March 2005: Canon EOS News and What's New at The-Digital-Picture.com

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Now online - the Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT SLR Review.

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Canon has released firmware updates for the Canon EOS 1D Mark II and the Canon EOS 1DS Mark II Digital SLRs. EOS 1Ds Mark II Firmware Update Version 1.1.1 adds "Three new languages (Russian, Traditional Chinese, and Korean)" to the menus and features an "Improvement in communication reliability when using some CF cards." EOS-1D Mark II Firmware Update Version 1.2.1 addresses the same issues plus addresses "The issue of communication failure between the camera and some personal computers."

Monday, March 28, 2005

Canon has released a faster and more powerful version of Digital Photo Pro (v1.6.1). Enter your EOS Digital SLR model information and select the "Drivers / Software" Link. What is new? A "Copy Stamp Tool (to adjust images by copying and pasting some part of the image) was added." "The Rename Tool (to change multiple file names at once) was added." "Support was added for the EOS D60 and EOS Kiss Digital N / EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT / EOS 350D DIGITAL." "The amount of time it takes for image thumbnails to appear has been reduced." As this is an "Updater", you will need to have one of the required applications installed on your computer prior to installing Digital Photo Professional 1.6.1 Updater.

Tom's Hardware Guide has posted a short interview with Canon's Chuck Westfall.

PhotoRescue has released a new version of their digital photo & picture software.

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Although I have not seen an announcement that the Canon EOS 10D has been officially discontinued, it is becoming far more scarce at retailers.

Monday, March 21, 2005

If you are considering the purchase of a Digital SLR Camera, you are not alone. "We predict the digital SLR market will double in size by the end of 2006" Canon's European chief of Consumer Imaging, Mogens Jensen, told Reuters in an interview.

Thursday, March 17, 2005

I posted a few Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens sample photos here:
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens Sample Pictures
Look for the three Spruce Tree and rock pictures - use the arrow buttons to go back and forth through them to compare 400mm at f/2.8, f/4 and f/5.6 apertures.

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

The Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM Lens Review is now online. This is a big, heavy and expensive lens that can bring home high quality distant wildlife and sports shots.

Some sample pictures are available here ...
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Sample Pictures

Monday, March 14, 2005

Amazon.com now has most of the Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT versions in stock. Amazon's special offer is still in place - they are giving $50 or $100 gift certificates for purchases of $500 or $1,000 in their electronics department (see site for details) along with free shipping. Here are direct links to the four 350 XT versions:
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT Black (with EF-S 18-55mm Lens)
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT Silver (with EF-S 18-55mm Lens)
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT Silver (Body Only)
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT Black (Body Only)

B&H now has the black body-only version of the Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT, back in stock. I'm surprised at how well Canon is keeping the supply chain filled in light of the demand for this camera - and in light of the length of time I had to wait for my Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II (3 months).

I had another Canon Rebate rejected! This time it was a $150 Canon EF 100-400mm L IS USM Lens rebate on the line. I experienced a 50% first time rebate approval rate for the last rebate promotion - 2 of 4. That is a failing grade Canon! The good new is that a phone call to the Canon Rebate Center was promptly answered, and my rebate is supposedly on its way. If you experience any rebate difficulties, my recommendation is to call the Canon Rebate Center immediately. Their phone number is 1.877.862.6870.

Friday, March 11, 2005

B&H quickly sold out of black body-only version of the Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT, but currently has the other three versions in stock. J&R and 17th Street Photo are showing some versions in stock. To find all available 350D versions, search for "Canon Rebel XT" at these links.

In case you didn't notice, the Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel price has dropped significantly - and still takes excellent pictures.

Wednesday, March 9, 2005

Well, I thought it would never come, but it did - and it is a keeper!
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II Review
Let me know if I missed something important to you!

B&H has the Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT in stock at this moment. Act fast as I expect them to go quickly!

17th Street Photo has the Silver Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT in stock at this moment.

Friday, March 4, 2005

Want to hear something fun? Listen to a Canon EOS 1D Mark II Digital SLR 8.5 FPS (Frames Per Second) burst ...

Canon EOS 1D Mark II 8.5 FPS Burst

Here are more ...

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 4 FPS Burst
Canon EOS 1D Mark II Single Shots
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II Single Shots

Thursday, March 3, 2005

B&H has the Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT SLR Camera SKU'd up - they do not take preorders, but allow you to give them an email address for notification when they are in stock. Use the B&H link from the above-linked review page for the black body - search for the model you prefer as all are online.

Amazon and Adorama are now taking preorders for the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens.

Amazon has a special offer in place that might interest Canon 350D Digital Rebel XT and other camera/lens buyers - they are giving $50 or $100 gift certificates for purchases of $500 or $1,000 in their electronics department. See the details by clicking on any of the Amazon product links here or on the review pages.