Jan, Feb 2009: Canon EOS News and What's New at The-Digital-Picture.com

Jan, Feb 2009: Canon EOS News and What's New at The-Digital-Picture.com

Friday, February 27, 2009

The Epson R1900 printer deal is now even better - but at different retailers. Newegg has the Epson R1900 Printer for $349.99 plus shipping after $150.00 rebate. Download the rebate form here (thanks Sean).

B&H's Epson R1900 price is $369.95 after rebate. Adorama's price is also $369.95 after rebate.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

RitzCamera.com has the Epson R1900 Printer on sale for $393.05 after rebate. Good price.

Update: Sold out. B&H has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body in stock. Act fast if you want one!

The Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has seen a modest increase in available gear.

There are some excellent lenses and DSLRs in stock right now including the 14mm L II, 35mm L, 50mm f/1.4, 85mm L II, 135mm L, 200m f/2.8 L II, 200mm f/2 L, 300mm f/2.8 L, 16-35mm L II, 17-40mm L, various 70-200mm Ls, 70-300mm IS, 100-400mm L, 5D, 1D Mark III, 1Ds Mark III and many others.

Expect like-new gear at nicely reduced prices.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Adobe Photoshop CS4 11.0.1 Update has been released.

"The Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 11.0.1 update addresses a number of issues discovered after Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended (11.0) software were released. The most significant fixes in the Photoshop CS4 11.0.1 update include the following:

A number of issues that could cause slow performance have been addressed.
Pen barrel rotation with Wacom tablets now works correctly.
Photoshop now correctly recognizes 3D textures edited by a plug-in.
The quality of the results of Auto-Blend Layers (Stack Images) has been improved.
A problem that could result in a crash when pasting formatted text has been fixed.
A crash that could result from a corrupt font no longer occurs."

Download the update: Windows | Macintosh

Ritz Camera Centers, Inc., the largest camera-store chain in the U.S., has filed for bankruptcy protection.

"The advent of digital photography, which ended “enormous profits” from photo finishing, “proved too much of a burden, coupled with the losses experienced by the Boater’s World business,” Marc Weinsweig, the closely held company’s chief restructuring officer, said in court papers." (Bloomberg)

Ritz Camera Centers, Inc. is not the same company as Ritz Interactive, Inc. who runs RitzCamera.com. "Ritz Camera goes bankrupt, but it’s business as usual for Ritz Interactive" (Internet Retailer).

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Canon Digital Learning Center has posted "An Introduction to Canon’s New Tilt-Shift Lenses". A link to "Canon Tilt-Shift Concepts" (4.2 MB PDF) is found at the end of the article.

Friday, February 20, 2009

B&H has the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L II USM Lens in stock. Interesting is that the "imported" version is what is available. Also interesting is how hard this lens has been to get.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

The new Canon TS-E Tilt-Shift lenses are available for preorder:

Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Tilt-Shift Lens at Amazon.com
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Tilt-Shift Lens at Adorama

Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Tilt-Shift Lens at Amazon.com
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Tilt-Shift Lens at Adorama

The Epson Store has a "Buy One, Get One Free on all home and home office paper" offer. The regular prices are somewhat high, but the BOGO offer makes the deall good. (thanks Al)

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Canon has introduced two new wide angle Tilt-Shift lenses with a "twist". See the new lenses and read the shared (between the two lenses) USA and Europe press releases:

Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Tilt-Shift Lens
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Tilt-Shift Lens

Aside from the prices, both new lenses look like winners to me. The new "twist" (read the press releases) is a great feature. The ultra-wide 17mm focal length is going to be especially attractive for architectural/interior photography (I needed this one last week) and for crop factor/APS-C bodies.

Canon USA has also announced a new Photography Studio Software Solution.

Pocket Wizards go E-TTL II ! The "Strobists" among us will love the new backward-compatible Pocket Wizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5. Check them out at PocketWizards.com. (thanks Steven)

Friday, February 13, 2009

Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Lens Review - Part 2.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Yet another Canon rebate. A Canon EOS DSLR + Lens + Flash $200 Rebate has been announced.

"Purchase a new (i) a Canon EOS 40D, 50D, 5D Mark II, 1Ds Mark III, or 1D Mark III Digital SLR Camera (Body Only or Kit) and, (ii) a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM, or EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens and (iii) a Canon Speedlite 580EX II (collectively referred to as the “Eligible Products”) from any Authorized Canon U.S.A. Dealer between February 11, 2009 and March 1, 2009. (All three purchases must appear on the same receipt.) PURCHASE OF CAMERA KIT (camera with lens packaged and sold together) DOES NOT MEET THE LENS PURCHASE REQUIREMENT."

Monday, February 9, 2009

The SanDisk 2009 Winter Memory Card Rebate program has been announced. Once again, buying multiples increases the per-card rebate amount and the rebate is delivered in the form of a Visa Prepaid Card. Limit is 3 cards per claim and 3 claims per household. Rebate period is 2/8/2009 - 3/28/2009. (thanks Jeff)

Here are the SanDisk Extreme Memory Cards at B&H.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

New Canon Rebate:

Buy a Canon EOS 40D or a Canon EOS 50D and a Canon PIXMA PRO9000 printer and get a $300.00 rebate. Get the Canon PIXMA Pro9500 printer instead and the rebate increases to $400.00.

This is a retailer-specific promo - and B&H has the best deal right now:

Canon EOS 50D Body - ~~$1,179.95~~ $1,166.95 shipped (thanks for the price update Jeff)
Canon EOS 40D Body - $899.95 shipped
Canon PIXMA PRO9000 - $399.95 shipped
Canon PIXMA PRO9500 - $699.95 shipped

If you were considering the purchase of one of these cameras, you get one of these very highly rated printers for only a small additional cost. Or, if you are an enterprising individual, the Canon PIXMA PRO9000 usually sells for more than $300 in new-but-missing-UPC condition - making the final camera price especially attractive.

And not to add to the confusion, but Calumet has a twist on this rebate. "When you purchase a Canon EOS 40D [$969.99] or 50D DSLR [$1,239.99] this February at Calumet, you can also purchase a Canon PIXMA MP980 printer [$289.99] FREE after mail-in rebates (a $300 value)." (thanks community member Jeff)

Adorama has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body in stock.

Canon EOS 5D Service Notice (email from Canon USA)

Dear <name here>,

Thank you for using Canon products.

We have discovered that, in rare instances, the main mirror of some EOS 5D Digital SLR cameras may detach due to deterioration in the strength of the adhesive. Accordingly, we would like to convey the details and our service policy concerning this phenomenon.

We offer our sincerest apologies to those customers who have been inconvenienced by this issue. Canon always strives to provide the highest quality products to our customers and we will spare no effort in our quality management to make sure our customers can use our products with confidence. We hope our efforts will earn your understanding.

Phenomenon

The main mirror of the camera detaches and images cannot be viewed through the viewfinder.

Affected Product

EOS 5D Digital SLR cameras whose main mirror has detached.

User Support

We will repair and reinforce the mirror portion of the affected products free of charge. If you own one of the affected products, please contact our Customer Support Center.

We appreciate your patience, and we offer our sincerest apologies to the customers using these products who have been inconvenienced by this issue.

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

(thanks Myron)

Update: This notice is now posted at Canon USA.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Chuck Westfall's February 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. Use the email button at the top of the home page to contact me.

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L USM Lens - $895.00 shipped
In box with manual and hood - very good condition with a few light scratches/marks (nothing serious) on the lens body and hood.

Canon EF 28-105mm f/4-5.6 USM Lens - $99.00 shipped
In like new condition in box with manual.

Canon EF 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens - $225.00 shipped
Includes EW 83 II hood. One very small rub mark on lens body and a few light marks on hood, in box with manual.

Sigma 18-50mm f.2.8 EX DC Lens - $225.00 shipped
Not the macro version. In like new condition in box with padded case and manual.

Sold: Canon EF-S 18-55mm Lens - $50.00 shipped
In like new condition - no box or manual.

Sold: Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM Lens - $145.00 shipped
In like new condition with ET-54 hood (also mint), box and manual.

Sold: Sigma 20-40mm EX DG Lens - $195.00 shipped
In like new condition in box with manual. Rear cap is Canon brand.

Sold: Canon BG-E5 Battery Grip - $99.00 shipped
In like new condition with exception of a small (1/4" or so) indentation in the rubber at the back bottom edge. Includes AA magazine, box and manual.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

B&H has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body available for order. The "accepting orders" status usually indicates that they expect to have the item in stock very soon.

Ditto for Adorama.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Just released: Canon RAW Codec 1.4.1 and ZoomBrowser EX 6.2.1c.

These updates address the Canon EOS 5D Mark II black dot issue.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L II USM Lens Review

The Canon Refurbished inventory has been refreshed at Adorama. Expect like-new gear at nicely reduced prices. (thanks Joseph)

Friday, January 23, 2009

Adorama's site is indicating that both 5D Mark II kits are expected to be in stock soon ("This item is on the way to our warehouse and is expected in a few days") - act fast if you want one:

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body
Canon EOS 5D Mark II + EF 24-105mm L IS Lens Kit

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Check out the unique Canon EOS 5D Mark II Remote Capture at the inauguration. I love the inclusion of the Pelican case. (thanks JTownDog)

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Have you seen the HDR Forum Thread? Jeff Allred initiated the thread with a home run HDR portrait image and many other members have added to the score with their inspiring HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos. Nice work everyone!

Canon has released EOS 40D Firmware v1.1.1.

"Firmware update Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following fixes and improvements.

Fixes a malfunction that in rare occurrence causes a low battery indication to be displayed when using the EF 85mm F1.2L II USM lens. Depending on the battery check timing of the camera, the battery level displayed on the camera's LCD data panel may shows Battery will be exhausted soon or Battery must be recharged, even though the battery capacity is sufficient.

Fixes a malfunction that in rare occurrence causes an Err 06 Self Cleaning Sensor malfunction to appear on the camera's LCD monitor and LCD data panel, even when the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit is operating normally. This message may appear depending on the timing of when the camera is switch to the ON position.

Fixes a malfunction that prevents correct colors from being printed when direct printing. RAW images captured using the camera's custom Picture Styles (Emerald, etc.), which have been downloaded from Canon's Web site and registered under User Def. 2 or User Def. 3.

Modifies the level of subject brightness that causes the AF-assist beam to fire when using an external Speedlite.

Enables an external flash connected to the camera's synchro terminal to fire even when the camera's built-in flash is popped up."

Friday, January 16, 2009

Reminder: the current Canon rebates end January 17th. The prices of the included lenses and flashes after rebate are seldom beat (unless under a later rebate).

The first "official presidential portrait" taken with a digital camera. The White House's new official photographer, Pete Souza, used the Canon EOS 5D Mark II for this capture. (thanks Jason, Reggie & everyone)

Thursday, January 15, 2009

The Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Lens has been announced.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Small update: Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR Review.

I've added a small comparison of the black dot issue before and after applying firmware v1.0.7. The black dots, to my eyes, appear to be gone.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR Review
Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip Review (short)

Integrating the community forums and the reviews - you will find a link to a review discussion at the end of both of these reviews. Share your thoughts on the review and the reviewed products.

Reminder: the current Canon rebates end January 17th.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Firmware v1.0.7 is now available for download.

"Firmware Update Version 1.0.7 improves and mitigates the following two types of image quality phenomena that occur under certain shooting conditions.

1. "Black dot" phenomenon (the right side of point light sources become black)

2. Vertical banding noise"

"Notes: When updating to Firmware Version 1.0.7, please also update the Digital Photo Professional and Picture Style Editor software." "Updates for Digital Photo Professional and Picture Style Editor can be downloaded from the following Web site."

Americas (excluding Canada, English only)
Canada (English)
Canada (French)
Asia (excluding China, Korea and Japan)
China
Korea
Europe
Oceania

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

A couple of Adorama deals:

Canon EOS 5D Refurbished - $1,399.95 (thanks Greg)
Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II - Sale Price $199.99

Canon Celebrates 50th SLR Anniversary (press release).

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

B&H has the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L II USM Lens in stock.

I didn't expect this lens to be as hard to get as it has proven to be. Adorama expects to have stock within days.

Roger Cicala (LensRentals.com) presents the results of his research and experience with Error 99.

Monday, January 5, 2009

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

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Gone: Adorama has the Lexar 8 GB 133x Professional CompactFlash Card for $0.00 after rebate. Limit (3) three rebates per product per address.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Update: Sold Out. B&H has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body in stock.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Just announced: Tamron 2009 Winter Rebate Program

Happy New Year everyone! Thanks for a great 2008 - I look forward to a great 2009 with you!