Canon News: EOS 6D DSLR Announced

After the usual speculation, wish-lists and leaked specs, Canon have now confirmed their 'entry-level' full-frame DSLR is called the 6D:

Canon have dropped it between their APS-C (crop) DSLR 7D and their full-frame magnificent 5D Mark III.  Compared the latter, inevitably Canon have kept the specification lower, especially around things which are important to wildlife photographers, like the auto-focus system and frames per second.  On paper at least, it therefore doesn't compare that favourably to the recently launched Nikon D600.

Here is a little more info on the 6D:

• Full-frame 20.2-megapixel sensor 
• Tough, lightweight construction 
• Max ISO 25,600 (expandable to ISO 102,400) 
• 11-point AF sensitive down to -3EV 
• GPS* records your location 
• Wi-Fi** file transfer and remote control 
• Full-HD video

As you'll notice, a couple of new things are included - Wi-Fi and GPS, features which will inevitably be included in most cameras (from smartphones to professional ones) in the coming 18-24 months.  The Wi-fi option is of potential interest in that it's compatible with a new Android and iOS app which allows the camera to be controlled remotely.  There's more information on that here, (interesting to see a 7D referenced in the screen shots too). 

I'm yet to see official prices for the 6D in the UK, but I believe it will also be available with the 24-105 IS lens, so there's still life in that lens for a while longer!

More details of the 6D can be found here.

BWPA - Highly Commended Image - Deer Rutting

I am pleased to confirm that one of my images has been Highly Commended in the 'Animal Behaviours' category of the British Wildlife Photography Awards - the showcase for Britain's diverse nature and wildlife.

Here's the image in question (see the bottom of this blog for more about how/where/when I took the image):

Deer rutting, BWPA 2012 Animal Behaviours - Highly Commended

It's featured on Page 63 of the excellent hard-back 'coffee table' book, which is available to order from Amazon (and makes for a great Christmas present, as most of my relatives will find out!):



I'm also happy to announce that via Photobox, I'm able to offer the chance for you to buy a print of the images, available in all sorts of sizes and mounted, framed, etc.  Please double- check if you are ordering that the image fits well for the size you'd like, as sometimes the ratio of the print means you lose part of the image:



The image was on display in the Mall Galleries, SW1, alongside lots of the images from the book, including all the well-deserved winning ones

Mall Galleries, showing British Wildlife Photography Awards, 17th Sept 2012

More about the image

Richmond Park, in the South-West of London is one of the most accessible places to see Red Deer in the UK.  Like all wild animals, they need to treated with respect - and in the rutting season in particular, you have to keep a safe distance from them (unlike Fenton).

My day started the night before, when I confirmed that the weather was going to bright and very cold the next morning (good for mist) - then it was time to pack all the gear, charge the batteries and set the alarm for 04:30.

At the time, in October 2011, I was still living in Central London, so I cycled over to Waterloo and got the first train out towards Richmond (Norbiton, in fact).  Whilst pitch black, I was then able to use the pedestrian gate to enter the park - and slowly cycle through the park on the roads.

As the light started to appear, I remember taking this shot en-route to where I eventually locked my bike up and then started walking:

After finding the deer and noting the likely direction they would head and where the sun would appear, it was a case of walking a very wide loop, downwind, ahead of them - and getting below the horizon level...  A group of deer then walked nicely across the light and then when I saw a couple of them starting to rut, after a quick reposition, I managed to get the shot I was happy with.

Nikon News: D600 Full-frame DSLR launched

After a very long line of Canon updates with nothing significant from Nikon, it's time to make amends, as Nikon launches the D600 full-frame D-SLR.

It's specification is impressive:

• 24.3-megapixel FX-format (full-frame) CMOS sensor with excellent signal-to-noise ratio and wide dynamic range. Delivers richly detailed images with smooth tonal gradations.
• Highly sensitive autofocus with Multi-CAM4800 39-point AF system: delivers fast and precise coverage across the frame. Sensitive down to -1 EV and compatible up to f/8.
• ISO 100–6400: extendable up to 25,600 (equivalent) and down to 50 (equivalent). Enables faster shutter speeds for finely detailed images with minimal noise.
• Multi-area D-Movie records FX- and DX-format Full HD (1080p) movies in 30p, 25p and 24p. Max recording time approx. 29 minutes 59 seconds. Offers uncompressed HDMI output to external devices and high-fidelity audio control.
• EXPEED 3 image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.
• HDR (High Dynamic Range): ideal for high-contrast scenes. Takes two shots within a single shutter release to create an image with an extremely wide dynamic range, low noise and rich color gradation.
• Active D-Lighting: capture more detail in high-contrast lighting conditions. Nikon’s Active D-Lighting automatically retains the details in both dark and bright areas for stunning images with natural contrast.
• Scene Recognition System: the camera’s image sensor and its 2,016-pixel RGB sensor provide precise data to the Scene Recognition System, which optimizes exposure, autofocus and white balance immediately before the shutter is released for sharply defined images.
• Time-lapse shooting: use Interval Timer Shooting to trigger the shutter at preset intervals. Use Time Lapse Photography to save images as movie files and view slow action in fast playback, with playback rates from 24 to 36,000 times faster than normal.
• Picture Controls customize the look of your stills and videos by fine-tuning parameters such as sharpness, saturation, and hue before capture.
• Precision 8-cm (3.2-in.), 921k-dot, VGA LCD monitor with automatic monitor brightness control. Delivers bright, crisp image playback with a wide color reproduction capacity.
• High-performance viewfinder with approx. 100% frame coverage and 0.7x magnification. Offers DX Crop Mode with viewfinder marking.
• 5.5 fps continuous shooting: capture fast-moving action at five-and-a-half frames per second.
• Quiet shooting mode: perfect for discreet photography, the sound of the camera’s mirror return mechanism is noticeably reduced.
• Mirror balancer: minimizes the bounce of the mirror’s down movement, extending viewing time and allowing more time for AF operation—one reason the D600 achieves AF and focus tracking even during high-speed continuous shooting.
• Compact, light and durable: built to withstand severe conditions, the camera boasts magnesium alloy top and rear covers and weighs only 760 g (without battery). Weather-sealed to the same degree as Nikon’s professional D800 SLR, it offers enhanced resistance to moisture and dust.
• Dual-axis electronic virtual horizon: you can confirm the camera's position relative to the horizontal plane and its pitch (forward or rear rotation) using the LCD monitor, or the viewfinder.
• Twin SD card slots: two SD memory card slots offer enhanced shooting flexibility. Use the second card when the first is full, or record stills on one and movies on another. SDXC and UHS-I compatible.

More information available here.

Canon News: EOS 7D revised firmware to 2.0.3

Fresh on the heels of the recent 7D firmware upgrade (a significant, welcome one), Canon have launched a minor update to fix a couple of niggles:

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera stops working when the auto power off setting takes effect.
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the maximum number of images that can be captured in a burst may be less than the actual number displayed in the viewfinder.
3. Corrects some errors in the message displayed on the LCD screen when saving RAW images developed in the camera (these errors do not appear in the Japanese and Korean language displays).

More information and the download are available from Canon UK here.

British Wildlife Photography Awards 2012

The British Wildlife Photography Awards is a celebration of the diversity and splendour of the UK's wildlife.  The winners of this year's award have just been announced, to coincide with the launch of a 'coffee-table' hardback book:



You can find more about the winning shots here.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Canon News: EOS-1D X Firware 1.0.6 launched

For all those lucky people that have a Canon EOS-1D X, Canon have released some firmware which addresses some bugs, sorry 'phenomenons':

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF Microadjustment cannot be correctly carried out.
2. Fixes a phenomenon such that when using the camera with combinations of certain lens*1) and extender*2), the images captured become back-focused.  *1) EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM or EF200mm f/2L IS USM 
     *2) Extender EF 1.4x III or Extender EF 2x III
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which, when the camera is powered on in very dark environments (including instances when the lens cap or the body cap is attached), an Error 80 appears on the camera.
4. Fixes the following phenomenon, where if two CF cards are inserted into the camera and the “Standard” or “Auto switch card” setting is selected for the recording method [Record func+card/folder sel] and then one of the CF cards is removed and reinserted into the card slot. The card selected for recording and playing back images may be switched to the other CF Card.
5. Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF microadjustment value is not correctly displayed in the EXIF information of captured images.
6. Displays an “O” or “X” to indicate whether images have been successfully transferred through the FTP protocol when using the WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter.

Lovely.  More info and to download here.

Canon News: EOS M Compact System Camera launched

At last, Canon have bitten the bullet and entered the mirroless compact camera market, after several years of speculation... here is their new EOS M:

Highlights are:

• 18 Megapixel APS-C Hybrid CMOS sensor.
• The quality of a digital SLR in a compact body.
• Scene Intelligent Auto.
• Be versatile with interchangeable lenses; EF lens compatibility (via Mount Adapter EF-EOS M).
• Create out-of-focus backgrounds for high impact.
• Easy-to-use touch-screen LCD.
• Atmospheric photos in low light.
• Full HD video with Video Snapshot Mode.

More information here.

Canon News: 5D Mk III Firmware (1.1.3) released

Canon have launched new firmware for its new 5D Mark III DSLR.  Changes are:

1. Supports the single focal length EF40mm f/2.8 STM lens that is to be released at the end of June 2012.
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which an image may become underexposed when using the Auto Lighting Optimizer for continuous Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) shooting.
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which the backlight of the LCD monitor may not turn off depending on the camera settings and timing.
4. Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera's power may not turn on when a super-telephoto lens (*1) is mounted to the camera with an extender (*2). (*1) The EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM or EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM lenses. (*2) The Extender EF1.4x III or Extender EF2x III.
5. Corrects mistakes in the Dutch, Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, and Swedish menu screens.

Firmware available here.

Nikon News: New Nikkor lenses released

Nikon have launched a couple of new zoom lenses.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

DX format 16.7x zoom lens with versatile 18-300mm focal length (FX/35mm equivalent: 27 to 450mm)

Vibration Reduction II (VR II) stabilization system enables more flexible hand-held shooting and lets you use shutter speeds that are up to 4 stops slower.

Maximum aperture of f/5.6 at the telephoto end of the range.

Zoom-lock switch keeps the lens secure when not in use.

9-blade rounded diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements blend together smoothly.

Three ED glass and three aspherical lens elements ensure high resolution and superior contrast.

SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, whisper-quiet autofocus.

Compact and lightweight design for a lens with this range.

More information here.

 

AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR

• FX-format standard zoom lens with 24–85mm focal range (36–127.5mm when used with a Nikon DX-format SLR).
• Vibration Reduction (VRII) system enables more stable handheld shooting and lets you shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower.
• Nikon Super Integrated Coating greatly reduces ghosting and flare and ensures outstanding color reproduction.
• Designed specifically for use with Nikon FX-format digital SLR sensors.
• ED (extra-low dispersion) glass and three aspherical lens elements ensure high resolution and contrast while minimizing aberrations and distortions.
• SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet and accurate autofocus.
• Two focus modes: M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual focus).
• Lightweight and compact body.
• Weather-sealed rubber lens mount.

More information here.  

 

 

Canon News: EOS 7D Firmware Update

Canon have launched a relatively significant, free, firmware release for their EOS 7D DSLR, available from August.  It will upgrade the camera with the following features:

• Improved maximum burst for RAW images (up to 25)
• In-camera RAW image editing
• In-camera image rating
• In-camera JPEG resizing
• Maximum Auto ISO setting (ISO 400-6400)
• Manual audio level adjustment in movie recording
• GPS compatibility
• File name customisation
• Time zone settings
• Faster scrolling of magnified images
• Quick control screen during playback

There is plenty of negative (and tedious) feedback about the reasons and timings of this release on various internet forums, but I think it's positive for the following reasons:

• If you've already got the 7D, this gives it a new lease of life, for free
• If you were considering buying the 7D - it will be a better camera
• If you haven't got, or don't want the 7D, ignore the news!

On a more serious point, it isn't sustainable for any electronics manufacturer to develop new models and expect consumers to upgrade every 12 months or so.  With the EOS range of accessories, Canon already do an incredible job of this - effectively allowing new features to be added to the main body of the camera with new lenses, flash guns, etc.  Firmware is another way of achieving this - and it's free!

 More info here.

Canon News: New EOS STM Lenses Launched

In response to the growing use of SLRs for video capture, Canon have launched a pair of lenses with a new design - a STM (Stepping Motor) is used.  This allows for smoother, quieter operation, with compatible cameras.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

• Versatile 18-135mm zoom range – perfect for travel.
• Smooth, quiet STM focusing when shooting movies on compatible cameras.
• Dynamic Image Stabilizer for smooth movie footage.
• Fast autofocus with full-time manual override.
• Minimum focusing distance of 0.39m.

 More info here.

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM

• Portable pancake design
• Smooth, quiet STM focusing when shooting movies on compatible cameras
• Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture for low-light shooting
• Close focus to 0.3m
• Fast, quiet AF for pin-sharp results
• Great image quality right across the frame

More info here.

Canon News: EOS 650D Released

Canon have updated their xxxD line of Digital SLRs with the new 650D - and it's got some pretty innovative new features built-in

• Newly-developed 18MP APS-C Hybrid CMOS sensor
• Native ISO range from 11 to 12,800
• Powered by Canon's Digic V processor
•  7.7cm (3.0”) Vari-angle Clear View LCD II Touch screen - (yes, a touch screen, allowing you to navigate as you might on a smartphone)
• Hybrid AF enhancing Full HD movies
• 9 cross-type AF points
• 5 fps
• HDR backlit control

More details available here.

N.B. There is a Product Advisory, which actually sounds quite serious - and could case allergic reactions.  In some cases, the black rubber grips on the camera can go white, which is caused by an unpleasant chemical reaction.  Check out your 650D asap!

The Shard at London Bridge

In my free-time, I have taken a few shots of The Shard during its construction, from various local vantage points. 

Here are my favourites, which will benefit from viewing fullscreen.

Timelapse, January 2012

 

6th August 2009, from Guys Walkway

24th April 2010

9th May 2010

5th July 2010

25th July 2010

12th September 2010

28th November 2010

28th November 2010, from under London Bridge

12th December 2010, from Southwark Street

31st January 2011, from roof of One New Change

22nd April 2011

22nd April 2011, from South end of London Bridge

1st May 2011, from London Bridge Rail Platform

May 21st 2011, with Emirates Airbus A380

2nd July 2011

3rd July 2011

8th July 2011, from London Bridge

8th July 2011

9th July 2011, from Tower Bridge

17th September 2011, from Broadgate Tower (through glass)

17th September 2011

25th September 2011

19th November 2011, with Southwark Cathedral

19th November 2011, from outside Borough Underground Station

19th November 2011

17th March 2012

14th April 2012

14th April 2012

(Definitely watch the last video clip at fullscreen - and watch what the guys at the very top get up to!)

Feel free to contact me if you're interested in prints (without watermarks!), or any other creative use for any of these images.

Water Vole at the London Wetlands Centre

I spent today at the inaugural London Wild Bird Watch, at the London Wetlands Centre, Barnes.  To start things off, I enjoyed listening to Simon King talk about the live webcams on two Peregrine Falcons in West London.

I then had the chance to listen to a few wildlife photographers - Ben Osborne, Jules Cox and Luke Massey, courtesy of Amateur Photographer Magazine.

As birds were meant to be the focus for the day, here's a Goldcrest (Regulus regulus), showing clearly where its name comes from (click to zoom in):

I also wanted to try to photograph a water vole (Arvicola amphibius) - a mammal I remember seeing as a kid, but not one I've ever been able to photograph.  Despite some pretty heavy rain later on in the afternoon, I managed to take a few photographs I am relatively happy with, given the conditions (click on photos to see larger).