Is Photography Dead? The Mobile Photo Explosion

Infographic representing the history of photography and the current status of digital / social photography

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Is Photography Dead? The Mobile Photo Explosion

Canon achieves four honours at the 2014 TIPA Awards

London, UK, 23 April 2014 – Canon today announces it has been awarded four honours by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) – one of the world’s leading photo imaging and press associations. The TIPA Awards commend the most outstanding imaging products launched in the past 12 months, and in 2014 Canon has once again been recognised for the technical innovations across its diverse product portfolio.

 The following awards have been granted:

• Best DSLR Advanced: Canon EOS 70D
• Best Expert Compact Camera: Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II
• Best Professional DSLR Lens: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
• Best Imaging Innovation: Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF

Canon achieves four honours at the 2014 TIPA Awards

The TIPA panel comprises of editors from 29 of the world’s leading photography and imaging magazines: members span 16 countries spread across five continents. The panel meets annually to discuss the latest imaging products, and considers a range of factors, from innovation to design and overall product quality, in order to select and acknowledge the very best products and technologies.

“We’re incredibly honoured to receive this recognition from TIPA once again; it clearly reflects Canon’s commitment to outstanding quality and innovation across all product ranges.” said Steven Marshall, Marketing Director, Consumer Imaging, Canon Europe. “We’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in imaging and constantly challenge ourselves to offer our photographic community – from everyday snappers to pros – the best products for their needs. The awards granted by the TIPA panel today demonstrates the success of this aim.”

In honouring Canon’s award-winning products, the TIPA judging panel offered the following citations:

Best DSLR Advanced: Canon EOS 70D
The Canon EOS 70D features a 20.2 CMOS APS-C sensor and DIGIC 5+ processor that can deliver up to 7 fps and an extended ISO range of 100- 12,800, with an extended range to 25,600 ISO. AF is enhanced with a 19- point all cross-type AF system. The breakthrough in the EOS 70D is the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that allows for capture of video in Live View with precise AF, as well as very fast AF operation for stills. The Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View II LCD monitor sports 1.04 million dots. Built-in wireless allows for sharing or easy upload to smartphones via the Canon EOS Remote app.

Best Expert Compact Camera: Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II
Canon PowerShot G series cameras are always highly regarded. The latest, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II, offers 13.1 MP with a multi-aspect 1.5-type sensor, an f/2-3.9 5X zoom (24-120mm equivalent), and numerous custom functions and handling features. Capture options include 14-bit RAW plus JPEG images, with fast and accurate AF via 31 AF points. Composition options are enhanced with the 3-inch tilt-type touch panel LCD, with 1.04 million sRGB dots and 100% coverage, while exposure and camera control is expanded and enhanced via the new Dual Control Rings on the lens barrel. Full HD is available, as is Wi-Fi with NFC capability. Focusing range begins at 2 inches, full-time manual focus with focus peaking is also available.

Best Pro DSLR Lens: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
Aimed squarely at professional sports and wildlife photographers, the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens is a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens with an optically matched, built-in 1.4x extender. The benefit is in applications where it is not possible to change lenses quickly, while also protecting delicate equipment such as a digital SLR camera's image sensor in environments with dust and high humidity. The lens incorporates one fluorite and four UD lens elements and a 9-blade circular aperture. A Power Focus mode makes focus shifts quiet and smooth, invaluable for filmmaking. The lens is also highly resistant to dust and water.

Best Imaging Innovation: Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF
Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a phase-detection AF technology conducted directly on the image sensor plane. The benefit is achievement of dramatically improved AF performance over prior EOS cameras during Live View and video shooting. Because Live View shooting can be used in a manner similar to using the camera's viewfinder, fast and smooth AF performance is greatly enhanced. Dual Pixel CMOS AF is currently available in the EOS 70D and as an option in the C100 and C300 cinema EOS cameras, which are in turn compatible with 103 Canon EF lenses, and we look for this advancement to allow for future development of even more responsive image capture and processing capabilities.

Canon Press Release Source: Canon Europe

Canon Introduces new EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Telephoto Zoom Lens

New Stepping Motor Lens is the Perfect Companion for the EOS 70D, EOS Rebel SL1, and EOS 700D / Rebel T5i Digital SLR Cameras

MELVILLE, N.Y., August 22, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to introduce the new EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens. Created to be the perfect companion lens for the EOS 70D, EOS Rebel SL1 and EOS Rebel T5i Digital SLR cameras, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens expands Canon's line of Stepping Motor (STM) lenses to six models - the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, EF-M 22mm f/2.0 and the new EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens. Canon's Stepping Motor lenses allow for the capture of high-quality still and video images and reduce motor noise from the lens so cameras, such as the new EOS 70D, will capture the sound of the video scene being recorded without the interruption of noise by the focusing motors.

Zoom Lens with Optical Image Stabilizer (IS)
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens offers high magnification in a compact and lightweight EF-S telephoto zoom lens with an Optical Image Stabilizer for up to 3.5* equivalent stops for shake correction. The lens' stepping motor and newly-designed focus mechanism support Canon EOS Movie Servo AF (available on select EOS cameras) to provide smooth and quiet continuous autofocusing during video shooting, as well as when shooting photos.

"The addition of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens to the STM family of lenses strengthens Canon's support for the growing number of photographers and video enthusiasts utilizing DSLRs to not only shoot high-quality still images but video too," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "Noise reduction in movie mode is essential and video aficionados will particularly find the silent and smooth auto-focus capabilities of this new lens outstanding."

Reducing chromatic aberration
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens features one UD lens element, reducing chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range for excellent image quality with high resolution and contrast. It features enhanced lens coatings to help ensure superb color balance while minimizing ghosting and flare and a 7-blade circular aperture creates beautiful, soft backgrounds. For outstanding performance, a new compact six-group zoom system provides a maximum magnification of 0.29x at the telephoto end. Full-time manual focus is available in AF mode. The front element does not rotate during focus, which is beneficial when using polarizing filters. Minimum focusing distance is 2.79 ft./0.85m. The lens' rear focusing system, high-speed CPU and improved AF algorithm allow for high-speed autofocusing.

Availability
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens is scheduled to be available in late September 2013 for an estimated retail price of $349.99. For more information about the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens,

ETA and pricing to be confirmed from Canon South Africa.

visit www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup.

Source: Canon USA Press Release - more >>

Happy Easter 2014 - With Canon EOS 700D / Various Lenses

All Photos © Vernon Chalmers

Easter Bunnies 2014 : Milnerton Cape Town

Objective: Demonstrating application of the Canon EOS 700D / Rebel T5i DSLR camera with EF 50mm f/1.8 II / EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5.6 IS STM lens (and Canon Speedlite 430EX II flash).

Note: All photos hand-held in Av mode (Aperture Priority) with external hot shoe flash. Flash: Auto ISO 400 (TTL mode). Shutter speeds auto selected by camera. Images captured in RAW (conversion via Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.2).

 Canon Camera / Flash Equipment

• Canon EOS 700D SLR camera body
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II prime lens
• Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II zoom lens
• Canon Speedlite 430EX II flash
• Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce EW Diffuser

Av Mode - Aperture Priority Settings

• EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens @ f/1.8 - f/8
• EF-S 18-135mm @ f/7-f16
• ISO  400 TTL flash mode 
• Shutter speed: various (auto)
• Auto focus
• RAW to JPG conversion / lens profile correction 

(click image to enlarge)

Canon EOS 700D / Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS STM Lens - Flash

Canon EOS 700D / EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens f/8  ISO 400(Flash)

Canon EOS 700D / EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens f1.8 ISO 400 (Flash)

Canon EOS 700D / Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS STM Lens - Flash

Canon EOS 700D / Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS STM Lens - Flash

Canon unveils white editions of EOS 100D and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens

London, UK, 16 April 2014 – Canon today introduces a new white edition of the world’s smallest and lightest APS-C DSLR¹, the EOS 100D, as well as a new white version of its EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM zoom lens. Ideal for first time users looking to explore the world of DSLR photography, the new editions to the EOS range make it easy for anyone, whatever their skill level, to capture and relive special moments in stunning detail.

Measuring just 116.8 x 90.7 x 69.4mm, the EOS 100D is compact enough to always carry with you and features an 18 MP APS-C Hybrid CMOS AF II sensor and a range of simple controls and automatic shooting modes, making capturing stunning images and Full HD movies effortless. The incredibly lightweight and compact body provides a traditional DSLR shooting experience while the large 7.7cm (3.0”) ClearView II touch screen, makes it easy to adjust settings and review images straight after capture.

The white EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is the perfect partner for the new EOS 100D, providing the flexibility to capture everyday subjects from sweeping landscapes to close-up portraits. An Optical Image Stabilizer ensures images are captured with impressive detail and clarity, while the near-silent STM technology also ensures noise is kept to a minimum whilst focusing in movies.

White EOS 100D – key features:

• 18.0 Megapixel Hybrid CMOS AF II sensor
• Compact, portable design
• Optical viewfinder and large touch screen
• Full-HD movies with Hybrid CMOS AF II
• Creative Filters and Extra Effect Shot
• Built-in Feature Guide
• EOS System of lenses and accessories

White EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM – key features:

• Versatile focal length range
• Compact design
• Four-stop optical Image Stabilizer
• Smooth focusing with STM motor
• 0.25m closest focusing distance
• Super Spectra Coating
• Non-rotating front element
• Manual focus ring
• Circular seven-bladed aperture

¹The world’s smallest and lightest APS-C DSLR as of November 1st 2013, based on a Canon survey

Canon Press Release Source : Canon Europe

Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Lens Review - YouTube Video

Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Lens Review

Canon Celebrates The Production Of 250 Million Digital Cameras

Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions announced that its parent company, Canon Inc., has reached a camera manufacturing milestone as combined production of the Company's compact digital and interchangeable-lens digital cameras surpassed 250 million units on January 31, 2014.

Canon, a company that has continuously produced cameras since its founding in 1937, began producing and marketing digital cameras in the mid-1990s. In 1995, when film cameras were still the preferred camera type, Canon launched its first digital camera, the professional-model EOS DCS 31 Digital SLR camera.

Compact cameras were leading the digital shift within the camera industry when, in 1996, Canon announced its market entry with the introduction of the PowerShot 600 digital camera, the Company's first compact digital camera. In 2000, amid the market's rapid growth, Canon launched the PowerShot S100 Digital ELPH camera featuring a groundbreaking compact, stylish body design that set the trend for Canon compact digital cameras.

PowerShot G1 X Mark II 

Subsequent models released by Canon reflected the diverse evolution of compact digital cameras with models becoming increasingly compact and lightweight, achieving higher sensitivity, incorporating more enhanced automatic functions, and realizing greater network connectivity. This evolution fueled robust growth as Canon's cumulative production of compact digital cameras surpassed the 100 million unit mark in 2008, and broke through the 200 million unit threshold in December 2013. Aiming to further extend its production volume, in 2014 Canon launched a new lineup of feature-packed, compact digital cameras including the PowerShot G1 X Mark II digital camera and the PowerShot N100 digital camera.

As for interchangeable-lens digital cameras, while the market in the mid-1990s had consisted primarily of professional models, the consumer digital SLR camera segment began to grow as Canon launched the EOS D30 Digital SLR in 2000. Developed as a "next-generation standard digital SLR camera" the EOS D30 DSLR was built to satisfy the needs of a wide user base, from advanced photo enthusiasts to professional users. In 2003, Canon again led the market with the introduction of the entry-level model EOS Digital Rebel, which set the stage for a dramatic expansion of the consumer market.

Since that time, Canon has successively launched innovative products that capitalize on the Company's strengths in CMOS sensors, image processors and EF lenses, such as the professional-model EOS-1 camera series and game-changing EOS 5D camera series, including the EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR which sparked the DSLR revolution in moviemaking. As a result, in 2005, production of Canon interchangeable-lens digital cameras reached 25 million units and, in February 2014, surpassed 50 million units. Among the new products contributing to the realization of this milestone were the EOS 70D digital SLR camera, featuring innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, and the entry-level EOS Rebel SL1 digital SLR camera, the world's smallest and lightest digital SLR2 camera equipped with an APS-C size sensor.

Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce exceptional and reliable cameras and lenses that cater to the varying needs of photographers-from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals-while contributing to expanding the culture of photographic and video imaging.

Source: Canon USA Press Release

Canon Celebrates 11 Straight Years Of No. 1 Share In Global Interchangeable-Lens Digital Camera Market

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc., is celebrating that its EOS line of interchangeable-lens digital cameras (Digital SLR and compact-system cameras) has consistently maintained the No. 1 share worldwide in terms of volume within the interchangeable-lens digital camera market for 11 consecutive years from 2003 - 2013.1

The EOS Rebel SL1 digital SLR camera	The EOS 70D digital SLR camera

In addition to the interchangeable lenses, Canon also develops the key components - the CMOS image sensors and image processors - employed in its interchangeable-lens cameras, incorporating the most advanced of these technologies in the Company's flagship EOS-1D camera series. By applying these technologies to other models as well, Canon has successfully created a powerful product lineup that effectively responds to the needs of a wide range of users, from professionals to entry-level users, which has enabled Canon to maintain the top global share.

In 2003, at the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Digital Rebel SLR camera, a compact and lightweight user-friendly camera that set the stage for growth in the digital SLR market while, at the same time, capturing the top share of the global market. Since that time, Canon, in its ongoing pursuit of high image quality, has launched a number of models for advanced-amateur users that offer among the highest levels of performance for their class. This includes the EOS 5D camera series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording.

In 2013, targeting entry-level users, Canon launched the EOS Rebel SL1, the world's smallest and lightest2 digital SLR camera equipped with an APS-C-size sensor. Within the advanced-amateur user segment, the Company introduced the EOS 70D Digital SLR camera, equipped with innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, which has earned high praise from the market. These robust products provided the driving force that enabled Canon to achieve its 11th straight year as the world's market leader.

Additionally, in February 2014, Canon, Inc. reached another industry milestone as cumulative production of the EOS-series film and digital cameras surpassed the 70-million unit mark. Furthermore, during the first half of 2014, cumulative production of Canon EF-series interchangeable lenses for EOS cameras is set to reach 100 million units. The foundation to these achievements is the high market share that Canon has maintained, made possible through the long-standing support dating back to the film camera era that the Company has received from its wide user base.

With a history of producing cameras that date back to the Company's founding in 1937, Canon will continue refining its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce outstanding and reliable lenses and cameras that cater to the varying needs of photographers - from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals - while contributing to expanding the photographic and video imaging culture.

Source: Canon USA Press Release