dslr

This camera looks REALLY good! In fact, at $800, what is it going to do to 7D sales? And WHERE is my firmware upgrade for my 5D Mark II? Come on Canon! We’ve waited long enough…

The Family Camera is Back, Introducing the EOS Rebel T2i Featuring a Large 18-Megapixel CMOS Sensor and Full HD Video Recording with Selectable Frame Rates up to 30 fps

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 8, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced the new flagship model for the Company’s highly popular Rebel DSLR line: the Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera. Today’s photo enthusiast is looking for a camera that will grow with them as they learn, and that is a perfect description of the new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera. Retaining all of the traditional characteristics that have made the EOS Rebel series beloved by entry-level photographers and an industry best-seller, the new Rebel T2i succeeds in bridging the gap between an entry-level camera and a true pro-sumer camera.

The Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera includes a variety of new features for photographic assignments as varied as grabbing that action shot from the sidelines or creating memorable family portraits, including: 3.7 fps shooting, an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800), a 63-zone Dual Layer Metering System, and Canon’s DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor. There are some moments in our lives where video helps capture the moment better than a still image, and the Rebel T2i offers the best of both worlds with Full HD 1080p video as well as 18-megapixel still images. The Rebel T2i DSLR continues Canon’s industry-leading trend in Full HD DSLR video capture with manual exposure control, selectable frame rates and a new external microphone input. There is also a new feature for standard definition recording, Movie Crop, which provides an approximate 7x additional zoom with no loss of image quality when shooting SD quality video.

“There is no question that HD video is the biggest trend in DSLR technology and because of this we are seeing the creativity of still photographers transferring to the moving image. Still photographers are using the various lenses and accessories they are already familiar with to create amazing video footage,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Taking that HD video quality and putting it in the hands of entry-level photographers with cameras like our new EOS Rebel T2i, we are seeing a new generation of creative digital artists emerge.”

Lights, Rebel, Action – EOS HD Video

Canon’s EOS HD video capture has helped spark a major movement in digital imaging, empowering still photographers with the ability to experiment, learn and capture stunning high-definition video through a variety of creative lenses. Continuing this imaging revolution, the new EOS Rebel T2i puts entry-level photographers on the frontline equipped with all the latest EOS HD video features including full HD video at 1920×1080 resolution, selectable frame rates, full manual exposure control and the visual options of interchangeable lenses. Manual video exposure control provides novice filmmakers with the image control they are accustomed to in a still camera, all while shooting professional-level cinematic video. Professional photographers utilize creative lighting, adjustable depth-of-field and a variety of lenses to create powerful still images and video footage, and these are exactly the tools that the new Rebel T2i gives to budding photo and video enthusiasts. Adding a new professional-level feature for EOS cameras, the Rebel T2i includes an Auto ISO function that works in all Creative Zone exposure modes including Manual where users can set a limit to the highest ISO the camera will use, enabling them to retain the lighting and look they desire for a scene. By setting an Auto ISO range, videographers can retain dark shadow areas and avoid blowing out highlight areas in a scene while still retaining the benefit of automatic ISO adjustments. The Rebel T2i DSLR captures video in both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards at selectable frame rates including Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 30 (29.97), 25 or 24 (23.976) fps, and HD 1280 x 720 or Standard Definition 640 x 480 quality video, at 60 (59.94) or 50 fps.

For easier video recording operation and familiar functionality for beginners, the Rebel T2i’s autofocus can be operated before or during video recording by pressing the shutter button half-way down in video mode. Another feature debuting in the Rebel T2i is Canon’s new Movie Crop mode, where the user can achieve 7x magnification when shooting SD video for a significantly increased “telephoto” effect. Unlike the digital zoom feature found in many compact digital cameras, Canon’s new Movie Crop mode actually crops the image directly from the CMOS sensor at full SD resolution to preserve maximum image quality and provide additional zoom power. The new Movie Crop feature is especially helpful for achieving extra full resolution zoom power when filming youth sports, such as a child running to the furthest end of a field. For better sound quality when shooting video, the Rebel T2i DSLR includes an external stereo microphone jack, a first for an EOS Rebel model, in addition to its built-in monaural microphone. These audio and video features supplement a tremendous range of additional must-have video features in an entry-level Digital SLR camera.

For enhanced viewing pleasure and easy video sharing at home, the HDMI video-out capability of the Rebel T2i DSLR includes a new Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) compatibility which allows users to play back still or video files on a CEC-compliant HDTV, using the TV remote to control the camera when connected via HDMI interface.

Camera Feature Set

The EOS Rebel T2i DSLR features a newly developed 18-million-pixel Canon CMOS imaging sensor providing outstanding resolution and light sensitivity for amazing poster-sized prints with fine detail and stunning color. The camera exhibits exceptional low-noise performance incorporating many of the same technologies used to reduce noise in professional cameras such as the EOS 7D. The Rebel T2i camera’s basic ISO range is an amazing 100~6400, and via a Custom Function, it can be extended to ISO 12,800. The outstanding ISO range combined with its noise reduction technology allows the Rebel T2i to capture outstanding low-light pictures at events such as candlelit birthday celebrations or recitals where flash photography may be prohibited.

The camera provides 3.7 fps continuous shooting for still photos, making it the fastest shooting Rebel model to date and enabling users to capture that great image of a little leaguer’s first swing. The camera features Canon’s proprietary iFCL 63-zone dual-layer metering system offering intelligent Evaluative metering with much finer segmentation than any previous EOS Rebel model. The new Rebel T2i also has an expanded ± 5 EV exposure compensation range allowing for much more versatility when shooting in extremely bright or dark environments; or when shooting HDR (high dynamic range) images.

The Rebel T2i DSLR includes a number of professional-level user-selectable Canon image processing features to enhance the image quality of in-camera JPEG files, and to tag RAW images for processing later through Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software (included with the camera). These features include Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer to enhance shadow detail and add contrast to “flat” scenes, Highlight Tone Priority adding up to one stop of detail in bright highlight areas, Peripheral Illumination Correction for automatic correction of vignetting, High ISO Noise Reduction with four user-selectable settings, and Long Exposure Noise Reduction applied to exposures one second or longer. These Canon image enhancements provide new photographers with professional quality automatic image correction on JPEG files right out of the camera.

The EOS Rebel T2i digital camera includes a new enhanced 3-inch LCD monitor featuring 1.04 million dots with a wide 3:2 aspect ratio, wider than previous EOS models. The Rebel T2i camera’s LCD monitor can display a full-screen video image utilizing the entire screen during playback. For maximum storage capacity the new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is the first EOS model to support SDXC memory cards. With all the new and exciting features of the EOS Rebel T2i, the Rebel series continues to provide great Canon features such as Live View, a built-in pop-up flash, and the EOS integrated cleaning system, as well as compatibility with Canon EX-series Speedlites and Canon EF and EF-S lenses allowing users to fully explore multiple creative photographic possibilities. The new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is also compatible with Canon’s new BG-E8 battery grip and new RC-6 wireless remote control for both still images and video capture.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in early March, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $799.99. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $899.99.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of “100 Best Global Brands.” Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

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† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications, availability, and pricing are subject to change without notice.

Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

HDMI, HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are registered trademarks or trademarks of HDMI licensing, LLC.

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Well, film maker Philip Bloom seems to have done it again. He starts out by telling you how he missed an email from Rick McCallum, producer of the Star Wars prequels and many other films and TV shows at Lucasfilm. In his blog post, he details what it was like to be invited out to Skywalker Ranch in California. Seems like the Lucasfilm folks wanted to know more about the capability of the video DSLR’s, and in particular the Canon 5D and 7D. So, Philip was excited and jumped on a plane to head out there. But what he does next, is the amazing part of the story.

He gets to the ranch and starts shooting. In his mind he has a plan of how he is going to shoot several different kinds of footage, in different lighting and weather conditions to show the power of these cameras. I don’t know if he storyboarded the whole film ahead of time, or just shot tons of footage and then figured it all out when he got back to his room. This film has all kinds of cool things going on, from the use of focus, a glidetrack, time lapse photography, etc. Philip gets it all downloaded to his computer, converts it to 24P (the 5D Mark II footage – 7D footage shot in native 24P), then puts the production together and has it shown on a 40′ screen with George Lucas, Quentin Tarantino and others in the audience. All this in 24 hours!  They were blown away with the final product and so am I.

I don’t believe that I’ve seen a better example to date of what these video DSLR’s can do. On top of that, I’m amazed that one person can have the vision, shooting experience, editing ability AND the capability to put together a final product to music that synced as beautifully as Philip did. This is another reason why he’s becoming the defacto expert on these cameras. Each time he makes a film with them, he breaks new ground.

Watch the video, visit his blog, buy his DVD’s if you haven’t figured this stuff out yet, or follow him on Vimeo or F-Stop Academy. If you have an interest in using the video capability of your camera, he’s the one to watch.

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This is a Quick Hit Podcast short and we’re going to talk to Tom Guilmette. Tom works in the television and film arena. A major turning point in his television life occurred when Sony released an inexpensive High Definition camera that used the newly developed HDV format. For the first time, Tom was able to shoot in 1080i and edit video at full 1440 × 1080 resolution.

Tom says: This is my first film shot with the Canon 5DmkII digital SLR. This camera is simply amazing and it is really changing the “film-look for video” game.

The idea for this film came to me a few days ago. I wanted to shoot in an old, abandoned house with no electricity. My goal was to light the entire film with available light and light from a single oil lamp. The low light capability of this camera is unlike anything I have ever used before. This camera is amazing when shooting with the light from a single flame.

I called my friend, Adam, and asked him if he would meet me at on old vacant farm house in Attleboro, Massachusetts so that we could shoot a film. We brought a few props, like the old tin, oil lamp and photograph for the film and shot non-stop from 11am to 5pm. We started outside in the rain and then moved into the dank dirt-floor basement. Later in the afternoon, we shot upstairs in the decaying house.

All sound was recorded separately with the Zoom h4 stereo recorder with the built in microphones. I used Vinten tripods, and especially loved my new Vinten baby legs when shooting with the Vision 3 (spring#1) to get the low angles.

I edited this project with very little grading to the final film with Final Cut Pro and Magic Bullet Looks. If you have any questions about the Canon 5DmkII or the making of this film, please visit my website and post your comments there. Link: tomguilmette.com

I have also posted the untreated rough cut of the 1960 farm house flashback. This rough cut includes reference audio directly from the 5Dmk2 microphone. I figured this might be helpful to those who want to hear how the built in mic sounds. Link: vimeo.com/5302278

Special Thanks to:
Matt Johnson
Chris Nicini
Joe Francazio

List of Questions (PDF format)

Equipment, Software and sites mentioned in this podcast: Zacuto hardware, Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 1D Mark IV, Glidecam 4000, Zoom H4n Audio Recorder, Sony EX1, Letus35 Ultimate Adapter.

Show Sponsors: ExpoImaging, Inc., ScanCafe

To listen to the full podcast interview, click on the player’s forward arrow below. You can also play the Podcast in a popup window, download it OR subscribe to it via iTunes.

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Gorgeous detailed effects look organic and natural. Over 1000 presets that adapt to image size make Eye Candy easy to use. Professional features support production environments, such as CMYK color mode, 16-bit/channel images, and acceleration for multi-core computers.

Raleigh, North Carolina – December 1, 2009 – Alien Skin Software today announces the immediate availability of Eye Candy® 6, the new version of its graphic design special effects plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop®. The 30 filters in Eye Candy render beautifully detailed realistic effects that are difficult or impossible to achieve in Photoshop alone. Now it is easy to create attractive results quickly because Eye Candy adapts to the current image size.

“Eye Candy could always render a huge range of beautiful effects, but you had to be an expert to achieve them,” said Terence Tay, the architect of Eye Candy. “Now version 6 hands them to you on a silver platter by providing improved presets which automatically adapt to your image size.”

Beauty
Eye Candy handles every situation elegantly, from slick Web interfaces (Chrome, Glass, Perspective Shadow) to tasteful logos (Bevel, Brushed Metal, Extrude) to spectacular titles (Chrome, Corona, Fire). Realism sets Eye Candy effects apart from the generic filters built into Photoshop. Effects like Animal Fur, Smoke, and Reptile Skin are rendered in exquisite detail down to individual hairs, turbulent wisps, and irregular bumps. Eye Candy makes your designs look natural and organic, not computery and fake.

Ease of Use
Eye Candy makes it easy to apply tasteful special effects to any project, which is quite a feat considering that it contains 30 filters, over 1000 presets, and hundreds of controls. All that power is tamed by a deceptively simple user interface. The presets are now organized into categories and each one adapts to fit the size of your current image. The numerous presets handle nearly any situation, but you can also customize each effect and save your own settings.

Help for Eye Candy 6 is everywhere. Tooltips appear above every control and a detailed manual pops up with a single key press. The Web site has a large library of tutorial videos, example images, a knowledge base, and a discussion forum.

Professional Features
Eye Candy is made for professionals in demanding production environments who need support for 16-bit/channel images and CMYK mode. Eye Candy 6 now takes advantage of multi-core CPUs to run fast on modern machines. Eye Candy 6 is one of the first plug-ins to work with the 64-bit version of Photoshop. Panels for Photoshop CS4 are provided for starting Eye Candy filters with a single click and for quickly creating attractive buttons. Eye Candy provides multiple techniques for non-destructive editing in Photoshop, including Smart Filter support and rendering effects on a duplicate of the original layer.

Pricing and Availability
Eye Candy 6 sells for $249 USD. Owners of any version of Eye Candy may upgrade for $99 USD. Online or physical delivery is available through the Alien Skin website at www.alienskin.com. A real live human can take orders or answer questions at 888-921-SKIN (7546). Free upgrades will be automatically sent to purchasers of the Eye Candy 5 Bundle (Impact, Nature, and Textures) who purchased after October 11, 2009.

Host Requirements
Eye Candy 6 is a plug-in and requires one of the following host applications:

Adobe Photoshop CS3 or later
Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 or later on Mac OS X
Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 or later on Windows
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2
Adobe Fireworks CS4

System Requirements
Microsoft Windows users must have at least a Pentium 4 processor or compatible and Windows XP or later. Apple Macintosh users must have a PowerPC G5 or Intel processor and Mac OS X 10.5 or later. A monitor with 1024×768 resolution or greater is required.

About Alien Skin Software
Alien Skin Software makes Photoshop plug-ins for photographers and graphic designers. We distill advanced math and cutting edge research into simple tools that render beautiful pictures. Our reputation for bug-free software and fast, friendly tech support has grown worldwide since 1993. For more information, visit our website at www.alienskin.com.

EC6_PR_Example_Transparent_sm

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QHT 0011: Interview with Kevin Shahinian, Filmmaker and Founder of Pacific Pictures

November 20, 2009

This is a Quick Hit Podcast short and we’re going to talk to Kevin Shahinian. Kevin is an award-winning filmmaker, graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts and founder of Pacific Pictures, a boutique film production company based in Los Angeles, CA that produces live event, corporate and original concept productions for clients around [...]

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Young Photographer Contest

November 19, 2009

Tyler Stableford told me about a 17-year old photographer who had great talent and potential named Adam Brobjorg. So, I did some research on him and decided he was worth an interview. It will go live on the 24th of November. However, what really struck me about Adam was what he had accomplished with almost [...]

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