Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has introduced the EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR camera, incorporating professional features and quality in an affordable DSLR. Building upon the proven success of the EOS 7D camera, this new EOS model features a range of “EOS firsts” such as Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors for superb image quality and rapid burst shooting up to 10 frames per second (fps), as well as Canon’s first 65-Point* All Cross Type autofocus (AF) system for compositional freedom and accurate, spot-on fast focus. Great for shooting indoor activities such as sporting events, concerts, or weddings, the camera’s impressive low-light shooting capabilities along with its up-to-10 fps high-speed shooting can capture a fast-break basketball dunk, a band’s encore performance, a bird in flight or wildlife in exceptional quality. In addition, the EOS 7D Mark II is the second EOS DSLR camera to incorporate Canon’s innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF system for rapid and precise focusing of video as well as still images.
“With more processing power than any other EOS camera available today, the highly anticipated EOS 7D Mark II camera has everything serious photographers have come to expect from Canon’s DSLRs and more,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “And, recognizing that for some, creative expression may expand beyond still photography, we continue to support these creative passions by offering new and innovative Full HD video capabilities, such as second generation Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology in the EOS 7D Mark II camera as well.”
The EOS 7D Mark II camera’s advanced AE system can detect and compensate for flickering light sources such as sodium vapor lamps that are often used in gymnasiums and indoor swimming pools. When enabled, this system automatically adjusts shutter release timing to help reduce disparities in exposure and color especially during continuous shooting.
The EOS 7D Mark II camera offers users the ability to shoot in 1080p Full HD or 720p HD video up to 60p enabling slow-motion capture at full resolution in either ALL-I or IPB codecs with optional embedded time code, exceeding the specifications of other current EOS cameras. Users can also choose between .MOV and .MP4 recording formats for maximum flexibility. The EOS 7D Mark II camera’s mini HDMI port can be used to record uncompressed Full HD video to external recorders.
The EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers in November 2014 for an estimated retail price of $1,799.00 for the body only and $2,149.00 bundled with an EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. It will utilize a new LP-E6N lithium ion battery pack with increased storage capacity.
PowerShot models
Canon U.S.A. Inc., also announced three new PowerShot models expanding upon its lineup of high-quality, compact digital cameras: the PowerShot G7 X, the PowerShot SX60 HS and the PowerShot N21. The PowerShot G7 X is the company’s first compact point-and-shoot camera with a one-inch sensor, giving users an outstanding portable camera that allows them to take high-quality photographs and videos. The PowerShot SX60 HS camera features a 65x Optical Zoom lens and amazingly broad focal length range equivalent to 21mm -1365mm, while the PowerShot N2 camera has a compact and unique, stylish design with a selfie-ready, flip-up touch panel LCD that makes it easy for social media fanatics to share their favorite photos and videos via the camera’s Wi-Fi® and Near Field Communications (NFCTM)2 features.
The PowerShot G7 X digital camera is scheduled to be available in October 2014 for an estimated retail price of $699.99.
The PowerShot SX60 HS digital camera is scheduled to be available in October 2014 for estimated retail price of $549.99.
The PowerShot N2 digital camera is scheduled to be available in December 2014 with a choice of black and white body colors for an estimated retail price of $299.99.
Trio of lenses
Following on the heels of its milestone of 100 million EF lenses produced worldwide, Canon U.S.A. Inc., announces three new lenses adding to it’s rich history of developing and delivering outstanding optics to all types of photographers, cinematographers, online content creators and image makers from budding amateurs to the most seasoned professionals. The three new lenses include two EF series lenses ─ the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM super telephoto lens and the EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM standard zoom lens, as well as one EF-S series lens ─ the EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM wide-angle pancake lens. These new lenses will also be the latest addition to Canon’s GlassFirst.com online resource, helping image makers explore the Company’s vast EF lens portfolio.
Canon’s heritage of producing outstanding optics dates back over 75 years, and the company’s current EF line of lenses is over 100 lenses strong and counting. To help educate consumers, Canon’s GlassFirst.com online resource was launched in June 2014 to inspire visitors to grow creatively and expand their photographic tools. The site aims to educate visitors on the power and differences between various lenses, including macro, zoom, telephoto, prime, wide-angle, STM, tilt-shift and fisheye, using informative videos and sample images showing the results that can be created by using each lens. To learn more about Canon’s rich optics heritage or for more information about Canon’s optics please visit either explore-lenses.usa.canon.com or glassfirst.usa.canon.com.
The EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM and EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM are both scheduled to be available in November for estimated retail prices of $6,899.00 and $149.99 respectively. The EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is scheduled to be available in December for an estimated retail price of $599.99. For additional information please visit usa.canon.com/consumer
In addition to these new announcements, Canon U.S.A. is also rolling out reduced prices on a range of EF and EF-S lenses in honor of reaching the EF Lenses 100 Millionth Milestone.
Rom-Com Mainstay Hugh Grant Shifts To The Dark Side and He’s Never Been Happier
After some difficulties connecting to a Zoom, Hugh Grant eventually opts to just phone instead.
"Sorry about that," he apologizes. "Tech hell." Grant is no lover of technology. Smart phones, for example, he calls the "devil's tinderbox."
"I think they're killing us. I hate them," he says. "I go on long holidays from them, three or four days at at time. Marvelous."
Hell, and our proximity to it, is a not unrelated topic to Grant's new film, "Heretic." In it, two young Mormon missionaries (Chloe East, Sophie Thatcher) come knocking on a door they'll soon regret visiting. They're welcomed in by Mr. Reed (Grant), an initially charming man who tests their faith in theological debate, and then, in much worse things.
After decades in romantic comedies, Grant has spent the last few years playing narcissists, weirdos and murders, often to the greatest acclaim of his career. But in "Heretic," a horror thriller from A24, Grant's turn to the dark side reaches a new extreme. The actor who once charmingly stammered in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and who danced to the Pointer Sisters in "Love Actually" is now doing heinous things to young people in a basement.
"It was a challenge," Grant says. "I think human beings need challenges. It makes your beer taste better in the evening if you've climbed a mountain. He was just so wonderfully (expletive)-up."
"Heretic," which opens in theaters Friday, is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, co-writers of "A Quiet Place." In Grant's hands, Mr. Reed is a divinely good baddie — a scholarly creep whose wry monologues pull from a wide range of references, including, fittingly, Radiohead's "Creep."
In an interview, Grant spoke about these and other facets of his character, his journey... Read More