Digital SLR Blog

Canon on June 2nd will release a firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark II which will allow users to manually control exposure when shooting video. The firmware update will include the following manual controls when shooting video:
Full aperture selection
ISO speed: Auto, 100 – 6400 and H1
Shutter speed: 1/30th – 1/4000th second

The Canon Live Learning is a new on-site education program targeted at new or prospective Canon EOS users. Canon Live Learning (CLL) will offer classes and workshops conducted by leading professional photographers and will consist of two distinct educational opportunities: EOS Essentials and EOS Extras. Potential participants can go here to register.

Park Cameras have announced a dedicated event for professional photographers to showcase the Canon ‘Digital Solution’. The event will run on May 28th and will include seminars on the Canon EOS system by established names in the industry. Canon’s Steve Boness will also attend the event and he will showcase the Canon’s ‘Digital Workflow. You can email the organizers at sales@parkcameras.com to book a place.

A new firmware update is available for the PocketWizard ControlTL system. Version 4.250 ControlTL firmware enhances the performance of the High Speed Sync (HSS) feature of Canon Speedlite flashes and also allows photographers to disable HyperSync™ mode in the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5, allowing use of HSS for shutter speeds down to 1/320 second. You can also find detailed information about these new features at http://www.pocketwizard.com/support/downloads .

Canon US has announced a new rebate programme onselect Canon lenses and accessories, as well as instant rebates on Canon EOS 50D and Rebel XSi Digital SLR cameras. The offer is valid from May3rd to July 11th 2009. Details are below.

DevHardware has reviewed the Canon EOS 50D that features a 15-megapixel CMOS sensor and an advance DIGIC 4 processor. The DSLR won brownie points for its image quality, its huge array of features, its intuitive interface and its build quality.

Says the reviewer:
“Technicalities and specifics aside, there's something very reassuring about having a reliable, dependable camera that will capture all of life's memories and moments without any hesitation or difficulty. If for no other reason, photographers -- both professional and otherwise -- will find the Canon EOS 50D's$1,200 price tag well worth it.”

Canon has released updates for a number of their applications including Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility and Picture Style Editor. The updates are available for both Mac and Windows OS and head over here to see the list of updates.
 

Engadget is reporting that the newly announced Canon Rebel T1i DSLR is now being spotted in camera stores all over the US even before its scheduled date. Bromfield Camera in Boston also has the DSLR in stock.

[Via Engadget ]
 

A new firmware update for the Canon EOS REBEL XS / 1000D DSLR  is now available for download. Firmware Version 1.0.5 incorporates the following improvements.

   1. Supports the AF assist beam feature of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009.


You can download it from here.

Canon has released the firmware update for the EOS REBEL XSi / 450D DSLR.  Firmware Update 1.1.0 incorporates the following improvements.

1. Supports the AF assist beam features of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009.

To download it and for further instructions go here.

The Canon SX1, which can be termed as a prosumer camera, has been reviewed by the publication Steve’s Digicams. The 10-megapixel shooter comes highly recommended as image quality was outstanding and the new 1080p HD movie mode stellar.  The camera also scored brownies points for its feature set and the 28 - 560mm (equivalent) 20x optical zoom lens didn’t disappoint either.

Excerpt from conclusion:
“With a street price of US$599 or less, we feel the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS offers an outstanding value for the amount of control, quality and features you are receiving.”

Canon in a press release announced that the company’s has produced over 10 million consumer D-SLRs (digital single-lens-reflex) worldwide since the launch of the EOS 300D in 2003. Canon also recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Canon SLR (single lens reflex) cameras which were first launched on May 1959.

“Canon remains at the forefront of this consumer market growth with a market share of 40 per cent in Europe (GfK WEU14 Jan~Dec 2008) which we account for our commitment to consumer demand and our passion for high-quality image,” said Rainer Fuehres, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging (CCI), Canon Europe. “We hope that the release of the EOS 500D will further strengthen our market position this year.”
 

Curious about the newly announced Canon EOS Rebel T1i DSLR camera? Then check out DCI’s first impressions review of the same. The camera was found to be well designed and impressed DCI with its video performance. The 3-inch LCD was found to be sharp too and the feature set makes the T1i  ideal for both point-and-shoot and advanced users.

The Canon Speedlite 270EX has been designed keeping in mind the needs of EOS and PowerShot users. Replacing the Speedlite 220EX, the Speedlite 270EX has a zoom head, a quick-lock mechanism and a metal mounting foot. The external flash unit is available from early May 2009 priced at £149.99 / €169.99 RRP inc. VAT.

Key Features include:

  * High power flash with a maximum guide number 27 m
  * Fast, silent recycle times
  * Manual flash output (settable via camera menus)
  * Speedlite controllable with compatible camera’s menu
  * Zoom head
  * Bounce flash head

The newly announce Canon EOS Rebel T1i DSLR has 15.1-megapixel resolution and is the first in the Rebel line to feature Full HD video capture. Retailing for $799.9 (Body only), the DSLR has a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) monitor and functions such as Auto Lighting Optimizer, Creative Auto Mode and Canon’s Live View modes etc.


[Via DCI]

The Tokina AT-X 16.5-135 DX , is a 16.5-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AF lens that has been designed keeping in mind the needs of DSLR cameras with APS-C sensors. Having a focal length of 16.5 - 135mm, the lens has a minimum aperture of F/22 and is available in both Nikon and Canon mounts.

Tamron has announced the SP AF60mm F/2.0 Di II LD (IF) MACRO 1:1 (Model G005), a life-size macro lens for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors. The lens will have a fast maximum aperture of F/2.0 and an equivalent angle of view of 93mm when converted to the 35mm format. The new life-size macro lens from Tamron is expected to be made available in mounts for Canon, Nikon (with built-in AF motor) and Sony.

Canon has released a new firmware update (Version 2.0.0.0) for the PowerShot SX1 IS camera. The update incorporates a RAW image recording function and once the  camera is updated, the camera settings will be restored to default values; however, My Camera data will not be deleted. For more details go here.

The  PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 firmware updates for the Canon systems have been delayed will now be released by next week. The key changes the update would bring is:

# The ability to choose between HyperSync and camera maker High Speed Sync at shutter speeds above 1/500.

# A basic trigger mode option, intended primarily to allow the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 to be used as transmitters on cameras other than Canon and Nikon.

# Allow the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 to fire any flash sitting in their hot shoes, not just ones they detect to be compatible with ControlTL



[Via Rob Galbraith ]


 

Canon has issued a service notice regarding the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras. According to Canon, an abnormal mirror operation occurs in some of the models and the camera displays the following:
“Err 99 Shooting is not possible. Turn the power switch to and again or re-install the battery”.

Free repairs will be provided to affected products.

Contact Information for Inquiries
Customer Support Center
1-866-207-9570 (toll free)
8:00 a.m. - Midnight, EST (M-F)
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., EST (Sat.)
Email: carecenter@cits.canon.com

A RAW update will soon be available for the Canon SX1 IS. The firmware will be available for download from mid-March and PowerShot SX1 IS owners should check http://web.canon.jp/imaging/BeBit-e.html for information and availability.

The Canon Studio Solution software  has been thought up keeping in mind the needs of  professional photographic studio owners. It features a fully automatic workflow to simplify studio operations without sacrificing the quality. Designed to integrate with Canon EOS cameras, imagePROGRAF and PIXMA Pro printers, Canon’s Studio Solution software ensures studio owners and operators are maximizing their time and equipment.

The CanoScan LiDE 700F is the first scanner from Canon that offer 9600x9600dpi optical resolution for film. The onboard LiDE technology makes sit possible to achieve scanning resolutions of up to 9600dpi. Power is delivered solely via a high-speed USB connection to PC and the CanoScan LiDE 700F also includes QARE dust and scratch removal for photos.

[Via Photography Blog ]

Canon has expanded its lens portfolio by launching two new Tilt-Shift lenses, the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II and the TS-E 17mm f/4L. Perfect for landscape and architectural photography, the lenses support ll Canon EOS system single lens reflex camera. The TS-E 17mm f/4L is also the world’s shortest focal length Tilt-Shift lens with full-frame 35mm coverage. The TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II is expected to ship in May for an estimated retail price of $2,199.00. The TS-E 17mm f/4L is expected to ship in May for an estimated retail price of $2,499.00.

The PocketWizard ControlTL  is the latest remote flash system on the block. The device features the MiniTT1™ Transmitter and FlexTT5™ Transceiver for Canon and Nikon cameras and both units can control single or multiple off-camera Canon E-TTLII or Nikon i-TTL flashes at speeds up to 8/fps. The device can also automatically adjust any change in ISO, aperture and shutter speed. Versions for Canon are available March 1st, Nikon in 2Q, 2009.
For more detailed information visit www.pocketwizard.com

Firmware update 1.0.2.0 is now available for Canon PowerShot G10. The upgrade fixes the following phenomenon.

If RAW images are captured by continuous shooting under the ISO 1600 setting, abnormal data is recorded and a magenta cast appears in the second and subsequent RAW images. This phenomenon also occurs in the second and subsequent recorded RAW images captured by single shooting, but only if the LCD monitor display mode is set to the OFF position.
This phenomenon cannot be confirmed when images are played back on the camera’s LCD monitor. It can only be confirmed if image processing software (such as the Digital Photo Professional software bundled with the product) is used to develop RAW images on a PC.

* Images that have the magenta cast phenomenon cannot be fixed.
* The phenomenon only appears in RAW images, and does not appear in JPEG images or images appearing on the LCD monitor display.
* The phenomenon only occurs if the ISO Speed Dial is set to ISO 1600 manually, and does not occur if the ISO speed is set to other values (such as ISO AUTO or ISO HI).

To read DCI’s in-depth review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR, head over to our main website. The 5D mark II that boasts of a  21.1-megapixel resolution scored well on all fronts and did exceptionally well our color and dynamic range testing. Highly sophisticated thanks to its level of customization, the DSLR’s full-frame sensor offers the utmost flexibility.

A number of Canon EOS 5D owners in the U.S have received a service notice from Canon regarding a phenomena where the main mirror of the camera detaches and hence one cannot view ithrough the viewfinder. Canon in the notice  apologizes for the issue and promises to repair the mirror portion free of charge.

Canon Contact Information for Inquiries:

Customer Support Center 1-866-422-2965 (toll free) 8:00 a.m. - Midnight, EST - Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., EST - Saturday E-mail: carecenter@cits.canon.com

[Via Digital Camera Tracker ]

The Canon EOS Professional Network (EPN) has been launched across the UK & Ireland and will consist of EOS Professional Centres and EOS Professional Stockists. Made up of two categories, EOS Professional Centres and EOS Professional Stockists, the EPN will have specialist trained staff able to demonstrate Canon’s unique workflow solution. For more information and a current list of EOS Professional Centres please visit:  http://www.canon.co.uk/eospro-network

Cnet recently reviewed the Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR and gave it thumbs up for its excellent performance, photo quality and decent video capture. However the camera isn’t without its fault and lacks a built-in flash and a wireless controller and also has archaic AF system.

Conclusion:

“A great follow-up to the 5D and top-flight full-frame camera, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II delivers the fluid shooting experience and fine photos you expect from a professional mode