2013 Mac Pro 6-Core Review

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Mac Pro-2

Apple took what felt like forever to make a meaningful update to the last generation of the Mac Pro. The big, aluminum tower had been the symbol of the professional Mac user since 2003 when Apple released it with the Power Mac G5. When Apple switched to Intel chips, it became the Mac Pro in 2006 and received periodic updates through 2010.

When Apple made the 2012 Mac Pro update, many professional users flipped out over the incremental updates and the failure to include modern I/O options like USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt, a technology that Apple had been pushing hard in its laptops. A Facebook group entitled “We Want a New Macpro” surfaced and became a rally point for thousands of professional users – the most vocal of which were heavy use video editors.

Apple seemed to have received the message that impatient professional users were leaving (or threatening to leave) for a more modern hardware experience on Windows workstations. Shortly after the 2012 refresh, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that a new Mac Pro would be delivered in 2013.

Then, at WWDC in June 2013, Apple unveiled the new Mac Pro. The shock of the design quickly led to memes all over the Internet, likening the new machine to everything from trash cans to coffee makers. [Read more...]


Canon 53MP DSLRs, New Rebel, Lenses & More Due Next Week

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Canon-High-MP-DSLR-Rumors

[UPDATE 1/30/15: The Canon 5Ds and 5Ds R have leaked out.]

Next week should turn out to be a big one for Canon. According to Canon Rumors, we should see several new cameras that could actually shake up the market again. Purportedly, these cameras will arrive on Friday, February 6, 2015.

The previously rumored 5D Mark III replacement cameras are believed to feature full frame 53MP sensors. Now the rumored specs suggest the line will be split as with and without an AA filter. Additionally, the next Rebel camera, as a replacement for the Canon Rebel T5i is expected to arrive. Canon is also rumored to release a very wide EF 11-24mm f/4L lens.

Will the Canon EOS M3 finally bring a functional AF system to Canon’s mirrorless line? The first effort was severely lacking and the US did not even get to experience the Canon EOS M2, presumably because the EOS M was so poorly received. I hope/suspect Canon has learned from those failed efforts and delivers a competent mirrorless camera that will compete with the rest of the market.

Finally, various PowerShot cameras should be announced alongside the other pro gear. No word on specifics of them though.

Stay tuned.

Sony Image Sensor Size Comparison

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Sony Image Sensor Size Comparison

Above is another one of the cool tech displays from Sony’s booth at CES. It shows the sensor size comparison for Sony cameras starting with a compact camera with a 1/2.3″ sensor on the right side and moving up to a full frame size sensor on the left side.

As many of you know, the full frame Sony 35mm sensor is found in the Sony A7 Series and the A99 SLT camera. The APS-C sensor is found in cameras like the Sony A6000 and A5100. Sony is using the CX Format nomenclature for 1″ sensors like what is found in the Sony RX100 and RX10.