Wetpixel/Under The Jungle Cenote Workshop 2021
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Canon EOS 7D firmware update launched
Canon has released a major firmware upgrade for the EOS 7D SLR. Firmware version 2.0.X brings many new features including: Higher maximum burst rates from 15 to 25 images in RAW mode and from 8 to 17 images in RAW + JPEG, compatibility with new Canon GP-E2 GPS receiver, up to 64 levels of manual audio level adjustment and when shooting in auto ISO mode, users can now set a maximum ISO setting of up to 6400. It also introduces in-camera RAW image processing, JPEG image resizing and the ability to set image ratings. File names can be customized, the scrolling of magnified images accelerated and there are new options for setting time zones.
The new update is being billed as the most comprehensive firmware update that Canon has ever issued. It is available from Canon support sites worldwide (USA site) and is a free download for EOS 7D owners.
Rumours abound about new Nikon and Canon SLRs
There is a host of rumours surfacing about Nikon and Canon releasing entry-level full-frame SLR cameras. It is likely that Nikon will release the D600 at Photokina in September and it is expected to feature a 24.7MP full frame sensor, an ISO range of 100-6400, 38 autofocus points (with 9 of them cross points), 1080p HD video recording, 100% viewfinder coverage, and a 3.2-inch LCD screen. An image of what may be the new camera has already been leaked.
Canon has been considerably more tight-lipped about their plans. However, Petapixel thinks that the new camera:
“which may still be the 7D Mark II — is said to be housing the same 22MP sensor as the 5D Mark III, a 19-point AF system, 100-51200 ISO range, 3-inch LCD, 4fps continuous shooting, a mostly plastic build that will be smaller than the 5D Mark II, and a tentative price tag of $1,999 at launch. There’s also some talk of at least one prototype coming with a pop-up flash.”
Finalists of the Blue Ocean Film Festival announced
The finalists of the Blue Ocean Film Festival have been announced during a Google+ Hangout. Fabien Cousteau, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Jenifer Austin-Faulkes of Google, Charlotte Vick of Mission Blue, Mark Shelley of Sea Studios, Laura Orthwine with Make A Difference Media, Debbie Kinder BLUE’s Festival Director AND Sarah Sponaugle BLUE’s Film Competition Coordinator announced the finalists for the upcoming festival and also hosted a general discussion
The Hangout can now be viewed on YouTube. The Festival is to be held in Monterey, California from 24 to 30 September.
Whale sharks in the news
The annual whale shark aggregation at Isla Mujeres, Mexico has been featured in two major UK newspapers, the Daily Mail and the Telegraph. Both articles feature fantastic images by Wetpixel Moderator, Shawn Heinrichs.
The 2012 aggregation is turning out to be another amazing year for whale shark imagery. Please see the coverage of the current Wetpixel Whale Sharks Expedition in the forum.
Petition calls for continued funding for Aquarius
An online petition has been launched to call on the White House to continue the funding for the Aquarius Project. The project, which allows scientists to spend extended periods underwater studying long term changes to the marine ecosystem, is due to have its annual funding cut on 1 September. The project’s annual funding amounts to some $3 million/year, a relatively small amount in comparison to many government projects, and the habitat is the last of its kind in the world.
Underwater images from the 2012 Olympics
Yahoo Sports has featured a slideshow of underwater images taken by Al Bello of Getty Images during the aquatic events at the 2012 Olympics in London. The New York Times has also also run a profile of Bello, highlighting the fact that a great image taken during the games can earn the cameramen $1 million. Talking about the 2012 Olympics, it says:
“Sports photographers who shoot underwater used to free-dive to make these adjustments; now many, including Bello, Rose and Pretty, are certified scuba divers. That has given them the comfort of extended time underwater to perfect the art of capturing the world’s best swimmers from below. But it also leads to an odd sight every night at the London Aquatics Centre: a glass-and-plastic reef composed of 10 cameras and a platoon of frogmen who enter the pool soon after the last race to tend to them.” (Image by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Amphibico FS100 housing images on forum
Wetpixel member David Cheung of Scubacam, Singapore has posted images of and comments about Amphibico’s new Genesis housing for the the Sony NEX-FS100 NXcam in the forum. The new housing the familiar Amphibico electronic control grips with their standard large buttons as found in Phenom and EX3. David comments:
“Controls and ergonomics are excellent and many details such as ports and gears I could see belongs to Aquatica, the parent company. This housing looks and feels retro with a bit of Amphibico and Aquatica mixed in.”
It would seem likely that the housing will share common features with an upcoming housing for the Sony FS700 and the Rouge housing for the RED Scarlet X and Epic cameras. Within the thread, It is interesting to note that Amphibico also has plans to produce a housing for the Atomos Ninja II recorder/monitor.
Kipon announces mount adaptors for EVIL cameras
Chinese manufacturer Kipon has announced two new adaptors that will allow the use of Canon EF lenses with Sony NEX and Panasonic micro 4/3s cameras. Although adaptors are not a new idea, these both feature full electronic aperture and autofocus (AF) controls, making them potentially suitable for using in an underwater housing. Until the EVIL camera manufacturers come up with a viable macro lens offering, this may be the best idea yet. Prices and availability are still to be confirmed, and it is possible that they will affect AF speed. Update: The manufacturer has now confirmed that, contrary to the original report, the adaptor will not support AF.