It's that time of year when all the players start announcing new things. Canon has announced some upgrades to previous lenses, but also added an unusual 'Zoom Fisheye'. I didn't think i'd be using those two words together when talking about one lens, but the new Canon 8-15mmL Zoom fisheye (yes it's an L lens) will have a minimum aperture of F/4. There's a good writeup about these new lenses over at https://www.digitalcamerareview.com/
Above: Engadget Gallery of Canon 60D
Canon's press release dated August 26th (it's only 25th my time), has officially announced the Canon 60D. https://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/about_canon?docId=0901e024801e8288&pageKeyCode=pressreldetail
Much of the rumors we've been hearing are true including the articulating LCD screen. The unit is also priced between the Canon 7D and T2i. I'm not sure if the technology is enough to convert anyone from the already popular T2i, the end results in video quality may be too similar. None of what i'm reading is really ground breaking earth shattering technology, but more of a camera redesigned for the ergonomics and demand of Canon DSLR Film makers. There are a few neat software additions such as in camera RAW processing and in camera resizing of images. There's also the ability to edit and clip video. The one up it does have over both T2i and 7D is the Manual Audio levels. This might be a better product for those looking into their first DSLR and wanting something a bit higher grade than the T2i. Closer to the T2i in that it's moved off of Compact Flash cards into SDXC format, the new Canon 60D is an 18 megapixel DSLR that can also shoot photos at 5.3 frames per second. That's a bit faster than T2i and just a bit slower than Canon 7D. The body is said to have a more professional solid feel over the plastic of the Canon T2i. Canon 60D Body only should sell at approximately $1100 dollars or $1400 with kit lens.
I still believe Canon has more to come in the following weeks. It's not over yet. I'm still holding on for another big announcement from Canon about a DSLR with RAW video capabilities with some fancy new earth shattering tech.
More resources on Canon 60D DSLR specs:
https://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/canon-eos-60d-18-megapixels-and-1080p-video-flexes-its-articula/
https://gizmodo.com/5622239/canon-60d-brings-the-perfect-video-dslr-just-a-little-bit-closer
https://www.dpreview.com/news/1008/10082620canoneos60d.asp
Hey look BHPHOTOVIDEO.com already has the product listed in their website. Just waiting for it to hit the streets in a few weeks.
Canon EOS 60D DSLR Digital Camera
[Thanks James for the tip]
Chuckarama sends in his complete configuration using two Alzo brackets, one double flash bracket, and a Macro Rail. The Macro rail is not necessary, you can probably swap that for a nice QR adapter. So everything looks like a straight bolt on of parts without any DIY cutting, grinding, or drilling. It's definitely got a wide grip stance for extra stability and at the same time plenty of room for accessory mounting with the 4 cold shoes.
I was planning to cut an Aluminum flat bar to join my two L brackets together, but I really like the simplicity of that double flash bracket, I may have to go that route myself. This design is for lightweight setups, so i'll probably use this setup without a battery grip. I should be able to shrink down many of the accessories I have if I use the Zoom H1 instead of Zoom H4n, and change the Rode VideoMic to the smaller Sennheiser MKE-400 Shotgun Mic. I'll also replace the usual 126 LED Video Light with the Z96 Dimmable LED light to make things even more rigid and compact and it should be a nice little runner gunner.
Z96 Dimmable DSLR Video Light
It's the 3" LCD View Finder I posted about back in July found here: http://cheesycam.com/ebay-dslr-view-finder/. This item was rare at the time, and then when it became popular it sold for $99 bucks. I stopped talking about it because at $99 dollars, it didn't sound like too much of a deal. For more information on this particular view finder, check out Jeff Pepito's blog entry here: https://jeffpepito.com/2010/08/01/vdslr-viewfinders/.
Well it looks like sales must have gone down and the LCDVF clone threw this one for a loop forcing them to bring prices down. The listing now comes to $49.00 dollars + free shipping, making it possibly the cheapest 3" LCD Viewfinder for DSLR's available. Even if it's not for video, the $49 dollars might be worth getting if you're a photographer who needs a clear view of the LCD screen on bright sunny days. The funniest thing I noticed right away, is the details of the auction still says "Affordable smart price $99.99 Free Shipping". Yeah i'm sure they'll figure that out soon and correct it. Here's the link to the store carrying the 3" LCD Viewfinder
click image
Varavon is a new company that seems to want to make a name for itself in fast growing world of DSLR's. We've linked to this viewfinder before, but it looks like it's recently showing up on eBay auctions and a recent demo video posted at Vimeo.com. Not the most modern design in view finders, but it looks like it's got some beef to it.
In the video (below), I have no idea what this guy is saying, but that viewfinder looks massive!
It seems to mount under the camera, and has some use for low angle shots through some funky mirror design. The price is extremely high for any LCD Viewfinder loupe, especially for a company that hasn't made a name for itself in DSLR country. I personally don't think this thing is going to flying off the shelves anytime soon, but if you care to peek, here's the link to the Varavon Profinder LCD Viewfinder Loupe
Another item Varavon is throwing out is their Camera slider called the 'Slide Cam'. Not a bad looking design with the black and red motif, but again price is going to kill 'em. Nothing special to talk about this camera slider, it basically slides a camera. But again if you care, Here's the link to the Varavon Slide Cam.
Here's a quick gallery of images shot in a parking lot area just to give you an idea of the range this Canon 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 has. Everything is hand held with IS on, from a Canon 5D Mark II. These are the JPEG's not the raw, no post processing except for resizing the image for web. I possibly even had my sharpness turned down for video mode on the profile, but you can see it's a pretty sharp lens zoomed in or zoomed out. You'll find related images when i'm zoomed out and zoomed into an object standing at the same spot. More video samples will follow soon..
Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Autofocus Lens
This is project 'overkill'. This is the setup for those who might feel a bit inadequate with their camera body and need to throw on some type of intimidation factor. LOL. The Sigma looks huge on the Canon T2i and there's a battery pack on. Imagine what it would look like without. Someone wanted to see what this would look like, it's crazy. It's so forward heavy, I wouldn't be able to shoot with this thing if it were on the T2i. It does take some awesome photos with great range http://cheesycam.com/sigma-50-500mm-quick-test/
Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens
Update on the Sigma and Canon Lens
I screwed up big time talking about reviewing the Sigma 50-500mm vs. the Canon 100-400mm. The Sigma is in a different class, and I was confused by the price. They both sit around the $1600 dollar range. In fact the lens that I really should be comparing to the Canon 100-400mm is the Sigma 120-400mm F/4.5-5.6 that has the same aperture range and costs only $900 dollars. I'll see if I can return this Sigma 50-500mm and review the other. It won't be anytime soon though, so for now i'm not going to do Lens vs. Lens, i'll just review them seperately. I did get to shoot with the Canon 100-400mm on the 5D Mark II and is there such a thing as 'love at first click?'. I'm blown away by this lens on how fast and sharp it is. The colors and contrast that come from a lens with this range is amazing. The optical stabilization works awesome, I was able to do some handheld video at 400mm with decent results. Imagine if I had a Tripod. Next article post will be around the Canon 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6.
Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Autofocus Lens
Looks like Ikan has a new product in their website called the 'Recoil' for Camera Stabilization. Let me emphasize that I like Ikan, I really really really like Ikan. They make some really good products and I like how they are really stepping into the DSLR accessories market, but this 'Recoil' product might not be a good marketing move. This 'Recoil' product newly released by ikan for $79.95 has been around for quite some time as the $20.00 dollar shoulder support in DSLR world. It has already been popularized by many 'big big big' websites, so not many people will find this as a new product. My oldest article post dates back before November of 2009, and even I had my share of tweaking this shoulder support rig found in this article: http://cheesycam.com/a-s-s-implants-how-to/. I'm glad Ikan is stepping into more products for DSLR shooters, but this one product is released a little late and a little too pricey.
Below is a video I did having fun with this product.
One thing I was keeping my eye on from Ikan was their Ikan fly Pack DSLR Support Kit. It's like a Fig rig, DSLR cage, LCD monitor, LED light, battery packs, some magic adjustable arms, you name it it's all in the bag ready to shoot your next DSLR event coverage. It's a great idea that just needed a bit more marketing behind it. Jump over to the link at bhphotovideo.com to get more information.
Yup, that's the official name 'Shoulder Rest for Cameras' according to DealExtreme. Thanks to Brett for sharing this unusual support thing. I'm not sure if it's DSLR worthy, but for small shooters like the Sony NEX or light four-thirds cameras it might make a slight difference as a shooter rig. Telescoping adjustable rod, expandable claw foot, quick release adapter, and even comes with a bag. I'll personally pass on this, but it's always nice to share. Who knows, this may stir up some new DIY ideas for us. Possibly use the rod for the Double L bracket fig rig? Thanks Brett, and here's the link to DealExtreme.com
