4×4 – EOS Network at Focus on Imaging

We had great fun at Focus

EOS 6D Wi-Fi

This simple show used the EOS 6D connected via WiFi to an iPad running the EOS Remote application. EOS Remote lets the iPad user view images as they are taken or those stored on the memory cards. It also gives the possibility to change major camera settings like shutter speed, aperture and ISO plus take pictures and see a live preview on the iPad.

With an assembled crowd an iPad was never going to be big enough so we used an Apple TV and AirPlay to mirror the iPad display on to a large plasma that the audience could see.

At the end of the shooting a selected RAW image – we shot RAW + small JPEG – was transferred to the computer and printed out to the PIXMA PRO-10 from Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) via the Canon Print Studio Pro print plug-in.

EOS Wi-Fi workflow

This show found us both shooting images, usually Dave with the EOS 6D set to transfer to EOS Utility on the MacBook. During the demo we could take control of the camera completely changing a full range of settings, though setting the camera to monochrome picture style was an easy one for the audience to see a significant change. Images started to come through as black and white instead of colour. After this we switched over to use the EOS 5D Mark III with the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7. The EOS 5D Mark III + WFT-E7 were configured for FTP mode transfers, ensuring the computer operator can only receive the files not take control of the camera. Both cameras were set to shoot RAW + JPEG images with JPEGs being transferred continuously. With a quick change from the EOS 5D Mark III menu the transfer with SET feature, where images can be selected for transfer from the playback screen, was used to send RAW files. It showed that RAW files can be transferred but expect around 1s per megabyte of picture – 25s for a 25MB RAW image.

The focus then was on the DPP software and how it works to select images, process them and finally output on the PIXMA PRO-10. Modifications to RAW images were simple white balance – using click white balance on the whites of the eyes – and in some cases a little brightness adjustment. Then output again via the Print Studio Pro plug-in. For the whole show we never needed to make a TIFF or JPEG image from the RAW files to make a print.

Since we were linked to a Canon large format printer the IPF6400 we did also use it’s plug-in for DPP to make A1-size prints direct from the RAW image.

Speedlites & WiFi

We used the radio controlled Speedlite 600EX-RT flashes for each show, but only focussed on them in detail for this show. We started with a pair of flashes in a 60cm x 90cm Lastolite EzyBox, added in a reflector, hair light and background illumination all by changing settings on the ST-E3-RT. From time to time one of us took the role of a voice activated light stand – just positioning lights, not changing settings. Using the ST-E3-RT in this way we could build the lighting up step by step and show the control and features of the radio flash system.

For the photos we shot with the EOS 5D Mark III connected to the WFT-E7, making sure the images arrived on the MacBook so the audience can see the changes. It was also a chance to talk about the different modes of Wi-Fi operation that are possible with a WFT-E7, FTP mode (as we used), EOS Utility mode & WFT-Server mode.

Finally with a simple few changes in the DPP software a print was made using either the PIXMA PRO-10 or the iPF6400. The queues of folks collecting their free A2 prints was quite long so this determined if we could jump the queue – over the network – and get a print on the LFP while our show was running.

Great models – Rachael and Kate

We were happy to work with two great models over the four days, Rachael Bock for Sunday and Monday then Kate Hicki for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Featured in Focus news

Dave managed to get his face in the Focus on Imaging news site holding a print of a picture from an earlier shoot with Rachael.

Want to know about workflow, Wi-Fi, Speedlites, camera set-up?

Book your 1-2-1 training with EOS Network

Canon scoops four EISA awards

Canon has picked up four awards for its products from the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA).

The products receiving critical acclaim from the industry journalists

Orchard Studios open day

The other week Brian and myself hopped along to an open day organised by Canon at a new studio location near Reading called Orchard Studios.
Orchard Studios is part of the RGB UK setup and is designed to compliment their large format printer sales, printing and mounting services by creating a studio space for photographers to use.

The concept of the day was to get a small group of photographers into the studio where they could try the whole process from capture, with EOS digital cameras, through to output using the Canon LFP printers and then finish off the session by learning how to mount prints onto MDF block or make canvas wraps, so the printed image could become something saleable.

With a small group of 20 or so people through the day, everyone got chance to use the studio under the guidance of Andy Kruczek with the wonderful Holly aka Ivory Flame available as a model for the day. As well as printing some of the images taken on the day, everyone got to have one of their own images printed to A2 on the Canon iPF 6300.

Jump to the video below to see what went on and to get the views of both Josh Parkins from Canon UK and Ben Randall, owner of RGB UK.

We’re told Canon UK will be looking at more small events like this around the country, so keep your ear to the ground – or keep in touch with EOS Network – and we’ll let you know as and when anything is going on!

Canon Pro Photo Solutions 2011

Looking for your next fix of Canon kit to get your hands on and drool over? Then don’t fear, because Canon Pro Photo Solutions 2011 is fast approaching!

Scheduled for the 25/26th October at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, the show is Canon’s own trade show where you get to see the complete range of Canon kit, talk to Canon staff and also look around solutions from other manufacturers that compliment the Canon system. This means that if you’re interested in cameras, printers, projectors, video, software, and accessories, there will be something there for you to get your teeth into.

As if that isn’t enough, there will be a range of talks and presentations from a wide range of professionals to help you better understand your kit and improve your results. Last year both Brian and I presented seminars, Brian covering software in one of the seminar rooms while I took the main stage to run through Canon workflow from capture to output.

To register, visit the following link and click “Register” http://www.canon.co.uk/prosolutions2011/

See you there

Orchard studio open day with Canon

Canon’s large format printers deliver larger than life prints from your digital images, and while not everyone has the space for a printer capable or printing A2 or larger, it’s always great to see your best work printed large.

Canon UK is teaming up with Orchard Studio in Hurst near Reading for a special open day aimed at photographers and print workers to celebrate the new Orchard Studio facility. Orchard Studio is a new professional workflow suite created by Canon large format print accredited partner RGB UK.

Read more