<p><b>MELVILLE, N.Y., January 22, 2015</b> – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the company will return as a Sustaining Sponsor to the 2015 Sundance Film Festival (January 22 – February 1, 2015). Nestled in the mountains of Park City, Utah, the Sundance Film Festival celebrates the best of independent film; as part of the Festival sponsorship, Canon will offer a special slate of programming dedicated to the filmmakers who push creative boundaries behind the camera.</p>
<p>Canon is pleased to share that at least 52 of the 188 films premiering at this year’s Festival — over 27 percent — were shot using Canon equipment, up from the approximately 20 percent last year. Eli Roth’s <i>Knock Knock</i>, Amy Berg’s Prophet’s <i>Prey</i>, <i>The Overnight</i>, <i>The Wolfpack</i>, <i>Misery Loves Comedy</i>, <i>Cartel Land</i>, <i>Call Me Lucky</i>, <i>Fresh Dressed</i>, <i>How to Dance in Ohio</i>, <i>Most Likely to Succeed</i>, <i>The Hunting Ground</i>, <i>Tig</i>, and <i>The Nightmare</i> are a few of the many shot-on-Canon projects set to screen during the festival.</p>
<p>“We are honored that so many creative filmmakers have chosen our equipment to bring their visions and stories to audiences. We look forward to supporting them and connecting with them at the Sundance Film Festival,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Sundance provides us with the opportunity to directly interact and support many up and coming filmmakers, and we are excited to return as Sustaining Sponsors to this year’s festival.”</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/about_canon?pageKeyCode=pressreldetail&docId=0901e02480e2b1ed" target="_blank">For a list of events and more information, visit Canon USA</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

<p>We’re told that Canon is working on using a global shutter for the upcoming replacement of the Canon EOS-1D X. The hope is to get the camera to shoot at 30fps for still images, which would require a lot of upgrades and new technologies such as CFast.</p>
<p><strong>What is a global shutter? </strong>(<a href="http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/global-rolling-shutter" target="_blank">From Red</a>)<strong>

</strong><em>“A global shutter controls incoming light to all photosites simultaneously. At any given point in time, all photosites are therefore either equally closed or equally open. A global shutter can work either by abruptly exposing and then obstructing all photosites at once, in which case it can be thought of as a “hard shutter,” or by doing this more gradually as a “soft shutter.” Since they have no moving parts, these are sometimes also referred to as an electronic shutter.”</em><strong>

</strong></p>
<p>I’ll let the more engineering inclined discuss the likelihood of this technology for CMOS DSLRs on the forum. This comes from an unknown source, so take it with lots of salt.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

<p>Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading manufacturer of precision optics, announces the release of a groundbreaking F/2.8 ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for full-frame DSLR cameras.</p>
<p>Since 2012, Tamron has been expanding its lineup of interchangeable lenses for full-frame DSLR cameras. The Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A007) was the world’s first F/2.8 high-speed standard zoom lens to include image stabilization, followed by the development of the unique SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A009), SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F004), and SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011) lenses, all of which have been highly acclaimed among the photo enthusiasts around the globe. Now, we have developed SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A012) to expand the world of imaging possibilities in the wide-angle range.</p>
<p><strong>Preorder the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC $1199: <a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036?u=http://www.adorama.com/results/Tamron1530LensRelease" target="_blank">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Cameras/N/0/Ntt/TA153028*/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a></strong></p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p><strong>Superior, class leading imaging performance using an innovative XGM lens element</strong>

With an optical construction consisting of 18 elements in 13 groups, including, for the first time, an XGM (eXpanded Glass Molded Aspherical) lens element placed in the front group, and several Molded-Glass Aspherical elements and LD (Low Dispersion) elements used throughout the optical system, aberrations such as geometrical distortion and lateral color are efficiently corrected enabling the zoom lens to deliver outstanding image quality throughout its entire zoom range from corner to corner.</p>
<p><strong>Enhanced sharpness with exclusive VC image stabilization when shooting handheld in low light or at night</strong>

In response to popular demand, Tamron has created the world’s first F/2.8 ultra-wide- angle zoom lens with VC (Vibration Compensation)*4. The VC allows shooting at slow shutter speeds and in low light conditions, and effectively compensates for minor camera shake, whilst maintaining class leading optimal performance.</p>
<p><strong>eBAND Coating provides superior anti-reflection properties</strong>

In addition to further optimizing Tamron’s acclaimed BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating, the eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating has also been employed in this lens. This combination offers superior anti-reflection properties especially important in ultra-wide-angle lenses which are particularly susceptible to flare and ghosting due to their wide angle of view, and provides superior quality and crystal-clear images by minimizing unwanted light reaching the sensor.</p>
<p><strong>15-30mm zoom covers both ultra-wide and semi-wide-angle focal lengths</strong>

At its ultra-wide-angle settings this lens can capture, in a single photograph, broad landscapes that cannot be taken in fully by the human eye. At its semi-wide-angle focal lengths, it’s ideal for travel and street photography. In short, this unique lens utilizes the zoom function to provide maximum shooting flexibility with a wide range of subjects.</p>
<p><strong>Fascinating background “bokeh” throughout the wide-angle range due to its fast constant F/2.8 aperture</strong>

Utilizing its shallow depth of field at F/2.8, it enables users to capture beautiful bokeh effects even at wide coverage angles. Its advanced optical formula and 9-bladed circular diaphragm are designed with defocused photography in mind – perfect for creating images where subjects stand out from their natural, blended backgrounds.</p>
<p><strong>Proven fluorine coating utilizing Tamron’s industrial lens expertise is used on the front element</strong>

Fluorine coating, with an established track record in Tamron’s industrial lenses, such as those used in automotive cameras, has been applied to the front element. It repels water and dirt, and makes it easier to remove smudges.</p>
<p><strong>Flexible, high-performance focusing with USD</strong>

USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)*5 delivers high torque, high precision, and virtually silent autofocus action. A full-time manual focus mechanism permits fine focus adjustments instantly without needing to exit AF mode.</p>
<p><strong>Lens hood designed to prevent light from striking lens at all focal lengths</strong>

This unique lens hood provides effective shading of the front lens surface over the entire zoom range to minimize flare. It utilizes the unique characteristics of the optical system in which the front lens group recedes as you zoom in from 15 mm to 30 mm.</p>
<p><strong>Double-hood structure provides additional strength</strong>

A double-hood structure has been incorporated into the lens design to improve the durability of the zoom mechanism.</p>
<p><strong>Comes with “SILKYPIX Developer Studio for Tamron”, RAW image processing software customized for Tamron SP lenses</strong>

The SILKYPIX Developer Studio software can develop high-quality images from RAW data, incorporating adjustments that can express the personal style and taste of the photographer. These include white balance, color, sharpness, and the tonal curves recorded by digital cameras.

The SILKYPIX Developer Studio for Tamron provides a range of functions in addition to the basic adjustment capabilities, such as correcting aberrations (chromatic aberrations, distortion, peripheral light fall-off), based on the optical data. Used in tandem with Tamron’s SP series lenses – renowned for their crisp, high-resolution imaging – this advanced technology efficiently produces images that meet photographers’ most exacting demands.</p>
<p>*1 The XGM (eXpanded Glass Molded Aspherical) lens element is capable of efficiently correcting aberrations in the angle of view that changes significantly with an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens. Furthermore, it has an especially significant impact on minimizing distortion and enhancing sharpness of the image at its periphery.

*2 eBAND (Extended Bandwidth&& Angular-Dependency) Coating is a new nanotechnology-based coating technique developed by Tamron to reduce unwanted reflections.

*3 The Sony mount version does not include VC since Sony digital SLR bodies incorporate built-in image stabilization functionality. The name of the Sony mount model is “SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di USD” without the VC designation.

*4 VC (Vibration Compensation) is Tamron’s proprietary image stabilization mechanism.

*5 USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) is Tamron’s proprietary ring-type ultrasonic motor.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/lineup/a012/index.html" target="_blank">Visit Tamron</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2014/11/sigma-24-105-f4-dg-os-art-production-on-hold/" target="_blank">We posted back in the fall that Sigma had halted production indefinitely of the relatively new 24-105 f/4 DG OS lens</a>. We’re now told that the lens is in fact discontinued and production has been halted forever.</p>
<p>There was no word as to why it was discontinued, I can only assume the market for a 24-105 on the Canon side is extremely saturated and that the Sigma wasn’t a big enough leap forward in terms of optical quality to purchase over the “kit” lens from Canon. There’s also a possibility the cost of production was too high to keep the price competitive.</p>
<p>We’re still waiting on an official release about this from Sigma.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>
<p> </p>

<p><strong>From RØDE

</strong>RØDELink represents the next generation of digital wireless systems. Using a series II 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption, it is able to constantly monitor and hop between frequencies to maintain the strongest possible signal level at a range of up to 100 metres (over 100 yards). The RØDELink Filmmaker Kit provides everything you need to start shooting video wirelessly, including a receiver, transmitter and broadcast-grade lavalier microphone. The receiver (RX-CAM) features an OLED display with information on level, battery status (receiver and transmitter), mute and channel selection. The unit can be mounted on a standard camera shoe mount, 3/8″ thread or belt-clip, and for added versatility the shoe mount can be located in one of two positions. The lightweight transmitter (TX-BELT) can be fitted to a belt or clothing and features a locking thread to ensure the microphone connection is as secure as possible. RØDE’s omnidirectional Lavalier microphone is included in the kit to provide the highest possible audio reproduction quality.</p>
<ul>
<li>Series II, 2.4GHz digital transmission</li>
<li>128-bit encryption</li>
<li>Up to 100 metres range</li>
<li>OLED display (on receiver)</li>
<li>One button pairing</li>
<li>Three level gain control</li>
<li>AA battery or USB powered</li>
<li>Includes RØDE’s broadcast Lavalier microphone</li>
</ul>
<p>There’s more coverage on these new products at: <a href="http://blog.planet5d.com/2015/01/rode-stuns-filmmakers-launches-stunning-wireless-system-new-shotgun-mics/" target="_blank">Planet5D</a> | <a href="http://www.rodemic.com/wireless/filmmaker" target="_blank">RØDE</a></p>
<p><strong>Preorder the new products from B&H Photo</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1115088-REG/rode_rodntg4_ntg4_shotgun_microphone_with.html/BI/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Rode NTG4 Shotgun Microphone with Digital Switches</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1115089-REG/rode_rodntg4plus_ntg4_shotgun_microphone_with.html/BI/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Rode NTG4+ Shotgun Microphone with Digital Switches and Built-In Rechargeable Battery</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1115091-REG/rode_rodlnk_fm_rodelink_wireless_filmmaker_kit.html/BI/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">RodeLink Wireless Filmmaker Kit</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

<p>A spec list we were given has the upper end Rebel split into two different cameras, a 750D and a 760D. The North American naming was not given for the cameras. We expect an announcement for a new Rebel(s) to come in the next  few weeks.</p>
<p>The biggest thing I notice in this specification list is the 24.2mp image sensor. It has been assumed by most that any new Rebel would have the 20.2mp sensor from the EOS 70D.</p>
<p><strong>Canon Rebel 750D/760D Specifications</strong></p>
<ul>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Full HD movies, MP4 format, HDR movie, automatic shooting modes (EOS 750D )</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">24.2MP sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 6 image processor</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">ISO 100-12,800 range </span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Flicker Detection technology</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Five frames per second continuous shooting mode</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">19 cross-type AF point system </span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Hybrid CMOS AF III </span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Rear Quick Control Dial (EOS 760D )</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Creative movie modes (EOS 760D )</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Wi-Fi and NFC</span></li>
</ul>
<p>This information comes from an unknown source and I’m hoping for some clarification on the model split if it is indeed true. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of difference between the 2 models. Please notice the [CR1] rating on this post, and treat it accordingly.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>