Canon announces EOS 6D enthusiast-level Wi-Fi capable full-frame DSLR

Article and Image from www.dpreview.com

Photokina 2012: Canon has announced the EOS 6D, a smaller, lighter and more affordable full frame DSLR for enthusiast photographers. The 20.2MP camera uses a newly-developed sensor and features an 11-point autofocus system with a single cross-type sensor. Canon says it will focus in lower light than any of its previous cameras. The 6D becomes the company's first EOS model to include GPS and Wi-Fi, to make sharing images easier. It uses its large sensor to offer a native ISO range of 100-25,600, expandable to 50-102,400.

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Press Release:

Enter the full-frame world: Canon unveils its smallest and lightest full-frame DSLR – the EOS 6D

London, UK, 17 September 2012 – Canon today unveils its latest EOS DSLR for serious photography enthusiasts – the EOS 6D. A similar size and weight to the EOS 60D, the EOS 6D is the world's lightest1 DSLR to feature a full-frame CMOS sensor, making it ideal for travel, portrait and landscape photographers. The model creates a new entry point into Canon's full-frame line-up, and is perfect for those who want greater control over depth of field, or to maximise the impact of shooting with the EOS system's extensive range of wide-angle EF lenses.
The EOS 6D combines a powerful, full-frame imaging system and superior low-light performance with a compact, robust and lightweight design. For the first time in any EOS model, Wi-Fi2 and GPS3 connectivity are included, empowering photographers to capture stunning images on the move, tag them with location information and wirelessly transfer them to a computer, the cloud, or smartphones.

Incredible images in all conditions
Benefiting from 25 years of EOS innovation, the EOS 6D features a newly-designed 20.2 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that allows photographers to produce poster-sized prints, or to crop into their shots with no compromise in quality. A native ISO range of ISO 100-25,600 (extendable to 50-102,400) also makes capturing crisp, natural shots in near darkness easier than ever before.
A new 11-point AF system also offers the strongest low light performance of any Canon AF system to date. With focusing down to EV-3, the equivalent of moonlight, subjects remain in-focus in even the most challenging lighting conditions – offering the freedom to shoot landscapes or portraits at night and capture the true atmosphere of the scene with minimal noise.

Explore your creativity to the full
The inclusion of a full-frame sensor offers greater control over depth of field in portraits, allowing photographers to easily isolate their subjects with attractive background blur. With the EOS 6D, photographers can now also explore the full potential of their wideangle EF lenses to capture every detail of a sweeping landscape, with models ranging from 8mm to 800mm. Additionally powerful DIGIC 5+ image processing offers a host of automatic modes and creative shooting features, complementing full manual controls to offer total flexibility to a wide range of users.
The EOS 6D is full of advanced features to assist photographers in capturing outstanding quality landscapes and portraits. HDR mode enables the capture of both highlights and low lights in tricky lighting conditions, while Multiple Exposures allows photographers to combine up to nine separate exposures into a single image incamera, creating a dramatic effect in the final picture. A silent drive mode offers a more subtle option for shooting candid portraits or weddings, and a single axis electronic level accessed through the viewfinder or via the LCD screen, ensures that horizons are level during image composition.

Built for sharing
The first ever EOS to feature integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, the EOS 6D enables photographers to share their work immediately after shooting. Images can be wirelessly transferred to external storage devices, uploaded to Facebook and YouTube, or printed wirelessly using a Canon Wi-Fi enabled printer. Alternatively, movies and images can be viewed on DLNA-enabled HDTVs – enabling high-quality, big-screen viewing. By wirelessly connecting to a smartphone, photographers can also remotely control the camera, adjusting shooting settings and focus before remotely triggering the shutter and viewing the captured image.
Using the EOS 6D's integrated GPS, images can be tagged with location data as they are shot. Travellers can also build a more complete record of their trip by using the GPS logger function to track their route, which can be displayed using the supplied Map Utility software

Robust, intuitive design
Measuring just 144.5 x 110.5 x 71.2mm and weighing 770g4, the EOS 6D is the most compact full-frame EOS DSLR ever manufactured. Its dust and drip-proof, part magnesium body offers robust protection and an intuitive button layout for easy control. Photographers can also view their shots in stunning detail and with natural colours on the large, high-resolution 7.7cm (3.0") Clear View LCD screen, which features an enhanced anti-glare design to permit viewing in bright sunlight and at extreme angles.
A new Battery Grip BG-E13 provides additional power for extended shooting, while also making it easy to shoot both vertically and horizontally. When used with two LP-E6 batteries, the battery grip offers double the number of shots, and it can also be used with AA batteries for added convenience and flexibility.

EOS 6D - key features

• 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
• GPS3 records your location
• Wi-Fi2 file transfer and remote control
• Full-HD video

1 Correct at time of issue, according to Canon research (17 September 2012)
2 Wi-Fi support varies by device and region
3 GPS use may be restricted in certain countries or regions. Use of GPS should comply with the laws and
regulations of the country and area in which it is being operated including any restriction on the use of
electronics
4 In accordance with CIPA guidelines (690g body only)

 

Canon EOS 6D specifications

Body type
Body type	Mid-size SLR
Body material	Magnesium alloy, polycarbonate top plate
Sensor
Max resolution	5472 x 3648
Other resolutions	3648 x 2432, 3648 x 2432, 2736 x 1824, 1920 x 1280, 720 x 480
Image ratio w:h	3:2
Effective pixels	20.2 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	20.6 megapixels
Sensor size	Full frame (36 x 24 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	Digic 5+
Color space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array	RGB Color Filter Array
Image
ISO	Auto, 100 - 25600 in 1/3 stops, plus 50, 51200, 102400 as option
White balance presets	6
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, Normal
File format	JPEG (Exif 2.3), RAW: RAW (5472 x 3648), M RAW (4104 x 2736), S RAW (2736 x 1824) (14bit, Canon original RAW 2nd edition)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi-area Selective single-point Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	by optional dedicated Speedlite
Manual focus	Yes
Number of focus points	11
Lens mount	Canon EF mount
Focal length multiplier	1×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3.2"
Screen dots	1,040,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	Clear View II TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage	97 %
Viewfinder magnification	0.71×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Built-in flash	No
External flash	Yes (Hot shoe)
Flash X sync speed	1/180 sec
Continuous drive	Yes (4.5 fps)
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot Partial
Exposure compensation	±5 EV (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes (3 frames in either blue/amber or magenta/green axis)
Videography features
Format	H.264
Microphone	Mono
Speaker	Mono
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps fps), 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (25, 30 fps)
Videography notes	1080 and 720 intra or inter frame, 480 inter frame
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (HDMI Mini)
Wireless	BuiltIn
Remote control	Yes (Remote control with N3 type contact, Wireless Controller LC-5, Remote Controller RC-6)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes (Splash and dust resistant)
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-Ion LP-E6 rechargeable battery & charger
Weight (inc. batteries)	770 g (1.70 lb / 27.16 oz)
Dimensions	145 x 111 x 71 mm (5.71 x 4.37 x 2.8")
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes (by cable and PC)
GPS	BuiltIn
GPS notes	Image tagging and tracking modes

Sigma launches three new lenses

Article and Image from www.dpreview.com

Photokina 2012: Sigma has announced it will brand its lenses in three categories and has introduced a new lens in each of the categories. The 'Contemporary' range will cover compact, flexible zooms, such as the new, smaller 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS Macro designed for APS-C DSLRs. The 'Art' range will include lenses such as primes, wide-angles and macros, and a new 35mm F1.4 DG HSM covering a full-frame imaging circle. Finally, the 'Sports' range will encompass Sigma's telephoto primes, telephoto zooms and superzooms, such as the new 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM.

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Press Release:

Sigma Corporation announces reorganization of lens lineup, new products and quality control measures

Lens, camera and flash manufacturer shares plans for Sigma Global Vision at photokina 2012
COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 17, 2012 – Sigma Corporation of America (www.sigmaphoto.com), a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider for some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced the family-owned and operated company’s Sigma Global Vision from an invite-only event at photokina 2012 in Cologne, Germany.
This announcement explains the restructuring of the Sigma lens lineup into three new categories, the launch of a new lens in each of those categories, the development of a new quality control inspection and measurement system for the lenses, and the design of new software and a USB docking station that will enable photographers to update and adjust their lenses to suit thier personal preferences.
“We’re moving in a new direction that simplifies the lens selection process for photographers and helps them realize the full potential of the DSLR system,” said CEO Kazuto Yamaki. “In addition to making it easier for photographers to find the right lens, we’re empowering them with more control over their equipment, while furthing our commitment to them by establishing a higher expectation for the quality of the lenses we produce.”
New lens categories and new lenses
Starting immediately, all newly produced interchangeable lenses from Sigma will be designed for and organized into one of three product categories: Contemporary, Art and Sports. Each line has a clearly defined concept to guide shooters in the selection of the right lens for their photographic interests.
The concept of these categories are as follows:

• Contemporary – These lenses incorporate the very latest technology and keep size and weight to a minimum, without compromising their advanced optical performance or utility. High-performance, versatile, compact and superbly portable, these lenses will be largely comprised of standard zooms, telephoto zooms and high-magnification zooms for an array of photography, including landscape and travel photography, and casual portraiture.
• Art – These lenses are developed with an emphasis on artistic touch and are designed to meet the expectations of users who value a creative, dramatic outcome. Along with landscapes, portraits, still-life, close-up and casual snaps, these lenses are perfect for the kind of photography that unleashes the inner artist. Ideal for studio photography, they offer just as much of an expressive scope when capturing architecture, starry skies, underwater shots and many other scenes. This category will be comprised of many focal lengths and designs, such as large-aperture prime lenses, wide-angle lenses, ultra wide-angle lenses, and macro and fisheye lenses.
• Sports - With their high-level optical performance and expressive power, these lenses can capture fast-moving subjects, even at distance. This line also offers a variety of functions to aid the photographer in challenging conditions and scenarios. Besides sports photography, the lenses are also ideal for nature shots featuring birds, wild animals and other creatures, and for the capture of aircraft, trains, race cars and more. The Sports line is also unique in that users can adjust the lenses’ focus speeds and the focus limiters via a button on the lens. The Sports category will be comprised of telephoto lenses, telephoto zoom lenses, super telephoto lenses, super telephoto zoom lenses, and more.

The creation of these new categories comes with the introduction of three new lenses:

• 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS MACRO– This new Contemporary lens is designed for cameras with an APS-c sensor and covers a range equivalent to 25.5 to 105mm on a 35mm camera. An upgrade to its predecessor, which was released in December 2009, this general purpose lens offers a new design and a more compact build.

• 35mm F1.4 DG HSM– This Art lens provides photographers with a state-of-the-art alternative to the more conventional 50mm. This lens’ axial chromatic aberration is minimized, which renders a cool and smooth out-of-focus image. At low apertures, it can perform like a wide-angle lens; when opened up to F1.4, it will provide background bokeh and make the subject pop like a mid-range telephoto lens.

• 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM – With redesigned mechanics and performance, this Sports lens is an update from its predecessor released in February 2011. This high-performance lens eases difficult shooting conditions by offering a maximum focal length of 300mm and a wide-open aperture of F2.8. This lens, like the other Sports category lenses to come, is dust and moisture resistant, and allows users to adjust the focus speed and the focus limiter via a button on the lens.

New user-control tools and software, and new quality control measures 
The new Sigma Optimization Pro software and USB Dock are designed exclusively for these new product lines and will enable Sigma users to connect their lenses to their computers to update lens firmware and fine-tune focus parameters via easy-to-use, on-screen controls.
All of these new lenses will also be subject to Sigma’s new, proprietary modulation transfer function (MTF) measuring system called “A1.” Named in honor of the company’s sole production base, the Aizu factory in Aizu, Japan, the A1 system will allow inspectors to verify previously undetectable high-frequency details in each lens before it is shipped.
“We used to measure lens performance with a MTF measuring system using conventional sensors, but this new A1 system uses our own 46-megapixel Foveon direct imaging sensors,” said Yamaki. “We view this new method of performance evaluation as being incredibly important, not only because we owe it to our customers, but because we owe it to ourselves. We’ve spent more than 50 years perfecting our design and manufacturing processes, and now we deliver a complete package by closing the loop on that commitment to quality by adopting a more stringent verification process.”
For information about the Sigma Global Vision, the new product categories and products, or the evaluation method, visit http://www.sigma-global.com. For information about Sigma Corporation of America or the company’s cameras, lenses, or flashes, visit www.sigmaphoto.com.

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