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

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

Friday, April 30, 2009

Gone: Once again, B&H has the Canon LP-E6 Battery in stock. Order IMMEDIATELY if you want one!

Gone: Amazon.com has the Canon LP-E6 Battery in stock. Only 5 available.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

OOS: B&H has the Canon LP-E6 Battery in stock. Order ASAP if you want one!

The Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has been refreshed.

How about a Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for $769.95?

Lots of other great gear is available - EOS 50D, many 1-Series bodies, 500mm f/4 L IS, 200mm f/2 L IS, 50 f/1.4 (scarce lately), various 70-200 L models, 28-300 L IS. Expect like-new gear at nicely reduced prices. Browse the inventory.

Updated: Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens Review

ISO 12233 chart results from the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III have been added.

B&H has the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D and 18-55mm IS Kit Lens in stock. (thanks Jerry)

The Canon Digital Learning Center has posted Speedlite Tips Part 2.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

J&R now has the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D and 18-55mm IS Kit Lens in stock.

Monday, April 27, 2009

The Canon Digital Learning Center has posted a couple of Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D Digital SLR articles:

What's New in the EOS Rebel T1i: HD Movie Mode
What's New in the EOS Rebel T1i: Creative Auto Mode

As expected, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D and 18-55mm IS Kit Lens is starting to show up in stock.

Beach Camera (on EBay) has the Sandisk 16 GB Ultra II Secure Digital SDHC Memory Card for $34.99 shipped. Though not as fast as an Extreme III card, the Ultra II will give you lots of capacity for the price.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Onecall expects to have the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D and 18-55mm IS Kit Lens in stock tomorrow.

Again, B&H has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body in stock. (thanks Seth & Bill)

Canon has released new EOS firmware as follows:

Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D Firmware Version 1.1.0

"Firmware Version 1.1.0 incorporates the following improvements.

1. Supports the AF assist beam features of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009."

Canon EOS Rebel XS / 1000D Firmware Version 1.0.5

"Firmware Version 1.0.5 incorporates the following improvements.

1. Supports the AF assist beam feature of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009."

Canon EOS 50D Firmware Version 1.0.6

"Firmware Version 1.0.6 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

1. Supports the AF assist beam feature of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009.

2. Changes the error indications that are displayed on the camera.

3. Addresses the vertical banding noise phenomenon.

In addition, Firmware Version 1.0.5 has already been incorporated with improvements to support the AF assist beam feature of Speedlite 270 EX and change the error indications that are displayed on the camera. [which means that #3 above is the only new feature]

Notes: When updating to Firmware Version 1.0.6, please also update the Digital Photo Professional, Picture Style Editor, ZoomBrowser EX, and ImageBrowser software to the following versions or later.For details, please refer to the Firmware Q&A section.

Digital Photo Professional : Version 3.5.2 (Windows/Macintosh)
Picture Style Editor : Version 1.4.2 (Windows/Macintosh)
ZoomBrowser EX : Version 6.2.1c (Windows)
ImageBrowser : Version 6.2.1c (Macintosh)"

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

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

ISO 12233 chart results from the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III have been added.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

A couple of retailers (including Crutchfield) at Amazon.com have the Canon LP-E6 Battery (for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II) in stock for a reasonable price.

Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash preorders are now being taken at Adorama.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM Lens Review

No, the number of zeros in the focal length is not a typo. This is an amazing and rare lens that is available for immediate purchase in B&H's used department.

Now available: Canon Digital Photo Professional 3.6.1, EOS Utility 2.6.1, Picture Style Editor 1.5, Original Data Security Tools 1.6.0 and Canon RAW Codec 1.5.0 (displays GPS information). From the landing page, select your operating system to obtain the download options.

Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash preorders are now being taken at Amazon and J&R.

OOS: B&H is now "accepting orders" for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body.

Sure doesn't seem right for B&H preorders for a DSLR first available over 4 months ago to be news-worthy, but ... the 5D II simply does not stay in stock at B&H at this point in time. I doubt these B&H preorder wait times will be very long.

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

Sunday, April 19, 2009

B&H is accepting Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D Kit Preorders. (thanks Jerry)

Friday, April 17, 2009

Acadia National Park Photo Gallery

Shots posted in this gallery were taken with the following:

Canon EOS 50D
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens
Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens

Thursday, April 16, 2009

OOS: B&H is opening in a couple of hours and, once again, has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body in stock. (thanks eelleeggoo)

Updated: Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens Review

ISO 12233 chart results from the Canon EOS 50D have been added. A focal length range example/comparison has been added and numerous Acadia National Park sample photos have been added to the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens Sample Gallery.

Monday, April 13, 2009

The Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 with Softfocus Lens Review has been updated with ISO 12233 chart results from the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III.

The SanDisk Spring 2009 CompactFlash and SDHC Memory Card Rebate program has been announced. It's nice to see the 32GB cards included in this round of rebates.

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

Since the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L II USM Lens remains impossible to find, I'll pass on an in-stock lead outside of the normal network. Canoga Camera (reliable) has the 24 L II in stock. (thanks Mike)

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Amazon.com has the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D DSLR and 18-55mm IS Lens Kit available for preorder.

J&R has the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D DSLR Body and the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D DSLR and 18-55mm IS Lens Kit available for preorder.

Both of these opportunities just became available - this is a good opportunity to get to the top of a waiting list.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

CNET has published an interview with Chuck Westfall. You will likely find it interesting.

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D DSLR owner's manual is available for download (5.9MB PDF).

OOS: Once again, B&H has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and 24-105mm IS L Lens Kit in stock. This camera still does not remain in stock long at this retailer.

Note that B&H will not be shipping until they reopen after the holiday.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Reminder: B&H Photo will be closing Wednesday for the Passover holiday.

"Our NY SuperStore and offices will be closed from Wednesday, April 8th thru Thursday, April 16th. Orders must be placed by 11:00AM EDT on Tuesday, April 7th in order to ship before the Holiday. Orders placed after this time will ship when we reopen."

Place your order now if you do not want to wait until they reopen.

Friday, April 3, 2009

OOS: Once again, B&H has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body in stock.

Ritz Camera (not Ritz Interactive/RitzCamera.com) has announced the closing of more than 300 retail stores.

While "greatly reduced prices" are promised, I'm skeptical that good deals will abound - Ritz Camera prices were very high to begin with. My guess is that prices will be reduced to what we consider normal. Just a guess.

Check the complete list of store closings for your locale. (thanks Chris)

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Adorama is taking preorders for the Canon EOS T1i / 500D DSLR Body and the Canon EOS T1i / 500D DSLR and 18-55mm IS Lens Kit. (thanks Jerry)

Friday, March 27, 2009

The Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has been refreshed. (thanks Sean)

Lots of great gear is available - from the Rebel XS up to 800mm f/5.6 L IS. Sean recommends the 70-200 f/2.8 IS for $1,400 - I agree.

Expect like-new gear at nicely reduced prices.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

RitzCamera.com is accepting preorders for the Canon EOS T1i / 500D DSLR and 18-55mm IS Lens Kit.

Onecall is accepting preorders for the Canon EOS T1i / 500D DSLR Body and the Canon EOS T1i / 500D DSLR and 18-55mm IS Lens Kit.

What is "Lens Food"?

I knew it was a mistake when I first read it in the Tamron SP 60mm f/2.0 Di II Macro Lens press release, but I liked the concept. Sounds like a term we can use for subjects that invite our lens to be directed at them.

Tamron indicated that the true accessory was a "Lens Hood", but thanks to Pascal and Manuel, we likely know the reason the mistake was made.

Pascal states "... in Japanese phonetic alphabet there's no difference between the sound "hoo" and "foo". It confused me the first time I read about lens hoods in a Japanese catalog."

Manuel indicates "The Japanese press release most likely mentioned something that is pronounced 'rensu-fuhdo' which translates to 'lens hood' but could also be mistaken for 'food' since the pronunciation for that word would also be 'fuhdo'."

Now we know. I'm off to find some lens food for the 24 L II.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Update: OOS. B&H has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body and 24-105mm IS L Lens Kit in stock.

Announced: Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D Digital SLR

Announced: Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Just announced: Tamron SP 60mm f/2.0 Di II Macro Lens (press release) (thanks Tony)

And sorry, I don't know what "Lens Food" is, but I'll find out. :)

Announced: Tokina AT-X 16.5-135mm DX Lens (press release)

Friday, March 20, 2009

Canon 430EX II Speedlite Flash Review

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Adorama has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body in stock. They've been going fast - don't wait if you want one. (thanks Jeff)

Today, 17th Street Photo has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body in stock.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Now OOS: B&H has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body in stock. Act fast if you want one! (thanks Todd)

Canon has released ZoomBrowser EX 6.3.1 (select your OS). I have not had a chance to try this one out, but listed as a new feature is "Enables users to edit MOV/AVI movies".

Friday, March 13, 2009

Now OOS: Onecall has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR + 24-105mm L IS Lens in stock (at a non-inflated price). They also have the LP-E6 Battery in stock. The $149.95 price is not inviting though.

So, the 5D II has been on the street for 3 months, but it still is scarce on shelves. The LP-E6 battery is even harder to get (for a reasonable price). So, purely speculation here, is the battery shortage the reason for the lack of cameras?

I should mention the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L II USM Lens as another new Canon item that remains unavailable. Though I've tried, I have not received any information on the availability of this item either. It does not take a battery, so that theory does not work in this case. So, I'll keep watching for the new gear to become available and will let you know when I find it.

Monday, March 09, 2009

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

Thursday, March 05, 2009

The revamped Canon USA CPS Program is now live and online.

Canon USA has now issued the 1D/1Ds Mark III Service Notices:

Dear <Customer>,

Thank you for using Canon products.

Please be advised of two important Service Notices and a firmware update for the EOS 1D Mark III and EOS 1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras.

1. We have learned that some EOS 1D Mark III and EOS 1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras have a problem in the accuracy of the AF (auto-focusing). If an AF point other than the center AF point is used, focus may become soft. For more details, please click here.

Free AF accuracy checks and adjustments will be provided for affected products.

2. We have discovered that abnormal mirror operation occurs in some EOS 1D Mark III and EOS 1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras where the mirror does not operate even if the shutter button is pressed and the following message appears frequently on the camera's LCD monitor, see below. For more details, please click here.

"Err 99 Shooting is not possible. Turn the power switch to <OFF> and <ON> again or re-install the battery."

Free repairs will be provided for affected products.

3. <snip>firmware update information from Tuesday</snip>

Canon always strives to provide the highest quality products to our customers. We apologize for any inconvenience these phenomena may have caused. We appreciate your kind patronage and support.

This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you reside in the U.S.A. or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Contact Information for Inquiries:

Customer Support Center
1-866-207-9570 (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

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Canon has released:

EOS-1Ds Mark III Firmware Update Version 1.1.4
EOS-1D Mark III Firmware Update Version 1.2.5

"This firmware update (Version 1.1.4) incorporates the following fixes.

Corrects a phenomenon in which a displayed image becomes pitch-black if it is zoomed in on during Live View shooting.

Corrects a phenomenon in which "busy" may continue to appear on the camera if the USB cable is disconnected during USB communication.

Changes the error indications that are displayed on the camera. The error indications are further clarified to make the causes of errors easier to identify, and so that adequate support can be provided to our customers."

Following is the new error number lookup table:

10  Malfunctions related to files have been detected.(*1)
20  Malfunctions related to the mechanical have been detected.
30  Malfunctions related to the shutter have been detected.
40  Malfunctions related to the power source have been detected.
50  Malfunctions related to the electric control have been detected.
70  Malfunctions related to images have been detected.
80  Malfunctions related to the electric control or images have been detected.
99  Malfunctions related to the mechanical charge mechanism have been detected.

In addition, Canon UK has made an "Announcement regarding AF accuracy in EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III cameras".

Canon UK states "We have learned that some EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras have a problem in the accuracy of the AF (autofocusing) feature" and state the cause as "If an AF point other than the center AF point is used, focus may become soft".

While this sounds like a big deal, the "answer" does not. "Free AF accuracy checks and adjustments will be provided to affected products." Apparently a number of Mark IIIs with out-of calibration outer focus points have been discovered.

Canon (Japan) has posted a Canon EOS 1D/1Ds Mark III AI Servo Auto Focus Manual.

Canon UK has also published an Announcement regarding abnormal mirror operation (Err 99) in EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III cameras.

"We have discovered that abnormal mirror operation occurs in some EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras. The mirror does not operate even if the shutter button is pressed, and the following message 'Err 99 Shooting is not possible. Turn the power switch to OFF and ON again or re-install the battery' appears frequently on the camera’s LCD monitor".

Once again, necessary repairs will be performed at no charge.

Adobe has released Camera Raw 5.3 update

This new version of the Camera Raw plug-in replaces the original one that was installed with Adobe® Photoshop® CS4; Adobe Photoshop Elements 7.0; and Adobe Premiere® Elements 7.0 software. Visit the Camera Raw page for a complete list of supported cameras.

Download: Windows | Macintosh

Adobe has released Lightroom 2.3 update

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® 2.3 update includes these enhancements:

Additional camera support for the Nikon D3X and Olympus E-30
Includes several corrections for issues introduced by previous Lightroom 2 releases

Download: Windows | Macintosh

Announced: Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM Lens
Announced: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens
Announced: Sigma 50-200mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens

Canon has announced the PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II and Pro9000 Mark II Photo Printers and the LiDE700F Color Image Scanner

Monday, March 02, 2009

Adorama has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body in stock. These have not been lasting long - don't wait if you want one.

I finally got around to adding an About Me page to the site.