30 May 2014

Canon Announces the “Bring It” Consumer Marketing Campaign

Canon Announces the “Bring It” Consumer Marketing Campaign

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce a new marketing campaign, "Bring It," designed to enlighten consumers to a new perspective of telling better stories with higher quality images and video. The campaign, scheduled to roll out this month, features Canon's line of EOS digital SLR cameras and lenses with a rallying cry for everyone to bring their best images and videos to be shared on the Canon "Bring It" microsite.
With a history dating as far back as the 1930s, Canon brought high-quality photography to market. Then, the heritage brand was the first to bring Hollywood caliber HD video to its digital SLR cameras. Today, Canon builds on its legacy by bringing a movement designed to show the public the value a Canon camera can bring to capture outstanding images and videos. Consumers should not settle for good enough, when they can have great. The new 'Bring It' campaign asks the masses to bring their talent, bring everything they have to the art of creating inspiring still and video images.

Through a series of TV, in-cinema and digital spots, "Bring It" pays homage to Canon's past and future as a leader in digital imaging technology, including scenes from the recent film Need for Speed, as well as personal home videos conveying the impact Canon has had from Hollywood to the general public. Consumers are also encouraged to be part of this social movement using the hashtag #BringIt every time they upload their creative HD videos and still images on social media sharing sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Consumer submitted content shared online with #BringIt may be featured and celebrated on the campaign microsite, bringit.usa.canon.com, beginning in July.


"We want this new ad campaign to inspire everyone who is passionate about photography to show us the talents they possess," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A. "The idea behind 'Bring It' is to encourage people to strive to not only take better pictures and videos, but to take their cameras wherever they go, allowing them to tell their unique visual stories -stories that will stand out from the crowd and last a lifetime."
Bring It Microsite
In addition, the "Bring It" microsite will serve as a gallery for consumer-submitted images and video, visitors to the bringit.usa.canon.com microsite will get a behind-the-scenes view of the inspiration behind each contribution and information on the products and methods used to produce what is being showcased. The microsite will also feature interactive content about Canon products, as well as educational tools to help inspire and guide consumers as they embark on their own journeys of producing still images and Hollywood caliber HD videos.
For the latest news and announcements related to Canon's "Bring It" campaign, follow@CanonUSAImaging on Twitter and join the conversation with #BringIt. To view the "Bring It" commercial please go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6vFwq6Zuhw.

Source: Canon USA Press Release

20 May 2014

Book Recommendation: The Digital Photography Book: Volume 2

The Digital Photography Book: 'The step-by-step secrets for how to make your photos look like the pros!' Volume 2  By Scott Kelby 2007
The Digital Photography Book: 'The step-by-step secrets for how to make your photos look like the pros!' Volume 2  By Scott Kelby 2007

This acclaimed digital photography book is the second in a series of four books by renowned photographer and author Scott Kelby.

From the start the author shares his DSLR photography tips, ranging from camera settings (with a big emphasis on flash photography / and setting up your own studio) and advanced how-to's to get the best out of you, your camera and selected photography genres. The book is expertly written by a seasoned photographer bringing his personal touch to a range of his own camera and photography secrets.

Digital Photography Book Volume 2 is highly recommended to any DSLR camera owner motivated to take photography to the next level. Scott Kelby's intention (in my opinion) is not to turn the amateur shooter into a professional photographer overnight, but rather to provide the reader with a variety of professional tips / techniques to improve current photography skills.

As with Book 1 each page is another tip / techniques on how to master your camera (and accessories) for improving your [flash] photography across a broad range of photography genres.

Chapter Contents

  • Using flash like a pro
  • Building a studio from scratch
  • Shooting portraits like a pro
  • Shooting landscapes like a pro
  • Shooting weddings like a pro
  • Shooting travel like a pro
  • Shooting macro like a pro
  • Pro tips for getting better photos
  • More photo recipes to help you get "the shot"

To Purchase online
For more information / user reviews or to purchase The Digital Photography Book: 'The step-by-step secrets for how to make your photos look like the pros!' Volume 2. By Scott Kelby please visit my Amazon aStore.

Other books in the Scot Kelby four book series (extract from Book 1: Part 1 (Page 194)

Part 3: There are chapters on shooting outdoors, composition, product photo lenses, and lots more on portraits, hot-shoe and studio flash, and sport.

 Part 4: Lots more on lighting, chapters on shooting HDR and shooting DSLR vide more travel, portraits, shooting with natural light, sports, and lots more.

More About Scott Kelby
http://scottkelby.com

Close-up Seabird photos with Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

 Canon Powershot SX40 HS Digital Camera
Photos taken with (non-DSLR) Canon Powershot SX40 HS - AV Mode : ISO 100, Aperture f/5.8 with IS (Image Stabilisation). Handheld with attached lens hood. Focal length: 110 - 150.5mm (Photos Vernon Chalmers).
Location: Woodbridge Island / Milnerton Cape Town
Objective: Demonstrating the Canon Digic 5 processor, Depth of Field, image quality and close-up capabilities of the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS (in a good lighting environment).

Please note: The photographs where uploaded without any other in-camera enhancements or software post-processing (except for crops).  Click To Enlarge



Canon Powershot SX40 HS - AV Mode : ISO 100, Aperture f/5.8 Photo: Vernon Chalmers
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS  f/5.8 ISO 100  // Milnerton Cape Town  Photo: Vernon Chalmers
Canon Powershot SX40 HS - AV Mode : ISO 100, Aperture f/5.8 Photo: Vernon Chalmers
 Canon PowerShot SX40 HS  f/5.8 ISO 100  // Milnerton Cape Town  Photo: Vernon Chalmers
Canon Powershot SX40 HS - AV Mode : ISO 100, Aperture f/5.8 Photo: Vernon Chalmers
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS  f/5.8 ISO 100  // Milnerton Cape Town  Photo: Vernon Chalmers 

Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Tips - YouTube Video

Canon PoweShot SX50 HS Tips

Book Recommendation: The Digital Photography Book: Part 1

The Digital Photography Book: 'The step-by-step secrets for how to make your photos look like the pros!' Part 1. By Scott Kelby
Book Cover: The Digital Photography Book
The Digital Photography Book: 'The step-by-step secrets for how to make your photos look like the pros!' Part 1 (2nd Edition). By Scott Kelby 2013

This acclaimed digital photography book is the first in a series of four books by renowned photographer and author Scott Kelby.

From the start the author shares his DSLR photography tips, ranging from camera settings to advanced how-to's to get the best out of you, your camera and selected photography genres. The book is expertly written by a seasoned photographer bringing his personal touch to a range of his own camera and photography secrets.

This book is highly recommended to any DSLR camera owner motivated to take photography to the next level. Scott Kelby's intention (in my opinion) is not to turn the amateur shooter into a professional photographer overnight, but rather to provide the reader with a variety of professional tips / techniques to improve current photography skills.

Each page is another tip / techniques on how to master your camera (and accessories) for improving your photography across a broad range of photography genres.

Chapter Contents

  • Pro tips for getting really sharp photos
  • Shooting flowers like a pro
  • Shooting weddings like a pro
  • Shooting landscapes like a pro
  • Shooting sports like a pro
  • Shooting people like a pro
  • Avoiding problems like a pro
  • Take advantage of digital like a pro
  • Taking travel & city life shots like a pro
  • How to print like a pro and other cool sttuff
  • Photo recipes to help you get "the shot"

To Purchase online
For more information / user reviews or to purchase The Digital Photography Book: 'The step-by-step secrets for how to make your photos look like the pros!' Part 1. By Scott Kelby please visit my Amazon aStore.

The other books in the Scot Kelby four book series (extract from Book 1: Part 1 (Page 194)

Part 2: It includes chapters on hot-shoe flash, studio lighting basics, shooting more on everything from travel to landscapes to portraits, and more photo recipes.

Part 3: There are chapters on shooting outdoors, composition, product photo lenses, and lots more on portraits, hot-shoe and studio flash, and sport.


 Part 4: Lots more on lighting, chapters on shooting HDR and shooting DSLR vide more travel, portraits, shooting with natural light, sports, and lots more.

More About Scott Kelby
http://scottkelby.com

19 May 2014

Flamingos at Sunrise - With Canon PowerShot SX40 HS super-zoom

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS - Flamigos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
All Photos © Vernon Chalmers
Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon, Cape Town
Objective: Demonstrating application of the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS (non DSLR) 24-840mm zoom lens capability (optical / digital zoom). 
Note: All photos on monopod in Av mode (Aperture Priority). Images captured in JPG . Software used: Google Picasa 3.
 Canon Camera Equipment
  • Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
  • Manfrotto Compact monopod

Av Mode - Aperture Priority Settings
  • f/5.6
  • ISO 100
  • Shutter: Various
  • Zoom range: 613-1350mm 
  • Zero post-processing / some crops 
(click to enlarge)
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS - Flamingos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS - Flamigos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS - Flamigos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS - Flamigos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS - Flamigos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS - Flamigos Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Compact Bridge Camera
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Compact Bridge Camera

Early Morning Cape Town Walkabout - Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Photos taken with Canon Poweshot SX40 HS - AV Mode : ISO 100, Aperture f/5.6 with IS (Image Stabilisation). Hand-held.
Location: Big Bay / Newlands Cape Town

Objective: Demonstrating the super zoom / macro capabilities of the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS.

Please note: The photographs where uploaded without any other in-camera enhancements or software post-processing (except for crops).  




                                             
Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PoweShot SX40 HS
Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PoweShot SX40 HS
Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PoweShot SX40 HS
Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PoweShot SX40 HS
Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PoweShot SX40 HS
Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PoweShot SX40 HS
Photo: Vernon Chalmers Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Compact Bridge Camera
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Compact Bridge Camera

15 May 2014

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II 'Nifty Fifty" Lens

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II 'Nifty Fifty" Lens
An affordable, high quality standard lens with a fast maximum aperture.

The compact and lightweight EF 50mm f/1.8 II standard lens delivers image quality that belies its price

Compativle with EOS APS-C and Full Frame cameras

Photography / Lens Benefits
  • Standard 46° angle of view
  • Fast f/1.8 aperture
  • 45cm closest focusing distance
  • 52mm filter size
  • Super Spectra coatings reduce ghosting and flare

Source: Canon Europe

13 May 2014

Canon Releases Two New EF Ultra Wide-Angle Zoom Lenses

Canon Broadens Imaging Lineup with Two New EF Ultra Wide-Angle Zoom Lenses
High Performance Lenses Offer Optical Image Stabilizer and a Refined Compact Design; Lightweight EOS Rebel SL1 SLR Kit in White Available Soon.

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 13, 2014 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce two new wide-angle lenses and a new white color model of the EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR camera, just in time for summer. The introduction of the new Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM and the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM wide-angle zoom lenses provides Canon digital SLR camera users with the ability to capture stunning photographs and videos of spacious landscapes and many other iconic scenes. The EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM lens is the first L-series wide-angle zoom lens equipped with image stabilization, providing professional photographers with expanded creative options, especially in low light. The EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM wide-angle lens is an affordable option for entry-level DSLR users looking to enhance their images and videos with unique and creative perspectives.

Since its introduction in March 2013, the EOS Rebel SL1, the world's smallest and lightest digital SLR camerai, has provided photographers of all levels with a high-performance digital SLR in a small, compact camera body. The new white EOS Rebel SL1 Camera Kit is complemented by a matching white EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and offers a stylish alternative for photographers who like to stand out from the crowd.

"Having just reached a milestone of producing 100 million EF lenses, Canon is dedicated more than ever before to its heritage of creating outstanding optics for photographers of all levels," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "The EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM and EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra-wide zoom lenses, when paired with Canon EOS Digital SLR cameras, are powerful tools that can enhance any photographer's creativity. And new to the U.S. market, the white EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR camera with its companion white lens, provides users with high-quality images in a small, compact body that is easy to bring along on all their summer adventures."
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Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM wide-angle zoom lens
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens
Fully compatible with all EOS Digital SLR cameras including full-frame models like the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 6D Digital SLR cameras, the compact and lightweight EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM ultra wide-angle zoom lens offers high image quality and an Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) for shake correction up to four shutter speed steps, making handheld shooting possible in dimly lit scenes where camera shake can occur. In addition, an intelligent CPU in the lens automatically selects the optimal IS mode by recognizing differences between normal handheld shots and panning. This technological advancement supports a greater range of creative expression for photographers in otherwise difficult shooting situations, such as dark indoor scenes where

flash photography is prohibited, or in places where a tripod cannot
be used, or when shooting at low ISO speeds.

The EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM ultra wide-angle zoom lens features newly developed, high quality Canon optics that incorporate three GMo (Glass-Molded) aspheric lens elements, including a large-diameter aspheric lens, which help improve image quality by correcting aberrations. Two additional UD lens elements help reduce chromatic aberration from edge to edge throughout the entire zoom range for excellent image quality with high resolution and contrast. The lens also features enhanced fluorine lens coatings on the front and rear lens surfaces to repel dust particles and help ensure superb color balance while minimizing ghosting. The inner focusing and ring USM offer silent, fast and accurate autofocusing. Full-time manual focus adjustment is available in autofocus (AF) mode. A nine-blade circular aperture creates beautiful, soft backgrounds. A new compact four-group zoom system provides a minimum focusing distance of 0.28m/11 inches throughout the zoom range and a maximum magnification of 0.23x at the telephoto end for outstanding performance.
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Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
Created to be a great companion lens for the Canon EOS 70D, EOS Rebel T5i, EOS Rebel SL1 and other EOS Digital SLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors, the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens expands Canon's line of Stepping Motor (STM) lenses. For entry-level users, this affordable wide-angle lens offers the ability to shoot creative, high-quality images and video in tight indoor locations such as a cozy corner table in a restaurant or unique vacation photos where the subject is close up, yet the surrounding area can still fill the frame.

The EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra wide-angle zoom lens features a compact and lightweight design with an Optical Image Stabilizer for shake correction up to four shutter speed steps, enabling handheld shooting in low light. The lens' stepping motor and newly designed focus mechanism are ideal for Canon EOS Movie Servo AF (available on EOS 70D, EOS Rebel T5i and EOS Rebel SL1 cameras) to provide smooth, quiet and continuous autofocusing during video shooting, as well as when taking photos.

The EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra-wide zoom lens features one UD lens element to help reduce chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range for excellent image quality with high resolution and contrast. It also features enhanced multi-layer lens coatings to help ensure superb color balance while minimizing ghosting and flare, while a seven-blade circular aperture creates beautiful, soft backgrounds.

Compared to the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM wide-angle lens, the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra wide-angle zoom lens is nearly 20% smaller and 38% lighter. When combined with a compact digital SLR, such as the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 camera, the smaller size makes it very convenient to carry with the camera when traveling. The compact four-group zoom optical system provides a maximum magnification of 0.15x at the telephoto end. The wide-angle zoom range of the new EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is a perfect complement to the currently available EF-S 18-55mm IS and EF-S 55-250mm IS STM zoom lenses.
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New Lens Availability
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM and the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra-wide zoom lenses are scheduled to be available in June for estimated retail prices of $1,199.00 and $299.99, respectively. For more information about Canon EF Lenses visit :www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup.


White Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Kit with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Availability
The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens kit in white is scheduled to be available at the end of June for an estimated retail price of $749.99. For more information about the white Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera kit and the full list of product specifications, visit www.usa.canon.com/eos.



White Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Kit with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
White Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Kit with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
Canon Press Release Source: Canon USA 

09 May 2014

New Canon EOS DSLR / PowerShot Super Zoom cameras to be launched

Canon EOS 7D DSLR Camera
Canon EOS 7D
It is expected / rumored that Canon will launch the following EOS APS-C DSLR / PowerShot cameras during May 2014:

New Canon APS-C Sensor DSLR
Canon EOS 7D successor - Likely Canon EOS 7D Mark II
View More

New Canon PowerShot Bridge / Super Zoom
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS successor - Likely Canon PowerShot SX60 HS
View More

New Canon Advanced PowerShot Camera
Canon PowerShot G16 successor - Likely Canon PowerShot G17
View More


Canon EOS / PowerShot cameras already launched in 2014
View More



Canon EOS / PowerShot Digital Cameras

Canon EOS / PowerShot Digital Cameras

Canon EOS / PowerShot Digital Cameras

05 May 2014

Diving: Hit and Miss - Action Shot with Canon EOS 700D



01 May 2014

Canon Achieves A World First As Production Of EF Interchangeable Lenses Surpasses 100 Million Mark

Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc., is celebrating an impressive lens-manufacturing milestone with production on April 22, 2014 of the Company's 100-millionth EF-series interchangeable lens for EOS cameras*-an EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X.


Canon Achieves A World First As Production Of EF Interchangeable Lenses Surpasses 100 Million Mark
Production of interchangeable EF lenses for the Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras began in 1987 at the Company's Utsunomiya Plant and now includes manufacturing bases at Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in southern Japan. In May 2013, EF lens production surpassed the 90-million-unit mark and now, approximately eleven months later, Canon is commemorating its first-in-the-world1achievement of having manufactured 100 million interchangeable lenses.
Canon's proprietary EF lenses, launched in March 1987 along with the EOS SLR camera system, have continued to evolve since their introduction, leading the industry through the incorporation of a wide range of innovative technologies, including world's firsts2 such as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multi-layered diffractive optical (DO) element. In May 2013, aiming to further expand the realm of photographic expression, the Company introduced the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X, the world's first3 super-telephoto zoom lens with a built-in 1.4X extender allowing for a continuous zoom range from 200mm to 560mm (f/5.6).
In recent years, in addition to updating such models as super-telephoto lenses ideal for sports and nature photography along with zoom lenses that offer a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range, Canon has launched multiple entry-level interchangeable lenses equipped with stepping motor (STM) technology that help deliver smooth and quiet autofocus performance during video recording. As a result, the Company's extensive EF lens-series lineup currently comprises a total of 89 models.4 To further enhance its lens offerings, Canon has expanded the optical technologies incorporated in its EF lenses into new categories, launching EF Cinema Lenses for digital cinematography in January 2012.
Furthermore, during the 11-year period from 2003 to 2013, Canon maintained the No. 1 share worldwide within the interchangeable-lens digital camera market and, in February 2014, marked another manufacturing milestone as combined production of its film and digital EOS-series interchangeable-lens cameras surpassed the 70-million-unit mark.
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.
For more information on this milestone, please visit:http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/standard_display/lens_ef100mill_miscpage
Source: Canon Press Release Canon USA

Canon Achieves A World First As Production Of EF Interchangeable Lenses Surpasses 100 Million Mark

Canon Achieves A World First As Production Of EF Interchangeable Lenses Surpasses 100 Million Mark


Canon EOS 1200D DLSR Camera Review - YouTube Video

First Look: Canon EOS 1200D DLSR camera review


   

Canon EOS 1200D Main Features
  • 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) image sensor
  • DIGIC 4 Image Processor
  • EOS Full HD Movie mode
  • Scene Intelligent Auto mode.
  • Feature Guide
  • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
  • 3.0-inch LCD monitor
  • ISO 100-6400 (expandable to H: 12800)
  • 9-point AF system / AI Servo AF
  • Creative Filters
  • Basic+ and Creative Auto Modes
  • Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S lenses
Source: Canon USA