Book Recommendation: Speedliter's Handbook by Syl Arena

Speedliter's Handbook Front Cover

Speedliter's Handbook: Learning to Craft Light With Canon Speedlites. By Syl Arena 2010 (Hard copy)

This book is by far my best resource for getting to know my Canon 270EX II and Canon 430EX II Speedlite flashes and to learn more about the author's Canon flash photography approach and techniques.

I highly recommend the Speedliter's Handbook for anybody who wants to get more involved with Speedlite flash photography on / or off their Canon EOS and / or compatible Canon PowerShot (G and various SX models) camera. (See Canon PowerShot camera compatibility below).

In this book you will find 400+ pages packed with everything that is required to learn and understand the current range of Canon Speedlites and how to use them.

Canon Speedlites covered in the Speedliter's Handbook:

• Speedlite 270EX
• Speedlite 430EX II
• Speedlite 580EX II
• Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX
• Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX
• Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2

For more information / user reviews or to purchase the Speedliter's Handbook please visit my Amazon aStore.

Canon PowerShot Compatibility
I use a Speedlite 270EX II flash instead of the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS's integrated pop-up flash. The Speedlite 430EX II is also compatible with the Canon SX40 HS. The E-TTL II zoom of the Speedlite 430EX II is fully compatible in the 24-105mm zoom range. Speedlites will work with the following PowerShot cameras: G6, G7, Pro 1, G9, G10, G11, G12, G15, G16, G1 X and SX30 IS / SX40 HS / SX50 HS SX60 HS.

Canon Speedlite EX Flash Model Range
  (excluding the new Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT)

More about the Canon Speedlites >>

Back Cover: Speedliter's Handbook

Speedliter's Handbook Cover Images: From Vernon Chalmers Personal Copy

Hands-On With the Canon EOS 7D Mark II: B&H Photo

Hands-On With the Canon EOS 7D Mark II: B&H Photo - YouTube Video

Sports and wildlife shooters are thrilled that the new Canon 7D Mark II has a 20.2 megapixel APS-C sensor and two DIGIC 6 image processors, so they can shoot up to 130 of the highest quality JPEGs at a burst rate of 10fps. And the AF system is modeled after the top-of-the-line 1Dx with 65 cross type sensors and a full featured, highly customizable AF menu system. B&H Photo

Camera Book Recommendation: Canon EOS 6D

Canon EOS 6D: Front cover

Canon EOS 6D: 'From Snapshots to Great Shots'
By Colby Brown 2013 (Hard Copy)

I use a Canon EOS 6D, as a dedicated full frame body, for landscape, low light and event photography (paired mainly with the Canon EF 16-35 f/4L IS USM and EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lenses). 

This well-illustrated book became a personal companion for a deeper understanding of the Canon EOS 6D's advanced features, high ISO capabilities, focus system and a general reference guide (apart from the Canon user manual).

This book is highly recommended for current or prospective Canon EOS 6D full frame owners: Its an insightful blend of the camera's features, photographic instruction and general / advanced reference guide.

Canon EOS 6D: Basic to Advanced Photography Tutorials
Expect detailed explanations and demonstrations of the Canon EOS 6D's general to advanced features supplemented with detailed photographic fundamentals, instruction and sample images - with detailed EXIF data: Aperture / ISO / Shutter Speed information from in-camera together with selected lens focal length.

Like the other books  in the 'From Snapshots to Great Shots" range the reader will be guided through various basic photographic performance requirements to advanced exposure techniques (using Aperture / ISO / Shutter Speed) for application in the Canon 6D's Creative Zone (P / Av / Tv / M modes).

The 240+ pages of the Canon EOS 6D 'Snapshots to Great Shots' are superbly organized with the author's expert photographic knowledge, skills and many practical camera / photography demonstrations. Each chapter is a well-structured combination of the Canon EOS 6D's settings / features (with images) and detailed explanations and demonstration on how to achieve similar shots. 

Chapter Contents

• The Canon 6D Top Ten List (Tips) 
• Things to know and do before you begin taking pictures 
• Using the Canon EOS 6D's Shooting Modes 
• The tricks for shooting sports and more 
• Setting and features to make great portraits 
• Tips, tools and techniques for landscape photography 
• Shooting when the light gets low / flash 
• Improve your picture with sound compositional elements 
• Creating movies with the Canon 7D Mark II 
• Canon 6D advanced techniques
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Canon EOS 6D: Back Cover

Canon EOS 6D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens - Aperture Test
Canon EOS 6D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens - Aperture Test >>

Canon EOS 6D / EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens Zoom Test - Cape Town
Canon EOS 6D /  EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens Zoom Test - Cape Town >>

Canon EOS 6D / EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens Zoom Test - Cape Town
Canon EOS 6D / EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens Zoom Test - Cape Town >>

Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens Zoom Test
Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens Zoom Test >>

Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens Birds In Flight Test
Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens Birds In Flight Test >>

Canon EOS 6D PDF User Manual Download
Canon EOS 6D PDF USer Manual Download>>

Canon EOS 6D Key Features / Specifications:

• 20.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 5+ Image Processor
• 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Clear View LCD Monitor
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 30 fps
• 11-Point AF with Center Cross-Type Point
• Native ISO 25600, Extended to ISO 102400
• 4.5 fps Shooting at Full Resolution
• Built-In Wi-Fi and GPS Connectivity
• iFCL 63-Zone Dual Layer Metering Sensor
• In-Camera HDR & Multiple Exposure Mode
• Compatible with Canon EF Lenses

Canon EOS 6D Book Cover Images: From Vernon Chalmers Personal Copy

Capturing Nature with the Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR

Capturing Nature with the Canon EOS 7D Mark II - YouTube Video 
 

Adam Jones Professional Wildlife and Nature Photographer with the Canon EOS 7D Mark II
YouTube Channel>>

More on the Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR>>

Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens: Links to professional / consumer reviews

Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens
The EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM is the perfect zoom to complement full-frame DSLRs like the EOS 6D. With 2 aspheric and 2 UD elements, the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM delivers high-quality images with excellent detail throughout the entire zoom range. A 9-blade circular diaphragm delivers beautiful, soft backgrounds. It offers a minimum focusing distance of 1.25 ft./0.38m across the entire zoom range and has a macro mode at the telephoto end with up to 0.7x magnification (minimum focusing distance becomes 7.87 in./0.2m) and is easily accessible with a one-touch switch. It features a Hybrid IS system with up to 4 stops of stabilization, compensating for both angular and shift types of camera shake, delivering effective stabilization even in macro. Inner focusing and ring-type USM deliver, fast, quiet AF, and full-time manual focus is available for manual focusing even while in AF mode (Source: Canon USA)

Comprehensive / Professional Reviews - Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens

• Camera Labs - review
• DP Review - review
• DXO Mark - review
• ePhotozine - review
• Ken Rockwell - review
• LensTip - review
• PC Mag - review
• Photography Blog - review
• Photo.net - review 
• Photo Review review
• Photozone - review
• Pop Photo - review
• Ron Mart Blog - review
• SLR Gear - review
• The Digital Picture - review
• The Phoblographer - review

Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens Zoom Test - Cape Town>>

Consumer / User Reviews - Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens

• Amazon - read
• B&H Photo - read
• Canon USA - read
• Photography-on-the-net - read

Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens Specifications (Source: Canon USA)

Canon EF / EF-S IS STM Lenses Preview - YouTube Video

Canon EF / EF-S IS STM Lenses Preview - YouTube Video

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"A behind the scenes look at how others are using Canon STM lenses to capture great photos and even better videos. For more information, please visit explore-lenses.usa.canon.com" Canon USA

Canon Camera Bodies used
Canon EOS 700D / Rebel T5i DSLR

Canon EF / EF-S IS STM Lenses used

• Canon EF 40mm IS STM lens
• Canon EF-S 10-18mm  IS STM lens
• Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS STM lens
• Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS STM Lens

Reviews of the current Canon EF-S DSLR lenses

Following the lens links to the individual product review / preview pages:

• Canon EF-S 24mm STM Lens 
• Canon EF-S 10-18mm IS STM Lens 
• Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM Lens 
• Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS STM Lens 
• Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS STM Lens

Reviews>>

Canon participates in Earth Hour 2016: 231 locations across 26 countries / regions

The lights go out at Canon Marketing (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

TOKYO, April 22, 2016—Canon Inc. announced today that 231 of the Company's offices and operating sites across 26 countries and regions participated in Earth Hour 2016, which was held in each locale from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. (local time) on March 19.

Earth Hour is a global environmental initiative organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that began in 2007. The event encourages individuals, communities, households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour as a statement to stop global warming and protect the global environment.

Across various locations, Canon Group companies turned off lights at offices and operating sites as well as neon signs. This year's event started in Oceania, which is closest to the International Date Line, and moved around the world through Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. In addition to Earth Hour, various regions carried out their own energy-saving activities. A dedicated page* within the Canon Global website provides an overview of the Company's global Earth Hour 2016 activities.

Through technological innovation and improved management efficiency, Canon aims to realize its "Action for Green" environmental vision: a society that promotes both enriched lifestyles and the global environment. Canon strives to reduce the environmental burden throughout the entire product lifecycle—Produce, Use, Recycle—thereby creating environmental frontrunner products.

http://www.canon.com/environment/communication/earthhour/index.html

Canon celebrates 22nd straight year of TIPA Awards

Canon celebrates 22nd straight year of Technical Image Press Association awards

TOKYO, April 18, 2016—Four Canon cameras and one Canon printer were recognized with “Best Photo and Imaging Product” awards by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), representing 30 photo and imaging magazines from 15 countries across five continents. The five award winners are: the EOS 5DS R digital SLR (DSLR) camera, the EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR camera, the PowerShot G5 X digital compact camera, the IXUS 285 HS (PowerShot ELPH 360 HS in the Americas) compact digital camera, and the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 professional inkjet printer.

Best DLSR Professional / High Res: EOS-5DS R
Named “Best DSLR Professional / High Res,” the Canon EOS-5DS R features an “impressive” approximately 50.6 megapixel full-frame sensor that the TIPA jury noted rivals those of larger medium-format digital cameras. The judges also highlighted the camera’s 5 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting of full-resolution still images and Full HD video capture at 30 fps. The EOS-5DS R is equipped with Dual DIGIC 6 image processors, a newly developed mirror vibration control system and time-release lag settings to further suppress camera shake and allow the camera to realize the full potential of its sensor. It has a 100% coverage 3.2-inch 1.04 million dot Intelligent ClearView II LCD viewfinder that can display a variety of shooting information. The jury also pointed out that the camera sports a 150,000 pixel RGB-IR metering sensor that utilizes EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF and that AF performance is enhanced by the 61-point high-density reticular sensor.

Best Photo / Video Professional Camera: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Selected for this year’s “Best Photo / Video Professional Camera” award, Canon’s EOS-1D X Mark II flagship-model DSLR offers impressive specifications. The camera is equipped with an approximately 20.2 megapixel 35 mm full-frame Canon CMOS sensor and achieves high-speed continuous shooting of approximately 14 fps, and up to 16 fps in Live View mode. The TIPA judges noted that the Dual DIGIC 6+ image processors enable high-speed writing of up to 170 RAW images and 81 RAW+JPEG images per burst. Thanks to Dual Pixel CMOS AF, in which all of the CMOS sensor’s pixels include both imaging and the phase-difference detection AF functions, the EOS-1D X Mark II is capable of high-speed AF tracking. The camera features an improved 61-point viewfinder AF and an improved AI Servo III+ predictive AF algorithm, and also achieves 4K 60p video shooting, and Full HD 120 fps high frame rate image capture suitable for slow motion video capture. With the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E8B, compatible with the new IEEE802.11ac wireless LAN standard, data can be sent wirelessly at high speeds across the 5 GHz band.

Best Easy Compact Camera: IXUS 285 HS
Crowning the IXUS 285 HS “Best Easy Compact Camera,” the TIPA judges declared, “Canon continues to offer pocketable yet full-featured compacts that offer many more options and higher photo quality than camera phones.” The camera sports a 12x optical zoom lens with built-in image stabilizer, a dedicated Wi-Fi button and NFC for enhanced connectivity, and a 3-inch LCD screen. It boasts an approximately 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ image processor that achieves high image quality even in low-light environments. What’s more, it can capture 1080p Full HD video and, using Canon’s proprietary algorithm, can produce a “highlight reel” in camera from selected albums.

Best Expert Compact Camera: Canon PowerShot G5 X
Crowned “Best Expert Compact Camera,” Canon’s PowerShot G5 X features a 1-inch approximately 20.2 megapixel High Sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 processor that achieves an approximately 6 fps continuous shooting speed and Full HD video. The camera features a 24–100 mm (35 mm film equivalent) 4.2x optical zoom lens with a nine-blade iris and an aperture of f/1.8 at the wide-angle end and f/2.8 at the telephoto end that achieves rich tonal gradations and exceptional blur characteristics across the entire zoom range. The G5 X features an EVF (electronic viewfinder) with approximately 2.36 million dots and approximately 100% coverage that employs an organic EL (electroluminescent) panel and has a refresh rate of up to 120 fps. A built-in eye sensor, which has a range of approximately 22 mm, can even detect users wearing glasses and switches display from the EVF to the 3-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen. Additionally, the camera’s hot shoe is compatible with all Speedlite flashes in the EOS system.

Best Photo Printer: imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
"Combining the ease of desktop use and a 17-inch wide cut sheet printer with many features from Canon’s higher-end pro printer models," the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 earned the title of TIPA's "Best Photo Printer." It incorporates a new twelve-color LUCIA PRO ink system, with eleven pigment inks, including the newly formulated Photo Black, and Chroma Optimizer. What’s more, Photo and Matte Black have their own nozzles, so no switching is needed between print jobs.

Equipped with the air feeding system found in Canon’s large-format imagePROGRAF inkjet printers, the PRO-1000 virtually eliminates paper skewing, regardless of paper weight and type, while also achieving more accurate ink placement. A new print head expels more ink droplets per second for more stable print performance, and print head-mounted sensors can detect clogs and automatically delegate printing responsibilities to other nozzles to prevent discoloration.

About the TIPA Awards
Held every year since 1991, the TIPA Awards recognize the best photo and imaging products announced during the previous 12 months based on such criteria as innovativeness, use of leading-edge technologies, design and ease-of-use. In 1992, Canon took home its first TIPA accolade for the EOS 100 SLR camera and, over 24 separate occasions since then, has been honored with TIPA awards for a total of 78 products and technologies.**Includes the EOS D2000, jointly developed with Eastman Kodak, winner of the 1998-1999 TIPA Best Pro Digital Camera award.

Source: Canon Global

Canon Exhibits Its Latest Digital Imaging Solutions At 2016 NAB Show

Canon U.S.A. Exhibits Its Latest Digital Imaging Solutions And 8k Technology At The 2016 NAB Show

2016 NAB Show: 16-21 April Las Vegas

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 6, 2016 – At the 2016 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will showcase its full line of professional 4K and high-definition imaging equipment for motion picture, television production, video content creation, and still photography at booth C4325. Additionally, there will be presentations and panel discussions throughout the show featuring Canon Explorers of Light, ASC members, and other emerging voices in imaging culture. A unique, immersive event, 8K Ride Experience showcases Canon’s innovation in current, emerging, and future technology by providing a simulated journey through a realistic, panoramic landscape powered by Canon 8K imaging technology. Visitors will also have hands-on opportunities with the full range of Canon Cinema cameras, 4K reference displays, HD Video and DSLR cameras, including the recently announced EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS 80D DSLR Cameras. On the lens side, users can see the latest in Canon Cinema, Broadcast, and EF lenses. In addition, on display will be Canon’s line of high- resolution Projectors, including a 4K HDR Projector and its first laser model, the LX-MU800Z.

“The NAB show is Canon’s opportunity to show our valued customers and the industry our latest technology as well as the multitude of ways that Canon digital imaging solutions can help them achieve their vision,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “NAB is an amazing show for us to connect with professionals in all aspects of video creation, editing, and distribution.”

A Beautiful Planet
Cinematographer James Neihouse, ASC will be presenting alongside Marsha Ivins, a former American astronaut and veteran of five space shuttle missions, about the making of the IMAX® movie A Beautiful Planet. The film, premiering in April, was largely shot aboard the International Space Station using Canon EOS C500 and EOS-1D C Cinema Cameras in 4K. Neihouse has worked on more than 30 IMAX® films including Space Station 3-D and Hubble 3-D. He has also trained more than 25 shuttle and space-station crews on the intricacies of large-format filmmaking. Ivins consulted on A Beautiful Planet drawing on her many years of experience with filming in space during her tenure with NASA.

8K Technology
Canon will be bringing its 8K Ride Experience to NAB as well. First introduced at the Canon Expo this past September in New York, The 8K Ride Experience projects video on large screens surrounding viewers to give them a unique sense of movement while sitting or standing still. By experiencing such high resolution imagery from all angles, the technology can simulate a physical journey often sparking a physical and emotional reaction. Additionally, Canon will be showcasing working prototype 8K cameras and lenses, with the stunning imagery shown on Canon 8K displays. Also on display will be a prototype 4K Projector capable of covering up to 100 percent of the DCI color space.

Canon Professional Services
Canon’s Professional Services (CPS) will again be hosting the Canon Hospitality Suite, in Room C201. The Canon Hospitality Suite is open to all NAB tradeshow attendees with priority support for CPS Gold, Platinum, Cinema, and Enterprise members. Visitors to the suite, located just off of the tradeshow floor, can experience Canon’s commitment to service and support for the professional imaging community.

Visit Canon at the 2016 NAB show at Booth C4325 in the Central Hall to see first-hand the latest products, hear from the Explorers of Light and the enjoy the 8K Ride Experience. For more information on the booth and an up-to-date schedule of the speaker schedule, please visit www.usa.canon.com/NAB2016. Follow Canon throughout the show on Instagram at @CanonUSA and Twitter at @CanonUSApro.

Source: Canon USA