of Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) reducing its size and weight.</p>
<p>Built upon the impressive versatility offered by Sigma’s 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art lens, the new 24-35mm continues the Art line tradition of top optical performance that’s comparable toSigma’s 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art and 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art. It offers optimized lens power distribution, and minimizes spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration and field curvature. The Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens also features a video-friendly, inner focusing system that eliminates front-lens rotation, enhancing the lens’ stability as well as a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that ensures a silent, high-speed AF function.</p>
<p><strong>Preorder: Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art $999: <a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036u=http://www.adorama.com/SG2435EOS.html" onclick="__gaTracker('send', 'event', 'outbound-article', 'http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036u=http://www.adorama.com/SG2435EOS.html', 'Adorama');" target="_blank">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1162798-REG/sigma_24_35mm_f_2_dg_hsm.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x657240" onclick="__gaTracker('send', 'event', 'outbound-article', 'http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1162798-REG/sigma_24_35mm_f_2_dg_hsm.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x657240', 'B&H Photo');" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a></strong></p>
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“The combination of fast, constant aperture and zoom versatility will make this lens exceptionally popular for photographers who crave the convenience of wide angle zooms, paired with the performance of fast, wide primes,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “The Art lenses have raised the bar for total imaging performance, and this lens is going to make a lot of photographers very happy.”</p>
<p>As with all new lenses under the Global Vision categories, every 24-35mm will be tested using Sigma’s own modulation transfer function (MTF) measuring system, “A1,” in the company’s factory in Japan. It is compatible with Sigma’s USB DOCK, which allows photographers to update the lens’ firmware, adjust focus points and customize full-time MF function settings by using Sigma’s Optimization Pro software. Sigma’s exclusive Mount Conversion Service, which enables users to easily convert the lens’ camera mount between supported versions, is also available for a fee. The lens will be available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts.</p>
<p>The Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens will also feature:</p>
<ul>
<li>Large-diameter, aspherical lens elements, which require advanced technologies to produce, one “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass, and seven Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements with two aspherical lenses. The advanced optics and optimized lens power distribution minimizes spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration and field curvature, resulting in outstanding optical performance</li>
<li>A video-friendly, inner focusing system that eliminates front-lens rotation, enhancing the lens’ stability and allowing use of circular polarizing filters</li>
<li>A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that ensures a silent, high-speed AF function. Smoother AF is achieved when the this AF algorithm is optimized</li>
<li>Full-time MF by rotating the focus ring of the lens while auto focusing</li>
<li>A nine-blade, rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image</li>
<li>Specifications: Lens construction containing 18 elements in 13 groups; a weight of 33.2 ounces; a diameter and length of 3.4 inches by 4.8 inches, respectively; a minimum aperture of F16; and angle of view (35mm) of 84.1° to 63.4°; minimum focusing distance of 11 inches; and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.4</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><strong>Preorder: Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art $999: <a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036?u=http://www.adorama.com/SG2435EOS.html" onclick="__gaTracker('send', 'event', 'outbound-article', 'http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036?u=http://www.adorama.com/SG2435EOS.html', 'Adorama');" target="_blank">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1162798-REG/sigma_24_35mm_f_2_dg_hsm.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x657240" onclick="__gaTracker('send', 'event', 'outbound-article', 'http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1162798-REG/sigma_24_35mm_f_2_dg_hsm.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x657240', 'B&H Photo');" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a></strong></strong></p>

DXOMark has completed their reviews of the sensors in the EOS Rebel 750D and EOS Rebel 760D and found them to be nearly identical.</p>
<p>In regards to the <a href="http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-750D-Rebel-T6i-sensor-review-First-Canon-APS-C-format-camera-to-offer-12-stop-dynamic-range" target="_blank">EOS 750D</a> (T6i)</p>
<blockquote><p>As an entry-level model the Canon EOS 750D (T6i) makes some compromises in layout and controls — for example, there’s no top plate LCD as found on the EOS 760D(T6s), but sensor performance is on par with the camera maker’s mid- and high-end models, the EOS 70D and the recently-introduced EOS 7D Mk II. While it’s true that the Canon sensors are behind the very best APS-C models in terms of low ISO performance (particularly noticeable when comparing dynamic range), the company is making some noteworthy advances.</p></blockquote>
<p>In regards to the <a href="http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-760D-Rebel-T6s-sensor-review-On-par-with-Canon-s-high-end-APS-C-models" target="_blank">EOS 760D</a> (T6s)</p>
<blockquote><p>While it’s not our place to discuss why Canon should choose to introduce two models that vary mostly by their controls (although the 760D’s tracking AF capability in live view is likely a worthwhile feature), the sensor performance for the EOS 760D is intriguing. Canon has made significant advances over the previous generation sensor, particularly with regard to low ISO noise levels and improved dynamic range. While sensor performance is still behind the very best APS-C models, Canon appears to be taking up the challenge set by Sony, and while it’s still got some way to go, that has to be good news for the consumer.</p></blockquote>

<strong>MELVILLE, N.Y., JULY 16, 2015</strong> – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the entry into the growing machine vision market in the U.S., with the launch of 3-D Machine Vision Systems, models RV300, RV500 and RV1100. Designed for use with industrial robots, these systems are capable of high-speed, high-accuracy three-dimensional recognition of objects. The systems in combination with a robotic arm can help increase production efficiencies in factories by facilitating the automatic high-speed supply of parts to production lines.</p>
<p>Enabling a robotic arm to accurately and successively recognize and pickup individual items from a randomly assembled pile of parts requires a system capable of the three-dimensional recognition of the shapes of the parts. All three models of Canon’s Machine Vision system feature a 3-D machine vision head, which encompasses the system sensor and 3-D machine vision recognition software for recognition processing. The highest level of performance in speed and accuracy for three-dimensional object recognition capabilities of the Canon’s Machine Vision system were made possible by applying innovative image-recognition and information-processing technologies cultivated through Canon’s research and development of cameras and business machines.</p>
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<p>Canon’s 3-D Machine Vision systems can accurately recognize a diverse range of objects, including parts with curved features, parts with few distinguishing characteristics and intricately structured parts. The RV300, RV500, RV1100 enable the 3-D recognition of randomly piled parts as small as approximately 10 mm<sup>2</sup>, 20 mm<sup>2</sup>, and 45 mm<sup>2</sup>, respectively<sup>i</sup>.</p>
<p>Contributing to improved production-line efficiency, all three models deliver high-speed performance, taking only approximately 1.8 seconds to recognize randomly arranged small-scale parts in 3-D. This data is then sent to a robotic controller unit attached to the robotic arm.</p>
<p>The new systems feature high-performance 3-D recognition with a high level of accuracy; the RV300, RV500, and RV1100 achieve exceedingly small error tolerances of less than 0.1 mm<sup>2</sup>, 0.15 mm<sup>2</sup>, 0.5mm<sup>2</sup>, respectively.</p>
<p>Users can easily register data for parts to be picked up by inputting CAD data and by capturing images of the parts randomly assembled in a pile. The 3-D machine vision systems can use computer-generated images to automatically learn how to visually identify the parts. Since no complicated programming is necessary, users can easily re-register parts in accordance with changes in type and shape of parts to be supplied in production.</p>
<p>The Canon 3-D Machine Vision System is capable of instantaneously measuring the location and orientation of designated parts in three dimensions and helps eliminate the need for separate 2-D vision sensors to determine the positioning of parts or a table on which to temporarily place parts during the parts-supply process. Accordingly, the system allows the construction of production lines to be simplified for parts provision while achieving higher efficiency in feeding parts to the production line.</p>
<p>In 2014, global sales of 2-D and 3-D machine vision systems for use with industrial robots totaled approximately $22 million<sup>ii</sup>. The market for 3-D machine vision systems is expected to grow significantly in the future, driven by strong demand for the further automation of production lines used by manufacturers in a variety of industries, including automotive and automotive component manufacturers.</p>
<p>The Canon 3-D Machine Vision Systems, models RV300, RV500, and RV1100 are expected to be available on Oct 1, 2015.</p>

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>