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

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

Friday, October 30, 2009

Updated: Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro Lens Review

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

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Updated: Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens Review

ISO 12233 chart results from the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III have been added. Samples with both Canon extenders are now included. Shifted results are now included.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Canon USA has issued an EOS 7D Service Notice:

Service Notice: EOS 7D: Residual Image in Picture

Thank you for using Canon products.

We have confirmed that in certain camera settings and shooting conditions, the phenomenon described below may occur in images captured by the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera.

Canon is currently investigating and analyzing the cause of this phenomenon, and we are planning to release a firmware update to address this issue.

Once the support measures have been established, we will post the relevant information on our Web site.

We offer our most sincere apologies to customers using this product who have been inconvenienced by this issue. Going forward, 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
In images captured by continuous shooting, and under certain conditions, barely noticeable traces of the immediately preceding frame may be visible. This phenomenon is not noticeable in an image with optimal exposure. The phenomenon may become more noticeable if a retouching process such as level compensation is applied to emphasize the image.

Affected Product
EOS 7D Digital SLR

Support
This contact information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region. Thank you, Customer Support Operations Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 midnight. ET,
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., excluding holidays
Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON (toll free)
1-800-652-2666
TTD: 1-866-251-3752 (toll free)
Email: carecenter@cits.canon.com
For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/support

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has just been updated. There are 120 items showing as available right now.

Dig through the camera kits to find lots of great cameras and lenses including the 15mm Fisheye, 35 f/1.4 L, 135 f/2 L, 300 f/4 L IS, 300 f/2.8 L IS, 400 f/2.8 L IS, 16-35 f/2.8 L II, 17-40 f/4 L, EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS, 24-70 f/2.8 L, 24-105 f/4 L IS, various 70-200 Ls and many more.

Expect like-new gear - Act fast - the good gear doesn't last long.

ISO 12233 Resolution Chart sample crops have been added to the Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Di Macro Lens Review page.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Adorama expects to have the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Tilt-Shift Lens in stock very soon.

Announced:
Lensbaby Fisheye Optic, Soft Focus Optic (press release)
Lensbaby Step-Up/Shade (press release)

PocketWizard has announced the PocketWizard AC5 RF Soft Shield for use with the PocketWizard FlexTT5 Transceivers. PocketWizard FlexTT5 Transceivers owners will receive the AC5 for free with shipments starting in November.

Adorama has the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Tilt-Shift Lens in stock.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

The Fall 2009 Canon Rebates have been introduced. Once again, these are instant rebates available to anyone in the world buying through a Canon USA authorized dealer. Here is the list of lenses and flashes included in the program along with their respective rebate amounts:

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens - $50.00
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens - $100.00
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM Lens - $50.00
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens - $70.00
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens - $80.00
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens - $40.00
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens - $75.00
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM Lens - $80.00
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens - $150.00
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens - $30.00
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens - $130.00
Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens - $500.00
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash - $50.00
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash - $30.00
Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash - $20.00
Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX Flash - $70.00
Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX Flash - $50.00

Get 5% off all Sigma and Tamron lenses at Beach Camera.

Use coupon code TAMAFF1025 for Tamron Lenses
Use coupon code SIGAFF1025 for Sigma Lenses

Using the Tamron coupon code (TAMAFF1025) makes the Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC Lens only $489.55 shipped after rebate.

Friday, October 23, 2009

B&H has Windows 7 in stock (free shipping).

Canon USA has posted a Windows 7 Compatibility List (pdf).

Walkstool Comfort Folding Stool Review

I have not been writing many accessory reviews recently, but a friend came up to me at a recent soccer match. He was excited about what I was sitting on - not the Canon EOS 7D and Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens I was using at the time. So, based on his excitement matching my love for the Walkstool Comfort Folding Stool, I felt I needed to share this piece of gear with you. My guess is that you also have a use for one or two of these.

J&R started taking preorders for the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV only minutes ago. This is another good list to be on the top of.

John Harrington has released Best Business Practices for Photographers, Second Edition. This is a must-read book if you are selling or are planning to sell your images and/or services.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

By request, sample crops from the Canon EOS 1D Mark III and Canon EOS 50D (uprezzed to 7D dimensions) have been added to the samples on the Canon EOS 7D Review page.

Also, ISO 12233 sample crops from the 1D III have been added to the Canon EF 200mm f/2 L IS USM Lens Review. Here is a link to a Canon EOS 1D Mark III - Canon EOS 7D Comparison.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Beta is now available for download.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

ISO 12233 Resolution Chart sample crops have been added to the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens Review page.

This is a nice lens.

Onecall has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV available for preorder.

B&H has the Canon EOS 7D Body and Kit w/ 28-135mm IS Lens in stock.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Adorama has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV available for preorder.

Calumet has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV available for preorder. Search for EC2781.

Introducing: The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV (press release)

Amazon.com has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV available for preorder. I expect this camera to be hard to get for a rather long period of time - just like the previous 1-Series bodies. Preorder immediately if you plan to get this DSLR.

The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Review page is now live on the site. Included at this time are links to the USA and Europe press releases, Rob Galbraith's preview, product images and specification tables.

From Canon Europe:

Canon EOS 5D Mark II: Statement on Firmware Development

Canon today announces that it is currently developing a firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II to enable the recording of high definition 1080p video at 24 and 25fps. The decision to develop new firmware to support these features has been taken following feedback received from cinematographers and photographers.

Introduced in September 2008, the multi award-winning EOS 5D Mark II was the first DSLR product to offer full frame 1080p HD video recording, opening up a multitude of new creative possibilities for photo journalists, news photographers and amateur filmmakers. Since then, Canon has continued to develop its groundbreaking EOS Movie functionality, firstly with the firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II that enabled manual exposure control, and more recently by introducing a choice of video recording frame rates with the EOS 7D and EOS-1D Mark IV.

Canon currently expects the firmware update to be made available during the first half of 2010. An announcement regarding details of the update and its availability will be made closer to the release date.

Announced today were the Canon WFT-E2 II and WFT-E4 II Wireless File Transmitters (press release)

Canon has also announced the Fall 2009 EOS & PowerShot Loyalty Rebate Program.

"As an exclusive offer to our registered EOS and PowerShot customers (who have registered before October 12th), a $50 mail-in rebate is available if you purchase and register a Rebel XS, XSi, T1i, 50D, 7D or 5D Mark II; or a $20 mail-in rebate is available if you purchase and register a PowerShot camera* between October 12, 2009 and December 31, 2009. Download .pdf for complete details."

B&H has the Canon BG-E7 Battery Grip (for the EOS 7D) in stock again.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Canon Digital Photo Pro v3.7.2 (66.93MB Updater) is now available for download. Select your OS on the landing page.

Sold out: B&H has the Canon EOS 7D w/ 28-135mm IS Lens Kit in stock.

B&H has the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Lens in stock.

Zeiss has announced the Zeiss Distagon T* 28mm f/2 ZE Lens (press release)

Canon EOS 7D Firmware v1.0.9 is now available.

"Firmware Version 1.0.9 incorporates the following fixes.

1. Improves AF accuracy during Live View shooting.

2. Corrects a phenomenon where in rare instances, movie images shot by the camera may exhibit abnormal colors.

3. Corrects a phenomenon that at certain timings, the shutter cannot be released when the camera's built-in flash or an external Speedlite is used for shooting."

Gone in minutes: B&H has the Canon BG-E7 Battery Grip (for the EOS 7D) in stock.

Updated: Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Macro Lens Review

ISO 12233 chart results from the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III have been added. Samples with both Sigma extenders are now included.

Tamron has announced $25 rebates on the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens and the Tamron 60mm f/2 Di-II Macro Lens. These rebates are in effect until December 31, 2009.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

More stock updates:

B&H has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body and 5D w/24-105mm IS Lens Kit in stock.

B&H has the Canon EOS 7D Body in stock.

Adorama has the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Tilt-Shift Lens in stock.

Sold out: Adorama has the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Tilt-Shift Lens in stock.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Sorry for the slow week of updates. I arrived home at 2:00 AM this morning from a week shooting the Acadia National Park landscape. It was a great trip - I'll share some of the results with you in the future.

ISO 12233 Chart samples crops have been added to the future Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens Review page.

The Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Tilt-Shift Lens is in stock at J&R and Onecall.com

B&H is taking orders for the Canon EOS 7D Body. Expect these orders to be filled expediently.

B&H has the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens in stock.

The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens is now in stock.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

B&H is taking orders for the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens.

Again, B&H (usually) takes orders for not-in-stock items only when they know they are about to receive stock of the item.

Chuck Westfall's October Tech Tips are online at TheDigitalJournalist.

Canon has released EOS Rebel XS/1000D Firmware v1.0.6.

"Firmware Version 1.0.6 incorporates the following changes.

1.Some cameras may exhibit a phenomenon in which the LCD monitor does not display, the shutter does not release, and the busy indication remains lit in the viewfinder.

2.The message, "Err 99 Shooting is not possible. Turn the power switch to OFF and ON again or re-install the battery", appears on the camera's LCD monitor, and after the above operation is carried out, the LCD monitor displays in a language that is different from the actual language setting."

Monday, October 12, 2009

B&H is taking orders for the Canon EOS 7D Body.

B&H (usually) takes orders for not-in-stock items only when they know they are about to receive stock of the item.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

ISO 12233 Chart samples crops have been added to the upcoming Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Review.

Monday, October 5, 2009

ISO 12233 Chart samples crops have been added to the upcoming Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens Review. As expected, the results look great to me.

Canon EOS 7D vs. 50D - a resolution comparison using an ISO 12233 Chart. Comparisons to many other Canon EOS DSLRs are also available on the same page.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Color Control Patch and fabric ISO noise comparisons have been added to the Canon EOS 7D Review page.

B&H has a reasonable selection of Canon Refurbished Cameras and Lenses in stock - at good prices. Look for lenses with item condition listed as "Email for Condition".

Here are some examples:

Update: Most have sold out

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens - $899.95 Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens - $1,199.95 Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens - $1,039.95 Canon EF-S 18-200mm IS Lens - $494.95 Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM Lens - $559.95 Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens - $1,679.95 Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens - $1,709.95

Oh yeah - the Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM Lens is still available for an even $120,000.00

Expect like-new gear at nicely reduced prices. Act fast - the good gear doesn't last long.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

A big update in the Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has just occurred. About 102 items are available this time.

Lots of great cameras, lenses and flashes are available. Expect like-new gear at nicely reduced prices. Act fast - the good gear doesn't last long.

B&H sold out, so try J&R if you want the new Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens (in stock).

In addition to the $70 cash mail-in rebate on the Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC Lens, Tamron is now offering a free Domke Bag (Oct 1 - 15).

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

No Canon USA at PMA.

Canon USA has informed me that they will not be participating in the PMA 2010 Trade Show. Canon USA historically has a large display at this annual show and typically makes DSLR-related announcements just prior to the event opening. Canon USA did not provide me any reasons for this change but emphasized that the imaging industry remains the core of their business.

As usual, no information was provided about the timing of new camera, lens and accessory announcements. Canon USA will be at PhotoPlus Expo and at CES.

Sold out: B&H has the new Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens in stock.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

B&H has the new Canon EF-S 18-135mm Lens in stock.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Calumet has the new Canon EF-S 18-135mm Lens in stock (search for "CA40619").

Notice: Canon lens, flash and accessories price increase coming.

Among other sources of this rumor, Berger Bros (reputable camera retailer) reportedly sent the following email to their customers:

"Effective October 1st, Canon will be implementing a price increase of approximately 10% on many products, including lenses, flashes, and accessories."

If this rumor is true (and it sounds like it is), the time to buy Canon gear is right now. We have come to expect Canon Rebates to become available in October, but what is harder to predict is which lenses and flashes will be included - and how much the rebate will be on them. My guess is that buying now insures you a good deal. Now might be a good time to start your Christmas shopping.

Just announced: Zeiss Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8 ZE Lens (press release)

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Preorders closed: B&H is taking preorders for the Canon EOS 7D Body.

B&H (usually) takes preorders only when they know they are about to receive stock of the item.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Think Tank Photo has announced the Airport TakeOff Rolling Camera Backpack (press release)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Quietly discontinued: The Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens

This lens has been removed from Canon USA's website and is now OOS at most retailers.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

New site feature: Lens Specifications and Measurements

This new comparison tool is not completely finished (I'll call it a "Beta" version) and there is some data missing in the database that drives it, but I think you will find it useful now. One of the planned additions is a "Help" page to better explain the specifications.

The way this tool is coded facilitates additional specs and measurements being easily included. Let me know if you have an additional specification(s) or measurement(s) to add (especially if you can enter the values in a spreadsheet I provide). Also, I welcome suggestions, corrections and missing information (I plan to get to some of it) being emailed as well.

Don't miss the Metric/Imperial conversion link. The page should remember your preference on future visits. Measurements and weights are stored in Metric format in the database and converted for Imperial display (just FYI).

So, check it out: Lens Specifications and Measurements

Friday, September 18, 2009

Sold out: J&R has the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens (new) for only $489.98 shipped.

That is over $100 off! Great lens - great deal.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Sold out: Adorama has the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Tilt-Shift Lens in stock.

Adobe Camera Raw 5.5 Update: Windows | Macintosh

This new version of the Camera Raw plug-in replaces the original one that was installed with Adobe® Photoshop® CS4; Adobe Photoshop Elements 7; and Adobe Premiere® Elements 7 software. Visit the Camera Raw page for a complete list of supported cameras.

Adobe Lightroom 2.5 Update: Windows | Macintosh

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® 2.5 update includes these enhancements:

Additional camera support for several new camera models including the Nikon D3000 and Olympus E-P1

Includes several corrections for issues introduced by previous Lightroom 2 releases

Monday, September 14, 2009

Just posted: Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Tilt-Shift Lens Review

And good timing: B&H has the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Lens in stock.
Act immediately if you want one - they have been lasting about 5 minutes.

B&H also has the still hard-to-get Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L II USM Lens in stock.

Chuck Westfall's September Tech Tips are online at TheDigitalJournalist.

Just announced: Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ZE Lens (press release).

SanDisk, Transcend and PhotoFast have introduced new memory cards with up to 64GB capacity. Rob Galbraith has a nice writeup on the new cards - I'll let him introduce you to them.

Friday, September 11, 2009

A couple of new accessories are coming for the new Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens. Adorama has both available for preorder:

Canon Tripod Mount Ring D
Canon Macrolite Adapter 67

I'm not sure why the Tripod Ring the description says "white". That does not make sense to me - this is a dedicated ring and the lens is black. Hopefully that is just a typo.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Sold out fast: B&H has the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Lens in stock. Act immediately if you want one - they have been lasting about 5 minutes.

The Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has been once again refreshed. About 40 now 60 items have been added this time. Expect like-new gear at nicely reduced prices. Act fast - the good stuff doesn't last long.

Do you Twitter? Canon EOS News and The-Digital-Picture.com updates are now available on Twitter.

Canon USA has posted:

Canon EOS 7D Brochure (4.61MB PDF)
Canon EOS Fall-Winter 2009 Catalog (8.4MB PDF)

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Adorama just started taking preorders for the new Canon BG-E7 Battery Grip (for the EOS 7D).

Probably should grab a couple of spare LP-E6 battery packs while they are available.

Think Tank Photo has launched a completely redesigned website. Think Tank Photo's site now looks nearly as good as its products (and works nearly as well).

Friday, September 4, 2009

The Canon EOS 7D Owner's Manual (6.7MB PDF) is now available.

The Canon Digital Learning Center brings us some new Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR information:

EOS 7D First Look Videos
Harnessing the Power of the EOS 7D’s Video System

Canon USA’s ‘Why Do You Love Football’ Photo Challenge

Just announced: Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 DG OS Lens (press release)

Also announced: Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens (press release).

The announced Tamron lens is in a Nikon mount, but "Tamron plans to introduce the lens in a Canon mount version shortly after the new Nikon mount version with built-in motor hits the market." Based on the quality-for-the-price ratio of the non-VC Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens, this news lens stands to be a winner - and should close the feature/benefits gap between it and the excellent Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

How about some Canon EOS 7D Eye Candy?

I have the new Canon products loaded onto the site - this allows me to share more new product information with you. The review placeholder pages below are filled with product images, comparison tables and the Canon UK press releases (which complement the USA releases in some respects).

Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Review
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens Review
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Review

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

J&R just started taking preorders for the 7D and new lenses. This is another great list to be on right now.

Canon EOS 7D Body
Canon EOS 7D Body with 28-135mm IS Lens (great deal)
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Onecall just started taking preorders for the 7D and lenses:

Canon EOS 7D Body
Canon EOS 7D Body with 28-135mm IS Lens (great deal)
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Prefer Calumet? They are also taking 7D preorders.

And oh yeah - B&H has the still-hard-to-get-9-months-later (why you should preorder) Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body in stock.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Adorama just started taking preorders for the new 7D and lenses:

Canon EOS 7D Body
Canon EOS 7D Body with 28-135mm IS Lens (great deal)
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Please note: I highly expect the 7D to be very hard to get for a long time - preorder immediately to get in the front of the line.

Amazon.com is taking preorders for the new 7D and lenses:

Canon EOS 7D (both body and 28-135mm kit)
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Again: I highly expect the 7D to be very hard to get for a long time - preorder immediately to get in the front of this line.

Canon just announced the awesome new Canon EOS 7D along with three new lenses (Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens, Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens and Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens). Enjoy the press releases for now. It's 2:00 AM and I need some sleep. I'll post more information and product pictures later today.