Canon Legria Mini: a camcorder for the selfie generation

Canon's new video camera is aimed at filmmakers who want to be in front of the lens, not behind it.

Not long ago, video cameras were for filming other people: babies, brides, pets and drunken party guests.
But then the selfie generation came along, with their front-facing iPhone cameras, Skype accounts, video blogs and tedious Vine clips. No one’s happy just being behind the camera any more. Everyone wants to be Woody Allen: writer, director and, most importantly, lead actor.
Canon’s new compact camcorder is therefore the must-have gadget for the self-promoting star-in-the-making. About the size of bulky wallet, its radical design features a tilting 2.7 inch vari-angle touchscreen which controls all of the camera’s main functions, and a super wide-angle lens set at the thin end of the device, like the infrared bit on your TV remote.
There are some clever functions (slow- and fast-motion recording, a few whizzy animated effects, interval recording, and the ability to control everything via your smartphone), but it’s the Legria Mini’s hands-free capabilities that will appeal to the fame-hungry auteur.

Set the stand on the base of the unit to the desired angle (no tripod required), tilt the screen to face the direction of the lens, then it’s ‘Silence, moteur, action!’

Before you know it, you’re self-indulgently performing a Spanish-guitar rendition of Katy Perry’s Roar, knocking up a clearly superior version of Ruby Tandoh’s stem ginger treacle tart, and uploading the results via the built-in Wifi to your woefully underappreciated personal YouTube channel. Couldn’t be simpler.

If this camera isn’t your gateway to global stardom, there’s no justice.

Article from : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/10447564/Canon-Legria-Mini-a-camcorder-for-the-selfie-generation.html

Canon Cameras used in 'Iron Man 3'

Canon has long been known for its high quality, when it comes to taking pictures in the photography field. Recently, however, Canon has also made a name for itself in the world of cinema.

Two years ago Canon launched its Cinema EOS camera system at an event in which cinematographers, press, directors and other invited guests attended. And although the company believes it is still in its beginning stages, the cinematic crew of Iron Man 3 believed in the system enough to use it on the film.

Part of the visual magic behind the action film is created by superimposing computer graphic imagery onto its use of live action stunt footage. The Iron Man 3 visual effects team was able to do this with help from the EOS C300 Cinema cameras.

“The Canon EOS C300 cameras gave us the main things we needed, which were detail, sharpness and resolution,” said Iron Man 3 visual effects supervisor Christopher Townsend, in an interview.

These highly mobile cameras were used as “witness cameras” to capture accurate and up-close stunt actor movements. They were placed on either side of the main picture cameras to capture different angles of what was being recorded.

“Then, using various software programs and hard work, we were able to triangulate exactly where a person was in space at any particular moment, and then overlay a CGI ‘character’ on top of that,” Townsend said of their process.

The Canon cameras also shot some of the scenes that were used in the finished film.

Here, check out the trailer for the film:

Along with a body that weighs a mere three pounds, the Canon EOS C300 also features a removable combination control panel and a four-inch 1.23 megapixel LCD monitor. It can capture images in low light and has a built-in 1.55 megapixel adjustable-angle color electronic viewfinder.

Taken from:http://www.webpronews.com/canon-cameras-used-in-iron-man-3-2013-12

Free €15 voucher redeemable against film workshops offered by Hands On Malta with every photo-video product

Master using your compact camera or DSLR for film!

Classes starting from €35 - visit www.handsonmalta.com for more info

Extended Christmas opening hours

We are open till late all December!

Monday to Friday 8am-7pm, Saturdays 9am-1pm.

Friday 13th December: 9am - 1pm
Tuesday 24th December: 9am-1pm
Wednesday 25th December - CLOSED
Thursday 26th December - CLOSED
Friday 27th December - 9am - 1pm
Tuesday 31st December: 9am-1pm

New Firmware for EOS 5D III

Canon has announced a new firmware update – Version 1.2.3 – for the EOS 5D Mark III DSLR, which includes the following improvements and fixes, the details of which are listed below.

EOS 5D Mark III firmware Version 1.2.3
Firmware Version 1.2.3 for the EOS 5D Mark III incorporates the following:

Fixes a phenomenon in which the connected Speedlite may not occasionally fire depending on the timing of when the shutter button is pressed.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF microadjustment value may accidentally change.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the LCD monitor may show a line of false colour along boundaries of high contrast.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the histogram of a LiveView image is incorrectly displayed when an HDMI cable is connected.
Enables the brightness of the camera’s LCD monitor to be adjusted even when an HDMI cable is connected.
Firmware Version 1.2.3 is for EOS 5D Mark III cameras with firmware up to Version 1.2.1. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.2.3, it is not necessary to update. To find out more and download the firmware please click here and enter your country and product details. Please read all of the instructions before downloading.

Hands on review: 'Getting to know the amazing new Canon EF 200-400mm f/4 L IS USM' by Domenic Aquilina

Recently I had the pleasure – courtesy of Avantech, official Canon distributors in Malta – to try out the latest lens in the range of Canon pro lenses - the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4 L IS USM with an integrated 1.4x extender.

I had expressed my desire to try out this lens with Canon Malta and in no time at all Nakita Attard Vassallo let me know that it had arrived and I was on my way to pick it up. I tried it for the Malta Premier League matches that Sunday.

As with all Canon professional lenses the 200-400mm comes neatly packaged in a hard case.  One can opt to carry it as is or pack it inside a wheeled hard case as I do.

I placed it carefully in my case to transport accordingly.  This lens is not that heavy when you are already accustomed to carrying heavy lenses.  If you have a steady grip, thanks to this lens’ three mode Image Stabilisation feature you can even manage to shoot handheld.  In my view it will get a bit tiring after thirty minutes though!

Switching on the x 1.4 extender is a breeze, and it’s a wonderful feeling to see your normal 400mm view extend into a 560mm view at the click of a button.

I started photographing at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali at the Premier League match in bright afternoon daylight; so shooting action football pictures was as easy as pie to be honest.

I tried this lens coupled with the faultless 1DX body – yes they do make a lovely couple indeed!

This lens is fast and almost faultless.  In some instances when shooting fast paced sports photography you do get a couple of odd images that do not look very sharp. This is not the case with the EF 200-400; if you fail to capture the image, don't blame the lens!

I started off using the lens set at the 400mm range before trying a couple of frames with the x1.4 extender switched on.

The 560mm range (particularly in daylight) is absolutely stunning.  I loved this lens because getting far end goal celebrations at the other end of the pitch is as easy as ABC.  Switch on the x 1.4 Extender and there you go – you have the celebrations taking place right in front of you.

I shoot using the RAW setting so I had no real problem getting the crop of what I really wanted for media purposes.

To be honest the latter part of my shoot was not that easy but I did push my lens to the limit and I was quite satisfied with the overall response of it in low light conditions.

The floodlighting at the National Stadium was not at its maximum so I did struggle in low light.  I pushed the ISO to 12800 in my final images (last image pictured below shot at 19:02:31) and I was quite pleased with the result (though I did have some blur in a few images which I dislike when not getting the action capture I am after – that is, totally “frozen").

Here I tried the Image Stabilizer options – from 1 to 3 on the lens.  I tried it on 1 and got some good results but I was not completely happy with my final results in low light.

I am convinced that such a dream of a lens can be easily used in exceptionally good artificial floodlighting; particularly abroad as it will not yield such good results in the lower lighting used in sporting disciplines locally.

Overall I rate this lens very highly.  The f/4 (or f/5.6 when the extender is activated) aperture makes this lens incredibly handy for daylight photography like wildlife or daylight sports.

This lens can achieve great sports photographs as long as the light is optimal.  Perferably, this lens should be coupled with a pro DSLR such as the 1DX because the 1DX body will compensate for the wide aperture of the lens using the high ISO ratings on the camera.

At the 70D launch held recently by Avantech I was speaking to Brutus Ostling and one thing I did ask him was the highest ISO he pushed his 1DX to.  His answer was that he regularly works using ISOs ranging from 10000 to 12000 – just like I do.
I think the above is fine and makes perfect sense.
One thing that surprised me is the clarity and sharpness of the images I took with this lens.
The 200-400 fared excellently with regards to clarity and sharpness.

Some good advice – if you can afford the Canon EF200-400 just go for it.

With Canon You Can!

Domenic Aquilina

http://www.fotoaquilina.com/

All the above photos were taken by Domenic Aquilina.

Christmas offers on Canon from Avantech!

Some photos from our 'Brutus Ostling' event

Available soon: Rain cover for your DSLR

Noise-reducing, water-resistant and protection against the cold

Softens sound and protects from rain, dust and cold 

The rain cover is a real multi-talent. The lining softens the sounds of the camera so that it works like a blimp. This is perfect for unobtrusive shooting in sensitive areas like theatres or close to animals. The outer material is water-resistant so that the camera is save from rain, dust and cold temperatures.

Enough room for one DSLR camera 

This rain cover offers enough room for large professional cameras or cameras with a battery grip. The cover is open at the underside so that it can be pulled over the camera. It can be closed with a hook-and-loop fastener so that the camera noise is still reduced.

Smooth handling - lens protection for telescope lenses 

At the right side of the cover is an opening through which the camera is very easy to reach. The lens opening can be closed with a toggle drawstring. Above the lens opening in a hidden pocket is an extractable lens cover with which a telephoto lens can be covered. The lens cover is extractable up to a length of 40cm.

Viewing window at the back 

At the back of the cover is a viewing window made of transparent plastic that allows you to see the display of your camera. The viewing window has a gap for the viewfinder so that you can look through the viewfinder unobstructedly. The gap can be closed with a hook-and-loop flap.

Technical Details: 

Dimensions: approx. 28 x 30cm 

Selling price : 29 Euros VAT included
Available in 2 weeks - pre order today!

"From Magic To Mars" competition winner

Audrey Vella is the lucky winner of the competition "From Magic To Mars" by Magic Malta 91.7.  Audrey won flights and accommodation to Milan as well as tickets to watch Bruno Mars live, for her and a friend.  That's not all! Audrey also won a Canon Powershot A3400 gold for those special momentos!

"From Magic To Mars" was sponsored by Avantech & Canon.

Well done Audrey!

Brutus Ostling event by Avantech Ltd

Avantech and Canon Europe are pleased to invite you to meet internationally acclaimed Swedish Photographer Brutus Ostling who will be talking about his work, techniques and equipment used in his photography.

Brutus will also be introducing the newly launched Canon EOS 70D DSLR following which refreshments will be served.

This event will be held on Thursday 17^th October at 7.30pm at Villa Arrigo, San Pawl Tat-Targa, Naxxar

To register for the event which is free of charge please go to www.avantech.com.mt/brutus70D

On the day we will also be offering one of our guests the chance to win a Canon EOS 70D.  Only registered applicants will be admitted.   We look forward to seeing you there.

ABOUT Brutus Ostling – Wildlife Photographer & Canon Ambassador

Since 2005 Brutus Ostling has been a full-time photographer and writer, concentrating on birds and wildlife photography.  To date three of his books have been bestsellers in Sweden and many were translated into English and other languages.

 His first photo book ‘Life on the Wing’, released in 2005, won the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) Panda Prize as the best nature book of the year in Sweden and became a best seller. The Following year his second book ‘Penguins’ was published which was nominated in the non-fiction class of that year, and he was chosen as ‘Nature Photographer of the Year’ in Sweden.  In 2007 his book about the sea eagle and golden eagle named ‘The Kingdom of the Eagle’ was also awarded the WWF Panda Prize best nature book of the year and he was appointed as ‘Scandinavian Nature Photographer 2007-2008’.

Brutus went on to publish several other books in the following years including  ‘Surviving the Day’ which won the prize in the non-fiction class in 2009 (A major literary prize), ‘Dalmations and other Pelicans’ a photo documentary on seven pelican species in Europe and USA,  ‘Under the Asphalt lies a beach’  about the Midway Atoll in the Pacific which today is a historical monument and nature reserve having the biggest colony of albatrosses, and his last book to date, published in 2013 ‘The art of photographing birds and other animals’ which is a practical manual of more than three hundred pages that includes everything from the most basic to advanced imaging.

In 2009 Brutus was appointed Ambassador for Canon Europe, which includes some of the world’s greatest photographers who are masters in their craft, and share their passion of photography with a love of shooting with Canon equipment. Since 2012 he has travelled throughout Europe to appear and speak at a variety of photo events and workshops.

For more information about Brutus and his work go to www.brutusphoto.com

Please do not hesitate to call us at Avantech for any more information on 21488800.

Photos from the World Photography Day final

 

Photos taken by Daniel Cassar Alpert