Posts Tagged ‘Canon’

New DSLR: Canon EOS 6D

Monday, September 17th, 2012

Following in the footsteps of the Sony Alpha SLT-A99 and Nikon D600, Canon has unveiled its full-frame DSLR. The 20.2-megapixel EOS 6D will be available in December and is priced at US$2,100 (S$2,570) for the body only.

Canon's new full-frame DSLR, the 20.2-megapixel EOS 6D.

Canon’s new full-frame DSLR, the 20.2-megapixel EOS 6D.

Full-frame DSLRs are in, going by the announcements and launch in the lead-up to Photokina in Cologne, Germany – which begins tomorrow and lasts until Sunday.

After Sony announced its Alpha SLT-A99 (and fixed-lens compact CyberShot RX-1); and Nikon launched its D600 last week, Canon has announced today its new full-frame shooter – the Canon EOS 6D, which will be available in December.

All the new Sony and Nikon full-frame cameras above have 24.3 megapixels. The Canon EOS 6D, which can be considered as the 60D with a full-frame sensor shoots 20.2 megapixels and is priced at US$2,100 (S$2,570).

Price of the Canon EOS 6D with EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USZ zoom kit lens is $2,899 (S$3,545).

Keep an eye on this space for more details.

COMEX 2012 promotions: Canon

Thursday, August 30th, 2012

Canon will be at COMEX 2012 at Suntec Singapore at Hall 404, Booth 8101.

Click to view or download Canon promotions during COMEX 2012. (Caution: Large 9MB PDF file)

Click to view or download Canon promotions during COMEX 2012. (Caution: Large 9MB PDF file)

Check out Canon’s Comex 2012 promotions for its range of cameras and printers.

For cameras, there is the EOS range of DSLRs, Ixus and Powershot range of compact cameras; and for video, the Legria range of camcorders.

For printers, it has the PIXMA inkjets, as well as LaserShot and imageCLASS series of laser printers and multifunction devices.

Look out for discounted ink cartridges, batteries and scanners too.

New printer: Canon SELPHY CP900

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012

Canon has announced its first Wi-Fi-enabled compact photo printer. The SELPHY CP900 hits the shelves in Singapore on 30 August at S$199.

The Canon SELPHY CP900 compact printer comes in black, white or pink.

The Canon SELPHY CP900 compact printer comes in black, white or pink.

With built-in Wi-Fi, the SELPHY CP900 enables users to instantly and wirelessly print photos taken with smartphones and tablets anytime, anywhere.

White Canon SELPHY CP900 compact printer.The compact printer can connect wirelessly to iOS and eventually to Android devices.

It can also connect wirelessly to a wide range of commonly-used devices like laptops and PCs to print photos.

iPhone/iPad users can print photos via Canon’s EasyPhotoPrint app which can be downloaded from the Apple App store.

The Android application will only be available end December 2012.

If you’re using a BlackBerry or Windows Phone, then you’re out of luck. You won’t be able to print directly from the smartphone or tablet to the CP900.

Black Canon SELPHY CP900 compact printer.

Black Canon SELPHY CP900 compact printer.

The SELPHY CP900’s wireless capabilities also support DPS over IP (this is a standard for interconnecting devices over LAN/wireless) for cameras to connect and print wirelessly without going through a router.

Printing from a memory card or external drives is also possible.

The SELPHY CP900 is equipped with a slot compatible with the widely-used SD/SDHC/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/ MMCplus/HC MMCplus storage cards.

It also has an USB slot for easy access to photos saved in a flash drive or hard disk.

Pink Canon SELPHY CP900 compact printer.

Pink Canon SELPHY CP900 compact printer.

The SELPHY CP900 uses a dye-sublimation system which provides excellent gradations at a high 300×300 dpi resolution.

The printer has three new optimisation scenes – Cloudy, Blue Sky and Sunset – and automatically and intelligently analyses and corrects images, correcting their brightness, contrast and reduces noise before printing.

Users can preview photos with the 2.7” LCD Display which has a wide viewing angle.

With the increasing popularity of photo-sharing software and apps like Instagram which captures photos in a square format,

“With an increasing amount of consumers using their mobile phones and popular apps such as Instagram to take photos, the SELPHY CP900 provides creative solutions which will allow for a more personalised, long-lasting copy of their photos and memories,” said Andrew Koh, Senior Director and General Manager of the Consumer Imaging and Information Products Group, Canon Singapore.

The SELPHY CP900 enables users to print square format photos from Instagram with the new 54 X 54mm square ratio paper.

Canon sticker labels available in this new size allow for easy personalisation on any surface.

The SELPHY CP900 can also print postcard size and ID photos of up to 28 different sizes (ICAO standard) with cropping.

佳能推出了新的袖珍型照片打印机。SELPHY CP900 利用dye sublimation 可引出鲜艳持久的照片。苹果iPhone使用者可利用其无限衔接能力方便印刷。Android使用者得等到年尾才会有适用的运用程序。Windows Phone 以及 BlackBerry 用户则无法直接通过手机传送印刷。” – 科技点心(微薄)

To maximise cost-efficiency, the SELPHY CP900 is also able to print ID photos of up to two different people on a single sheet of paper.

To prevent fading, photos printed with the SELPHY CP900 are protected by a durable protective print over-coating.

This protective over-coating helps preserve these precious memories for up to 100 years if kept in a photo album.

New Android app: CanonSGLens

Thursday, August 16th, 2012

The Android version of the free CanonSGLens app is now available on Google Play.

The free CanonSGLens app is now available on both iOS and Android.

The free CanonSGLens app is now available on both iOS and Android.

The Android app features detailed lens specifications of all 66 Canon EF and EF-S lenses sold in Singapore with a unique interactive simulator that allows users to compare the field of view of two camera-lens combinations.

CanonSGLens Android app on Google Play.

CanonSGLens Android app on Google Play.

It also contains interactive educational content about depth of field and exposure, which is useful for DSLR users, whether they are beginners, amateurs or professionals.

The CanonSGLens for Android app now comes with 7 new lenses for users to test out. It is compatible with smartphones and tablets running Android 2.1 and up.

Canon Singapore first launched the CanonSGLens app for DSLR users as an iOS app on 22 December 2011.

Based on monthly averages, the app has been in the top 50 downloads for iPads and top 100 downloads for iPhones in the Photo and Video category.

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Khoo Swee Chiow first Singaporean to conquer K2

Sunday, August 12th, 2012

Singapore adventurer Khoo Swee Chiow has become the first Singaporean and Southeast Asian to reach the peak of K2, the world’s second highest mountain, and most treacherous peak. Congratulations!

Khoo Swee Chiow at the summit of K2.

Khoo Swee Chiow at the summit of K2.

A tired but elated Khoo Swee Chiow said, “Reaching the summit of K2 has been a dream of mine for many years. Years of climbing expeditions and training have culminated in this landmark moment and I’m extremely thankful to Seagate and my other sponsors for helping to make this a reality.”

What can a person do in slightly more than a month? It was only in end June that I wrote about Khoo Swee Chiow embarking upon the climb up K2. Before you know it, he’s done it. Bravo!

The Singaporean adventurer and motivational speaker reached the summit at 1020hrs on 31 July 2012 (1320hrs on 31 July 2012 Singaporean time).

K2 is known as the most treacherous and technically challenging mountain in the world.

职业探险家邱瑞昭已于七月三十一日成功攀越K2顶峰。瑞昭与另外十名来自世界各地的探险家是耗了三十二天的攀爬,在零下气温的逆境中,征服了这个被公认为世界第一险锋的K2。瑞昭是第一名星加坡人成功攀登此峰。他也是全东南业第一个成功登上K2。恭喜了!” – 科技点心(微薄)

Khoo reached the summit of K2 after 32 days of climbing in sub-zero temperatures.

He was climbing together with an international team of 10 other climbers from China, South Korea, Turkey, Macedonia, Spain and Nepal.

The team climbed the mountain along the Abruzzi Ridge, otherwise known as the Southeast Ridge, from the Pakistani border.

Live Event: “The Arrival of a New Milestone” – Canon launches the EOS M

Monday, July 23rd, 2012

After much anticipation and speculation, Canon has finally launched its first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera – the EOS M (79,800 yen including the EF-M 22mm f/2.0 STM lens).

It is the last of the major camera makers to join in the fray. The camera will be available in early October.

Canon's first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, the EOS M. Available in four colours.

Canon’s first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, the EOS M. Available in four colours. Looks like a typical compact camera?

14:00 The launch has ended. This marks the end of the Livecast. I’ll be adding photos and press releases of the EOS M as they become available.

Canon EOS M

Red Canon EOS M

13:50 The EOS M records Full HD video. Able to shoot at high maximum ISO of 6,400, and has Movie Servo AF (like in the EOS 650D) which enables continuous auto-focus during movie shooting.

Also comes with Video Snapshots feature (common in Canon LEGRIA camcorders), which records short video snippets of 2, 4 or 8 seconds, before stitching all of them sequentially into video snapshot albums.

13:40 Seven built-in creative filters: Graniny Black & White, Soft Focus, Toy Camera, Miniature, Art Bold, Water Paintin,g and Fish-eye filters.

White Canon EOS M, with 18.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor. To sell in Japan for 79,800 yen (S$1,280 including the EF-M 22mm f/2.0 STM lens).

White Canon EOS M, with 18.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor. To sell in Japan for 79,800 yen (S$1,280 including the EF-M 22mm f/2.0 STM lens).

13:30 Multi Shot Noise Reduction takes four consecutive shots, then merge and align into single shot (in-camera) for cleaner final image.

Black Canon EOS M, with an EF-M 22mm f/2.0 STM lens.

Black Canon EOS M, with an EF-M 22mm f/2.0 STM lens.

13:20 HDR Backlight Compensation brackets three shots and merges in-camera.

13:10 Multi FlexiZone AF divides the scene into 31 AF zones. Single FlexiZone allow users to move the AF point via the LCD touchscreen.

13:00 Hybrid CMOS AF system combines Phase-difference AF and Contrast AF. Face Tracking tracks moving objects by switching AF points.

12:50 The Speedlite 90EX is a compact and lightweight flashgun equipped with wireless master function via optical transmission.

Silver Canon EOS M with EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5/5.6 IS STM lens.

Silver Canon EOS M with EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5/5.6 IS STM lens.

12:40 Lenses launched together with the EOS M are the EF-M 18-55mm f3.5/5.6 IS STM and the EF-M 22mm f/2.0 STM. These lenses have been specially designed for this camera.

12:30 The Canon EOS M will be available in early October, local prices will be announced later, but the camera will go on sale in Japan from 79,800 yen (S$1,280 including the EF-M 22mm f/2.0 STM lens).

12:20 Weight 265 g. Dimensions: 108.6 x 66.5 x 32.3 mm. 3-inch Touch screen. Four colours available – black, red, silver and white.

12:10 18.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 imaging processor, ISO 12,800 (expandable up to ISO 25,600), 4 fps continuous shooting. Full compatibility with existing Canon EF/EF-S lenses with adapter (EF-EOS M) without any impact to FOV etc. Update: Canon tells Bloomberg that the adapter will cost about 12,000 yen – that’s about S$195.

12:00 Andrew fishes out the Canon EOS M from his pocket!

Andrew Koh fishes out the EOS M from his pocket. Koh is the Senior Director and General Manager of the Consumer Imaging and Information Products Group, Canon Singapore.

Andrew Koh fishes out the EOS M from his pocket. Koh is the Senior Director and General Manager of the Consumer Imaging and Information Products Group, Canon Singapore.

11:45 MC Gene Danker giving a run down of Canon history. Andrew Koh is going to make THE announcement now.

MC Gene Danker giving a run down of Canon history.

MC Gene Danker giving a run down of Canon history.

11:30 Lunch has started. Canon still tight-lipped about the product. But my sources tell me it’s a mirrorless indeed. I believe it’ll be able to leverage on the current system of Canon lenses.

11:25 Going up to Level 62 now to Stellar, 1-Altitude on top of OUB Centre.

11.00: Heading out to Canon’s event at Raffles Place, Singapore.

Event forecast: Canon launch on 23 July 2012

Sunday, July 22nd, 2012

Canon will be having a launch event tomorrow titled: “The Arrival of a New Milestone”. Many are speculating that Canon will finally be launching its first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.

Update (23 July, 2012):

Okay, so I was both right and wrong. Canon has indeed launched its first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera – the EOS M. But it looks nowhere like the Hansa – it doesn’t even look retro.

1:1.4 scale model of the beautiful Hansa Canon.

1:1.4 scale model of the beautiful Hansa Canon.

But as a consolation, Canon did give each attendee a nice Hanso scale model (1:1.4).

To find out the details of the EOS M, check out the Livecast for the launch event here.

I’m purely speculating but I believe if Canon is launching an MIL camera, it will have a retro design inspired by the Hansa - Canon’s first commercial camera. Canon has been touting the camera as part of the camera’s 75th anniversary celebration.

I’m purely speculating but I believe if Canon is launching an MIL camera, it will have a retro design inspired by the Hansa – Canon’s first commercial camera. Canon has been touting the camera as part of the camera’s 75th anniversary celebration.

I received Canon’s invitation to tomorrow’s event some two weeks back.

It said simply, “Technological innovation has always formed the core of Canon’s pursuits. Come 23 July, Canon once again reaches a new milestone. On behalf of Canon Singapore, we cordially invite you to join us in this special occasion. ”

Stay tuned and check back tomorrow to find out.

Two new large format printers: Canon imagePROGRAF 765 and 760

Thursday, July 12th, 2012

Canon has introduced two new 36-inch imagePROGRAF large format printers – iPF765 (S$6,699) and iPF760 (S$5,999). Both are available now and promise to enhance security and maximise productivity.

Canon’s new 36-inch imagePROGRAF large format printers - iPF765 (S$6,699) and iPF760 (S$5,999).

Canon’s new 36-inch imagePROGRAF large format printers – iPF765 (S$6,699) and iPF760 (S$5,999).

The Canon iPF765 and iPF760 are designed to increase the efficiency of design and engineering professionals working in personal and small workgroups.

Canon imagePROGRAF 760

Canon imagePROGRAF 760

The two large format printers optimise the workflows of professionals who need to produce accurate and large technical documents in high volumes such as those in the architecture, engineering and construction industries.

What is the difference between the two identical twins?

Well, the iPF 765 comes equipped with a 250GB HDD.

The iPF 760 is categorised for Quality CAD & GIS, while the iPF 765 is for Production CAD, GIS and 3D.

This is where the built-in memory will come in handy to support the huge amount of information passing through.

Powerful Print Solution for Speedy, Precise and High-Quality Output

The new printers have a print speed of up to 46 seconds for A0-sized output and the ability to print technical documents with resolutions up to 2400 x 1200 dots-per-inch with precise lines.

Canon image PROGRAF 765

Canon image PROGRAF 765

Designed to handle high resolution and large-size files with complex images, the iPF765 is also equipped with a 250GB hard drive, of which 32GB is dedicated solely to file processing memory.

The increased hard drive capacity streamlines the workflow by bearing the processing workload on the printer itself.

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Seminar: Canon Cinema EOS System in TV Production by Alexander Buono from Saturday Night Live

Saturday, July 7th, 2012

Thanks to Canon’s invitation, I got to attend this interesting talk by the Director of Photography for Saturday Night Live Film Unit.

Alexander Buono shared his insights and experiences from his tight weekly schedule and workflow for shooting the longest running series in American TV.

* All photos taken with a handheld smartphone.

Alexander Buono from Saturday Night Live on TV production using Canon Cinema EOS.

Alexander Buono from Saturday Night Live on TV production using Canon Cinema EOS.

At the Lido Cineplex in Singapore, Buono gave some very down to earth and pragmatic tips and shared the setups and settings that he uses with his Canon equipment.

One of Alex Bruno's setups.

One of Alex Bruno’s setups.

Buono related how he began shooting for the popular Saturday Night Live (SNL) program in 1999 using film.

In 2009, he began using the Canon EOS 5D Mk II, before including the EOS 7D and Cinema EOS C300 in his digital video inventory.

Some interesting nuggets from his presentation and Q&A below.

To better understand and play with what the settings on the Canon EOS C300, check out the C300 Menu Simulator which emulates the menu system on the camera.

Alex Buono's rig

Alex Buono’s rig

If you’re into shooting video, here are some people to follow on Twitter.

The Hobbit was shot in 5k 3D video at 48fps, while James Cameron’s next installment of Avatar is being shot in 5k 3D video at 60fps.

These will likely look hyper-realistic, departing from the more surrealistic feel of film.

Buono recommends shooting at 24fps for the film look, even though videos for TV are typically shot at 30fps.

Another of Buono's setups

Another of Buono’s setups

Buono recommends keeping the shutter speed constant throughout a shoot. A good setting would be the reciprocal of twice the frame rate for the shoot.

So for a video shot at 24fps, a good shutter speed to use would be 1/48 second.

Overall, it was an interesting session for the attendees who packed Hall 5 of the cinema in which the workshop was held.

Alex Buono attended the School of Cinematic Arts under the University of Southern California, majoring in film production and still photography.

Alex Buono, Director of Photography for Saturday Night Live Film Unit.

Alex Buono, Director of Photography for Saturday Night Live Film Unit.

He spent his early post-college years as camera crew for studio films including Twister, Conspiracy Theory and Armageddon, learning from top ASC cinematographers and personal mentors like Don Burgess and John Schwartzman.

He soon became Director of Photography of the Saturday Night Live Film Unit.

Achilles Formula Drift Series in Singapore

Sunday, July 1st, 2012

An action-packed weekend at the Changi Exhibition Centre as more than 9,000 drift-racing fans attended the two-day competition sponsored by Canon. The event was telecast on ESPN.

Achilles Formula Drift Singapore 30 June & 1 July 2012

Achilles Formula Drift Singapore 30 June & 1 July 2012

32-year-old Daigo Saito from the Achilles Drift Team defended his title from last year, beating Indonesia’s 20-year-old Rio Saputro Budihardjo in an exciting final.

Daigo Saito finishes the final run of the competition in style. Recorded with an HTC One S smartphone.

Malaysia’s Hanizam Hamzah took the third place on the podium after beating fourth-placed Robbie Nishida from the US.

The japanese drove a Lexus IS-C which has already won him the Malaysian leg of the Formula Drift Asia series.

Daigo Saito on his way to the final. Recorded with a Nokia Lumia 900 smartphone.

The next leg of the Achilles Formula Drift Series will take place in September in Bangkok, while the final leg will be in Jakarta in November.

Saturday also saw the first Canon Nations Cup which was won by Nishida and Ken Gushi of Team USA.