Canon News, Nikon News and What's New (Page 11) Report News & Deals

Adorama has the Refurbished Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR Lens available for $197.00 with free shipping. Compare at $396.95 new.

A new Canon firmware update for Canon EOS 5D Mark III is scheduled to be available April 30 according to the Canon USA product page.

"A firmware update for EOS 5D Mark III is scheduled to be available on April 30, 2013. Please click here to learn more."

The firmware update will allow autofocusing at f/8 and uncompressed HDMI output support.
 
B&H carries the Canon 5D Mark III DSLR camera.

From Sigma:
 
Sigma Corporation announces world's first F1.8 constant aperture zoom lens
 
New 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM features Global Vision Art lens design
 
RONKONKOMA, NY — Sigma Corporation of America (www.sigmaphoto.com), a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider for some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art lens, the market’s first zoom lens to achieve a maximum aperture F1.8 throughout the entire zoom range.
 
This revolutionary, wide aperture, standard zoom lens is created for DSLR cameras with APS-C size sensors, which translates to a focal range of 27-52.5mm on a 35mm camera. With a minimum focusing distance of 11 inches, and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.3, the 18-35mm is ideal for landscapes, portraits, still-life, studio, close-up and casual photography.
 
“Exceptionally fast apertures were previously unavailable in zoom lenses, so photographers turned to several prime lenses in a session to get bright images at various focal lengths. We’re incredibly excited to be the first manufacturer to bring the F1.8 standard zoom to the market and to provide photographers with a new level of creativity and convenience, with the outstanding image quality at the core of the new Sigma Global Vision,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America.
 
Amir-Hamzeh added that because developing a large aperture wide angle zoom lens can prove to be technologically and optically challenging, often resulting in various distortions, aberrations and field curvature, Sigma has tapped into its long history as a lens pioneer to overcome those issues in this new generation lens.
 
“Our experience with the wide angle designs of our 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM and our 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM, and our research and development in our Aizu factory have prepared us for this technological advancement,” he said. “Our wide, glass-molded aspherical lens and the incorporation of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass have optimized power distribution of the optical elements and compensated for various aberrations, as well as curvature of field at the widest angle. We’re extremely proud of this achievement.”
 
The 18-35mm is the latest addition to the company’s Art line of lenses, designed under the new Global Vision. The Global Vision lenses have a sleek new design with the manufacturing year stamped on the barrel, and are categorized by use into one of three groups: Art, Contemporary and Sports. The Art category delivers high-level artistic expression through sophisticated and abundant expressive power.
 
The new 18-35mm lens incorporates Sigma’s improved AF/MF switch and the use of Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) compound material, which has a high affinity to metal parts, consistently performs well at extreme temperatures, and reduces the size and weight of the lens. It is also compatible with Sigma’s new USB Dock, which will be available in coming months, enabling photographers to update lens firmware and adjust focus parameters from their computers.
 
Convenient handling is achieved with internal focusing and zooming, which prevents changes to the size of the lens. Additionally, the front part of the lens does not rotate, so special filters like circular polarizers can be used.
 
The 18-35mm lens’ Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides sharp and high contrast images, even in backlit conditions. The petal-type hood that is supplied with the lens will provide extra protection from flare and ghosting. Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures a silent, high-speed AF function and the optimized auto focus algorithm results in smooth focusing and full-time manual focusing capability. Lastly, the nine-blade, rounded diaphragm creates an attractive, round bokeh at large-aperture settings.
 
Specifications

Lens Construction:	17 elements in 12 groups
Minimum aperture	f/16
Filter size:	72mm
Angle of view (SD1):	76.5°-44.2°
Minimum focusing distance	11in
Dimensions (Diameter x Length):	3.1 inches x 4.8 inches
Number of diaphragm blades:	9 (rounded diaphragm)
Maximum magnification ratio:	1:4.3
Weight:	28.6 oz

eBay (via BigValueInc) has the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens available for $739.99 with free shipping. Compare at $1,040.00.
 
Update: The price for the lens dropped from the originally posted $770.00 to $739.99.
 
Caveat Emptor: BigValueInc's positive feedback rating is at 98.2%. However, eBay seems to trust them enough to continue listing their auctions as "Daily Deals."

 
Adobe just posted a sneak peek at their latest development in image processing - a camera shake reduction tool. While the new technology looks promising, I believe proper stabilization (tripod, monopod, appropriate hand-holding technique, and/or built-in IS) will prove the surest way to create sharp, high quality images. ;-) [Sean]
 
Use coupon code S5698745 ($150.00 off) during checkout at Adorama to get Adobe Photoshop CS6 for $449.95 with free shipping.

B&H has the Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Video Head with Flat Base in stock.

B&H has the HGST 4TB Deskstar 3.5" SATA III Internal Desktop Hard Drive available for $189.99 with free shipping. Regularly $249.99.

Want to try your FD-mount lens on a new Canon DSLR body? You're in luck! B&H has a wide variety of Vello Lens Adapters available - including the FD to Canon EOS model.
 
Be sure to read the italics portion of the Overview tab for limitations involved with using each adapter.

For a limited time, DigitalRev has the Canon BG-E8 Battery Grip available for $119.00 with free shipping. Compare at $136.00.
 
Note: Shipping via FedEx or UPS Express may be selected by default in your cart. Even though the free shipping option "Registered Air Mail" looks greyed out, the radio button can be selected.

Adorama has the Refurbished Nikon D5100 DSLR Camera available for $389.00 with free shipping. Compare at $496.95 new.

Adorama has the Refurbished Canon EOS Rebel T3i DSLR Camera & 18-55mm IS II Lens Kit available for $459.00 with free shipping. Compare at $579.00 new.

eBay (via GetItDigital) has the Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR Camera available for $2,812.19 with free shipping. Compare at $3,199.00.

BuyDig.com has the Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera, PIXMA PRO-100 Inkjet Printer & Photo Paper available for $1,699.00 after $400.00 mail-in rebate. Shipping is free.
 
All three items must be added to your cart and purchased at the same time to qualify for special pricing and rebate.

1. Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera
2. Canon PIXMA PRO-100 WiFi Photo Inkjet Printer
3. Canon Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss SG-201 13 x 19" (50 Sheets)

Through June 15, you can receive a $150.00 mail-in rebate on any Gitzo product valued at $450.00 or more.
 
B&H carries Gitzo tripod legs, monopods, and heads.

The Canon Store now has the Refurbished Canon EOS 1D X DSLR Camera in stock and available for $5,439.00. Compare at $6,569.99. (thanks Matthew)

The Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Lens review page now has links to ISO 12233 resolution chart image quality samples, distortion & vignetting test results and measurements.

I wanted to spend a few minutes wrapping up our Canon Lens Recommendations Week. We have just spent over a week looking at the best Canon lenses for a variety of needs. I hope that you have learned something useful - Please share these recommendation pages when the opportunity presents itself.
 
You can find all of these recommendations on the site's Canon Lens Information and Recommendations page.
 
Is there a significant lens recommendations category that you want to see added to the list? Go over to Facebook or Google+ and let us know!
 
Sorry Donovan, the "Indoor Chess Tournament Lens" category is not likely going to be popular enough to warrant its own page. :)

B&H has the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens available for $2,099.00 with free shipping and 2% Rewards. Compare at $2,199.00.

B&H has the new Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens in stock.

Marly, Switzerland, 16th April, 2013 - ILFORD Group AG, the parent company of ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH has acquired German-based TECCO GmbH. In line with its strategic business plan, ILFORD Group AG, identified the need to further strengthen key elements of its offering as it expands its customer base. Responding to the growing market demand for greater flexibility and improved service levels, the company identified TECCO GmbH as a strategic partner. Its reputation for offering a broad product portfolio, flexible converting capability and unparalleled approach to servicing its global customer base, dovetail with the capabilities of ILFORD Imaging.
 
ILFORD Imaging Switzerland, a highly specialised R&D and coating facility based in Switzerland provides services to a range of customers on a global basis including Original Equipment Manufacturers, private and neutral label customers, and also owns the world-renowned ILFORD brand. Based in Germany, TECCO has excellent product sourcing capabilities, an extensive converting facility that services a range of complementary customers, a solid product portfolio and the TECCO brand, which has an excellent reputation in the imaging market.
 
Commenting on the acquisition, Paul Willems, CEO of ILFORD Group AG stated: "ILFORD Imaging Switzerland is known for its state-of-the-art product development and as a manufacturer of high quality products. With the company’s goal of expanding its customer base, it was important to align our business with a company that specialises in offering a total customer service. TECCO adds an important and strategic dimension to our business that will immediately benefit our customer base today and also in the future."
 
Markus Frings, Joint Managing Director of TECCO added: "TECCO GmbH is an independent company with a long history of consistently delivering a service level that meets the growing demands of our customers. With the added strength of the ILFORD research & development team and its leading edge manufacturing capabilities, we are now in a position to provide our customers an unrivalled offering in the market." Thomas Dyckerhoff, Joint Managing Director concurred: "The entire TECCO team is convinced that our customers will strongly benefit from this new alliance with ILFORD."
 
In summary Willems concludes: "Given today’s challenging market conditions, it was important to ensure that we put our business in a position of strength and create a customer oriented competitive edge. Both the TECCO and ILFORD brands are very well established in their markets and both will continue to operate individually. Customers will benefit from the strengths the alliance now brings to the market. The combination of the outstanding and complementary capabilities of both companies creates a unique offering in terms of product development, breadth of product portfolio and global customer service levels."
 
ABOUT ILFORD GROUP AG
ILFORD Group AG, the parent company of ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH, ILFORD Property Switzerland GmbH and TECCO GmbH, is a worldwide leader in the development of coated products for the imaging industry as well as innovative and ground breaking applications outside of this core sector. Utilising proprietary coating technologies, and thanks to its world-class manufacturing, converting, finishing and distribution capabilities, ILFORD Group AG offers a leading product portfolio backed by strong and globally renowned brands. With the Group's dynamic customer service, converting and distribution capabilities, backed by an excellent and customer oriented product development, ILFORD Group AG is ideally positioned as one of the world's premiere providers of coated products.
 
ABOUT ILFORD
Founded in 1879, ILFORD is a leading player in the development and manufacture of consumables for both inkjet printing and colour photographic processes as well as other coated products. The worldwide businesses include R&D and manufacturing operations in Switzerland, with sales operations in the USA, Belgium and Japan.
 
ABOUT TECCO
Founded in 1980, TECCO GmbH is a converter and supplier of coated and uncoated media for the proofing, photographic, production & laser markets. With an extensive product range and flexible logistics services for channel and OEM partners, TECCO has been a pioneering force in the industry, winning accolades and setting standards along the way. TECCO is a member of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) and holds a variety of international certifications for their papers including: Fogra, SWOP, GraCol, Wilhelm Research Institute as well as environmental certifications, FSC and PEFC. TECCO GmbH is owned by ILFORD Group AG and is based in Germany.
 
B&H carries Ilford products.

The Canon Store has just received inventory of the Refurbished Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR Camera - only $2,799.21 with free shipping. Compare at $3,199.00.
 
The Canon Store also just received stock of the Refurbished Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT Flash. Admittedly, the Refurbished 600EX-RT deal will look substantially better once Canon's current rebates expire. ;-)

Adorama has the Refurbished Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Pancake Lens available for $134.00 with free shipping. Compare at $149.00.

B&H has the Refurbished Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens for $89.00 with free shipping. Compare at $109.00 new.

From Nikon:
 
Support Article
 
My COOLPIX camera battery will not charge - Firmware Updates available
 
How to identify the camera battery not charging
The cameras listed below are all designed to charge the battery in-camera by connecting an AC adapter to the cameras USB connector. If the battery is fully exhausted due to a long period of inactivity, sometimes the battery can fail to charge. With the AC adapter connected to the cameras USB connector the battery charge lamp will flash green if charging is in progress. If charging is not possible the battery charge lamp will not light at all.
 
The battery charge lamp is usually located on the back of the camera indicated with a charge/flash symbol.
 
Camera Firmware Updates available
Nikon have released camera Firmware Updates for the following affected COOLPIX cameras. We recommend performing the update as soon as possible to avoid this problem should your camera not be used for long periods.

• COOLPIX S9300 Firmware Update v1.2
• COOLPIX S9200 Firmware Update v1.2
• COOLPIX S6300 Firmware Update v1.1
• COOLPIX S6200 Firmware Update v1.1
• COOLPIX S6150 Firmware Update v1.1
• COOLPIX S6100 Firmware Update v1.1
• COOLPIX S4300 Firmware Update v1.1
• COOLPIX S4150 Firmware Update v1.2
• COOLPIX S4000 Firmware Update v1.3
• COOLPIX S3300 Firmware Update v1.1
• COOLPIX S3100 Firmware Update v1.1
• COOLPIX S3000 Firmware Update v1.2
• COOLPIX S2600 Firmware Update v1.1
• COOLPIX S2550 Firmware Update v1.1
• COOLPIX S2500 Firmware Update v1.1

Important Note
Make sure the battery is fully charged before perfoming a Firmware Update, alternatively power the camera from an AC adapter unit. If you perform the update with a battery which is not fully charged the camera may stop working during update which will cause further problems.
 
My camera has no power, I can't update the Firmware!
If your camera will not charge the battery, try the following workarounds which may recover the situation enough to allow the battery to continue charging.

1. Remove the memory card from the camera and then reconnect the AC adapter to the cameras USB connector. In some cases the battery will now charge correctly.
2. A Nikon battery charger is available as an optional sales item for most COOLPIX cameras. If you have access to an external Nikon battery charger, remove the battery from the camera and charge it in the battery charger. In some cases this may start to charge the battery correctly. Click here for battery charger compatibility list.

If these measures fail to charge the camera battery, contact the Nikon Support Centre for further advice.

Adorama has the Refurbished Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR Camera available for $589.00 with free shipping. Compare at $699.00 new.
 
Note: B&H has the same price for their Refurbished Canon 60D with free shipping.
 
Adorama also has the Refurbished 60D w/ 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens available for $799.00 with free shipping. Compare at $979.00 new.