Thursday, August 25, 2016

Canon’s newest EOS 5D Mark IV takes image quality to the next stage

The latest addition to the renowned EOS 5D range of full-frame cameras feature significant imaging enhancements to deliver 4K performance.



SINGAPORE, 25 August 2016 – Canon today launched the highly anticipated EOS 5D Mark IV, the next successor in the popular EOS 5D series, offering professional photographers and filmmakers stellar performance and speed to deliver captivating narratives in both still and video formats. Canon’s EOS 5D series of full frame cameras has achieved a prestigious reputation since its launch in 2005, with models such as EOS 5D Mark III used to shoot independent films, TV shows and even Hollywood blockbusters. This is in addition to their longstanding popularity among landscape, studio and portrait photographers.

The EOS 5D Mark IV extends the legacy of the 5D series with improvements on key features found in the popular EOS 5D Mark III, and best-in-class technology and features found in professional EOS models like the EOS-1D X Mark II. Equipped with a 30.4 megapixel full-frame high-sensitivity sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF for rapid focusing speed, the EOS 5D Mark IV delivers exceptional performance in both stills and 4K video shooting. New features such as support for Dual Pixel Raw (DPRAW) format and 4K frame grabs will empower photographers with greater control when creating and capturing their shots.
"Continuing the legacy of the EOS 5D series, the EOS 5D Mark IV will be a game changer which revolutionise the way image creators work, by empowering them with significant technological enhancements," said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. "With its 4K screen grab capability, users will be able to extract high definition stills from their video footage, which opens up greater possibilities to explore with their craft."

Remarkable still photo performance
Powered by a DIGIC 6+ image processor, the EOS 5D Mark IV features an in-camera Digital Lens Optimizer (DLO), which allows photographers to process and optimize JPEG files for chromatic aberration, peripheral illumination, and diffraction correction. This enhancement empowers users to quickly and easily correct JPEG files in-camera instead of via Digital Photo Professional (DPP), thus shortening the workflow for photographers.

At the heart of the EOS 5D Mark IV is a formidable 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor that delivers a resolution of up to 30.4 megapixels. This caters to the need for images shot in richer resolutions and quality that is essential when producing large format prints for commercial use. Professional users can also preserve image quality even through extensive cropping of their photos. The enhanced sensitivity (ISO speed of 100 to 32,000, expandable to 102,400) of the EOS 5D Mark IV also ensures pristine image quality even when shooting at high speeds.

A first in Canon's range of cameras, the EOS 5D Mark IV comes equipped with Dual Pixel RAW (DPRAW) – a feature which enables adjustments to be made to images after a photo is taken. This new version of RAW image data contains Dual Pixel information that allows precise adjustments to be made in post-production via DPP, providing professional photographers an edge in terms of precision enhancements. With this feature, users can make micro adjustments to the position of maximum sharpness and resolution based on the depth of subject, reposition the viewpoint to horizontally shift the foreground bokeh, as well as reduce ghosting and flare effects in images.


The EOS 5D Mark IV is capable of shooting dynamic and fast moving subjects and scenes with a high speed continuous shooting at 7 frames per second (fps). Coupled with its 61-point all points selectable reticular AF system, 41-point cross type AF, this new AF system also covers a wider focusing area and an extended vertical coverage of approximately 24 percent at the sides and approximately 8.6% at centre. With this larger coverage area, users will have greater flexibility in composing and creating their shots. On top of this, all 61 points are compatible to effective aperture of f/8 or faster, hence auto focusing is possible when teleconverters are used with super telephoto lenses, well suited for wildlife and sports photographers.

Equipped with the EOS iTR AF (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition Auto Focus) and 150,000 pixels RGB+IR metering sensor, which utilises face recognition and colour tracking algorithm, users are allowed to accurately track a moving subject across all 61 AF points. The camera can sense flickering artificial lights with its flicker detection technology, and subsequently suppress any negative impact on exposure and white balance. In addition, it is capable of focusing down to a low intensity limit of EV-4 during live view mode, with an effective image area of approximately 80 percent of the screen. This allows photographers to achieve consistent focusing performance even under extremely challenging lighting conditions.

Professional 4K movie and image quality
The EOS 5D series has always been lauded for their impeccable video capabilities. The EOS 5D Mark IV takes this to the next level with its ability to shoot DCI 4K movies, providing users a more accessible camera equipped with some of the key features that the flagship EOS 1-D X Mark II is well-loved for.

With the EOS 5D Mark IV, users can shoot 4K movies at a smooth frame rate of 30p, with resolutions of up to 4096 x 2160 and an aspect ratio of 17:9 that matches cinema screens. The camera can also shoot in Full HD quality at 60p, and up to 120p for high frame rate HD movie. Footage shot in DCI 4K format can be used for various commercial purposes such as in cinema, or broadcasting. Users will have the flexibility to shoot videos in MOV format for movie productions, or MP4 format which supports a wide range of usage scenarios, including uploading onto social media sites. In addition, the EOS 5D Mark IV is able to transmit, play, and channel video files at uncompressed full HD quality when connected through a HDMI interface.

The EOS 5D Mark IV’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF also allows for the same high-speed, smooth phrase-difference detection AF system found on the EOS 1-D X Mark II. Users can focus on subjects with a quick tap on the touch screen LCD, while the Movie Servo AF will automatically track the subject throughout. Focus adjustment speeds and sensitivity can also be customised to suit users’ preferences.

With the EOS 5D Mark IV’s ability to shoot smooth 4K videos at 30fps, picture-perfect moments from a video can be extracted as a JPEG image at a resolution of approximately 8.8 mega pixels using the camera’s in-built 4K frame grab feature, suitable for creating A3 sized prints. Compared to 7fps continuous shooting in viewfinder mode, the 4K frame grab capability allows photographers to capture a decisive moment at a much higher speed.

The HDR movie function allows users can capture beautiful 30p videos in a brightly-lit environment without risking overexposure. In addition, the Time-lapse movie feature allows users to create time-lapse movies by gathering and connecting photos shot at regular intervals[1].

Wi-Fi/ NFC connectivity and in-built GPS
The EOS 5D Mark IV is designed with in-built Wi-Fi and Near Field Communications (NFC) capabilities. This enables users to easily transfer videos and images to external devices via FTP or FTPS service, via the Camera Connect app, or upload them directly on to social media sites. This potentially improves the workflow for many photographers, especially those in the field.

Remote shooting can be activated via the Camera Connect app, so users will have the flexibility to take photos or record videos from a distance using their smartphones. NFC enables quicker connection between the EOS 5D Mark IV and most NFC-enabled devices, and can be set up simply by tapping them together.

Equipped with an in-built GPS, the EOS 5D Mark IV can record location data of images into Exif data without requiring an external GPS unit. The ability to automatically record location details of where photos were taken would be especially useful for photographers who work on-the-go.

Sturdy design and easy operability
Built for durability, the EOS 5D Mark IV is designed for enhanced dust- and water-resistant performance, for use in challenging environments. The exterior body of the camera is protected and sealed with an outer rubber coating or dust/water-resistant sealing material at all of its joint areas[2].

With the Intelligent Viewfinder II, users will be able to check and adjust shooting functions without taking their eyes off the subject. They can also customise the display to include an electronic level and other functions[3]. With the electronic level displayed, users can view the current tilt and rotation of the camera, which makes it easier to compose their shots.

The EOS 5D Mark IV’s LCD monitor also features customisable touch panel functions, allowing users to quickly navigate menus and adjust settings such as shutter speeds, ISO speeds, and AF and AE functions. The touch shutter function also allows users to snap a photo simply by tapping the LCD screen to focus and shoot. Touch panel sensitivity can also be adjusted, or deactivated altogether. With its Touch AF capability, live-view shooting will be more intuitive and comfortable for users.

New lens and accessory to complement performance
The highly reputed EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens, originally released as a kit lens for the EOS 5D in 2005, has now been updated with the latest L series enhancements to match the higher rendering power of the EOS 5D line. These include improved optical performance, significant flare and ghosting suppression through the use of Air Sphere Coating (ASC), IS performance upgrades, fluorine coating for improved durability, and quieter operation to suit videography usage. The EF24-105mm f/4L IS II USM’s zoom range covers everything from wide-angle to mid-telephoto shots, to complement the versatility attainable with the EOS 5D Mark IV.


Also new to the EOS range of accessories is the optional BG-E20 battery grip. Featuring a slimmed down grip, it provides improved handling when shooting in portrait orientation. Powered by up to 2 LP-E6/ LP-E6N batteries, the BG-E20 prolongs the battery life, lending users extra support for long periods of movie or stills shooting. In addition, the grip is assembled with the same build quality as the EOS 5D Mark IV, a dust/water resistant design, to deliver the same level of durability.

Pricing and Availability
Pricing and availability of the EOS 5D Mark IV and EF24-105mm f/4L IS II USM will be advised at a later date. 



Product Specifications
EOS 5D Mark IV
Imaging Sensor:                        30.4 mega-pixel 35mm Full-Frame CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel CMOS AF
Image Processor:                      DIGIC 6+
ISO Speed:                               ISO 100-32,000 (expandable to ISO 50 and 102,400)
Continuous Shooting Speed:     Max Approx. 7 fps
AF Points:                                Max. 61 points (Max. 41 points Cross type AF,f/8 support for all 61 points)
Movie:                                      4K Motion Jpeg,Full HD, HD
Movie Recording Format:          MOV, MP4
Wi-Fi:                                        Yes (2.4 GHz)
NFC/GPS:                                 Yes
Storage Media:                          CF + SD
LCD Monitor:                            3.2” (approx. 1.62 million dots) touch screen
Dimensions (W X H X D):          Approx. 150.7 x 116.4 x 75.9 mm
Weight:                                     Approx. 800g (Body only)

EF24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens
Focal length:                             24-105mm
Maximum aperture:                    f/4
Minimum focusing distance:      0.45m
Maximum magnification:            0.24x
Lens Construction:                    17 elements in 12 groups
Filter Size Dimension:                77mm
Aperture blades:                        10
Dimensions:                              118mm length, 83.5mm diameter
Weight:                                     Approx. 795g


Canon Singapore appoints Noriko Gunji as new President and CEO



23 August 2016, SINGAPORE – Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Canon Singapore) today announced the new appointment of Ms. Noriko Gunji as President and CEO of Canon Singapore, the regional headquarters for Canon in South and Southeast Asia. Ms. Gunji has also been appointed as Executive Officer of Canon Inc., earlier in April this year.

She moved from her most recent role as Vice President of Canon China. Based in Singapore, Ms. Gunji will oversee and lead Canon employees and business partners in the area of sales, marketing and operations in 18 markets, including the domestic Singapore market, national sales offices in India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.  

“I am honoured and enthusiastic to lead Canon in this culturally diverse and dynamic region of Asia. There is immense potential for growth and I look forward to working together with my colleagues to bring a wealth of innovative imaging and business solutions to our customers. We will also continue our work on sustainability and corporate social responsibility in the environments we operate in, making Canon an even more attractive company for our employees, partners and customers,” said Ms. Gunji.  

Ms. Gunji started her career with Canon Inc. in Tokyo in 1987 and has more than 25 years of experience in various management roles, including in-depth familiarity with the China market. 

Ms. Gunji took over from Mr. Kensaku Konishi, a Canon veteran who had served as President and CEO in Canon Singapore since 2012. Mr. Konishi has moved to Malaysia in his new assignment as Chairman and CEO of Efficient MailCom Sdn Bhd, a company of the Canon Singapore group.

About Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Canon is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions.  Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. is the headquarters for South & Southeast Asia driving sales, marketing and service strategies. Besides handling the domestic market, the company leads 18 other countries including subsidiaries in India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The parent company Canon Inc has a global network of close to 300 companies and employs close to 200,000 people worldwide.  It is dedicated to the advancement in technology and innovation and commits more than 8% of its total revenue each year to R&D.  Canon is consistently one of the top few companies to earn the most number of patents over the last 20 years.  As a Fortune Global 500 company, Canon is guided by its kyosei philosophy that focuses on living and working together for the common good. 
More information is available at www.canon.com.sg

Saturday, August 20, 2016

危城 CALL OF HEROES Movie Review



Director and Casts

Producer/ Director: Benny Chan
Action Director: Sammo Hung

Cast:
Eddie Peng Yuan
Sean Lau
Louis Koo
Wu Jing 

Review 

This martial art action film takes on the theme of the good prevailing over the evil, set in the chaotic warring periods of warlords after the Qing Dynasty collapsed giving way to the founding of the Chinese republic in 1911. It is a tale, as with many in a similar genre, in which justice finally triumphed, with huge loss of lives, when heroes rose to the call of the occasion. The film is supported by a cast of award-winning stars. 



I usually avoid martial art films because of their trite story lines, often told with exaggeration of incredible human spirit and unconvincing martial art flicks. This martial art film, however, actually held me spellbound, continuously engaging me emotionally and visually from one scene to another, enhanced by the rousing music and some spectacular scenes, epic and inspiring at times. I particularly like the memorable scene of the crumbling mountain of jars on which two martial art adversaries fought ferociously, though I found the outcome of the life-and-death duel ludicrously weird when the winning adversary sacrificed himself to save his opponent in the avalanche of falling jars.



The story was set in the remote village of Puchung, with the upright and stubborn Sheriff, played by Sean Lau (刘青云), in charge. The psychopathic son of the warlord Cao, played by Louis Koo (古天乐), dropped by at the village and killed a villager, a teacher and a child. The Sheriff pronounced a death sentence on Cao’s son to be carried out the next day. Cao’s men and soldiers, led by Wu Jing (吴京) came to rescue Cao’s son, who preferred to sit through the night in the prison cell to see how his ‘game’ would play out. The village’s officials and ordinary folks pleaded with the Sheriff to release Cao’s son to spare them and the village to live another day. The Sheriff rather resigned then to violate his principle, and Cao’s son was released. However, the village was not spared and hell broke loose. The heroes of the village responded rose to the occasion, assisted by a wandering vagabond played by Eddie Peng (彭于晏). 



Do note that the film is coded NC 16 owing to the violent and sometimes gory contents. However, you need not be 16 to close your eyes to many of these vividly gory scenes if they are disturbing to watch.  Produced and directed by Benny Chan with action direction by Sammo Hung, I will rate this film 3.5 out of 5 on the whole.  Showing in cinema from 18 Aug 2016.













Trailer


Behind the Scene


A Good Review in Cantonese




Thursday, August 4, 2016

The Straits Times partners Singtel to launch new Straits Times All-Digital subscription package with free local data access


Singapore, 4 August, 2016 - Singtel postpaid mobile users will be able to access The Straits Times (ST) All-Digital subscription package without having to incur local data charges through its recently- launched Singtel Newsstand service. The Singtel Newsstand service is both digital and print newsstand that offers leading international and local newspapers and magazines for its post-paid mobile users.

The ST All-Digital package allows Singtel postpaid mobile customers unlimited access to news articles, 7-day news archive and the e-paper version via an upgraded ST app for smartphone, tablet and online users. They can also have concurrent log-ons of up to six mobile devices simultaneously.

Furthermore, they enjoy no local mobile data charges when they access the two ST apps (smartphone and tablet) and straitstimes.com on a mobile device of the same mobile number they have used to subscribe to this service.

The ST All-Digital subscription package through the Singtel Newsstand is being offered for a limited time period at a promotional price of $29.90 per month, valid with a 12-month contract.

Mr Ignatius Low, Managing Editor of the English, Malay and Tamil Media group, Singapore Press Holdings, said: "This new promotional package will give those who want to stay on top of the news yet another option to subscribe to The Straits Times. With no data charges, subscribers can take full advantage of the paper's multimedia offerings, including the ever popular e-version of its print edition, its award-winning videos and live streaming for reporting of major events."

Ms Diana Chen, Singtel’s Vice President of Mobile Marketing, said: “Increasingly, our customers are turning to their mobile devices for their daily dose of news and current affairs. Singtel Newsstand is the first service in Singapore to offer convenient, one-stop access to premium content from The Straits Times and other leading international publications at up to 20% off regular rates. With data usage waived, our customers will have the freedom to enjoy as many articles and videos as they like.”

Customers can sign up for the ST All-Digital subscription package with no data charges via www.singtel.com/singtelnewsstand, visit any Singtel Shop or call the Singtel Hotline at 1688/1609.