Jan, Feb 2008: Canon EOS News and What's New at The-Digital-Picture.com

Friday, February 29, 2008

Updated List: The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III is in stock at ...

Sold Out: Amazon.com
Sold Out: OneCall
Sold Out: 17th Street Photo

Thursday, February 28, 2008

B&H is accepting orders for the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens. This typically means the lens will be available very soon.

 
The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III is in stock or coming very soon ...

Sold Out: 17th Street Photo
Sold Out: J&R

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Reminder: SanDisk has Winter 2008 rebates valid on purchases through Mar 30, 2008. Some of these rebates amounts are significant and increase if more than 1 of the same card is purchased. To make the deal hot, Adorama is offering a 10% higher rebate if the gift check (redeemable at Adorama only) option is selected AND they are offering great sale prices on these cards. Download the rebate form at one of the following links for the full details.

Sandisk 16GB Extreme III CompactFlash - $109.95 after $90 rebate
Sandisk 8GB Extreme III CompactFlash - $59.95 after $40 rebate
Sandisk 4GB Extreme III CompactFlash - $39.95 after $20 rebate
Sandisk 2GB Extreme III CompactFlash - $29.95 after $10 rebate

Sandisk 8GB Extreme IV CompactFlash - $139.95 after $40 rebate
Sandisk 4GB Extreme IV CompactFlash - $69.95 after $30 rebate
Sandisk 2GB Extreme IV CompactFlash - $34.95 after $20 rebate

Sandisk 8GB Extreme III SD Card - $39.95 after $40 rebate
Sandisk 2GB Extreme III SD Card - $19.95 after $10 rebate (get the 4GB)

Friday, February 22, 2008

Updated: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens Review

This is a minor update, but you might find the focal length comparison interesting. A couple of charts have been added as well.

 
Adorama has refreshed their inventory of "Refurbished By Canon" cameras, lenses and flashes. Time to check again if you are watching for something in particular. Expect like-new equipment at nicely reduced prices.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

I added an example of the Canon autofocus microadjustment feature to the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III Review. Look for the resolution chart crop mid-way down the review page and use the mouseover links.

 
Canon's Enjoy! Digital SLR Cameras is a mini site that gives a nice introduction to using Digital SLR cameras.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Now online: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens Review

 
Amazon.com has the Sigma 200-500 f/2.8 APO EX DG Ultra-Telephoto Lens available for preorder. Only $24,499.99 with FREE shipping!

Monday, February 18, 2008

Grand Teton National Park Gallery

The Canon EF 24-105mm L IS USM Lens was the primary lens used on a Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II DSLR for these shots.

I've been increasing the notes below each picture to provide more educational information on the location and shot - and plan to increase the amount of notes even more in the future. I've also increased the size of the gallery images - to 700px wide or 600px high. I'm ready to address the increased bandwidth usage issue as necessary and hope the increased image size is worth the time for you.

Friday, February 15, 2008

The Spring 2008 Canon EOS System Catalog (11.5 MB PDF) is now available for download.

 
Canon EOS Utility v2.3 Updater for Mac OS X is available for download (21.43 MB - select Mac OS in drop-down box).

"Changes to EOS Utility 2.3 for Mac OS X

1. Remote shooting problem for EOS Utility 2.2 fixed

The problem in which the images are not transferred to PC in Remote Live View function of EOS Utility when the Remote Live View window is displayed and then closed, and in which EOS Utility does not respond afterwards even when releasing the shutter on the camera has been fixed. (Supported Cameras: EOS-1Ds Mark III, EOS 40D, EOS-1D Mark III)

2. Remove Live View window improved When double-clicking the Remove Live View window, it will switch to the Zoom View screen.

When double-clicking the Zoom View screen, it will switch to the Remote Live View window. (Supported Cameras: EOS-1Ds Mark III, EOS 40D, and EOS-1D Mark III)

3. Functions added to Remove Live View window

A Maintain Zoom View check box has been added to the Zoom View screen. By clicking this check box (ON), even if remote shooting is performed or magnification of the camera is changed while the Zoom View screen is displayed, the Remote Live View window is not displayed in the previous screen, and the Zoom View screen is displayed in the previous screen instead. (The setting for the check box is OFF by default) (Supported Cameras: EOS-1Ds Mark III, EOS 40D, and EOS-1D Mark III)"

Thursday, February 14, 2008

A couple of new Canon rebates might be of interest to you:

First is the Canon PIXMA® MP970, Pro9000, or Pro9500 Photo Printer and Canon EOS 1D Mark III, EOS 1Ds Mark III, EOS 40D, or EOS 5D Digital SLR Camera $200 Mail-In Rebate.

And second is the Canon PIXMA® MP970 Photo Printer $100 Mail-In Rebate.

As with the 5D + printer rebates in the fall, these appear to be stackable rebates - the printer-only rebate requests the secondary UPC code. Basically, you get paid to buy the printer - which enterprising buyers can then sell on EBay for somewhere in the $200 range.

These rebates are not showing on Canon USA's web site. Use the Canon Digital SLR Reviews page to select your camera and navigate to your favorite retailer's web site to get the details - the rebate forms are specific to the larger retailers. Here is the link to the 40D at B&H.

 
Onecall has a couple of nice deals for us today (must use these links to get the special prices).

Canon EOS 40D with 28-135mm Lens for $1,279 shipped
Canon EOS 1D Mark III for $4,029 shipped

Monday, February 11, 2008

Adorama has the new Canon gear available for preorder.

Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens
Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens
Canon EF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM Lens

 
Reminder: The Canon instant rebates expire on Sunday, February 17th. I doubt that these rebates will be extended a second time.

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

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Update: Sold out again. It's back in stock! - How does Free after rebate sound for a very decent CF Card? Adorama has the Kingston 4GB 133x Elite Pro CompactFlash Card for free after rebate. Download the rebate form on the Adorama product page. "This rebate has a quantity limit of ONE."

 
CNET's News.com has posted an interview with Canon USA's Chuck Westfall.

 
Canon EOS 40D Masterclass (a CPN Europe video).

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Canon EOS 40D ISO 12233 chart sample crops have been added to the site for the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens.

Actually, samples from two of these lenses are available for the 40D (and loaded for comparison in the link provided). I have had at least two copies of most of Canon's better lenses and seldom see much difference in their performance. This was not the case with the 70-300 IS. To share this difference, I have updated the ISO 12233 chart comparison tool to enable more than one sample of a lens. Ultimately, I wanted this information for comparison to the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 Lens and the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM Lens.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Canon USA informing VIPs of new EOS-1D Mark III AF fix. This information (on Rob Galbraith's site) is not an official press release, but conveys information regarding an additional fix coming for the Canon EOS 1D Mark III.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Amazon.com now has the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 Lens available for preorder.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Sigma has announced 4 new Canon-mount lenses.

Sigma APO 200-500mm f/2.8 EX DG Lens

We've seen this one before, but what an awesomely-spec'd lens. It looks like it was made for the military. At 34.6 lbs (15,700g), you're not going to hand-hold this one.

Sigma APO 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens

It would be nice to see "EX" in that name, but a 4-stop OS is a nice addition to what looks like the Sigma 50-500mm EX Lens.

Sigma APO 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM Lens

Looks like an updated Sigma 80-400mm EX Lens - without the "EX". HSM is a very welcome improvement in this case.

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens

 
Tamron announces the Tamron SP AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 DI II LD Asperical Lens. No availability date has been given.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Update: Sold Out. The CompactFlash deals keep coming - How does Free after rebate sound for a very decent CF Card? Adorama has the Kingston 4GB 133x Elite Pro CompactFlash Card for free after rebate. Download the rebate form on the Adorama product page.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Canon EOS 40D ISO 12233 chart sample crops have been added to the site for the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 Lens. I also shot the 40D tests for the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM Lens (the compare-to lens in the link above).

Monday, January 28, 2008

Take another look at the Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D Digital SLR Camera Pre-Review for information and product pictures including mouseover comparisons with other Canon cameras.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Preorder opportunities for some of the new Canon gear:

Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D at RitzCamera.com
Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D at OneCall
Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D at Amazon.com
Canon EF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM Lens at Amazon.com
Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens at Amazon.com

Historically, to get a new piece of Canon gear when it first hits the streets, you need to preorder. However, some items are harder to get than others. My guess is that the Rebel series bodies will hit the shelves in high volumes, making them relatively easy to get within a few weeks of the first deliveries (unlike 1-series bodies). I'm less certain of the new L lens' early availability. They are going to be very highly desired, but carry a very high price which will reduce the demand for them.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

It's Canon announcement day!

New: Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D Digital SLR Camera

The Rebel XSi / 450D appears to be a strong upgrade to the Rebel XTi / 400D. The review placeholder page (link above) shows some product pics and provides links to both the Canon USA and Canon Europe press releases - with highlights in bold. Amazon.com is taking preorders.

New: Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens

Pre-announced last fall at PhotoPlus Expo, the new 200 is formally announced today. I anticipate this to be an awesome lens in all regards; however, the price will stop all but the serious photographers from making this investment. Once again, the review placeholder page (link above) shows some product pics and provides links to both the Canon USA and Canon Europe press releases - with highlights in bold.

New: Canon EF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM Lens

Ditto from the 200 ... Pre-announced last fall at PhotoPlus Expo, the new 800 is formally announced today. I anticipate this to be an awesome lens in all regards; however, the extremely high price will stop all but the serious photographers from making this investment. The review placeholder page (link above) shows some product pics and provides links to both the Canon USA and Canon Europe press releases - with highlights in bold. The 800 shares press releases with the 200.

New: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens

Well, not really new. You've seen this one before - actually, many of us have one. This lens is available throughout most of the world. The 55-250 will now become available in the USA. The review placeholder page (link above) shows a product pic and provides links to both the Canon USA (part of the XSI/450D release) and Canon UK press releases.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Now online:

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III Digital SLR Review

Awesome camera.

 
Adorama has a huge number of "Refurbished By Canon" cameras, lenses and flashes in stock - 63 items at this moment. Expect like-new equipment at nicely reduced prices.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Sandisk has Winter 2008 rebates valid on purchases through Mar 3, 2008. Some of these rebates amounts are significant and increase if more than 1 of the same card is purchased. To make the deal hot, Adorama is offering a 10% higher rebate if the gift check (redeemable at Adorama only) option is selected AND they are offering great sale prices on these cards. Download the rebate form at one of the following links for the full details.

Sandisk 16GB Extreme III CompactFlash - $109.95 after $90 rebate
Sandisk 8GB Extreme III CompactFlash - $59.95 after $40 rebate
Sandisk 4GB Extreme III CompactFlash - $39.95 after $20 rebate
Sandisk 2GB Extreme III CompactFlash - $29.95 after $10 rebate

Sandisk 8GB Extreme IV CompactFlash - $139.95 after $40 rebate
Sandisk 4GB Extreme IV CompactFlash - $69.95 after $30 rebate
Sandisk 2GB Extreme IV CompactFlash - $34.95 after $20 rebate

Sandisk 8GB Extreme III SD Card - $39.95 after $40 rebate
Sandisk 4GB Extreme III SD Card - $19.95 after $30 rebate
Sandisk 2GB Extreme III SD Card - $19.95 after $10 rebate (get the 4GB)
Sandisk 1GB Extreme III SD Card - $12.75 after $5 rebate

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

New: Canon Digital Photo Professional Tutorial Site.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Canon has updated their current rebate form to indicate the new expiration date (1.7MB PDF).

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Good news - Canon has extended the lens and flash rebates until February 17th. They have not yet updated the flyer or web site.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Canon has made an easy-to-understand Color Management Guide available (2 MB PDF).

 
One last reminder - the Canon lens and flash rebates expire on Sunday the 13th.

 
Stuff for sale ... As before, these offers are available within the cUSA. Please do not ask me about selling anything else as I am probably not and do not have time to keep a waiting list. Sorry! To be fair to everyone, all items will remain for sale until I receive a firm "I'll take it" under agreed-upon conditions. I will accept Paypal if shipping to the verified address. Use the email button at the top and bottom of this page to contact me.

Sold: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro HSM Lens - $649 shipped
Like new in box with all original accessories. Barely used. Sigma focus calibrated this lens for me though it is still not the best-focusing lens I've used.

Sold: Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW - $45 shipped
Like new with exception of a little dust AND - the kid's cat decided to attack it (I was trying to think of a better story, but ...). There are 6 or 8 tooth marks into the front of the case on the bottom of the flap. I have a picture available for serious buyers.

Sold: Canon 580EX Speedlight #2 - $279 shipped
In excellent condition. A little dust and minor tape residue. Comes with box, manual, padded case, stand. In use since 3/2/2005.

Sold: Canon 580EX Speedlight #1 - $299 shipped
In excellent condition. A little dust and minor tape residue. Comes with box (missing UPC), manual (like new), padded case, stand. In use since 12/11/2006. Selling because I have completed my upgrade to 580EX IIs.

Sold: Canon Angle Finder C - $139 shipped
In excellent shape with padded case and second adaptor.

Sold: Lowepro Slingshot 100 AW - $45 shipped
Like new with exception of a little dust.

Sold: Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW - $75 shipped
Like new with exception of a little dust.

Friday, January 4, 2008

The current Canon rebate programs are coming to a close. The lens (and flash) instant rebates end on January 13th. The $400 Canon 5D + Pixma Pro9000/9500 Rebate and Canon Pixma Pro9000/9500 $100 Rebate end on January 12th. As I said before, the $100 rebate appears to be stackable with the $400 rebate as 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 $1,984.46 after two rebates. If you don't need the printer, EBay it - I sold mine for $355 plus shipping making my 5D net under $1,700. Very nice.

 
Never Forget a Lens Again. Microsoft Professional Photography has relased Microsoft Pro Photo Shoot, a free plugin for Outlook 2003 and 2007.

While there ... Those of you interested in shooting sports will find the The Ultimate Setup—Sports Illustrated and the Final Four article interesting.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Update: Gone. The Canon 1Ds Mark III is in stock at 17th Street. At least for the moment.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Tamron has announced a new round of lens rebates.

 
Act fast! B&H has the Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM Lens in stock! A cool $99k for a "9" condition lens.