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

Friday, June 27, 2008

ISO 12233 chart sample crops and vignetting results have been added to the Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens Review page.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

ISO 12233 chart sample crops and vignetting results have been added to the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX HSM II Macro Lens Review page. The full review has been delayed due to yet another very severely front-focusing lens - I am awaiting a replacement for this one as well.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

ISO 12233 chart sample crops and vignetting results have been added to the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM Lens Review page. The full review has been delayed due to a severely front-focusing lens - I am awaiting a replacement.

 
B&H has the Canon EF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM Lens in stock. The lens promises to be awesome, but that price is still painful to look at.

 
Multi-Spot Metering with Canon EOS Mark III Cameras

An article at the Canon Digital Learning Center takes a look at this very useful Mark III capability.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

A "What's Going On" Update:

Having too much to do is better than not having enough to do, but I seem to have mastered the former. In a quest to be more efficient, I have made some major behind-the-scenes changes in how I work. The biggest change comes after 14 months of planning and construction - I am now working out of a new lab/studio designed especially for lens and camera testing.

A perfectly level, specially painted, 6" (152mm) thick concrete floor allows faster setup while multiple lasers shoot across the lab to assure perfect target alignment. The larger space allows me to utilize a newly available ISO 12233 test chart that is 2x as large in both dimensions. Lenses up to about 330mm (full frame equivalent) will be tested using the larger target while longer focal lengths will be tested on a new copy of the original (still large) target size - including lenses I could not test prior due to space limitations in my old studio.

This was a huge project - and there have been many setbacks and challenges along the way - for example, how do you mount a 60" (1524mm) square, 150 lb (68kg) piece of glass so that it is movable and adjustable for square-ness? The glass didn't sound as big and heavy as is really is - extremely awkward (and kinda dangerous but I'll leave that story for another day). That problem is solved, but I've got plenty of challenges ahead. I still have a lot of work to do - and I am anxious to bring some planned new features to the site.

Thank you for the support you've shown me thus far - I've increased my commitment to keep the reviews and information coming - I look forward to a long photographic future together with you!

 
The Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di Macro Lens Review - Round 1

Sorry - this is going to be a multi-round review as my first lens exhibited a serious problem. I show the problem and provide ISO 12233 chart and vignetting test results at this time. This lens shows a lot of potential from the image quality side.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Two more Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D DSLR Deals:

Dell Small Business has the XSi Body for $719.99 shipped (plus sales tax in most states).

OneCall has the XSi Body for $744.77 shipped.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Ritz Camera has the Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D DSLR Kit w/ 18-55mm IS Lens on sale for $799.99 shipped from June 21 through June 28. That is a nice deal.

 
Also nice is B&H's new price on the Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens - Now $5,499.00. I'm asking a lower price for the near-new one I am selling - now $5,199.00 shipped.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

The Adorama "Refurbished By Canon" inventory has been updated - 46 now 57 items are available. Quantities are usually low - if there is something you want, don't wait. Expect like-new equipment at nicely reduced prices.

 
The current SanDisk Rebates expire on June 29th. Multiple purchases can increase the per-item rebate amounts - which are very nice to begin with. The linked rebate form is a 2.3 MB PDF file. Try B&H and Adorama for the best deals.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Canon 1Ds III ISO12233 test results from two copies of the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM Lens are now available. This link will setup the mouseover comparison of the two.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Clarification: The Canon EOS Rebel XS Digital SLR Camera and the Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash are coming to the USA. There have been questions in this regard. Watch for a Canon USA press release(s) in early July after availability and pricing are established.

 
Also, I've lowered the prices on the remaining "For Sale" items from Monday.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Camera and lens sample pictures have been added to the site including Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens sample pictures. Use the "New to the Site" gallery to view all of them.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Canon has announced the Canon EOS Rebel XS / 1000D Digital SLR Camera and the Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash.

The new entry-level camera comes as no surprise (it was mentioned in the DPP help file), but the date of the announcement is not within the typical January or August Canon announcement timeframes. The XS/1000D shares features with the Rebel XTi/400D and Rebel XSi/450D and will replace the XTi/400D. A product image, press releases and a brochure are available from the above-linked review placeholder page.

The 430EX II is also not a surprise. It features incremental upgrades from the 430EX including the new Canon-standard metal foot with quick release, silent and faster recycling, 1/3 stop manual power settings and the ability to be controlled from the menu of compatible camera bodies. A product image and press release are available from the above-linked review placeholder page.

Monday, June 9, 2008

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

 
Stuff for sale ... These offers are available within the cUSA. 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 (not free on 200mm lens). Use the email button at the top and bottom any website page to contact me.

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Lens - $319.00 shipped
In excellent condition in box with all original accessories.

Westcott Spiderlite TD5 Medium 1 Light Kit - $449.00 shipped
Consists of 1 Spiderlite TD5 Fixture, 24x32 Softbox, Tilt Bracket, Light Stand and Five 5000k (near-daylight color) Fluorescent Bulbs. Used only lightly - in excellent condition. This is a very useful, cool temperature, continuous light.

Gitzo G-1518 Mk2 Carbon Fiber Rapid Column - $79 shipped
I used this in a Gitzo G1548 tripod. In great shape but shows typical slide-marks.

Sold: Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens - $5,199.00 shipped
Awesome lens in mint condition with some minor marks from the lens hood being installed/removed (these happen immediately and are only seen when the hood is not installed). Comes with everything originally included. Payment conditions and fees to be determined.

Sold: Canon EOS Rebel XTi / 400D Body - $435.00 shipped
A lot of camera for the price. I bought this camera for direct comparison with the Rebel XSi / 450D. It has not be used otherwise. There might be 1,000-2,000 shutter actuations (actual count has been lost). It is in mint condition and includes box and all accessories.

Sold: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens - $120.00 shipped
Brand new - never mounted (came with my Rebel XSi). Includes both caps but no box.

Sold: Really Right Stuff (RRS) B57-L L-plate - $139.00 shipped
Fits all 1D series bodies except the Mark IIIs. In excellent condition - no scratches.

Sold: Sekonic L358 Light Meter w/ Wireless Transmitter - $239.00 shipped
In mint condition (no guarantee on the batteries - I forgot to check them - takes AA I think).

Sold: Really Right Stuff MPR-CL II Rail Clamp - $99.00 shipped
Like new - barely used.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

It is my pleasure to introduce Think Tank Photo to the site.

A relatively young company, Think Tank Photo has quickly developed a strong reputation for making great products. Because of this reputation, I made a special effort to check out some of their gear at Photo Plus Expo last October. And I liked what I saw. I have since been using several of their cases and have several more waiting to be put into use. It is all top-notch gear and worthy of recommendation.

This is a company that is passionate about their products - and passionate about photography. I think they will fit right in with us here. Your purchases made through the links on this site will help keep the lights on here - and as a bonus, Think Tank Photo will throw in a free gift when this link is used for a $50 purchase.

While browsing the site, click on the "News" link and register to win the "Party with Think Tank Photo at Photokina!" trip.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens Review

Thursday, May 29, 2008

The Adorama "Refurbished By Canon" inventory has been significantly increased - to 67 items at this moment. Lots of great gear is available - including Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM (sold) and Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM Lenses. Expect like-new equipment at nicely reduced prices.

 
Sigma Service Notice

"Notice to Canon 40D owners using Sigma’s APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM or APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM for Canon fitting.

When the Canon 40D digital SLR is in AI Servo AF mode, and the APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM for Canon or APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM for Canon lenses are attached to the camera with the OS function switched ON, the number of continuous frames per second will decrease.

To overcome this, we will start supplying a free-upgrade service to our customers from today.

We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to our customers.

List of lenses requiring update for 40D camera

APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM for Canon Serial Number lower than 1011001
APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM for Canon Serial Number lower than 1007001

Except above numbers, their firmware has already been updated.

For further information, please contact your nearest authorized Sigma Service Station.
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/network/index.htm

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

I have posted ISO 12233 Chart Results from a second Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens. This one is at least as sharp as the first.

Update: The 200mm f/2 L IS + 1.4x samples have been updated slightly - my in-camera sharpness setting of "1" was somehow changed to "0" prior to shooting that test. Sorry about that. The updated results are slightly better than the ones you saw previously. Now I need to find out who is changing my camera settings. :)

 
Attention Canon EOS Digital Rebel, XT, XTi and XSi Camera Owners - Canon is offering you an additional $50 rebate on the purchase of a Canon 40D or 5D.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

ISO 12233 Chart Results from 1Ds Mark III and Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens are now available.

It doesn't get much (any?) better than the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens, and as the linked comparison shows, it also does not get much (any?) better than the new Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens.

Adding the Canon EF 1.4x II Extender to the 200 f/2 does not generate results equivalent to the bare 300 f/2.8 (as expected). This comparison is now available as well.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Canon has posted a behind-the-scenes look at a new Canon Rebel XSi TV commercial shot primarily with the Canon EOS 1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR. The sound track is awesome. Here is Canon's press release.

 
Adorama has some Delsey Pro camera cases on sale ...

Delsey Pro Digital Backpack 31, Photo/Notebook Backpack with 12" Notebook Pocket, Black.
Save $59 - Regular Price $199. Sale Price $139.95 (Free Shipping)

Delsey Pro Digital Backpack 33, Photo/Notebook Backpack with 14" Notebook Pocket, Black.
Save $59 - Regular Price $239, Sale Price $179.95 (Free Shipping)

Delsey Pro Notebook Briefcase 16, Expandable Attache for Cameras & Notebook, Black.
Save $29 - Regular Price $129, Sale Price $99.95 (Free Shipping)

Delsey Pro Trolley 50, Multi Format Professional Equipment Case with Wheels, Black.
Save $59 - Regular Price $259, Sale Price $199.95 (Free Shipping)

Delsey Pro Trolley 52, Multi Format Professional Equipment Case with Wheels, Black.
Save $9 - Regular Price $269, Sale Price $259.95 + FREE Delsey GOPIX 100BR Notebook & Document Briefcase, Black & Red. (Value $69 / SKU: DEGP100BK) (Free Shipping)

Delsey Pro Bag 1, Extra Large Multi Format Camera System Bag, Black.
Save $69 - Regular Price $269, Sale Price $199.95 (Free Shipping)

Delsey Pro Bag 2, Large Multi Format Camera System Bag, Black.
Save $49 - Regular Price $189, Sale Price $139.95 (Free Shipping)

Delsey Pro Bag 4, Small SLR Format Camera System Bag, Black.
Save $49 - Regular Price $129, Sale Price $79.95 (Free Shipping)

Delsey Pro Bag 5, Compact SLR Format Camera System Bag, Black.
Save $10.00 - Regular Price $119, Sale Price $79.95 (Free Shipping)

 
SanDisk Extreme Ducati Edition 4 GB Secure Digital, SD Plus USB Memory Card
Save $30.00 - Regular Price $59.95, Sale Price $29.95 - After $30 Mail-In Rebate (Free Shipping)

Friday, May 16, 2008

It's Official! The Canon Spring 2008 Rebates (1.6 MB PDF) have now been officially announced - and the linked form (2MB PDF) is direct from Canon USA. As I expected, this is an "INSTANT" rebate - available to international buyers and unable to be denied later by an incompetent rebate fulfillment center. The rebate period runs from May 18th through July 19th. Look at the after-rebate price of the 5D and 40D - both are nice deals.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Canon EOS 1Ds III-captured ISO 12233 sample crops and vignetting results have been added to the Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens page. Put on your safety glasses - this one is sharp. I'll be adding the 1.4x and 2x results as I can get to them.

I don't have a lot of comparables from the 1Ds III yet (try the 200 f/2.8 L lens for the ISO 12233 crops), but they are coming. Also, ignore the brightness of the bottom ISO 12233 crops at narrower apertures - This is a small indicator of some major changes I've made and continue to make. I'll share more with you as I get time.

 
The Canon Rebel XSi / 450D body-only kit is finally in stock. If you were patient enough to wait for the sans-lens version of the XSi / 450D, you can order it from OneCall.com or 17th Street Photo. Update: B&H has it as well.

 
The Adorama "Refurbished By Canon" inventory has been refreshed. There are currently 34 items listed - a number lower than their typically refurbished inventory refreshes, but there are a lot of camera bodies including a 1D Mark III for $3,499.00. Expect like-new equipment at nicely reduced prices.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Canon Digital Photo Pro v3.4.1 is now available for download. Actually, the link on Canon's site is broken - Try the direct download link if it remains broken.

The big news is the mention of the Canon Digital Rebel XS/1000D in the DPP help file. To see for yourself, download the update and search help for "1000D". Results turn up three pages mentioning this model. Based on the positioning in the charts in the help file pages and based on the model number, I think a low end/low priced Canon DSLR is coming.

"1. Changes for Digital Photo Professional 3.4

1-1. Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1)

1-2. Adds the luminance noise reduction function for TIFF/JPEG images. You can make this setting with the [Tool Palette] tab in [Preferences] and the [NR/LENS] tab from the tool palette.

1-3. Adds a lens with the aberration correction function and supports the extender. Now supports sixteen more lenses. Newly supports the extender (EF1.4 X II and EF2 X II) to increase the variety in combinations. For supported cameras and lenses, please see the Help file (or the instruction manual).

1-4. Fixes malfunctions. Fixes a bug where RAW images shot with EOS Kiss X2/EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi/EOS DIGITAL 450D are not displayed in accordance to the PictureStyle file settings.

2. Changes for Digital Photo Professional 3.3

2-1. Supports EOS Kiss X2/EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi/EOS DIGITAL 450D

2-2. Adds a correction screen. You can now choose images saved in different locations and display them on the same screen.

2-3. Improves adjustment functions. Extends the noise reduction adjustment range from 3-step (Off/Low/High) to 11-step (0 to 10). - Adds [Default noise reduction settings] to the [Tool Palette] tab in [Preferences].

2-4. Adds [Display thumbnails at high quality] to the [General Settings] tab in [Preferences].

2-5. Supports more cameras and lenses with the lens aberration correction function. Adds support to EOS Kiss X2/EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi/EOS DIGITAL 450D and nine lenses."

 
The following software updates were also posted:

ZoomBrowser EX 6.1.1a Updater
EOS Utility 2.4 Updater for Windows
Picture Style Editor 1.3 for Windows
Canon RAW Codec 1.3

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

The Canon Spring 2008 Rebates (1.6 MB PDF) have not been officially announced - but the form looks like the real deal. Once again this is an "INSTANT" rebate - available to international buyers and unable to be denied later by an incompetent rebate fulfillment center. The rebate period runs from May 18th through July 19th.

Monday, May 12, 2008

The Canon EF 200mm f/2 L IS USM Lens is starting to ship in the USA. 17th Street currently has the 200 in stock.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Not the Canon rebate most of us are waiting for, but a significant one if you are in the market for a Canon EOS 40D or a Canon EOS 5D ... There is currently (through Aug 2nd) a $300 rebate on the Canon PIXMA Pro9000 Photo Printer (which costs just over $400) when purchased with one of the aforementioned Canon bodies. There is a $100 rebate on the printer alone, but it does not appear to be stackable this time around.

Pick your preferred retailer and kit version from the review links above - the rebate form will be available from the retailer's site. If you need the printer, it is a great deal. If you don't need the printer, flip it on EBay or your favorite buy/sell forum for a resulting great deal on the camera body.

 
Clearing up a commonly asked question regarding the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM Lens ... Canon Inc. has confirmed (to Chuck Westfall, Canon USA) that, as of May 6, 2008, there have been no changes to this lens since Canon started selling it.

 
Amazon.com has lowered the preorder price of the Canon EF 200mm f/2 L IS USM Lens to $5,799.99. If you preordered at the original price, ask for a price adjustment (they will accommodate this request).

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D Digital SLR Review

Monday, May 5, 2008

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

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Tamron has posted a new rebate program in effect from May 1, 2008 - July 31, 2008.

 
While still not cheap, J&R has the Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens on sale for $200 off with free shipping. This lens is not in stock yet, but you can preorder to lock in this price.