Nov, Dec 2007: Canon EOS News and What's New at The-Digital-Picture.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Adorama has refreshed their "Refurbished By Canon" camera, lens and flash inventory - 45 items at this moment. Expect like-new equipment at nicely reduced prices.

Monday, December 24, 2007

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 23, 2007

$150 price drop - the Canon EOS 40D body is now only $1,149.95 at ...

B&H (used in "10" condition for $1,049.00)
Adorama
Amazon.com (28-135mm IS kit is $1,424.99)
Back to normal price: J&R

Friday, December 21, 2007

Three new but similar reviews now online:

Lowepro Slingshot 100 AW Review
Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW Review
Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW Review

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Canon has announced production of the 30 millionth EOS SLR camera. Of these, more than 10 million are digital.

 
"Canon has released EOS 1Ds Mark III firmware v1.0.6. This firmware update (Version 1.0.6) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

1. Improves the reliability of communication with some CF cards.
2. Fixes a phenomenon that occurs in some cases involving color cast and vertical lines appearing in images."

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Now online ...

Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens Review

 
$100 price drop - The Canon EOS 40D body is now only $1,199.95 at ...

17th Street
Back to normal price: B&H (used in "10" condition for $1,094.00)
Back to normal price: Adorama
Sold out from Amazon.com: Amazon.com (28-135mm IS kit is $1,424.99)

Monday, December 17, 2007

Compare the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III resolution with the ...

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II *
Canon EOS 5D *

* What you need to know about the above comparisons (aside from how to use the tool's mouse-over feature) ... Canon specifies the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III viewfinder as having an "approx." 100 percent horizontal and vertical view. In reality - and like the Canon EOS 1D Mark III, it is somewhat less than 100% (maybe 98%?) - this makes precisely framing a test chart hard as I must rely completely on the zoomed LCD review. But, the LCD does not show a 100% view of the final image - cutting about 5 pixels off each side. For most real world uses, these are non-issues for this camera, but for these comparisons, the 1Ds III has an approximately .4% disadvantage to the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II and the Canon EOS 5D (which also doesn't mean much in the real world). Full disclosure finished.

I was determined to complete the Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens Review before releasing the my new 1Ds III's shutter. I have enough uncompleted reviews on the site and was being very disciplined. Well, after 8 days I couldn't stand it any longer - and had an event to shoot with it. So ... I'll get the 18-55 IS review online very soon.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Expired: RitzCamera.com has 10% off all in stock items when you use PayPal Checkout. Free shipping on most photo items over $100 and no sales tax. There are some great deals available - Like the 40D and 1D Mark III for example. Link is to RitzCamera.com - You should see a small banner near the top center of the page describing the deal.

 
Canon 40D results have been added to the Vignetting Comparison Tool for the following lenses:

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II Lens
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens

Two minor changes in these results ... First, I moved the UV filter test to the end of the focal length range and second, I added a normal thickness CP filter test for lenses I currently have this filter for (67mm, 72mm and 77mm). As always, more coming.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Canon has posted a guide to the camera settings and Custom Functions in Canon’s Mark III series cameras, and suggested settings to consider for AF, image sharpening, and minimizing digital noise at high ISOs (877K PDF).

Monday, December 10, 2007

Rob Galbraith has posted an update to his Canon EOS 1D Mark III autofocus article.

 
Chuck Westfall's December Tech Tips are online at DigitalJournalist.org.

Friday, December 7, 2007

It's been a few long days, but the site is now up on a new, faster server. I hope the only thing you noticed during this process is FASTER performance. Unfortunately, I incurred much more stress.

After the site was upgraded, I was unable to transfer files to or from the site. Since there are seldom coincidences in the IT world, the obvious piece to blame was the new server. Support and I have been trying to regain access - and finally reached resolution using FileZilla (FTP Software). Turns out that Microsoft pushed a software update down at the same time the server was being upgraded. This update apparently killed FTP through Windows Explorer/IE 7 to the new web server. Phew.

If you notice any issues, please let me know. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy better server performance.

 
Calumet Photographic has the SanDisk Extreme III 12GB CF Card for only $89.99 after mail in rebate. You should see free shipping at checkout.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Now online: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens ISO 12233 Chart Sample Crops

These results are from the Canon 40D. 40D results from comparable lenses are currently lacking (they are coming), but you can compare the 18-55 IS to the excellent Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens for now. This comparison will show the deviation from a good standard.

Monday, December 3, 2007

ISO 12233 chart sample crops from a Canon EOS 5D have been added to the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 L USM Lens Review. Samples from many other Canon camera bodies (including the 40D) are included here for comparison.

 
Sigma has once again announced two new lenses ...

Sigma APO 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens Press Release
Sigma APO 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM Lens Press Release

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Now available is Canon EOS 1D Mark III firmware v1.1.3.

"This firmware update (Version 1.1.3) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

Increases transmission speed when using high-speed SD cards.
Fixes a phenomenon involving not being able to release the shutter.
Improves AF tracking in specific conditions.
Corrects errors in the Spanish and Korean menu screens."

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Get 20% Cash Back (max $50) on your RitzCamera.com purchase when you pay with PayPal.

 
According to Chuck Westfall (as reported by RobGalbraith.com), the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III will be delivered to dealers this week. Reiterated was that the 1Ds III already contains the redesigned sub-mirror mechanism being installed in most of the early 1D III models.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thank you!

While those of us in the USA celebrate our Thanksgiving holiday, I'd like to take time out to thank you for your support of this site. This is probably not news to you, but the only support received by this site is from purchases made through the affiliate links provided here (Canon is not a sponsor). Thanks to your generosity, I am able to keep sharing my photography and photography gear passion with you. And I'll say a special thank you to those doing their Christmas shopping through the site links - I really appreciate it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 
Adorama has a new batch of "Refurbished By Canon" cameras, lenses and flashes in stock (or coming soon) - 52 of them at this moment. Several of you have been expressing interest in the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens - They have a Canon refurbished (like new) one for $5,499.95. Great deal. Lots of other sought-after models are available as well.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Now online ...

Canon EF 200mm f/1.8 L USM Lens Review

I add some sample pics soon.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Canon has released EOS 40D Firmware v1.0.5.

"This firmware update (Version 1.0.5) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

When playing back images just after recovering from Auto Power Off, the display now shows the last image played back.
During remote shooting, images are now displayed on the camera's LCD monitor right after they are taken.
Corrects a warning message in Korean that appears when updating the firmware.
Corrects errors in the Spanish menu screens.
Corrects a phenomenon that prevented printing with some print systems.
Corrects a rare phenomenon in which file numbers or image numbers were sometimes skipped.

The Version 1.0.5 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.4. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.0.5, it is not necessary to update the firmware."

You should also find the 40D .CR2 files produced by v1.0.5 compatible with Adobe products.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Canon has updated their 1D Mark III Service Notice. This notice now includes a list (a PDF file) of several thousand 1D III serial numbers of cameras that do not require the repair.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Adobe has released many updates ...

Adobe Photoshop CS3 10.0.1 for Windows and Mac
Adobe Bridge CS3 2.1.1 for Windows and Mac
Adobe Camera Raw 4.3 for Windows and Mac
Adobe Camera Raw 4.3 bundled with DNG Converter for Windows and Mac
Adobe Lightroom 1.3 for Windows and Mac
Adobe Lightroom Export module SDK (preview)

* Or simply take the "Updates ..." menu option from the "Help" menu in Photoshop CS3 and follow the prompts.

The landing page for each of the above links lists the most notable new features and updates for each of these software packages. These downloads are taking a very long time right now.

 
Michael Reichmann at Luminous-Landscape.com has posted an in-the-field report on a preproduction Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

I have a couple of deals for you today ...

First, SanDisk has a nice memory card rebate program in place. Buying 2 or 3 of the same card gives you at least a double or triple rebate amount (and usually more). I linked to the Adorama version of the rebate form as this one has an additional option to get a 10% rebate amount increase if you opt for an Adorama Gift Check. Memory cards make good Christmas presents.

I already mentioned the $400 Canon 5D + Pixma Pro9000/9500 Rebate, but there is an additional Canon Pixma Pro9000/9500 $100 Rebate. This $100 rebate appears to be stackable with the $400 rebate - It requires a "Secondary Proof of Purchase" UPC code. So, if my figuring is correct, you can get the Canon EOS 5D + Pixma Pro9000 kit at Adorama for $1,987.40 after two rebates. If you don't need the printer, EBay it - They are bringing $300+.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Sigma has announced two new fisheye lenses ...

Sigma 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC Circular Fisheye HSM Lens Press Release
Sigma 10mm f/2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM Lens Press Release

Friday, November 9, 2007

The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III owner's manual is now available for download (5.6 MB PDF).

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Now online ...

Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens Review and sample pictures.

 
It has been brought to my attention that some Canon EOS 40D DSLRs are shipping with a new firmware version - v1.0.4. While this is probably good news in most respects, it is not good news for those currently processing 40D RAW files in Adobe Photoshop CS3. Apparently the 40D EXIF information was tweaked slightly in this upgrade - and this is causing a problem for Adobe Camera Raw. I suspect the problem will be worked out in the near future - I'll let you know if/when I see the fix.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Chuck Westfall's November Tech Tips are online at DigitalJournalist.org.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Canon USA Service Notice regarding the EOS 1D Mark III AF Mirror Adjustment Problem. This page includes the serial number range of affected bodies.

 
Canon Australia announces EOS-1D Mark III AF fix. This page includes the serial number range of affected bodies.

 
Canon has released Digital Photo Pro v3.2.0. From this link, select "Drivers / Software" and then select the software update you wish to download. The DPP v3.2.0 updater is a large 24MB download, but the update to the software is big as well ...

Changes for Digital Photo Professional 3.2 for Windows Vista/Windows XP/Windows 2000:

1. Added support for EOS 40D and EOS-1Ds Mark III.

2. Added Lens aberration correction function (for correcting peripheral illumination, distortion, chromatic aberration, and color blur).
Please refer to User's Manuals (PDF) for the supported models and the target lens in Digital Photo Professional 3.2. (The User's Manual can be downloaded on [the same] page. [a 12MB PDF])

3. Highlight/shadow warning function has been added. Can now check for blown highlight and shadowing on the screen.

4. High speed (moiré reduction off) has been added to the High Quality display mode for RAW images.

5. Retain sort order function in the main window has been added.

6. 100% has been added to the enlargement ratio that appears on the Quick Check window. (Previously 50% only)

 
Once again, Adorama has a new batch of "Refurbished By Canon" cameras and lenses in stock. I hesitate to keep telling you this, but these are very popular items - this is a great way to get like-new products at a good price ... Be sure to compare the prices with the new item cost if a rebate is available for it.